bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practical strategies to achieve resilient health systems: results from a scoping review
Authors: Bishai David , Saleh Basma M. , Huda Maryam , Aly Eman Mohammed , Hafiz Marwa , Ardalan Ali , Mataria Awad
Published: March 2024

Background

This paper presents the results of a systematic review to identify practical strategies to create the institutions, skills, values, and norms that will improve health systems resilience.

Methods

A PRISMA 2020 compliant systematic review identified peer-reviewed and gray literature on practical strategies to make health systems more resilient. Investigators screened 970 papers to identify 65 English language papers published since 2015.

Results

Practical strategies focus efforts on system changes to improve a health system’s resilience components of collective knowing, collective thinking, and collaborative doing. The most helpful studies identified potential lead organizations to serve as the stewards of resilience improvement, and these were commonly in national and local departments of public health. Papers on practical strategies suggested possible measurement tools to benchmark resilience components in efforts to focus on performance improvement and ways to sustain their use. Essential Public Health Function (EPHF) measurement and improvement tools are well-aligned to the resilience agenda. The field of health systems resilience lacks empirical trials linking resilience improvement interventions to outcomes.

Conclusions

The rigorous assessment of practical strategies to improve resilience based on cycles of measurement should be a high priority.
Surgical waiting lists and queue management in a Brazilian tertiary public hospital
Authors: Pazin-Filho Antonio , do Valle Dallora Maria Eulália Lessa , Velasco Tonicarlo Rodrigues , Cardoso dos Santos Roberto de Oliveira , Volpe Gustavo Jardim , Moroço Diego Marques , de Souza Danilo Arruda , Canabrava Claudia Marques , Garcia Luis Vicente , Joviliano Edwaldo Edner , Maciel Benedito Carlos
Published: March 2024

Background

Centralized management of queues helps to reduce the surgical waiting time in the publicly funded healthcare system, but this is not a reality in the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (BUHS). We describe the implementation of the “Patients with Surgical Indication” (PSI) in a Brazilian public tertiary hospital, the impact on waiting time, and its use in rationing oncological surgeries during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of elective surgical requests (2016–2022) in a Brazilian general, public, tertiary university hospital. We recovered information regarding the inflows (indications), outflows and their reasons, the number of patients, and waiting time in queue.

Results

We enrolled 82,844 indications in the PSI (2016–2022). The waiting time (median and interquartile range) in days decreased from 98(48;168) in 2016 to 14(3;152) in 2022 (p < 0.01). The same occurred with the backlog that ranged from 6,884 in 2016 to 844 in 2022 (p < 001). During the Pandemic, there was a reduction in the number of non-oncological surgeries per month (95% confidence interval) of -10.9(-18.0;-3.8) during Phase I (January 2019-March 2020), maintenance in Phase II (April 2020-August 2021) 0.1(-10.0;10.4) and increment in Phase III (September 2021-December 2022) of 23.0(15.3;30.8). In the oncological conditions, these numbers were 0.6(-2.1;3.3) for Phase I, an increase of 3.2(0.7;5.6) in Phase II and 3.9(1,4;6,4) in Phase III.

Conclusion

Implementing a centralized list of surgical indications and developing queue management principles proved feasible, with effective rationing. It unprecedentedly demonstrated the decrease in the median waiting time in Brazil.
Medication adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes after disability onset: a difference-in-differences analysis using nationwide data
Authors: Chen Szu-Han , Lee Miaw-Chwen , Pu Christy
Published: March 2024

Background

Effectively managing the coexistence of both diabetes and disability necessitates substantial effort. Whether disability onset affects adherence to type 2 diabetes medication remains unclear. This study investigated whether disability onset reduces such adherence and whether any reduction varies by disability type.

Methods

This study used the National Disability Registry and National Health Insurance Research Database from Taiwan to identify patients with type 2 diabetes who subsequently developed a disability from 2013 to 2020; these patients were matched with patients with type 2 diabetes without disability onset during the study period. Type 2 diabetes medication adherence was measured using the medication possession ratio (MPR). A difference-in-differences analysis was performed to determine the effect of disability onset on the MPR.

Results

The difference-in-differences analysis revealed that disability onset caused a reduction of 5.76% in the 1-year MPR (P < 0.001) and 13.21% in the 2-year MPR (P < 0.001). Among all disability types, organ disabilities, multiple disabilities, rare diseases, and a persistent vegetative state exhibited the largest reductions in 2-year MPR.

Conclusions

Policies aimed at improving medication adherence in individuals with disabilities should consider not only the specific disability type but also the distinct challenges and barriers these patients encounter in maintaining medication adherence.
Correlation between large rearrangements and patient phenotypes in NF1 deletion syndrome: an update and review
Authors: Pacot Laurence , Girish Milind , Knight Samantha , Spurlock Gill , Varghese Vinod , Ye Manuela , Thomas Nick , Pasmant Eric , Upadhyaya Meena
Published: March 2024

About 5–10% of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients exhibit large genomic germline deletions that remove the NF1 gene and its flanking regions. The most frequent NF1 large deletion is 1.4 Mb, resulting from homologous recombination between two low copy repeats. This “type-1” deletion is associated with a severe clinical phenotype in NF1 patients, with several phenotypic manifestations including learning disability, a much earlier development of cutaneous neurofibromas, an increased tumour risk, and cardiovascular malformations. NF1 adjacent co-deleted genes could act as modifier loci for the specific clinical manifestations observed in deleted NF1 patients. Furthermore, other genetic modifiers (such as CNVs) not located at the NF1 locus could also modulate the phenotype observed in patients with large deletions. In this study, we analysed 22 NF1 deletion patients by genome-wide array-CGH with the aim (1) to correlate deletion length to observed phenotypic features and their severity in NF1 deletion syndrome, and (2) to identify whether the deletion phenotype could also be modulated by copy number variations elsewhere in the genome. We then review the role of co-deleted genes in the 1.4 Mb interval of type-1 deletions, and their possible implication in the main clinical features observed in this high-risk group of NF1 patients.
Diagnostic value of bedside lung ultrasound and 12-zone score in the 65 cases of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and its severity
Authors: Huang Peipei , Chen Deng , Liu Xiuxiang , Zhang Xiang , Song Xiazi
Published: March 2024

Objective

To explore the predictive value of bedside lung ultrasound score in the severity of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) and mechanical ventilation and extubation.

Methods

The clinical data of 65 neonates with NRDS and invasive mechanical ventilation diagnosed in the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital from July 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. 65 neonates were included in the NRDS group, and 40 neonates with other common lung diseases were selected as the other lung disease groups. All neonates underwent lung ultrasound and X-ray examination. The correlation between lung ultrasound scores and arterial blood gas indexes was analyzed by Pearson. The efficacy of successful evacuation of mechanical ventilation was evaluated by lung ultrasound analysis by ROC curve analysis.

Results

The positive rates of lung consolidation and white lung in NRDS group were higher than the other lung disease groups (P < 0.05). The positive rates of bronchial inflation sign and double lung points were lower than these in the other lung disease groups (P < 0.05). The ultrasound scores of both lungs, left lung, right lung, bilateral lung and double basal lung in the NRDS group were significantly higher than those in the other lung disease groups (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between lung ultrasound score and X-ray grade (r = 0.841, P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of lung ultrasound score for the differential diagnosis of NRDS and common lung diseases was 0.907. The AUC of lung ultrasound score in the differential diagnosis of mild and moderate, and moderate and severe NRDS were 0.914 and 0.933, respectively, which had high clinical value. The lung ultrasound score was positively correlated with the level of PaCO2 (r = 0.254, P = 0.041), and negatively correlated with the levels of SpO2 and PaO2 (r = − 0.459, − 0.362, P = 0.001, 0.003). The AUC of successful mechanical ventilation withdrawal predicted by the pulmonary ultrasound score before extubation was 0.954 (95% CI 0.907–1.000). The predictive value of successful extubation was 10 points of the pulmonary ultrasound score, with a sensitivity of 93.33% and a specificity of 88.00%.

Conclusion

The bedside lung ultrasound score can intuitively reflect the respiratory status of neonates, which provides clinicians with an important basis for disease evaluation.
Metabolism of asparagine in the physiological state and cancer
Authors: Yuan Qiong , Yin Liyang , He Jun , Zeng Qiting , Liang Yuxin , Shen Yingying , Zu Xuyu
Published: March 2024

Asparagine, an important amino acid in mammals, is produced in several organs and is widely used for the production of other nutrients such as glucose, proteins, lipids, and nucleotides. Asparagine has also been reported to play a vital role in the development of cancer cells. Although several types of cancer cells can synthesise asparagine alone, their synthesis levels are insufficient to meet their requirements. These cells must rely on the supply of exogenous asparagine, which is why asparagine is considered a semi-essential amino acid. Therefore, nutritional inhibition by targeting asparagine is often considered as an anti-cancer strategy and has shown success in the treatment of leukaemia. However, asparagine limitation alone does not achieve an ideal therapeutic effect because of stress responses that upregulate asparagine synthase (ASNS) to meet the requirements for asparagine in cancer cells. Various cancer cells initiate different reprogramming processes in response to the deficiency of asparagine. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the asparagine metabolism in cancers. This review primarily discusses the physiological role of asparagine and the current progress in the field of cancer research.
Bacterial isolation and genome analysis of a novel Klebsiella quasipneumoniae phage in southwest China’s karst area
Authors: Liu Yanju , Wang Jinfeng , Zhao Ruoyu , Liu Xiaoping , Dong Yang , Shi Wenyu , Jiang Hongchen , Guan Xiangyu
Published: March 2024

Background

Southwest China is one of the largest karst regions in the world. Karst environment is relatively fragile and vulnerable to human activities. Due to the discharge of sewage and domestic garbage, the karst system may be polluted by pathogenic bacteria. The detection of bacterial distribution and identification of phage capable of infecting them is an important approach for environmental assessment and resource acquisition.

Methods

Bacteria and phages were isolated from karst water in southwest China using the plate scribing and double plate method, respectively. Isolated phage was defined by transmission electron microscopy, one-step growth curve and optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI). Genomic sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, comparative genomic and proteomic analysis were performed.

Results

AKlebsiella quasipneumoniaephage was isolated from 32 isolates and named KL01. KL01 is morphologically identified asCaudoviriceteswith an optimal MOI of 0.1, an incubation period of 10 min, and a lysis period of 60 min. The genome length of KL01 is about 45 kb, the GC content is 42.5%, and it contains 59 open reading frames. The highest average nucleotide similarity between KL01 and a knownKlebsiellaphage 6939 was 83.04%.

Conclusions

KL01 is a novel phage, belonging to theAutophagoviridae, which has strong lytic ability. This study indicates that there were not only some potential potentially pathogenic bacteria in the karst environment, but also phage resources for exploration and application.
Electroacupuncture pretreatment mediates sympathetic nerves to alleviate myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury via CRH neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zhang Bin , Zhou Xiang , Zhang Fan , Shu Qi , Wu Yan , Chang Hui-Min , Hu Ling , Cai Rong-Lin , Yu Qing
Published: March 2024

Background

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion can further exacerbate myocardial injury and increase the risk of death. Our previous research found that the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the improvement of myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) by electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment, but its mechanism of action is still unclear. CRH neurons exhibit periodic concentrated expression in PVN, but further research is needed to determine whether they are involved in the improvement of MIRI by EA pretreatment. Meanwhile, numerous studies have shown that changes in sympathetic nervous system innervation and activity are associated with many heart diseases. This study aims to investigate whether EA pretreatment improves MIRI through sympathetic nervous system mediated by PVNCRHneurons.

Methods

Integrated use of fiber-optic recording, chemical genetics and other methods to detect relevant indicators: ECG signals were acquired through Powerlab standard II leads, and LabChart 8 calculated heart rate, ST-segment offset, and heart rate variability (HRV); Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular short-axis shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter (LVIDs) and interventricular septal thickness (IVSs) were measured by echocardiography; Myocardial infarct area (IA) and area at risk (AAR) were calculated by Evans-TTC staining. Pathological changes in cardiomyocytes were observed by HE staining; Changes in PVNCRHneuronal activity were recorded by fiber-optic photometry; Sympathetic nerve discharges were recorded for in vivo electrophysiology; NE and TH protein expression was assayed by Western blot.

Results

Our data indicated that EA pretreatment can effectively alleviate MIRI. Meanwhile, we found that in the MIRI model, the number and activity of CRH neurons co labeled with c-Fos in the PVN area of the rat brain increased, and the frequency of sympathetic nerve discharge increased. EA pretreatment could reverse this change. In addition, the results of chemical genetics indicated that inhibiting PVNCRHneurons has a similar protective effect on MIRI as EA pretreatment, and the activation of PVNCRHneurons can counteract this protective effect.

Conclusion

EA pretreatment can inhibit PVNCRHneurons and improve MIRI by inhibiting sympathetic nerve, which offers fresh perspectives on the application of acupuncture in the management of cardiovascular disease.
Clinical and genetic studies for a cohort of patients with congenital stationary night blindness
Authors: Huang Lijuan , Bai Xueqing , Xie Yan , Zhou Yunyu , Wu Jin , Li Ningdong
Published: March 2024

Background

Congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) is an inherited retinal disorder. Most of patients have myopia. This study aims to describe the clinical and genetic characteristics of fifty-nine patients with CSNB and investigate myopic progression under genetic cause.

Results

Sixty-five variants were detected in the 59 CSNB patients, including 32 novel and 33 reported variants. The most frequently involved genes were NYX, CACNA1F, and TRPM1. Myopia (96.61%, 57/59) was the most common clinical finding, followed by nystagmus (62.71%, 37/59), strabismus (52.54%, 31/59), and nyctalopia (49.15%, 29/59). An average SE of -7.73 ± 3.37 D progressed to -9.14 ± 2.09 D in NYX patients with myopia, from − 2.24 ± 1.53 D to -4.42 ± 1.43 D in those with CACNA1F, and from − 5.21 ± 2.89 D to -9.24 ± 3.16 D in those with TRPM1 during the 3-year follow-up; the TRPM1 group showed the most rapid progression.

Conclusions

High myopia and strabismus are distinct clinical features of CSNB that are helpful for diagnosis. The novel variants identified in this study will further expand the knowledge of variants in CSNB and help explore the molecular mechanisms of CSNB.
Association of COVID-19 preventive behavior and job-related stress with the sleep quality of healthcare workers one year into the COVID-19 outbreak: a Japanese cross-sectional survey
Authors: Izuhara Muneto , Matsui Kentaro , Okubo Ryo , Yoshiike Takuya , Nagao Kentaro , Kawamura Aoi , Tsuru Ayumi , Utsumi Tomohiro , Hazumi Megumi , Sasaki Yohei , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Komaki Hirofumi , Oi Hideki , Kim Yoshiharu , Kuriyama Kenichi , Miyama Takeshi , Nakagome Kazuyuki
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the association of COVID-19 preventive behavior and job-related stress with sleep quality among healthcare workers (HCWs). We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire at the National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.

Methods

A total of 586 participants who completed the questionnaire were eligible for the study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate sleep quality. We examined the level of engagement between poor sleep and COVID-19-related infection preventive behaviors, such as avoiding closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact (three Cs), a distance of at least one meter from others, wearing a face mask regularly, washing hands regularly, and working remotely, as well as job-related stress in the work environment, exposure to patients, potential risk of infection, fear of infecting others, need for social confinement, and financial instability. We conducted a hierarchical logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between poor sleep and COVID-19 preventive behavior, job-related stress, and other covariates, including age, sex, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), which was used to measure non-specific psychological distress.

Results

Poor sleep was observed in 223 (38.1%) participants. Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures was relatively high: 84.1% of participants answered “always” for wearing a face mask regularly and 83.4% for washing hands regularly. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, stress in the work environment (odds ratio [OR] = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–3.20; p < 0.001), financial instability (OR = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.12–2.67; p < 0.05), and low adherence to working remotely (OR = 1.65, 95% CI, 1.06–2.57; p < 0.05) were independently and significantly associated with poor sleep after controlling for the covariates.

Conclusions

One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the poor sleep rates of HCWs remained high. These results emphasize the need to protect HCWs from work environment stress and financial concerns.
Inhibition of MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase by an antisense oligonucleotide enhances treatment efficacy of immunoradiotherapy
Authors: Hu Yun , Revenko Alexey , Barsoumian Hampartsoum , Bertolet Genevieve , Fowlkes Natalie Wall , Maazi Hadi , Green Morgan Maureen , He Kewen , Sezen Duygu , Voss Tiffany A. , Leyton Claudia S Kettlun , Masrorpour Fatemeh , Rafiq Zahid , Puebla-Osorio Nahum , Leuschner Carola , MacLeod Robert , Cortez Maria Angelica , Welsh James W.
Published: March 2024

Background

The combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy (immunoradiotherapy) has been increasingly used for treating a wide range of cancers. However, some tumors are resistant to immunoradiotherapy. We have previously shown that MER proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK) expressed on macrophages mediates resistance to immunoradiotherapy. We therefore sought to develop therapeutics that can mitigate the negative impact of MerTK. We designed and developed a MerTK specific antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and characterized its effects on eliciting an anti-tumor immune response in mice.

Methods

344SQR cells were injected into the right legs on day 0 and the left legs on day 4 of 8-12 weeks old female 129sv/ev mice to establish primary and secondary tumors, respectively. Radiation at a dose of 12 Gy was given to the primary tumors on days 8, 9, and 10. Mice received either anti-PD-1, anti-CTLA-4 or/and MerTK ASO starting from day 1 post tumor implantation. The composition of the tumor microenvironment and the level of MerTK on macrophages in the tumor were evaluted by flow cytometry. The expression of immune-related genes was investigated with NanoString. Lastly, the impact of MerTK ASO on the structure of the eye was histologically evaluated.

Results

Remarkably, the addition of MerTK ASO to XRT+anti-PD1 and XRT+anti-CTLA4 profoundly slowed the growth of both primary and secondary tumors and significantly extended survival. The ASO significantly reduced the expression of MerTK in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), reprograming their phenotype from M2 to M1. In addition, MerTK ASO increased the percentage of Granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells in the secondary tumors when combined with XRT+anti-CTLA4. NanoString results demonstrated that the MerTK ASO favorably modulated immune-related genes for promoting antitumor immune response in secondary tumors. Importantly, histological analysis of eye tissues demonstrated that unlike small molecules, the MerTK ASO did not produce any detectable pathology in the eyes.

Conclusions

The MerTK ASO can significantly downregulate the expression of MerTK on TAMs, thereby promoting antitumor immune response. The combination of MerTK ASO with immunoradiotherapy can safely and significantly slow tumor growth and improve survival.

Graphical Abstract
The effect of UNIMMAP multiple micronutrient supplements versus iron-folic acid and placebo in anemia reduction among women of reproductive age in Kebribeyah Woreda, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia: a study protocol for a community-based individual RCT
Authors: Kuche Desalegn , Abebe Zeweter , Tessema Masresha , Girma Meron , Hussen Alemayehu , Baye Kaleab , Stoecker Barbara J.
Published: March 2024

Background

Women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries are often at risk of micronutrient deficiencies due to inadequate intakes and excessive losses.

Objective

The purpose of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation-Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (UNIMMAP-MMS) versus iron-folic acid (IFA) among WRA in reducing anemia.

Methods

Three parallel groups of WRA will participate in a community-based, individually randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial. After consent, the sample of 375 mildly or moderately anemic women based on hemoglobin by Hemocue will be randomly assigned across two interventions and one control arm. Trial participants in intervention arms will receive UNIMMAP-MMS or IFA while those in the control arm will receive placebos twice a week for 17 weeks. The primary outcome will be a change in mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. Outcome assessors and study participants will be blinded to the type of supplements and study arm.

Discussion

The World Health Organization (WHO) added UNIMMAP-MMS to its essential medicine lists in 2021 but recommended rigorous study. Several factors in addition to inadequate intakes of iron and folic acid contribute to the high prevalence of anemia among WRA in the Somali region. The findings of this study will provide evidence on the effect of UNIMMAP-MMS and IFA on Hb concentrations and anemia prevalence among anemic WRA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05682261. Registered on January 12, 2023.
Sulfonate derivatives bearing an amide unit: design, synthesis and biological activity studies
Authors: Liu You-hua , Li Chang-kun , Nie Mao-yu , Wang Fa-li , Ren Xiao-li , Jin Lin-hong , Zhou Xia
Published: March 2024

Pest disasters which occurs on crops is a serious problem that not only cause crop yield loss or even crop failure but can also spread a number of plant diseases.Sulfonate derivatives have been widely used in insecticide and fungicide research in recent years. On this basis, a series of sulfonate derivatives bearing an amide unit are synthesized and the biological activities are evaluated. The bioassay results showed that compounds A8, A13, A16, B1, B3, B4, B5, B10, B12 − 20, C3, C5, C9, C10, C14, C15, C17 and C19 showed 100% activity at a concentration of 500 µg/mL against the Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella). Among them, B15 which contains a thiadiazole sulfonate structure still shows 100% activity at 50 µg/mL concentration against P. xylostella and had the lowest median lethal concentration (LC50) (7.61 µg/mL) among the target compounds. Further mechanism studies are conducted on compounds with better insecticidal activity. Molecular docking results shows that B15 formed hydrophobic interactions π-π and hydrogen bonds with the indole ring of Trp532 and the carboxyl group of Asp384, respectively, with similar interaction distances or bond lengths as those of diflubenzuron. Moreover, chitinase inhibition assays are performed to further demonstrate its mode of action. In addition, the anti-bacterial activity of the series of compounds is also tested and the results showed that the series of compounds has moderate biological activity against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), with inhibition rates of 91%, 92% and 92%, 88% at the concentration of 100 µg/mL, respectively. Our study indicates that B15 can be used as a novel insecticide for crop protection.

Graphical Abstract
Efficiency of fluralaner pour-on in different strategic control protocols against Rhipicephalus microplus on Brangus cattle in a tropical area
Authors: Reckziegel Guilherme Henrique , de Freitas Mariana Green , Tutija Juliane Francielle , Rodrigues Vinícius Duarte , Borges Dyego Gonçalves Lino , de Freitas Murilo Damasceno Brunet , Gallina Tiago , Lopes Welber Daniel Zanetti , de Castro Rodrigues Daniel , de Oliveira Arriero Amaral Heitor , Strydom Tom , Torres Siddhartha , de Almeida Borges Fernando
Published: March 2024

Background

The occurrence of higher winter temperatures in Brazilian areas with tropical and highland climates may result in a fifth peak of tick populations during winter in addition to the four generations previously described. Therefore, a strategic control protocol was developed with treatments in two seasons with the objective of controlling the generations of ticks that occur in spring/summer and those that occur in autumn/winter.

Methods

The study was conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, from the beginning of the rainy season, November 2020, to October 2021. In a randomized block design, 36 calves were distributed into three groups: (i) negative control; (ii) traditional strategic control in one season (SC1S), at the beginning of the rainy season; and (iii) strategic control in two seasons (SC2S), at the beginning and end of the rainy season. The SC1S strategic control group was treated on day 0, November 2020, and twice more with intervals of 42 days. The SC2S group received three more treatments beginning on day 182, May 2021, with intervals of 42 days. All treatments consisted of 5% fluralaner (Exzolt® 5%) delivered via a pour-on dose of 1 mL/20 kg body weight. Counts of semi-engorged female ticks were performed on day 3 and every 14 days thereafter, and the animals were weighed at the same time.

Results

Fluralaner showed a mean efficacy of more than 95% up to day 294. The two treated groups showed a decrease (P < 0.05) in the average number of ticks on day 3. In the SC2S group, the means were close or equal to zero throughout the study, while in the SC1S group, the means did not differ (P > 0.05) from those of the control group from day 231 onward. The final mean weight gain of each group was 76.40 kg, 98.63 kg, and 115.38 kg for the control, SC1S, and SC2S groups, respectively, differing (P < 0.05) from each other.

Conclusions

Therefore, three applications of fluralaner, with one application every 42 days from the beginning of the rainy season in the middle spring, resulted in effective tick control for 224 days. When three additional treatments were given in autumn/winter with intervals of 42 days between applications, tick counts were reduced throughout the year. This strategic control approach may be indicated in years with climatic conditions that allow that population peaks are expected to occur in the autumn/winter period.

Graphical Abstract
A new medical device applied in a case of acute fecal impaction with overflow diarrhea: a case report
Authors: Huang Qin , Zheng Fan , Wang Hongxia , Yang Yong , Ma Chun , Zhu Likun
Published: March 2024

Background

Fecal impaction is a digestive system disease, that is most common in the elderly population and becomes more prevalent with increasing age. Manual removal can successfully remove the impaction in 80% of fecal impaction cases. In severe cases, endoscopy and surgery may be necessary.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old Han Chinese man living in a nursing home was diagnosed with fecal impaction; his initial symptom was overflow diarrhea, which is a rare occurrence with regard to fecal impaction. Nevertheless, we were able to effectively treat this situation by employing a new medical device that presents a novel method for addressing fecal impaction.

Conclusion

Early identification of fecal impaction with atypical symptoms is crucial to provide proper emergency management. A safe and noninvasive treatment method, especially for elderly patients with fecal impaction, should be chosen.
Relationship between fear of evaluation, ambivalence over emotional expression, and self-compassion among university students
Authors: Huang Tian , Wang Wenbo
Published: March 2024

Background

This study focuses on college students as research subjects, exploring the relationship between fear of evaluation, ambivalence over emotional expression, and self-care, as well as the moderating effect of self-care on the prediction of ambivalence over emotional expression by fear of evaluation.

Methods

This study selected physical education college students in Sichuan Province as the research participants. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants through public recruitment information and questionnaire links on online platforms commonly used by college students. The questionnaire was distributed at two different time points to reduce the effect of common method bias. A total of 858 questionnaires were distributed, after excluding duplicate responses, a total of 743 valid questionnaires were obtained.

Results

The result as following: (1) College students exhibit a moderate to high level of negative fear of evaluation, ambivalence over emotional expression, and self-care, with female students having higher negative fear of evaluation; (2) There are significant correlations between fear of evaluation, ambivalence over emotional expression, and self-care; (3) Fear of evaluation and self-care can predict ambivalence over emotional expression, but self-care does not have a moderating effect on the prediction of ambivalence over emotional expression by fear of evaluation; (4) Self-care and negative self-care both have a moderating effect on the prediction of emotion rumination by positive fear of evaluation.

Conclusions

In the past, rumination has often been considered a manifestation of excessive rumination and anxiety. However, this study found that self-compassion’s modulation on fear of positive evaluation intensifies its impact on emotional rumination. Research suggests that moderate emotional rumination may not necessarily be a negative outcome and reflects a positive emotional adjustment process to some extent. Therefore, future studies can further explore the growth and decline of internal rumination processes in self-compassion or counseling, and potentially gain a better understanding of key elements of personal growth.
The impact of parenting practices and family economy on psychological wellbeing and learning patterns in higher education students
Authors: Gandarillas M. A. , Elvira-Zorzo M. N. , Rodríguez-Vera M.
Published: March 2024

Background

There is a large literature on the significant impact of rearing factors in the psychological development of different child’s learning patterns and wellbeing in elementary and secondary schools, but there is a scarcity of studies on to what extent those influences remain stable up to higher education.

Objective

In this study, parenting practices and family status were analyzed as predictors of the different learning styles, psychological difficulties, mental health factors, and academic performance, comprising the psychosocial diversity in learning (DinL) at the university classroom.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 2522 students at the Complutense University of Madrid (Spain). It included a DinL scale measuring five psychological learning dimensions (coping with difficulties, effort, autonomy, Social/Physical Context, and understanding/career interest), plus several items on retrospective parenting practices, family, and sociodemographic variables. Multiple regressions and analyses of variance were conducted with the family factors as independent variables and the learning factors as dependent variables.

Results

Results showed parenting variables, parents’ education, and family economy as having a significant impact on psychological learning dimensions, academic performance, and especially on the students’ wellbeing and mental health status, being an important contributors to explain the DinL in the university classroom.

Conclusion

The results bring interesting conclusions for developmental and health psychologists when working with parents aimed at fostering wellbeing and learning strategies related to academic inclusion and achievement.
Harnessing metamaterials for efficient wireless power transfer for implantable medical devices
Authors: Mahmud Sultan , Nezaratizadeh Ali , Satriya Alfredo Bayu , Yoon Yong-Kyu , Ho John S. , Khalifa Adam
Published: March 2024

Wireless power transfer (WPT) within the human body can enable long-lasting medical devices but poses notable challenges, including absorption by biological tissues and weak coupling between the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx). In pursuit of more robust and efficient wireless power, various innovative strategies have emerged to optimize power transfer efficiency (PTE). One such groundbreaking approach stems from the incorporation of metamaterials, which have shown the potential to enhance the capabilities of conventional WPT systems. In this review, we delve into recent studies focusing on WPT systems that leverage metamaterials to achieve increased efficiency for implantable medical devices (IMDs) in the electromagnetic paradigm. Alongside a comparative analysis, we also outline current challenges and envision potential avenues for future advancements.
Current knowledge and practice of post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect rehabilitation: a national survey of Nigerian physiotherapists
Authors: Umeonwuka Chuka Ifeanyi , Roos Ronel , Ntsiea Veronica
Published: March 2024

Background

Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a leading cause of disability and handicap in stroke survivors affecting functional recovery. Therapists’ knowledge and practice in post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect are key to the success of rehabilitation.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate physiotherapists’ knowledge of USN and the current practice of USN management.

Method

A cross-sectional study was undertaken among Nigerian physiotherapists (N = 240). An online structured questionnaire that assessed respondents’ knowledge, current practice, barriers, and enablers to post-stroke USN rehabilitation was administered.

Results

The total knowledge score was 12.6 ± 4.75 on a scale of 25. Few physiotherapists (7.92%) demonstrated good knowledge of USN. Postgraduate certification (p = 0.001), clinical practice setting (p = 0.008), and working full time in neurorehabilitation (p = 0.033) were significantly associated with the therapist’s knowledge of USN. There was a nonsignificant positive correlation between the duration of practice in the neurorehabilitation setting (r = 0.02; p = 0.854) and USN knowledge. A nonsignificant minimal negative correlation between practice as a physiotherapist (r =  − 0.02; p = 0.772) and USN knowledge was also noted. The age of physiotherapists showed no linear relationship with the therapist’s knowledge of USN (r =  − 0.00; p = 0.992). Constraint-induced movement therapy (86.47%) was the most commonly used USN treatment, while Albert’s test (49.37%) was the most utilized screening tool for USN.

Conclusions

Very few physiotherapists had good knowledge of USN. Participants’ knowledge increased as they attained higher education levels relating to neurological physiotherapy. These findings emphasize the need for specialist rehabilitation training for physiotherapy practice.
Olaparib in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer With BRCA1/2 Mutations: Results From the Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry Study
Authors: Ahn Eugene R. , Rothe Michael , Mangat Pam K. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Calfa Carmen J. , Alva Ajjai S. , Suhag Vijay , Alese Olatunji B. , Dotan Efrat , Hamid Omid , Yang Eddy S. , Marr Alissa S. , Palmer Martin C. , Thompson Forrest L. , Yost Kathleen J. , Gregory Abigail , Grantham Gina N. , Hinshaw Dominique C. , Halabi Susan , Schilsky Richard L.
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

Targeted Agent and Profiling Utilization Registry (TAPUR) is a phase II basket trial evaluating the antitumor activity of commercially available targeted agents in patients with advanced cancer and genomic alterations known to be drug targets. Results of a cohort of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer with BRCA1/ 2 mutations treated with olaparib are reported.

METHODS

Eligible patients had advanced pancreatic cancer, measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2, adequate organ function, and no standard treatment options available. Genomic testing was performed in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments–certified, College of American Pathologists-accredited site selected laboratories. Simon's two-stage design was used with a primary end point of disease control (DC), defined as objective response (OR) or stable disease of at least 16 weeks duration (SD16+) according to RECIST v1.1. Secondary end points included OR, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), duration of response, duration of stable disease, and safety.

RESULTS

Thirty patients with BRCA1/ 2 mutations were enrolled from November 2016 to August 2019. The median number of reported previous therapies was 3 (range, 1-10). Two patients were not evaluable and excluded from efficacy analyses. Two patients with complete response, three with partial response and three with SD16+, were observed for DC and OR rates of 31% (90% CI, 18 to 40; P = .04) and 18% (95% CI, 6 to 37), respectively. The median PFS was 8 (95% CI, 8 to 15) weeks, and the median OS was 38 (95% CI, 21 to 65) weeks. Three patients had at least one drug-related grade 3 adverse event or serious adverse event of anemia, fever, or oral mucositis.

CONCLUSION

Olaparib showed antitumor activity in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer with BRCA1/ 2 mutations extending findings of recent studies of olaparib in patients with this disease.
Weight Loss Outcomes in a Veterans Affairs Pharmacotherapy-based Weight Management Clinic
Authors: Ni Kevin , Rogowitz Elisa , Farahmand Abtin K , Kaizer Laura K , Arbet Jaron , Cunningham Christina R , Thomas Elizabeth A , Saxon David R
Published: March 2024

Context

Despite a high prevalence of obesity in the veteran population, antiobesity medications (AOMs) have been underused in the Veterans Health Administration. Real-world reports on outcomes when AOMs have been used in veterans is limited.

Objective

To analyze weight loss outcomes from a local Veterans Health Administration pharmacotherapy-based weight management clinic (WMC).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of veterans enrolled in a local WMC for 15 months from August 2016 through September 2018 and followed through November 2019. Patients were offered 1 of 5 available AOMs based on their comorbidities. Factors associated with weight loss (5% or more weight loss) were assessed.

Key results

A total of 159 patients were seen in a WMC, 149 (93.7%) veterans were prescribed an AOM, and 129 returned for follow-up. Overall, 61/129 (47%) patients achieved 5% or greater weight loss and 28/129 (22%) achieved 10% or greater weight loss within 15 months. Clinically significant weight loss (%) over the first 15 months was achieved with phentermine/topiramate ER (−6.3%) and liraglutide (−7.5%), but not with orlistat (−3.9%) and lorcaserin (−3.6%). Comorbid obstructive sleep apnea was negatively associated with achieving ≥5% weight loss.

Conclusion

Phentermine/topiramate ER and liraglutide were found to be effective AOMs among veterans. Further work is needed to mitigate barriers to AOM initiation given the continued rise in obesity.
Letramento Racial como ferramenta para a erradicação do racismo
Authors: Nascimento Júlia , Beatriz Melo da Silva Gimima
Published: March 2024

Uma das bases da manutenção do racismo é tratar a desigualdade racial como algo natural da sociedade. As narrativas racistas hoje proferidas são herança de uma cultura brasileira em que o mito da democracia racial se tornou uma forte teoria utilizada como justificativa para a invisibilização do racismo e das identidades negras. Apresenta-se aqui uma forma de estratégia que pode auxiliar no combate ao racismo, o letramento racial. Essa prática pode ser entendida como um conjunto de estratégias associadas à prática de leitura que ajudam na compreensão social e racial do indivíduo. O letramento racial antirracista demanda adequação constante se configurando como um processo individual e coletivo que exige observação, conhecimento e escuta ativa para se tornar colaborativo à luta antirracista.
The Battle of Orsha (1514) on Maps: Mapping the Muscovian War as Renaissance Politics of Memory
Authors: Niedźwiedź Jakub
Published: March 2024

14 września 1514 r. w okolicach miasta Orsza połączone siły polsko-litewskie pokonały wojska moskiewskie. Wśród wielu tekstów upamiętniających bitwę znajdują się również mapy, wydane drukiem między rokiem 1526 a połową XVII w. Autor dowodzi, że każde odwzorowanie kartograficzne bitwy może być interpretowane jako przykład renesansowej polityki pamięci. Bitwa mogła być elementem propagandy dynastycznej Jagiellonów, argumentem w rywalizacji między Rusią Litewską a Moskwą, fragmentem dyskursu republikańskiego lub częścią narracji o wielkiej przeszłości Wielkiego Księstwa Litewskiego.
Due biblioteche cracoviesi del tardo Seicento: piani di lettura incrociati fra presente e passato
Authors: Mazzei Rita
Published: March 2024

Il saggio prende in esame due biblioteche tardo-seicentesche, di cittadini cracoviesi di origine italiana. Quella di Andrzej Kortyn, ossia Andrea Cortini, italiano di seconda generazione, con poco più di una settantina di titoli; e quella del mercante lucchese Girolamo Pinocci, con poco meno di duemila titoli. La formazione di entrambe risaliva al secolo precedente, e i dati incrociati dell’una e dell’altra ci parlano della Cracovia seicentesca, ma anche di quella che era stata l’antica capitale del Regno, e dei suoi molteplici legami con l’Italia.

 

Artykuł omawia dwie biblioteki z drugiej połowy XVII w., będące własnością mieszczan krakowskich pochodzenia włoskiego. Pierwsza z nich, należąca do Andrzeja Kortyna vel Andrei Cortiniego, włoskiego migranta drugiego pokolenia, liczyła nieco ponad 70 tytułów, a druga, której właścicielem był kupiec z Lukki Girolamo Pinocci – nieco mniej niż 2 tys. tytułów. Obydwie powstały w poprzednim stuleciu, a zbiorcza analiza wypływających z nich informacji pozwala na poznanie nie tylko siedemnastowiecznego Krakowa, ale również dawniejszego miasta, niegdyś stolicy Królestwa, oraz jego wielorakich związków z Italią.
La antroponimia del Reino de Sevilla. Estudios
Authors: Rodríguez Toro José Javier
Published: March 2024

La importancia demográfica de Sevilla en el siglo XVI y la riqueza de sus fondos parroquiales son el punto de partida para abordar el estudio de los nombres propios (los nombres de pila, los apellidos, los apodos...) con que se identificaban los sevillanos de los siglos XV y XVI. Los trece capítulos que conforman el volumen contribuyen a difundir los logros alcanzados en esta zona geográfica y en ese periodo histórico por parte de la investigación onomástica. Los corpus que han sido objeto de análisis -integrados por padrones de cuantías y libros sacramentales de bautismo- son el medio más eficaz para conocer los antropónimos de nuestros antepasados.
Critical Points of Vitamin C Production and Long-Acting Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors: Putri Asyfa Fauzia Tiara , Laksmia Farika Dyani , Salama Anisa Rakhmania
Published: March 2024

Vitamin C offers numerous benefits, including its role in the immune system. This factor necessitates the intake of exogenous vitamin C since the human body cannot synthesize it endogenously. Long-acting drugs are known for providing long-term therapeutic effects. The halal and haram aspects of Islam are of great importance due to the potential doubt or syubhat between the two. There are different methods for producing vitamin C, such as Reichstein's method or classical two-step fermentation. In general, vitamin C synthesis involves biotransformation by microorganisms. One approach to creating long-acting preparations is coating them with gelatin. A product's halal or haram status is determined by its raw materials, additives, and manufacturing process. Vitamin C production typically involves fermentation using microorganisms, so a halal growth medium must be considered. Long-acting vitamin C preparations that use gelatin should also be evaluated regarding their halal status. If the gelatin comes from halal animals, the law depends on the production process. However, if the gelatin comes from haram animals, the law is haram.
Be careful about what you wish for in NHS patient safety reform
Authors: Tingle John , Cattini Amanda
Published: March 2024

John Tingle and Amanda Cattini discuss some recent reports on potential changes to litigation procedures for patient harm cases and to the Never Events framework
Ovarian cancer red flags: help prevent delayed diagnosis
Authors: Barber Victoria
Published: March 2024

Ovarian cancer is classified as a gynaecological cancer, but the symptoms present as abdominal and they can be mistaken for those of a bowel condition or bladder problems. Target Ovarian Cancer is urging clinicians to recognise the red flags for ovarian cancer, and to never diagnose new-onset irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or overactive bladder in women over 50 without ruling out ovarian cancer. The symptoms of these are also red flags for ovarian cancer and warrant further investigations. This article covers how to spot these red flags, safety netting and what to do if you suspect a woman's symptoms may be ovarian cancer.