bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opportunities and challenges of indocyanine green in gastrointestinal cancers for intraoperative and nano-medicine application
Authors: Sun Liting , Meng Cong , Zhang Zhongtao , Luo Yao , Yang Zhengyang , Yao Hongwei
Published: February 2024

The morbidity and mortality of gastrointestinal tumours remain high worldwide. Surgical resection is currently the most critical radical therapeutic schedule, while postoperative complications and sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification are closely related to the outcome. Indocyanine green (ICG)-mediated fluorescence imaging is increasingly being used in gastrointestinal surgery. It has been embraced by various surgical disciplines as a potential method to improve lymph node detection and enhance surgical field visualization. ICG can passively concentrate in SLN because of enhanced permeation and retention effects. After excitation by near-infrared light devices, SLN can display higher intensity fluorescence, helping visualization for better lymph node dissection. In addition, visual assessment of intestinal blood flow through ICG may reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage. Although it has good clinical application, ICG-imaging still faces some problems, such as a higher false-negative rate, poorly targeted biodistribution, and lower fluorescence contrast, due to the lack of active tumour targeting. Thus, different ICG-coupled nanoparticles with inherent characteristics or functional modification-enhanced SLN identification features for gastrointestinal cancers bring benefit through active tumour targeting, superior tumour-background ratio, and high resolution. Nano-ICG combined with potential substances, including enhanced imaging contrast and/or combination therapy (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, etc.), have been packaged and accumulated in the tumour area through active targeting for multimodal imaging and treatment. In this review, we outline the intraoperative application and possible future nanodirections of ICG in gastrointestinal cancer. The prospects and challenges of nano-ICG diagnostic and therapeutic methods in clinical applications are also discussed.

Graphical Abstract
Maintaining moderate versus lower PEEP after cardiac surgery: a propensity-scored matched analysis
Authors: Chi Yi , Wang Qianling , Yuan Siyi , Zhao Yutong , He Huaiwu , Long Yun
Published: February 2024

Background

Setting positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) at around 5 cm H2O in the early postoperative period seems a common practice for most patients. It remains unclear if the routine application of higher levels of PEEP confers any meaningful clinical benefit for cardiac surgical patients. The aim of this study was to compare moderate versus conventional lower PEEP on patient-centered outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective study involving patients receiving cardiac surgery from June 2022 to May 2023. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline differences. Primary outcomes were the duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. Secondary outcomes included PaO2/FiO2 ratio at 24 h and the need for prone positioning during ICU stay.

Results

A total of 334 patients were included in the study, 102 (31%) of them received moderate PEEP (≥ 7 cm H2O) for the major time in the early postoperative period (12 h). After PSM, 79 pairs of patients were matched with balanced baseline data. The results showed that there was marginal difference in the distribution of mechanical ventilation duration (p = 0.05) and the Moderate PEEP group had a higher extubation rate at the day of T-piece trial (65 [82.3%] vs 52 [65.8%], p = 0.029). Applying moderate PEEP was also associated with better oxygenation. No differences were found regarding ICU length of stay and patients requiring prone positioning between groups.

Conclusion

In selective cardiac surgical patients, using moderate PEEP compared with conventional lower PEEP in the early postoperative period correlated to better oxygenation, which may have potential for earlier liberation of mechanical ventilation.
Time to sputum culture conversion and its associated factors among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wenlu Yang , Xia Zhao , Chuntao Wu , Qiaolin Yu , Xujue Xiao , Rong Yao , Dan Su , Xi Yan , Bin Wan
Published: February 2024

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the sputum culture conversion time of DR-TB patients and its related factors.

Methods

PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, CNKI, Wan Fang, CBM and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect studies on sputum culture conversion time in patients with DR-TB. Meta-analysis was performed by using the R 4.3.0 version and Stata 16 software.

Results

A total of 45 studies involving 17373 patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the pooled median time to sputum culture conversion was 68.57 days (IQR 61.01,76.12). The median time of sputum culture conversion in patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis was different in different WHO regions, countries with different levels of development and different treatment schemes. And female (aHR = 0.59,95%CI: s0.46,0.76), alcohol history (aHR = 0.70,95%CI:0.50,0.98), smoking history (aHR = 0.58,95%CI:0.38,0.88), history of SLD use (aHR = 0.64,95%CI:0.47,0.87), BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (aHR = 0.69,95%CI:0.60,0.80), lung cavity (aHR = 0.70,95%CI:0.52,0.94), sputum smear grading at baseline (Positive) (aHR = 0.56,95%CI:0.36,0.87), (grade 1+) (aHR = 0.87,95%CI:0.77,0.99), (grade 2+) (aHR = 0.81,95%CI:0.69,0.95), (grade 3+) (aHR = 0.71,95%CI:0.61,0.84) were the related factor of sputum culture conversion time in patients with DR-TB.

Conclusion

Patients with DR-TB in Europe or countries with high level of economic development have earlier sputum culture conversion, and the application of bedaquiline can make patients have shorter sputum culture conversion time. Female, alcohol history, smoking history, history of SLD use, BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, lung cavity, sputum smear grading at baseline (Positive, grade 1+, grade 2+, grade 3+) may be risk factors for longer sputum culture conversion time.

This systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO, the registration number is CRD42023438746.
Successful pregnancy outcome via in-vitro fertilization and laparoscopic resection of non-communicating rudimentary horn pregnancy containing early pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Shin So Yeon , Kwon Hwang , Kim Hyun Chul , Baek Min Jung , Shin Ji Eun
Published: February 2024

Background

Non-communicating rudimentary horn pregnancy (NCRHP) lead to life-threatening condition for both mother and fetus. Early diagnosis of NCRHP and laparoscopic resection is important to prevent catastrophic conditions. However, delayed diagnosis until the second or third trimester makes it difficult to accurately diagnose between NCRHP and bicornuate uterine pregnancy, as both conditions present uterine rupture and massive hemoperitoneum. Furthermore, these rare cases are challenging in pregnancy trials and associated with adverse outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old gravida 1 para 0 Korean woman visited our infertility center with a confirmed positive urine pregnancy test after timed intercourse. Before she was scheduled to have timed intercourse, a unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating right uterine horn was suspected based on an ultrasound scan and hysterosalpingography during the initial infertility workup. A gestational sac was observed in the right non-communicating rudimentary horn at 5 weeks of gestation. Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (b-hCG) level was 2052.0mIU/mL. An elective laparoscopic resection of the right rudimentary horn containing a gestational sac, along with ipsilateral salpingectomy, was performed with no adverse event. After 3-month of recovery period and three cycles of conceptional trials involving timed intercourse and intrauterine insemination, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed using the antagonist protocol, and successful pregnancy was confirmed. The patient had been hospitalized from 21 + 6 weeks to 35 + 6 weeks of gestation, underwent cerclage placement and tocolytics with corticosteroid treatment. She delivered an early-term male baby by cesarean section.

Conclusion

In this rare case, the successful pregnancy achieved through IVF following the appropriate management of NCRHP under laparoscopy underscores the critical importance of early diagnosis and intervention in cases of NCRHP. Timely identification and management of NCRHP are vital to prevent the occurrence of catastrophic conditions and to enhance the prognosis of a successful pregnancy through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Therefore, a high index of suspicion for NCRHP is important and employs a range of diagnostic modalities.
A promising target for breast cancer: B7-H3
Authors: Jiang Ying , Liu Jiayu , Chen Lingyan , Qian Zhiwen , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the second-leading factor of mortality for women globally and is brought on by a variety of genetic and environmental causes. The conventional treatments for this disease have limitations, making it difficult to improve the lifespan of breast cancer patients. As a result, extensive research has been conducted over the past decade to find innovative solutions to these challenges. Targeting of the antitumor immune response through the immunomodulatory checkpoint protein B7 family has revolutionized cancer treatment and led to intermittent patient responses. B7-H3 has recently received attention because of its significant demodulation and its immunomodulatory effects in many cancers. Uncontrolled B7-H3 expression and a bad outlook are strongly associated, according to a substantial body of cancer research. Numerous studies have shown that BC has significant B7-H3 expression, and B7-H3 induces an immune evasion phenotype, consequently enhancing the survival, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance of BC cells. Thus, an innovative target for immunotherapy against BC may be the B7-H3 checkpoint.

In this review, we discuss the structure and regulation of B7-H3 and its double costimulatory/coinhibitory function within the framework of cancer and normal physiology. Then we expound the malignant behavior of B7-H3 in BC and its role in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and finally focus on targeted drugs against B7-H3 that have opened new therapeutic opportunities in BC.
Determination of moderate walking intensity using step rate and VO2 reserve in healthy men
Authors: Bae Woo Ram , Seo Yongsuk , Yun Somi , Lee Dae Taek
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study investigated step rates (SR) during overground walking to estimate the relative aerobic capacity that corresponds to a moderate intensity.

Methods

The present study utilized a repeated measure, within-subjects design incorporating a counterbalanced order. A total of twenty-three healthy men walked on a 119-meter oval track with artificial turf at self-selected pace (FP), 100, 120, and 140 steps/min for 6 min each while oxygen uptake (VO2), speed (in km/h), distance (in m), and steps (in steps/min) were measured.

Results

During FP, participants walked an average cadence of 117 ± 9.3 steps/minclose to 120 steps/min, which corresponds to 4.7 metabolic equivalents (METs). The estimated VO2 reserve was 30.5% of VO2 reserve at the FP and was close to the 120 steps/min of 33.3%. At the 100 and 140 steps/min, the VO2 reserve were 24.1% and 45.2%, respectively. The regression analysis revealed that an SR of 88.2 elicited 3METs and 17.1% of VO2reserve. Additionally, an SR of 129 elicited 5.9METs and 40% of VO2 reserve.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a moderate walking intensity for young, healthy men corresponded to 128.9 steps per minute. A range of 120 ~ 140 steps/min for walking could be recommended as a general guideline for moderate-intensity exercise. However, concerning providing public guidelines, caution should be taken regarding determining the moderate walking intensity due to the individual’s fitness level.
Developing a best-practice agenda for music therapy research to support informal carers of terminally ill patients pre- and post-death bereavement: a world café approach
Authors: McConnell Tracey , Gillespie Kathryn , Potvin Noah , Roulston Audrey , Kirkwood Jenny , Thomas Daniel , McCullagh Angela , Roche Lorna , O’Sullivan Marcella , Binnie Kate , Clements-Cortés Amy , DiMaio Lauren , Thompson Zara , Tsiris Giorgos , Radulovic Ranka , Graham-Wisener Lisa
Published: February 2024

Background

Informal carers of terminally ill patients play a vital role in providing palliative care at home, which impacts on their pre- and post-death bereavement experience and presents an up to 50% greater risk for mental-health problems. However, developing and implementing effective bereavement support remains challenging. There is a need to build the evidence base for music therapy as a potentially promising bereavement support for this vulnerable population. This study aimed to co-design an international best practice agenda for research into music therapy for informal carers of patients pre- and post-death bereavement.

Methods

Online half day workshop using a World Café approach; an innovative method for harnessing group intelligence within a group of international expert stakeholders (music therapy clinicians and academics with experience of music therapy with informal carers at end-of-life). Demographics, experience, key priorities and methodological challenges were gathered during a pre-workshop survey to inform workshop discussions. The online workshop involved four rounds of rotating, 25-minute, small group parallel discussions using Padlet. One final large group discussion involved a consensus building activity. All data were analysed thematically to identify patterns to inform priorities and recommendations.

Results

Twenty-two consented and completed the pre-event survey (response rate 44%), from countries representing 10 different time zones. Sixteen participated in the workshop and developed the following best practice agenda. The effectiveness of music therapy in supporting informal carers across the bereavement continuum should be prioritised. This should be done using a mixed methods design to draw on the strengths of different methodological approaches to building the evidence base. It should involve service users throughout and should use a core outcome set to guide the choice of clinically important bereavement outcome measures in efficacy/effectiveness research.

Conclusions

Findings should inform future pre- and post-death bereavement support research for informal caregivers of terminally ill patients. This is an important step in building the evidence base for commissioners and service providers on how to incorporate more innovative approaches in palliative care bereavement services.
Nurses’ perception of the hospitals’ culture and readiness of evidence-based practise integration in the hospital’s system in western Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Dereje Chala , Tilahun Temesgen
Published: February 2024

Background

Evidence-based practise is a method by which healthcare professionals integrate the best available evidence, individual expertise and patient preferences to improve patient safety and utilise quality healthcare. No study was conducted in Ethiopia to assess the nurses’ perception of the hospitals’ culture and readiness for evidence-based practice integration into the hospital’s system. Hence, this study aimed to assess the perception of nurses on the hospitals’ culture and readiness of evidence-based practise integration in hospitals’ systems in Western Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 412 nurses in six hospitals in western Ethiopia was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023. A 25-item Organisational Culture and Readiness of System-Wide Integration of EBP scale was used, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.94. While 25 is the minimum score, 125 is the maximum; higher scores indicate better hospital culture and readiness for system-wide integration of evidence-based practice. A self-administered data collection technique was used. Descriptive statistics were computed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25 software.

Results

Four hundred and twelve nurses participated in the study. The majority (85.9%) were bachelor’s degree holders and over a third (34.7%) worked in primary hospitals. Only a quarter (26.5%) had ever received mentorship from their leader on implementing evidence-based practice. The overall hospital culture and readiness score for system-wide integration of evidence-based practice among nurses in six hospitals was 70.3 ± 17.3.

Conclusion

The nurses’ perception of the hospitals’ culture and readiness score for system-wide integration of evidence-based practice in six hospitals in Western Ethiopia was equivocal. There is a need to engage all resources and increase leadership commitment to make evidence-based practice a hospital culture. Further research is warranted to understand the national hospitals’ status in establishing and sustaining evidence-based practise culture.
Examining rehabilitation access disparities: an integrated analysis of electronic health record data and population characteristics through bivariate choropleth mapping
Authors: Pak Sang S. , Ratoza Madeline , Cheuy Victor
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite efforts to view electronic health records (EHR) data through an equity lens, crucial contextual information regarding patients’ social environments remains limited. Integrating EHR data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology can give deeper insights into the relationships between patients’ social environments, health outcomes, and geographic factors. This study aims to identify regions with the fastest and slowest access to outpatient physical therapy services using bivariate choropleth maps to provide contextual insights that may contribute to health disparity in access.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients’ access timelines for the first visit to outpatient physical therapy services (n = 10,363). The three timelines evaluated were (1) referral-to-scheduled appointment time, (2) scheduled appointment to first visit time, and (3) referral to first visit time. Hot and coldspot analyses (CI 95%) determined the fastest and slowest access times with patient-level characteristics and bivariate choropleth maps that were developed to visualize associations between access patterns and disadvantaged areas using Area Deprivation Index scores. Data were collected between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2020. EHR data were geocoded via GIS technology to calculate geospatial statistics (Gi∗ statistic from ArcGIS Pro) in an urban area.

Results

Statistically significant differences were found for all three access timelines between coldspot (i.e., fast access group) and hotspot (i.e., slow access group) comparisons (p < .05). The hotspot regions had higher deprivation scores; higher proportions of residents who were older, privately insured, female, lived further from clinics; and a higher proportion of Black patients with orthopaedic diagnoses compared to the coldspot regions.

Conclusions

Our study identified and described local areas with higher densities of patients that experienced longer access times to outpatient physical therapy services. Integration of EHR and GIS data is a more robust method to identify health disparities in access to care. With this approach, we can better understand the intricate interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to health disparities in access to care.
Comparing contamination rates of sterile-covered and uncovered transducers for ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines
Authors: Estrella Yonathan , Panzlau Nathan , Vinokur Kevin , Ayala Samuel , Lin Maya , Gaeta Theodore , Melniker Lawrence , Chiricolo Gerardo , Gulec Nazey
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Physicians frequently use point-of-care ultrasound for intravenous access and bloodwork in the ED. Recently, AIUM and ACEP released recommendations on ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous lines (USPIVs), but there are no agreed upon standardized policies. We sought to determine whether the use of sterile-covered transducers (SCT) decreases the rate of contamination when compared to uncovered transducers (UCT) after standard low-level disinfection (LLD).

Methods

This is a randomized control trial comparing contamination rates of US transducers between SCT and UCT after their use for USPIV by the vascular access team, also known as the “PICC” team, over a 3-month period. A sample of admitted patient with an USPIV order were included and randomized to SCT (experimental) or UCT (control) arms. Transducers were swabbed and inserted into the SystemSURE Plus Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Luminometer to calculate Relative Light Units (RLU). We performed a cost analysis of requiring sterile covers for USPIVs.

Results

The UCT and SCT arms contained 35 and 38 patients, respectively. The SCT group had a mean of 0.34 compared to the UCT group mean of 2.29. Each sterile cover costs $8.49, and over 3000 USPIVs are placed annually by the “PICC” team.

Conclusion

Contamination rates were similar among the UCT and SCT groups after LLD. 254 inpatient USPIVs are performed monthly, not including failed attempts or covers used in the ED where USPIV placement is an essential part of ED workflow. This study suggests that the use of SCT does not significantly affect transducer contamination rates. These findings question burdensome regulatory hospital policies that are not evidence-based.
The nuclei of human adult stem cells can move within the cell and generate cellular protrusions to contact other cells
Authors: Bueno Carlos , García-Bernal David , Martínez Salvador , Blanquer Miguel , Moraleda José M.
Published: February 2024

Background

The neuronal transdifferentiation of adult bone marrow cells (BMCs) is still considered an artifact based on an alternative explanation of experimental results supporting this phenomenon obtained over decades. However, recent studies have shown that following neural induction, BMCs enter an intermediate cellular state before adopting neural-like morphologies by active neurite extension and that binucleated BMCs can be formed independent of any cell fusion events. These findings provide evidence to reject the idea that BMC neural transdifferentiation is merely an experimental artifact. Therefore, understanding the intermediate states that cells pass through during transdifferentiation is crucial given their potential application in regenerative medicine and disease modelling.

Methods

In this study, we examined the functional significance of the variety of morphologies and positioning that cell nuclei of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) can adopt during neural-like differentiation using live-cell nuclear fluorescence labelling, time-lapse microscopy, and confocal microscopy analysis.

Results

Here, we showed that after neural induction, hBM-MSCs enter an intermediate cellular state in which the nuclei are able to move within the cells, switching shapes and positioning and even generating cellular protrusions as they attempt to contact the cells around them. These findings suggest that changes in nuclear positioning occur because human cell nuclei somehow sense their environment. In addition, we showed the process of direct interactions between cell nuclei, which opens the possibility of a new level of intercellular interaction.

Conclusions

The present study advances the understanding of the intermediate stage through which hBM-MSCs pass during neural transdifferentiation, which may be crucial to understanding the mechanisms of these cell conversion processes and eventually harness them for use in regenerative medicine. Importantly, our study provides for the first time evidence that the nuclei of hBM-MSC-derived intermediate cells somehow sense their environment, generating cellular protrusions to contact other cells. In summary, human mesenchymal stromal cells could not only help to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cellular plasticity but also facilitate the exact significance of nuclear positioning in cellular function and in tissue physiology.
The mechanical properties of the spinal cord: a protocol for a systematic review of previous testing procedures and results
Authors: Stanners Megan , O’Riordan Marguerite , Hartley Laura , Theodosiou Eirini , Souppez Jean-Baptiste , Gardner Adrian
Published: February 2024

Background

Spinal cord compression is a pathology seen in routine clinical practice. However, there remain a number of unanswered questions around both the understanding of the pathogenesis and the best method of treatment of the condition. This is partly due to the issues of the real-life testing of the physical properties of the spinal cord, either through the use of cadaveric human specimens or through animal testing, both of which have methodological, as well as ethical, issues.

Design and methods

This paper details a protocol for a systematic review of the literature on the mechanical properties of the spinal cord. We will conduct a literature search of a number of electronic databases, along with the grey literature, as a single-stage search. All literature will be screened for appropriate studies which will then be reviewed fully to extract relevant information on the methodology and mechanics of the reported testing along with the results. Two reviewers will separately screen and extract the data, with a comparison of results to ensure concordance. Conflicts will be resolved through discussion and independent arbitration as required. The methodological quality of the studies will be assessed within the ARRIVE guidelines using the CAMARADES framework and SYRCLE risk of bias tool. A narrative synthesis will be created with the appropriate tables to describe the demographics and findings of the included studies.

Discussion

The systematic review described here will form the basis of an understanding of the current literature around the physical properties of the spinal cord. This will allow future work to develop a physical model of the spinal cord, which is translatable to patients for analysis and testing in a controlled and repeatable fashion. Such a model would be the basis for further clinical research to improve outcomes from this condition.

Trial registration

Prospero registration number: CRD42022361933.
Socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent mental health in the Nordic countries in the 2000s - A study using cross-sectional data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study
Authors: Corell Maria , Friberg Peter , Petzold Max , Löfstedt Petra
Published: February 2024

Background

Adolescents in Sweden experience more mental health problems and lower mental well-being than adolescents in other Nordic countries. According to the literature, one possible explanation may be differences in income inequality. The at-risk-of-poverty rate varies significantly across the Nordic countries, and the highest rate is found in Sweden. The aims of the study were to examine socioeconomic inequalities in subjective health complaints and life satisfaction among adolescents in the Nordic countries during 2002 − 2018 and to explore whether subjective health complaints and life satisfaction were related to income inequality in terms of the at-risk-of-poverty rate at the country level.

Methods

Data regarding 15-year-olds from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study from five survey rounds (2002 − 2018) were used (n = 41,148). The HBSC Symptoms Checklist and Cantril’s ladder were used as measures of subjective health complaints and life satisfaction, respectively. The Family Affluence Scale, the Perceived Family Wealth item and the at-risk-of-poverty rate in each country were used as measures of individual-level socioeconomic conditions and country-level income inequality. Statistical methods involved ANOVA, multiple linear regressions and multilevel regression analyses.

Results

Absolute and relative socioeconomic inequalities in both subjective health complaints and life satisfaction were found in all countries. Sweden showed average socioeconomic inequalities, Iceland the largest and Denmark the smallest. Country-level income inequality in terms of the at-risk-of-poverty rate was associated with a higher prevalence of subjective health complaints and lower levels of life satisfaction in all countries.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent mental health and well-being persisted in Nordic countries in the 2000s. Increasing income inequality may have contributed to higher levels of SHC and lower LS in Sweden compared to the other Nordic countries. Policies improving families’ socioeconomic conditions and reducing income inequality at the country level are needed to improve and reduce inequalities in mental health and well-being among adolescents.
Single-paper meta-analyses of the effects of spaced retrieval practice in nine introductory STEM courses: is the glass half full or half empty?
Authors: Bego Campbell R. , Lyle Keith B. , Ralston Patricia A. S. , Immekus Jason C. , Chastain Raymond J. , Haynes Lora D. , Hoyt Lenore K. , Pigg Rachel M. , Rabin Shira D. , Scobee Matthew W. , Starr Thomas L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Undergraduate STEM instructors want to help students learn and retain knowledge for their future courses and careers. One promising evidence-based technique that is thought to increase long-term memory is spaced retrieval practice, or repeated testing over time. The beneficial effect of spacing has repeatedly been demonstrated in the laboratory as well as in undergraduate mathematics courses, but its generalizability across diverse STEM courses is unknown. We investigated the effect of spaced retrieval practice in nine introductory STEM courses. Retrieval practice opportunities were embedded in bi-weekly quizzes, either massed on a single quiz or spaced over multiple quizzes. Student performance on practice opportunities and a criterial test at the end of each course were examined as a function of massed or spaced practice. We also conducted a single-paper meta-analysis on criterial test scores to assess the generalizability of the effectiveness of spaced retrieval practice across introductory STEM courses.

Results

Significant positive effects of spacing on the criterial test were found in only two courses (Calculus I for Engineers and Chemistry for Health Professionals), although small positive effect sizes were observed in two other courses (General Chemistry and Diversity of Life). Meta-analyses revealed a significant spacing effect when all courses were included, but not when calculus was excluded. The generalizability of the spacing effect across STEM courses therefore remains unclear.

Conclusions

Although we could not clearly determine the generalizability of the benefits of spacing in STEM courses, our findings indicate that spaced retrieval practice could be a low-cost method of improving student performance in at least some STEM courses. More work is needed to determine when, how, and for whom spaced retrieval practice is most beneficial. The effect of spacing in classroom settings may depend on some design features such as the nature of retrieval practice activities (multiple-choice versus short answer) and/or feedback settings, as well as student actions (e.g., whether they look at feedback or study outside of practice opportunities). The evidence is promising, and further pragmatic research is encouraged.
How to obtain the image-derived blood concentration from 89Zr-immuno-PET scans
Authors: Wijngaarden Jessica E. , Ahbari Amina , Pouw Johanna E. E. , Greuter Henri N. J. M. , Bahce Idris , Zwezerijnen Gerben J. C. , Vugts Daniëlle J. , van Dongen Guus A. M. S. , Boellaard Ronald , Menke-van der Houven van Oordt C. Willemien , Huisman Marc C.
Published: February 2024

Background

PET scans using zirconium-89 labelled monoclonal antibodies (89Zr-mAbs), known as 89Zr-immuno-PET, are made to measure uptake in tumour and organ tissue. Uptake is related to the supply of 89Zr-mAbs in the blood. Measuring activity concentrations in blood, however, requires invasive blood sampling. This study aims to identify the best delineation strategy to obtain the image-derived blood concentration (IDBC) from 89Zr-immuno-PET scans.

Methods

PET imaging and blood sampling of two 89Zr-mAbs were included, 89Zr-cetuximab and 89Zr-durvalumab. For seven patients receiving 89Zr-cetuximab, PET scans on 1–2 h, 2 and 6 days post-injection (p.i.) were analysed. Five patients received three injections of 89Zr-durvalumab. The scanning protocol for the first two injections consisted of PET scanning on 2, 5 and 7 days p.i. and for the third injection only on 7 days p.i. Blood samples were drawn with every PET scan and the sample-derived blood concentration (SDBC) was used as gold standard for the IDBC. According to an in-house developed standard operating procedure, the aortic arch, ascending aorta, descending aorta and left ventricle were delineated. Bland–Altman analyses were performed to assess the bias (mean difference) and variability (1.96 times the standard deviation of the differences) between IDBC and SDBC.

Results

Overall, the activity concentration obtained from the IDBC was lower than from the SDBC. When comparing IDBC with SDBC, variability was smallest for the ascending aorta (20.3% and 17.0% for 89Zr-cetuximab and 89Zr-durvalumab, respectively). Variability for the other regions ranged between 17.9 and 30.8%. Bias for the ascending aorta was − 10.9% and − 11.4% for 89Zr-cetuximab and 89Zr-durvalumab, respectively.

Conclusions

Image-derived blood concentrations should be obtained from delineating the ascending aorta in 89Zr-immuno-PET scans, as this results in the lowest variability with respect to sample-derived blood concentrations.
Proposal of a mosquito control plan of Smir-Restinga region (north-west of Morocco)
Authors: El Joubari Mariam , Louah Anass , Himmi Oumnia
Published: February 2024

Background

The present study conducted on mosquitoes in the region of Restinga Smir, located in the north-west of Morocco, attempts to provide a scientific platform for an appropriate mosquito control plan for this tourism spot. The aim of this plan is to perfect the methods of the means of mosquito control for an effective fight against mosquitoes in this area, known for their strong nuisance (bites) and their ability to transmit several deadly diseases.

Results

Monitoring of mosquito species in the Smir marshes, especially those of public health interest, shows that they are distributed differently in the permanent and temporary environments. The establishment and analysis of their development cycles shows that their periods of activity in the different stations of the study area overlap in several cases, especially in the permanent stations. The study of the resistance of these species to the organophosphate insecticides commonly used for mosquito control in the region allowed to conclude the doses of insecticides (LC 90) that could be used for this mosquito control programme.

Conclusions

The proposed mosquito control programme gives an estimate of the timing of larval treatments and the insecticides that may be used. This plan was concluded based on the results obtained from the study of life cycles, spatial and temporal distribution of mosquitoes in the Smir area and their resistance to the organophosphate insecticides most used by public health services.
Recently emerging trends in big data analytic methods for modeling and combating climate change effects
Authors: Ikegwu Anayo Chukwu , Nweke Henry Friday , Mkpojiogu Emmanuel , Anikwe Chioma Virginia , Igwe Sylvester Agbo , Alo Uzoma Rita
Published: February 2024

Big climate change data have become a pressing issue that organizations face with methods to analyze data generated from various data types. Moreover, storage, processing, and analysis of data generated from climate change activities are becoming very massive, and are challenging for the current algorithms to handle. Therefore, big data analytics methods are designed for significantly large amounts of data required to enhance seasonal change monitoring and understand and ascertain the health risks of climate change. In addition, analysis of climate change data would improve the allocation, and utilisation of natural resources. This paper provides an extensive discussion of big data analytic methods for climate data analysis and investigates how climate change and sustainability issues can be analyzed through these approaches. We further present the big data analytic methods, strengths, and weaknesses, and the essence of analyzing big climate change using these methods. The common datasets, implementation frameworks for climate change modeling, and future research directions were also presented to enhance the clarity of these compelling climate change analysis challenges. This big data analytics method is well-timed to solve the inherent issues of data analysis and easy realization of sustainable development goals.
Using a standalone ear-EEG device for focal-onset seizure detection
Authors: Joyner McGregor , Hsu Sheng-Hsiou , Martin Stephanie , Dwyer Jennifer , Chen Denise Fay , Sameni Reza , Waters Samuel H. , Borodin Konstantin , Clifford Gari D. , Levey Allan I. , Hixson John , Winkel Daniel , Berent Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Background

Seizure detection is challenging outside the clinical environment due to the lack of comfortable, reliable, and practical long-term neurophysiological monitoring devices. We developed a novel, discreet, unobstructive in-ear sensing system that enables long-term electroencephalography (EEG) recording. This is the first study we are aware of that systematically compares the seizure detection utility of in-ear EEG with that of simultaneously recorded intracranial EEG. In addition, we present a similar comparison between simultaneously recorded in-ear EEG and scalp EEG.

Methods

In this foundational research, we conducted a clinical feasibility study and validated the ability of the ear-EEG system to capture focal-onset seizures against 1255 hrs of simultaneous ear-EEG data along with scalp or intracranial EEG in 20 patients with refractory focal epilepsy (11 with scalp EEG, 8 with intracranial EEG, and 1 with both).

Results

In a blinded, independent review of the ear-EEG signals, two epileptologists were able to detect 86.4% of the seizures that were subsequently identified using the clinical gold standard EEG modalities, with a false detection rate of 0.1 per day, well below what has been reported for ambulatory monitoring. The few seizures not detected on the ear-EEG signals emanated from deep within the mesial temporal lobe or extra-temporally and remained very focal, without significant propagation. Following multiple sessions of recording for a median continuous wear time of 13 hrs, patients reported a high degree of tolerance for the device, with only minor adverse events reported by the scalp EEG cohort.

Conclusions

These preliminary results demonstrate the potential of using ear-EEG to enable routine collection of complementary, prolonged, and remote neurophysiological evidence, which may permit real-time detection of paroxysmal events such as seizures and epileptiform discharges. This study suggests that the ear-EEG device may assist clinicians in making an epilepsy diagnosis, assessing treatment efficacy, and optimizing medication titration.
MRI-based cartilage changes and clinical effectiveness of autologous intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections in symptomatic patients with moderate osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Fatima Syeed Aalishan , Ganai Aijaz Ahmed , Jehangir Majid , Parry Arshed Hussain , Sath Sulaiman , Qayoom Seema
Published: February 2024

Background

An autologous blood product containing a high percentage of various growth factors, cytokines, and modulating factors such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is thought to play a role in chondral remodeling by promoting the production of cartilage matrix molecules and repairing and regenerating articular cartilage. In symptomatic patients with moderate osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, we aimed to investigate MRI-based cartilage changes and the clinical efficacy of autologous intra-articular PRP injections.

Results

Thirty-three patients with grades 2 and 3 OA of knees as per Kellgren and Lawrence OA classification underwent three consecutive PRP injections at monthly intervals. These patients were followed up monthly for the first 3 months, and then after every 3 months at 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. There was statistically significant improvement in joint pain and functionality with the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores showing a reduction from 7 ± 2 at baseline to 2.76 ± 1.34 at 12 months and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Score (WOMAC) scores declining from 77.91 ± 1 1.6 at baseline to 23.61 ± 19.1 at 12 months (p < 0.05). The reduction in VAS and WOMAC scores was maximum during the first 3 months after PRP therapy. MRI showed a statistically insignificant improvement in cartilage thickness [Whole Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS) 3.15 ± 1.41 to 3.3 ± 0.84) (p > 0.05)].

Conclusions

PRP had a positive effect on pain alleviation and patient functioning, but there was no significant change in articular cartilage as measured by MRI.
Quisqualis indica Linn.: HRLCMS/MS profiling and anti-asthma activity of leaf extracts
Authors: Nemade Charulata T. , Aher Anilkumar N.
Published: February 2024

Background

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, involving various cells and cellular elements precisely eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and macrophages. Worldwide, about 300 million people are affected by asthma, and is expected that 100 million people may get affected, in 2025. Quisqualis indica is commonly planted as an ornamental plant in India; and has medicinal uses. Therefore, the petroleum ether (60–80 °C) LPE and methanolic extract LME of the Quisqualis indica leaves were analyzed for anti-asthmatic activity by mast cell degranulation and Milk induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis in mice.

Results

It was found that Quisqualis indica leaf extracts exhibited protection against the degranulation of mast cells and a reduction in the difference count of leucocytes and eosinophils. LPE and LME (400 mg/kg) have shown 33% and 63% of mast cell protection. LME has shown the most significant mast cell stabilizing action comparable with the standard drug. The extracts decreased the difference count of leucocytes and eosinophils. LME (400 mg/kg) has shown a difference in eosinophil count and a decrease in leukocyte count most comparable with the standard Dexamethasone. Methanolic extract analyzed for phytochemicals by High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy /Mass Spectroscopy method showed the presence of various Phyto-compounds.

Conclusion

From the analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Quisualis indica revealed the presence of phytocompounds such as Apigenin7-glucoside, Gallic acid, Quercetin, Quercitrin, Kaempferol, etc. The significant decrease in eosinophil and leukocyte count in animals might be due to the higher content of Tannin and flavonoids. A reduction in leukocyte and eosinophil is regulated by type 1 hypersensitivity and adaptogenic factors hence Quisqualis indica is effectively helpful in allergy conditions like asthma.

Graphical abstract
A survey about the awareness among the physiotherapists in the use of Matrix Rhythm Therapy in treating chronic low back pain in post-menopausal women
Authors: R Rajeswari , Suresh Anjali
Published: February 2024

Background

Menopause is a stage in a woman's physiology where several chronic illnesses begin to appear, compromising both the quality and quantity of their life. It has been postulated that a decrease in estrogen levels in women may be important for accelerated disc degeneration in postmenopausal women. The overall prevalence of LBP is 52% higher in perimenopausal women with osteoporosis which is considered to be one of the predominant factors for low back pain in women.

There are many modalities like Interferential therapy, ultrasound therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, that treat nonspecific back pain with varying results, some advanced electrotherapy modalities like shockwave, low-level laser therapy, Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe) also proved to be effective in reducing the nonspecific chronic low back pain.

Matrix Rhythm Therapy was invented by Dr. Med. Ulrich Randoll (1987–1999) at the University of Erlangen, Germany. Matrix Rhythm Therapy includes a wand with a resonating head that oscillates at the frequency of 8-–12 Hz and is connected to the machine with a connecting cable (U.G Randoll p18 The Principles of Matrix Rhythm Therapy – MaRhyThe 3rd edition 2015).

Objective

The main objective of this survey study is to investigate awareness among physiotherapists in the use of Matrix Rhythm Therapy in treating chronic low back pain in post-menopausal women.

Methods

For this study, Google Forms were distributed to physiotherapists of diverse area specializations through social media. The survey was carried out between 16th December 2022 to 18th April 2023.

Results

Out of 103 responses which is 10% of the total sample size, 69.9% of the physiotherapists were aware of Matrix Rhythm Therapy whereas 30.1% were not aware of the same. Meanwhile, when it comes to treating chronic low back pain in post-menopausal women, only 49.5% of the physiotherapists say that the condition can be treated with Matrix Rhythm Therapy, the rest of the 28.2% are not aware and 11.7% are not sure if the condition can be treated with the same.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these findings show that implementing or using Matrix Rhythm Therapy as a physical therapy intervention in treating chronic low back pain is woefully inadequate, despite Physical therapists and clinicians recognizing the need for or usage of matrix rhythm therapy, they also must maintain a consistent interest and commitment to effectively employ Matrix Rhythm Therapy for clinical conditions and active research.