bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Winfield Jimmy , Graham Mark , Miller Taryn
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses financial reporting regulation, briefly exploring the origin of international financial reporting standards (IFRS), and the current state of standardisation across the world. Standard-setting has historically been the task of national standard-setters, who have produced ‘generally accepted accounting practice’, or ‘GAAP’, for their own accounting jurisdictions. With the notable exception of the US, in the twenty-first century, through the process of international harmonisation, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has increasingly taken on the standard-setting task by releasing IFRS. Now, more than 140 countries require listed companies and other public interest entities to use full IFRS. However, IFRS is not without its critics. Common critiques include that it is too long and complex, that some of the accounting treatments it prescribes are inconsistent, and that it offers too many different accounting options.
Assets
Authors: Winfield Jimmy , Graham Mark , Miller Taryn
Published: October 2023

This chapter focuses on assets. Businesses have all sorts of assets: buildings, shop fittings, trademarks, shares in other businesses, inventory, receivables, cash, etc. To qualify as an asset, a resource must meet the three key requirements of the asset definition: it must give rise to a right, the right should have the potential to produce economic benefits, and the business must control the resource. To be recognised as an asset on the business's statement of financial position, an asset must meet the recognition criteria of relevance and faithful representation. Many intangible assets are not recognised as assets because they do not satisfy the recognition criteria. As a result, the statements of financial position of businesses with large investments in intellectual property generally omit their biggest assets. This is a challenge for financial analysts and other users of the financial statements.
Trends in Corporate Reporting
Authors: Winfield Jimmy , Graham Mark , Miller Taryn
Published: October 2023

This chapter discusses some emerging trends in financial reporting. The use of fair value to measure assets has been on the increase. Fair value measurement results in more relevant reporting, but there are concerns: it can increase earnings volatility; it can lead to less reliable reporting; and it can be costly. The chapter then considers the new accounting standards that are in development by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The most significant of these is currently the Primary Financial Statements Project, which will standardise the subtotals used in the profit or loss section of the statement of comprehensive income. The chapter also looks at financial statements prepared using eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) and Inline XBRL (iXBRL); blockchain; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting; integrated reporting; and management commentaries.
Relevant Costs, Marginal Costing and Short-Term Decision Making
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: October 2023

This chapter expands the analysis of costs in the previous chapter to illustrate the use of costing information in making decisions that will be valid in the short-term (a period of one year or less). It begins by defining the concept of contribution and how to calculate it. The chapter then distinguishes between fixed and variable costs in order to determine the costs that are relevant and those that are irrelevant in making short-term decisions. It then introduces break-even analysis and the determination of the margin of safety, which will be useful in carrying out marginal costing and contribution analysis later on. Finally, the chapter discusses the basis of the assumptions used in marginal analysis.
The Distribution and the Antimicrobial Susceptibility Features of Microorganisms Isolated From the Burn Wounds: A 10-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Özkaçmaz Ayşe , Dicle Yalçın , Bayram Yasemin , Parlak Mehmet , Akış Feride , Çallı İskan
Published: October 2023

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the distribution features and antimicrobial susceptibility test results of the microorganisms isolated from the wounds of pediatric and adult patients with burn. The culture and susceptibility test results of the microorganisms, isolated from the wound swabs of the patients hospitalized in a tertiary-burn care center in 10-year period, were retrospectively screened on the microbiology department databases. Their distribution of isolated microorganisms regarding species and susceptibility test results were compared with previous studies. A total of 367 microorganisms, isolated from the burn wounds of 293 patients (13 ± 18.9 years, F/M: 0.93) (73 adults and 220 pediatric patients), were included in this study. A solitary agent was isolated in 239 (81.6%) patients, while 2 were isolated in 43 (14.7%) and 3 or more agents in 11 (3.8%). From these, 33% of the isolated microorganisms were gram-positive cocci, 61% were gram-negative bacteria, and 6% were Candida spp. The most common isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (18.5%), Pseudomonas spp. (16.9%), and Escherichia coli (11.2%), while the least common was Streptococcus spp. (2.5%). Methicillin resistance was 15% among the S. aureus strains. No resistance was observed against levofloxacin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, daptomycin, fusidic acid, and tigecycline in S. aureus strains. The highest resistance rates were observed against levofloxacin (64%), tobramycin (64%), pip/tazobactam (63%), imipenem (63%), and the lowest against colistin (5%) and ceftazidime (29%), among Pseudomonas spp. The most common causative agents in burn wound infections and their current antimicrobial susceptibility features should be well identified, in order for prevention of serious complications and optimal management the condition to occur.
Alternation of the female form in Cambaridae (Decapoda: Astacidea) and the designation of a neotype for Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Cambaridae: Decapoda)
Authors: Kawai Tadashi , McLay Colin L
Published: October 2023

The alternation of the female form is examined in eleven species of Cambaridae: Cambarus angularisHobbs & Bouchard, 1994, C. bartonii (Fabricius, 1798), Faxonius virilis (Hagen, 1870), Procambarus alleni (Faxon, 1884), P. clarkii (Girard, 1852), P. fallax (Hagen, 1870), P. pallidus (Hobbs, 1940), Cambarellus leslieiFitzpatrick & Laning, 1976, C. patzcuarensisVillalobos, 1943, C. schmittiHobbs, 1942, and C. shufeldtii (Faxon, 1884). All species show form-alternation in their annulus ventralis, that of Form I showing a cornified sinus and inflated fossa, but the Form-II females show a un-cornificed sinus and deflated fossa. Morphology of the Form-II annulus ventralis is similar to that of a juvenile. A wider abdomen in Form-I females occurred in five species (C. angularis, C. virilis, C. lesliei, C. schmitti, and C. shufeldtii), and inflation of the palm of the cheliped in Form-I females was observed in four (C. angularis, C. bartonii, F. virilis, and P. clarkii). The range of morphometric female-form alternation demonstrates four patterns: 1) wider abdomen and inflated chela (C. angularis, and C. bartonii), 2) wider abdomen and no chela inflation (C. lesliei, C. schmitti, and C. shufeldtii), 3) no wide abdomen and inflated chela (F. virilis and P. clarkii), 4) no wider abdomen and no chela inflation (P. alleni, P. pallidus, and P. fallax,). A neotype of P. clarkii is also designated and described.
Distal jejunal gallstone ileus—an unusual cause of bowel obstruction: a case report
Authors: Alamoodi Munaser
Published: October 2023

Gallstone ileus is a rare entity that causes bowel obstruction by gaining access through a cysto-enteric fistula. This is a case report of a 70-year-old man presenting with small bowel obstruction secondary to distal jejunal gallstone ileus impaction. He is not known to have any predisposing factors. He was managed effectively with an enterolithotomy. Early diagnosis is key to a good prognosis. Although other management options are available, enterolithotomy with or without cholecystectomy remains the gold standard of management.
The effect of emotional regulation difficulties on sexual and psychological distress using repetitive negative thinking as a mediator
Authors: Raposo Catarina F , Pascoal Patrícia M , Faustino Bruno , Nobre Pedro J
Published: October 2023

Background

Sexual distress, a determinant factor in diagnosing sexual dysfunction, plays a significant role in individuals’ sexual well-being, yet it has been overlooked in research.

Aim

This exploratory study adopted a transdiagnostic approach to sexual distress and sought to examine the association between emotional regulation difficulties and sexual and psychological distress, with repetitive negative thinking as a potential mediator.

Methods

We used a quantitative cross-sectional design with a sample of 509 partnered individuals.

Outcomes

The survey included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale–Short Form, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale, and the Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised.

Results

Correlational analysis revealed significant associations among emotional regulation difficulties, repetitive negative thinking, psychological distress, and sexual distress. Furthermore, a mediation model demonstrated that repetitive negative thinking significantly mediated emotion dysregulation and psychological and sexual distress.

Clinical Implications

These findings underscore the importance of considering emotion regulation difficulties and repetitive negative thinking as a maladaptive coping strategy when evaluating sexual distress and suggest that therapeutic interventions targeting such difficulties and thoughts may yield beneficial outcomes.

Strengths and Limitations

These findings reinforce the importance of considering the role of emotional regulation difficulties and, consequently, repetitive negative thinking as a dysfunctional coping strategy, when studying and intervening in sexual distress. Future research with clinical samples should be developed to establish better the significance of considering these two dimensions in assessment and therapeutic intervention.

Conclusion

Future research should corroborate and expand upon these findings to advance our understanding of sexual distress and optimize interventions in this domain.
A new dengue vaccine (TAK-003) now WHO recommended in endemic areas; what about travellers?
Authors: Freedman David O
Published: October 2023

Qdenga (Takeda) is now WHO recommended for residents of highly endemic areas. Travellers from dengue non-endemic countries with previous travel-related dengue (any serotype) will benefit from TAK-003 vaccination to prevent a secondary dengue infection during future dengue risk travel. Dengue-naïve travellers have less potential benefit and use will remain discretionary for now.
Disruption of Biofilm by Bacteriophages in Clinically Relevant Settings
Authors: Kovacs Christopher J , Rapp Erika M , McKenzie Sophia M , Mazur Michael Z , Mchale Riley P , Brasko Briana , Min Michael Y , Burpo F John , Barnhill Jason C
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing threat to civilian and military health today. Although infections were once easily treatable by antibiotics and wound cleaning, the frequent mutation of bacteria has created strains impermeable to antibiotics and physical attack. Bacteria further their pathogenicity because of their ability to form biofilms on wounds, medical devices, and implant surfaces. Methods for treating biofilms in clinical settings are limited, and when formed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, can generate chronic infections that are recalcitrant to available therapies. Bacteriophages are natural viral predators of bacteria, and their ability to rapidly destroy their host has led to increased attention in potential phage therapy applications.

Materials and Methods

The present article sought to address a knowledge gap in the available literature pertaining to the usage of bacteriophage in clinically relevant settings and the resolution of infections particular to military concerns. PRISMA guidelines were followed for a systematic review of available literature that met the criteria for analysis and inclusion. The research completed for this review article originated from the U.S. Military Academy’s library “Scout” search engine, which complies results from 254 available databases (including PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciFinder). The search criteria included original studies that employed bacteriophage use against biofilms, as well as successful phage therapy strategies for combating chronic bacterial infections. We specifically explored the use of bacteriophage against antibiotic- and treatment-resistant bacteria.

Results

A total of 80 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria following PRISMA guidelines. The application of bacteriophage has been demonstrated to robustly disrupt biofilm growth in wounds and on implant surfaces. When traditional therapies have failed to disrupt biofilms and chronic infections, a combination of these treatments with phage has proven to be effective, often leading to complete wound healing without reinfection.

Conclusions

This review article examines the available literature where bacteriophages have been utilized to treat biofilms in clinically relevant settings. Specific attention is paid to biofilms on implant medical devices, biofilms formed on wounds, and clinical outcomes, where phage treatment has been efficacious. In addition to the clinical benefit of phage therapies, the military relevance and treatment of combat-related infections is also examined. Phages offer the ability to expand available treatment options in austere environments with relatively low cost and effort, allowing the impacted warfighter to return to duty quicker and healthier.
Really Knowing: A Collocational Argument for an Infallibilist Sense of ‘Know’
Authors: Satta Mark
Published: October 2023

Collocations are recurrent combinations of words where one lexical item occurs near another lexical item with a frequency far greater than chance. Collocations can be used to study meaning. I argue that the collocational phrase ‘really know’, in conjunction with some reasonable interpretive conclusions, provides us with evidence that the verb ‘know’ has an infallibilist sense. I make my case, first, by arguing that ‘really’ when part of the phrase ‘really know’ is best understood as synonymous with ‘truly’. I then argue that there are two plausible interpretations of the function that ‘really’ plays in the phrase ‘really know’. On the first interpretation, ‘really’ helps distinguish claims about genuine infallibilist knowing from loose talk about ‘knowing’. On the second interpretation, ‘really’ is often used to disambiguate an infallibilist sense of ‘know’ from a fallibilist sense of ‘know’. On either interpretation, there is an infallibilist sense of ‘know’.
Cartesian Infallibilism and a Guarantee of Truth
Authors: Anderson Charity
Published: October 2023

This paper draws a line of demarcation between fallibilism and infallibilism. Taking Cartesian Infallibilism as a guide, it advances a picture of infallibilism whereby infallible knowledge requires, among other conditions, luminosity of a truth-guaranteeing property. Some implications for contemporary theories of knowledge are explored.
Respiration in light of evergreen and deciduous woody species and its links to the leaf economic spectrum
Authors: Li Xueqin , Chen Xiaoping , Li Jinlong , Wu Panpan , Hu Dandan , Zhong Quanlin , Cheng Dongliang
Published: October 2023

Leaf respiration in the light (Rlight) is crucial for understanding the net CO2 exchange of individual plants and entire ecosystems. However, Rlight is poorly quantified and rarely discussed in the context of the leaf economic spectrum (LES), especially among woody species differing in plant functional types (PFTs) (e.g., evergreen vs. deciduous species). To address this gap in our knowledge, Rlight, respiration in the dark (Rdark), light-saturated photosynthetic rates (Asat), leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA), leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, and maximum carboxylation (Vcmax) and electron transport rates (Jmax) of 54 representative subtropical woody evergreen and deciduous species were measured. With the exception of LMA, the parameters quantified in this study were significantly higher in deciduous species than in evergreen species. The degree of light inhibition did not significantly differ between evergreen (52%) and deciduous (50%) species. Rlight was significantly correlated with LES traits such as Asat, Rdark, LMA, N and P. The Rlight vs. Rdark and N relationships shared common slopes between evergreen and deciduous species, but significantly differed in their y-intercepts, in which the rates of Rlight were slower or faster for any given Rdark or N in deciduous species, respectively. A model for Rlight based on three traits (i.e., Rdark, LMA and P) had an explanatory power of 84.9%. These results show that there is a link between Rlight and the LES, and highlight that PFTs is an important factor in affecting Rlight and the relationships of Rlight with Rdark and N. Thus, this study provides information that can improve the next generation of terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs).
Effects of AMF inoculation on the growth, photosynthesis and root physiological morphology of root-pruned Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings
Authors: Sun Jinhua , Rong Zheng , Yang Liu , Zhu Qimeng , Yuan Yabo , Feng Zhipei , Li Limei , Li Nixuan , Zhang Lei , Guo Shaoxin
Published: October 2023

Root pruning hinders the absorption and utilization of nutrients and water by seedlings in the short term. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are an important source of nutrient and water for seedlings except for the root system. However, the mechanism by which AMF affect the physiological growth of seedlings after root pruning has rarely been studied. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted through a three-compartment partition system to clarify the effects of Funneliformis mosseae (F. mosseae) strain BGC XJ07A on the physiological growth of root-pruned Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings. Five root pruning treatments (zero, one-fifth, one-fourth, one-third and one-half of the taproot length were removed) were applied to noninoculated seedlings and those inoculated with F. mosseae. The results showed that the presence of F. mosseae significantly increased the shoot and root biomasses, leaf photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. The root projected area, root surface area, average root diameter, root density, root volume and number of root tips of the inoculated seedlings were higher than those without inoculation in all root pruning treatments. The root cytokinin, gibberellins and indole-3-acetic acid concentrations, but root abscisic acid concentration, were higher than those measured in the absence of inoculation in all root pruning treatments. Moreover, the changes in the root endogenous hormone concentrations of the seedlings were closely related to the root morphological development and seedling biomass. The AMF increased the soil available nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, soil available potassium and soil organic matter concentrations compared with the noninoculated treatment. These results indicate that AMF can alleviate the adverse effects of root pruning on the physiological growth of R. pseudoacacia and soil properties, and can provide a basis for AMF application to forest cultivation and the sustainable development of forest ecosystems.
Reassessing the Etiology of Aspergillus Vine Canker and Summer Bunch Rot of Table Grapes in California
Authors: Bustamante Marcelo I. , Elfar Karina , Kuzmenko Janet , Zaninovich Thomas , Arreguin Molly , Carachure Carlos , Zhuang George , Michailides Themis J. , Eskalen Akif
Published: October 2023

Fungal taxonomy is in constant flux, and the advent of reliable DNA barcodes has enabled the enhancement of plant pathogen identification accuracy. In California, Aspergillus vine canker (AVC) and summer bunch rot (SBR) are economically important diseases that affect the wood and fruit of grapevines, respectively, and their causal agents are primarily species of black aspergilli (Aspergillus section Nigri). During the last decade, the taxonomy of this fungal group has been rearranged several times using morphological, physiological, and genetic analyses, which resulted in the incorporation of multiple cryptic species that are difficult to distinguish. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to reassess the etiology of AVC and SBR using a combination of morphological observations with phylogenetic reconstructions based on nucleotide sequences of the calmodulin (CaM) gene. Results revealed that the isolates causing AVC from recent isolations corresponded to A. tubingensis, whereas the isolates obtained from initial surveys when the disease was discovered were confirmed as A. niger and A. carbonarius. Similarly, the isolates obtained from table grapes with SBR symptoms and from spore traps placed in those vineyards were identified primarily as A. tubingensis, followed by A. niger and A. carbonarius. Notably, the A. niger isolates formed a subclade with strains previously known as A. welwitschiae, which is a species that was recently synonymized with A. niger. Overall, the most prevalent species was A. tubingensis, which was associated with both AVC and SBR, and representative isolates recovered from AVC-symptomatic wood, berries SBR symptoms, and spore traps were equally pathogenic in healthy wood and berries of ‘Red Globe’ grapevines. This study also constitutes the first report of A. tubingensis causing AVC and SBR of grapes in California and in the United States.
Revision Free Loss of Sagittal Correction > 3 Years After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Lovecchio Francis , Lafage Renaud , Kim Han Jo , Bess Shay , Ames Christopher , Gupta Munish , Passias Peter , Klineberg Eric , Mundis Gregory , Burton Douglas , Smith Justin S , Shaffrey Christopher , Schwab Frank , Lafage Virginie ,   International Spine Study Group
Published: October 2023

Study Design.

Multicenter retrospective cohort study

Objective.

To investigate risk factors for loss of correction within the instrumented lumbar spine following ASD surgery.

Summary of Background Data.

The sustainability of adult deformity (ASD) surgery remains a health care challenge. Malalignment is a major reason for revision surgery.

Methods.

321 patients who underwent fusion of the lumbar spine (≥5 levels, LIV pelvis) with a revision-free follow-up ≥3 years were identified. Patients were stratified by change in PI-LL from 6 weeks to 3 years postop as Maintained vs. Loss >5°. Those with instrumentation failure (broken rod, screw pullout, etc.) were excluded before comparisons. Demographics, surgical data, and radiographic alignment were compared. Repeated measure ANOVA was performed to evaluate the maintenance of the correction for L1-L4 and L4-S1. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify independent surgical predictors of correction loss.

Results.

The cohort had a mean age of 64 yrs, mean BMI 28 kg/m2, 80% female. 82 patients (25.5%) lost >5° of PI-LL correction (mean loss 10±5°). After exclusion of patients with instrumentation failure, 52 Loss were compared to 222 Maintained. Demographics, osteotomies, 3CO, IBF, use of BMP, rod material, rod diameter, and fusion length were not significantly different. L1-S1 screw orientation angle was 1.3±4.1 from early postop to 3 years (P=0.031), but not appreciably different at L4-S1 (-0.1±2.9 P=0.97). Lack of a supplemental rod (OR 4.0, P=0.005) and fusion length (OR 2.2, P=0.004) were associated with loss of correction.

Conclusions.

Approximately a quarter of revision-free patients lose an average of 10° of their 6-week correction by 3 years. Lordosis is lost proximally through the instrumentation (i.e. tulip/shank angle shifts and/or rod bending). The use of supplemental rods and avoiding sagittal overcorrection may help mitigate this loss.
The Predictive Validity of the Berlin Definition of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome for Patients With COVID-19-Related Respiratory Failure Treated With High-Flow Nasal Oxygen: A Multicenter, Prospective Cohort Study*
Authors: Busico Marina , Fuentes Nora A. , Gallardo Adrián , Vitali Alejandra , Quintana Jorgelina , Olmos Matias , Burns Karen E.A. , Esperatti Mariano ,   Argentine Collaborative Group on High Flow and Prone Positioning
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

The Berlin definition of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was constructed for patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) with consideration given to issues related to reliability, feasibility, and validity. Notwithstanding, patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) may be treated with high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) and may not fall within the scope of the original definition. We aimed to evaluate the predictive validity of the Berlin definition in HFNO-treated patients with COVID-19-related respiratory failure who otherwise met ARDS criteria.

DESIGN:

Multicenter, prospective cohort study.

SETTING:

Five ICUs of five centers in Argentina from March 2020 to September 2021.

PATIENTS:

We consecutively included HFNO-treated patients older than 18 years with confirmed COVID-19-related ARF, a Pao
2/Fio
2 of less than 300 mm Hg, bilateral infiltrates on imaging, and worsening respiratory symptoms for less than 1 week.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

We evaluated the predictive validity of mortality at day 28 using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC), compared the predictive validity across subgroups, and characterized relevant clinical outcomes. We screened 1,231 patients and included 696 ARDS patients [30 (4%) mild, 380 (55%) moderate, and 286 (41%) severe]. For the study cohort, the AUC for mortality at day 28 was 0.606 (95% CI, 0.561–0.651) with the AUC for subgroups being similar to that of the overall cohort. Two hundred fifty-six patients (37%) received IMV. By day 28, 142 patients (21%) had died, of whom 81 (57%) had severe ARDS. Mortality occurred primarily in patients who were transitioned to IMV.

CONCLUSIONS:

The predictive validity of the Berlin ARDS definition was similar for HFNO-treated patients as compared with the original population of invasively ventilated patients. Our findings support the extension of the Berlin definition to HFNO-treated patients with ARDS.
Sex Differences in Vital Organ Support Provided to ICU Patients*
Authors: Modra Lucy J. , Higgins Alisa M. , Pilcher David V. , Bailey Michael , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Critically ill women may receive less vital organ support than men but the mortality impact of this differential treatment remains unclear. We aimed to quantify sex differences in vital organ support provided to adult ICU patients and describe the relationship between sex, vital organ support, and mortality.

DESIGN:

In this retrospective observational study, we examined the provision of invasive ventilation (primary outcome), noninvasive ventilation, vasoactive medication, renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), or any one of these five vital organ supports in women compared with men. We performed logistic regression investigating the association of sex with each vital organ support, adjusted for illness severity, diagnosis, preexisting treatment limitation, year, and hospital. We performed logistic regression for hospital mortality adjusted for the same variables, stratified by vital organ support (secondary outcome).

SETTING AND PATIENTS:

ICU admissions in the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Adult Patient Database 2018–2021. This registry records admissions from 90% of ICUs in the two nations.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

We examined 699,535 ICU admissions (43.7% women) to 199 ICUs. After adjustment, women were less likely than men to receive invasive ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 99% CI, 0.63–0.65) and each other organ support except ECMO. Women had lower adjusted hospital mortality overall (OR, 0.94; 99% CI, 0.91–0.97). Among patients who did not receive any organ support, women had significantly lower adjusted hospital mortality (OR, 0.82; 99% CI, 0.76–0.88); among patients who received any organ support women and men were equally likely to die (OR, 1.01; 99% CI, 0.97–1.04).

CONCLUSIONS:

Women received significantly less vital organ support than men in ICUs in Australia and New Zealand. However, our findings suggest that women may not be harmed by this conservative approach to treatment.
Association Between Nurse Copatient Illness Severity and Mortality in the ICU
Authors: Riman Kathryn A. , Davis Billie S. , Seaman Jennifer B. , Kahn Jeremy M.
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

In the context of traditional nurse-to-patient ratios, ICU patients are typically paired with one or more copatients, creating interdependencies that may affect clinical outcomes. We aimed to examine the effect of copatient illness severity on ICU mortality.

DESIGN:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from a multihospital health system from 2018 to 2020. We identified nurse-to-patient assignments for each 12-hour shift using a validated algorithm. We defined copatient illness severity as whether the index patient’s copatient received mechanical ventilation or vasoactive support during the shift. We used proportional hazards regression with time-varying covariates to assess the relationship between copatient illness severity and 28-day ICU mortality.

SETTING:

Twenty-four ICUs in eight hospitals.

PATIENTS:

Patients hospitalized in the ICU between January 1, 2018, and August 31, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

The main analysis included 20,650 patients and 84,544 patient-shifts. Regression analyses showed a patient’s risk of death increased when their copatient received both mechanical ventilation and vasoactive support (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05–1.61; p = 0.02) or vasoactive support alone (HR: 1.82; 95% CI, 1.39–2.38; p < 0.001), compared with situations in which the copatient received neither treatment. However, if the copatient was solely on mechanical ventilation, there was no significant increase in the risk of death (HR: 1.03; 95% CI, 0.86–1.23; p = 0.78). Sensitivity analyses conducted on cohorts with varying numbers of copatients consistently showed an increased risk of death when a copatient received vasoactive support.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that considering copatient illness severity, alongside the existing practice of considering individual patient conditions, during the nurse-to-patient assignment process may be an opportunity to improve ICU outcomes.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Cancer Treatment-Related Cardiac Dysfunction by Ultrasound Myocardial Strain: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dong Minghui , Sun Dandan , Li Jing , Zhang Yuzhu , Fang Xingyu , Liu Mingyang , Su Chang , Ding Mingyan , Zhu Fang
Published: October 2023

Anticancer treatment regimens are effective but may lead to cardiac dysfunction. The meaning of this statement is that myocardial strain can be a good indicator of cancer treatment-related cardiac dysfunction. We used Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare and rank these regimens to comprehensively evaluate their influence on the heart. We searched multiple databases to identify relevant studies. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain, global circumferential strain, and other parameters were collected at baseline (T0), from baseline to 3 months of follow-up (T3), from 3 months to 6 months of follow-up (T6), and from 6 months to 12 months or longer of follow-up (T12). The weight mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to express continuous variables. Direct and indirect comparison and ranking of different regimens based on the forest plots and the surface under the cumulative ranking area. A total of 4613 subjects were included in 33 studies. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy (ANT), trastuzumab, paclitaxel plus carboplatin or clofarabine, and radiotherapy (RT) were more likely to reduce GLS and global circumferential strain at T3 and T12. In particular, ANT+RT resulted in a more significant decrease in GLS than ANT alone at T12 (WMD 1.15; 95% CI, 0.05–2.26). Interestingly, cardioprotective treatment regimens, such as anthracycline plus bisoprolol plus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ANT+BB+ACEIs) (WMD −2.79; 95% CI, −5.06 to −0.52), and ANT plus rosuvastatin (STATINs) (WMD −2.92; 95% CI, −5.54 to −0.29), were more likely to improve GLS than ANT at T12. The included anticancer regimens, especially ANT+RT, reduced GLS at T12, but their combination with cardioprotective drugs improved them. These results will help clinicians choose the best therapy regimens.
Mix-and-match vs bilateral trifocal and bilateral EDOF intraocular lens implantation: the spline curve battle
Authors: Labiris Georgios , Panagis Christos , Ntonti Panagiota , Konstantinidis Aristeidis , Bakirtzis Minas
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

To compare the postoperative visual acuity curves following 3 pseudophakic presbyopic correction techniques.

Setting:

Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

Design:

Prospective, randomized, comparative trial.

Methods:

For this study, patients with stage 2 Lens Opacities Classification System III cataract were divided into 3 study groups: (1) premium monovision group, including patients who received the Panoptix intraocular lens (IOL) in the recessive eye and Vivity IOL in the dominant one; (2) bilateral trifocal group, including those who received bilaterally the Panoptix IOL; and (3) bilateral xEDOF group, including patients who received bilaterally the Vivity IOL. Postoperative bilateral uncorrected distance visual acuity was measured at 25.5, 28, 33, 40, 50, 66, 100, 200, and 300 cm distances. Spline curve fitting was attempted, and areas of the curves (AOCs) and curvature k were calculated. All patients responded to the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25).

Results:

90 patients were equally divided into the 3 groups. Premium monovision and bilateral trifocal implantations delivered similar visual acuity (all AOC P > .05); however, the trifocal patients suffered from drops in vision acuity in certain distance ranges as expressed by negative curvature values. Bilateral xEDOF patients demonstrated worse near vision acuity (P < .05). Premium monovision patients reported better scores in NEI-VFQ 25 (P = .03) and in the near activities (P = .02) and distant activities (P = .04) subscales.

Conclusions:

All surgical options provided impressive outcomes. Premium monovision appeared to deliver the best results.
Drug delivery methods based on nanotechnology for the treatment of eye diseases
Authors: Oucif Khaled Mohammed Tayeb , Zaater Abdelmalekd , Ben Amor Ilham , Zeghoud Soumeia , Ben Amor Asma , Hemmami Hadia , Alnazza Alhamad Ali
Published: October 2023

One of the most difficult tasks among the numerous medication delivery methods is ocular drug delivery. Despite having effective medications for treating ocular illness, we have not yet managed to develop an appropriate drug delivery strategy with the fewest side effects. Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly address the drawbacks of current ocular delivery systems, such as their insufficient therapeutic effectiveness and unfavourable side effects from invasive surgery or systemic exposure. The objective of the current research is to highlight and update the most recent developments in nano-based technologies for the detection and treatment of ocular diseases. Even if more work has to be done, the advancements shown here might lead to brand-new, very practical ocular nanomedicines.
External iliac artery thrombosis as a result of acetabular fixation through the ilioinguinal approach: a case report
Authors: Hadavi Dorsa , Shahbazi Parmida , Gholami Niloofar , Hajialigol Amirhossein , Azarsina Salman
Published: October 2023

Introduction and importance:

Acetabular fractures mostly occur in young people who are involved in high-energy trauma and they are treated by orthopedic trauma surgeons. Patients with acetabular fractures are at high risk for different kinds of complications. We report a case of postoperative thrombosis of the external iliac artery following fixation surgery performed by an ilioinguinal approach while receiving thromboprophylaxis during admission to the hospital.

Case presentation:

A 57-year-old healthy woman presented with a left both-column acetabular fracture and underwent acetabular fixation through the ilioinguinal approach. The patient was receiving antithrombotic prophylaxis medications in the course of treatment.

Clinical discussion:

During her convalescence, while at the hospital, she was diagnosed with left external iliac artery thrombosis, needing surgical thrombectomy. These severe and rare complications will lead to uncertainty about a commonly used ilioinguinal approach. Postoperative arterial thrombosis may be rare in patients undergoing acetabular fixation surgery but searching for signs and symptoms of this condition is always necessary.

Conclusion:

It is possible to prevent severe complications by performing a routine measurement of the distal arterial pressure after similar surgeries.
Acute oral poisoning due to pretilachlor herbicide – a rare case report from Nepal
Authors: Nepali Prakash , Adhikari Subodh , Aryal Suraj , Gyawali Pratigya , Pathak Roshan , Upreti Apil , Koirala Saru , Upadhayaya Awaz , Ghimire Bardan , Bhatta Laxmi R.
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Acute oral intoxication of pretilachlor, a synthetic chloroacetanilide herbicide, can present similar clinical manifestations of organophosphorus toxicity in humans.

Case presentation:

A 15-year-old male was admitted after suicidal ingestion of pretilachlor poison, with decreased consciousness and blood-mixed vomiting.

Discussion:

Pretilachlor is a colorless and odorless liquid that can cause neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity due to its prolonged exposure. The effects of acute oral exposure are mild and may differ from chronic exposure. Individuals exposed to chloroacetanilides may not show symptoms or experience vomiting and neurological issues. Clinical manifestations such as vomiting, excessive lacrimation, bowel and bladder incontinence, bradycardia, and hypotension can be observed in both organophosphate poisoning and pretilachlor poisoning, making accurate diagnosis challenging, particularly in resource-limited settings like ours. There is no specific antidote for pretilachlor poisoning. Treatment focuses on symptomatic care and monitoring the patient’s hemodynamics as per standard protocol.

Conclusion:

This case underscores the need for prompt stabilization, vigilant monitoring, and supportive care to ensure timely recovery in pretilachlor poisoning cases despite similarities with organophosphate poisoning. It emphasizes the importance of educating and raising awareness among physicians about potential mimickers like organophosphates.
Putting Guidelines Into Practice: Is Frailty Measurement at the Time of Kidney Transplant Eligibility Assessment Valid, Feasible, and Acceptable to Patients?
Authors: Weerasekera Shavini , Reid Natasha , Young Adrienne , Homes Ryan , Sia Aaron , Giddens Fiona , Francis Ross S. , Hubbard Ruth E. , Gordon Emily H.
Published: October 2023

Background.

Clinical Practice Guidelines suggest that frailty be measured during kidney transplant eligibility assessments. Yet it is not known how frailty is best assessed in this setting or whether its assessment is acceptable to patients. We aimed to examine the construct validity and feasibility of Frailty Index (FI) assessment among patients attending a kidney transplant assessment clinic and to explore patients’ perspectives on frailty and the acceptability of its routine assessment.

Methods.

A 58-item FI was calculated for 147 clinic patients. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a subgroup of 29 patients. The FI was validated against normative FI characteristics (mean, distribution, limit), age, and the Estimated Post-Transplant Survival Score. Feasibility was assessed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results.

The mean FI was 0.23 (±0.10, normal distribution, limit 0.53). FI increased with age and Estimated Post-Transplant Survival score. The FI was completed for 62.8% of eligible patients (147/234). The median completion time was 10 min, and completion rate (with no missing data) was 100%. Four themes were identified: perceptions of frailty, acceptability, perceived benefits, and risks of frailty measurement. Patients linked frailty with age and adverse outcomes, and most did not consider themselves frail. Patients reported that the FI was quick, simple, and efficient. They felt that frailty assessment is relevant to transplant eligibility and should be used to address potentially reversible factors.

Conclusions.

The FI demonstrated construct validity and was feasible and acceptable in this clinic setting. The challenge is ensuring that routine assessments lead to better care.
Structured, nurse-led ward rounds to improve interprofessional communication and optimize care of vascular surgery patients: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Neo Nicholas Wee Siong , Li Yao , Salazar Ailene Bandoy , Gan Jessica Kai Lun , Ng Jun Jie , Tho Poh Chi
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Ward rounds are crucial inpatient activities during which patients’ conditions are discussed. Team-based models such as nurse-led ward rounds (NLWRs) have been conceptualized and trialled, with positive results.

Methods:

An evidence-based quality improvement pilot project to introduce NLWRs was implemented at a cardiovascular medical-surgical unit in a Singapore tertiary hospital. The JBI Evidence Implementation Framework was used to guide the project. The evidence-based NLWR format incorporated stakeholder feedback on NLWR frequency, preparation, coordination, and content. Baseline and 6-month post-implementation audits were carried out.

Results:

The 4 audit criteria improved from baseline, reaching 100% compliance for criteria 1, 2, and 3 associated with interprofessional communication and collaboration. An improvement from baseline (30% to 46.7%) was also observed for criterion 4 on patient involvement during medical ward rounds. Moreover, there were improvements in clinical outcome data such as patient hospitalization length, “best medical therapy” rates, and inpatient complications. A statistically significant improvement in nurses’ confidence to lead discussions during medical rounds was also observed (p = 0.026).

Conclusions:

This project promoted greater compliance with NLWR criteria through audit and feedback cycles and the contextualization of implementation strategies. A well-supported program that prepares nurses for interprofessional communication also improves nurses’ confidence in team communication, bolstering their ability to provide high-quality patient care.
How honeybees respond to heat stress from the individual to colony level
Authors: Jhawar Jitesh , Davidson Jacob D. , Weidenmüller Anja , Wild Benjamin , Dormagen David M. , Landgraf Tim , Couzin Iain D. , Smith Michael L.
Published: October 2023

A honey bee colony functions as an integrated collective, with individuals coordinating their behaviour to adapt and respond to unexpected disturbances. Nest homeostasis is critical for colony function; when ambient temperatures increase, individuals switch to thermoregulatory roles to cool the nest, such as fanning and water collection. While prior work has focused on bees engaged in specific behaviours, less is known about how responses are coordinated at the colony level, and how previous tasks predict behavioural changes during a heat stress. Using BeesBook automated tracking, we follow thousands of individuals during an experimentally induced heat stress, and analyse their behavioural changes from the individual to colony level. We show that heat stress causes an overall increase in activity levels and a spatial reorganization of bees away from the brood area. Using a generalized framework to analyse individual behaviour, we find that individuals differ in their response to heat stress, which depends on their prior behaviour and correlates with age. Examining the correlation of behavioural metrics over time suggests that heat stress perturbation does not have a long-lasting effect on an individual’s future behaviour. These results demonstrate how thousands of individuals within a colony change their behaviour to achieve a coordinated response to an environmental disturbance.
Temperature activated transient receptor potential ion channels from Antarctic fishes
Authors: York Julia M.
Published: October 2023

Antarctic notothenioid fishes (cryonotothenioids) live in waters that range between −1.86°C and an extreme maximum +4°C. Evidence suggests these fish sense temperature peripherally, but the molecular mechanism of temperature sensation in unknown. Previous work identified transient receptor potential (TRP) channels TRPA1b, TRPM4 and TRPV1a as the top candidates for temperature sensors. Here, cryonotothenioid TRPA1b and TRPV1a are characterized using
Xenopus
oocyte electrophysiology. TRPA1b and TRPV1a showed heat-evoked currents with Q10s of 11.1 ± 2.2 and 20.5 ± 2.4, respectively. Unexpectedly, heat activation occurred at a threshold of 22.9 ± 1.3°C for TRPA1b and 32.1 ± 0.6°C for TRPV1a. These fish have not experienced such temperatures for at least 15 Myr. Either (1) another molecular mechanism underlies temperature sensation, (2) these fishes do not sense temperatures below these thresholds despite having lethal limits as low as 5°C, or (3) native cellular conditions modify the TRP channels to function at relevant temperatures. The effects of osmolytes, pH, oxidation, phosphorylation, lipids and accessory proteins were tested. No conditions shifted the activity range of TRPV1a. Oxidation in combination with reduced cholesterol significantly dropped activation threshold of TRPA1b to 11.3 ± 2.3°C, it is hypothesized the effect may be due to lipid raft disruption.