bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediation role of health behaviours in the relation between mental resilience and cardiovascular risk in young adults with a diagnosed congenital heart defect
Authors: Mroczkowska Renata , Szlenk-Czyczerska Elżbieta , Szwamel Katarzyna , Fiszer Roland
Published: December 2024

Introduction.
With age, patients with a congenital heart defect are under higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and more complex selfcare requirements.
Aim of the study.
The analysis of the mediation role of health-oriented behaviours in the relation between mental resilience and the cardiovascular risk in young adults with congenital heart defects.
Material and methods.
The research was based on the examination of 201 patients with congenital heart defects using the medical record analysis, the method of estimating and the diagnostic survey method. The other examination tools included the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Scale, the Resilience Assessment Scale (SPP-25) and the Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI).
Results.
The examination confirmed that every second patient was susceptible to a cardiovascular disease due to the prevalence of three risk factors. The general indicator of the intensity of health-related behaviours amounted to 83.16 ± 12.94. The lowest intensity of all health behaviours was observed for eating habits (3.14 ± 0.83). The highest score of mental resilience was reported in terms of openness to new experience and sense of humour (15.31 ± 3.05), whereas the lowest was related to optimism and mobilization capability in difficult situations (12.97 ± 3.46). The higher the perseverance and determination (β = -0.16; p < 0.001), openness and sense of humour (β = -0.09; p < 0.01), tolerance to failure and perceiving life as a challenge (β = -0.09; p < 0.01), optimism and the mobilization capability in difficult situations (β = -0.08; p < 0.01) and overall mental resilience scale measurement (β = -0.11; p < 0.001), the lower the cardiovascular risk. In short, higher psychological resilience was associated with higher intensity of health-related behaviours.
Conclusions.
Health-related behaviours play a mediation role between mental resilience and the cardiovascular risk in the group of young adults with congenital heart defects. Psychological resilience as a preventive and promotional factor of mental health appears to be of a very essential value while developing health promoting programmes aimed at decreasing the cardiovascular risk in patients with a congenital heart defect. The evaluation of mental resilience may provide better understanding of the patient and ensure proper health care.
Resilience and religiosity as moderators between war-related media exposure and psychotic experiences: A Multi-Country Population-based Study in the aftermath of the October 2023 Israel-Gaza war
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Helmy Mai , Alhuwailah Amthal , Shuwiekh Hanaa Ahmed Mohamed , Maalej Emna , Naser Abdallah Y , Obeid Sahar , Loch Alexandre Andrade , Cheour Majda , Hallit Souheil
Published: December 2024

Background
After the 7th of October 2023, millions of individuals across the globe have been facing an unprecedented indirect exposure to war and terror through media coverage. Young people exposed to such early, extensive and repeated war-related media content are at increased risk for detrimental psychological consequences, including the development of psychotic experiences (PEs), particularly when mitigating resources are lacking. This study sought to test the hypothesis that resilience and religiosity are involved as moderators in pathways linking early war-related media exposure and PEs in community emerging adults.
Method
This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted two to four weeks following the start of Israel's war on Gaza on the 7th of October 2023. Young adults from the general population of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, and Tunisia (N = 2424) took part in the study through an online survey.
Results
The interaction war-related media exposure by resilience was significantly associated with PEs; at low and moderate levels of resilience, more war-related media exposure was significantly associated with higher PEs. This effect was not significant at high levels of resilience. In addition, the interaction war-related media exposure by religiosity was significantly associated with PEs; at low and moderate levels of religiosity, more war-related media exposure was significantly associated with higher PEs. This effect was not significant at high levels of religiosity.
Conclusion
Results suggest that individual’s high levels of resilience and religiosity could play a significant role in mitigating possible negative impact of war-related media exposure on the manifestations of PEs.
Ventilatory variables and computed tomography features in COVID-19 ARDS and non– COVID-19-related ARDS: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Chiu Li-Chung , Li Hsin-Hsien , Juan Yu-Hsiang , Ko How-Wen , Kuo Scott Chih-Hsi , Lee Chung-Shu , Chan Tien-Ming , Yu-Jr  , Chuang Li-Pang , Hu Han-Chung , Kao Kuo-Chin , Hsu Ping-Chih
Published: December 2024

Background
The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) differ from those of non–COVID-19-related ARDS. This study compared the ventilatory variables and computed tomography (CT) features of patients with COVID-19 versus those of patients with pulmonary non–COVID-19-related ARDS during the early phase of ARDS.
Methods
This prospective, observational cohort study of ARDS patients in Taiwan was performed between February 2017 and June 2018 as well as between October 2020 and January 2024. Analysis was performed on clinical characteristics, including consecutive ventilatory variables during the first week after ARDS diagnosis. Analysis was also performed on CT scans obtained within one week after ARDS onset.
Results
A total of 222 ARDS patients who underwent mechanical ventilation were divided into a COVID-19 ARDS group (n = 44; 19.8%) and a non–COVID-19 group (all pulmonary origin) (n = 178; 80.2%). No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of all-cause hospital mortality (38.6% versus 47.8%, p = 0.277). Pulmonary non–COVID-19 patients presented higher values for mechanical power (MP), MP normalized to predicted body weight (MP/PBW), MP normalized to compliance (MP/compliance), ventilatory ratio (VR), peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), and dynamic driving pressure (∆P) as well as lower dynamic compliance from day 1 to day 7 after ARDS onset. In both groups, non-survivors exceeded survivors and presented higher values for MP, MP/PBW, MP/compliance, VR, Ppeak, and dynamic ∆P with lower dynamic compliance from day 1 to day 7 after ARDS onset. The predominant CT patterns were ground-glass opacity in the COVID-19 group (62.5%) and consolidation in the non–COVID-19 group (75%). The CT severity score for each of the five lung lobes and total CT scores were all significantly higher in the non–COVID-19 group than in the COVID-19 group (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions
In the early course of ARDS, physicians should be aware of the distinctions between COVID-19-related ARDS and non–COVID-19-related ARDS in terms of ventilatory variables and CT imaging presentations. It is also important to tailor the mechanical ventilation settings according to these distinct subsets of ARDS.
Causal relationship between dermatomyositis and autoimmune d isorders: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Zhongyuan , Wang Jiajia , Zhu Ping , Xu Lingxiao , Yan Dandan , Wang Xu , Tian Yian , Liu Shanshan , Meng Deqian , Wang Kai , Li Ju
Published: December 2024

Background
Various autoimmune disorders have been linked to dermatomyositis (DM) based on findings from epidemiological studies. The objective of this study is to examine the causal association between autoimmune disorders and DM utilizing the methodology of Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods
We employed summary statistics from the largest European genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on autoimmune disorders to assess the genetically predicted effects on DM risk in a two-sample MR framework. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with 10 immune-related traits were extracted from these GWAS datasets and their effects were examined in a European DM GWAS cohort (201 cases and 172834 controls). In order to address potential bias arising from the intricate linkage disequilibrium structure observed in the human leukocyte antigen region, the analysis excluded SNPs within this specific genomic region. Subsequently, a multivariate Mendelian analysis was conducted to investigate the association between one autoimmune disease and DM.
Results
After applying the Bonferroni correction to account for multiple testing, our MR analyses revealed a potential heightened risk of DM associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D), one of the autoimmune diseases under investigation. We further conducted a Mendelian analysis focusing on T1D and the occurrence of DM, incorporating type 2 diabetes, viral infection, sunburns and smoking status. Our findings revealed that T1D independently increased the risk of DM, regardless of smoking and viral infection, which were previously identified as DM risk factors.
Conclusion
Our MR study provides evidence supporting a relationship between susceptibility to T1D and increased DM risk in the European population.
Interaction Effect of Common Bean Intercropping with NPS Blended Fertilizer on Striga hermontica severity reduction and Productivity of Sourghum at Fedis, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Degebasa Lemma , Tessema Taye , Bekeko Zelalem , Belete Ketema
Published: December 2024

In Ethiopia, sorghum is the main crop grown for food and feed. But in the majority of eastern Ethiopia's sorghum-growing regions, Striga hermonthica is the main obstacle. In Fedis District, an experiment was carried out to assess the interaction effect of blended NPS fertilizer and common bean planting density for Striga management over the two main cropping seasons of 2019 and 2020. The treatment combination consisted of four NPS blended fertilizer levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha-1 NPS) in a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications, susceptible sorghum variety (Teshale) and common bean variety (Dursitu), planting densities of (25%, 50%, and 75%). The analysis of variance results indicated that treatment interactions on Striga infestation caused highly significant (p < 0.001) changes. The combination of 50% common bean planted density and 100 kg ha-1 NPS blended fertilizer application gave the lowest Striga count (2 Striga shoots) per plot, whereas the single planted susceptible sorghum variety (Teshale) produced the highest Striga count (8 Striga shoots) per plot. The main findings of this study consequently indicate that the host crop (sorghum) was supported by a 60% reduction in Striga hermonthica infestation when NPS fertilizer and common bean planted density were combined. The combination of 50% common bean planted density and 100 kg NPS ha-1 blended fertilizer application produced the maximum (2.54 t ha-1) grain yield of sorghum, while the control plot produced the lowest (0.98 t ha-1) grain yield. Hence, farmers in the study area could manage Striga and improve sorghum productivity through the combination of common bean with NPS blended fertilizer under natural Striga infestation.
Fitness consequences of host switching by Psix saccharicola, a stink bug egg parasitoid in pistachio orchards
Authors: Sardary Abbas Esmaeili , Ranjbar Fatemeh , Celis Sabrina L. , Jalali M. Amin , Ziaaddini Mahdi
Published: December 2024

To successfully implement augmentative biological control, it is imperative to identify the most efficient host for parasitoid rearing and the impact of host switching on reproduction when multiple hosts are available. This study examined the effect of host switching on parasitoid fitness and reproduction using the wasp Psix saccharicola Mani (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), a dominant stink bug egg parasitoid in Iranian pistachio orchards, and two common hosts— Acrosternum arabicum Wagner (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and Brachynema germariKolenati (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The results indicated that rearing wasps on A. arabicum was more efficient, resulting in a shorter population doubling time, a shorter mean generation time, and higher finite and intrinsic rates of increase compared to rearing on B. germari. While switching the host from A. arabicum to B. germari led to increased population growth parameters for P. saccharicola in the first generation of host switching, switching the host from B. germari to A. arabicum decreased parasitoid fitness and reproduction. However, the effect of host switching largely disappeared in the second generation after host-switch, suggesting that changes in parasitoid fitness due to host switching could be temporary and may revert in subsequent generations. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating the impact of host switching when implementing a rearing program for P. saccharicola, ultimately leading to more sustainable pest control of stink bugs in pistachio orchards.
Importance of EQA/PT for the detection of genetic variants in comprehensive cancer genome testing
Authors: Matsushita Kazuyuki , Ishige Takayuki , Watanabe Kousuke , Akahane Toshiaki , Tanimoto Akihide , Yoshimoto Michiko , Yamakuchi Munekazu , Hashiguchi Teruto , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Ikejiri Makoto , Yamaguchi Toshikazu , Yamasaki Tadashi , Takeda Mayu , Hibi Masaaki , Akiyama Naoki , Shimizu Kaho , Hashimoto Naonori , Sato Hiroko , Tanaka Yoshinori , Amari Fumie , (JACLS) EQA working group of Japan Association for Clinical Laborato
Published: December 2024

Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) is increasingly used as a clinical laboratory test and being applied to cancer treatment; however, standardization and external quality assessments (EQA) have not been fully developed. This study performed cost-effective EQA and proficiency tests (PT) for CGP testing among multiple institutions those belong to the EQA working group of Japan Association for Clinical Laboratory Science (JACLS). This study revealed that preanalytical processes, such as derived nucleic acids (NA) extraction from formalin fixed paraffine embedded (FFPE) samples, are critical. First, EQA with extracted DNA from cell lines showed a detection rate of 100% (9 out of 9) in KRAS (c.38G > A; p.G12D), PIK3CA (p.H1047R), and B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) (c.1799T > A; p.V600E) in cases of > 10% variant allele frequency (VAF). However, BRAF (c.1799T > A; p.V600E) detection decreased to 67% (6 out of 9) for a VAF of 4.9%. Second, when DNA was extracted from FFPE samples, pathogenic variants or companion diagnostics were detected in all 10 participating laboratories. Each variant had < 20% VAFs on average (8.1–19.1%) and wide variability among laboratories was observed (relative standard deviation, 13–60%). Nonetheless, BRAF (c.1798_1799delinsAA; p.V600K) of 8.1% VAF, EGFR (c.2235_2249del; p.E746_A750del) of 9.7% VAF, and EGFR (c.2254_2277del; p.S752_I759del) of 9.8% VAF were detected with 70% (7/10), 70% (7/10), and 60% (6/10) probability, respectively. Therefore, 10% VAF in pre-analytic processing for DNA extraction from FFPE is critical for variant detection in CGP analysis. Further, incorrect results were reported in case independent variant calling of BRAF; c.1798_1799delinsAA (p.V600K) was interpreted as c.1798G > A, and c.1799T > A was on the other allele. In conclusion, the EQA/PT among 10 institutes with common samples revealed the importance of VAF in pre-analysis and helped us understand the significance of the pipeline and common pitfalls usually ignored by the internal quality control in a single institute.
A Novel Approach for Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Reduction Morphology in Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Yoshii Yuichi , Eda Yusuke , Asai Reo , Ikumi Akira , Totoki Yasukazu , Kohyama Sho , Ogawa Takeshi
Published: December 2024

Background
Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures, traditionally evaluated using two-dimensional (2D) parameters. These methods are unreliable in significantly displaced fractures, with discrepancies among evaluators. Recent advancements in imaging have introduced three-dimensional (3D) models, but standard parameters for 3D reduction morphology are not well established. This study aimed to develop a novel method for evaluating 3D reduction morphology based on the normal vector of a plane defined by anatomical reference points, comparing the reduction shape to the mirror image of the unaffected contralateral side.
Methods
This retrospective case-control study included 27 patients (mean age 67.6 years) who underwent osteosynthesis with a volar locking plate for distal radius fractures. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the affected and unaffected wrists were analyzed using 3D image analysis software. The 3D coordinates of three reference points; (1) radial styloid process, (2) sigmoid notch volar edge, and (3) sigmoid notch dorsal edge, were used to evaluate the reduction shape and compare it to the unaffected side mirror image. Correlations between vector angles in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes and clinical outcomes, such as % total active motion (%TAM) and Mayo wrist scores, were analyzed.
Results
The distances between the unaffected mirror image and postoperative image for the three reference points were 2.1 mm, 2.1 mm, and 2.7 mm, with barycenter differences of 1.7 mm. The postoperative plane areas consisted from three reference points were significantly larger in the postoperative image compared to the unaffected mirror image (203.4 mm² vs. 192.4 mm², P < 0.01). Correlation coefficients for vector angles in the yz-plane between unaffected mirror image and postoperative image were moderate (0.53, P < 0.05). Mild correlations were found between postoperative vector angles in the xy and xz planes and %TAM.
Conclusions
This novel 3D evaluation method provides a more comprehensive assessment of fracture reduction, particularly in the axial plane. While it demonstrates good reproducibility in coronal alignment, further refinement is needed for sagittal and axial alignments. This method could enhance surgical precision and improve clinical outcomes in distal radius fracture management.
Clinical trial number:
not applicable.
Effect of potent nucleos(t)ide analog on alpha fetoprotein changes and occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Ma Qianqian , Ye Junzhao , Luo Ling , Sun Yanhong , Wang Wei , Feng Shiting , Liao Bing , Zhong Bihui
Published: December 2024

Background
Successful antiviral therapy significantly decreases the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the serum is a valuable early indicator of HCC. However, it is unclear whether different antiviral medications have varying effects on AFP levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this issue in those treated with entecavir (ETV) versus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).
Methods
We prospectively enrolled treatment-naive CHB adults who commenced treatment with ETV or TDF. Their changes in biochemical, virological, and fibrosis parameters and the elevation of AFP or development of HCC during follow-up were analyzed.
Results
A total of 1942 CHB patients were included (10% ~ 90% follow-up time 3 ~ 60 months), and 104 patients with elevated AFP (5.3%) and 27 patients with HCC development (1.4%) were identified during the follow-up. The difference in the cumulative incidence of AFP abnormalities and HCC was statistically significant between patients who received ETV or TDF therapy. Multivariate Cox regression showed that elevated liver stiffness with shear wave elastography (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.05, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.03 ~ 1.08, P < 0.001) and abnormal AFP at baseline (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00 ~ 1.00, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for abnormal AFP in CHB patients, while shear wave elastography (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02 ~ 1.12, P < 0.001) was also independent risk factor for HCC. The combination of shear wave elastography (SWE), mPage-B score, age and type 2 diabetes mellitus had an area under the curve of 0.838 (P < 0.001) in predicting the occurrence of HCC.
Conclusions
Similar AFP elevation and HCC development rates were observed in CHB patients treated with ETV or TDF. Elevated SWE and abnormal AFP at baseline were independent risk factors for abnormal AFP in CHB patients.
Chlormethine Gel Effectiveness as second-line Treatment in Mycosis fungoides: a single- centre Retrospective Study
Authors: Zengarini Corrado , Guglielmo Alba , Vocale Ludovica , Filippini Andrea , Bardazzi Federico , Morsia Erika , Neri Iria , Mussi Martina , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Pileri Alessandro
Published: December 2024

Background: Chlormethine gel is a promising treatment for early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) with strong efficacy and manageable side effects. This study evaluates its effectiveness as a second-line treatment in patients unresponsive to prior skin-directed therapies (SDTs) or combined systemic treatments, hypothesising significant therapeutic benefits with manageable adverse reactions.
Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted from April 2021 to December 2022, including adult patients with histologically confirmed MF who had not responded to at least one prior SDT. Patients received daily chlormethine gel applications, and responses were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months using the Modified Severity-Weighted Assessment Tool (mSWAT). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS ver 26 (IBM), including one-way ANOVA and univariate regression.
Results: The study included 21 patients (12 males, 9 females; mean age 61 years). 81% had early-stage MF, and 19% had advanced-stage disease. Chlormethine gel showed a 90% response rate, with 33.3% achieving complete response (CR) and 57.1% partial response (PR). Adverse reactions were primarily contact or irritative dermatitis, which were manageable and did not significantly affect outcomes. Median mSWAT scores significantly reduced from baseline at 3, 6, and 12 months (P=0.002).
Conclusions: Chlormethine gel appeared to be efficacious and safe as a second-line treatment for MF, including in advanced stages. Despite limitations like small sample size and retrospective design, these findings highlight its potential in combination therapies and the importance of continued treatment for optimal outcomes. Future research should confirm these results in larger, prospective studies.
The importance of age as a prognostic predictor of childhood hepatoblastoma: an analysis of single-center childhood hepatoblastoma in China
Authors: Li Zhen , Jiang Hong , Wang Yuan-Qi , Wang Wen-Qing , Huang Li-Bin , Liu Jun-Cheng , Xue Hong-Man
Published: December 2024

Objective This study aimed to examine how age at first diagnosis influences the prognosis of Chinese children with hepatoblastoma (HB), and to offer insights for enhancing HB risk stratification.
Methods Data from 403 patients with HB diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between February 2010 and September 2023 were collected. Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis, Cox regression analysis, and binary logistic regression were employed for statistical analysis.
Results The hazard ratios (HRs) for event-free survival (EFS) reduction in HB patients were 1, 0.862, 1.393, 2.008, 1.325, 1.859, 3.667 (P=0.001), and 2.502 (P=0.023) for first–diagnosis ages of 0–1, 1–2, 2–3, 3–4, 4–5, 5–6, 6–8, and ≥8 years, respectively, and the HRs for overall survival (OS) were 1, 0.410, 0.876, 1.713, 1.243, 0.575, 3.012 (P=0.039), and 2.012, respectively. After adjusting for newly diagnosed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), pretreatment extent of tumor (PRETEXT) stage, and PRETEXT stage annotation factors, the prognosis of HB for patients diagnosed at ≥6 years old and <6 years old remained significantly different. There was no significant difference in the HR for EFS or OS reduction among the 0–1month, 1–3month, 4–6month, 7–9month, and 9–12month groups.
Conclusion Age≥6 years is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in HB patients. Age has no effect on the prognosis of HB during infancy. The inclusion of patients aged ≥6 years at first diagnosis in the high-risk group for risk stratification was deemed appropriate. This age factor can guide adjustments in chemotherapy intensity.
Exploring Clinical and Urinary Factors in Treatment-Resistant vs. Treatment-Responsive Childhood Enuresis: A Comparative Study
Authors: Lorestani Parsa , Khodadadiyan Alireza , Kaviari Mohammad Amin , Montazeri Alireza , Golmoradi Hadi , Lorestani Amir Mohammad , Tohidi Mohamad Reza
Published: December 2024

Background
Nocturnal enuresis is a common pediatric condition affecting 7.61–18.7% of school-aged children. While various treatment options exist, resistance to treatment presents a significant clinical challenge. This study aimed to identify factors distinguishing treatment-resistant from treatment-responsive cases of childhood enuresis.
Methods
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2017 at Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital, Iran. The study included 144 children aged 5–8 years with nocturnal enuresis, divided into treatment-controlled (n = 85) and treatment-resistant (n = 59) groups. Participants received Desmopressin nasal spray (DDAVP) at 10 mcg/spray nightly. Demographics, clinical characteristics, sleep patterns, urination habits, and ultrasound findings were analyzed.
Results
Several factors were significantly associated with treatment resistance, including multiple bedwetting episodes per night (64.4% vs 28.2%, p < 0.001), abnormal residual urine volume (61.0% vs 31.8%, p < 0.001), and large urine volume per episode (86.4% vs 61.2%, p = 0.001). Logistic regression identified five independent predictors of treatment resistance: nightly bedwetting (OR = 4.82), large urine volume per episode (OR = 3.97), abnormal residual urine volume (OR = 3.35), multiple bedwetting episodes per night (OR = 2.89), and urinary urgency (OR = 2.14).
Conclusion
Treatment-resistant nocturnal enuresis is associated with specific urinary patterns and bladder dysfunction characteristics. These findings may help clinicians identify patients at risk for treatment resistance and develop targeted therapeutic strategies. Further research with extended follow-up periods is recommended to validate these findings.
Hospital-Acquired Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Gondar, Ethiopia: A Prospective Follow-Up Study
Authors: Debie Getnet , Bayu Geta , Kokeb Mehretie
Published: December 2024

Background
Hospital-acquired infections in neonates are common problems with significant effect on neonatal morbidity and mortality. The incidence rates of hospital-acquired infections in neonates are variable and dependent on factors such as the hospital's infection control measures, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) protocols, and the prevalence of pathogens in the hospital environment. However, little is known about incidence and associated factors in Ethiopia, which was the main aim of our study.
Methods
A prospective follow-up study was conducted to assess the incidence and associated factors of hospital-acquired infections in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the University of Gondar Hospital from September 1st, 2023, to February 29th, 2024. All neonates admitted to the Neonatal ICU who stayed for ≥ 48 hours were included in the study and participants were selected by systematic random sampling. To identify contributors to HAIs, both bivariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied, and P < = 0.05 was considered statistically significant for association.
Results
A total of 247 neonates were followed for 2145 patient days. The incidence rate of hospital-acquired infection was 18.2 (95% CI: 11.3–20.3) per 1000 neonatal days of follow-up, and the overall cumulative incidence was 15.8%. Neonates who stayed longer than 7 days (p = 0.041), used CPAP (p = 0.003), and urinary catheter (p = 0.001) were found to have significant risks of developing HAIs.
Conclusion
The incidence of hospital-acquired infections was high, and the presence of invasive medical devices and longer stays in the hospital were significantly associated with an increased risk of HAI in the NICU.
Roles of skin microbiota in hidradenitis suppurativa: insights from a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yu Chenyang , Yan Wei , Shucheng Huidi , Huang Yingzhao , Jiang Xian
Published: December 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with unique lesional dysbiotic features. However, the role of the microbiology in the pathogenesis of HS remains in dispute. We aimed to conduct a two-sample Mendelian randomization study to investigate the relationship between skin microbiota and HS. A two-sample Mendelian randomization study was performed using the summary statistics of skin microbiota from summary GWAS data of the European descent from two cross-sectional, population-based German cohorts, KORA FF4 (n = 324) and PopGen (n = 273). The summary statistics of hidradenitis suppurativa were obtained from the FinnGen DF10 (1,070 cases and 394,105 controls). Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and MRPRESSO were used to examine the causal association between skin microbiota and hidradenitis suppurativa. Cochran’s Q statistics were used to quantify the heterogeneity of instrumental variables. Our study suggested that genus Corynebacterium in dry skin is significantly associated with HS after false discovery rate (FDR) correction (odds ratio (OR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.06, P = 0.0002, FDR adjusted P = 0.035). Additionally, we found genus Micrococcus in moist skin (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.18, P = 0.0060, FDR adjusted P = 0.360), species Streptococcus salivarius in dry skin (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.05, P = 0.0070, FDR adjusted P = 0.360), and species Propionibacterium granulosum (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04, P = 0.0460, FDR adjusted P = 0.970) are potentially associated with HS before FDR adjustment. No evidence of the effect in the reverse direction for HS on skin microbial features. This two-sample Mendelian randomization study found that genus Corynebacterium was causally associated with HS. Further studies are needed to clarify the protective effect of probiotics on hidradenitis suppurativa.
Impact of Enhanced Chest CT with three-dimensional Reconstruction Combined with Preoperative Olive Oil Administration on the Incidence of Postoperative Chylothorax: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Luo Xindong , Lu Di , Wang Ziqiang , Wang Jingyi , Dong Ruozhu , Wang Yaping , Cao Wei , Jin Dacheng , Lin Zhaohao , Li Haochi , Du Pengcheng , Gou Yunjiu , Dong Pengcheng , Yang Yayuan
Published: December 2024

Background
Chylothorax, a rare yet potentially fatal complication, may arise following esophageal cancer resection. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a combined approach involving enhanced chest CT with three-dimensional(3D) reconstruction and preoperative olive oil administration in mitigating the risk of chylothorax after esophageal cancer surgery.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical records of 357 patients who underwent esophageal cancer resection at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, between January 2019 and June 2024. The patients were divided into two groups: 179 received preoperative enhanced chest CT with 3D reconstruction and oral olive oil (3D reconstruction Group), while 158 served as the control group without these interventions. The primary endpoints included the incidence of chylous leakage and associated perioperative outcomes.
Results
All patients in both groups had successful surgeries without any perioperative fatalities. Notably, the 3D reconstruction Group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of postoperative chylothorax compared to the control group (0% vs. 8.2%, P ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, the 3D reconstruction Group experienced reduced intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.003), shorter postoperative hospital stays (P = 0.003), and decreased thoracic drainage on the third postoperative day (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The integration of preoperative enhanced CT with 3D reconstruction and oral olive oil administration facilitates personalized surgical planning for esophageal cancer resection. This approach enhances the visualization of the thoracic duct during surgery and effectively reduces the incidence of postoperative chylothorax, highlighting its promising clinical utility.
A high-quality and prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation after cardiac arrest in a spinal endoscopic surgery: a case report
Authors: Wang Qiong , Lu Bin
Published: December 2024

Background: There are many reasons for perioperative cardiac arrest, and early identification, rapid diagnosis, and effective resolution of the etiology can generally lead to treatment for patients. However, for patients with unexplained cardiac arrest or those who have undergone prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation, how anesthesiologists can effectively rescue them and improve the quality of their recovery is a question worth considering.
Case presentation: The patient was a 50-year-old man with a cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. He was scheduled for cervical discectomy under spinal endoscopy under general anesthesia. We performed routine anesthesia induction and monitor. Half an hour after the operation, the patient had sudden cardiac arrest and then we immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. At the same time, we also performed physical examination on the patient and placed an esophageal ultrasound probe, hoping to find out possible causes such as anaphylactic shock, pulmonary embolism, cardiac tamponade, etc. Although we did not find the exact etiology finally, we continued to perform high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation for up to 90 minutes and never stopped rescuing the patient. Fortunately, the patient returned to spontaneous circulation, and he was discharged after about a month of treatment and rehabilitation. After one year of follow-up, the patient still had no sequelae and resumed daily activities.
Conclusions: We want to express that not all cardiac arrest can be explained in a limited time, especially in complex surgical procedures. But early identification of cardiac arrest and adherence to high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation can increase survival rates to a certain extent and improve the prognosis of patients.
A simple pathway for the preparation of an environmentally and high performance glyoxal-based adhesive for plywood
Authors: Liu Guowei , Zhang Xin , Wang Hongyan , Liao Jingjing , Wang Hui , Zhou Xiaojian
Published: December 2024

The use of glyoxal to replace formaldehyde for preparing wood adhesive was considered as an effective way to address formaldehyde issue. However, the properties of glyoxal-based resins via continent preparation process were poor, especially the water resistance was pretty low compared with the formaldehyde-based resins. Here, a new glyoxal-polyvinylamine-urea (GPU) copolymer resin with excellent water resistance was presented in this work by using polyvinylamine(PVAm) as a modifier agent to enhance the performance of glyoxal based resins. The bonding strength and water resistance of this new glyoxal-based resin were evaluated via measuring mechanical property of three-plywood produced in our laboratory. The structural features of this resin were characterized by FT-IR, ESI-MS, their curing and thermal behavior were also explored. This resin has a fast curing rate and good thermal stability, and the best dry bonding strength of plywood was 2.37MPa, and the wet bonding strength was 1.10MPa and 0.71MPa after immersed in cold water for 24h and 63 ℃ hot water for 3h, respectively. The enhanced water resistance can be explained by the formation of a better cured resin network verified from the FT-IR, ESI-MS spectroscopy analyses.
Identifying the water quality of temperate Polish lakes based on major abiotic parameters and indicator phytoplankton assemblages
Authors: Aykut Tumer Orhun , Rudak Agnieszka , Crucitti-Thoo Robin Michael , Jasser Iwona
Published: December 2024

The investigation conducted in Northeastern Poland aimed to determine the water quality of twenty-five lakes based on leading environmental drivers and indicator phytoplankton species. Water and phytoplankton samples were collected between the 13th and 28th of August, 2023. To evaluate the water quality, the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI), Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI), and Carlson’s Trophic State Index (TSI) were chosen as appropriate indexes. The minimum values of WAWQI and CPI were observed in ST22 (Lake Wigry) and ST18 (Lake Hańcza) while the highest ones were in ST16, ST1, and ST2, (Rekąty, Suskie, and Piłag) respectively. TSI values were also the lowest in ST18 and the highest in ST10. Pediastrum was the most abundant genus throughout the study. However, on a species level, C. hirundinella and P. boryanum were observed as the most dominant species, reaching the highest biomass in six lakes. According to WAWQI, three lakes were classified as "extremely poor", three as very poor and the rest as poor Based on the results of CPI, four lakes belonged to the "slightly polluted", three to "clean", and the rest to "sub-clean", with non of the lakes classified as medium or heavily polluted. The water quality in the region is declining as a result of tourism and developmental activities. Therefore, this work is expected to contribute to upcoming water management activities. Moreover, based on Carlson's Trophic State Index (TSI) most of the lakes belong to class III (mesotrophic) (10) and IV (eutrophic) (9).
EEG-Based Alzheimer's Detection Using Power Spectral Density, Tsallis Entropy, Amplitude Features, and SVM Classification
Authors: Cisse Ayat , Farahat Zineb , Zrira Nabila , Benmiloud Ibtissam , Abdi Bahia El , Ngote Nabil
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease of brain tissue, currently incurable, which leads to the progressive and irreversible loss of mental functions, particularly memory. It is rare to detect Alzheimer to an early stage. However, early diagnosis can allow a faster treatment and thus improve the patient's well-being. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a non-invasive and cost-effective tool that measures electrical activity in the brain. In this study, we aimed to create an automatic detection method by combining several powerful EEG biomarkers which, to our knowledge, were never put together namely Power Spectral Density, Tsallis entropy and changes in the EEG amplitude. The features were then put into a Support Vector Machine (SVM) for the identifications of Alzheimer patients and healthy controls (CN). Using a five-fold cross-validation strategy across the entire frequency band, the classification accuracy reached 83.08%, with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 90% while it reached 78.46% accuracy ,75% sensitivity and 83% specificity using the leave one subject out cross validation.
Decoding phage-host interactions: a machine learning approach to predict strain-specific infections
Authors: Camejo Pamela Yael , Rojas Felipe , Ossa Antonio , Hurtado Rodrigo , Tichy Daniel , Pieringer Christian , Pino Michael , Mora-Uribe Paola , Ulloa Soledad , Norambuena Rodrigo , Tobar-Calfucoy Eduardo , Aguilera Matías , Rojas-Martínez Victoria , Cifuentes Onix , Sabag Andrea , Cifuentes Nicolas , Cifuentes Pablo , Pieringer Hans , León Luis E.
Published: December 2024

The use of bacteriophages for biological control of bacterial infections is a promising approach to combat antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Prediction of phage-bacteria interactions is key to identify sensitive bacterial strains to phage therapy. Since these interactions are governed by multiple biological mechanisms, it is not a simple task to predict the outcome of a phage infection, which varies even among strains from the same species. In this study, machine learning-based models capable of predicting the host range of phages from sequencing data were developed. Models were trained using phage-bacteria protein-protein interactions (PPI), predicted from PPI databases, and a host-range dataset obtained from experimental assays with 10 Salmonella enterica and 3 Escherichia coli bacteriophages. The performance of prediction models differed among bacteriophages, ranging from 78–92% of accuracy in the case of Salmonella and 84–94% in Escherichia phages. Results demonstrated the effectiveness of using PPI as a feature to design ML models for phage-bacteria phenotype prediction.
Interprofessional Perspectives on Non-Invasive Respiratory Support Practices in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Canadian Survey
Authors: Shalish Wissam , Alarcon-Martinez Tugba , Remmer Elissa , Mardakis Stephanie , Leone Marisa , Boyer Johanne , Lv Shasha , Beltempo Marc , Sant'Anna Guiherme
Published: December 2024

Objective
To describe the perspectives of physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists on the provision of non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) in extremely preterm infants.
Study Design:
A cross-sectional web-based anonymized 19-question survey was sent to healthcare professionals (HCP) across tertiary care NICUs in Canada. The survey inquired about perspectives on devices and management strategies during NRS, monitoring of respiratory events, NRS failure, and possible solutions.
Result
391 responses from 61 physicians, 173 nurses, and 147 respiratory therapists were analyzed. HCP perspectives varied regarding appropriateness of different NRS settings and interfaces, documentation of cardiorespiratory events, and prevention of NRS failure. Obtaining effective results on NRS was deemed challenging by 48% of HCPs. Training on NRS provision was deemed adequate by 89% of RTs and 78% of physicians, but only 56% of nurses.
Conclusion
There remain important uncertainties and variations across disciplines on how to best approach NRS in extremely preterm infants.
Aquifer hydraulic characteristics using D-Z parameters: A case study of Lohaghat block, Champawat district, Uttarakhand
Authors: Singh Somvir , Mondal N.C.
Published: December 2024

This study focused on analyzing the geoelectrical properties of shallow aquifers, and estimating their hydraulic parameters in Lohaghat block of Champawat district, Uttarakhand. We conducted twenty Vertical Electrical Soundings (VESs) with electrode separations (AB) varying between 200 and 940 m. Data were analyzed using 1X1D Interpex software, USA make. The qualitative assessment identified four primary geoelectric layer patterns, mainly HK and KH-curves. The interpreted layer resistivities ranged from 24.06 Ω-m to 170.59 Ω-m, with an average resistivity of 80.64 Ω-m. The principal aquifer was located within the fourth to seventh geoelectric layers, consisting of weathered or fractured phyllites, granite, quartzite, and sand. The aquifer depth varied from 17.24 to 91.15 m, and its thickness ranged from 14.59 to 69.56 m. Hydraulic characteristics derived from the geoelectrical layers indicated a porosity range of 37.81–56.14%, protective capacities from 0.12 to 1.07 mhos (average 0.45 mhos), and transverse resistance between 452.91 and 8272.25 Ωm². Transmissivity values ranged from 67.61 to 548.24 m²/day, transverse resistivities from 6.73 Ω-m to 208.53 Ωm, longitudinal resistivities from 37.88 Ωm to 521.63 Ωm, and anisotropy values from 0.27 to 1.35. These parameters were utilized to determine both hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. By employing the Dar-Zarrouk (D-Z) parameters, which encompass the aquifer thickness, resistivity, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, longitudinal conductance, transverse resistance, and anisotropy, we evaluated the groundwater potential, categorizing the area into moderate and good productivity. This study illustrates the effectiveness of surface geophysical methods in estimating aquifer hydraulic characteristics in the absence of pumping test data.
Dental students’ perspective on the distance education system during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: karmakar shaswata , Kar Mehuli , Francis Delfin Lovelina , reddy saravanan sampoornam pape , modak baishakhi
Published: December 2024

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on education in a variety of settings, particularly medical and dental teaching institutes. During the pandemic, distance learning has become necessary to ensure that education continues.
Objective
The present study aims to analyze dental students’ perceptions of the transition of education from traditional to distance learning.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study consisting of a 25-statement online questionnaire that was anonymously administered to students studying dentistry at Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India. The data collected were analyzed statistically via chi-square test.
Results
A total of 713 out of 800 undergraduate dental students participated in the survey, resulting in an 89.12% response rate. A total of 73.9% of the students did not feel that it was easier to concentrate in online classes than in offline lectures, and 60.9% of the students felt that they could not learn the theoretical aspects adequately. Almost three-fourths of the students (73.9%) felt that lockdowns and distance education severely affected the quality of their dental education. A total of 86.4% of the students felt that a lack of patient exposure would affect their future dental practice. With respect to learning preferences, the majority of the students preferred a combination of traditional methods and online learning.
Conclusion
Despite these difficulties, dental students were able to adapt to the new distance learning education system. The COVID-19 pandemic taught not only the use of technology in education but also future learning strategies.
Demographics and Clinical Features of Children with Allergic Rhinitis:A Single-Center Study from Western Turkey
Authors: Bakır Damla Baysal , Boyacıoğlu Özge Kangallı , Asilsoy Suna , Yağmur Halime , Kabadayı Gizem , Atay Özge , Uzuner Nevin
Published: December 2024

Background
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease that has significant effects on the quality of life of people and exhibits different phenotypic features with different clinical findings. By analyzing the data of pediatric patients, we aimed to reveal the relationship between demographic and laboratory data and clinical features and to gain awareness about allergic rhinitis phenotypes in children.
Methods
Demographic data, clinical complaints, examination findings, and atopy biomarkers are retrospectively analyzed to assess the impact of aeroallergens on the disease phenotype.
Results
In a study of 301 AR patients (median age 11 years; 66.1% male), sneezing (79.1%) was the most common complaint, and pallor of the nasal mucosa was the primary examination finding (83.1%). Seasonal symptoms were reported by 66.8%, and 60.5% were polysensitized. Notably, 42.5% had asthma, often associated with concurrent sensitization to mold or animal dander (p ≤ 0.05). Pollen was the most prevalent allergen (65.8%), with significant increases in sensitization to pollen (p < 0.001) and animal dander (p = 0.003) with age. Patients with pollen sensitization reported more sneezing (p = 0.026) and seasonal symptoms (p ≤ 0.05). Nasal congestion was predominantly seen in house dust mite-sensitized patients (78.4% with concha hypertrophy, p < 0.001). Overall, 67.1% reported seasonal complaints, with polysensitized patients experiencing more frequent seasonal exacerbations.
Conclusion
This study in Western Turkey involving 301 allergic rhinitis patients revealed a high prevalence of polysensitization to pollen and animal dander. The findings highlight the need for early identification and management of AR to reduce asthma risk and further research on environmental factors affecting sensitization.