bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brachyterapy: The radiation oncologist opinion
Authors: Tagliaferri Luca , Valentini Vincenzo
Published: March 2024

The role of the radiation oncologist in the management of patients affected by prostate cancer is increasingly considered thanks to important technological innovations that have marked the radiotherapeutic approach in its three main fields: external beam radiotherapy (EB-RT), brachytherapy (interventional radiotherapy, I-RT), and metabolic radiotherapy (M-RT) through the use of new radiopharmaceuticals. Regarding the modern brachytherapy, the introduction of intensity-modulated techniques (IM-IRT), thanks to the implementation of HDR remote-after loading machines, and image-guided techniques (IG-IRT), has led to advantages in optimizing dose distribution after implantation with the possibility of modulating the dose according to the intraprostatic dominant lesions, limiting the dose to the surrounding tissues with improvement in local control and a significant reduction in side effects. I-RT today represents a safe, scientifically established, effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients affected by prostate cancer. Like most special techniques, in order to obtain the best results, it must be performed in centers with a high volume of activity and consolidated experience with an interdisciplinary approach.
Influence of variable viscosity and local thermal non-equilibrium on nanofluid flow stability in an inclined porous channel
Authors: Humnekar Nidhi , Srinivasacharya D.
Published: March 2024

This study delves into the influence of local thermal non-equilibrium and changing viscosity on the stability of nanofluid flow in an inclined porous channel. The flow in the porous region governs Brinkman’s equation as well as a three-field model for temperature, with each field constitute the fluid, particle, and solid-matrix phases individually. Eigenvalue problem for a perturbed state is obtained using a normal mode analysis, and the problem is afterwards solved by the utilization of the Chebyshev spectral collocation method. Impact of various local thermal non-equilibrium parameters, critical Rayleigh number, and associated wavenumber are graphically displayed. Increasing values of the modified thermal capacity ratios, modified thermal diffusivity ratios, variable viscosity parameter, and channel inclination decrease the system’s stability for the interphase heat transfer parameter, which means these parameters destabilize the flow. Flow is most unstable when the channel is vertically oriented and the variable viscosity parameter ([Formula: see text]) = 0.5.
Association of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Women
Authors: Wang Xueyin , Gao Di , Zhang Xiaosong
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to estimate the association of depressive and anxiety symptoms with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in middle-aged and older Chinese women and to further evaluate whether the association was influenced by sociodemographic factors. This cross-sectional study included 9544 women aged 40 to 70 years from the eastern, central, and western regions of China in 2018. Logistic regression models were utilized to examine odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for depressive and anxiety symptoms with CVD risk. Depressive (OR = 1.89) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.55) were independently associated with an increased risk of CVD after adjusting for potential confounders. Stratified analyses found that depressive symptoms were only significantly associated with higher risk of CVD in women aged over 50 years and with lower levels of education and household income, whereas anxiety symptoms were only significantly associated with an elevated risk of CVD in women aged 60 to 70 years, and living in rural areas, and with lower levels of education and household income. Our findings emphasize the improvement of recognizing and managing depressive and anxiety symptoms to reduce the risk of CVD in middle-aged and older women, particularly in older women of low socioeconomic status.
Botulism in fish: a review
Authors: Uzal Francisco A. , Henderson Eileen , Asin Javier
Published: March 2024

Published information about fish botulism is scant. We review here the current literature on fish botulism. Freshwater fish are susceptible to botulism. Only anecdotal evidence exists about possible botulism cases in saltwater fish. With only a few exceptions, the etiology of all cases of fish botulism reported is Clostridium botulinum type E, although fish are sensitive to, and may carry, various C. botulinum types. Clinical signs of botulism in fish include loss of equilibrium and motion, abducted opercula, open mouths, dark pigmentation, and head up/tail down orientation in which attempts to swim result in breaching the surface of the water. Dark pigmentation is thought to be associated with acetylcholine imbalance in botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)-affected fish. Rarely, but similar to the situation in other animal species, fish can recover from botulism. Fish botulism can cause secondary outbreaks of the disease in birds, as botulism-affected fish stand out from normal fish, and are selectively preyed upon by fish-eating birds, which thus become intoxicated by the BoNT present in sick fish. The source of BoNT in fish has not been definitively confirmed. Fish may ingest C. botulinum spores that then germinate in their digestive tract, but the possibility that fish ingest preformed BoNT from the environment (e.g., dead fish, shellfish, insects) cannot be ruled out. The presumptive diagnosis of botulism in fish is established based on clinical signs, and as in other species, confirmation should be based on detection of BoNT in intestinal content, liver, and/or serum of affected fish.
Mpox Illness Narratives: Stigmatising Care and Recovery During and After an Emergency Outbreak
Authors: Smith Anthony K. J. , Storer Daniel , Lancaster Kari , Haire Bridget , Newman Christy E. , Paparini Sara , MacGibbon James , Cornelisse Vincent J. , Broady Timothy R. , Lockwood Timmy , McNulty Anna , Delpech Valerie , Holt Martin
Published: March 2024

In May 2022, a global outbreak of mpox (formerly monkeypox virus) affected thousands of mainly gay and bisexual men. Mpox is usually a time-limited illness that can involve fever, pain, and skin lesions, but may require hospitalisation. There is scant research into the firsthand experiences of people affected by mpox, including experiences of symptoms, healthcare, and recovery. This study considers the different illness narratives of people who experienced mpox in Australia in 2022. In-depth interviews and 6-month follow-up interviews were conducted with 16 people, including 13 people diagnosed with mpox and three close contacts. All participants were cisgender gay or bisexual men living in Australia. Participants’ accounts described minor to severe periods of sickness, negative and stigmatising experiences engaging with healthcare, and some participants experienced long-term effects on their sexual well-being and complications from mpox. The emergency outbreak context meant that mpox was highly distressing, making it difficult to manage and producing varying forms of disruption to everyday life. Mpox was narrated as disruptive in different ways: as a minor interruption to holiday plans, a prolonged period of poor health, or a biographically disruptive event prompting a re-evaluation of sexual values and health. This analysis demonstrates that an unfamiliar emergent disease outbreak related to sexual practices and sociality can reconfigure personal life and sexual well-being, suggesting a need to focus on providing quality patient care in outbreaks of mpox and other infectious diseases.
Attitudes Toward Wife Beating in Pakistan: Over-Time Comparative Trends by Gender
Authors: Raza Fizza , Pals Heili
Published: March 2024

We investigate the determinants and over time patterns of perceptions toward wife beating from 2012 to 2018 in Pakistan. We use two waves of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey that include ever-married women and men aged 15 to 49 (12,607 women and 3052 men in 2012 and 11,543 women and 3055 men in 2018). Education, employment, wealth, and region influence attitudes toward wife beating. While women are generally more tolerant toward wife beating than men, the presence of a family member during the interview further increased their tolerance toward wife beating. Wife beating support has increased over time among women whose interviews were overheard and men. Additionally, households with joint decision-making have a lower tolerance toward wife beating, even lower than households where the wife is the main decision-maker.
In-plane surface waves propagating in a coated half-space based on the strain-gradient elasticity theory
Authors: Zhao Bowen , Long Jianmin
Published: March 2024

By employing the strain gradient elasticity theory, we investigate the propagation of in-plane surface waves in a coated half-space with microstructures. We first investigate the general case of the present problem, that is, both the surface layer and the half-space are described by the strain-gradient elasticity theory. We formulate the boundary and continuity conditions of the general case and derive the dispersion relations of the surface waves. Then we investigate two special cases: (1) the surface layer is described by the strain-gradient elasticity theory, while the half-space by the classical elasticity theory; (2) the surface layer is described by the classical elasticity theory while the half-space by the strain-gradient elasticity theory. We examine the effects of strain-gradient characteristic lengths on the dispersion curves of surface waves in all cases. This study helps to further understand the propagation characteristics of elastic waves in materials with microstructures.
The impact of short-term postoperative face-up position on unintentional retinal displacement after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Lopez Juan Manuel , Iros Mariano , Francone Anibal , Mehanna Carl-Joe , Crincoli Emanuele , Bernard Agnes Glacet , Miere Alexandra , Souied Eric H.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of a rigorous short-term supine position in preventing inadvertent retinal displacement after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational analysis of a case series at two ophthalmological surgical centers. We included eyes diagnosed with macula-off RRD that maintained a strict face-up position for three hours immediately after PPV with intraoperative perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) and 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tamponade. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging was performed at one month post-operatively to identify unintentional retinal displacement through the detection of retinal vessel prints (RVPs) on FAF imaging using an ultrawide-field (UWF) imaging system.

Results

A total of 29 eyes with macula-off RRD were included in the study. The average age of the participants was 59.62 years. RRD involved one quadrant in two eyes, two quadrants in fourteen eyes, three quadrants in seven eyes, and four quadrants in six eyes. UWF-FAF imaging at one month follow-up after complete reattachment of the retina revealed RVPs in seven out of the 29 eyes (24.13%), with a mean displacement of 0.22 mm. In every case the displacement occurred downward.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that adhering to a strict face-up position for three hours after PPV with PFCL and gas tamponade for macula-off RRD may lead to a low frequency and severity of inadvertent post-operative retinal displacement.
Which factors are associated with a successful outcome following total hip arthroplasty in patients with early radiographic osteoarthritis?
Authors: Sharrock Martin , Board Tim N
Published: March 2024

Background:

It is unclear which factors are associated with a successful total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with early radiographic osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:

70 patients with early OA (Kellgren and Lawrence [KL] grades 0–2) who underwent THA were compared with 200 patients with advanced OA (KL grades 3–4). Outcomes were Oxford Hip Scores (OHS), EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scores; compared preoperatively with 1 year postoperatively. We investigated which clinical and radiographic (plain x-ray, CT, MRI) features predicted successful THA (postoperative OHS ⩾42).

Results:

The early OA group were significantly younger (61 vs. 66 years; [ p  = 0.0035). There were no significant differences in BMI, ASA grade or gender. After adjusting for confounders, the advanced OA group had a significantly greater percentage of possible change (PoPC) in OHS (75.8% vs. 50.4%; p  < 0.0001) and improvement in EQ-5D (0.151 vs. 0.002; p  < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in complication, revision or readmission rates. In the early OA group, 16/70 (22.9%) patients had a ‘successful’ THA. Patients who had a ‘successful’ THA were significantly more likely to have subchondral cysts on CT/MRI (91.7% vs. 57.7%; p  = 0.0362). The presence of cysts on CT/MRI was associated with a significantly greater PoPC in OHS (61.6% vs. 38.2%; p  = 0.0353). The combination of cysts and joint space width <1 mm was associated with a PoPC of 68%.

Conclusions:

THA in patients with early OA (KL grades 0–2) on plain radiographs should be indicated with caution. We advocate preoperative cross-sectional imaging in these patients. In the absence of cysts on CT/MRI, a THA seems unlikely to provide a satisfactory outcome.
Children’s, parents’ and educators’ understandings and experiences of digital resilience: A systematic review and meta-ethnography
Authors: Hammond Simon P , Polizzi Gianfranco , Duddy Claire , Bennett-Grant Y’etsha , Bartholomew Kimberley J
Published: March 2024

Supporting children to be digitally resilient when facing online adversity is an increasingly important developmental task. However, conceptual knowledge underpinning digital resilience and how this operates among children and across their home, community and societal contexts is embryonic. A systematic review and meta-ethnography of research focusing on the understandings and experiences of digital resilience of children aged 8–12, their parents and educators identified 11 studies conducted since 2011 across 14 countries. Four main themes, ‘Using connective technologies’, ‘Risky online experiences’, ‘Mediation strategies’ (comprised of sub-themes ‘Proactive coping’ and ‘Reactive coping’), and ‘Risk and protective factors’ were constructed from our translation of first- and second-order constructs, with the overarching theme ‘ Constant balancing’ cross-cutting these themes. We argue one cannot have risky online experiences without the potential to develop digital resilience and vice versa. Insofar as current conceptualisations of digital resilience underestimate the role played by wider contexts, important knowledge gaps are highlighted.
‘Taking the router shopping’: How low-income families experience, negotiate, and enact digital dis/connections
Authors: Mannell Kate , Boyle Estelle , Kennedy Jenny , Holcombe-James Indigo
Published: March 2024

Within digital media scholarship, there are significant bodies of literature investigating forced disconnection (‘digital exclusion’) and voluntary disconnection (‘digital disconnection’) but there is little research addressing entanglements between them. This article explores how bringing together these bodies of literature through an empirical study offers new pathways and considerations for both areas. In doing so, we draw on qualitative data about the forms of disconnection experienced, negotiated, and enacted by low-income families in regional Australia before and during their participation in a digital inclusion initiative that provided them with Internet connections and laptops. We argue that their experiences illustrate the complex interplay of voluntary and involuntary factors that shape socially situated practices of disconnection. We also identify further implications for inclusion and disconnection research, including the need to recognise that within digital inclusion initiatives, participants’ non-use of provided technologies does not necessarily indicate failure but may instead be a positive outcome.
Vibrational resonance mechanism in the high-order-degradation bistable system and its application in fault diagnosis
Authors: Xu Haitao , Zhou Shengxi
Published: March 2024

Bearings play an important role in the rotating machinery. Timely fault detection and maintenance can prevent catastrophic incidents caused by bearing faults. As one of the advanced techniques to extract the weak characteristics of bearing fault, the methods based on the vibrational resonance (VR) mechanism can effectively amplify the weak characteristics. However, first, the effect of the barrier width and the barrier height on the VR mechanism has not been investigated. Second, the application of the VR mechanism requires accurate prior knowledge, which limits its application. In this paper, the high-order-degradation bistable potential is decoupled so that the effect of the barrier width or the barrier height on the VR mechanism can be easily analyzed. Then, the initial frequency detection technique based on the 1.5-dimension envelope spectrum and the logical operation of sets is proposed, which helps to adaptively provide accurate prior knowledge for the application of the VR mechanism in the high-order-degradation bistable system (HBSVR). Finally, experimental results show that the proposed method is more advantageous in detecting single and compound faults compared with other state-of-the-art methods.
Applying a Language Justice Framework in Research: A Step Toward Achieving Health Equity
Authors: Doan Tran , López-Zerón Gabriela , Prado Guillermo , Ragavan Maya I.
Published: March 2024

People who use languages other than English (LOE) are rarely included in research in the United States. LOE communities face numerous health disparities that are rooted in language injustice and other intersecting oppressions including racism and xenophobia. Equitable inclusion of LOE communities in research is an important step to disrupt health disparities. We propose a new conceptual framework on language justice in research to support researchers in conducting equitable multilingual research. This language justice in research framework comprises six core pillars of best practices required for achieving language justice during all the stages of the research process including conceptualization, budgeting, data collection and analysis, and dissemination. We also present key definitions, examples of how core pillars can be applied, and structural solutions to achieving language justice. The application of the language justice in research framework is designed: (a) to achieve health equity, data equity, and antiracism across the research continuum and (b) to disrupt health disparities in systems and institutions that are disproportionately impacting LOE communities.
Impact of Cumulative 6 mg/kg Antithymocyte Globulin on Early Posttransplant Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Delayed Graft Function
Authors: Vu Van Anh , Bhayana Suverta , Sweiss Helen , Castro Nohely , Hall Reed , Nelson Joelle
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Delayed graft function in kidney transplant is associated with an increased risk of rejection and graft loss. Use of rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction in delayed graft function has been correlated with less rejection compared to basiliximab, but optimal dosing remains unknown. Program Evaluation Aims: The purpose of this evaluation was to retrospectively assess the short-term effectiveness and tolerability of a clinical protocol that increased the net state of immunosuppression in delayed graft function kidney transplant recipients using cumulative 6 mg/kg rabbit antithymocyte globulin induction. Design: This retrospective cohort included 88 kidney transplant recipients with delayed graft function, transplanted between January 2017 and March 2021, who either received cumulative 4.5 mg/kg pre-protocol or 6 mg/kg post-protocol rabbit antithymocyte globulin. Outcomes evaluated were biopsy-proven acute rejection and incidence of graft loss, infection, and cytopenia at 6 months. Results: A significant reduction of biopsy-proven acute rejection incidence occurred post-protocol implementation (10/33, 30.3% vs 6/55, 10.9%; P = .04). Of those with rejection, significantly less post-protocol patients were classified as acute cellular rejection (9/10, 90.0% vs 2/6, 33.3%; P = .04). No death-censored graft loss was observed in either group. Rates of cytopenia and infection were similar pre- versus post-protocol implementation. Conclusion: Increasing the exposure to rabbit antithymocyte globulin and maintenance immunosuppression in delayed graft function kidney transplant recipients was tolerable and significantly reduced rejection occurrence at 6 months.
All-cause and cause-specific mortality by spirometric pattern and sex – a population-based cohort study
Authors: Backman Helena , Sawalha Sami , Nilsson Ulf , Hedman Linnea , Stridsman Caroline , Vanfleteren Lowie E. G. W. , Nwaru Bright I. , Stenfors Nikolai , Rönmark Eva , Lindberg Anne
Published: March 2024

Background:

Chronic airway obstruction (CAO) and restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) are associated with mortality, but sex-specific patterns of all-cause and specific causes of death have hardly been evaluated.

Objectives:

To study the possible sex-dependent differences of all-cause mortality and patterns of cause-specific mortality among men and women with CAO and RSP, respectively, to that of normal lung function (NLF).

Design:

Population-based prospective cohort study.

Methods:

Individuals with CAO [FEV1/vital capacity (VC) < 0.70], RSP [FEV1/VC ⩾ 0.70 and forced vital capacity (FVC) < 80% predicted] and NLF (FEV1/VC ⩾ 0.70 and FVC ⩾ 80% predicted) were identified within the Obstructive Lung Disease in Northern Sweden (OLIN) studies in 2002–2004. Mortality data were collected through April 2016, totally covering 19,000 patient-years. Cox regression and Fine–Gray regression accounting for competing risks were utilized to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age, body mass index, sex, smoking habits and pack-years.

Results:

The adjusted hazard for all-cause mortality was higher in CAO and RSP than in NLF (HR, 95% CI; 1.69, 1.31–2.02 and 1.24, 1.06–1.71), and the higher hazards were driven by males. CAO had a higher hazard of respiratory and cardiovascular death than NLF (2.68, 1.05–6.82 and 1.40, 1.04–1.90). The hazard of respiratory death was significant in women (3.41, 1.05–11.07) while the hazard of cardiovascular death was significant in men (1.49, 1.01–2.22). In RSP, the higher hazard for respiratory death remained after adjustment (2.68, 1.05–6.82) but not for cardiovascular death (1.11, 0.74–1.66), with a similar pattern in both sexes.

Conclusion:

The higher hazard for all-cause mortality in CAO and RSP than in NLF was male driven. CAO was associated with respiratory death in women and cardiovascular death in men, while RSP is associated with respiratory death, similarly in both sexes.
The effects of treatment with pimavanserin on activities of daily living in patients with Parkinson’s disease psychosis: a 16-week, single-arm, open-label study
Authors: Evidente Virgilio G. H. , DeKarske Daryl , Coate Bruce , Abler Victor
Published: March 2024

Background:

More than half of patients with Parkinson’s disease will experience psychosis symptoms in the form of hallucinations or delusions at some point over the course of their disease. These symptoms can significantly impact patients’ health-related quality of life, cognitive abilities, and activities of daily living (ADLs) and function. Clinical assessment of how psychosis impacts these measures is crucial; however, few studies have assessed this sufficiently, in part due to a lack of appropriate scales for comprehensively assessing function.

Objective:

The objective was to assess how symptoms of Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) impact ADLs and function, cognitive function, and health-related quality of life.

Design:

To address this unmet need, we utilized a modified version of the Functional Status Questionnaire (mFSQ) to measure the impact of psychosis on ADLs and function in patients with PDP treated with pimavanserin, a US Food and Drug Administration-approved medication to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with PDP.

Methods:

Eligible patients entered a 16-week, single-arm, open-label study of oral pimavanserin (34 mg) taken once daily. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to Week 16 on the mFSQ. Secondary endpoints included the Movement Disorders Society–modified Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) I and II; Schwab and England ADL; Clinical Global Impression–Severity of Illness (CGI-S), Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I), and Patient Global Impression–Improvement (PGI-I), and were also measured as change from baseline to Week 16 using mixed-effects model for repeated measures (MMRM) and least-squares mean (LSM).

Results:

Our results in a proof-of-concept, 16-week, open-label clinical study in 29 patients demonstrated that an improvement in psychosis symptoms following treatment with pimavanserin was associated with improvements in multiple measures of ADLs and function. Notably, a significant improvement was found on the primary endpoint, change from baseline to Week 16 in mFSQ score [LSM [SE] 14.0 [2.50], n = 17; 95% CI (8.8, 19.3); p < 0.0001].

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the potential for improvement in function with improvement of psychosis symptoms in patients with PDP and suggest that the mFSQ may be a measurement tool to evaluate the level of improvement in function.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04292223.
Short-term versus usual-term antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Grillo Perez Santiago , Diaz-Brochero Candida , Garzon Herazo Javier Ricardo , Muñoz Velandia Oscar Mauricio
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Current guidelines recommend a minimum of 14 days of treatment.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short versus usual antibiotic therapy in adults with uncomplicated S. aureus bacteremia (SAB).

Methods:

We developed a search strategy to identify systematic review and meta-analysis of non-randomized studies (NRS), comparing short versus usual or long antibiotic regimens for uncomplicated SAB in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Register up to June 2023. The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS I tool. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software with a random effect model.

Results:

Six NRS with a total of 1700 patients were included. No significant differences were found when comparing short versus prolonged antibiotic therapy as defined by the authors for 90-day mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–1.46, p: 0.55; I2 = 0%] or 90-day recurrence or relapse of bacteremia [OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.31–1.68, p: 0.45; I2 = 26%]. Sensitivity analysis showed similar results when comparing a predefined duration of <14 days versus ⩾14 days and when excluding the only study with a high risk of bias.

Conclusion:

Shorter-duration regimens could be considered as an alternative option for uncomplicated SAB in low-risk cases. However, based on a small number of studies with significant methodological limitations and risk of bias, the benefits and harms of shorter regimens should be analyzed with caution. Randomized clinical trials are needed to determine the best approach regarding the optimal duration of therapy.
Uncommon culprits: Foreign body grass fragments in buccal mucosa presenting as recurrent buccal abscess in a pediatric patient – a case report
Authors: Pradhan Umesh , Mukhia Sontosh
Published: March 2024

Foreign body ingestion is a common occurrence in the pediatric population, often involving the gastrointestinal tract. However, the presence of foreign bodies in the oral cavity, particularly within the buccal mucosa, is relatively rare. This case report describes an unusual presentation of a foreign body embedded in the buccal mucosa and discusses the diagnostic and management challenges associated with such cases. A 10-month-old female child with no significant previous medical history presented with recurrent buccal abscess. Following the removal of the foreign body (grass fragments), the child experienced a complete recovery.
International collaboration of early-stage researchers in nursing science: A discussion paper
Authors: Inkeroinen Saija , Kangasniemi Mari , Kukkonen Pia , Leino-Kilpi Helena , Pajakoski Elina , Pellikka Hanna-Kaisa , Puustinen Jonna , Uibu Ere
Published: March 2024

Nursing is a global profession and international collaboration of early-stage researchers (ESRs) builds their capacity as future nursing scientists. This discussion paper focuses on international collaboration of ESRs in nursing science. The aim of this paper was to clarify the optimal collaboration forms and identify challenges and recommendations for supporting individual researchers and organisations to strengthen international collaboration for the ESR phase. The paper is based on previous literature and authors’ experiences in the collaboration between two countries by the Baltic Sea, Estonia and Finland. In future, more discussion is needed on how to establish international partnerships and collaboration in researcher career building globally: expanded and long-term collaboration is needed to develop nursing science but also to improve nursing care, patient outcomes and, finally, to benefit society.
Use of Tibial Cortical Autograft for the Osteotomy Site in Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: Kesemenli Cumhur Cevdet , Demiroz Serdar , Memisoglu Kaya , Erdemir Cengiz , Yonga Ömer , Temez Faruk , Karadeniz Emre
Published: March 2024

Background:

Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is a useful treatment option in patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis. Typically, the osteotomy site is filled with material such as autologous bone graft, allograft, or synthetic bone substitute. However, all these options have disadvantages.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to describe tibial cortical autograft as an alternative to conventional graft options. It was hypothesized that the tibial rectangular cortical bone that is removed from the proximal medial cortical surface of the distal tibial fragment longitudinally could be a reliable option for recovery of the gap in the osteotomy area.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 520 patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis who underwent OWHTO between June 2009 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the graft material used to fill the osteotomy site: allograft in group A, iliac crest autograft in group B, and tibial autograft in group C. Bone union, evaluated by radiographs performed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively, was defined as occurring when at least 50% of the gap site was bridged with callus. Clinical assessment was performed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores.

Results:

Included were 122 patients: 40 patients in group A, 42 patients in group B, and 40 patients in group C. The mean correction was 13.87°± 3.58° in group A, 12.33°± 3.92° in group B, and 14.10°± 2.99° in group C. The mean time for radiological bone union was 6.95 ± 1.40 months in group A, 4.48 ± 1.02 months in group B, and 5.07 ± 1.70 months in group C. Patients in all groups had similar IKDC and Lysholm scores at the final follow-up.

Conclusion:

This is the first report of this specific procedure in the literature. All clinical and radiological findings showed that use of tibial cortical autograft was an efficient method in patients undergoing OWHTO.
Reliability of Markerless Motion Capture Systems for Assessing Movement Screenings
Authors: Hauenstein Jonathan D. , Huebner Alan , Wagle John P. , Cobian Emma R. , Cummings Joseph , Hills Caroline , McGinty Megan , Merritt Mandy , Rosengarten Sam , Skinner Kyle , Szemborski Michael , Wojtkiewicz Leigh
Published: March 2024

Background:

Movement screenings are commonly used to detect unfavorable movement patterns. Markerless motion capture systems have been developed to track 3-dimensional motion.

Purpose:

To determine the reliability of movement screenings assessed using a markerless motion capture system when comparing the results of multiple systems and multiple collection periods.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

The inter- and intrarater reliability of a commercially available markerless motion capture system were investigated in 21 recreationally active participants aged between 18 and 22 years. A total of 39 kinematic variables arising from 10 fundamental upper and lower body movements typical of a screening procedure in sports performance were considered. The data were statistically analyzed in terms of relative error via the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and absolute error via the residual standard error (RSE).

Results:

Both inter- and intrarater reliability ICCs were at least moderate across all variables (ICC, >0.50), with most movements and corresponding variables having excellent reliability (ICC, >0.90). Although maximum knee valgus angles were the kinematic variables with the lowest interrater reliability (ICCs, 0.59-0.82) and moderate relative agreement, there was agreement in absolute terms with an RSE of <1.3°.

Conclusion:

Findings indicated that markerless motion capture provides reliable measurements of joint position during a movement screen, which allows for a more objective evaluation of the direction and subsequent success of interventions. However, practitioners should consider relative and absolute agreements when applying information provided by these systems.

Clinical Relevance:

Markerless motion capture systems may assist clinicians by reliably assessing movement screenings using different systems over different collection periods.
Improving access to medicines to reduce marketing and use of substandard and falsified medicines in Africa: Scoping review
Authors: Sorato Mende Mensa , Davari Majid , Kebriaeezadeh Abbas
Published: March 2024

Background:

Both constrained access to essential medicines and combatting marketing of substandard and falsified (SF) medicines are unmet health sector goals in Africa.

Objective:

To answer the question of how improved access can reduce the continuous surge of SF medicines in Africa.

Design:

We conducted a scoping review based on standard protocol.

Methods:

We searched articles published in the English language from PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar by using a systematic search query.

Results:

Seventy-one articles were included in this review. Access to quality essential medicines is still a major problem in developing countries in Africa and will continue as a threat for the next decade of health care. Ensuring access to quality medicines and preventing SF medicines in Africa need a systematic approach to address their underlying causes. Failure to ensure access to medicines is the major reason for the availability of SF medicines. Improving access to quality medicines can reduce SF medicine marketing and use. Manipulating the entire supply chain for efficiency, avoiding trade agreements that could reduce access, using compulsory licensing provisions, and pharmaceutical price control, providing incentives for drug development, and promoting rational use of medicines can improve access.

Conclusion:

Ensuring access to medicines and preventing SF medicine marketing cannot be achieved in the planned period in developing countries in Africa unless a comprehensive strategy is used. Improving access to quality medicines can reduce SF medicine marketing and use, that is, ensuring access through uninterrupted supply, improved efficiency, enhanced local production, preventing SF medicine entry, improved medication use system, and improved affordability. Therefore, it is essential to improve supply chain capability, address challenges of the supply chain, improve leadership and governance, establish country-specific anti-counterfeiting and anti-substandardization committees, and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders.
A hybrid model-data method for seismic response reconstruction of instrumented buildings
Authors: Ghahari Farid , Swensen Daniel , Haddadi Hamid , Taciroglu Ertugrul
Published: March 2024

This study presents a two-step hybrid (model-data fusion) method for reconstructing the seismic response of instrumented buildings at their non-instrumented floors. Over the past couple of decades, seismic data recorded within instrumented buildings have yielded invaluable insights into the behavior of civil structures, which were arguably impossible to obtain through numerical simulations, laboratory-scale experiments, or even in-situ testing. Recently, advances in sensing technology have opened new pathways for structural health monitoring (SHM) and rapid post-earthquake assessment. However, data-driven techniques tend to lack accuracy when structures have sparse instrumentation. In addition, creating detailed numerical models for the monitored structures is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often unsuitable for rapid post-event assessments. The common approach to address these challenges has been to use simple interpolation techniques over the sparse measurements. However, uncertainties associated with such estimates are usually overlooked, and these methods have certain physical limitations. In this study, we propose a two-step approach for reconstructing seismic responses. In the initial step, a coupled shear–flexural beam model is calibrated using data collected from instrumented floors. Next, the residual, representing the difference between measurements and the beam model’s predictions, is used to train a Gaussian process regression model. The combination of these two models provides both the mean and variance of the response at the non-instrumented floors. This new approach is verified by using simulated acceleration responses of a tall building. Validation is attained by using real seismic data recorded in two tall buildings and comparing the method’s predictions with actual measurements on floors not used for training. Finally, data recorded in a 52-story building during multiple earthquakes are used for demonstrating the practical application of the proposed approach in real-world scenarios.
The effect of in vitro simulated colonic pH gradients on microbial activity and metabolite production using common prebiotics as substrates
Authors: Xie Zhuqing , He Weiwei , Gobbi Alex , Bertram Hanne Christine , Nielsen Dennis Sandris
Published: March 2024

Background

The interplay between gut microbiota (GM) and the metabolization of dietary components leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) is affected by a range of factors including colonic pH and carbohydrate source. However, there is still only limited knowledge on how the GM activity and metabolite production in the gastrointestinal tract could be influenced by pH and the pH gradient increases along the colon.

Results

Here we investigate the effect of pH gradients corresponding to levels typically found in the colon on GM composition and metabolite production using substrates inulin, lactose, galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) in an in vitro colon setup. We investigated 3 different pH regimes (low, 5.2 increasing to 6.4; medium, 5.6 increasing to 6.8 and high, 6.0 increasing to 7.2) for each fecal inoculum and found that colonic pH gradients significantly influenced in vitro simulated GM structure, but the influence of fecal donor and substrate was more pronounced. Low pH regimes strongly influenced GM with the decreased relative abundance of Bacteroides spp. and increased Bifidobacterium spp. Higher in vitro simulated colonic pH promoted the production of SCFAs in a donor- and substrate-dependent manner. The butyrate producer Butyricimonas was enriched at higher pH conditions, where also butyrate production was increased for inulin. The relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium, Bacteroides, and Rikenellaceae also increased at higher colonic pH, which was accompanied by increased production of propionate with GOS and FOS as substrates.

Conclusions

Together, our results show that colonic substrates such as dietary fibres influence GM composition and metabolite production, not only by being selectively utilized by specific microbes, but also because of their SCFA production, which in turn also influences colonic pH and overall GM composition and activity. Our work provides details about the effect of the gradients of rising pH from the proximal to distal colon on fermenting dietary substrates in vitro and highlights the importance of considering pH in GM research.
Species delimitation of tea plants (Camellia sect. Thea) based on super-barcodes
Authors: Jiang Yinzi , Yang Junbo , Folk Ryan A. , Zhao Jianli , Liu Jie , He Zhengshan , Peng Hua , Yang Shixiong , Xiang Chunlei , Yu Xiangqin
Published: March 2024

Background

The era of high throughput sequencing offers new paths to identifying species boundaries that are complementary to traditional morphology-based delimitations. De novo species delimitation using traditional or DNA super-barcodes serve as efficient approaches to recognizing putative species (molecular operational taxonomic units, MOTUs). Tea plants (Camellia sect. Thea) form a group of morphologically similar species with significant economic value, providing the raw material for tea, which is the most popular nonalcoholic caffeine-containing beverage in the world. Taxonomic challenges have arisen from vague species boundaries in this group.

Results

Based on the most comprehensive sampling of C. sect. Thea by far (165 individuals of 39 morphospecies), we applied three de novo species delimitation methods (ASAP, PTP, and mPTP) using plastome data to provide an independent evaluation of morphology-based species boundaries in tea plants. Comparing MOTU partitions with morphospecies, we particularly tested the congruence of MOTUs resulting from different methods. We recognized 28 consensus MOTUs within C. sect. Thea, while tentatively suggesting that 11 morphospecies be discarded. Ten of the 28 consensus MOTUs were uncovered as morphospecies complexes in need of further study integrating other evidence. Our results also showed a strong imbalance among the analyzed MOTUs in terms of the number of molecular diagnostic characters.

Conclusion

This study serves as a solid step forward for recognizing the underlying species boundaries of tea plants, providing a needed evidence-based framework for the utilization and conservation of this economically important plant group.
Impact of ITPA gene polymorphism for predicting anemia and treatment outcome in HCV infected patients taking Sofosbuvir Ribavirin therapy
Authors: Amjed Sameen , Saleem Hafiz Ghulam Murtaza , Ullah Sajjad , Latif Shahzad , Shabana  , Jafar Junaid , Waqar Ahmad Bilal
Published: March 2024

Background

Globally, 80 million people are suffering from chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Sofosbuvir ribavirin-based anti-HCV therapy is associated with anemia and other adverse effects. Polymorphisms of Inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) gene may cause functional impairment in the Inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase enzyme, resulting in enhanced sustained viral response (SVR) and protection from ribavirin-associated anemia in patients on therapy. The study objective was to investigate the effect of Inosine triphosphatase gene polymorphism on SVR achievement, hemoglobin decline and ribavirin dose reduction in patients on therapy.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was of 170 hepatitis C infected patients received 6-month sofosbuvir ribavirin therapy. Patient viral load, reduction in ribavirin amount, liver function test, and complete blood count were noted monthly. Inosine triphosphatase variants rs1127354 and rs7270101 were assessed through the restriction fragment length polymorphism and confirmed using Sanger sequencing. The impact of polymorphism on cumulative reduction of ribavirin, and anti-HCV therapy outcome were studied.

Results

A total of 74.3% of patients had ITPA rs1127354 CC genotype, 25.7% were CA and AA 0%. The frequency of ITPA genotype rs7270101-AA was 95%, AC 5%, and CC was 0%. ITPA rs1127354-CA had a notably positive impact on SVR achievement with a zero-relapse rate. ITPA rs1127354-CA genotype was significantly (P ˂0.05) protective against ≥ 2 g/dl Hb reduction from baseline to 1st, 2nd and 6th months of therapy. During treatment, Hb reduction ≥ 10 g/dl was frequently observed in rs1127354-CC genotype and rs7270101-AA genotype patients. Ribavirin dose reduction was significantly (P ˂0.05) high in rs1127354-CC genotype as compared to genotype CA whereas no significant difference was observed in ribavirin dose reduction in rs7270101 AA and non-AA genotype. Patient baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index, rs1127354-CC genotype, and baseline Hb were significantly associated with significant Hb reduction.

Conclusion

Pretreatment evaluation of ITPA polymorphism can be a diagnostic tool to find out patients at risk of anemia and improve treatment adherence. ITPA genotype rs1127354-CA contributes to improved compliance with ribavirin dose and protects against hemoglobin decline in HCV patients while taking ribavirin-based therapy. However, ITPA rs1127354, rs7270101 polymorphism have no significant impact on SVR achievement.
The perceived experience of adhering to vegan diet: a descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Khaledi-Paveh Behnam , Abdi Alireza , Heydarpour Sousan , Dehghan Fatemeh , Haghparast Reza , Ghasemi Hooman
Published: March 2024

Background

Today, raw vegetarianism is considered one of the most important socio-cultural developments in contemporary societies. In this regard, the present study was conducted to describe the perceived experience of people adhering to a vegan diet through a phenomenological perspective.

Methods

This qualitative study explores the perceived experiences of individuals who follow a vegan diet and are part of the self-care campaign in Kermanshah, Iran. sampling was purposeful and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 12 individuals who follow a vegan lifestyle. The data were analyzed after being collected using the seven steps of Collizi. MAXQUDA software (version 12) was used for data management.

Results

After qualitative data analysis, we identified 567 codes, which were categorized into 15 sub-themes. From these sub-themes, we derived 4 main themes. The main themes include: In pursuit of redemption (Meaningful framework, In awareness path, Unequaled Disappointment, Chronic and complex conditions), Seeking the New World (Starting with doubt and hesitation, The temptation to return, Constant criticism, Unfamiliar appearance), On the path of overcoming difficulties (Associate problems, Matching the new way, Perceived recommendations), and attaining the expected outcomes (Healthy lifestyle, Therapeutic feedback, Enhancing emotional wellbeing, Feeling of youth).

Conclusion

Based on the participants’ experience, despite the challenging journey, the people with a vegetarian diet experienced partial and complete improvement of all the symptoms of the diseases. They had a healthy lifestyle and felt young and energetic. Likewise, this method had a positive effect on people’s mental state and mood.