bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of orthognathic surgery plan from 3D cephalometric analysis via deep learning
Authors: Cheng Mengjia , Zhang Xu , Wang Jun , Yang Yang , Li Meng , Zhao Hanjiang , Huang Jingyang , Zhang Chenglong , Qian Dahong , Yu Hongbo
Published: March 2023

Background

Preoperative planning of orthognathic surgery is indispensable for achieving ideal surgical outcome regarding the occlusion and jaws' position. However, orthognathic surgery planning is sophisticated and highly experience-dependent, which requires comprehensive consideration of facial morphology and occlusal function. This study aimed to investigate a robust and automatic method based on deep learning to predict reposition vectors of jawbones in orthognathic surgery plan.

Methods

A regression neural network named VSP transformer was developed based on Transformer architecture. Firstly, 3D cephalometric analysis was employed to quantify skeletal-facial morphology as input features. Next, input features were weighted using pretrained results to minimize bias resulted from multicollinearity. Through encoder-decoder blocks, ten landmark-based reposition vectors of jawbones were predicted. Permutation importance (PI) method was used to calculate contributions of each feature to final prediction to reveal interpretability of the proposed model.

Results

VSP transformer model was developed with 383 samples and clinically tested with 49 prospectively collected samples. Our proposed model outperformed other four classic regression models in prediction accuracy. Mean absolute errors (MAE) of prediction were 1.41 mm in validation set and 1.34 mm in clinical test set. The interpretability results of the model were highly consistent with clinical knowledge and experience.

Conclusions

The developed model can predict reposition vectors of orthognathic surgery plan with high accuracy and good clinically practical-effectiveness. Moreover, the model was proved reliable because of its good interpretability.
Impact of educational intervention regarding COVID-19 on knowledge, attitude, and practice of students before dental school re-opening
Authors: Etebarian Arghavan , Khoramian Tusi Somayeh , Momeni Zahra , Hejazi Kimia
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim

Lack of knowledge on COVID-19 among people and healthcare staff significantly impacts late management and its rapid transmission. Dental students must be aware of the exact preventive instructions due to their close contact with patients and clinical work in the dental setting during the pandemic. This interventional study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of designed educational content regarding COVID-19 on Iranian dental students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices at Alborz University of medical sciences.

Materials and methods

A total of 88 dental students were investigated in this study. Educational content was designed based on the clinical guidelines regarding COVID-19 in dentistry. The content was presented to dental students as a three-hour webinar. In addition, the online, validated questionnaire was obtained from the students as pre, post, and follow-up surveys.

Results

A statistically significant difference between students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices were obtained before and after the intervention and the follow-up survey. 48.58% improvement in knowledge score, 6.37% in attitudes, and 17% in practice scores were observed.

Conclusion

Although this educational intervention significantly improved the knowledge, attitude, and practice of dental students, additional education and clinical training are mandatory for effective and safe dental practice management in future crises.
The effect of sage (Salvizan gel) compared to triamcinolone acetonide on the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a double-blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Abbasi Fatemeh , Rasoulzadeh Zeinab , Yavari Amirmohammad
Published: March 2023

Background

Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common lesions of the oral mucosa. Herbal medicine can be used for the treatment of this disease. The present study aimed to compare the effects of topical application of Sage (Salvizan) and triamcinolone acetonide gels on RAS.

Methods

This double-blind clinical study recruited sixty patients with minor aphthous ulcers. Half of the patients were treated with Salvizan gel, and the other half were treated with oral triamcinolone acetonide gel. The effect of Salvizan topical gel was evaluated and compared with that of oral triamcinolone acetonide gel. Factors such as Pain recovery time, wound healing time, and pain level was evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 using independent t-test, paired t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and survival analysis, including Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression.

Results

The mean duration of pain recovery was 1.5 days for Salvizan and 2.5 days for triamcinolone acetonide (p < 0.001). Moreover, the duration of wound healing was 3.3 days for Salvizan and 6 days for triamcinolone acetonide (p < 0.001). Patients’ satisfaction from factors such as taste and smell had no significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that Salvizan gel is very effective in the treatment of RAS. It was significantly better than triamcinolone acetonide in the pain recovery and wound healing. These promising results favor herbal treatments and show that they can be used more commonly for treating diseases such as RAS.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the ethics committee of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IR.MUI.RESEARCH.REC.1399.834) on 17/03/2021. It was also registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20100202003251N7).
Impact of (recurrent) bacterial vaginosis on quality of life and the need for accessible alternative treatments
Authors: Chow Karen , Wooten Darcy , Annepally Sindhuja , Burke Leah , Edi Rina , Morris Sheldon R.
Published: March 2023

Background

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the most common vaginal dysbiosis in women aged 15–44 years old.

Methods

We administered a cross-sectional, single timepoint survey to women ages 18 years or older and who have had bacterial vaginosis (BV). Women completed an anonymous online survey evaluating the impact of BV on their quality of life, how effective different types of treatments were and the amount of self-diagnosed vs. provider diagnosed BV episodes they had.

Results

62 participants completed the anonymous online survey. With a self-reported median number of BV episodes in the past year was 4 (IQR 1–7). Among these women 69.8% reported BV had a negative impact on their sexual health, 67.7% on their physical health, 74.6% on their mental health. More than half of the respondents had used probiotics with oral Lactobacillus sp. (53.2%), mainly by oral route, and over a third had used vaginal boric acid (37.1%). Most women were unaware of Lactobacillus crispatus. Lactobacillus probiotics were more likely to be tried by women who were negatively impacted by BV for overall quality of life (p = 0.033), sexual health (p = 0.002), and mental health (p = 0.006) while boric acid use was more likely to be used by women who were negatively impacted by BV for their sexual health (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

BV is associated with negative quality of life and the women most impacted are seeking alternative treatments such as probiotics (Lactobacillus) and boric acid. There needs to be improvements in BV treatment that include alternative therapy options that have demonstrated efficacy with standardized composition, formulation and dosage.
A clinical trial on anti-diabetic efficacy of submerged culture medium of Ceriporia lacerata mycelium
Authors: Kim Bo-Hyung , Yim Sung-Vin , Hwang Seong Deok , Kim Yoon Soo , Kim Jeong-Hwan
Published: March 2023

Background

Increased glucose level and insulin resistance are major factors in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2M), which is chronic and debilitating disease worldwide. Submerged culture medium of Ceriporia lacerata mycelium (CLM) is known to have glucose lowering effects and improving insulin resistance in a mouse model in our previous studies. The main purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate the functional efficacy and safety of CLM in enrolled participants with impaired fasting blood sugar or mild T2D for 12 weeks.

Methods

A total of 72 participants with impaired fasting blood sugar or mild T2D were participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. All participants were randomly assigned into the CLM group or placebo group. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, insulin, C-peptide, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-IR by C-peptide were used to assess the anti-diabetic efficacy of CLM for 12 weeks.

Results

In this study, the effectiveness of CLM on lowering the anti-diabetic indicators (C-peptide levels, insulin, and FBG) was confirmed. CLM significantly elicited anti-diabetic effects after 12 weeks of ingestion without showing any side effects in both groups of participants. After the CLM treatment, FBG levels were effectively dropped by 63.9% (ITT), while HOMA-IR level in the CLM group with FBG > 110 mg/dL showed a marked decrease by 34% up to 12 weeks. Remarkably, the effect of improving insulin resistance was significantly increased in the subgroup of participants with insulin resistance, exhibiting effective reduction at 6 weeks (42.5%) and 12 weeks (61%), without observing a recurrence or hypoglycemia. HbA1c levels were also decreased by 50% in the participants with reduced indicators (FBG, insulin, C-peptide, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-IR). Additionally, it is noteworthy that the levels of insulin and C-peptide were significantly reduced despite the CLM group with FBG > 110 mg/dL. No significant differences were detected in the other parameters (lipids, blood tests, and blood pressure) after 12 weeks.

Conclusion

The submerged culture medium of CLM showed clinical efficacy in the improvement of FBG, insulin, C-peptide, HbAc1, and HOMA-index. The microbiome-based medium could benefit patients with T2D, FBG disorders, or pre-diabetes, which could guide a new therapeutic pathway in surging the global diabetes epidemic.
In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Cassia alata (Linn.) leaves, stem, and root extracts against cellulitis causative agent Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Toh Seng Chiew , Lihan Samuel , Bunya Scholastica Ramih , Leong Sui Sien
Published: March 2023

Background

Cellulitis is a common skin disease encountered in medical emergencies in hospitals. It can be treated using a combination of antibiotics therapy; however, the causative agent Staphylococcus aureus has been reported to develop resistance towards the currently used antibiotics. Therefore, the search for more alternative herbal origin antimicrobial agents is critical. Aim: In this study, maceration and Soxhlet extraction of the whole plant of Cassia alata Linn. (leaves, roots, and stem) were performed using four solvents with different polarities, namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and distilled water. The crude extracts were screened using agar well diffusion, colorimetric broth microdilution, grid culture and bacterial growth curve analysis against Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemicals in the crude extracts were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS).

Results

Agar-well diffusion analysis revealed that extraction using ethyl acetate showed the largest inhibition zone with an average diameter of 15.30 mm (root Soxhlet extract) followed by 14.70 mm (leaf Soxhlet extract) and 13.70 mm (root maceration extract). The lowest minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration in root Soxhlet extract using ethyl acetate was 0.313 and 0.625 µg µL−1, respectively. Our study proved that crude extract of the plant suppressed the growth of S. aureus as evidenced from a significant regression extension (p < 0.06, p = 0.00003) of lag phase for 6 h after the treatment with increased concentration. Based on the GC–MS analysis, 88 phytochemicals consist of fatty acids, esters, alkanes, phenols, fatty alcohols, sesquiterpenoids and macrocycle that possibly contributed to the antimicrobial properties were identified, 32 of which were previously characterized for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusion

Ethyl acetate crude extract was better than the other investigated solvents. The root and stem of C. alata showed significant antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus in this study. The remaining 56 out of 88 phytochemicals of the plant should be intensively studied for more medicinal uses.
Origins, characteristics and destination of nursing students in South West England
Authors: Hambridge K. , Banerjee S. , Winfield L. , Gripton J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Worldwide there are concerns about the supply of nurses into health systems. Understanding and balancing the supply of and demand for healthcare professionals is crucial to efficient healthcare delivery, yet there is relatively little research that examines in detail where nursing students come from and where they go after qualification.

Objectives

To investigate the demographic characteristics of applicants to nursing and midwifery programmes in England, those that are enrolled, attrition during study, and their career intentions on graduation.

Methods

A descriptive case study was conducted in south west England drawing on a complementary set of analyses of routinely collected application and enrolment data from 2017–2020. These were augmented by derivation of student deprivation indices and a follow-up study of nursing and midwifery students qualifying between May 2020 and April 2021.

Results

The percentage of males applying for nursing doubled and the mean age of all enrolled students (except midwifery) increased during the study period. The mean level of deprivation of applicants increased from the 51st to the 55th centile indicating widening of participation. Most applying and enrolled students originated from the same region as the nursing school and remained working there on qualification. Successively more males than females were lost from the system at each stage from application to qualification. Qualifying students most common job choice was within acute Trusts, with Medical, District nursing and surgical being the most common choices. The most important factors regarding job choice were location, the characteristics of the Trust, having been there as a student, and family considerations.

Conclusions

The data provide useful information on the nursing educational pipeline. The data discussed here raise questions that would benefit from further regional and national empirical research.
The relationships between patient safety culture and sentinel events among hospitals in Saudi Arabia: a national descriptive study
Authors: Binkheder Samar , Alaska Yasser A. , Albaharnah Alia , AlSultan Rawan Khalid , Alqahtani Nawaf Mubarak , Amr Anas Ahmad , Aljerian Nawfal , Alkutbe Rabab
Published: March 2023

Background

Sentinel events (SEs) can result in severe and unwanted outcomes. To minimize the fear of sentinel events reporting and the occurrence of sentinel events, patient safety culture improvements within healthcare organizations is needed. To our knowledge, limited studies explored the relationships between patient safety culture and sentinel events on a local level and no research has been conducted at the national level in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the relationships between the patient safety culture and the reported-SEs on a national level during the year 2020 in Saudi hospitals.

Methods

This was a descriptive study. We utilized two data sources (the reported-SEs and the patient safety culture survey) that were linked using hospitals information. To explore the relationships between patient safety culture and reported-SEs rates, we performed descriptive statistics, a test of independence, post-hoc analysis, correlation analysis, and multivariate regression and stepwise analyses.

Results

The highest positive domain scores in patient safety culture domains in the Saudi hospitals (n = 366) were “Teamwork Within Units” (80.65%) and “Organizational learning-continuous improvement” (80.33%), and the lowest were “Staffing” (32.10%) and “Nonpunitive Response to Error” (26.19%). The highest numbers of reported-SEs in 103 hospitals were related to the contributory factors of “Communication and Information” (63.20%) and “Staff Competency and Performance” (61.04%). The correlation analysis performed on 89 Saudi hospitals showed that higher positive patient safety culture scores were significantly associated with lower rates of reported-SEs in 3 out of the 12 domains, which are “Teamwork Within Units”, “Communication Openness”, and “Handoffs and Transitions”. Multivariate analyses showed that “Handoffs and Transitions”, “Nonpunitive Response to Error”, and “Teamwork Within Units” domains were significant predictors of the number of SEs. The "Staff Competency and Performance" and "Environmental Factors" were the most contributory factors of SEs in the number of significant correlations with the patient safety culture domains.

Conclusion

This study identified patient safety culture areas of improvement where hospitals in Saudi Arabia need actions. Our study confirms that a more positive patient safety culture is associated with lower occurrence of sentinel events. To minimize the fear of sentinel events reporting and to improve overall patient safety a culture change is needed by promoting a blame-free culture and improving teamwork, handoffs, and communication openness.
SETD8 inhibits ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the expression of RRAD
Authors: Lu Zekun , Hu Qiangsheng , Qin Yi , Yang Hao , Xiao Bingkai , Chen Weibo , Ji Shunrong , Zu Guangchen , Wang Zhiliang , Fan Guixiong , Xu Xiaowu , Chen Xuemin
Published: March 2023

Background

As an oncogene, SETD8 can promote tumour growth and tumour cell proliferation. This study aims to reveal the relationship between SETD8 and ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer and its role in pancreatic cancer to provide a possible new direction for the comprehensive treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Methods

The downstream targets were screened by RNA sequencing analysis. Western blot, Real-time Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry showed the relationship between genes. Cell proliferation analysis and cell metabolite analysis revealed the function of genes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) assays were used to study the molecular mechanism.

Results

The potential downstream target of SETD8, RRAD, was screened by RNA sequencing analysis. A negative correlation between SETD8 and RRAD was found by protein imprinting, Real-time Quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Through cell proliferation analysis and cell metabolite analysis, it was found that RRAD can not only inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells but also improve the level of lipid peroxidation of cancer cells. At the same time, chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis (CHIP) was used to explore the molecular mechanism by which SETD8 regulates RRAD expression. SETD8 inhibited RRAD expression.

Conclusions

SETD8 interacts with the promoter region of RRAD, which epigenetically silences the expression of RRAD to reduce the level of lipid peroxidation in pancreatic cancer cells, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells and resulting in poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
Post-procedure micro-CT analyses of coronary artery stenting in left main vessels of reanimated and perfusion-fixed human hearts
Authors: Valenzuela Thomas F. , Iaizzo Paul A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) within left main coronary arteries are high-risk procedures that require optimization of interactions between stent(s) and diseased vessels. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a widely accepted tool that enhances physicians’ ability to assess proper stent appositions during clinical procedures. The primary aim of this study was to develop complementary post-procedure imaging methodologies to better assess and interpret outcomes of left main PCI procedures, utilizing both reanimated and perfusion-fixed human hearts.

Methods

PCIs were performed while obtaining OCT scans within the left main anatomies of six human hearts. Subsequently, each heart was scanned with a micro-CT scanner with optimized parameters to achieve resolutions up to 20 µm. Scans were reconstructed and imported into a DICOM segmentation software to generate computational models of implanted stents and associated coronary vessels. 2D images from OCT that were obtained during PCIs were compared to the 3D models generated from micro-CT reconstructions. In addition, the 3D models were utilized to create virtual reality scenes and enlarged 3D prints for development of “mixed reality” tools relative to bifurcation stenting within human left main coronary arteries.

Results

We developed reproducible methodologies for post-implant analyses of coronary artery stenting procedures. In addition, we generated high-resolution 3D computational models, with ~ 20-micron resolutions, of PCIs performed within reanimated and perfusion-fixed heart specimens.

Conclusions

Generated computational models of left main PCIs performed in isolated human hearts can be used to obtain detailed measurements that provide further clinical insights on procedural outcomes. The 3D models from these procedures are useful for generating virtual reality scenes and 3D prints for physician training and education.
Characterization of leaf surface phenotypes based on light interaction
Authors: Peters Reisha D. , Noble Scott D.
Published: March 2023

Background

Leaf surface phenotypes can indicate plant health and relate to a plant’s adaptations to environmental stresses. Identifying these phenotypes using non-invasive techniques can assist in high-throughput phenotyping and can improve decision making in plant breeding. Identification of these surface phenotypes can also assist in stress identification. Incorporating surface phenotypes into leaf optical modelling can lead to improved biochemical parameter retrieval and species identification.

Results

In this paper, leaf surface phenotypes are characterized for 349 leaf samples based on polarized light reflectance measured at Brewster’s Angle, and microscopic observation. Four main leaf surface phenotypes (glossy wax, glaucous wax, high trichome density, and glabrous) were identified for the leaf samples. The microscopic and visual observations of the phenotypes were used as ground truth for comparison with the spectral classification. In addition to surface classification, the microscope images were used to assess cell size, shape, and cell cap aspect ratios; these surface attributes were not found to correlate significantly with spectral measurements obtained in this study. Using a quadratic discriminant analysis function, a series of 10,000 classifications were run with the data randomly split between training and testing datasets, with 150 and 199 samples, respectively. The average correct classification rate was 72.9% with a worst-case classification of 60.3%.

Conclusions

Leaf surface phenotypes were successfully correlated with spectral measurements that can be obtained remotely. Remote identification of these surface phenotypes will improve leaf optical modelling and biochemical parameter estimations. Phenotyping of leaf surfaces can inform plant breeding decisions and assist with plant health monitoring.
Exploring disease perception in Behçet’s syndrome: combining a quantitative and a qualitative study based on a narrative medicine approach
Authors: Marinello D. , Palla I. , Lorenzoni V. , Andreozzi G. , Pirri S. , Ticciati S. , Cannizzo S. , Del Bianco A. , Ferretti E. , Santoni S. , Turchetti G. , Mosca M. , Talarico R.
Published: March 2023

Background

Behçet Syndrome (BS) has a significant psychological and social impact on patients, caregivers and families. The present study aims at exploring disease perception in BS patients, using both a co-designed survey and the narrative medicine (NM) approach.

Methods

An ad-hoc questionnaire was co-designed by clinicians expert in BS, BS patients and caregivers and BS adult patients were invited to answer the online questionnaires. Cluster analysis was used to analyse data from the survey and to identify groups of patients with diverse disease perception. To further explore real-life perspectives, the stories of illness of a smaller group of adult BS patients were anonymously collected online and analysed by means of text, sentiment and qualitative analysis.

Results

Two hundred and seven patients answered the survey and forty-three stories were collected. The cluster analysis highlighted that accepting or not the disease has a strong impact on the daily life, on how BS patients perceive themselves and in terms of hope for the future. The stories revealed that patients often address common issues, such as the long and complex journey faced from the disease onset until the BS diagnosis, which was strongly connected to the concept of time and perceived as an exhausting period of their lives.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study that addressed disease perception also applying the NM principles in BS. The current perception that BS patients have of their disease should encourage the BS scientific and patient community in joining forces in order to improve the journey of BS patients.
Guadecitabine increases response to combined anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 treatment in mouse melanoma in vivo by controlling T-cells, myeloid derived suppressor and NK cells
Authors: Amaro Adriana , Reggiani Francesco , Fenoglio Daniela , Gangemi Rosaria , Tosi Anna , Parodi Alessia , Banelli Barbara , Rigo Valentina , Mastracci Luca , Grillo Federica , Cereghetti Alessandra , Tastanova Aizhan , Ghosh Adhideb , Sallustio Fabio , Emionite Laura , Daga Antonio , Altosole Tiziana , Filaci Gilberto , Rosato Antonio , Levesque Mitchell , Maio Michele , Pfeffer Ulrich , Croce Michela ,   EPigenetic Immune-oncology Consortium Airc (EPICA) consortium
Published: March 2023

Background

The combination of Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4) blockade has dramatically improved the overall survival rate for malignant melanoma. Immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) limit the tumor’s immune escape yet only for approximately a third of all tumors and, in most cases, for a limited amount of time. Several approaches to overcome resistance to ICBs are being investigated among which the addition of epigenetic drugs that are expected to act on both immune and tumor cells. Guadecitabine, a dinucleotide prodrug of a decitabine linked via phosphodiester bond to a guanosine, showed promising results in the phase-1 clinical trial, NIBIT-M4 (NCT02608437).

Methods

We used the syngeneic B16F10 murine melanoma model to study the effects of immune checkpoint blocking antibodies against CTLA-4 and PD-1 in combination, with and without the addition of Guadecitabine. We comprehensively characterized the tumor’s and the host’s responses under different treatments by flow cytometry, multiplex immunofluorescence and methylation analysis.

Results

In combination with ICBs, Guadecitabine significantly reduced subcutaneous tumor growth as well as metastases formation compared to ICBs and Guadecitabine treatment. In particular, Guadecitabine greatly enhanced the efficacy of combined ICBs by increasing effector memory CD8+ T cells, inducing effector NK cells in the spleen and reducing tumor infiltrating regulatory T cells and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC), in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Guadecitabine in association with ICBs increased serum levels of IFN-γ and IFN-γ-induced chemokines with anti-angiogenic activity. Guadecitabine led to a general DNA-demethylation, in particular of sites of intermediate methylation levels.

Conclusions

These results indicate Guadecitabine as a promising epigenetic drug to be added to ICBs therapy.
Focused liquid ultrasonography in dropsy protocol for quantitative assessment of subcutaneous edema
Authors: Zhang Weiqing , Gu Yanting , Zhao Yujin , Lian Jun , Zeng Qian , Wang Xiaoting , Wu Jun , Gu Qiuying ,   Chinese Critical Care Ultrasound Study Group (CCUSG)
Published: March 2023

Background

Although subcutaneous edema is a common symptom of critically ill patients, it is still underreported due to the lack of a systematic method for evaluating it. The present study aims to describe the occurrence and distribution of subcutaneous edema, as well as the risk factors associated with it, in critically ill patients using the focused liquid ultrasonography in dropsy (FLUID) protocol, and to assess their impact on ICU mortality.

Methods

The FLUID protocol and the pitting test were performed on general ICU patients in China. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient and Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement between the two methods at each measurement site and between the whole-body subcutaneous edema scores, respectively, while a repeated measures ANOVA was performed to compare the differences between the two methods in whole-body and body-part measurements. A generalized linear model was used to evaluate the risk factors for subcutaneous edema development and the relationship between subcutaneous edema severity and ICU mortality.

Results

A total of 145 critically ill patients were evaluated using both approaches, of whom 40 (27.6%) experienced subcutaneous edema. Over 1440 measurements, it was found that ultrasound discovered more subcutaneous edema than the pitting test (ultrasound: 522[36.3%], pitting test: 444[30.8%], χ2 = 9.477, p = 0.002). The FLUID protocol scored edema severity significantly higher than the pitting test in the whole body and specific body parts, including the abdominal wall, thighs, chest wall, and hands. Subcutaneous edema exhibited gravity-dependent distribution patterns, particularly in the abdominal wall. The APACHE II, NT-proBNP, serum creatinine, and sepsis were independent risk factors for subcutaneous edema development. The score of ultrasonic subcutaneous edema was related to ICU mortality.

Conclusions

The FLUID protocol provides a comprehensive strategy for the semi-quantitative assessment of subcutaneous edema in critically ill patients. In detecting the onset and severity of edema, ultrasound was found to outperform the pitting test. Subcutaneous edema showed a gravity-dependent distribution pattern, and its severity was associated with mortality.
Respiration-based investigation of adsorbent-bioprocess compatibility
Authors: Pastoors Johannes , Baltin Chris , Bettmer Jens , Deitert Alexander , Götzen Tobias , Michel Carina , Deischter Jeff , Schroll Isabel , Biselli Andreas , Palkovits Regina , Rose Marcus , Jupke Andreas , Büchs Jochen
Published: March 2023

Background

The efficiency of downstream processes plays a crucial role in the transition from conventional petrochemical processes to sustainable biotechnological production routes. One promising candidate for product separation from fermentations with low energy demand and high selectivity is the adsorption of the target product on hydrophobic adsorbents. However, only limited knowledge exists about the interaction of these adsorbents and the bioprocess. The bioprocess could possibly be harmed by the release of inhibitory components from the adsorbent surface. Another possibility is co-adsorption of essential nutrients, especially in an in situ application, making these nutrients unavailable to the applied microorganism.

Results

A test protocol investigating adsorbent-bioprocess compatibility was designed and applied on a variety of adsorbents. Inhibitor release and nutrient adsorption was studied in an isolated manner. Respiratory data recorded by a RAMOS device was used to assess the influence of the adsorbents on the cultivation in three different microbial systems for up to six different adsorbents per system. While no inhibitor release was detected in our investigations, adsorption of different essential nutrients was observed.

Conclusion

The application of adsorption for product recovery from the bioprocess was proven to be generally possible, but nutrient adsorption has to be assessed for each application individually. To account for nutrient adsorption, adsorptive product separation should only be applied after sufficient microbial growth. Moreover, concentrations of co-adsorbed nutrients need to be increased to compensate nutrient loss. The presented protocol enables an investigation of adsorbent-bioprocess compatibility with high-throughput and limited effort.
Patient preferences for epilepsy treatment: a systematic review of discrete choice experimental studies
Authors: Al-Aqeel Sinaa , Alotaiwi Reem , Albugami Bushra
Published: March 2023

Background

This review aimed to 1) identify and assess the quality of discrete choice experiments (DCEs) examining preferences related to epilepsy treatment; 2) summarize the attributes and attribute levels measured in these studies; 3) identify how researchers selected and developed these attributes; and 4) identify which attributes are most important for epilepsy patients.

Methods

A systematic literature review using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases from database inception to February or April 2022. We included primary discrete-choice experiments eliciting preferences for various attributes of pharmacological and surgical interventions in patients diagnosed with epilepsy or the parents/carers of children with epilepsy. We excluded non- primary studies, studies assessing preferences for nonpharmacological treatment and studies that elicit preferences using methods other than discrete choice experiments. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed using two validated checklists. Study characteristics and findings were summarized descriptively.

Results

A total of seven studies were included in the review. The majority of studies explored patients’ preferences, and two compared the preferences of patients with physicians. The majority (n = 6) compared two medications, and one compared two surgical options to continuing medication options. The studies examined 44 attributes in total, including side effects (n = 26), efficacy expressed as being seizure free or have fewer seizures (n = 8), costs (n = 3), dosing frequency (n = 3), duration of side effects (n = 2), mortality (n = 1), long-term problems after surgery (n = 1) and surgical options (n = 1). The findings indicate that people with epilepsy have strong preferences for improving seizure control, which was ranked as the top priority in all studies. Patients also have a strong preference for the reduction of adverse effects and may be willing to make trade-offs between improved seizure control and reduction of long-term side effects that may impact their quality of life.

Conclusions

The use of DCEs in measuring patients’ preference for epilepsy treatment is accumulating. However, inadequate reporting of methodological details may reduce decision-makers’ confidence in the findings. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Endorhizosphere of indigenous succulent halophytes: a valuable resource of plant growth promoting bacteria
Authors: Dragojević Milica , Stankovic Nada , Djokic Lidija , Raičević Vera , Jovičić-Petrović Jelena
Published: March 2023

The adaptability of halophytes to increased soil salinity is related to complex rhizosphere interactions. In this study, an integrative approach, combining culture-independent and culture-dependent techniques was used to analyze the bacterial communities in the endorizosphere of indigenous succulent halophytes Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, and Camphorosma annua from the natural salt marshes of Slano Kopovo (Serbia). The 16 S rDNA analyses gave, for the first time, an insight into the composition of the endophytic bacterial communities of S. maritima and C. annua. We have found that the composition of endophyte microbiomes in the same habitat is to some extent influenced by plant species. A cultivable portion of the halophyte microbiota was tested at different NaCl concentrations for the set of plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Through the mining of indigenous halotolerant endophytes, we obtained a collection representing a core endophyte microbiome conferring desirable PGP traits. The majority (65%) of the selected strains belonged to the common halotolerant/halophilic genera Halomonas, Kushneria, and Halobacillus, with representatives exhibiting multiple PGP traits, and retaining beneficial traits in conditions of the increased salinity. The results suggest that the root endosphere of halophytes is a valuable source of PGP bacteria supporting plant growth and fitness in salt-affected soils.
New insights into the retinal microstructure-diurnal activity relationship in the African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) (Lichtenstein, 1823)
Authors: El-Bakary Neveen E. R. , Alsafy Mohamed A. M. , El-Gendy Samir A. A. , Elarab Samar M. Ez
Published: March 2023

Background

The retinae of diurnal vertebrates have characteristics. Most lizards are strictly diurnal, and their retinal morphology is still unknown.

Materials and methods

The retina of the African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy.

Results

The retina's ten layers were all detected. The inner nuclear layer was the thickest by an average of 67.66 μm, and the inner plexiform layer was 57.564 μm. There were elliptical, long cylindrical, and spherical melanosomes (small and large) in the pigment epithelial layer of the retina. The cylindrical melanosomes had a large area on the lateral surfaces of cones to increase light scatter absorption. The photoreceptor layer of the retina had cones only. There were single and double cones, with the double cones consisting of principal and accessory cones. The cones had inner and outer segments separated by oil droplets. A spherical paraboloid body existed between the limiting membrane and the ellipsoid. All single cones had a paraboloid, and double cones had a large paraboloid in the accessory cone. The presence of paraboloids and large ellipsoids with mitochondria of varying sizes may have helped focus the light on cone segments.

Conclusion

The African five-lined skink's eye was light-adapted due to a variety of retinal specializations related to the demands of its diurnal lifestyle in its environment.
Uncovering hidden abilities for participation in research through photo-elicitation interviews: a view on participatory research with people living in residential care facilities
Authors: Lood Qarin , Hermansen Østby Roar , Hultqvist Sara , Edvardsson David , Dahlin-Ivanoff Synneve
Published: March 2023

Background

Participatory research has been described to improve the relevance of research findings for the society in terms of quality of healthcare services and other public benefits. Nevertheless, there is limited guidance on how to conduct participatory research, and especially in relation to persons living in residential care facilities. To make the voices of this group heard, we therefore take a stance in the democratic approach to participatory research, and we have applied the theoretical framework Model of Human Occupation (MoHO) on participation to evaluate photo-elicitation interviews as a participatory research method with this group.

Methods

A total of 13 persons living in two residential care facilities were involved in the study and asked to take photographs of their everyday life over one week. They were then invited to an individual interview to narrate the meaning of the photographs and to describe how they experienced the photo-elicitation method. The interviews were analysed in the six steps of theoretically driven reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The findings are described in the theme ‘Uncovering hidden abilities for participation in research’ that describes how photo elicitation interviews facilitated the older persons’ participation in research. This is illustrated by four sub-themes: ‘Bridging the ageing body’, ‘Altering habituation to everyday life’, ‘Empowering storytelling’, and ‘Negotiating the institutional culture’.

Conclusions

Our study findings support further application and evaluation of photo-elicitation interviews as a method for participatory research in residential care facilities. The major finding is how photo-elicitation interviews were used to reduce the impact of the institutional culture on the older persons’ participation in research. The method is, however, not without limitations and we encourage researchers to study the dynamic relationship between physical, social, and cultural aspects of residential care facilities in relation to the use of photo-elicitation interviews with the persons living there.
Combination of psycho- and pharmacotherapy as a modern method of treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Authors: Próchnicka Magdalena , Nowak Dominika , Siwek Michał , Giermasiński Adrian , Tuszyńska Weronika , Zarzycki Adam , Skorupski Bartosz , Komisarczuk Mateusz
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain, caused by the deposition of beta-amyloid and tau protein. It is characterized by progressive memory and behavior disorders which, over time, completely prevent the patient from functioning properly in everyday life, performing work and disrupting social contacts. Communication problems arise and patients forget more and more words. Unfortunately, we are not able to completely stop the progression of this disease, but we can only delay its development. To delay the progression of the disease, pharmacotherapy includes acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists.
Matherials and methods: This article, based on a PubMed review of available research, examines the impact of rivastigmine, donepezil, memantine and psychotherapy on delaying disease progression.
Results: A number of studies have investigated the effect of 6-12 milligrams of rivastigmine, 10 milligrams of donepezil and 20 milligrams of memantine on patients' ability to communicate. The results were checked using the MMSE, ADAS or SIB scales and interviews conducted regularly by clinicians. In addition, patients were subjected to various forms of psychotherapy, including reminiscence therapy and cognitive therapy. All groups experienced significantly less deterioration in their functional stage of disease compared to the placebo groups.
Conclusions: The best results in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease can be obtained by combining pharmacological therapy with non-pharmacological effects. Thanks to this form of treatment, the progression of the disease is delayed, and patients retain their communication abilities for longer.
Primary amenorrhea - where is the issue? A systematic review of literature in search of an answer
Authors: Bartosik Magdalena , Bartosik-Zielińska Diana , Blicharz Monika , Blicharz Agnieszka , Swatko Tomasz
Published: March 2023

Introduction and purpose: Primary amenorrhea is not a common problem, but it is a cause for concern to the people who are affected by it as well as for their guardians. There are many factors which lead to this particular condition. Making an accurate diagnosis is pivotal in order to provide the patient with correct professional treatment and restore their health.
Aim of the study: Systematic review of the existing evidence on most common reasons which lead to primary amenorrhea. 
Brief description of the state of knowledge: Primary amenorrhea is a medical state, defined as a deficiency of primary menstrual bleeding in girls during their adolescence. Primary amenorrhea is diagnosed by meeting the criteria: no period by the age of 14 in the absence of growth or development of secondary sexual characteristics, or no period by the age of 16 regardless of the presence of normal growth and development with the appearance of secondary sex characteristics. There are multiple causes of this condition. Searching for a solution is heavily dependent on additional symptoms. Lack of menarche can be caused by anatomical anomalies of the female genital system, ovaries dysplasia, dysfunction of hypothalamus and pituitary gland, as well as by medical circumstances which are not included in those groups. 
Summary: The important thing is to make the proper diagnosis of primary amenorrhea. Menstruation disorders are not only gynecological problems, they can also cause systemic, psychological and sexual difficulties. It might impact the future life of maturing young girls.
Naming practices in domestic homicide reviews in England and Wales
Authors: Rowlands James
Published: March 2023

In England and Wales, domestic homicide reviews (DHRs) seek to build a picture of the circumstances preceding a domestic abuse-related death, identify any learning and make recommendations for change. Drawing on data from document analysis of 60 DHR reports, this article explores how a victim’s real name is routinely taken out of use when a DHR report is published and, to disguise their identity, is usually replaced with a pseudonym or some other nomenclature like initials/letters. I report on the name forms used in place of a victim’s real name and the limited explication of both how (pseudo)names were chosen and the role of the family. By exploring how names are used, I argue for a recognition of the assumptions and complexity at the heart of DHRs concerning the place of the victim, family and state, and identify implications for practice, policy and research.
Demonstration of a superluminal laser using electromagnetically induced transparency in Raman gain
Authors: Zhou Zifan , Zhu Ruoxi , Sternfeld Yael , Scheuer Jacob , Bonacum Jason , Shahriar Selim M.
Published: March 2023

We report the realization of a superluminal laser in which the dip in the gain profile necessary for anomalous dispersion is produced via electromagnetically induced transparency caused by the optical pumping laser. This laser also creates the ground state population inversion necessary for generating Raman gain. Compared to a conventional Raman laser with similar operating parameters but without the dip in the gain profile, the spectral sensitivity of this approach is explicitly demonstrated to be enhanced by a factor of ∼12.7. Compared to an empty cavity, the peak value of the sensitivity enhancement factor under optimal operation parameters is inferred to be ∼360.
Jacobian methods for dynamic polarization control in optical applications
Authors: Lai Kaiqin , Yu Ying , Sui Qi , Wang Dawei , Li Zhaohui
Published: March 2023

Dynamic polarization control (DPC) is beneficial for many optical applications. It is often realized via tunable waveplates to perform automatic polarization tracking and manipulation. Efficient algorithms are essential to realize an endless polarization control process at high speed. However, the standard gradient-based algorithm is not well analyzed. Here, we model the DPC with a Jacobian-based control theory framework that finds a lot in common with robot kinematics. We then give a detailed analysis of the condition of the Stokes vector gradient as a Jacobian matrix. We identify the multi-stage DPC as a redundant system enabling control algorithms with null-space operations. An efficient, reset-free algorithm can be found. We anticipate more customized DPC algorithms to follow the same framework in various optical systems.