bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Understanding and Learning System (PULSE-KEY): development of a framework for implementation and performance evaluation of healthcare delivery models of care
Authors: Mutsekwa Rumbidzai N , Campbell Katrina L , Canavan Russell , Angus Rebecca L , McBride Liza-Jane , Byrnes Joshua
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Efficient performance evaluation is essential for driving improvement, ensuring accountability and optimisation of outcomes in healthcare delivery. However, its complexity often leads to ineffective implementation. This article aims to advance the field of performance measurement within alternative healthcare delivery models of care through the development and validation of a comprehensive evaluation framework.

Design and participants

A seven-stage methodological approach was adapted from the Health Care Quality Indicators Project and a conceptual analysis method. The first three stages, which have been previously published, included: (1) an extensive literature review, (2) engagement with consumers and patients through interviews and a discrete choice experiment and (3) involvement of stakeholders across the healthcare system via interviews and surveys. Building on this previous work, the present study advances the framework development through four additional stages: (4) development of a conceptual framework (identifying, categorising, synthesising concepts into outcome domains), (5) expert consultation, (6) validation using a real-world case study and (7) refinement for practical applicability and effectiveness in evaluating alternative healthcare delivery models of care.

Results

The framework was developed by synthesising insights from phases 1–3 of our previously published work and refined through consultations with 25 experts, confirming its relevance, clarity and suitability for diverse audiences. This study also details the framework’s validation, refinement and finalisation process. The final framework is structured around eight primary domains, covering implementation outcomes, effectiveness, safety, patient-centredness, healthcare provider experience, access, service delivery and economic evaluation. Within the implementation outcomes domain, three subdomains—adoptability, implementability and sustainability—are further delineated, providing a comprehensive assessment.

Conclusions

The comprehensive evaluation framework developed in this study provides a vital tool for enhancing implementation and performance measurement in alternative healthcare delivery models. By integrating insights from various stakeholders, the framework promotes data-driven decisions on adopting, implementing and sustaining various healthcare delivery models. Through systematic application, this framework aims to drive tangible enhancements in patient outcomes, improve healthcare provider experiences, and optimise overall healthcare system efficiency.
Interventions to enhance the core competencies of clinical nursing preceptors: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Liu Ke , Wang Shuyi , Halili Xirongguli , Chen Qirong , Liu Minhui
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Clinical nursing preceptors (CNPs) teach nursing skills to students in real medical scenarios and develop their professionalism. The adequacy of CNPs’ teaching competencies affects the effectiveness of student learning, so it is crucial to seek the best evidence for teaching competency interventions. This report describes a protocol for a systematic review to identify and analyse interventions to enhance the teaching competencies of CNPs. The aims of this systematic review are to (1) summarise the characteristics, quality, effectiveness and limitations of existing intervention programmes that support or train CNPs in teaching competencies; and (2) identify knowledge gaps related to teaching competencies interventions for CNPs, thereby supporting future research on constructing and improving preceptor intervention programmes.

Methods and analysis

This protocol follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Protocols 2015 checklist. We will report this systematic review following the updated PRISMA 2020 checklist. Between 1 May 2024 and 30 May 2024, we will search PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and ProQuest (Health & Medical Collection). The intervention studies that focus on enhancing and supporting the core competencies of CNPs will be included. The two researchers will conduct the study screening, data extraction and quality appraisal independently. Disagreements will be addressed by discussion or the involvement of a third researcher. We will evaluate the quality of the included studies using the modified Educational Interventions Critical Appraisal Tool. Furthermore, we will label the training programme levels using Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Training Evaluation Model.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not applicable to this study. We will share the findings from the study at national and/or international conferences and in a peer-reviewed journal in the field of nurse education.
Childhood early oral ageing syndrome: prevalence and association with possible aetiological factors and consequences for the vertical dimension of occlusion: protocol for a cross-sectional study
Authors: Spinola Sandra Gouveia , Sobral Ana Paula Taboada , Mandetta Amanda Rafaelly Honório , Gimenez Thais , Gonçalves Marcela Letícia Leal , Soares Paulo Vinícius , Santos Elaine Marcilio , Imparato José Carlos Pettorossi , Horliana Anna Carolina Ratto Tempestini , Mesquita-Ferrari Raquel Agnelli , Motta Lara Jansiski , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Bussadori Sandra Kalil
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Childhood early oral ageing syndrome (CEOAS) is a condition involving oral abnormalities resulting from systemic diseases of different origins that are related to the current lifestyle of the paediatric population. Enamel defects associated with intrinsic and extrinsic factors promote the early loss of tooth structure at an accelerated pace, with negative impacts on function, aesthetics and quality of life. The aim of the study is to identify the prevalence of early tooth wear in childhood and its severity using the CEOAS index, which is a tool for the diagnosis of the condition and for epidemiological surveys, involving the investigation of abnormalities of the oral cavity in the paediatric population and possible factors associated with the severity of the condition.

Methods and analysis

Children aged 3–6 years will be recruited from the paediatric clinic of Universidade Nove de Julho. Children with amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta and genetic syndromes, as well as those undergoing orthodontic treatment will be excluded. A questionnaire will be administered addressing general health, sleep quality, dietary habits, oral hygiene habits and parafunctional habits. Clinical examinations will then be performed using the novel CEOAS index to assess tooth wear (scores 0–3) and determine the occurrence of enamel defects (scores I–III). The vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) will also be measured. The CEOAS scores will be computed for the deciduous dentition and analysed statistically, with the significance level set at 5% (p<0.05).

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the institutional review board of Universidade Nove de Julho (process number: 6.713.724. Approved on 20 March 2024). The results will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

Trial registration number

www.clinicaltrials.gov,NCT06381414. Registered 23 April 2024.
Impact of the Acti-Pair programme on physical activity in patients with prostate cancer: protocol of the Acti-Pair 2 stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial
Authors: Baudot Amandine , Fayolle Evolene , Garros Maël , Barth Nathalie , Colin Florence , Presles Emilie , Oriol Mathieu , Collange Fanny , Chauvin Franck , Bourmaud Aurélie , Hupin David
Published: December 2024

Regular physical activity (PA) reduces morbidity and mortality in prostate cancer. Prescribing PA in cancer is a necessary awareness but is a real challenge in the case of prostate cancer. Motivational peer support seems to be an innovative strategy for lifestyle change. Therefore, we developed the Acti-Pair programme and demonstrated its feasibility. We want to evaluate its effectiveness in promoting PA in patients with prostate cancer. The Acti-Pair 2 study is an interventional, comparative, multicentre, randomised, stepped-wedge cluster study. The control group will consist of patients being followed for prostate cancer and receiving advice and recommendations for PA during consultations to make patients more active in their daily lives (=usual practice, PA to be performed independently at home). The intervention group will consist of patients being followed up for prostate cancer and benefiting from the Acti-Pair programme, which combines three interventions: (1) motivational support from a peer; (2) construction of a personalised and realistic project and (3) support from health and adapted PA professionals. This study will assess the effectiveness, implementation and efficiency of the Acti-Pair programme. It will allow the identification of key success factors for implementing the Acti-Pair programme to prepare for its transferability. Trial registration number: Clinical trial,NCT05739565, registered on 20 February 2023,https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05739565.
Comparison of the analgesic efficacy of intra-articular steroid injections and its combination with suprascapular nerve block for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elango Yaal , S Adinarayanan , Swaminathan Srinivasan , Govindaraj Kirthiha , Nema Sandeep , Kumar Navin
Published: December 2024

Background

Adhesive capsulitis is a distressing ailment that progressively limits the active and passive mobility of the shoulder joint. Physical therapy (PT) combined with intra-articular steroid (IAS) injection and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) has shown improved functional outcomes. We aimed to assess whether providing both IAS injection and SSNB improved outcomes compared with IAS injection alone.

Methods

Ninety-six patients with adhesive capsulitis were randomized into three groups consisting of group IAS, group IAS+SSNB and group PT (control). All patients were assessed on day 0, week 2, 6 and 12 postintervention. The primary outcome was an improvement in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores at week 12 postintervention. Secondary outcomes were Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, Constant-Murley Range of Motion (ROM) scores, Quality of life (QoL) and Medication Quantification Scale (MQS) 3.

Results

On combining IAS and SSNB, we found a statistically significant improvement in SPADI scores over IAS only at week 2 postintervention (33.6±8.0 vs 38.3±8.9, p=0.04) but not beyond. A significant reduction in SPADI, VAS and QuickDASH scores, along with an improvement in Constant-Murley ROM scores, was observed on day 0 and at weeks 2, 6 and 12 in both group IAS and group IAS+SSNB (p<0.05). MQS 3 scores significantly decreased up to week 6 in both groups. However, the addition of SSNB to IAS did not demonstrate a clinically significant difference in the study outcomes, except for a notable decrease in VAS in the immediate postintervention period. Additionally, no significant changes in QoL were observed among the groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Both IAS and IAS+SSNB improved analgesia, reduced disability and enhanced ROM. However, adding SSNB to IAS did not yield a clinically meaningful benefit in the study outcomes.

Trial registration number

Trial registration number

CTRI/2022/08/044519.
Opioid consumption in the first 30 days after surgery was independently associated with new persistent opioid use
Authors: Ervin-Sikhondze Brittany A , Gunaseelan Vidhya , Chua Kao-Ping , Bicket Mark C , Waljee Jennifer F , Englesbe Michael J , Brummett Chad M
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Previous studies suggest that new persistent opioid use (NPOU) after surgery was associated with larger perioperative opioid prescriptions, but the association between NPOU and postoperative opioid consumption is unknown.

Methods

This retrospective study included opioid naïve individuals aged 18–64 who underwent surgical procedures across 70 Michigan hospitals between July 1, 2018 and November 15, 2021 and were prescribed opioids at discharge. We used clinical and patient-reported opioid consumption data from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, a statewide surgical registry, linked with the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to assess the association between patient-reported opioid consumption during the 30 days after discharge and NPOU, defined as having an opioid fill during both 31–120 days and 121–210 days after discharge.

Results

Among 36,271 patients included, 482 (1.3%) developed NPOU. These patients consumed more opioid pills in the first 30 days postoperatively than those without NPOU (mean (SD): 7.3 (8.4) 5 mg oxycodone equivalent pills vs 4.1 (5.5), SMD=−0.41). In adjusted analyses, each additional opioid pill consumed in the 30-day postoperative period was associated with a 0.05 percentage-point increase in the predicted probability of NPOU (95% CI 0.04 to 0.07 percentage points). Thus, holding all other variables constant, a 10-pill increase in consumption would be associated with a 0.5 percentage-point increase in the probability of NPOU, or a 38.4% increase relative to the baseline rate of 1.3%.

Conclusion

Demonstrating that opioid consumption in the first 30 days after surgery was independently associated with NPOU underscores the importance of perioperative opioid prescribing on long-term outcomes.
Methods families use to raise funds for anorectal malformation treatment at a single public referral hospital in Southwestern Uganda
Authors: Oyania Felix , Eze Anthony N , Ullrich Sarah , Kotagal Meera , Ozgediz Doruk
Published: December 2024

Background

In Uganda, only two public hospitals provide pediatric surgery services. With less than 10 pediatric surgeons serving approximately 20 million children in Uganda, most patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs) must make several trips to the hospital before undergoing surgery. As a result, households borrow money, sell assets, or solicit contributions from friends and relatives to meet healthcare expenses. We used a cross-sectional study to examine methods families use to raise funds for the treatment of ARMs at a single institution in Southwestern Uganda.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric surgery unit at a Regional Referral Hospital/University Teaching Hospital in Southwestern Uganda from June 2021 to July 2023. Participants included caretakers of children presenting with ARMs for treatment at our referral hospital.

Results

A total of 157 participants were enrolled. Mothers were the main caregivers (77.9%) present at the hospital. Out of a median monthly household income of UGX200 000 (US$51.68), families spent a median of UGX50 000 (US$12.92) to travel to the hospital. To raise funds for healthcare expenses, 68% of households reported selling assets.

Conclusion

Families sell household assets to afford ARMs treatment in Southwestern Uganda. Financial protection by the government through a national child health insurance policy would shield families from substantial health-related expenditures and decrease this burden. In addition, targeted policy to strengthen pediatric surgical capacity through workforce expansion and skills training such as the Pediatric Emergency Surgery Course, may minimize costs, improve timeliness of care, and prevent case cancellations.
Kinetic theory of stellar systems and two-dimensional vortices
Authors: Chavanis Pierre-Henri
Published: December 2024

We discuss the kinetic theory of stellar systems and two-dimensional vortices and stress their analogies. We recall the derivation of the Landau and Lenard–Balescu equations from the Klimontovich formalism. These equations take into account two-body correlations and are valid at the order 1/N, where N is the number of particles in the system. They have the structure of a Fokker–Planck equation involving a diffusion term and a drift term. The systematic drift of a vortex is the counterpart of the dynamical friction experienced by a star. At equilibrium, the diffusion and the drift terms balance each other establishing the Boltzmann distribution of statistical mechanics. We discuss the problem of kinetic blocking in certain cases and how it can be solved at the order $$1/N^2$$

1
/

N
2

by the consideration of three-body correlations. We also consider the behaviour of the system close to the critical point following a recent suggestion by Hamilton and Heinemann (2023). We present a simple calculation, valid for spatially homogeneous systems with long-range interactions described by the Cauchy distribution, showing how the consideration of the Landau modes regularizes the divergence of the friction by polarization at the critical point. We mention, however, that fluctuations may be very important close to the critical point and that deterministic kinetic equations for the mean distribution function (such as the Landau and Lenard–Balescu equations) should be replaced by stochastic kinetic equations.
From Servers to Satellites: Understanding Internet Principles among New Computer Science Teachers
Authors: Brom Cyril , Drobná Anna , Yaghobová Anna , Št’astný Daniel , Zábrodská Kateřina , Urban Marek
Published: December 2024

Objectives
: Limited research exists on how new computer science (CS) teachers understand fundamental Internet principles. This knowledge gap hinders the development of effective upskilling courses, especially as new CS curricula are being introduced worldwide. This study investigates new CS teachers’ conceptions of fundamental Internet principles, compares them with children’s understanding, and examines the relationship between teachers’ Internet knowledge and their knowledge of basic digital trace topics.

Study Methods
: A convergent mixed-methods approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews and drawing tasks with 50 new CS teachers. Data from a separate sample of 165 children (Grades 4, 6, 8) were included for comparison. A thematic analysis and frequency analysis of interview transcripts were conducted.

Findings
: Most new CS teachers recognized the Internet as a global network but had varied and often unstable conceptions about data storage and transfer. Compared to children, teachers demonstrated a more advanced understanding but still exhibited substantial knowledge gaps. There was no significant correlation between understanding Internet principles and basic digital trace topics, though a moderate relationship was found regarding news feed personalization.

Conclusions
: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve new CS teachers’ understanding of Internet principles, especially the invisible aspects, such as data storage and transfer mechanisms. By providing new data on a rarely studied group, this study contributes to both CS education and broader fields like developmental psychology and conceptual change, offering insights into the developmental trajectories of Internet comprehension and the integration of everyday and scientific knowledge.
Case 332: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor–induced Intestinal Lymphangiectasia
Authors: Adler Cameron , Menias Christine
Published: December 2024

History

A 65-year-old male patient with a history of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma and prior right nephrectomy developed recurrent disease adjacent to the inferior vena cava. The patient underwent surveillance imaging 7 months after initiation of treatment with maximum-dose pazopanib and less than 1 month after completing a 2-month regimen of palliative stereotactic body radiation therapy to the right nephrectomy bed and site of recurrence. (Stereotactic body radiation therapy was initiated 5 months after pazopanib treatment was initiated.) One month after initiating treatment with pazopanib and 6 months before the surveillance imaging, the patient developed diarrhea and required ongoing treatment with loperamide to control symptoms. He denied any fatigue, mouth sores, or extremity pain, but described some abdominal pain and discomfort associated with the diarrhea. He was not experiencing any fevers, and vital signs were normal. White blood cell count was normal at 5100/μL (5.1 ×109/L) (reference range, 4200–10 200/μL [4.2–10.2 ×109/L]), with all components of the differential count also being normal. A normal serum albumin level of 3.9 g/dL (39 g/L) (reference range, 3.5–5.0 g/dL [35–50 g/L]) and low serum total protein level of 6.1 g/dL (61 g/L) (reference range, 6.3–7.9 g/dL [63–79 g/L]) were noted. A comprehensive metabolic panel was performed, indicating a serum chloride level of 98 mmol/L (reference range, 100–108 mmol/L) and an alkaline phosphatase level of 121 U/L (2.02 μkat/L) (reference range, 45–115 U/L [0.75–1.92 μkat/L]).

The patient underwent surveillance imaging with contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis in the venous phase.
Maternal resistance exercise increases infant energy expenditure
Authors: Jevtovic Filip , Claiborne Alex , DeVente James E. , Mouro Steven , Houmard Joseph A. , Broskey Nicholas T. , May Linda E.
Published: December 2024

Maternal resistance exercise increases infant energy expenditure. This increase creates a gap between the measured and estimated energy expenditure when using standard estimation equations. These findings suggest that maternal resistance exercise can serve as a nonpharmacological method to enhance an infant’s daily caloric expenditure.
Prenatal dexamethasone programs autonomic dysregulation in female rats
Authors: Madhavpeddi Lakshmi , Martinez Monique , Alvarez Jared , Sharma Arpan , Hu Chengcheng , Tobet Stuart A. , Hale Taben M.
Published: December 2024

Pharmacological antagonists are used to characterize the nature of the autonomic dysregulation induced in female offspring exposed to dexamethasone, in utero. The female offspring of dams injected with dexamethasone in late gestation show a reduction in vulnerability to parasympathetic blockade and an increase in responses to acute restraint stress even in the presence of sympathetic blockade. This suggests that late gestation dexamethasone disrupts the normal development of the autonomic function in females, shifting sympathovagal balance.
A minimally invasive swine model of chronic kidney disease-associated heart failure
Authors: Mavropoulos Spyros A. , Aikawa Tadao , Mazurek Renata , Sakata Tomoki , Yamada Kelly , Watanabe Kenji , Sunagawa Genya , Veera Samta , Singleton Deanndria T. , Leonard Kyra , Kariya Taro , Sahoo Susmita , Ishikawa Kiyotake
Published: December 2024

Cardiac pathological changes consistent with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction can be induced in a large animal model by serial and titrated renal embolization of kidneys with autologous clot, leading to severe renal dysfunction and impaired cardiac diastolic function.
Evidence of sex differences in ozone-induced oxysterol and cytokine levels in differentiated human nasal epithelial cells
Authors: Dobson Dre’Von A. , Perryman Alexia , McNell Erin , Kim Hye-Young H. , Porter Ned A. , Rebuli Meghan E. , Jaspers Ilona
Published: December 2024

It is increasingly recognized that lung biology and responses to pollutant exposures differ in males and females. Using a model of differentiated nasal epithelial cells from male and female donors, our data demonstrate that pollutant-induced cytokine/chemokine responses and oxidized lipid levels vary by sex, with donor-specific oxidized lipids linked to inflammatory mediator release.
Sex differences in the central and peripheral omega 3 oxylipin response to acute systemic inflammation
Authors: Kelliher Julia C , Maric Ivana , Engeland Christopher G. , Shearer Gregory C. , Skibicka Karolina P.
Published: December 2024

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) oxylipins regulate inflammation, and acute systemic inflammation can precipitate cognitive impairment. Females have more HDL and stronger immune responses than males, yet higher dementia risk. Little is known about sex differences in oxylipin responses to inflammatory stimuli and potential crosstalk between acute systemic inflammation and central oxylipin signaling in either sex. In this targeted lipidomics study, we used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to characterize oxylipin profiles in plasma HDL and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of male and female rats following an intraperitoneal interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-induced inflammatory challenge to determine whether and how peripheral and central oxylipins respond to acute systemic inflammation in both sexes. We hypothesized that females mount a greater oxylipin response to IL-1β than males and that acute activation of peripheral inflammatory pathways changes central oxylipin concentrations. We found that IL-1β altered the abundance of omega (ω)6 and ω3 oxylipins in plasma HDL and CSF of both sexes. However, IL-1β reduced global concentrations of peripheral and central oxylipins in plasma HDL and CSF, respectively, in female rats only. Reduced oxylipin concentrations in IL-1β-treated females was driven by a loss of anti-inflammatory ω3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (DiHETEs) in plasma HDL and CSF. Interestingly, plasma HDL and CSF concentrations of EPA-derived DiHETEs were only correlated in IL-1β-treated rats, suggesting increased periphery-brain crosstalk during acute systemic inflammation. Overall, the sexually dimorphic responses of peripheral and central oxylipins to acute systemic inflammation provides molecular insight into sex differences in both innate immunity and neuroinflammatory responses.
Glycerol-3-phosphate contributes to the increase in FGF23 production in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Simic Petra , Xie Han , Zhang Qian , Zhou Wen , Cherukuru Rohan , Adams Michael A. , Turner Mandy E. , Rhee Eugene P.
Published: December 2024

This study shows that glycerol-3-phosphate, a glycolytic by-product recently implicated in a kidney-to-bone signaling axis that regulates FGF23 production, increases in mice and rats with CKD. Furthermore, mice deficient in a key enzyme that synthesizes glycerol-3-phosphate have attenuated increases in both glycerol-3-phosphate and FGF23 in CKD, along with enhanced cortical bone loss. These studies identify glycerol-3-phosphate as a novel regulator of FGF23 and mineral metabolism in CKD.
The calcium channel blocker nimodipine inhibits spinal reflex pathways in humans
Authors: Therkildsen Eva Rudjord , Nielsen Jens Bo , Lorentzen Jakob
Published: December 2024

The calcium channel antagonist nimodipine significantly reduces the size of the soleus H reflex and stretch reflex in healthy individuals without affecting maximum direct motor response (Mmax) or the stretch reflex during voluntary activation. This underscores the importance of exploring nimodipine as a potential antispastic medication in the future.
Age-related differences in gene expression and pathway activation following heatstroke
Authors: Gomez Maria , Al Mahri Saeed , Abdullah Mashan , Malik Shuja Shafi , Yezli Saber , Yassin Yara , Khan Anas , Lehe Cynthia , Mohammad Sameer , Hoehndorf Robert , Bouchama Abderrezak
Published: December 2024

Our study reveals distinct molecular responses to heatstroke across age groups, with older adults showing fewer differentially expressed genes and an atypical pattern of gene upregulation, contrasting with the downregulation in usual heat stress responses. It also uncovers a reduced heat stress response and an abbreviated unfolded protein response in older adults, likely impairing their cellular repair mechanisms. This contributes to increased vulnerability during severe heat waves, underscoring the urgent need for age-specific interventions.
Effectiveness of Bagasse Ash Incorporating Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) in Improving Shear Strength and Durability Properties of Black Cotton Soils
Authors: Nangulama Horris K. , Rimoy Siya
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the capacity of bagasse ash (BA) incorporating limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) for stabilisation of black cotton soil (BCS) in Shire Valley, Malawi, in terms of shearing and durability properties. First, BA and LC3 were developed, and their physiochemical properties were investigated. Specimens were created of BA incorporating LC3 in mix ratio of 2:1, respectively. BA incorporating LC3 specimens were blended into BCS at mix proportions of 0% to 12%. The mixtures were subjected to 3, 7, 15 and 30 curing days, and 10°C and 32°C curing temperatures, under confining pressures of 150, 300 and 450 kPa for direct shear test. Effect of simulated whether condition of wetting–drying cycles (WDCs) on behaviour of treated BCS was investigated through durability test. The results showed that the shear strength of 12% treated BCS increased above 70% on average, with higher values at 450 kPa confining pressure, and that the shear strength of treated BCS cured at 10°C was lower than that cured at 32°C. Durability test results illustrated that the 4% treated BCS collapsed upon immersing in water. The 8% treated BCS reduced against WDC. The 10% and 12% treated BCS specimens displayed an increasing trend against WDC, indicating both short‐ and long‐term hydration stabilisation reaction. This study shows the feasibility of BA incorporating LC3 for BCS stabilisation relevant to geotechnical construction in tropical climatic regions, and further promotes the reuse of by‐products and wastes as cementitious materials for BCS stabilisation practice.
Analyzing the Deformation and Damage Characteristics of Roadway Perimeter Rock and Support Optimization in Yongchang Lead–Zinc Mine
Authors: Wang Huiqiong
Published: December 2024

Herein, the 200 m middle section of the largest roadway in Pit 860 of the Mengnuo mining area, situated in the Yongchang Lead–Zinc Mine in Baoshan, Yunnan Province, was utilized as the research object. The researchers conducted an on‐site investigation of the surrounding rock deformation and damage and the current state of support and utilized a three‐dimensional finite‐difference numerical simulation software, FLAC3D, to simulate the inversion of the roadway’s surrounding rock deformation characteristics after excavation (i.e., the original use of the support method), the instability characteristics of the surrounding rock under the original support, and the support provided by the anchor spraying network. Based on the original support method, four optimized support schemes are proposed to address the asymmetric deformation of the surrounding rock and the apparent bottom bulge of the roadway: (1) anchor spraying net (long and short anchors + locking foot anchors), (2) anchor spraying net + concrete bottom beam, (3) anchor spraying net + unloading groove, and (4) anchor spraying net + antibottom arch. The study compares and analyzes the effect of the different schemes in controlling the surrounding rock, and the results indicate the following: Scheme 4, which entails excavating the antibottom arch at the bottom of the roadway, is the most optimal solution for controlling the surrounding rock in the various areas of the roadway. The results confirm that Scheme 4 exerts the most optimal effect. The final optimized support scheme for the railway is determined, providing reference significance for the deep mining domain and similar geological conditions.
Efficacy of Concurrent Administration of Alpha‐Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C on Sperm Quality Parameters, Serum Total Oxidant and Antioxidant Status, and Testicular Histopathology in Varicocele‐Induced Adolescent and Adult Rats
Authors: Akbarian Saeede , Khaligh Sahar Ghaffari , Ahmadi-Hamedani Mahmood , Moslemi Hamidreza , Jebelli Javan Ashkan
Published: December 2024

Varicocele is a leading cause of infertility in couples. It damages sperm and increases oxidative stress (OS) in seminal fluid. Antioxidant treatments like alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) and vitamin C (VC) can improve sperm quality by reducing OS. This study aims to explore the combined effects of these antioxidants in reducing the negative impact of OS caused by varicocele‐induced adolescent (ADO) and adult (ADU) rats. This study included 50 male Wistar rats, comprising 25 ADU rats and 25 ADO divided into 10 groups of five. The groups and treatment include Group I (ADO‐Control) and VI (ADU‐Control): the healthy group, no treatment, Groups II (ADO‐Mock) and VII (ADU‐Mock): received normal saline for 2 months, Group III (ADO‐Varicocele‐VC) and VIII (ADU‐Varicocele‐VC): received VC (100 mg/kg), Group IV (ADO‐Varicocele‐ALA) and IX (ADU‐Varicocele‐ALA): received ALA (300 mg/kg), and Group V (ADO‐Varicocele‐VC + ALA) and X (ADU‐Varicocele‐VC + ALA): received VC (100 mg/kg) + ALA (300 mg/kg). After 2 months of treatment, the rats were anesthetized. The sperm quality parameters, serum total oxidant and antioxidant properties, and testicular pathology were assessed. There were significant differences (p  < 0.05) in the varicocele‐ALA + VC and varicocele‐ALA groups compared to the varicocele‐VC and the Mock group (ADO and ADU). Additionally, there was a significant variance (p  < 0.05) in the OS index between the varicocele‐ALA + VC and Varicocele‐ALA groups compared to the other groups. The use of ALA has a positive impact on sperm parameters and the structure and function of testicular tissue, leading to a decrease in the OS index. Treatment with VC, along with other antioxidants like ALA, may provide a protective effect, but treatment with VC alone did not show significant effectiveness in varicocele‐induced ADO and ADU rats.
Metabolic Reprograming of Macrophages: A New Direction in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treating Liver Failure
Authors: Zhang Junli , Li Na , Hu Xiaoyu
Published: December 2024

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a fulminant clinical syndrome that usually leads to multiple organ failure and high mortality. Macrophages play a crucial role in the initiation, development, and recovery of ALF. Targeting macrophages through immunotherapy holds significant promise as a therapeutic strategy. These cells exhibit remarkable plasticity, enabling them to differentiate into various subtypes based on changes in their surrounding microenvironment. M1‐type macrophages are associated with a pro‐inflammatory phenotype and primarily rely predominantly on glycolysis. In contrast, M2‐type macrophages, which are characterized by anti‐inflammatory phenotype, predominantly obtain their energy from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Shifting macrophage metabolism from glycolysis to OXPHOS inhibits M1 macrophage activation and promotes M2 macrophage activation, thereby exerting anti‐inflammatory and reparative effects. This study elucidates the relationship between macrophage activation and glucose metabolism reprograming from an immunometabolism perspective. A comprehensive literature review revealed that several signaling pathways may regulate macrophage polarization through energy metabolism, including phosphatidyl‐inositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which exhibit crosstalk with one another. Additionally, we systematically reviewed several traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) monomers that can modulate glucose metabolism reprograming and influence the polarization states of M1 and M2 macrophages. This review aimed to provide valuable insights that could contribute to the development of new therapies or drugs for ALF.
Clinical, Hematological, and Biochemical Profile in Seropositive Dengue Cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Nepal
Authors: Tuladhar Eans Tara , Kandel Pratibha , Baidya Sujata , Rajkarnikar Smrity , Tamrakar Moniya , Rijal Gautam , Dubey Raju Kumar , Bhattarai Aseem , Raut Mithileshwer , Niraula Apeksha , Maharjan Ramesh Kumar , Sharma Vijay Kumar
Published: December 2024

Background: Dengue virus infection is a major source of morbidity and mortality in the majority of tropical and subtropical nations. In Nepal, the first case of dengue was reported in 2004, followed by numerous outbreaks exerting a critical impact on public health. This study aims to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of dengue patients visiting a tertiary care hospital to see the trend of presentation.

Method: Hospital based cross‐sectional study was conducted among diagnosed cases of dengue from April 2023 to September 2023. A total of 692 patients undergoing testing by commercially available dengue rapid diagnostic tests were recruited and categorized dengue positive (if NS1 and/or IgM positive) and dengue negative (NS1, IgM, and IgG all negative or only IgG positive). The dengue‐positive cases were further subdivided into three groups (only NS1 positive, only IgM positive, both NS1 and IgM positive). Additionally, biochemical and hematological analyses were performed, and results were compared between positive and negative cases by using Mann–Whitney U test while subgroups of dengue‐positive cases were compared using Kruskal–Wallis H test.

Results: Most common symptoms were fever (94.5%) followed by headache (79.8%) and myalgia (74.7%). Among 346 dengue‐positive subjects, 53.2% (n = 184) were NS1‐only positive, 21.7% (n = 75) were IgM‐only positive, and 25.1% (n = 87) were both NS1+IgM positive. Thrombocytopenia (n = 179, 51.7%), leucopenia (n = 99, 28.6%), increased SGPT (n = 182, 52.6%), increased SGOT (n = 188, 54.3%) were seen among dengue positive patients. Leukopenia was more severe in patients with only NS1 positive cases (p = 0.008) whereas thrombocytopenia (p ≤ 0.001) was more severe in patients with both IgM and NS1 positive cases.

Conclusion: Our study depicted there is a marked alteration in biochemical and hematological parameters specifically thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, increased transaminase levels, and high prothrombin time seen in dengue positive cases.
The Use of Puzzle Technique as an Active Learning Method in Psychiatric Semiology Teaching: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Yalcinturk Aydan Akkurt , Babaoglu Elcin , Sipahi Asli Zeynep , Gures Emel Erdeniz , Dogan Selma
Published: December 2024

Background: Psychiatric symptoms assess and make sense of abnormal and pathological human behaviors and subjectivity and form the basis of psychiatry. Students are often confused during this process because psychiatric symptoms faced in a mental state examination are a complex procedure with their terminology. Because of the complexity and originality of psychiatric signs and symptoms, students have difficulty learning these concepts. The aim of the research is to examine the effect of the crossword puzzle technique on nursing students’ knowledge levels of psychiatric concepts.

Methods: The study was conducted in the Nursing Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing 4th grade department of a foundation university in Turkey. A total of 90 students who took psychiatric nursing courses participated in the study. Students were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 45) and control groups (n = 45). A total of 6 crossword puzzles were applied to the students in the intervention group. “Information Form for Psychiatric Concepts” was applied to both groups in the pretest and posttest.

Results: After the theoretical lessons and puzzle applications, the mean score of the students in the intervention group (81.95 ± 7.69) was found to be significantly higher than the students in the control group (77.53 ± 7.41) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: It was found that the use of the puzzle method was effective in increasing the knowledge level of nursing students about the psychiatric concepts.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05689489.
Phytochemical Composition, Antibacterial, and Antibiotic‐Resistance Modulatory Activity of Extracts of Lippia multiflora Moldenke, Terminalia mollis M. A. Lawson, and Cinchona officinalis L. Against Multidrug‐Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Mouozong Richard , Fankam Aimé Gabriel , Diffo Varelle Lambou , Matieta Valaire Yemene , Megaptche Fabrice Junior , Kuete Victor
Published: December 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a critical‐class pathogen that shows great resistance to most conventional antibiotics. Hence, it is of utmost importance to search for novel drugs to fight infections caused by this bacterium. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Lippia multiflora, Terminalia mollis, and Cinchona officinalis extracts alone and in combination with antibiotics against multidrug‐resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa. Phytochemical analysis was performed using standard qualitative and quantitative assays. The microdilution method was used to assess the antibacterial and antibiotic‐resistance modulatory activity of the extracts. The interaction between antibiotics and Cinchona officinalis leaf extract was carried out using the checkerboard broth microdilution method. Phenols and flavonoids were detected in all extracts, whereas other phytochemical classes were selectively distributed. T. mollis leaf extract demonstrated the highest phenolic content (151.59 mg GAE/g), while L. multiflora leaf (LML) extract showed the highest flavonoid content (24.51 mg QE/g). These extracts exhibited antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 128 to 2048 μg/mL. LML extract displayed the best antipseudomonal activity, with MIC of 128 μg/mL against ATCC 27853 and 256 μg/mL against some MDR isolates (PA1, PA2, and PA7). Moreover, C. officinalis leaf extract (MIC/8), although weakly active, had improved by 2 to 64‐fold the activity of imipenem, streptomycin, kanamycin, and ceftriaxone against MDR P. aeruginosa. It also showed synergy (ΣFIC ≤ 0.5) with streptomycin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and vancomycin against P. aeruginosa PA3. The overall results indicate that the tested extracts, especially those from L. multiflora and C. officinalis leaves, necessitate further exploration for the development of natural drugs to treat infections caused by MDR P. aeruginosa.
The Box–Behnken Design for Optimizing HPLC Separation and Validation of Astilbin in Lysiphyllum strychnifolium Stems
Authors: Monton Chaowalit , Suksaeree Jirapornchai
Published: December 2024

The goal of the research was to use BBD, a productive RSM approach, to enhance the HPLC separation and validation of astilbin in Lysiphyllum strychnifolium stems. The percentage of acetonitrile (ACN), flow rate, and temperature were among the independent parameters that determined how much the chromatographic condition chosen from factor‐level screens lowered the tR of astilbin. The six dependent variables were tR, PA, k′, Rs, N, and As. The following HPLC settings were optimal for astilbin separation: 19% ACN at t0–t15, 0.8 mL/min flow rate, and 25°C temperature, resulting in a 26‐min reduction in working time. This resulted in a separation success rate of 68.57%. Findings revealed the following sequence for tR, PA, k′, Rs, N, and As: 12.108 ± 0.010 min, 78,845,108 ± 420,267, 2.510 ± 0.003, 2.141 ± 0.024, 10,945 ± 80, and 0.991 ± 0.005. The limit of detection was 0.10 μg/mL, while the limit of quantitation was 0.20 μg/mL. The calibration curve was constructed using concentrations ranging from 0.39 to 50 μg/mL, with an R2 value of 0.9991, indicating excellent linearity. The intraday and interday precision RSD values were 0.069%–1.892% and 0.993%–3.229%, respectively. Recovery values were between 95.56% and 105.57%, confirming the method’s accuracy. Astilbin was found at 175.51 ± 7.80 μg in L. strychnifolium stem extracts; its actual concentration was 3.51 ± 0.16%. The usefulness of astilbin as a chemical marker in L. strychnifolium stems may therefore be determined based on the criteria that have been established using this information.
The First Isolation and Characterization of Bat Jeilongviruses in Japan
Authors: Sata Sho , Kojima Isshu , Esaki Mana , Funakoshi Kimitake , Kajihara Masahiro , Hirano Shinji , Murakami Shin , Miyazaki Kazuo , Ozawa Makoto , Okuya Kosuke
Published: December 2024

Bats represent natural reservoirs of several paramyxoviruses, raising concerns about the potential for these viruses to cause cross‐species infections. In this study, we isolated two jeilongviruses belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae from oral swab samples of the Eastern bent‐wing bat (Miniopterus fuliginosus) and Far Eastern myotis bat (Myotis bombinus) in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Notably, this is the first report isolating bat paramyxoviruses in Japan. Genomic analyses revealed a high identity between Kagoshima isolates (PMV/Bat35 and PMV/Bat111) and jeilongvirus B16‐40, previously isolated from a Schreiber’s bent‐wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) in South Korea in 2016. PMV/Bat35 infected and replicated in a range of cell lines derived from different animal species, although the level of syncytium formation varied among cell lines. Animal experiments revealed that Syrian hamsters inoculated intranasally with PMV/Bat35 did not exhibit clinical symptoms or significant weight loss. Nevertheless, viral genes were detected in the lungs and tracheas of Syrian hamsters on 2‐ and 5‐day postinfection (dpi). Importantly, neutralizing antibodies against PMV/Bat35 developed in hamsters on 14 dpi. These results suggest that bat jeilongviruses can cross the species barriers. Our findings highlight the critical importance of ongoing monitoring and characterization of viruses circulating in bat populations to assess the risk of zoonotic outbreaks.
The Oil Supply Speed Effect on Flow‐Heat Characteristics of Bearing
Authors: Han Baohu , Ju Xingjun , Zhang Lei , Yang Kun , Sun Weixin , Zhang Guanglong , Song Bo
Published: December 2024

Bearing is the core component of high‐speed rotating machinery. However, the lubricating oil plays an important role in reducing the temperature and the collision between components. It can improve the performance of the bearing under high‐speed rotation. Therefore, based on the theory of oil‐air two‐phase flow, this paper establishes a numerical analysis flow‐heat model of ball bearing under different oil supply. At the same time, the vibration is calculated. The influence of internal oil‐air field and thermal characteristics on vibration is analyzed. The results show that the volume of oil is not uniformly distributed in the bearing chamber. The oil gradually decreases from the outer ring to the inner ring. It is mainly concentrated on the oil‐air inlet. With the increasing of oil supply speed, the temperature of the bearing decreases firstly and then increases, and there is an optimal oil supply speed. The inner ring vibration velocity is basically similar to the temperature trend. Meanwhile, the lowest temperature is mainly concentrated near the oil‐air inlet. The maximum error between simulation results and experimental results is 11.37%. Finally, the reliability of the simulation analysis is verified by the temperature and vibration experiment. It provides some theoretical support for the optimization of oil‐air lubrication parameters of angular contact ball bearings.