bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison Between Transolecranon and Triceps Reflecting Approaches for Treatment of Distal Humerus Fracture in Adult
Authors: Jamoh Kalom , Tonk Gyneshwar , Gupta Amit Kumar , Mohon Shyam , Agarwal Sumit , Gaur Manvender
Published: May 2024

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with distal humerus fractures in adults, treated with triceps-reflecting and olecranon osteotomy approaches. Outcome in terms of: (l) Accuracy of articular reduction, (2) Operative time, (3) Blood loss, (4) Functional result and (5) Immediate, early and late complications were compared.

Methods:

Thirty three patients with distal humerus fractures were analyzed prospective and retrospectively. Fractures were classified using the AO/ASIF classification. Functional results were evaluated with the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score.

Results:

The accuracy of articular reduction is better in olecranon osteotomy (Group-A) than the Triceps reflecting (Group-B) approach. The average time taken from incision to wound closure was 92.62 ± 8.73 minutes for group A and 78.63 ± 7.02 minutes for Group B, the P value being <0.001 which was statistically highly significant. The average blood loss from incision to wound closure was 222.78 ± 34.93 ml for group-A and 121.61 ± 19.85 ml for group-B, the P value being <0.01 which was also statistically highly significant. The mean arc of motion in patients of group A was 91.04° ± 13.55° and in group B was 92.65° ± 19.07°. The difference in range of motion was statistically insignificant. On comparing the mean MEPS and DASH score in group A and group B was also found non significant (P value for both >0.05). The complications like, soft tissue infection, ulnar nerve neuropraxia and implant prominence where observed more in trans olecranon group.

Conclusion:

Triceps reflecting approach provide lesser operating time, lesser blood loss, low complications rates. On the other hand olecranon osteotomy provide better accuracy of articular reduction (can be reserve for C3 fracture). There were no significant difference between the two groups in term of functional outcome, although second surgery for hardware removal was required in almost all cases of olecranon osteotomy group patients. olecranon osteotomy was use in 21 patients (group A, 10 female, 11 male with mean age 43.23 years) and triceps reflecting approach was used in 12 patient (group B, 6 female, 6 male with mean age 35.83 years).
A Prospective, Comparative Evaluation of Acromioclavicular Joint Injury - Managed by Modified Weaver Dunn Method with Palmaris Longus Tendon Reinforcement and Flip-Button Technique
Authors: Yadav Arun Kumar , Yadav Sachin , Srivastava D. C. , Shukla Manish
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

The present study compares functional outcome of acromioclavicular joint reconstruction using the Modified Weaver Dunn method with palmaris longus tendon for coracoclavicular reinforcement and flip-button technique.

Materials and Methods:

60 patients (32 males and 28 females) with fresh acromioclavicular joint injury, between the age group of 1860 years, were operated using the Modified Weaver Dunn method with palmaris longus tendon for coracoclavicular reinforcement and flip-button technique at our Department from July 2015 to July 2018 after obtaining approval from local ethical committee. Patients were followed up post-operatively for difference in range of motion at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks and 48 weeks as well as 6 monthly thereafter. All the patients were assessed with Constant and Murley Scoring System.

Results:

At the follow up of 2 years, there was no significant difference in trauma surgery delay, operative time and perioperative blood loss between the two groups. However, the mean constant score improved from 66.56±14.43 to 94.30±7.29 in the Modified Weaver Dunn Method group and in the flip-button technique group from 55.14±15.36 to 84.86±11.37. 87.5% (28 out of 32) patients in Modified Weaver Dunn method had excellent results subjectively, while 85.71% (24 out of 28) patients in the flip-button technique had satisfied results. 2 patients had loss of reduction and superficial wound infection seen in 2 patients of the Modified Weaver Dunn Method group. Loss of reduction seen in 4 patients in the flip-button technique group.

Conclusion:

Modified Weaver Dunn method was associated with a high patient contentedness, promoted earlier postoperative range of motion, rehabilitation and facilitated earlier return to sports therefore effectively be used for reconstruction of acromioclavicular joint dislocation Rockwood type III and above and had excellent functional outcome in comparison to flip-button technique.
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of Lower End of Femur Resembling Chondroblastoma
Authors: Taxak Naveen , Chandra Rajesh , Chahal Udit
Published: May 2024

Chondroblastoma is an uncommon benign bone tumor, involving the epiphysis of long bones. An 18-year-old male presented with complaints of pain and swelling in the right knee joint for the last one year. On clinical and radiological examination a differential diagnosis of the following benign tumors were considered: Chondroblastoma, Simple bone cyst, Aneurysmal Bone Cyst, Epiphysial Giant Cell tumor. A final diagnosis of aneurysmal bone cyst was made after histopathological confirmation. Radiologically the lesion resembled chondroblastoma. The patient was operated by curettage and bone grafting and he was asymptomatic one year after the surgery.
Design of an integrated imaging system of airborne SAR and visible light camera based on common aperture antenna
Authors: Hu Jijian , Dong Zhenghong , Yang Xuanwen , Xia Lurui , Chen Xueqi , Lu Yan
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the advantages of multi-sensor integration are gradually highlighted. In this paper, an integrated imaging system (IIS) of airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and visible light camera (VLC) based on common aperture antenna is designed to meet the mission requirement of acquiring visible light and SAR images simultaneously. The IIS adopts the coaxial scheme, its structure is simple and compact, and is more suitable for airborne platform. In this paper, a parameter design method of IIS based on common aperture antenna is proposed. After the system parameters design, the imaging performance of IIS is analyzed by simulation. The results show that the system parameters are designed reasonably and the imaging performance meets the mission requirement. The designed IIS can realize the visible and Ka-band (30 GHz) dual-band imaging. Under the condition of 20 km altitude, the imaging resolutions of VLC and SAR are higher than 0.2 m and 0.3 m respectively, the field of view of VLC is 1.46°, and the swath length of SAR is greater than 870 m.
Modelling the cost of engage & treat and test & treat strategies towards the elimination of lymphatic filariasis in Ghana
Authors: Adams Nathaniel N. K. , Ahorlu Collins S. , de Souza Dziedzom K. , Aikins Moses
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite several years of LF-MDA implementation, Ghana still has some districts with mf prevalence >1%, partly due to poor treatment coverage levels resulting from non-participation in MDA. To address the challenges, we implemented Engage & Treat (E&T) and Test & Treat (T&T) strategies for individuals who miss or refuse MDA respectively, in a hotspot district, enabling us to reach many of those who seldom, or never, take part in MDA. This financial cost study was undertaken to analyse data on the LF-MDA, E&T and T&T implementation in 2021 and the financial cost to inform the rollout of the E&T and T&T as mop-up strategies in future LF-MDAs.

Methods

This costing study analysed cost data from the 2021 LF-MDA implementation activities carried out by the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) programme of the Ghana Health Service and the SENTINEL study, carried out in Ahanta West district for the two interventions (i.e., E&T and T&T). The 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census data was used to estimate the LF-MDA-eligible population. The financial cost per person treated was estimated and these costs were applied to the projected population to obtain the financial cost for subsequent years.

Results

Implementing MDA mop-up strategies either through the E&T or T&T to improve coverage comes at an additional cost to the elimination goals. For example, in 2024 the projected cost per person treated by the routine LF-MDA is estimated at US$0.83. The cost using the integrated LF-MDA and the E&T, T&T led by the NTD programme or T&T integrated into the health system was estimated at US$1.62, US$2.88, and US$2.33, respectively, for the same year. Despite the increased cost, the proposed combined LF-MDA and mop-up strategies will have a higher estimated population treated for 2024 (i.e., 1,392,211) compared to the routine LF-MDA approach (i.e., 988,470) for the same year.

Conclusion

Combining LF-MDA with E&T/T&T mop-up strategies, despite their high costs, may provide NTD Programmes with the options of improving treatment coverage and reaching the LF elimination target sooner, given that the routine LF-MDA alone approach has been implemented for many years with some districts yet to reach the elimination targets.
Tuberculosis Immunoreactivity Surveillance in Malawi (Timasamala)—A protocol for a cross-sectional Mycobacterium tuberculosis immunoreactivity survey in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Rickman Hannah M. , Phiri Mphatso D. , Feasey Helena R. A. , Mbale Hannah , Nliwasa Marriott , Semphere Robina , Chagaluka George , Fielding Katherine , Mwandumba Henry C. , Horton Katherine C. , Nightingale Emily S. , Henrion Marc Y. R. , Mbendera Kuzani , Mpunga James A. , Corbett Elizabeth L. , MacPherson Peter
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) transmission and prevalence are dynamic over time, and heterogeneous within populations. Public health programmes therefore require up-to-date, accurate epidemiological data to appropriately allocate resources, target interventions, and track progress towards End TB goals. Current methods of TB surveillance often rely on case notifications, which are biased by access to healthcare, and TB disease prevalence surveys, which are highly resource-intensive, requiring many tens of thousands of people to be tested to identify high-risk groups or capture trends. Surveys of “latent TB infection”, or immunoreactivity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), using tests such as interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) could provide a way to identify TB transmission hotspots, supplementing information from disease notifications, and with greater spatial and temporal resolution than is possible to achieve in disease prevalence surveys. This cross-sectional survey will investigate the prevalence of Mtb immunoreactivity amongst young children, adolescents and adults in Blantyre, Malawi, a high HIV-prevalence city in southern Africa. Through this study we will estimate the annual risk of TB infection (ARTI) in Blantyre and explore individual- and area-level risk factors for infection, as well as investigating geospatial heterogeneity of Mtb infection (and its determinants), and comparing these to the distribution of TB disease case-notifications. We will also evaluate novel diagnostics for Mtb infection (QIAreach QFT) and sampling methodologies (convenience sampling in healthcare settings and community sampling based on satellite imagery), which may increase the feasibility of measuring Mtb infection at large scale. The overall aim is to provide high-resolution epidemiological data and provide new insights into methodologies which may be used by TB programmes globally.
Effects of speculum lubrication on cervical smears for cervical cancer screening: A double blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ilika Chito P. , Eleje George U. , Chiemeka Michael E. , Ilika Frances N. , Ikechebelu Joseph I. , Ilika Valentine C. , Ugwu Emmanuel O. , Ofor Ifeanyichukwu J. , Ogelle Onyecherelam M. , Umeononihu Osita S. , Mamah Johnbosco E. , Olisa Chinedu L. , Ezeigwe Chijioke O. , Nwankwo Malarchy E. , Ofojebe Chukwuemeka J. , Okafor Chidinma C. , Ekwebene Onyeka C. , Nnabuchi Obinna K. , Okafor Chigozie G.
Published: May 2024

Background

Speculum lubrication may help to reduce the pain experienced during Pap-smear collection and hence increase uptake of cervical cancer screening and repeat testing, but there are fears of its interference with cytological results.

Aim

To determine and compare the adequacy of cervical cytology smears and the mean pain scores of women undergoing cervical cancer screening with or without speculum lubrication.

Methods

This was a randomised controlled study of 132 women having cervical cancer screening at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Sixty-six participants were randomly assigned to the ‘Gel’ and ‘No Gel’ groups, respectively. Pap smears were collected from each participant with a lubricated speculum (‘Gel group’) or a non-lubricated speculum (‘No Gel group’). The primary outcome measures were the proportion of women with unsatisfactory cervical cytology smears and the mean numeric rating scale pain scores, while the secondary outcome measures were the proportion of women who were willing to come for repeat testing and the cytological diagnosis of Pap-smear results.

Results

The baseline socio-demographic variables were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in the proportion of unsatisfactory cervical smear results between the two groups (13.6% vs. 21.2%, p = 0.359). However, the mean pain scores were significantly lower in the gel group than in the no gel group (45.04 vs. 87.96; p<0.001). An equal proportion of the participants in each group (90.9% vs. 90.9%; p > 0.999) were willing to come for repeat cervical smears in the future.

Conclusion

Speculum lubrication did not affect the adequacy of cervical smears but significantly reduced the pain experienced during pap smear collection. Also, it did not significantly affect the willingness to come for repeat cervical smears in the future.

Trial registration

The trial was registered with the Pan-African Clinical Trial Registry with a unique identification and registration number: PACTR2020077533364675.
Identification and classification of urban employment centers based on big data: A case study of Beijing
Authors: Wang Liang , Cui He
Published: May 2024

The layout, scale and spatial form of urban employment centers are important guidelines for the rational layout of public service facilities such as urban transportation, medical care, and education. In this paper, we use Internet cell phone positioning data to identify the workplace and residence of users in the Beijing city area and obtain commuting data of the employed to measure the employment center system in Beijing. Firstly, the employment density distribution is generated using the data of the working places of the employed persons, and the employment centers are identified based on the employment density of Beijing. Then, we use the business registration data of employment centers to measure the industrial diversity within the employment centers by using the ecological Shannon Wiener Diversity Index, and combine the commuting links between employment centers and places of residence to measure the energy level of each employment center, analyze the hinterland and sphere of influence of each center, and finally using the industrial diversity index of employment centers and the average commuting time of employed persons, combined with the K-Means clustering algorithm, to classify the employment centers in Beijing. The employment center identification and classification method based on big data constructed in this study can help solve the limitations of the previous employment center system research in terms of center identification and commuting linkage measurement due to large spatial units and lack of commuting data to a certain extent. The study can provide reference for the regular understanding and technical analysis of employment centers and provide help for the employment multi-center system in Beijing in terms of quantifying the employment spatial structure, guiding the construction of multi-center system, and adjusting the land use rules.
Factors associated with engagement in HIV care for young people living with perinatally acquired HIV in England: An exploratory observational cohort study
Authors: Le Prevost Marthe , Judd Ali , Crichton Siobhan , Foster Caroline , Bamford Alasdair , Ford Deborah ,   on behalf of the Adolescents; Adults Living with Perinatal HIV (AALPHI) Steering Committee
Published: May 2024

Identifying which young people living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) are less likely to engage in care is crucial to allow targeted interventions to support them to attend clinic. We adapted an existing Engagement in Care (EIC) algorithm for adults with HIV in England, for use in young people. We applied it to data from young people with PHIV in the Adolescents and Adults Living with Perinatal HIV (AALPHI) cohort. The algorithm predicts the timing of the next scheduled clinic visit, within 1–6 months of current visit, based on routine clinical data. Follow-up was 12-months from AALPHI baseline interview. Each person-month was classified as engaged in care or not. Logistic regression models (allowing for clustered data) were used to explore baseline characteristics associated with being engaged in care, adjusting for a priori variables (time from interview, sex, age, ethnicity, country of birth). Potential characteristics were across 7 domains: sociodemographic; risk behaviour practices; mental health; cognition; clinic setting; HIV management and experience; and HIV clinical markers. Of 316 young people, 187(59%) were female, 271(86%) of black ethnicity and 184(58%) born abroad. At baseline, median [IQR] age was 17[15–18] years, and 202(69%) had viral load ≤50 copies/ml(c/mL). 87% of 3,585 person-months were classified as engaged in care. Characteristics independently associated with poorer odds of being engaged in care were: Asian/mixed/other ethnicity, vs. black ethnicity (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.25, 0.78, p = 0.02); ever self-harmed, vs. not (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32, 0.95, p = 0.03); on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and self-assessed bad/not so good adherence (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25, 0.84) or not on ART (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.64, 1.21) vs. on ART and good/excellent adherence (p = 0.04)); baseline VL>50c/mL, vs VL≤50c/mL (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30, 0.75, p = 0.002). These characteristics can help identify individuals requiring enhanced support to maintain service engagement.
Diaphragm thickness and mobility elicited by two different modalities of inspiratory muscle loading in heart failure participants: A randomized crossover study
Authors: Zacarias Rondinel Tatiana , Bocchi Lilian , Cipriano Júnior Gerson , Chiappa Gaspar Rogério da Silva , Martins Gabriela de Sousa , Mateus Sérgio Ricardo Menezes , Cahalin Lawrence Patrick , Cipriano Graziella França Bernardelli
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To analyze diaphragmatic thickness, at end-inspiration and end-expiration, diaphragmatic thickening index and mobility via US under two different modalities of inspiratory muscle loading, in two different modalities of inspiratory muscle loading and different load intensities at full-vital capacity maneuvers and the relationship between diaphragmatic thickness with pulmonary function tests in participants with HF.

Methods

This randomized crossover trial, enrolled with 17 HF subjects, evaluated diaphragm thickness (Tdi, mm), fractional thickness (TFdi, %), and mobility (mm) US during low and high intensities (30% and 60% of maximal inspiratory pressure—MIP) with two modalities of inspiratory muscle loading mechanical threshold loading (MTL) and tapered flow-resistive loading (TFRL).

Results

Both MTL and TFRL produced a increase in Tdi, but only with high intensity loading compared to baseline—2.21 (0.26) vs. 2.68 (0.33) and 2.73 (0.44) mm; p = .01. TFdi was greater than baseline under all conditions, except during low intensity of TFRL. Diaphragm mobility was greater than baseline under all conditions, and high intensity of TFRL elicited greater mobility compared to all other conditions. Additionally, baseline Tdi was moderately correlated with pulmonary function tests.

Conclusions

MTL and TFRL modalities elicit similar increases in diaphragm thickness at loads, but only during high intensity loading it was greater than baseline. Diaphragm mobility was significantly greater than baseline under both loads and devices, and at high intensity compared to low intensity, although TFRL produced greater mobility compared to modalities of inspiratory muscle loading. There is an association between diaphragm thickness and pulmonary function tests.
A study to evaluate WASH interventions and risk factors of diarrhoea among children under five years, Anloga district, Ghana: A research protocol
Authors: Bandoh Delia Akosua , Kenu Ernest , Dwomoh Duah , Afari Edwin Andrew , Dzodzomenyo Mawuli
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Good Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices, introduction of Rotavirus vaccination, zinc supplementation and improved nutrition have contributed significantly to the reduction of diarrhoea morbidity and mortality globally by 50%. In spite of these gains, diarrhoea still remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under-five. Causes of diarrhoea are multifaceted with many factors such as seasonality, behaviour, pathogenicity, epidemiology, etc. However, assessments on the causes of diarrhoea have generally been tackled in silos over the years focusing only on particular causes. In this study, we describe an integrated approach (evaluating WASH interventions implantation processes, assessing epidemiolocal risk factors, and identifying pathogens causing diarrhoea) for assessing determinants of diarrhoea.

Methods

The study has ethical approval from the Ghana Health Service Ethical Review Committee (GHSERC:020/07/22). It will employ three approaches; a process evaluation and a case-control study and laboratory analysis of diarrhoea samples. The process evaluation will assess the detailed procedures taken by the Anloga district to implement WASH interventions. A desk review and qualitative interviews with WASH stakeholders purposively sampled will be done. The evaluation will provide insight into bottlenecks in the implementation processes. Transcribed interviews will be analysed thematically and data triangulated with reviews. A 1:1 unmatched case-control study with 206 cases and 206 controls to determine risk factors associated with diarrhoea in children under-five will also be done. Odds ratios at 5.0% significance level would be calculated. Stool samples of cases will be taken and tested for diarrhoea pathogens using Standard ELISA and TAQMAN Array Card laboratory procedures.

Expected outcome

It is expected that this framework proposed would become one of the robust approaches for assessing public health community interventions for diseases. Through the process evaluation, epidemiological case-control study and pathogen identification, we would be able to identify the gaps in the current diarrhoea assessments, come up with tailored recommendations considering the existing risk and assumptions and involve the relevant stakeholders in reducing the diarrhoea burden in a coastal setting in Ghana.
Effects of phytase inclusion in diets containing rice protein concentrate (RPC) on the nutrient digestibility, growth and chemical characteristics of rohu (Labeo rohita)
Authors: Khizar Ayesha , Fatima Mahroze , Khan Noor , Rashid Muhammad Afzal
Published: May 2024

The objective of the current study was to assess the impact of dietary phytase supplementation on Labeo rohita fingerlings and to examine the effects on growth, nutrient digestibility and chemical characteristics of diets containing rice protein concentrate (RPC) as a major protein source. Six experimental diets were made, i.e., a positive control (fishmeal-based diet with no phytase), FM0; a negative control (RPC-based diet with no phytase), RPC0; and four supplemental phytase levels (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 FTU/kg). Fingerlings with an average weight of 9.42 ± 0.02 grams (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into six experimental groups of three replicates, each containing 25 fish per tank (75 liters of water), provided with experimental diets at a rate equivalent to 5% of their body weight for 90 days, and uneaten feed was collected after 2 hours to determine feed consumption. The feces were collected before feeding to estimate digestibility. Phytase in combination with the RPC-based diet significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced phytate phosphorus in vitro hydrolysis; growth performance; nutrient (crude protein, crude fat, moisture and gross energy) and mineral (P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Mn and Cu) digestibility; digestive enzyme (protease, lipase and amylase) activity; and mineral deposition up to 1000 FTU/kg phytase. However, the hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices and carcass composition were not influenced (p > 0.05) by phytase supplementation. Increasing phytase supplementation in the RPC-based diets led to a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the serum biochemical parameters (alkaline phosphatase activity, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), which resulted in improved liver health. In conclusion, phytase-supplemented RPC-based diets improved the growth, mineral/nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes, serum biochemistry, and mineral deposition of L. rohita fingerlings up to 1000 FTU/kg. Broken line regression analysis revealed that the optimum phytase concentration in the RPC-based diet for L. rohita was 874.19 FTU/kg.
User satisfaction with the National Health Insurance Program: A community-based survey from the Ilam district of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rasmita , Shakya Aditya , Khanal Pratik , Khanal Vijay Kumar , Jha Nilambar , Nepal Gurung Gyanu , Subedi Laxmi
Published: May 2024

Background

The Government of Nepal initiated a family-based National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) in April 2016, aiming to ensure universal health coverage (UHC) by enhancing access to and utilization of quality health services. However, NHIP, in its initial years of implementation, encountered challenges such as low population coverage, a high dropout rate, and concerns among the insured regarding the quality of healthcare services. There is a dearth of information regarding user satisfaction with the NHIP in Nepal. This study aimed to assess user satisfaction with NHIP at the household level in Nepal.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 347 households in the Ilam district using a multi-stage random sampling method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with household heads enrolled in NHIP. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify the predictors of satisfaction level.

Results

Overall, 53.6% of the insured were satisfied with the NHIP, while 31.1% had comprehensive knowledge about the NHIP. Factors such as gender (AOR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.08–3.00), distance to the first point of contact (AOR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.24–3.74), waiting time (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.20–3.42), availability of diagnostic services (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.05–3.45), availability of prescribed medicine (AOR: 3.90, 95% CI: 1.97–7.69), perceived service quality (AOR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.15–4.20), and the behavior of service providers (AOR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.04–11.63) were significantly associated with user satisfaction.

Conclusion

The satisfaction level among NHIP users was deemed moderate. This study highlighted several factors, such as gender, distance to the first point of contact, waiting time, availability of diagnostic services and prescribed medicine, perceived service quality, and the behavior of service providers, as key determinants impacting user satisfaction. Recognizing the pivotal role of user satisfaction, health insurance stakeholders must prioritize it to ensure higher retention rates and coverage within NHIP.
Construction and alidation of a severity prediction model for acute pancreatitis based on CT severity index: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Han Xiao , Hu Mao-neng , Ji Peng , Liu Yun-feng
Published: May 2024

To construct and internally and externally validate a nomogram model for predicting the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) based on the CT severity index (CTSI).A retrospective analysis of clinical data from 200 AP patients diagnosed at the Hefei Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University from June 2019 to June 2022 was conducted. Patients were classified into non-severe acute pancreatitis (NSAP, n = 135) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP, n = 65) based on final clinical diagnosis. Differences in CTSI, general clinical features, and laboratory indicators between the two groups were compared. The LASSO regression model was used to select variables that might affect the severity of AP, and these variables were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. A nomogram model was constructed using R software, and its AUC value was calculated. The accuracy and practicality of the model were evaluated using calibration curves, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis (DCA), with internal validation performed using the bootstrap method. Finally, 60 AP patients treated in the same hospital from July 2022 to December 2023 were selected for external validation.LASSO regression identified CTSI, BUN, D-D, NLR, and Ascites as five predictive factors. Unconditional binary logistic regression analysis showed that CTSI (OR = 2.141, 95%CI:1.369–3.504), BUN (OR = 1.378, 95%CI:1.026–1.959), NLR (OR = 1.370, 95%CI:1.016–1.906), D-D (OR = 1.500, 95%CI:1.112–2.110), and Ascites (OR = 5.517, 95%CI:1.217–2.993) were independent factors influencing SAP. The established prediction model had a C-index of 0.962, indicating high accuracy. Calibration curves demonstrated good consistency between predicted survival rates and actual survival rates. The C-indexes for internal and external validation were 0.935 and 0.901, respectively, with calibration curves close to the ideal line.The model based on CTSI and clinical indicators can effectively predict the severity of AP, providing a scientific basis for clinical decision-making by physicians.
Campylobacter jejuni and casein hydrolysate addition: Impact on poultry in vitro cecal microbiota and metabolome
Authors: Olson E. G. , Dittoe D. K. , Chatman C. C. , Majumder E. L.-W. , Ricke S. C.
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of casein hydrolysates on the poultry ceca inoculated with Campylobacter focusing on microbial molecular preferences for different protein sources in the presence of Campylobacter jejuni. Three casein sources (intact casein (IN), casein enzyme hydrolysate (EH), and casein acid hydrolysate (AH)) were introduced to cecal contents in combination with inoculated C. jejuni in an in vitro model system incubated for 48 h at 42°C under microaerophilic conditions. Samples were collected at 0, 24, and 48 h. Genomic DNA was extracted and amplified using custom dual-indexed primers, followed by sequencing on an Illumina MiSeq platform. The obtained sequencing data were then analyzed via QIIME2-2021.11. Metabolite extracts were analyzed with ultra-high-performance liquid orbitrap chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). Statistical analysis of metabolites was conducted using MetaboAnalyst 5.0, while functional analysis was performed using Mummichog 2.0 with a significance threshold set at P < 0.00001. DNA sequencing and metabolomic analyses revealed that C. jejuni was most abundant in the EH group. Microbial diversity and richness improved in casein supplemented groups, with core microbial differences observed, compared to non-supplemented groups. Vitamin B-associated metabolites significantly increased in the supplemented groups, displaying distinct patterns in vitamin B6 and B9 metabolism between EH and AH groups (P < 0.05). Faecalibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium were associated with AH and EH groups, respectively. These findings suggest microbial interactions in the presence of C. jejuni and casein supplementation are influenced by microbial community preferences for casein hydrolysates impacting B vitamin production and shaping competitive dynamics within the cecal microbial community. These findings underscore the potential of nutritional interventions to modulate the poultry GIT microbiota for improved health outcomes.
First principles calculation of interface interactions and photoelectric properties of ZnSe/SnSe heterostructure
Authors: Zhao Yang-Yang , Sheng Si-Yuan
Published: May 2024

Heterostructure engineering is an effective technology to improve photo-electronic properties of two dimensional layered semiconductors. In this paper, based on first principles method, we studied the structure, stability, energy band, and optical properties of ZnSe/SnSe heterostructure change with film layer. Results show that all heterostructures are the type-II band arrangement, and the interlayer interaction is characterized by van der Waals. The electron concentration and charge density difference implies the electron (holes) transition from SnSe to monolayer ZnSe. By increasing the layer of SnSe films, the quantum effects are weakened leading to the band gap reduced, and eventually show metal properties. The optical properties also have obvious change, the excellent absorption ability of ZnSe/SnSe heterostructures mainly near the infrared spectroscopy. These works suggest that ZnSe/SnSe heterostructure has significant potential for future optoelectronic applications.
Advancing automatic text summarization: Unleashing enhanced binary multi-objective grey wolf optimization with mutation
Authors: Sheikh Muhammad Ayyaz , Bashir Maryam , Sudddle Mehtab Kiran
Published: May 2024

Automatic Text Summarization (ATS) is gaining popularity as there is a growing demand for a system capable of processing extensive textual content and delivering a concise, yet meaningful, relevant, and useful summary. Manual summarization is both expensive and time-consuming, making it impractical for humans to handle vast amounts of data. Consequently, the need for ATS systems has become evident. These systems encounter challenges such as ensuring comprehensive content coverage, determining the appropriate length of the summary, addressing redundancy, and maintaining coherence in the generated summary. Researchers are actively addressing these challenges by employing Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. While traditional methods exist for generating summaries, they often fall short of addressing multiple aspects simultaneously. To overcome this limitation, recent advancements have introduced multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for ATS. This study proposes an enhancement to the performance of ATS through the utilization of an improved version of the Binary Multi-Objective Grey Wolf Optimizer (BMOGWO), incorporating mutation. The performance of this enhanced algorithm is assessed by comparing it with state-of-the-art algorithms using the DUC2002 dataset. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms the compared approaches.
Automatic exudate and aneurysm segmentation in OCT images using UNET++ and hyperreflective-foci feature based bagged tree ensemble
Authors: Tanthanathewin Rinrada , Wongrattanapipat Warissaporn , Khaing Tin Tin , Aimmanee Pakinee
Published: May 2024

Diabetic retinopathy’s signs, such as exudates (EXs) and aneurysms (ANs), initially develop from under the retinal surface detectable from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Detecting these signs helps ophthalmologists diagnose DR sooner. Detecting and segmenting exudates (EXs) and aneurysms (ANs) in medical images is challenging due to their small size, similarity to other hyperreflective regions, noise presence, and low background contrast. Furthermore, the scarcity of public OCT images featuring these abnormalities has limited the number of studies related to the automatic segmentation of EXs and ANs, and the reported performance of such studies has not been satisfactory. This work proposes an efficient algorithm that can automatically segment these anomalies by improving key steps in the process. The potential area where these hyper-reflective EXs and ANs occur was scoped by our method using a deep-learning U-Net++ program. From this area, the candidates for EX-AN were segmented using the adaptive thresholding method. Nine features based on appearances, locations, and shadow markers were extracted from these candidates. They were trained and tested using bagged tree ensemble classifiers to obtain only EX-AN blobs. The proposed method was tested on a collection of a public dataset comprising 80 images with hand-drawn ground truths. The experimental results showed that our method could segment EX-AN blobs with average recall, precision, and F1-measure as 87.9%, 86.1%, and 87.0%, respectively. Its F1-measure drastically outperformed two comparative methods, binary thresholding and watershed (BT-WS) and adaptive thresholding with shadow tracking (AT-ST), by 78.0% and 82.1%, respectively.
Efficient wastewater sample filtration improves the detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants: An extensive analysis based on sequencing parameters
Authors: Robotto Angelo , Olivero Carlotta , Pozzi Elisa , Strumia Claudia , Crasà Camilla , Fedele Cristina , Derosa Maddalena , Di Martino Massimo , Latino Stefania , Scorza Giada , Civra Andrea , Lembo David , Quaglino Paola , Brizio Enrico , Polato Denis
Published: May 2024

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many countries established wastewater (WW) surveillance to objectively monitor the level of infection within the population. As new variants continue to emerge, it has become clear that WW surveillance is an essential tool for the early detection of variants. The EU Commission published a recommendation suggesting an approach to establish surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in WW, besides specifying the methodology for WW concentration and RNA extraction. Therefore, different groups have approached the issue with different strategies, mainly focusing on WW concentration methods, but only a few groups highlighted the importance of prefiltering WW samples and/or purification of RNA samples. Aiming to obtain high-quality sequencing data allowing variants detection, we compared four experimental conditions generated from the treatment of: i) WW samples by WW filtration and ii) the extracted RNA by DNase treatment, purification and concentration of the extracted RNA. To evaluate the best condition, the results were assessed by focusing on several sequencing parameters, as the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing from WW is crucial for variant detection. Overall, the best sequencing result was obtained by filtering the WW sample. Moreover, the present study provides an overview of some sequencing parameters to consider when optimizing a method for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 variants from WW samples, which can also be applied to any sample preparation methodology.
Analysis of multi-level barriers to physical activity among nursing students using regularized regression
Authors: Capan Muge , Bigelow Lily , Kathuria Yukti , Paluch Amanda , Chung Joohyun
Published: May 2024

Physical inactivity is a growing societal concern with significant impact on public health. Identifying barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA) is a critical step to recognize populations who disproportionately experience these barriers. Understanding barriers to PA holds significant importance within patient-facing healthcare professions like nursing. While determinants of PA have been widely studied, connecting individual and social factors to barriers to PA remains an understudied area among nurses. The objectives of this study are to categorize and model factors related to barriers to PA using the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework. The study population includes nursing students at the study institution (N = 163). Methods include a scoring system to quantify the barriers to PA, and regularized regression models that predict this score. Key findings identify intrinsic motivation, social and emotional support, education, and the use of health technologies for tracking and decision-making purposes as significant predictors. Results can help identify future nursing workforce populations at risk of experiencing barriers to PA. Encouraging the development and employment of health-informatics solutions for monitoring, data sharing, and communication is critical to prevent barriers to PA before they become a powerful hindrance to engaging in PA.
Association between physical measures of spinopelvic alignment and physical functioning with patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) after total hip arthroplasty: Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vatandoost Sima , Kowalski Katie , Lanting Brent , Ng K. C. Geoffrey , Soltanabadi Saghar , Rushton Alison
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Prevalence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) has trended upwards over past decades and is projected to increase further. Optimizing outcomes after surgery is essential to avoid surgical revision and maximize outcomes. Low back pain is reported as a problem post THA. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to evaluate THA outcomes but have limitations (e.g., ceiling effects). It is therefore important to assess a comprehensive range of outcomes. Physical outcome measures of spinopelvic alignment and physical functioning demonstrate potential value, but no evidence synthesis has investigated their association with PROMs. The objectives of this systematic review are to evaluate the association between spinopelvic alignment and physical outcome measures of physical functioning with PROMs and characteristics of low back pain after THA.

Methods and analysis

This protocol is aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies evaluating the association between the physical outcome measures and PROMs (any outcome measures reported) following THA by any approach/implant will be included except surface replacement and revision THA. Studies investigating THA for developmental pathology and inflammatory conditions will be excluded. A systematic search in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the grey literature will be carried out from inception to July 31, 2023. Two independent reviewers will evaluate eligibility of retrieved articles, extract data and assess risk of bias (NIH quality assessment tool) of included studies. A third reviewer will mediate disagreements. Random-effects meta-analyses will be conducted if studies are sufficiently homogeneous in design, population, physical measures and PROMs; reporting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Where meta-analyses are not possible, a narrative synthesis will be conducted. Confidence in cumulative evidence will be assessed using a modified GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

PROSPERO registration number

PROSPERO Registration number CRD42023412744.
Middle through late Holocene long-distance transport of exotic shell personal adornments in Central West Patagonia (southern South America). The archaeomalacological assemblage of Baño Nuevo 1
Authors: Hammond Heidi , Zilio Leandro , Nuevo-Delaunay Amalia , Méndez César
Published: May 2024

The exchange of information and social interactions on broad spatial scales between human groups in the past can be studied through the provenance of key indicators of distant origin recorded at archaeological sites. The remains of shells of mollusk species, especially when crafted as elements of personal ornaments, express aspects of the behaviors and valuations for the populations that selected, transformed, and exchanged such items. In the southern cone of South America, past hunter-gatherer groups traveled long distances and interacted with communities distributed throughout the territory to acquire goods for technological use, visual display or considered highly valued materials. When recorded at distant locations, these goods of extra local origin are very informative regarding the differences between commonly used home ranges and the occasional access to remote spaces. We present the results of the analysis of the archaeomalacological assemblage of the Baño Nuevo 1 site, a cave with exceptional preservation conditions in Central West Patagonia. This site has yielded a diverse group of artifacts made of shells with origins from multiple distances, as well as evidence of the use of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species. Its deposits, which extend over the last 11,000 years, reveal an antiquity of at least the middle Holocene for the acquisition, manufacture, use and transport of goods as personal ornaments from shells in the macroregion.
Good Morning Tel Aviv, Giovanna Gagliardo (dir.) (2022)
Authors: Laviosa Flavia
Published: May 2024

Review of: Good Morning Tel Aviv, Giovanna Gagliardo (dir.) (2022)

Italy: Istituto Luce Cinecittà (colour 91’)
Vampires in Italian Cinema, 1956–1975, Michael Guarneri (2020)
Authors: Iozzia Alberto
Published: May 2024

Review of: Vampires in Italian Cinema, 1956–1975, Michael Guarneri (2020)

Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 232 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-47445-811-5, p/bk, £19.99
Isquemia aguda de miembro superior: reporte de caso de trombosis de arteria axilar derecha
Authors: Torres Pisciotti María , Bula Beleño María , Terán Pacheco Sandra , Márquez Gallego Valeria , Manzur Barbur María
Published: May 2024

Introducción: La isquemia arterial aguda de las extremidades superiores se produce por la disminución abrupta del flujo arterial. Su incidencia es de aproximadamente 1 a 3 casos por cada 100 000 personas por año. Las causas pueden ser de tipo trombótico o embólico principalmente. Para realizar su diagnóstico se debe tener en cuenta las manifestaciones clínicas y hallazgos imagenológicos por ecografía Doppler, arteriografía y/o angiotomografía. El tratamiento se definirá por viabilidad de la extremidad según la clasificación de Rutherford (1-5). Objetivo: Ilustrar el algoritmo diagnóstico y de tratamiento de la isquemia arterial secundario a trombosis arterial. Presentación del caso: Se presenta un caso clínico compatible con trombosis de la arteria axilar derecha detectada por ecografía Doppler arterial y a la cual se le realizó tromboembolectomía. Discusión y conclusión: La isquemia aguda de miembros superiores se puede presentar por múltiples etiologías y esta debe sospecharse en pacientes que presentan los elementos de la mnemotecnia PRATT en inglés (Dolor, Palidez, Ausencia de pulso, Parálisis, Poiquilotermia y Parestesia: Pain, Pallor, Pulselessness, Paralysis, Poikilothermia and Paresthesia). El Doppler arterial es la herramienta más accesible como estudio inicial para corroborar el hallazgo y así encaminar las intervenciones que más beneficien al paciente, ya sea quirúrgico y/o manejo médico.
Calidad de vida y sobrecarga de cuidadores familiares en primer nivel de atención
Authors: Marroquín-Escamilla Alma Rosa , Santos Flores Jesús Melchor , Montes de Oca Luna Roberto , Santos Flores Izamara , Obregón Sánchez Néstor Humberto , Trujillo-Hernández Pedro Enrique
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre el nivel de calidad de vida y el nivel de sobrecarga en cuidadores familiares. Método: Diseño descriptivo-correlacional, el muestreo fue probabilístico aleatorio simple y la muestra de 100 cuidadores primarios. Resultados: La media de edad fue 46.65 (DE= 14.050), 70 % eran del sexo femenino, con una media de horas al día dedicadas al cuidado de 7.52 horas (DE = 6.820). El 75% de los participantes no presentó sobrecarga. Así mismo, se encontraron correlaciones negativas y significativas entre la sobrecarga y el bienestar físico (r= -.337; p <.001), el bienestar psicológico (r= -.388; p <.001), el bienestar social (r= -.287; p <.001) y bienestar espiritual (r= -.246; p= .014). Conclusión: La sobrecarga en cuidadores familiares se relaciona con la calidad de vida en los participantes del estudio.