bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification in Sumerian cuneiform and the implementation of iClassifier
Authors: Selz Gebhard J , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2024

Sumerian, an agglutinative language of unknown affiliation, surfaced in mankind’s earliest written sources around 3300 BCE. It continued to play a salient role in the transmission of cuneiform cultures for more than three millennia, even after its disappearance as a vernacular (around 2000 BCE). From its beginnings, semantic classification played an important role in this initially predominantly semasiographic-ideographic script. Here, such classifications are contrasted with and compared to the normalized ‘consolidated’ standard set of pre- and post-nominal classifiers – generally known as ‘determinatives’ – which function chiefly as sortal classifiers. It is further suggested here that the relationship between classifying nouns and classified nouns is best described in terms of nominal apposition. This article further provides updated examples of how the relevant information was entered into the iClassifier digital tool, specially designed for such comparisons in order to improve our understanding of how cuneiform classifiers mark their host words and to make them comparable with similar features in other complex scripts and other languages. We will then briefly survey how the answers to queries in the iClassifier may help to illuminate ‘the diverse mindsets of ancient Mesopotamia’.
Priority screening on emerging contaminants in sediments of the Yangtze River, China
Authors: Wen Yu , Huang Siyu , Qin Zhihao , Chen Zhongli , Shao Ying
Published: February 2024

Background

Screen the priority of emerging contaminants (ECs) from sediments is essential for risk assessment to aquatic environment and human health. Currently, priority approaches mainly focus on contaminant identification, exposure analysis, risk assessment, and hazard properties. However, there is still far from the reality due to, for instance, limitations on lack of occurrence data and uncertainty analysis. In this study, the multi-criteria screening method on the basis of hazard potential (HP) and exposure potential (EP) integrating with uncertainty analysis was developed for prioritization of 185 ECs, which have been reported to be widely found in the Yangtze River sediment. The HP based on the ecological risk and human health, and the EP according to the occurrence were both quantitatively analyzed. The priority index of these 185 chemicals was the product of the normalized HP and the normalized EP.

Results

According to the priority ranking scheme, 20 chemicals were identified as the top-priority, and 58 compounds as high-priority, respectively. After uncertainty scoring for each chemical based on data availability, there were 7 compounds (5 pesticides and 2 PFASs) recommended as the major priority ECs. In addition, the current study also emphasized that necessary for further studying some ECs, such as PFAS alternatives, as the data limitation may lead to reduce accurate prioritization.

Conclusions

Overall, this study provides an efficient approach for screening priority ECs, which is useful for river ecosystem health management.
A scoping review on the methodological and reporting quality of scoping reviews in China
Authors: Xue Xinyu , Tang Xintong , Liu Shanshan , Yu Ting , Chen Zhonglan , Chen Ningsu , Yu Jiajie
Published: February 2024

Background

Scoping reviews have emerged as a valuable method for synthesizing emerging evidence, providing a comprehensive contextual overview, and influencing policy and practice developments. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of scoping reviews conducted in Chinese academic institutions over the last decades.

Method

We conducted a comprehensive search of nine databases and six grey literature databases for scoping reviews conducted in Chinese academic institutions. The reporting quality of the included reviews was assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for PRISMA-ScR checklist. We performed both quantitative and qualitative analyses, examining the conduct of the scoping reviews and exploring the breadth of research topics covered. We used Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare methodological issues and reporting quality in English and Chinese-language reviews.

Results

A total of 392 reviews published between 2013 and 2022 were included, 238 English-reported reviews and 154 Chinese-reported reviews, respectively. The primary purposes of these reviews were to map and summarize the evidence, with a particular focus on health and nursing topics. 98.7% of reviews explicitly used the term “scoping review”, and the Arksey and O’Malley framework was the most frequently cited framework. Thirty-five English-reported scoping reviews provided a protocol for scoping review. PubMed was the most common source in English-reported reviews and CNKI in Chinese-reported reviews. Reviews published in English were more likely to search the grey literature (P = 0.005), consult information specialists (P < 0.001) and conduct an updated search (P = 0.012) than those in Chinese. Reviews published in English had a significantly high score compared to those published in Chinese (16 vs. 14; P < 0.001). The reporting rates in English-reported reviews were higher than those in Chinese reviews for seven items, but lower for structured summary (P < 0.001), eligibility criteria (P < 0.001), data charting process (P = 0.009) and data items (P = 0.015).

Conclusion

There has been a significant increase in the number of scoping reviews conducted in Chinese academic institutions each year since 2020. While the research topics covered are diverse, the overall reporting quality of these reviews is need to be improved. And there is a need for greater standardization in the conduct of scoping reviews in Chinese academic institutions.
Enteric bacterial agents associated with diarrhea and their antimicrobial sensitivity profiles in children under 5 years from mukuru informal settlement, Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Kiiru Susan , Maina John , Mwaniki John Njeru , Songoro Edinah , Kariuki Samuel
Published: February 2024

Background

In Kenya, diarrhoeal disease is the third leading cause of child mortality after malaria and pneumonia, accounting for nearly 100 deaths daily. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Mukuru informal settlements to determine the bacteria associated with diarrhea and their ASTs to provide data essential for implementing appropriate intervention measures.

Methods

Diarrheagenic children (≤ 5 years) were purposively recruited from outpatient clinics of Municipal City Council, Mukuru kwa Reuben, Medical Missionaries of Mary, and Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, Nairobi. A total of 219 stool samples were collected between May 2021 and August 2021. Stool culture was done on MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella agar, while the recovered bacteria were identified using VITEK®2GNID and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) used for E. coli pathotyping. Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing was done using VITEK®2AST-GN83.

Results

At least one bacterial organism was recovered from each of the 213 (97%) participants, with 115 (56%) participants having only one bacterial type isolated, 90 (43%) with two types of bacteria, and 2 (1%) with three types of bacteria recovered. The most predominant bacteria recovered was 85% (93/109) non-pathogenic E.coli and 15% (16/109)of pathogenic E.coli, with 2 (1%) were Enterohemorrhagic E.coli (EHEC), 6 (3%) were Enteroaggregative E.coli (EAEC), and 8 (4%) were Enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC). Other potentially pathogenic bacteria included Enterobacter sp (27.8%), Klebsiella sp 33(11%), and Citrobacter sp 15(4.7%). Pathogenic isolates such as Salmonella 7 (2%), Proteus mirabilis 16 (6%), Providencia alcalifaciens 1 (0.3%), and Shigella 16 (4.7%) were detected. Isolates such as Pantoea spp 2(0.67%), Raoultella planticola 1(0.33%), and Kluyvera 6(2%) rarely reported but implicated with opportunistic diarrhoeal disease were also recovered. Ampicillin, cefazolin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim were the least effective antimicrobials at 64%, 57%, and 55% resistance, respectively, while meropenem (99%), amikacin (99%), tazobactam piperacillin (96%), and cefepime (95%) were the most effective. Overall, 33(21%) of all enterics recovered were multidrug-resistant.

Conclusion

The study documented different bacteria potentially implicated with childhood diarrhea that were not limited to E. coli, Shigella, and Salmonella, as previously observed in Kenya. The strains were resistant to the commonly used antibiotics, thus narrowing the treatment options for diarrheal disease.
Poisoning in children and adolescents in Kermanshah city, Iran
Authors: Hemmati Mitra , Tohidi Mohamad Reza , Mohammadi Ali , Jahanpour Firozeh , Andayeshgar Bahareh , Fallah Sahar
Published: February 2024

Background

Poisoning among children and adolescents is a public health problem worldwide. To take preventive measures, the pattern of this problem should be determined. This study aimed to describe the demographic characteristics of poisoning in children and to investigate the relationship between the types of poisoning and demographic factors in children in Kermanshah province.

Methods

This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 250 children and adolescents under 18 years of age who were referred to Mohammad Kermanshahi Pediatric Hospital in Kermanshah province due to poisoning during 2019–2022. The demographic and epidemiological data of patients were extracted from their medical files and analyzed.

Results

Out of 250 cases of poisoning, 173 (69.2%) cases were unintentional, 96 (55.5%) of whom were boys. Further, 77 (30.8%) cases of poisoning were intentional, of whom 49 (63.6%) were girls. There was a significant difference between gender and intentional and unintentional poisonings (p-value = 0.005). The median age of unintentional poisoning was 3 (IQR = 2.5) and that of intentional poisoning was 14 (IQR = 2). Most cases of poisoning were in cities, 145 (83.8%) of them were unintentional and 66 (85.7%) were intentional. Most cases of intentional and unintentional poisonings occurred in spring 2017 (35.1%) and autumn 2016 (34.6%), respectively. The most common causes of poisoning were narcotics (n = 36, 34.3%) and drugs (n = 35, 33.3%) in the age group 0–3 years and drugs (n = 46, 66.9) in the age group 11–18 years.

Conclusions

The most common causes of poisoning were narcotics and drugs in children and drugs in adolescents. To prevent poisoning in children, parents are required to increase their knowledge of the safe storage of narcotics and drugs, such as not storing methadone in a water bottle. Targeted evaluation and preventive measures are also needed in adolescent poisoning.
The effect of nurse-initiated diary intervention on posttraumatic stress disorder and recall of memories in ICU survivors: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rashidi Elham , Razban Farideh , Asadi Neda
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients’ recall of memories from the ICU plays an important role in the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder. This study aimed to determine the effect of nurse-initiated diary intervention on post-traumatic stress disorder and recall of memories in ICU survivors.

Methods

This RCT study included all patients admitted to two trauma ICUs in Southeast of Iran. Thirty patients considered in control and intervention groups. Data collection tools included the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the ICU Memory Tool (ICU-MT). The researcher wrote daily diaries of the intervention and control groups during the first 72 h of their admissions. SPSS25 was used to analyze the data.

Results

The total mean PTSD score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p > 0.0001, z = -3.75). The number of those in the intervention group who clearly recalled their admission to hospital, their hospital stay before being admitted to the ICU and all memories from the ICU stay, was more than those in the control group; this difference was statistically significant (p > 0.0001).

Conclusion

The results showed that the nurse-initiated diary was effective on the PTSD and recall clear memories of patients admitted to the ICU. We suggest medical and educational centers to use this intervention in order to reduce the posttraumatic stress disorder in these patients. As nurse-initiated diary intervention had no significant difference in the recall of different types of memories from the ICU, we require further studies in this field.
The relationship between physical activity and the health of primary and secondary school teachers: the chain mediating effects of body image and self-efficacy
Authors: Gao Xiaofeng , Cheng Meichao , Zhang Rong
Published: February 2024

Background

Active health is a new concept, model, and system to maintain the state of whole-person health. In the context of the increasingly serious health problems of primary and secondary school teachers, it is of great significance to explore the relationship between physical activity and primary and secondary school teachers’ health based on the active health perspective.

Methods

The survey involving 741 primary and secondary school teachers across representative provinces in China utilized the International Physical Activity Scale, Body Imagery State Scale, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Data analysis employed SPSS 25.0 and Amos 24.0 software.

Results

While no significant gender disparities were observed in body image and self-efficacy, age groups exhibited a bipartite and “V” shaped distribution. Female teachers demonstrated higher physical activity levels (2456.46) and superior physical fitness compared to males (2297.86). A positive correlation emerged between physical activity, body image, self-efficacy, and health status. Importantly, body image and self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between physical activity and health status, accounting for 82.31% of the total effect.

Conclusions

Primary and secondary school teachers have real problems such as teachers’ physical activity is generally insufficient, teachers’ body image status is generally poor, and teachers’ self-efficacy is low; physical activity is an important factor in promoting primary and secondary school teachers’ health status, and low, medium, and high levels of activity all have a promoting effect on the health of primary and secondary school teachers, and the more active primary and secondary school teachers are in terms of physical activity, the better their body image, self-efficacy, and health status are, and the more active primary and secondary school teachers are in terms of physical activity, the more positive the physical activity, self-efficacy, and health status are. The more physically active primary and secondary school teachers are, the better their physical intention, self-efficacy and health status are.

Suggestions

improve the quality and effectiveness, promote the concept of active health among teachers; empower teachers, strengthen the institutional protection of teachers’ health; reduce the burden and increase the quantity,and optimise the supply of health services for teachers.
Non-linear associations of HOMA2-IR with all-cause mortality in general populations: insights from NHANES 1999–2006
Authors: Zhang Aikai , Huang Lingchen , Tang Min
Published: February 2024

Background

The association between homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2-IR) and mortality in obese and non-obese populations has not been clearly explained.

Methods

A total of 7,085 individuals aged ≥ 20 years from the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the study. Study endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models with restricted cubic spline analysis were used for analysis.

Results

In the study populations, a total of 1666 all-cause deaths and 555 cardiovascular (CV) deaths were recorded during a mean follow-up of 195.53 months. Notably, a significant difference in obesity was observed in the association between HOMA2-IR and mortality. After adjustment for multiple variables, HOMA2-IR was positively associated with all-cause mortality in all participants, in those with normal BMI, and in those with obesity. Conversely, tertile 2 of HOMA2-IR was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality in participants with obesity compared with tertile 1 (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.52–0.89; P = 0.005). Results from restricted cubic spline analysis showed a J-shaped association between HOMA2-IR and all-cause and CV mortality. In addition, a nonlinear U-shaped correlation with all-cause (P for nonlinear < 0.001) and CV (P for nonlinear = 0.002) mortality was observed in the population with obesity, with inflection points of HOMA2-IR identified at 1.85 and 1.75. Below the inflection point of 1.85, a negative relationship between HOMA2-IR and all-cause mortality was observed.

Conclusions

Elevated HOMA2-IR showed a notable correlation with increased risk of all-cause mortality. It was noteworthy that excessively reduced levels of insulin resistance showed a distinct association with increased mortality in individuals with obesity.
Synchronous double primary small cell lung cancer and invasive ductal breast carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Gan Junqing , Liu Meiyue , Liu Fei , Wen Junxiu , Fu Wenjuan , Jia Jinghao
Published: February 2024

Background

Although lung and breast cancers are common malignancies, the occurrence of primary synchronous neoplasms involving these organs has been rarely reported in literature.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old female patient presented at a local hospital with a ten-day history of dizziness and slurred speech. A CT contrast-enhanced scan revealed a 4.2 cm mass in the lower lobe of the right lung and a 3.8 cm space-occupying lesion in the right breast. Subsequent breast ultrasound identified a hypoechoic lesion measuring5.41 × 4.75 × 3.06 cm in the right breast, and an ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed the presence of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the right breast. The immunohistochemistry analysis of the breast mass revealed positive staining for ER, PR, HER-2, AR and Ki67 in the tumor cells, while negative staining was observed for P63, Calponin, CK5/6 and CK14. MR imaging of the head detected abnormal signals in the right frontal lobe (3.6 cm×2.9 cm in size), left cerebellar hemisphere, and punctate enhancement in the left temporal lobe, indicating potential metastasis. Pathological examination of a lung biopsy specimen confirmed the presence of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis of the lung lesions demonstrated positive staining for TTF-1, CK-Pan, Syn, CgA, CD56, P53 (90%) and Ki67 (70%), and negative staining for NapsinA and P40 in the tumor cells. The patient’s diagnosis of SCLC with stage cT2bN0M1c IVB and brain metastases (BM), as well as invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC), was confirmed based on the aforementioned results. Whereupon we proposed a treatment plan consisting of whole-brain radiation (40 Gy/20fractions), focal radiotherapy (60 Gy/20fractions), and adjuvant concurrent chemotherapy with oral etoposide (50 mg on days 1 to 20).

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first of its kind to describe the synchronous double cancer, consisting of primary SCLC and IDC.
Preoperative evaluation to determine the difficulty of No. 6 lymphadenectomy in laparoscopic gastrectomy
Authors: Takasu Chie , Nishi Masaaki , Yoshikawa Kozo , Tokunaga Takuya , Kashihara Hideya , Wada Yuma , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: February 2024

Background

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) requires a long learning curve because of the complicated surgical procedures. Infrapyloric (No. 6) lymph node dissection (LND) is one of the difficult procedures in LG, especially for trainees. This study investigated the impact of the prediction of the difficulty of No. 6 LND.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative computed tomography (CT) images and individual operative video records of 57 patients who underwent LG with No. 6 LND to define and predict the No. 6 LND difficulty. To evaluate whether prediction of the difficulty of No. 6 LND could improve surgical outcomes, 48 patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy were assessed (30 patients without prediction by a qualified surgeon and 18 patients with prediction by a trainee).

Results

The anatomical characteristic that LND required > 2 cm of dissection along the right gastroepiploic vein was defined as difficulty of No. 6 LND. Of the 57 LG patients, difficulty was identified intraoperatively in 21 patients (36.8%). Among the several evaluated anatomical parameters, the length between the right gastroepiploic vein and the right gastroepiploic artery in the maximum intensity projection in contrast-enhanced CT images was significantly correlated with the intraoperative difficulty of No. 6 LND (p < 0.0001). Surgical outcomes, namely intraoperative minor bleeding, postoperative pancreatic fistula, and drain amylase concentration were not significantly different between LG performed by a trainee with prediction compared with that by a specialist without prediction.

Conclusions

Preoperative evaluation of the difficulty of No. 6 LND is useful for trainees, to improve surgical outcomes.
Atorvastatin for reduction of 28-day mortality in severe and critical COVID-19 patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eltahan Naglaa Hamdi , Elsawy Neamat Hamdy , Abdelaaty Kholoud M. , Elhamaky Amal Salah , Hassan Ahmed H. , Emara Moataz Maher
Published: February 2024

Background

COVID-19 is an abnormal host response to the SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is associated with endothelial dysfunction and multi-organ failure. Atorvastatin has been proposed to reduce COVID-19 severity and mortality in chronic and de-novo users.

Methods

This randomized double-blind trial included 220 COVID-19 patients admitted to Mansoura University's isolation hospital in Egypt. One hundred and ten cases were given 40 mg of atorvastatin once daily for 28 days (group A), while 110 received a placebo (group B). All patients received treatment as per hospital protocol. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality at 28 days. We also tracked 6-month mortality, time to clinical improvement, the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation, acute kidney injury, potential adverse events, and hospital and intensive care length of stay.

Results

The 28-day all-cause mortality was 52/104 (50%) in group A vs. 54/103 (52.4%) in group B, odds ratio (OR) = 0.907 (0.526, 1.565), P = 0.727; adjusted OR = 0.773 (0.407, 1.47), P = 0.433. Six-month mortality occurred in 53/102 (52%) and 59/79 (60.8%) in group A vs. B, respectively, P = 0.208. Among hospital survivors in group A vs. group B, the median time to clinical improvement was 10 days (7–14) vs. 10 (7–15), P = 0.715; the duration of hospital stay was 10 days (7–14) vs. 10 (8–17), P = 0.378. Discontinuation was higher in group B (four vs. one), but statistically insignificant, P = 0.369.

Conclusions

In adults with severe or critical COVID-19, atorvastatin did not reduce the risk of 28-day or 6-month mortality and did not shorten the length of hospital stay or time to clinical improvement.

Trial registration Clinical Trial Registry (NCT04952350) on July 1st, 2021. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04952350
A case report of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater associated with a hyperplasia–dysplasia–carcinoma sequence by pancreaticobiliary maljunction
Authors: Korai Takahiro , Kimura Yasutoshi , Watanabe Kazunori , Low Siew-Kee , Imamura Masafumi , Nagayama Minoru , Kukita Kazuharu , Murakami Takeshi , Kato Toru , Kondo Yuta , Kyuno Daisuke , Sugawara Taro , Murota Ayako , Kawakami Yujiro , Masaki Yoshiharu , Nakase Hiroshi , Takemasa Ichiro
Published: February 2024

Background

Pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM) is a known risk factor for biliary tract cancer. However, its association with carcinoma of the papilla of Vater (PVca) remains unknown. We report a case with PVca that was thought to be caused by the hyperplasia–dysplasia–carcinoma sequence, which is considered a mechanism underlying PBM-induced biliary tract cancer.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old woman presented with white stool and had a history of cholecystectomy for the diagnosis of a non-dilated biliary tract with PBM. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a tumor in the papilla of Vater, and PVca was histologically proven by biopsy. We finally diagnosed her with PVca concurrent with non-biliary dilated PBM (cT1aN0M0, cStage IA, according to the Union for International Cancer Control, 8th edition), and subsequently performed subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathological findings of the resected specimen revealed no adenomas and dysplastic and hyperplastic mucosae in the common channel slightly upstream of the main tumor, suggesting a PBM related carcinogenic pathway with hyperplasia–dysplasia–carcinoma sequence. Immunostaining revealed positivity for CEA. CK7 positivity, CK20 negativity, and MUC2 negativity indicated that this PVca was of the pancreatobiliary type. Genetic mutations were exclusively detected in tumors and not in normal tissues, and bile ducts from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples included mutated-ERBB2 (Mutant allele frequency, 81.95%). Moreover, of the cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA) extracted from liquid biopsy mutated-ERBB2 was considered the circulating-tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) of this tumor.

Conclusions

Herein, we report the first case of PVca with PBM potentially caused by a “hyperplasia–dysplasia–carcinoma sequence” detected using immunostaining and next-generation sequencing. Careful follow-up is required if pancreaticobiliary reflux persists, considering the possible development of PVca.
A case of fat-forming solitary fibrous tumor that is prone to be confused with liposarcoma
Authors: Ma Yi-Dan , Wu Zi-Qing , Liang Xin-Rong , Pi Lin Jing , Gong Meng-Zhen , Tang Yao
Published: February 2024

Fat-forming solitary fibrous tumor is a rare and specific subtype of solitary fibrous tumor. In this case, a mass of 8.3 cm in diameter was found in a 59-year-old male patient’s right retroperitoneum, as revealed by abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. The tumor exhibited a well-circumscribed nature and histological features characterized by a combination of hemangiopericytomatous vasculature and mature adipose tissue, comprising around 70% of the total tumor composition. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed diffuse positive expression of STAT6 and CD34 in the tumor cells. Based on these findings, the final diagnosis was determined to be a fat-forming solitary fibrous tumor located in the retroperitoneum. It is important to consider other potential differential diagnoses, including angiomyolipoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, spindle cell lipoma, and atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma.
Resection of hypertrophic papillary muscles and mitral valve replacement in a patient with midventricular hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy – a new approach
Authors: Berg Julian J. , Eckstein Jan , Deutsch Marcus-André , Gummert Jan F. , Hata Masatoshi
Published: February 2024

Midventricular hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is characterized by hypertrophy of the interventricular septum (IVS) and - in rare cases - of the papillary muscles (PM), which subsequently can cause dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) and severe heart failure symptoms. We report on a rare case of a 44-year-old patient suffering from midventricular HOCM with hypertrophic anterolateral PM and an additional chorda between the PM and the IVS.

We describe a new surgical approach via right anterolateral thoracotomy in 3-dimensional (3D) video-assisted minimal-invasive technique with resection of hypertrophic PMs as well as the entire mitral valve-apparatus and valve replacement avoiding septal myectomy and potentially associated complications. After an uneventful procedure clinical symptoms improved from NYHA III-IV at baseline to NYHA 0-I postoperatively and remained stable over a follow-up period of 24 months. Therefore, the presented technique may be considered as a new and alternative approach in patients with hypertrophic PMs and hypertrophic IVS as subtype of midventricular HOCM.
Effects of Pilates exercises on spine deformities and posture: a systematic review
Authors: Li Fangyi , Omar Dev Roxana Dev , Soh Kim Geok , Wang Chen , Yuan Yubin
Published: February 2024

Background

Pilates is becoming increasingly popular amongst a wide range of people and is gaining more attention. It is also an effective means of physical rehabilitation. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the effects of Pilates on spinal deformity and posture.

Method

This systematic review was conducted using four recognised academic and scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane) to identify articles that met the inclusion criteria. The secondary search used the Google Scholar and the Science Direct search engines. The search for articles for this review began in July 06, 2023 and was concluded on February 01, 2024. The search process for this study was documented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020). The PEDro scale was used to assess the internal validity and data statistics of the studies included in this systematic review and to evaluate the quality of the studies.

Results

The systematic review included nine studies that met the inclusion criteria from the 651 studies retrieved, involving a total of 643 participants. The PEDro scale scores of the studies included in this systematic review ranged from 3 to 8. The intervention was in the form of Pilates or Pilates combined exercises. The studies included in this review used outcome measures of Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), range of motion (ROM), chest expansion, Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire (SRS-22r) and postural assessment. Research has shown that Pilates is effective in correcting spinal deformities and posture, as well as improving quality of life, pain relief, function and fitness.

Conclusions

This systematic review provide substantial evidence that Pilates has a positive impact on improving spinal deformity and posture. However, more research is needed to validate whether Pilates can be used effectively as a physical therapy for spinal deformity rehabilitation. Pilates has considerable potential for public health interventions.
Evaluation of Pathway to Diagnosis of Pediatric Brain Tumors in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Kartik Prerna , Liu Jo-Fen , Sudarsan Rishan Thimma , Srinivasan Aarthi , Jayaraman Dhaarani , Sivaprakasam Ponni , John Rikki , Uppuluri Ramya , Scott Julius Xavier , Jalali Rakesh , Dandapani Madhumita
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Delayed diagnosis and poor awareness are significant barriers to the early intervention of pediatric brain tumors. This multicenter observational study aimed to evaluate the baseline routes and time to diagnosis for pediatric brain tumors in Tamil Nadu (TN), with the goal of promoting early diagnosis and timely referrals in the future.

METHODS

A standard proforma was used to retrospectively collect information on demographics, diagnosis, referral pathways, and symptoms of incident pediatric brain tumor cases between January 2018 and October 2020 across eight tertiary hospitals in TN. Dates of symptom onset, first presentation of health care, and diagnosis were used to calculate total diagnostic interval (TDI), patient interval (PI), and diagnostic interval (DI).

RESULTS

A total of 144 cases (mean age, 6.64 years; range, 0-15.1 years) were included in the analysis. Among those, 94% (135/144) were from city/district areas, 40% (55/144) were self-referred, and 90% (129/144) had one to three health care professional visits before diagnosis. Median TDI, PI, and DI were 3.5 (IQR, 1-9.3), 0.6 (IQR, 0.1-4.6), and 0.6 (IQR, 0-3.3) weeks, respectively. Low-grade gliomas had the longest median TDI (6.6 weeks), followed by medulloblastomas (4.6 weeks) and high-grade gliomas (3.3 weeks). Average number of symptoms recorded was 1.7 at symptom onset and 1.9 at diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Although there are some similarities with data from the United Kingdom, many low-grade and optic pathway tumors were unaccounted for in our study. DIs were relatively short, which suggests that infrastructure may not be a problem in this cohort. Increased training and establishment of proper cancer registries, combined with proper referral pathways, could enhance early diagnosis for these children.
Characterizing the Traveling Oncology Workforce and Its Influence on Patient Travel Burden: A Claims-Based Approach
Authors: Scodari Bruno T. , Schaefer Andrew P. , Kapadia Nirav S. , O'Malley A. James , Brooks Gabriel A. , Tosteson Anna N.A. , Onega Tracy , Wang Changzhen , Wang Fahui , Moen Erika L.
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Oncology outreach is a common strategy for extending cancer care to rural patients. However, a nationwide characterization of the traveling workforce that enables this outreach is lacking, and the extent to which outreach reduces travel burden for rural patients is unknown.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed a rural (nonurban) subset of a 100% fee-for-service sample of 355,139 Medicare beneficiaries with incident breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists were linked to patients using Part B claims, and traveling oncologists were identified by observing hospital service area (HSA) transition patterns. We defined oncology outreach as the provision of cancer care by a traveling oncologist outside of their primary HSA. We used hierarchical gamma regression models to examine the separate associations between patient receipt of oncology outreach and one-way patient travel times to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

RESULTS

On average, 9,935 of 39,960 oncologists conducted annual outreach, where 57.8% traveled with low frequency (0-1 outreach visits/mo), 21.1% with medium frequency (1-3 outreach visits/mo), and 21.1% with high frequency (>3 outreach visits/mo). Oncologists provided surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy to 51,715, 27,120, and 5,874 rural beneficiaries, respectively, of whom 2.5%, 6.9%, and 3.6% received oncology outreach. Rural patients who received oncology outreach traveled 16% (95% CI, 11 to 21) and 11% (95% CI, 9 to 13) less minutes to chemotherapy and radiotherapy than those who did not receive oncology outreach, corresponding to expected one-way savings of 15.9 (95% CI, 15.5 to 16.4) and 11.9 (95% CI, 11.7 to 12.2) minutes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study introduces a novel claims-based approach for tracking the nationwide traveling oncology workforce and supports oncology outreach as an effective means for improving rural access to cancer care.
The relationship between mitochondrial respiration, resting metabolic rate and blood cell count in great tits
Authors: Thoral Elisa , García-Díaz Carmen C. , Persson Elin , Chamkha Imen , Elmér Eskil , Ruuskanen Suvi , Nord Andreas
Published: February 2024

Although mitochondrial respiration is believed to explain a substantial part of the variation in resting metabolic rate (RMR), few studies have empirically studied the relationship between organismal and cellular metabolism. We therefore investigated the relationship between RMR and mitochondrial respiration of permeabilized blood cells in wild great tits (Parus major L.). We also studied the correlation between mitochondrial respiration traits and blood cell count, as normalizing mitochondrial respiration by the cell count is a method commonly used to study blood metabolism. In contrast to previous studies, our results show that there was no relationship between RMR and mitochondrial respiration in intact blood cells (i.e. with the ROUTINE respiration). However, when cells were permeabilized and interrelation re-assessed under saturating substrate availability, we found that RMR was positively related to phosphorylating respiration rates through complexes I and II (i.e. OXPHOS respiration) and to the mitochondrial efficiency to produce energy (i.e. net phosphorylation efficiency), though variation explained by the models was low (i.e. linear model: R2=0.14 to 0.21). However, unlike studies in mammals, LEAK respiration without [i.e. L(n)] and with [i.e. L(Omy)] adenylates was not significantly related to RMR. These results suggest that phosphorylating respiration in blood cells can potentially be used to predict RMR in wild birds, but that this relationship may have to be addressed in standardized conditions (permeabilized cells) and that the prediction risks being imprecise. We also showed that, in our conditions, there was no relationship between any mitochondrial respiration trait and blood cell count. Hence, we caution against normalising respiration rates using this parameter as is sometimes done. Future work should address the functional explanations for the observed relationships, and determine why these appear labile across space, time, taxon, and physiological state.
Use Mental Imagery Techniques to Transform Your Fitness Classes into a Fantastic Experience
Authors: Daskalaki Katerina , Papadimitriou Katerina , Malliou Paraskevi
Published: February 2024

Apply It!

By reading this article fitness professionals will:

• Be informed of the basic concepts of mental imagery (MI).

• Learn how to use MI techniques to enhance the technique, the strategies, and the psychological states of the exercisers, adding to their exercise class’s creativity and imagination.
Single-centre, randomised clinical trial of the immunomodulatory mechanisms of daily supplementation of palm tocotrienol-rich fraction in healthy human volunteers following influenza vaccination
Authors: Radhakrishnan Ammu Kutty , Ahmad Badariah , Selvaduray Kanga Rani , Abdul Hafid Sitti Rahma , Palanisamy Uma Devi , Zsien Zhin Cheng
Published: February 2024

Background Vitamin E from palm oil, known as the tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF), has been shown to have immune-enhancing activity. To date, only one dose of TRF (400 mg daily) has been tested in a clinical trial. The proposed study will evaluate the immune-enhancing activity effects of lower doses (200, 100 and 50 mg) in a clinical trial using an influenza vaccine as the immunological challenge. Methods A single-centre, randomised, parallel, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with balance allocation involving five arms will be conducted. The healthy volunteers recruited will be randomly assigned to one of the arms, and they will be asked to take the respective supplements (400 mg, 200 mg, 100 mg, 50 mg of TRF or placebo) daily with their dinner. The volunteers will receive the influenza vaccine after four weeks. They will be asked to return to the study site four weeks later. A blood sample will be taken for the study at baseline, four and eight weeks. Primary outcome measures will be antibody levels to influenza, blood leucocyte profile and cytokine production. Secondary outcomes will be correlating plasma vitamin E levels with immune responses, plasma proteins and gene expression patterns. The findings from this study will be published in relevant peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant national and international scientific meetings. Conclusions The recent world events have created the awareness of having a healthy and functional immune system. Nutrition plays an important role in helping the immune system to function optimally. This study will show the effects of lower doses of TRF in boosting the immune response of healthy individuals and also elucidate the mechanisms through which TRF exerts its immune-enhancing effects. Clinical trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) [ACTRN12622000844741] dated 15 June 2022. Protocol version 2
Assessment of quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic skin diseases: an observational study
Authors: Thakare Shrutika , Madke Dr. Bhushan
Published: February 2024

Background Chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, scleroderma, and vitiligo adversely affect a patients health and well-being. The evaluation of quality of life (QoL) is a crucial part of the overall care of patients with chronic skin diseases. Identification and dealing with multidimensional aspects such as physical, social, psychological, and emotional features of these diseases are important to enhance their quality of life and to obtain a better response to treatment. Methods This is a prospective, observational, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study to evaluate the impact of chronic skin diseases (i.e. psoriasis, vitiligo, and scleroderma) on the quality of life of patients. The primary objective of this study is to measure the effect of chronic skin diseases and their treatment on patients quality of life using the Skindex-29 questionnaire. The secondary objectives are to determine the relationship between quality of life and sociodemographic variables and the relationship between quality of life and disease variables. Patients diagnosed with psoriasis, vitiligo, and scleroderma will be recruited for the study after signing a voluntary informed consent form. A validated Skindex-29 questionnaire will be used to record the emotions, symptoms, and functioning domains of the patients. Approximately 100 patients will be recruited for the study. Data analysis will be done at the end of patient recruitment. Conclusion Dermatologists can aid their patients QoL by using the Skindex-29 questionnaire score to better understand the impact of psoriasis, vitiligo, and scleroderma. Furthermore, they can aid in estimating the disease burden as well as help direct interventions to avoid further complications.
TRAINING AND RESEARCH SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT IN CYBERPHYSICAL SYSTEM
Authors: Avetisyan Tatiana V. , Lvovich Ksenia I. , Lvovich Emma M.
Published: February 2024

In the existing conditions in various companies, it is possible to observe an increase in the complexity of automation of many processes. Therefore, there is a need for distributed automated systems. They are required to operate under the constraints of real-time control and communication in manufacturing processes. In cyber-physical systems, a fully synergistic integration of control computation with physical devices and processes is implied. In addition, the incorporation of a cyber-physical system into automated plant systems will provide opportunities for unifying automated process control. Due to the automated control of production and enterprise as a whole, it is possible to form a controlled system, from order to realization. It is proposed to form a training and research system to work with cyber-physical system. Intelligent support for specialists within cyber-physical systems is associated with corresponding performance requirements. An illustration of a schematic of a training and research system for personnel management in a cyber-physical system is presented. A schematic of the training subsystem is shown. Instrumental examination within the research subsystem provides opportunities to realize the creation of an information support structure. An illustration of the schematic diagram of the analysis research subsystem is presented. A structure for conducting automated modeling of processes within a cyber-physical system is shown.
DIGITALIZATION IS THE ONLY WAY TO DEVELOP ROAD TRANSPORT
Authors: Izyumskiy Alexander A. , Nadiryan Sofiya L. , Kotsurba Sofiya V.
Published: February 2024

In this article, the authors have approached the problem of introducing digitalization in the field of road transport.

The purpose of this study is an attempt to determine the features of the interaction of new digital technologies with the system of freight and passenger road transport.

During the study, the main directions of digitalization implementation in the field of road transport were identified, the existing difficulties arising during the transition from the old methods of management and control of motor transport to the new digital ones were indicated.

As a result, conclusions are drawn about the need for the early introduction of digital methods of organization and management of road transport with extensive use of artificial intelligence.

The introduction of digital methods of organizing transportation activities has broad support from both the Government of the Russian Federation and the business community of Russia. The transition to the digital economy is impossible without a primary transition in its “circulatory system” - the transport system.
AUTOMATION OF THE PROCESS OF CONVERTING CURRENCIES INTO ROUBLES ON THE BASIS OF TELEGRAM
Authors: Nazmeev Aynaz L. , Gareeva Gulnara A. , Grigoreva Diana R. , Karimullin Bulat R. , Kuznetsova Evelina M.
Published: February 2024

This article describes the creation of a Telegram bot that will help us quickly convert any currency into rubles. The main thing for the user will be the simplicity and speed of using this bot. And to a large extent it simplifies the work for many employees who often have to convert foreign currency into rubles.

The goal is to create a convenient environment in which users can quickly and without much difficulty convert currencies into rubles.

Method or methodology of work: the article considers a method in which any user, specifying the letter code of the currency, can find out the exchange rate for today in rubles. For realization the programming language Python and programming environment PyCharm are used.

Result: a tool is developed by which the user can find out the ruble exchange rate in the selected currency.

Scope of the results: the data will be used by bank employees or any other users who are interested in the ruble exchange rate.
DATABASE DEPLOYMENT PATTERN FOR HIGH AVAILABILITY
Authors: Khamitov Renat M.
Published: February 2024

Ubiquitous digitalization and the development of big data technologies require a high level of availability (24/7) of information resources. Ensuring high availability of the database requires a significant amount of work on the design, testing and maintenance of several components and configurations. High availability can be achieved or maximized for the following deployment options: one database instance (with or without read replicas) and several main ones (with or without a coordinator). High availability ensures the smooth operation of the system by eliminating individual points of failure, while disaster recovery focuses on restoring normal operation after a failure or downtime. There are several deployment options because there is no universal solution. Choosing the best option depends on your specific use case and requirements. This article presents the main concepts of ensuring high availability and the most effective patterns for providing highly accessible database deployments.

Purpose. definition of effective deployment patterns for database servers to ensure high availability.

Methodology. The results of foreign and domestic scientific research are used in the work. The author uses theoretical research methods related to the search and analysis of information to identify connections and obtain unique conclusions.

Results. The most effective deployment schemes for ensuring high availability and fault tolerance of databases are highlighted.

Practical implications it is advisable to apply the results obtained in the field of DevOps development in order to optimize the process of developing and releasing applications by eliminating a known bottleneck: changes to the database code.