bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping regional variability of exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants at different infant’s age in Tanzania
Authors: Jahanpour Ola Farid , Okango Elphas Luchemo , Todd Jim , Mwambi Henry , Mahande Michael J.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Despite its numerous benefits, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remains an underutilized practice. Enhancing EBF uptake necessitates a focused approach targeting regions where its adoption is suboptimal. This study aimed to investigate regional disparities in EBF practices and identify determinants of EBF among infants aged 0–1, 2–3, and 4–5 months in Tanzania.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilized data from the 2015/16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 1,015 infants aged 0–5 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 378 aged 0–1 month, 334 at 2–3 months, and 303 at 4–5 months. EBF practices were assessed using a 24-hour recall method. A generalized linear mixed model, with fixed covariates encompassing infant and maternal attributes and clusters for enumeration areas (EAs) and regions, was employed to estimate EBF proportions.

Results

Regional disparities in EBF were evident among infants aged 0–1, 2–3, and 4–5 months, with decline in EBF proportions as an infant’s age increases. This pattern was observed nationwide. Regional and EA factors influenced the EBF practices at 0–1 and 2–3 months, accounting for 17–40% of the variability at the regional level and 40–63% at the EA level. Literacy level among mothers had a significant impact on EBF practices at 2–3 months (e.g., women who could read whole sentences; AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.1,8.8).

Conclusion

Regional disparities in EBF proportions exist in Tanzania, and further studies are needed to understand their underlying causes. Targeted interventions should prioritize regions with lower EBF proportions. This study highlights the clustering of EBF practices at 0–1 and 2–3 months on both regional and EA levels. Conducting studies in smaller geographical areas may enhance our understanding of the enablers and barriers to EBF and guide interventions to promote recommended EBF practices.
Efficacy and safety of venetoclax in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Xiaohui , Zeng Hui , Zhao Xiaoyan , Wu Haibing , Yan Minchao , Li Yuan , Zhang Gang , Sun Fei
Published: November 2023

Background

Venetoclax is clinically active in treating relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of venetoclax or venetoclax with other agents in treating RRMM.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched. We included studies investigating the efficacy and safety of venetoclax or venetoclax with other agents in treating RRMM. Overall response rates (ORR), stringent complete response rates (sCR), complete response rates (CR), very good partial response rates (VGPR), partial response rates (PR), stable disease (SD), progressive disease (PD) and adverse events were synthesized using either a random-effects model or a fixed-effects model.

Results

A total of 7 clinical trials with 482 patients with RRMM were included. Concerning venetoclax with other agents, the pooled ORR, sCR, CR, VGPR, PR, SD, and PD were 0.76 (95% CIs: 0.62, 0.87), 0.11 (95% CIs: 0.04, 0.21), 0.18 (95% CIs: 0.11, 0.26), 0.16 (95% CIs: 0.12, 0.25), 0.29 (95% CIs: 0.25, 0.34), 0.07 (95% CIs: 0.05, 0.10), and 0.11 (95% CIs: 0.04, 0.23). The overall rate of adverse events ≥ Grade 3 was 0.84 (95% CIs: 0.77, 0.91). The most common non-hematologic adverse events were nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, back pain, and vomiting; hematologic adverse events included thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia, and lymphopenia.

Conclusions

This study indicates that venetoclax alone or in combination with other agents reveals favorable treatment responses and acceptable adverse events in treating RRMM.
Empyema thoracic in a neonate co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and staphylococcus arouse successfully treated with fibrinolysis: a brief report
Authors: Sabzevari Fatemeh , Sinaei Reza , Gholami Aazam , Tahmasbi Farzad
Published: November 2023

Background

Empyema as a rare cause of respiratory distress in neonatal period has not yet been reported after Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and even rarely in the context of bacterial infections is age group.

Case Presentation

The first neonate of quadruplets, resulting from Cesarean-Section of a 30-year-old mother without a history of previous illness, born at 34 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 1600 gram. All four newborns were hospitalized; while the first one underwent nasal continuous positive airway pressure (N-CPAP) with a positive end-expiratory pressure of 6 and fractional inspired oxygen of 0.6, due to respiratory distress, noting a respiratory score of five out of 12.She was resuscitated one hour later due to bradycardia and underwent ventilator support. She received a single dose of pulmonary surfactant, intravenous paracetamol, and phenobarbital due to respiratory distress syndrome, Pectus Ductus Arteriosus, and unilateral clonic movements, respectively. In the lack of positive blood culture, she extubated two days later and breast-feeding was started. On day eight, she underwent high flow nasal cannula. On day 12, she suddenly developed respiratory distress, mottling, and abdominal distension, leading to N-CPAP and re-evaluation. The nasopharyngeal sampling for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) real time Polymerase chain reaction and the blood culture for staphylococcus aurous became positive. A large volume pleural effusion including septa and loculation in right hemi-thorax on chest computerized tomography scan and ultrasound was seen, necessitating to thoracotomy, which was not possible due to her general condition. Remdesivir was started and antibiotics changed to a more broad-spectrum coverage. Chest tube was inserted and Alteplase was injected for three consecutive days with beneficial effects. She had no problem for six-month follow up.

Conclusion

This was a case of empyema thoracic in the context of SARS-CoV-2 and Staphylococcus arouses co-infection. In our experience, it can be treated by chest drainage and fibrinolysis in neonatal period.
Associations between depressive symptoms and 5-year subsequent work nonparticipation due to long-term sickness absence, unemployment and early retirement in a cohort of 2,413 employees in Germany
Authors: Rose Uwe , Kersten Norbert , Pattloch Dagmar , Conway Paul Maurice , Burr Hermann
Published: November 2023

Background

We examined the association of depressive symptoms with subsequent events – and duration thereof – of work nonparticipation (long-term sickness absence, unemployment and early retirement).

Methods

We employed a 5-year cohort from the Study on Mental Health at Work (S-MGA), based on a random sample of employees subject to social contributions aged 31–60 years in 2012 (N = 2413). Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline through questionnaires, while work nonparticipation was recorded in follow-up interviews. Associations of depressive symptoms with subsequent events of work nonparticipation were examined in two-part models, with events analysed by logistic regressions and their duration by generalized linear models.

Results

Medium to severe depressive symptoms were associated with events of work nonparticipation (males Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.90–5.45; females OR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.29–2.87), especially with events of long-term sickness absence in both genders and events of unemployment in males. Mild depressive symptoms were also associated with events of work nonparticipation (males OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.19–2.11; females OR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.10–1.84). Among those experiencing one or more events, the duration of total work nonparticipation was twice as high among males [Exp(β) = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.53–2.78] and about one third higher [Exp(β) = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.05–1.83] among females with medium to severe depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The present study focuses on both events and duration of work nonparticipation, which are both critical for examining societal consequences of depressive symptoms. It is key to regard also mild depressive symptoms as a possible risk factor and to include different types of work nonparticipation.
Exhaled breath particles as a novel tool to study lipid composition of epithelial lining fluid from the distal lung
Authors: Larsson Per , Holz Olaf , Koster Grielof , Postle Anthony , Olin Anna-Carin , Hohlfeld Jens M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Surfactant phospholipid (PL) composition plays an important role in lung diseases. We compared the PL composition of non-invasively collected exhaled breath particles (PEx) with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and induced sputum (ISP) at baseline and following endotoxin (LPS) challenges.

Methods

PEx and BAL were collected from ten healthy nonsmoking participants before and after segmental LPS challenge. Four weeks later, PEx and ISP were sampled in the week before and after a whole lung LPS inhalation challenge. PL composition was analysed using mass spectrometry.

Results

The overall PL composition of BAL, ISP and PEx was similar, with PC(32:0) and PC(34:1) representing the largest fractions in all three sample types (baseline PC(32:0) geometric mean mol%: 52.1, 56.9, and 51.7, PC(34:1) mol%: 11.7, 11.9 and 11.4, respectively). Despite this similarity, PEx PL composition was more closely related to BAL than to ISP. For most lipids comparable inter-individual differences in BAL, ISP, and PEx were found. PL composition of PEx was repeatable. The most pronounced increase following segmental LPS challenge was detected for SM(d34:1) in BAL (0.24 to 0.52 mol%) and following inhalation LPS challenge in ISP (0.45 to 0.68 mol%). An increase of SM(d34:1) following segmental LPS challenge was also detectable in PEx (0.099 to 0.103 mol%). The inhalation challenge did not change PL composition of PEx.

Conclusion

Our data supports the peripheral origin of PEx. The lack of PL changes in PEx after inhalation challenge might to be due to the overall weaker response of inhaled LPS which primarily affects the larger airways. Compared with BAL, which always contains lining fluid from both peripheral lung and central airways, PEx analysis might add value as a selective and non-invasive method to investigate peripheral airway PL composition.

Trial registration

NCT03044327, first posted 07/02/2017.
Clinical and radiographic performance of preformed zirconia crowns and stainless-steel crowns in permanent first molars: 18-month results of a prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Geduk Nazli , Ozdemir Merve , Erbas Unverdi Gizem , Ballikaya Elif , Cehreli Zafer C.
Published: November 2023

Background

The treatment of young permanent first molars with extensive carious tissue loss may often require restoration with preformed crowns. This study compared the clinical and radiographic performance of stainless-steel crowns (SSCs) and preformed zirconia crowns (ZCs).

Methods

Forty-eight molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH)- or caries-affected permanent molars in 20 healthy patients between 6–13-year-old were randomly divided into ZC and SSC groups (n = 24 teeth/group) in a split-mouth design. The oral hygiene levels of patients were assessed using Greene and Vermillion simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S). Plaque accumulation and gingival health were evaluated using the Silness&Löe plaque index (PI) and Löe&Silness gingival index (GI), respectively. Clinical retention, marginal extension level, marginal adaptation of crowns and wear of the antagonist teeth were assessed at baseline, 1, 6, 12 and 18 months. The radiological assessments for evaluating the marginal adaptation of crowns and periapical pathology of crowned teeth were performed at 6 and 12 months. The data were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis, Mann–Whitney U test, and two-way ANOVA.

Results

A total of forty teeth in 17 children were evaluated for 18 months. ZCs had significantly lower gingival and plaque index values than teeth restored with SSCs during all evaluation periods (p < 0.05). Neither crown type resulted in clinically-detectable wear on opposing dentition or periapical pathology. One ZC was lost at 13 months, while all SSCs survived in function clinically. The cumulative survival rates of ZCs and SSCs were 95.2% and 100% respectively.

Conclusions

Both ZCs and SSCs showed high clinical retention rates in young permanent molars. ZCs had lower plaque accumulation and better gingival health than SSCs, which were consistently associated with mild gingival inflammation.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

NCT05049694.
Automatic literature screening using the PAJO deep-learning model for clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Lin Yucong , Li Jia , Xiao Huan , Zheng Lujie , Xiao Ying , Song Hong , Fan Jingfan , Xiao Deqiang , Ai Danni , Fu Tianyu , Wang Feifei , Lv Han , Yang Jian
Published: November 2023

Background

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are designed to assist doctors in clinical decision making. High-quality research articles are important for the development of good CPGs. Commonly used manual screening processes are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based techniques have been widely used to analyze unstructured data, including texts and images. Currently, there are no effective/efficient AI-based systems for screening literature. Therefore, developing an effective method for automatic literature screening can provide significant advantages.

Methods

Using advanced AI techniques, we propose the Paper title, Abstract, and Journal (PAJO) model, which treats article screening as a classification problem. For training, articles appearing in the current CPGs are treated as positive samples. The others are treated as negative samples. Then, the features of the texts (e.g., titles and abstracts) and journal characteristics are fully utilized by the PAJO model using the pretrained bidirectional-encoder-representations-from-transformers (BERT) model. The resulting text and journal encoders, along with the attention mechanism, are integrated in the PAJO model to complete the task.

Results

We collected 89,940 articles from PubMed to construct a dataset related to neck pain. Extensive experiments show that the PAJO model surpasses the state-of-the-art baseline by 1.91% (F1 score) and 2.25% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve). Its prediction performance was also evaluated with respect to subject-matter experts, proving that PAJO can successfully screen high-quality articles.

Conclusions

The PAJO model provides an effective solution for automatic literature screening. It can screen high-quality articles on neck pain and significantly improve the efficiency of CPG development. The methodology of PAJO can also be easily extended to other diseases for literature screening.
Continuing medical education in China: evidence from primary health workers’ preferences for continuing traditional Chinese medicine education
Authors: Yan Hao , Han Zhaoran , Nie Hanlin , Yang Wanjin , Nicholas Stephen , Maitland Elizabeth , Zhao Weihan , Yang Yong , Shi Xuefeng
Published: November 2023

Background

Continuing Medical Education (CME) is an important part of the training process for health workers worldwide. In China, training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) not only improves the expertise of medical workers, but also supports the Chinese Government’s policy of promoting TCM as an equal treatment to western medicine. CME, including learning Traditional Chinese Medicine Technologies (TCMTs), perform poorly and research into the motivation of health workers to engage in CME is urgently required. Using a discrete choice experiment, this study assessed the CME learning preferences of primary health workers, using TCMT as a case study of CME programs.

Methods

We conducted a discrete choice experiment among health workers in Shandong Province, Guizhou Province, and Henan provinces from July 1, 2021 to October 1, 2022 on the TCMT learning preferences of primary health workers. The mixed logit model and latent class analysis model were used to analyze primary health workers’ TCMT learning preferences.

Results

A total of 1,063 respondents participated in this study, of which 1,001 (94.2%) passed the consistency test and formed the final sample. Our key finding was that there were three distinct classes of TCMT learners. Overall, the relative importance of the seven attributes impacting the learning of TCMTs were: learning expenses, expected TCMT efficacy, TCMT learning difficulty, TCMT mode of learning, TCMT type, time required to learn, and expected frequency of TCMT use. However, these attributes differed significantly across the three distinct classes of TCMT learners. Infrequent users (class 1) were concerned with learning expenses and learning difficulty; workaholics (class 2) focused on the mode of learning; and pragmatists (class 3) paid more attention to the expected TCMT efficacy and the expected frequency of TCMT use. We recommend targeted strategies to motivate TCMT learning suited to the requirements of each class of TCMT learners.

Conclusion

Rather than a single TCMT medical education program for primary health workers, CME programs should be targeted at different classes of TCMT learners.
COVID-19-related global health governance and population health priorities for health equity in G20 countries: a scoping review
Authors: Mac-Seing Muriel , Gidey Meron , Di Ruggiero Erica
Published: November 2023

Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the promotion of health equity including the health of various population sub-groups has been compromised, human rights jeopardised, and social inequities further exacerbated. Citizens worldwide, including in the Group of 20 (G20) countries, were affected by both global health governance (GHG) processes and decisions and public health measures taken by governments to respond to COVID-19. While it is critical to swiftly respond to COVID-19, little is known about how and to what extent the GHG is affecting population health priorities for health equity in global economies such as the G20 countries. This scoping review synthesised and identified knowledge gaps on how the COVID-19-related GHG is affecting population health priorities for policy, programme, and research in G20 countries. We followed the five-stage scoping review methodology promoted by Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. We searched four bibliographic databases for references conducted in G20 countries and regions and published in English and French, between January 2020 and April 2023. Out of 4,625 references and after two phases of screening, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. G20 countries included in the review were Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union. We found insufficient collaboration and coordination and misalignment among governance actors at multiple levels. In most cases, equity considerations were not prioritised while unequal consequences of COVID-19 public health measures on population groups were widely reported. COVID-19-related population health priorities mainly focused on upstream and midstream determinants of health. Our scoping review showed the stark inequities of COVID-19 public health outcomes, coupled with a prevalent lack of coherent collaboration and coordination among governance actors. Moreover, governance as an object of empirical study is still emerging when examining its intersection with global health and population health policy, programme, and research. An urgent shift is required to effectively act upon structural health determinants that include transformative and comprehensive policies for prevention, equity, resilience, and sustainable health.
Rewilding: a requirement for a sustainable future
Authors: Arya Ashish Kumar
Published: November 2023

Nowadays rewilding has received an increasing focus as a sustainable conservation tool for restoring damaged or disturbed habitats. Many types of rewilding initiatives have been implemented all over the globe with the goal of reinstalling the extinct or lost fauna as well as restoring ecological relationships and natural processes. The effectiveness of rewilding initiatives depends on a comprehensive understanding of the ecological functions, habitat needs, social behaviour, and interrelation among various animal species. This Collection invites contributions that portray different aspects and the importance of rewilding.
Bacteriophages: an overview of the control strategies against phytopathogens
Authors: Nawaz Aneela , Zafar Sabeena , Shahzadi Muqaddas , Bukhari Sayed Muhammad Ata Ullah Shah , Khan Nasir , Shah Aamer Ali , Badshah Malik , Khan Samiullah
Published: November 2023

Food demand is directly associated with the human population. Due to various plant diseases, there has been a reduction in crop yield. There is an extreme necessity to low such losses in crop yield to meet the rising demand for food. Novel and eco-friendly control approaches should be developed for combating bacterial diseases of crops. Recent control strategies that involve the usage of antibiotics or chemicals are no more effective because of resistance developed by bacterial species. Furthermore, the usage of such agents has proven to be not environmentally friendly. To overcome these issues, bacteriophages are used as an alternative solution. Phages are viruses that attack specific bacterial species, and within current years much consideration is received by them in controlling different diseases caused by bacteria. Phages can be used for controlling different crop-related diseases. Several phage-based products are accessible in the market. Compared to chemical control methods, phage biocontrol offers several advantages. Mixtures of phages can be employed to target pathogenic bacteria. Unlike chemical control strategies, phage mixtures can be readily adjusted to counter any potential resistance. This review summarizes the use of phages as a biocontrol agent against phytopathogens.
Epidural catheter migration: is aspiration enough? A case report
Authors: Murmu Ravi , Aditya A. , Tiwary P. K. , Lakra Ladhu , Kumar Tushar
Published: November 2023

Background

Local anesthetic agents are widely used drugs across the globe. Within their dosage range and appropriate location of administration, they are quite safe and effective. Rarely when given via intravascular route, local anesthetics can lead to life-threatening consequences.

Case presentation

Here, we present a case of a young male with an epidural catheter for femur surgery. The catheter was functioning quite well initially but later migrated in the intravascular route. When top-up was given with local anesthetics, the patient developed seizures which were managed promptly.

Conclusions

Inadvertent migration of catheter may occur during patient positioning or unwanted movements during surgery, but careful aspiration before every top-up and aspiration during every aliquot of top-up must be practiced.
Non-target embolic events during prostatic embolization with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH)
Authors: Sédat Jacques , Arnoffi Paolo , Poirier Florent , Jamjoom Modhar , Raffaelli Charles , Colomb Frederic , Chau Yves
Published: November 2023

Background

This study evaluated nontarget embolization (NTE) during prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH).

Results

Ten consecutive patients treated by PAE with EVOH for the presence of disabling benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) between June 22 and January 2023 were included in this prospective study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: LUTS attributed to BPH, LUTS duration ≥ 6 months, failure to respond to standard pharmacotherapy, IPSS > 18 or QoL score > 2, and prostate volume > 40 mL. Embolization was performed under general anaesthesia. According to established techniques, a microcatheter was positioned bilaterally within the feeding arteries, and EVOH was injected slowly under X-ray control. Unenhanced pelvic computed tomography scans were carried out before and after embolization to assess the NTE. The safety of the prostatic embolization procedure with EVOH was assessed by collecting adverse effects over 3 months of evaluation that included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) score.-up evaluations, occurring at 3, 6, and 12months, included International Prostate Symptom Score.

Bilateral PAE was technically successful in 9 patients, and unilateral injection was performed in one patient. The postoperative scanner showed a distribution of the embolization material in the two lobes of the prostate in all patients. The procedure time varied from 120 to 150 (mean: 132) minutes. Eight out of 10 patients developed pollakiuria within 24 h; none of the patients had postoperative pain. Two patients required catheterization for postoperative urinary retention. Catheters were removed successfully at the end of the first day for one of these patients and on the tenth day for the other. At the 3-month follow-up, patients showed significant improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (n = 10; mean = -11,5; P < 0.01) and quality of life score (n = 10; mean = -3,40; P < 0.01). Only one patient presented one asymptomatic muscular NTE.

Conclusions

PAE with EVOH is safe, effective, and associated with few NTEs and no postoperative pain. Prospective comparative studies with longer follow-ups are warranted.

Trial registration

IDRCB, 2021-AO29-56–35. Registered 27 May 2022,
http://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05395299?cond=embolization&term&rank=1.
Alexithymia, resilience and suicidal ideation among patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Abd-Elhamed Mai Mohamed Elsayed , Hady Rehab Fathy Abdel , Mahmoud Shadia Fathy , Mohamed Bothina Elsayed Said
Published: November 2023

Background

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric illness with a considerable risk of alexithymia, and suicide may make this risk worse. This study aimed to assess alexithymia, resilience, and suicidal ideation among patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder. A cross-sectional study was established at the psychiatric outpatient clinic at Zagazig University Hospitals in addition to Abbasyia Hospital for Mental Health in Cairo City. A purposive sample of 140 obsessive–compulsive patients. Five tools were used for data collection, including the socio-demographic questionnaire, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Resilience Scale, and the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI).

Results

The study findings demonstrated that in excess of two-thirds of the studied subjects had mild obsessive–compulsive disorder, slightly more than two-thirds of them suffered from alexithymia, more than half of patients had a moderate level of resilience, and the majority of them had suicidal ideation. Patients’ obsessive–compulsive score was a statistically significant positive predictor for suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

A positive and significant correlation was found between patients’ obsessive–compulsive scores and both alexithymia and suicidal ideation scores. Negatively significant correlations were found between resilience and each patient’s obsessive–compulsive score, alexithymia, and suicidal ideation. Therefore, it is recommended implementing longitudinal studies to establish the causality between OCD Sufferers’ resilience, alexithymia, and ideations of suicide.
Value of lung ultrasound in detection of volume overload in children chronic kidney disease on regular hemodialysis: prospective cohort study
Authors: Sweed Enas M. , Shafei Ashraf S. , Mohamed Afaf A. , El-Gendy Soha A. , Afifi Wesam E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Several methods have emerged to predict the occurrence of early volume overload (VO) in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing regular hemodialysis (HD). Nevertheless, achieving an accurate assessment remains challenging. Consequently, this study aimed to identify VO in pediatric HD patients using lung ultrasound (LUS). Additionally, the study sought to investigate the relationship between various clinical parameters employed to detect VO and the ultrasonographic B-line score.

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 30 pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing a maintenance HD program for 4 months. The clinical evaluation of the fluid status of pediatric patients involved using LUS pre-, intra, and post-HD. The study included the dry weight (DW) and non-DW groups; within these groups, the B-line scores were evaluated pre-, intra, and post-HD sessions. Tabulations were conducted to document the variations in body weight and B-line scores during pre-, intra-, and post-dialytic periods.

Results

The results of the LUSs performed on the 30 pediatric patients pre-, intra, and post-HD revealed that the B-line scores significantly reduced post-HD in all pediatric patients with more significant reduction in non-dry weight group (p < 0.001). There was a positive relation between the total number of B-lines pre-HD and inter-dialytic weight gain, pre-dialytic blood pressure, and clinical fluid score (r = 0.811, p < 0.01; r = 0.59, p < 0.001; and r = 0.75, p < 0.001, respectively) and also post-dialysis. Eventually, dialytic weight loss exhibited a significant direct positive correlation to B-line score reduction (r = 0.891, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

LUS is an innovative, simple noninvasive bedside method that provides real-time evaluation of fluid volume alterations in pediatric HD patients with chronic conditions. LUS shows excellent potential as a viable approach for assessing DW and non-dry weight in pediatric HD patients.
The yield of rigid thoracoscopy in patients of undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion and comparison of pleural fluid and thoracoscopic findings between tuberculosis and malignancy
Authors: Kumar Hemant , Arif Mohammad , Kumar Sachin , Prakash Ved , Verma Ajay Kumar , Rana Chanchal , Shukla Saumya , Kushwaha R. A. S.
Published: November 2023

Background

Medical thoracoscopy is an essential tool in the evaluation of patients with pleural effusion who remain undiagnosed despite a thorough pleural fluid workup. Malignancy and tuberculosis are the two most common etiologies in such patients having completely different prognoses. Therefore, correct diagnosis is very important before starting treatment.

This study was planned to study the yield of rigid thoracoscopy in such patients and to observe its associated complications. Furthermore, the difference in the profile of patients with malignancy and tuberculosis was also evaluated.

Methods

This was a single-center, exploratory, observational study done between 1st May 2021 to 31st December 2022. Patients with undiagnosed exudative pleural effusion defined as exudative pleural effusions as per Light’s criteria with negative Gene X pert and twice negative pleural fluid cytology for malignancy, underwent rigid thoracoscopy for confirmation of their diagnosis.

Results

A total of 160 patients, who fulfilled our inclusion criteria, were included in our study. Male to female ratio was 1.25:1, with a mean age of 57.3 years. The most common etiology observed was malignancy, seen in 120 out of 160 patients (75%), followed by tuberculosis, which was seen in 27 (17%) patients. A final diagnosis could be made in 158 patients, giving a diagnostic yield of 98.8%. 11.8% showed procedure-related complications without any mortality.

Conclusion

Rigid medical thoracoscopy has a very high diagnostic yield with few complications. A significant proportion of patients with straw-colored effusion can present with malignancy and vice versa. A few with ADA above 40 were diagnosed as having malignancy. Therefore, tissue-based biopsy with thoracoscopy can be easily performed to make a correct diagnosis with huge future implications in such patients.
The structural stability of negative symptoms over time
Authors: Wolpe Noham , Fernandez-Egea Emilio
Published: November 2023

Negative symptoms remain poorly understood and treated despite their huge impact on patients’ lives and clinical outcomes. This is partly because of ongoing debates about the clinical constructs underlying negative symptoms. A longitudinal analysis of the structure of negative symptoms presented in BJPsych Open reports striking temporal stability of symptom structure, which behaves as a few independent domains. This further underscores the need to address specific symptom domains when considering interventions or pathophysiology studies.
Data-Driven Personalized Care in Lung Cancer: Scoping Review and Clinical Recommendations on Performance Status and Activity Level of Patients With Lung Cancer Using Wearable Devices
Authors: Aix Santiago Ponce , Núñez-Benjumea Francisco J. , Cervera-Torres Sergio , Flores Andrés , Arnáiz Pablo , Fernández-Luque Luis
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE

Performance status (PS) is a crucial assessment for research and clinical practice in lung cancer (LC), including its usage for the assessment of the suitability and toxicity of treatment or eligibility for clinical trials of patients with LC. These PS assessments are subjective and lead to substantial discrepancies between observers. To improve the objectivity of PS assessments, Electronic Activity Monitoring devices (EAMs) are increasingly used in oncology, but how these devices are used for PS assessments in LC is an issue that remains unclear. The goal of this study is to address the challenges and opportunities of the use of digital tools to support PS assessments in patients with LC.

METHODS

The literature review followed PRISMA-ScR methodology. Searches were performed in the ScienceDirect, PsycInfo, ACM, IEEE Xplore, and PubMed databases. Furthermore, a panel discussion was performed to address the clinical use cases.

RESULTS

Thirty-two publications were found. Most of the studies used wrist accelerometry–based wearables (59%) and monitored sleep activity (SA; 28%) or physical activity (PA; 72%). Critical findings include positive usefulness of the use of wearables to categorize moderate-to-vigorous/light PA, which was associated with better sleep and health. In addition, steps and time awake immobile were found to be associated with risk of hospitalization and survival. Use cases identified included the health assessment of patients and clinical research.

CONCLUSION

There are positive experiences in the use of EAM to complement PS assessment in LC. However, there is a need for adapting thresholds to the particularities of patients with LC, for example, differentiating moderate-to-vigorous and light. Moreover, developing methodologies combining PS assessments and the use of EAM adapted to clinical and research practice is needed.
COVID-19, School Closures, and Outcomes
Authors: Jack Rebecca , Oster Emily
Published: November 2023

This article discusses the question of data and our perspective on the importance of public, accessible, and contemporaneous data in the face of public crisis. Then, we present data on the extent of school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, both globally and within the United States. We describe the available data on the degree of these closures, which will provide a set of resources for studying longer-term consequences as they emerge. We also highlight what we know about the demographic patterns of school closures. We then discuss the emerging estimates of the short-term impacts of school closures. A central finding throughout our discussion is that school closures during the pandemic tended to increase inequality, both within and across countries, but that fully understanding the long-run impact of COVID-related school closures on students will take time and will surely be influenced by events and policies in the next few years.
Πειραματική και θεωρητική μελέτη τρανζίστορ, βασισμένων σε νανονήματα ημιαγωγών, υπό μαγνητικά επαγόμενη μηχανική παραμόρφωση
Authors: Μπαρδάκας Αχιλλέας
Published: November 2023

Αντικείμενο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η κατασκευή και ο χαρακτηρισμός καινοτόμων διατάξεων τρανζίστορ μαγνητικά-επαγόμενης μηχανικής παραμόρφωσης (magnetic strain-gated transistors, M-SGTs) που θα βασίζονται σε αιωρούμενα νανονήματα Οξειδίου του Ψευδαργύρου (ZnO). Τα τελευταία χρόνια, η ερευνητική δραστηριότητα γύρω από διατάξεις αισθητήρων ικανών να ανιχνεύουν μαγνητικά πεδία μικρής έντασης σε χαμηλές συχνότητες έχει αυξηθεί σημαντικά. Συγκεκριμένα, αισθητήρες που βασίζονται σε σύνθετα μαγνητοηλεκτρικά υλικά έχουν δείξει σημαντικά πλεονεκτήματα όπως μεγάλη ευαισθησία, λειτουργία σε μεγάλο εύρος συχνοτήτων από DC μέχρι εκατοντάδες kHz και λειτουργία σε θερμοκρασία δωματίου. Οι αισθητήρες αποτελούνται από ένα μαγνητοσυστολικό και ένα πιεζοηλεκτρικό υλικό με τις ερευνητικές προσπάθειες για τη σμίκρυνση τέτοιων δομών στη νανοκλίμακα να αποτελεί μια ανοιχτή πρόκληση. Αρχικά πραγματοποιήθηκε η σύνθεση νανονημάτων ZnO μέσω της υδροθερμικής μεθόδου, χρησιμοποιώντας στρώματα πυρήνωσης γέλης και ιοντοβολής. Αυτά χαρακτηρίστηκαν ως προς τη μορφολογία της επιφάνειάς τους και κρυσταλλογραφικά. Στη συνέχεια πραγματοποιήθηκε η σύνθεση των νανονημάτων ZnO όπου μελετήθηκε η εξάρτηση του χρόνου ανάπτυξης καθώς και η επίδραση της συγκέντρωσης των πρόδρομων ουσιών στα δομικά χαρακτηριστικά των νανονημάτων. Ακολούθησε ο κρυσταλλογραφικός και δομικός χαρακτηρισμός των νανονημάτων. Ακόμα αναπτύχθηκε μια βελτιωμένη μεθοδολογία ανάπτυξης μεμονωμένων νανονημάτων κάθετα στο επίπεδο χρησιμοποιώντας την παραπάνω μεθοδολογία σύνθεσης σε συνδυασμό με χωρικά-ελεγχόμενα μοτίβα τα οποία κατασκευάστηκαν με χρήση λιθογραφίας ηλεκτρονικής δέσμης. Παράλληλα, αναπτύχθηκαν μαγνητοσυστολικά υμένια FeCoSiB με χρήση ιοντοβολής συνεχούς ρεύματος. Τα υμένια αυτά χαρακτηρίστηκαν ως προς τις μαγνητοστατικές τους ιδιότητες τους σε συνάρτηση της στοιχειομετρίας ώστε να επιλεχθεί η βέλτιστη. Η βέλτιστη στοιχειομετρία χαρακτηρίστηκε δομικά και κρυσταλλογραφικά και μαγνητοστατικά σε διάφορες θερμοκρασίες ανόπτησης. Ο μαγνητοσυστολικός χαρακτηρισμός των υμενίων έδειξε ότι τα υμένια διαθέτουν σημαντικούς συντελεστές μαγνητοσυστολής. Χρησιμοποιώντας λιθογραφία ηλεκτρονικής δέσμης κατασκευάστηκαν διατάξεις μεταλλικών ηλεκτροδίων σε υποστρώματα πυριτίου. Τα νανονήματα ZnO που αναπτύχθηκαν συναρμολογήθηκαν ανάμεσα στις μεταλλικές επαφές με τη μέθοδο της διηλεκτροφόρησης και προέκυψαν διατάξεις μεμονωμένων και πολλαπλών νανονημάτων ZnO με ενδιαφέρουσες ηλεκτρικές ιδιότητες. Αξιοποιώντας όλα τα αποτελέσματα που προέκυψαν από την παραπάνω μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε για πρώτη φορά η υλοποίηση διατάξεων τρανζίστορ μαγνητικά-επαγόμενης μηχανικής παραμόρφωσης (M-SGTs) βασισμένων τα νανονήματα ZnO και τα μαγνητοσυστολικά υμένια FeCoSiB που αναπτύχθηκαν παραπάνω. Τα συμπεράσματα που προέκυψαν δείχνουν τη δυνατότητα ελέγχου του ρεύματος που διαρρέει ένα νανονήμα ZnO μέσω εξωτερικού μαγνητικού πεδίου κάτι που ανοίγει το δρόμο για την ανάπτυξη μαγνητοηλεκτρικών διατάξεων στην νανοκλίμακα.
Optical control at the nanoscale and applications in quantum technology
Authors: Δομένικου Ναταλία
Published: November 2023

Ένας σχετικά νέος τομέας ενεργού έρευνας που συνδυάζει την κβαντική οπτική, τη νανοφωτονική και την κβαντική τεχνολογία ασχολείται με τον οπτικό έλεγχο ιδιοτήτων σύνθετων φωτονικών δομών και κβαντικών συστημάτων. Επίσης, το πεδίο της πλασμονικής νανοδομής έχει προσελκύσει μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον τις τελευταίες δεκαετίες λόγω της ικανότητάς του να περιορίζει έντονα το φως στην επιφάνειά του. Έτσι, μας επιτρέπει να επιτύχουμε ισχυρές αλληλεπιδράσεις φωτός-ύλης μεταξύ του κβαντικού εκπομπού και του ηλεκτρομαγνητικού πεδίου όταν ο κβαντικός εκπομπός τοποθετείται σε κατάλληλη απόσταση από την επιφάνεια της πλασμονικής νανοδομής. Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετάμε την οπτικά ελεγχόμενη μεταφορά πληθυσμού σε μια ημιαγώγιμη κβαντική τελεία η οποία βρίσκεται κοντά σε πλασμονική νανοδομή με την μεθοδολογία εξαναγκασμένης αδιαβατικής μεταφοράς Raman (Stimulated Raman Adiabatic Passage-STIRAP), αλλά και μεθόδους συντόμευσης στην αδιαβατικότητα. Επιπλέον, μελετάμε τις μη-γραμμικές οπτικές ιδιότητες για ένα υβριδικό σύστημα που αποτελείται από συγκεκριμένα πολικά μόρια και μια πλασμονική νανοδομή, τα οποία αλληλεπιδρούν με ένα ή δύο πεδία laser. Διερευνούμε το φάσμα απορρόφησης και διασποράς, το μη γραμμικό οπτικό φαινόμενο δεύτερης τάξης της μη γραμμικής οπτικής ανόρθωσης (Nonlinear Optical Rectification-NOR) και το φαινόμενο ανάμειξης τεσσάρων κυμάτων (Four-Wave Mixing-FWM) μεταβάλλοντας ορισμένες παραμέτρους του υβριδικού συστήματος. Τέλος, εξετάζουμε την οπτικά ελεγχόμενη μεταφορά ενέργειας υψηλής απόδοσης μεταξύ ενός μορίου δότη και ενός μορίου δέκτη όταν τα μόρια βρίσκονται κοντά σε νανοδίσκο MoS2 με μη μηδενική διάχυση δότη και ρυθμό διαχωρισμού φορτίου δέκτη. Τα αποτελέσματα της διατριβής θα είναι ιδιαίτερα χρήσιμα για τη δημιουργία νέων φωτονικών συσκευών αλλά και για μελλοντικές κβαντικές τεχνολογίες.
Being human
Authors: Vollans Caroline
Published: November 2023

What are co-regulation and self-regulation skills and how do they interact? Caroline Vollans reports
The plants in my street
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: November 2023

Conifers make up 40 per cent of Earth's plant cover and provide often-fragrant cones. By Julie Mountain
We've explored… florists
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: November 2023

Bright red poppies in the planting area at Little Angels Day Care Nursery in Brighton, East Sussex led children to find out more about flowers, including the role of a florist. By Annette Rawstrone
Money talks
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: November 2023

It is not too soon to introduce early years children to the concept of financial management, finds Annette Rawstrone
Safer Practices Part 5: Risk Aware
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: November 2023

The latest in this series looks at the importance of ongoing risk assessments to ensure child safety. By Nicole Weinstein
Team Values: Wood work
Authors: MacBeth Rachel , Sargeant Claire
Published: November 2023

Beatle Woods is an outdoor, term-time nursery in Coventry, West Midlands that caters for children from the age of two. Set in a ten-acre site of natural woodland, it also provides care for children being either home or flexi-home educated, and has also recently extended its hours to offer wraparound care. Rachel MacBeth first met Beatle Woods' deputy manager, Claire Sargeant, when they both worked at the same pack-away pre-school.
Measurement of combined flap thickness for reconstruction of decubitus ulcer using computed tomography
Authors: Kim Eun Chan , Park Jeong Do , Wee Syeo-Young , Kim Se-Young
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Successive development of ischemic malignant strokes in a patient with multiple fusiform aneurysms: A case report
Authors: Shin Dae-Seop , Yeo Dong Kyu , Choi Eu Jene
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Multiple inflammatory pseudotumor formation after craniopharyngioma resection via an extended nasal endoscopic approach: A case report
Authors: Wu Hao , Ding Yu-Wei , Yan Zheng-Cun , Wei Min , Wang Xiao-Dong , Zhang Heng-Zhu
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Do not forget diet and exercise during Ramadan
Authors: Ilias Ioannis , Tselebis Athanasios
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Wounded Bodies: Grim Beauty and Environmental Injustice in Zhao Liang's Behemoth
Authors: Wang Yanjie
Published: November 2023

abstract: This article examines Zhao Liang's stylistic approach to representing the intersections between Inner Mongolia's landscapes and migrant workers in his unconventional documentary Beixi moshuo ( Behemoth , 2015). It argues that the blending of artificiality with realism and the juxtaposition of the wounded land and wounded human bodies are the ways in which Zhao calls on viewers to explore an affective, contemplative, and biocentric understanding of ecology. In an artistic manner, Behemoth powerfully exposes the surreal magnitude of China's environmental ruin, the environmental injustices state policies have caused for marginalized regions and populations, and the absurdity of China's post-socialist development.