bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraperitoneal versus intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharide in causing sepsis severity in a murine model: a preliminary comparison
Authors: Jiao Yaqing , Tong Cindy S. W. , Zhao Lingyun , Zhang Yilin , Nicholls John M. , Rainer Timothy H.
Published: May 2024

Community-acquired respiratory infection is the commonest cause of sepsis presenting to emergency departments. Yet current experimental animal models simulate peritoneal sepsis with intraperitoneal (I.P.) injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as the predominant route. We aimed to compare the progression of organ injury between I.P. LPS and intranasal (I.N.) LPS in order to establish a better endotoxemia murine model of respiratory sepsis. Eight weeks old male BALB/c mice received LPS-Escherichia coli doses at 0.15, 1, 10, 20, 40 and 100 mg per kg body weight (e.g. LPS-10 is a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight). Disease severity was monitored by a modified Mouse Clinical Assessment Score for Sepsis (M-CASS; range 0–21). A M-CASS score ≥ 10 or a weight reduction of ≥ 20%, was used as a criterion for euthanasia. The primary outcome was the survival rate (either no death or no need for euthanasia). The progression of disease was specified as M-CASS, body weight, blood glucose, histopathological changes to lung, liver, spleen, kidney, brain and heart tissues. Survival rate in I.P. LPS-20 mice was 0% (2/3 died; 1/3 euthanized with M-CASS > 10) at 24 h. Survival rate in all doses of I.N. LPS was 100% (20/20; 3–4 per group) at 96 h. 24 h mean M-CASS post-I.P. LPS-10 was 6.4/21 significantly higher than I.N. LPS-10 of 1.7/21 (Unpaired t test, P < 0.05). Organ injury was present at 96 h in the I.P. LPS-10 group: lung (3/3; 100%), spleen (3/3; 100%) and liver (1/3; 33%). At 24 h in the I.P. LPS-20 group, kidney injury was observed in the euthanized mouse. At 96 h in the post-I.N. LPS-20 group, only lung injury was observed in 2/3 (67%) mice (Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn’s, P < 0.01). At 24 h in the post-I.N. LPS-100 group all (4/4) mice had evidence of lung injury. Variable doses of I.N. LPS in mice produced lung injury but did not produce sepsis. Higher doses of I.P. LPS induced multi-organ injury but not respiratory sepsis. Lethal models of respiratory virus, e.g., influenza A, might provide alternative avenues that can be explored in future research.
Role of pre-operative endovascular embolization of a giant sacrococcygeal teratoma in neonate: a case report
Authors: Zainal Isa Azzaki , Fuad Nik Farhan Nik , Yang Leong Yuh , Ismail Nik Azuan Nik , Yaacob Nur Yazmin , Zakaria Rozman
Published: May 2024

Background

Giant sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCTs) are at risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality due to their high vascularity. Pre-operative embolization of the feeding arteries, prior to complete surgical resection, may assist in minimizing the intraoperative blood loss by occluding these feeding arteries.

Case presentation

We present a case of a highly vascular giant SCT in a neonate, which was successfully embolized through an endovascular approach prior to surgery. The femoral artery approach was chosen, with access established using a Micropuncture introducer as a sheath. Embolization was performed using a combination of microcoils, Gelfoam slurry, and polyvinyl alcohol particles. The patient developed femoral artery spasm post-procedure, which resolved with the application of a glyceryl trinitrate patch.

Conclusions

Performing pre-operative endovascular embolization on a giant sacrococcygeal teratoma presents particular challenges, primarily due to the difficulty in assessing small vessels and the potential complications associated with this procedure. Nevertheless, this technique proves exceptionally valuable in helping the surgeon minimize blood loss during surgery, thereby reducing the risks of morbidity and mortality. Comprehensive planning for the embolization procedure is essential, encompassing the identification of potential vascular access points and alternatives, along with careful selection of the appropriate catheter.
Antibacterial activity of medicinal plants and their role in wound healing
Authors: Breijyeh Zeinab , Karaman Rafik
Published: May 2024

Background

The study of plant-based medications, or phytomedicine, involves a wide spectrum of biological activities. Due to the existence of secondary metabolites, herbal medicine has been used and practiced throughout history for the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. Over the past century or so, numerous novel compounds with medicinal potential have been derived from plants. In the age of growing super infections and the emergence of resistant strains, natural medicines are inspiring optimism.

Main body of the abstract

The review discusses the role of herbal medicine as antibacterial agents and their use in wound care and management of wounds and the critical role of secondary metabolites of herbal plants in fighting bacterial infections. Some medicinal plants such as St. John’s wort (SJW) (Hypericum perforatum), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), and nopal cactus (Opuntia ficusindica(L.)) also possess wide range of biological activities and can give a synergistic effect if combined with antibiotics. In addition, natural biopolymers play an important role in the management of wounds as well as the physiological processes of the skin (hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling).

Method

A narrative review of papers relevant to the use of phytomedicine in treating infections was conducted by using electronic databases PubMed, CrossREF, and Google Scholar.

Short conclusion

Phytomedicine is one of the top options for the treatment of chronic illnesses for millions of people around the world. To learn about the bioactive components of medicinal plants, their medical benefits, and their synergistic or additive effects to enhance the action of medications, substantial new studies are still needed.

Graphical abstract
Home exercise is considered essential, but patient compliance remains a mystery
Authors: Tombak Yasemin , Karaahmet Ozgur Zeliha , Umay Ebru , Akyuz Ece Unlu , Gurcay Eda
Published: May 2024

Background

Regular exercise is essential in the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), as the main goals of the treatment are to reduce pain, restore function, avoid disability and structural deterioration, and improve quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether patients adhere to exercise recommendations and to evaluate the effects of consistent exercise on patients' pain, function, disease activity, mood, and quality of life. Many studies emphasize the need for exercise in treatment of AS, but none reveal whether patients follow prescribed practices and the results of doing so.

Results

Exercising group had significantly decreased pain, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index and Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) scores (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in morning stiffness, mood, spinal mobility, and QoL parameters (p > 0.05). Regular exercise was positively correlated with physiotherapy history. Regression analysis revealed that with an increase of 1 unit in visual analog scale and BASDAI, regular exercise decreased by 0.087 and 0.116 units, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study revealed how much the patients considers and follows the recommended exercises and concluded that regular exercise habits should be developed since they offer promising effects in treatment of AS, hence, patients should be educated in this area, and particular exercise routines should be developed to encourage them to exercise.
Η ανάπτυξη της Πάτρας κατά την μεταπολεμική περίοδο και η συμβολή των γυναικών
Authors: Γεωργακοπούλου Πηνελόπη
Published: May 2024

Στην παρούσα διατριβή εξετάζεται η ανάπτυξη της Πάτρας, κατά τη μεταπολεμική περίοδο και η συμβολή των γυναικών σε αυτή. Έτσι, το ενδιαφέρον εστιάζεται: αφ’ ενός, στην εξέλιξη και οργάνωση του αστικού χώρου της πόλης και την αστικοποίηση της άμεσης περιφέρειάς της, κατά την μεταπολεμική περίοδο, στις κοινωνικο-οικονομικές συνθήκες και τις πρακτικές κάτω από τις οποίες αυτή συντελείται, τα εργαλεία και τους μηχανισμούς της αστικής ανάπτυξης. Αφ’ ετέρου, στην διερεύνηση της συμβολής των γυναικών, ως φύλο-κοινωνική κατηγορία, σε αυτή τη χωρική εξέλιξη και στην διαμόρφωση των καθημερινών συνθηκών διαβίωσης στο χώρο επιχειρώντας, ταυτόχρονα, να καταστήσει ορατή, την παρουσία των γυναικών. Βασικός στόχος η ανάδειξη της εμπλοκής των γυναικών - "αόρατων" συντελεστών - και της συμβολής τους στην συγκρότηση του αστικού χώρου, ενός χώρου "βιωμένου" που οργανώνεται, εξελίσσεται και μετασχηματίζεται στο χρόνο σε σχέση, όχι μόνο, με τις μετασχηματιζόμενες κοινωνικές σχέσεις παραγωγής αλλά και με "τις καθημερινές εμπειρίες και σχέσεις οικειοποίησής του". Η διερεύνηση αυτή επιχειρείται μέσα από μια πλουραλιστική προσέγγιση που στηρίζεται στην ριζοσπαστική οπτική για την πόλη και το χώρο, την οπτική του φύλου και την προφορική ιστορία. Δίνει βάρος στον εντοπισμό των ιεραρχικών σχέσεων των φύλων (έμφυλες σχέσεις) που διαπερνούν τα επίπεδα της κοινωνικής ζωής και διαμορφώνουν τις διαφορετικές καθημερινότητες των γυναικών και ανδρών. Το φύλο, έτσι, γίνεται κατανοητό ως εργαλείο που συμβάλλει στη μελέτη και διερεύνηση της συγκρότησης, της αναπαραγωγής και των σχέσεων των γυναικών με το χώρο και την πόλη, μέσα από περισσότερες έννοιες όπως, τις κοινωνικές ταυτότητες, τις επιλογές και τους λόγους που οργανώνουν τις εμπειρίες, και τις επιθυμίες. Άλλωστε, η καθημερινή ζωή αποτελεί το προνομιακό πεδίο μελέτης του αστικού χώρου, ως ένα σημαντικό πεδίο πράξης που συμβάλλει στη μεταμόρφωση της συνείδησης, μέσα από την εναλλαγή των καθημερινών δραστηριοτήτων, των εμπειριών και των υλικών συνθηκών της ζωής. Μέσα από την έρευνα-πεδίου σε δύο γειτονιές της Πάτρας, την Αγυιά και τα Ζαρουχλέικα, βασισμένη στις προφορικές αφηγήσεις των γυναικών για την καθημερινή ζωή τους, αναδεικνύεται η αλληλεπίδραση και η αλληλεξάρτηση των σχέσεων χώρου και φύλου. Η διατριβή ολοκληρώνεται υπογραμμίζοντας τη συμβολή των γυναικών, στην αναπτυξιακή διαδικασία της πόλης παράλληλα με την κατανόηση της δυναμικής τους να υπάρχουν ως ενεργά υποκείμενα που "ενεργούν και πράττουν", μεταλλάσσοντας τις συνθήκες της καθημερινής ζωής και της ίδιας της πόλης.
Feedback as a Tool for Effective Project Management: Significance, Methods of Utilization, and Practical Examples
Authors: Birulya M.
Published: May 2024

This article analyzes the importance of feedback in Agile projects, emphasizing its role in improving management processes and motivating personnel. Methods of collecting feedback, such as surveys, meetings, and project data analysis, are discussed. Special attention is paid to practical aspects of giving and receiving feedback, including strategies for effective communication among project participants. Principles of transparency, openness, and respect are discussed in the context of the Agile approach, along with recommendations for developing authentic leadership and building trusting relationships within teams. The influence of feedback on the process of continuous improvement and project refinement is explored. Overall, the article provides an overview of modern methods and practices of using feedback in Agile projects and recommendations for their application to achieve suc-cessful outcomes.
Severe gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus infection in a patient diagnosed with late onset combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Sauqué Pintos Georgina , Antolí Gil Arnau , Rocamora Blanch Gemma , Avila Espinoza Renzo , Taco Sánchez Rosario , Sabé Fernández Núria , Solanich Moreno Xavier
Published: May 2024

Late onset combined immunodeficiency (LOCID) is a rare variant of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), typically affecting adult patients who present with opportunistic infections (OI) and/or low CD4+ T lymphocytes. Diagnostic delay is common due to the rareness of this entity, increasing morbidity and mortality. We report on a 66-year-old male who developed a severe gastrointestinal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, refractory to antiviral treatment and anti-cytomegalovirus specific human immunoglobulin administration, with a fatal outcome due to an undiagnosed LOCID.
Recognising and responding to physical and mental health issues in neurodivergent girls and women
Authors: Kelly Clive , Martin Ren , Taylor Rachael , Doherty Mary
Published: May 2024

People experience life and interact with others in many ways. The term ‘neurodivergence’ refers to variations from what is considered typical. Research and education into conditions that cooccur with neurodivergence are essential in shaping clinicians’ approaches to people who may present with a wide range of symptoms. Neurodivergence may influence a person’s style of communication, learning, attitudes, and behaviour, and they often experience inequity and rejection. This review highlights the huge burden of cooccurring conditions carried by neurodivergent women and girls whose medical issues have largely gone under the radar. We suggest how clinicians might increase their awareness of diagnosis and management of their problems with mutual benefit.
What you need to know about common skin problems in older adults
Authors: Choudhary Cherry , Kravvas Georgios , Jones Howell T
Published: May 2024

Skin ageing is a multifaceted process impacted by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Drier and less elastic skin with declining sebum levels in older age makes ageing skin more vulnerable to various skin conditions, including infections, inflammatory dermatoses, and cancers. Skin problems are common among older adults due to the effects of ageing, polypharmacy and multimorbidity impacting not only physical health but wellbeing and quality of life. In the UK, older adults in geriatric medicine wards may present with various skin conditions. Hospitalised older individuals may have undiagnosed skin problems unrelated to their admission, making hospitalisation an opportunity to manage unmet needs. Asteatotic eczema, incontinence associated dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, chronic venous insufficiency, and cellulitis are common disorders clinicians encounter in the geriatric medicine wards. This article outlines the importance of performing comprehensive skin assessments to help diagnose and commence management for these common conditions.
What is the effectiveness of reporting systems in promoting learning in healthcare?
Authors: Sehgal Apurv
Published: May 2024

Patient safety in healthcare remains a top priority. Learning from safety events is vital to move towards safer systems. As a result, reporting systems are recognised as the cornerstone of safety, especially in high-risk industries. However, in healthcare, the benefits of reporting systems in promoting learning remain contentious. Though the strengths of these systems, such as promoting a safety culture and providing information from near misses are noted, there are problems that mean learning is missed. Understanding the factors that both enable and act as barriers to learning from reporting is also important to consider. This review, considers the effectiveness of reporting systems in contributing to learning in healthcare.
LEVODOPA
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: May 2024

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of posts on X. This month she is talking about #levodopa
Continuous glucose monitors
Authors: Winter George
Published: May 2024

In this month's article, George Winter discusses the application of continuous glucose monitors – mobile telephony systems that facilitate recording of physiological measurements
Conducting a medication review in older adults
Authors: Nazarko Linda , Khozam Yvette
Published: May 2024

Once prescribers have initiated medication regimens, there can be a reluctance to review and discontinue them. Over the past two decades in the UK, the percentage of individuals aged 65 and above on polypharmacy (five or more medications) has risen from 12–49% ( Gao et al, 2018 ). Medication can harm as well as heal, and the need for medication reviews grows as our population ages. This article is one of a series, written by a consultant nurse and a pharmacist, and aims to help readers further develop their skills in medication management.
Investigation into the Mechanisms Underlying the Behavior of Textile Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Karthikeyan M , K Dhanasekar , T Theerkadharshini , A Aparna , Das K Mohan
Published: May 2024

Through experimentation, the performance of textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) and conventional concrete as reinforcing materials will be compared in this study. In this work, essential strength characteristics are determined, and the influence of the polyester filament yarns on concrete mixes is investigated by including them in M30-grade concrete for nominal mix design. An essential component of optimizing concrete strength and durability is choosing the right curing time. The study's curing techniques focus on keeping the concrete from losing too much moisture. One of three approaches can be used to do this: either leave the form-work in place, cover the concrete with an impermeable membrane after the form-work is removed, use a water-based chemical curing agent, or combine these approaches. To reduce moisture loss, the exposed surface is continuously sprayed. Layers 1, 2, and 3 of the cloth must be organized in order to evaluate its split tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths. According to the experimental findings, the specimen that has two layers of textile in it achieves the best results in the split tensile, compression, and flexure tests. Nevertheless, the addition of three textile layers causes the strengths of compression and flexibility to diminish.
AVALIAÇÃO DO REGISTRO DE ENFERMAGEM SOBRE PARADA CARDIORRESPIRATÓRIA E REANIMAÇÃO CARDIOPULMONAR COMPARADO AO MODELO UTSTEIN
Authors: Oliveira Santos Andressa , Matos Amaral Jocelio , Da Silva Teixeira Loren Scarlatt , Neves Ribeiro Regina , Steffens Ana Paula
Published: May 2024

Introdução: Os casos de Parada Cardiorrespiratória devem ser registrados de forma completa e detalhada, desde a sua causa até as intervenções realizadas a fim de obter o retorno da circulação espontânea. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade dos registros de enfermagem sobre parada cardiorrespiratória e reanimação cardiopulmonar com base no modelo Utstein. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal, exploratório - descritivo, quantitativo, realizado em duas Unidades de Terapia Intensiva, com avaliação em prontuário de registros de parada cardiorrespiratória e reanimação cardiopulmonar com retorno da circulação espontânea ou óbito, pelo período de dois meses. Resultados: Foram avaliados 41 registros, de pacientes com idade entre 22 e 79 anos, sendo 14 (51,9%) homens.  Em 13 (31,7%) registros não havia descrição de quaisquer manobras de reanimação e, quando descritos, na maioria deles não havia especificação das intervenções realizadas. A descrição da causa da parada cardiorrespiratória estava ausente em 38 (92,7%) e do ritmo em 37 (90,3%) registros. Em mais da metade não havia registros dos tempos dos eventos e nem um mencionava quais os profissionais envolvidos na reanimação cardiopulmonar. Conclusão: Todas as anotações estavam incompletas frente ao modelo Utstein, isso dificulta a obtenção de dados para realização de pesquisas sobre a temática e expõe a precariedade do registro realizado sem método sistemático.
TRANSTORNOS MENTAIS NA PANDEMIA: avaliação da saúde mental de estudantes de medicina
Authors: Silva Correa Reis Giovana , De Melo e Silva Andrícia de Jesus , Santos dos Santos Mainã Cristina , Marcela dos Santos Lopes Andrea , Regina Bastos Neder Patrícia
Published: May 2024

Nos últimos anos houve um aumento considerável da prevalência de transtornos mentais, com destaque para estudantes de medicina. OBJETIVO: Com a pandemia do COVID-19 e as mudanças trazidas por ela, viu-se a necessidade de identificar a prevalência de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade em acadêmicos de medicina de uma universidade do Norte do Brazil durante esse período. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo, do tipo transversal, realizado com 240 estudantes de medicina, durante a segunda onda da pandemia do COVID-19. Foi aplicado um questionário validado, via Google Forms para avaliar e classificar sintomas de depressão e ansiedade. Foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado para avaliar as correlações. RESULTADOS: a partir da aplicação do questionário, pôde-se observar que a em sua maioria os estudantes apresentavam ausência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão, entretanto, entre os que apresentaram, 14,9% das mulheres apresentaram ansiedade severa. Foi visto que não houve associação significativa entre idade e presença de sintomas de transtorno mental e ainda, observou-se que sintomas de ansiedade e depressão foram mais relatados em alunos do primeiro, segundo e quarto ano. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que os participantes da pesquisa apresentaram níveis leves de ansiedade e depressão, diferindo da maioria dos estudos científicos. Percebeu-se que houve maior prevalência de sintomas moderados a graves de ansiedade na população feminina e de depressão no sexo masculino. A idade média mais acometida foi de 23 anos, em alunos do primeiro e quarto ano.
IMPORTÂNCIA DA QUANTIFICAÇÃO ABSOLUTA DE LINFÓCITOS T REGULATÓRIOS (TREG) NO CURSO DA INFECÇÃO PELO VÍRUS HIV
Authors: Holanda Nascimento Matheus , Miralha Costa Tiago , Silveira Paixão Ana Paula , Suellen Lopes Castro Mendes Nilmara , Cardoso de Brito Junior Lacy
Published: May 2024

INTRODUÇÃO. Os linfócitos T regulatórios (TReg) são células especializadas na supressão de respostas imunes superreativas como na infecção pelo vírus HIV. OBJETIVOS. Verificar a concentração absoluta de linfócitos TReg durante o curso da infecção pelo HIV em pacientes em diagnóstico ou já em tratamento. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS. Estudo realizado com 50 indivíduos que procuraram espontaneamente um laboratório particular de Belém - Pará para realizar exames de quantificação de linfócitos T CD4+ e T CD8+ e carga viral (Grupos 2 e 3) ou somente hemograma (Grupo 1 - controle), no período de julho de 2018 a agosto de 2019. O Grupo 2 foi formado por pessoas que tinham RT-PCR detectável para HIV1/HIV2 em diagnóstico; e Grupo 3 formado por pessoas que tinham RT-PCR detectável para HIV1/HIV2 e já estavam em tratamento. RESULTADOS. No Grupo 1 a mediana de idade foi de 56,5 anos e observou-se dependência estatística (p = 0,00451) entre os valores absolutos de Linfócitos T CD4+ e de Linfócitos TReg. No Grupo 2 a mediana de idade foi de 39,5 anos e houve diferença estatística (p=0,00234) apenas quando a carga viral estava não detectável e os valores absolutos de linfócito TReg estavam baixos. No Grupo 3 a mediana de idade foi de 40,5 anos e houve dependência estatística (p = 0,00188) entre os valores absolutos de Linfócitos T CD4+ e de Linfócitos TReg. CONCLUSÃO. Nossos dados reforçam a observação de outros autores quanto ao aumento dos valores absolutos de linfócitos TReg em pacientes em terapia antiretroviral específica.
CUIDADORES INFORMAIS DE PACIENTES ACOMETIDOS PELO ACIDENTE VASCULAR CEREBRAL: ESTRATÉGIAS PARA A REDUÇÃO DA SOBRECARGA
Authors: Mendonça Alysson Geraldo , Ferreira Maria Luiza , Teixeira Vanessa Pereira , Damas de Oliveira Grasiele , Da Silva Barroso Ana Caroline
Published: May 2024

Introdução: O ato de cuidados diários de pacientes acometidos pelo Acidente Vascular Cerebral é desafiador e requer conhecimentos pluralistas, que vão desde técnicas relacionadas à assistência em saúde, até questões psicológicas. Geralmente, estes cuidadores relatam diversas queixas, problemas físicos, mentais e sociais diante do ato de cuidar deste paciente. Objetivo: Identificar possíveis estratégias descritas na literatura que buscam diminuir a sobrecarga física, mental ou social de cuidadores informais de pacientes acometidos pelo Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, realizada entre os meses de setembro de 2022 a janeiro de 2023, com a seguinte questão norteadora: Quais estratégias descritas na literatura podem diminuir a sobrecarga de cuidadores informais de pacientes acometidos pelo acidente vascular cerebral? A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e BVS Saúde. Resultados: Foram encontrados 533 estudos durante a busca, destes, oito estudos foram selecionados para a discussão dos resultados. A amostra total somada de cuidadores informais foi de 687, com média de idade de 50,8 anos; sendo 502 (73,07%) mulheres e 185 (26,92%) homens. As principais estratégias encontradas na literatura foram: educação em saúde de diferentes formas (psicoeducação, orientações via telefonema, orientações verbais) e o relaxamento muscular progressivo. Conclusão: Existem estratégias que visam reduzir a sobrecarga física, mental e social de cuidadores informais de pacientes acometidos pelo acidente vascular cerebral. Entretanto, são necessários mais estudos que abordem outras estratégias, principalmente estudos que relatem de forma mais detalhada as intervenções realizadas.
How artificial intelligence chatbots becomes author’s true friend in medical writing without risking ethical violations
Authors: Hamid Agus Rizal Ardy Hariandy
Published: May 2024

[No abstract available]
Incidence of urethral stricture in patients with urethral trauma: a 10-year experience in an Indonesian tertiary hospital
Authors: Satyagraha Paksi , Lazuardi Muhammad Adi Satrio , Budaya Taufiq Nur
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND Urethral injuries are rarely life-threatening but can cause significant morbidity if left untreated. Until now, data on urethral trauma incidence are still limited in Indonesia. This study aimed to report the incidence of traumatic urethral stricture within 10 years of experience in treating urethral trauma.
METHODS This retrospective study used a total sampling method for all patients with urethral trauma who came to the emergency department and agreed to undergo radiological evaluation. Patient data were collected from January 2012 to December 2021. All patients were followed up for 3 months after trauma, and the incidence of urethral stricture was analyzed using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests as an alternative.
RESULTS The overall incidence of urethral stricture was 48.4%. Of 122 patients, 82.0% had anterior urethral trauma. Grade III American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (43.4%) was the most common urethral trauma. The cause of urethral trauma was iatrogenic, pelvic fracture urethral injury (PFUI), straddle injury, and penile fracture, contributing in 64.8%, 18.0%, 16.4%, and 0.8% of the cases, respectively. Most patients (70.5%) underwent a cystostomy catheterization procedure as initial treatment. Straddle injury, PFUI, and a higher degree of urethral trauma were significantly associated with urethral stricture formation (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS Straddle injury, PFUI, and a higher degree of urethral trauma were significantly related to a higher incidence of urethral stricture. Most low-grade and anterior urethral traumas can resolve spontaneously.
Social identities, emotions and policy preferences
Authors: Hornung Johanna , Bandelow Nils C.
Published: May 2024

Emotions are gaining increasing attention in public policy. Policy process research so far has focused on the effects of emotions rather than their roots. In social psychology, emotions are a central part of social identity theory (SIT), and the relevance of social identities in the policy process (SIPP) has recently been acknowledged. This raises the question of how the identification with social groups is linked to emotions related to policies and policy preferences. Filling this research gap, this article analyses social identities and resulting emotions as potential explanations for public policy preferences. The findings reveal that the strength of social identities is a significant predictor for policy-related emotions. However, it also shows that the explanatory power of social identities and related emotions differs by policy field. Our results have implications for the study of social groups and emotions and for understanding and overcoming conflicts between people with different identities and emotions.
Exploring the role of evidence-based educational resources and brokering in the wake of political trauma
Authors: Kornbluh Mariah , Davis Amanda , Dunn Alyssa Hadley , Brezicha Kristina
Published: May 2024

Background

The research-practice gap has not been explored within civics education, and in particular the role of evidence-based civics curriculum in times of political trauma. Such research is critical in equipping educators with evidence-based resources to help mitigate political trauma experienced by students. Here, we explore the types of resources teachers access as well as the role of Brokers, Intermediaries and Boundary Spanners (BIBS) in connecting teachers to such sources after the historic 6 January 2021 US Capitol insurrection.

Aims and objectives

This study poses the following research questions: (1) what resources did teachers utilise to support their students following the 6 January 2021 Capitol insurrection; and (2) who were key BIBS in connecting teachers to such information and what role did research evidence have in the generation of such materials?

Methods

Using cross-sectional survey data, we analyse the open-ended text-based responses from educators reflecting on the days after 6 January 2021.

Findings

The study illuminates’ trends in: (1) the type of resources teachers utilise to address students’ needs (educational curricula, social media, news outlets); and (2) the role of BIBS in connecting them to such information (media platforms, mass media, educational non-profit organisations).

Discussion and conclusion

In the face of political trauma, educators present civics crises as ‘open issues’ and struggle to access frameworks to support research-based pedagogy. Findings illuminate the potential of a BIBS framework that works to further support educators in facilitating conversations and evidence-based pedagogies with their students that rebuke such injustices.
High-speed carbon nanotube photodetector based on a planarized silicon waveguide
Authors: Zhao Hongyan , Yang Leijing , Xiu Haojin , Deng Meng , Wang Yongjun , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2024

The integration of silicon waveguides with low-dimensional materials with excellent optoelectronic properties can enable compact and highly integrated optical devices with multiple advantages for multiple fields. A carbon nanotube (CNT) photodetector integrated on the silicon waveguide has the potential to meet on-chip high-speed optical interconnection systems, based on the outstanding properties of CNTs such as picosecond-level intrinsic photoresponse time, high charge carrier mobility, broad spectral response, high absorption coefficient, and so on. However, the thermal stability of the device may be compromised due to the local suspension in the channel for the height difference between the WG and the substrate. Here, we report a low-cost and low-optical-loss method to achieve the planarized silicon waveguide. After that, the CNT photodetectors integrated on the original and planarized waveguide with asymmetric palladium (Pd)-hafnium (Hf) metal contacts are fabricated. The influence of this planarization method on the performance of devices is analyzed via comparing the dark leakage current, the leakage current rectification ratio (CRR), the series resistances (RS), and the photoelectric response. Finally, a CNT photodetector based on the planarized waveguide with a photocurrent (Iph) ∼510.84nA, a photoresponsivity (RI) ∼51.04mA/W, the dark current ∼0.389µA, as well as a 3 dB bandwidth ∼34GHz at the large reverse voltage −3V is shown.
Fractional squashed entanglement and its efficiency
Authors: El-Hadidy E. G. , El Anouz K. , Metwally N.
Published: May 2024

In this paper we investigate the fractional quantum correlations via squashed entanglement and negativity, where an analytical solution of a fractional Schrödinger equation under an XXX model of a spin-spin Hamiltonian has been introduced. It has shown that, by starting with an initially large entangled state, both quantifiers decrease during the interaction. This decay increases as one increases the degree of the fractional order and the coupling constant between the two spins. However, the squashed entanglement and the negativity increase gradually if the initial state contains a small amount of quantum correlations. The sudden/gradual changes of these phenomena have been observed at small/large values of the fractional order, respectively. The constant behavior of these measures is observed at small values of fractional orders. Our results show that the fractional state can be used as a quantum channel with high efficiency to perform quantum teleportation. The long-lived constant behavior of the teleportation inequality indicates that the efficiency of this channel will be constant during the teleportation process.
Critical quantum geometric tensors of parametrically-driven nonlinear resonators
Authors: Zhang Hao-Long , Lü Jia-Hao , Chen Ken , Yu Xue-Jia , Wu Fan , Yang Zhen-Biao , Zheng Shi-Biao
Published: May 2024

Parametrically driven nonlinear resonators represent a building block for realizing fault-tolerant quantum computation and are useful for critical quantum sensing. From a fundamental viewpoint, the most intriguing feature of such a system is perhaps the critical phenomena, which can occur without interaction with any other quantum system. The non-analytic behaviors of its eigenspectrum have been substantially investigated, but those associated with the ground state wavefunction have largely remained unexplored. Using the quantum ground state geometric tensor as an indicator, we comprehensively establish a phase diagram involving the driving parameter ε and phaseϕ. The results reveal that with the increase in ε, the system undergoes a quantum phase transition from the normal to the symmetry-breaking phase, with the critical point unaffected byϕ. Furthermore, the critical exponent and scaling dimension are obtained by an exact numerical method, which is consistent with previous works. Our numerical results show that the phase transition falls within the universality class of the quantum Rabi model. This work reveals that the quantum metric and Berry curvature display diverging behaviors across the quantum phase transition.
Gain measurement of microwave antenna with heterodyne bichromatic excitation in Rydberg atoms
Authors: Ge Shan , Ren Guanyu , Wang Wengeng , You Yu , Jia Zhengmao , Chen Bing , van den Brink Alec Maassen , Peng Yandong
Published: May 2024

We propose a scheme for gain measurement of microwave (MW) antenna with heterodyne bichromatic excitation in Rydberg atoms via electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). The Rydberg-EIT atoms serve as a frequency mixer with a strong locally oscillating MW field and a weak signal field. A large dispersion appears in the EIT windows due to the interference of two sub-EIT systems, which much narrows the transmission spectrum. The locally oscillating MW field could enhance the atomic response to the weak MW signals. The simulation results show that the gain measurement of MW antenna remains good accuracy even for weak MW fields and the minimum detectable MW field strength is about 1/12 of that of common EIT scheme. Other influences on the gain measurement are also investigated.
High-speed independent polarization modulation based on dual channel 2DEG anisotropic terahertz metasurfaces
Authors: Cong Xuan , Zeng Hongxin , Long JunJie , Zhang Huifang , Liang Huajie , Liang Shixiong , Wang Lan , Wang Xun , Lan Feng , Wang Weipeng , Wang Zheng , Yang Ziqiang , Zhang Yaxin
Published: May 2024

In communication and imaging systems, anisotropic metasurfaces bring new degrees of freedom for the independent control of electromagnetic waves with different polarizations. This paper proposes a dual-polarization modulation metasurface (DPMM) operating in the terahertz (THz) frequency range, which can effectively and independently modulate two orthogonally linearly polarized electromagnetic waves. The metasurface unit adopts an anisotropic structure, and by integrating multiple GaN-based high electron mobility transistors (GaN-HEMTs) into the anisotropic structure, independent control of the two-dimension electron gas (2DEG) carrier concentration in the dual-polarization channel is achieved, enabling selective modulation of x-polarization and y-polarization waves. Simulation and static experimental results demonstrate the excellent modulation isolation performance of the DPMM, with a maximum isolation exceeding 45 dB. Dynamic experiments further highlight the high-speed modulation effect, with modulation speeds exceeding 1 GHz for a single channel and an overall modulation speed of 2 GHz for dual polarization, highlighting its potential for enhancing channel capacity and information throughput in THz communication and imaging systems.
Linearization of wavelength sweeping lasers for the construction of 4-D FMCW LiDAR images of slow-moving objects using baseband beat note signals
Authors: Tsai Yu-Kuan , Liao Zheng-Xiang , Lin Yu-Xiang , Chen H.-S. , Huang Jack Jia-Sheng , Wang Pei-Hsun , Wei Chia-Chien , Chang You-Chia , Hung Yung , Shi Jin-Wei
Published: May 2024

A FMCW LiDAR system of both the distributed feedback laser and external cavity laser is established in baseband beat notes, rather than up-conversion to an intermediate frequency to exclude flicker noise. Meanwhile, utilizing fast-scanning MEMS mirrors, high-quality real-time (1 fps) 4-D images of the slow-moving object (10 mm/s) can be directly constructed at the baseband with a central frequency as low as 100 kHz and a small Doppler shift. The proposed LiDAR architecture based on such a low-frequency baseband significantly improves the optical power budget on the transmitter side and eliminates the costly high-speed sampling circuits on the receiver side.
Honeycomb effect elimination in differential phase fiber-bundle-based endoscopy
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Chen Cheng , You Wu , Jiao Yuheng , Liu Xiaojun , Jiang Xiangqian , Lu Wenlong
Published: May 2024

Fiber-bundle-based endoscopy, with its ultrathin probe and micrometer-level resolution, has become a widely adopted imaging modality for in vivo imaging. However, the fiber bundles introduce a significant honeycomb effect, primarily due to the multi-core structure and crosstalk of adjacent fiber cores, which superposes the honeycomb pattern image on the original image. To tackle this issue, we propose an iterative-free spatial pixel shifting (SPS) algorithm, designed to suppress the honeycomb effect and enhance real-time imaging performance. The process involves the creation of three additional sub-images by shifting the original image by one pixel at 0, 45, and 90 degree angles. These four sub-images are then used to compute differential maps in the x and y directions. By performing spiral integration on these differential maps, we reconstruct a honeycomb-free image with improved details. Our simulations and experimental results, conducted on a self-built fiber bundle-based endoscopy system, demonstrate the effectiveness of the SPS algorithm. SPS significantly improves the image quality of reflective objects and unlabeled transparent scattered objects, laying a solid foundation for biomedical endoscopic applications.
Dyakonov surface waves in a thin interfacial waveguide formed by negatively anisotropic dielectrics
Authors: Chermoshentsev D. A. , Anikin E. V. , Gippius N. A. , Dyakov S. A.
Published: May 2024

Dyakonov surface waves (DSWs) are electromagnetic surface waves that exist at the interface of two dissimilar materials, with at least one material being anisotropic. Although there are various types of these waves, they all exist in anisotropic materials with positive anisotropy. The requirement for positive anisotropy limits the choice of materials that can support these waves. In this study, we present a type of Dyakonov surface wave that occurs at the interface of negatively anisotropic materials. Specifically, we demonstrate their existence in a system consisting of two negatively anisotropic slabs confined between two perfect electric conductor (PEC) walls. By assuming a small distance between the walls, we derive analytical expressions for the propagation constant, penetration depth, and field distribution of these surface waves. We numerically demonstrate that these surface waves can also exist in structures beyond the approximations used to develop the theoretical framework. The existence of Dyakonov surface waves in negative crystals broadens the range of materials suitable for their practical implementation.
Evidence of potential impacts of a nutrition-sensitive agroecology program in Andhra Pradesh, India, on dietary diversity, nutritional status, and child development
Authors: Ch Lakshmi Durga , Bharath Yandrapu , Bliznashka Lilia , Kumar T. Vijay , Jonnala Veerendra , Chekka Vijayalakshmi , Yebushi Srileka , Roy Aditi , Venkateshmurthy Nikhil Srinivasapura , Prabhakaran Poornima , Jaacks Lindsay M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

While a number of studies have examined the nutritional impacts of agroecological interventions, few have examined impacts on child development, maternal and child anemia, and men’s dietary diversity. Moreover, there have been few such evaluations at scale. We evaluated the impact of a large-scale, multi-component food-based nutrition intervention involving homestead food production, nutrition counselling, cooking demonstrations, and crop planning exercises.

Methods

A cross-sectional assessment was conducted in 2021–2022 of 50 intervention villages where the nutrition-sensitive agroecology program had been implemented since 2018 and 79 control villages where only the agroecology program had been implemented. Data on self-reported dietary intake, caregiver-reported early child development, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin concentrations were collected using standardized procedures by trained Nutrition Farming Fellows, who were also responsible for implementing the program.

Results

A sample of 3,511 households (1,121 intervention and 2,390 control) participated in the survey. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) among women and men were mean (SD) 6.53 (±1.62) and 6.16 (±1.65), respectively, in intervention villages and 5.81 (±1.58) and 5.39 (±1.61), respectively, in control villages (p<0.01). DDS among children 6–24 months of age in intervention and control villages was 2.99 (±1.52) and 2.73 (±1.62), respectively (p<0.01). Children <2 years of age were less likely to be anemic in intervention versus control villages (59% versus 69%, p<0.01). Children 18–35 months age in intervention villages had higher child development scores than children in control villages (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Nutrition-sensitive agroecological programs may be effective in improving diets, nutrition, and child development in rural India.
Randomised, controlled, feasibility trial comparing vasopressor infusion administered via peripheral cannula versus central venous catheter for critically ill adults: A study protocol
Authors: Watts Stacey , Apte Yogesh , Holland Thomas , Hatt April , Craswell Alison , Lin Frances , Tabah Alexis , Ware Robert , Byrnes Joshua , Anstey Christopher , Keijzers Gerben , Ramanan Mahesh
Published: May 2024

Background

When clinicians need to administer a vasopressor infusion, they are faced with the choice of administration via either peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) or central venous catheter (CVC). Vasopressor infusions have traditionally been administered via central venous catheters (CVC) rather than Peripheral Intra Venous Catheters (PIVC), primarily due to concerns of extravasation and resultant tissue injury. This practice is not guided by contemporary randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence. Observational data suggests safety of vasopressor infusion via PIVC. To address this evidence gap, we have designed the “Vasopressors Infused via Peripheral or Central Access” (VIPCA) RCT.

Methods

The VIPCA trial is a single-centre, feasibility, parallel-group RCT. Eligible critically ill patients requiring a vasopressor infusion will be identified by emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU) staff and randomised to receive vasopressor infusion via either PIVC or CVC. Primary outcome is feasibility, a composite of recruitment rate, proportion of eligible patients randomised, protocol fidelity, retention and missing data. Primary clinical outcome is days alive and out of hospital up to day-30. Secondary outcomes will include safety and other clinical outcomes, and process and cost measures. Specific aspects of safety related to vasopressor infusions such as extravasation, leakage, device failure, tissue injury and infection will be assessed.

Discussion

VIPCA is a feasibility RCT whose outcomes will inform the feasibility and design of a multicentre Phase-3 trial comparing routes of vasopressor delivery. The exploratory economic analysis will provide input data for the full health economic analysis which will accompany any future Phase-3 RCT.
Prediction of anemia in real-time using a smartphone camera processing conjunctival images
Authors: Zhao Leon , Vidwans Alisa , Bearnot Courtney J. , Rayner James , Lin Timmy , Baird Janette , Suner Selim , Jay Gregory D.
Published: May 2024

Anemia is defined as a low hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and is highly prevalent worldwide. We report on the performance of a smartphone application (app) that records images in RAW format of the palpebral conjunctivae and estimates Hb concentration by relying upon computation of the tissue surface high hue ratio. Images of bilateral conjunctivae were obtained prospectively from a convenience sample of 435 Emergency Department patients using a dedicated smartphone. A previous computer-based and validated derivation data set associating estimated conjunctival Hb (HBc) and the actual laboratory-determined Hb (HBl) was used in deriving Hb estimations using a self-contained mobile app. Accuracy of HBc was 75.4% (95% CI 71.3, 79.4%) for all categories of anemia, and Bland-Altman plot analysis showed a bias of 0.10 and limits of agreement (LOA) of (-4.73, 4.93 g/dL). Analysis of HBc estimation accuracy around different anemia thresholds showed that AUC was maximized at transfusion thresholds of 7 and 9 g/dL which showed AUC values of 0.92 and 0.90 respectively. We found that the app is sufficiently accurate for detecting severe anemia and shows promise as a population-sourced screening platform or as a non-invasive point-of-care anemia classifier.