bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid eye movements in sleep: probe into infant visual brain development in autism
Authors: Hong Charles
Published: August 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. One in five infant siblings of children with ASD later receive an ASD diagnosis. With the aim of early detection and intervention, the Infant Brain Imaging Study Network conducted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of infant siblings, typically during sleep, and recently cited aberrant visual brain development as a potential MRI marker of ASD. Event-related functional MRI findings showed that rapid eye movements (REMs) in sleep index the processing of endogenous visual information, i.e., hierarchical generation of visual percepts. REM-locked peak activation sites and neural processing overlap extensively with those reported to be atypical in autism. Simply timing REMs may improve the accuracy of early detection, identify markers for stratification of heterogeneous ASD patients, and shed light on the typical and atypical development of visual perception and multisensory-motor integration. The strengths of REMs as a probe in functional brain imaging studies of infants are manifold. REMs serve as a task-free probe useful for studying both infants and animals, who cannot comply with conventional visual activation tasks. The REM-probe controls the level of attention across both the lifespan and typical-atypical neurodevelopment, and allows straightforward comparison of animal and human data.
Self-regulated nursing care scale (SRNCS): a study of development, reliability and validity
Authors: Akeren Zahide , Akeren İhsan , Isik Hafsa Kubra
Published: August 2023

Background
Having self-regulated learning skills of nurses can support them to provide effective and quality care. This research is a scale development research aiming to measure nurses' self-regulated care skills.
Methods
A survey study using a researcher-designed quantitative questionnaire. Self-regulated learning models developed by reviewing the literature were determined and based on Zimmerman's Self-Regulated Learning Model, an item pool was created in line with the content validity, and the opinions of the relevant field experts were taken. Explanatory Factor Analysis of the scale was conducted with data collected from 201 nurses and Confirmatory Factor Analysis from 239 nurses.
Results
Exploratory Factor Analysis was carried out in line with the construct validity, and a three-dimensional (planning, implementation and evaluation) structure that explains 70.7% of the total variance was discovered. This three-dimensional structure was confirmed by the data collected from different nurse groups (239 participants) by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. In order to ensure criterion-based validity, correlation analysis was performed by taking the current scale CNS as criterion, and criterion validity was ensured. In the reliability analysis, the Cronbach Alpha coefficient of internal consistency was calculated as .95 for the overall scale, .81 for the planning dimension, .87 for the implementation dimension, .93 for the evaluation dimension, .91 for the split-half reliability coefficient, and .77 for the test-retest reliability coefficient.
Conclusions
According to the results obtained, it can be said that the scale is a valid and reliable tool in measuring nurses' self-regulated care skills.
Force transmission by retrograde actin flow-induced dynamic molecular stretching of Talin
Authors: Yamashiro Sawako , Rutkowski David , Lynch Kelli , Liu Ying , Vavylonis Dimitrios , Watanabe Naoki
Published: August 2023

Force transmission at integrin-based adhesions is important for cell migration and mechanosensing. Talin is an essential focal adhesion (FA) protein that links F-actin to integrins. F-actin constantly moves on FAs, yet how Talin simultaneously maintains the connection to F-actin and transmits forces to integrins remains unclear. Here we show a critical role of dynamic Talin unfolding in force transmission. Using single-molecule speckle microscopy, we found that the majority of Talin are bound only to either F-actin or the substrate, whereas 4.1% of Talin is linked to both structures via elastic transient clutch. By reconstituting Talin knockdown cells with Talin chimeric mutants, in which the Talin rod subdomains are replaced with the stretchable β-spectrin repeats, we show that the stretchable property is critical for force transmission. Simulations suggest that unfolding of the Talin rod subdomains increases in the linkage duration and work at FAs. This study reveals a new mode of force transmission, in which stochastic molecular stretching bridges two cellular structures moving at different speeds.
Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers before and after COVID-19 vaccination in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Warsaw: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kasztelewicz Beata , Skrok Katarzyna , Burzyńska Julia , Migdał Marek , Dzierżanowska-Fangrat Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

A retrospective observational study was conducted among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary paediatric hospital. The study covered the period before and after implementation of the vaccination programme and evaluated the incidence of new SARS-CoV-2 infections in both periods. Risk factors of the new SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness was also assessed in a real-world setting. The overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs in the study period was 19.4% with a high proportion of asymptomatic individuals (45.1%). The incidence before vaccination was 16.6% and nurses had a higher risk of infection, while physicians had a reduced risk (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.29–2.52; and OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.30–0.68). Within two months of implementation, the programme achieved a high (88.9%) vaccination coverage in our cohort, although some disparities in vaccination rates were observed. In particular, older individuals, physicians, those working in clinical settings, and those previously uninfected were more likely to be vaccinated. The overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination deployment was 6.3% (40.0% in unvaccinated individuals and 3.2% in individuals vaccinated with at least one dose). The estimated vaccine efficacy was high (95.0%) in fully vaccinated HCWs and similar to those observed previously in clinical trials and real-world settings.
Cry1Ac toxin and protoxin affect intestinal barrier function by altering zonula occludens-1 and activating mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in a Caco-2 cell monolayer model of the human intestinal mucosa
Authors: Bautista-Jacobo Itzel Sarai , Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado Damaris , Schnoor Michael , Moreno-Fierros Leticia
Published: August 2023

The Cry proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis are widely used as bioinsecticides to control crop plagues; they have been considered innocuous for vertebrates. Currently, distinct truncated forms of the genes encoding Cry toxins are expressed in genetically transformed crops that are used for animal and human consumption. Cry1Ac is one of these proteins to which humans are exposed. Our group has demonstrated that Cry1Ac protoxin and toxin are mucosal and systemic immunogens that can activate macrophages via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, while the protoxin is also a promising adjuvant that can improve tumour immunity and provide protection in different mouse infection models. Moreover, the intragastric administration of Cry1Ac toxin provokes moderate allergenicity and lymphoid hyperplasia in the large intestine. Therefore, we characterised the intestinal epithelial effects after stimulation with Cry1Ac. We used an in vitro model with the Caco-2 C2BBe1 cell line that mimics a gut monolayer with brush border proteins and well established expression of tight junction proteins. We evaluated whether Cry1Ac toxin and protoxin could activate MAPK signalling pathways and whether this activation modified the expression of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), a tight junction protein. Cry1Ac activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); upregulated IL-8; altered permeability; and dyregulated ZO-1. Finally, we identified several Cry1Ac binding proteins in the intestinal epithelium that could be involved in these effects.
New Wave of Internal Armed Conflict in Developing Countries: Does Inequality of Opportunity Matter?
Authors: ALENE Luis Jacinto ELA , NKOA Bruno Emmanuel ONGO
Published: August 2023

The aim of our study is to analyze the effects of inequality of opportunity on internal armed conflicts in developing countries. In a panel of 69 developing countries, over the period 2000–2020 and using the Logit model, we find a positive and significant relationship between inequality of opportunity and the risk of internal armed conflict. The effects are higher in Asia than in Africa. As our results are validated by changing the dependent variable and the estimation technique, and by adding new variables, we recommend, on the one hand, increasing spending on social sectors by promoting decentralization to improve their efficiency. On the other hand, job creation at local level and infrastructure improvements designed to make developing countries more attractive to foreign direct investment.
Parkinson’s Disease and Epilepsy: A bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Aryaee Armin , Azeditehrani Fereshteh , Ketabforoush Arsh Haj Mohamad Ebrahim , Rad Nooshin Ahmadi , Golab Fereshteh
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Previous studies have indicated epilepsy as a risk factor for PD, and a growing body of evidence links neurodegenerative disease markers to increased neuronal excitability before seizures. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this correlation could provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between PD and epilepsy.
Method: Microarray data were gathered and processed from PD and epilepsy patients. Using the weighted coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) method, gene modules correlated with both PD and epilepsy were identified, revealing genetic links between the disorders. Functional enrichment analysis explored the roles of selected genes in crucial biological processes. Employing LASSO analysis, key hub genes significantly involved in both PD and epilepsy were identified.
Result: Analyses revealed specific gene modules correlated with PD and epilepsy, suggesting shared genetic components. Functional enrichment indicated the involvement of selected genes in neurodegenerative pathways and essential synaptic processes, further supporting the PD-epilepsy connection. LASSO analysis identified 19 hub genes strongly associated with both diseases, including GSK3β and SRA1. Gene expression analysis showed significant downregulation of GSK3β, SRA1, LINC00889, SLC35F1, AGK, and SPG11, and upregulation of ADCY8, KLHL32, KAT2B, and CIAPIN1.
Conclusion: This study highlights potential mechanisms linking PD and epilepsy, such as dendritic spines and synaptic vesicle recycling. Common hub genes and cellular pathways offer promising targets for future therapies. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms and develop effective treatments for these complex neurological disorders.
Ethical Considerations in Public Health Practice: Addressing Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
Authors: Gaidhane Abhay , Choudhari Sonali , Gaidhane Shilpa , Khatib Mahalaqua Nazli , Zahiruddin Quazi Syed
Published: August 2023

Public health is a government responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of community. Implementing public health functions like surveillance and contact tracing can raise ethical concerns about individual rights and autonomy. This paper discusses public health professionals' ethical challenges and explores potential solutions. The study utilized interviews, focus group discussions, and published literature that presented various ethical frameworks from different sources. These frameworks offer guidance for ethical decision-making and can assist policymakers and practitioners in navigating complex ethical dilemmas in public health. Public health programs face ethical challenges concerning stigmatized diseases, resource distribution, autonomy versus public good, and community involvement. Professionals stress the need for ethical training to effectively make informed decisions and evaluate policies. Integrating ethical considerations into public health initiatives can improve healthcare delivery and community well-being. The framework can aid professionals in evaluating public health programs ethically, ensuring that public health practices are just and respectful.
Anti-apoptotic treatment of warm ischemic male rat livers in machine perfusion improves symptoms of ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Mojoudi Mohammadreza , Taggart McLean S. , Kharga Anil , Chen Huyun , Dinicu Antonia T. , Wilks Benjamin T. , Markmann James F. , Toner Mehmet , Tessier Shannon N. , Yeh Heidi , Uygun Korkut
Published: August 2023

Liver donation after cardiac death (DCD) makes up a small percentage of the donor pool and poses a higher risk of graft loss compared to donation after brain death (DBD); this is a result of ischemia reperfusion for which the exact injury mechanisms are currently not fully understood. However, reperfusion injury has been shown to lead to necrosis as well as apoptosis at the cellular level. In this work, we propose that use of the pro-survival, anti-apoptotic CEPT cocktail in post-ischemia normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) may improve recovery in rat livers subjected to extended durations of warm ischemia. Livers procured from male lewis rats were subjected to 90 minutes of warm ischemia, followed by 6 hours of NMP where they were treated with the survival-enhancing anti-apoptotic cocktail (CEPT), the vehicle (DMSO) or the base media with no additives. The CEPT-treated group exhibited lower expression of hepatic injury biomarkers, and improvement in a range of hepatocellular functions associated with the hepatic parenchyma, biliary epithelium and especially the sinusoidal endothelium. This study’s findings provide useful insight for further investigation of the extent of apoptotic contribution to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI).
Quantifying sediment complexity and its implications in the Yanhe watershed using refined composite multiscale fuzzy entropy
Authors: Liu Xintong , Zhao Hongrui
Published: August 2023

The Yanhe watershed, located in the Loess Plateau of China, is a representative loess hilly-gully and ecologically fragile region, posing a critical challenge for sustainable sediment management. Regarding the watershed as a vibrant complex system, this study investigated sediment concentration dynamics in the Yanhe watershed from the perspectives of multiscale entropy and complexity. The refined composite multiscale fuzzy entropy (RCMFE) method was employed to quantify the sediment complexity and explore its variations and driving mechanisms. Three characteristics of the RCMFE curve were evaluated: local maxima, local minima, and volatility. The results revealed significant increases in sediment instability during 2000–2004 and after 2008, and the richness of variation information and complexity of sediment in the past two decades have notably decreased compared to the baseline period before 1970. Although complexity decline has been controlled since 2005, it remained at a low level. The notable decrease in the multi-scale structure and function will weaken the watershed's resistance to external interference and environmental changes, highlighting the need for widespread attention. Major factors contributing to complexity changes are China's Grain for Green Program (GFGP) and vegetation restoration, alongside the growing impact of erratic precipitation in the past decade. This research contributes to a multiscale understanding of sediment concentration dynamics, and provides new insights into sediment processes and sustainable strategies on the Loess Plateau under the GFGP and climate change.
Influence of SiO 2 @PANI Core/Shell nanoparticles on Mechanical properties, Electrical properties, and thermal aging of epoxy resin
Authors: Vu Cuong Manh , Vu Tung
Published: August 2023

The pristine epoxy resin exhibited its low fracture toughness and low thermal stability. The using of functionalized liquid rubber led to an improvement of fracture toughness along with a reduction of thermal stability of epoxy resin. So to simultaneously improve both the fracture toughness and the thermal stability of epoxy resin the silica/PANI core-shell particles have been used as an additive. The core/shell particles were prepared by decorating the surface of silica with polyaniline via a chemical oxidation reaction. The silica was extracted from rice husk via some simple steps. The high-speed mechanical stirring was utilized to enhance the uniform dispersion of core/shell particles in epoxy resin. The nanocomposite was formed at room temperature using DETA as a curing agent. The mechanical characteristics and thermal stability of nanocomposite were examined including tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture toughness, and TGA. The tensile strength was improved by 16,16% from 40,9 MPa to 47,51 MPa by adding core/shell particles to epoxy resin. The thermal stability of epoxy resin was also improved with presence of core/shell particles. In particular, the fracture toughness was improved by 52,8% from 1,12 MPa.m− 1/2 to 1,87 MPa.m− 1/2. The electrical conductivity of epoxy resin with SiO2@PANI Core/Shell increased by 178 times when compared with pristine epoxy. The SEM image was also used to provide the evidence for the improvement in fracture toughness, and mechanism.
The Prevalence, Determinants, and Health Risks of Domestic Violence in Gedeo and West Gujji Zones, Southern Ethiopia: An Evidence-based Study
Authors: AMADO ASEBE AWOL , Gezehagn Melkamu
Published: August 2023

This study was aimed at looking into women's experiences of violence in the home in selected woreda of Gedeo and West Gujji Zones. A mixed research approach was employed to collect the required data from victims of domestic violence, police officers, officials, and experts in concerned government offices. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and the thematic analysis method was employed for qualitative data. The result revealed those women's accounts of abuse are a complex phenomenon because it includes various forms, ranging from humiliation, threats, and social isolation to forced sex and battering. Violence against women runs along a range, often escalating from milder forms to more serious acts. The finding indicated that physically abusive men are also psychologically, economically, and sexually abusive. In this study, Economic dependence, and transgressions of gender roles were found to be the main causes of domestic violence. Alcoholism, jealousy, and masculinity linked to dominance were also mentioned as factors of violence. Domestic violence has profound consequences on women’s overall well-being. The experience of domestic violence puts women at greater risk of physical, social, mental, and health problems. Concerning response to domestic violence, the study shows that some abused women are not passive victims but rather adopt active strategies to maximize their and their children's safety. As economic dependence was found to be the prominent cause for domestic violence the researchers suggest the integrated interventions of stakeholders to economic empowerment of women to scale up the capabilities of women in household decision making thereby reducing the likelihood of violence in the home. Furthermore, enforcing the existing legal frameworks related to domestic violence and enacting additional responsive regulations on domestic violence is imperative to protect the victims of domestic violence.
Effects of a multilevel intervention of resistance training with or without beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate in critical illness patients during entire hospitalisation: a four-arm multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wu Ting-Ting , Chen Qiao-Ling , Lin Xiu-Xia , Xu Mei-Lian , Chen Xue-Xian , Luo Chen-Juan , Zhuang Yao-Ning , Wei Yue-Qing , Wu Jing-Bing , Chen Li-Li , Li Hong
Published: August 2023

Background: Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) is a prevalent and severe issue among ICU patients. Resistance training (RT) and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) intervention have demonstrated the potential to enhance muscle function in patients with sarcopenia and in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RT and/or HMB administration would improve physical function, muscle strength, and quality of life in medical ICU patients.
Methods: In this multicentre, four-arm, single-blind RCT, a total of 112 adult patients with internal medical diagnoses admitted to the ICU were enrolled. These participants were then randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: the RT group received protocol-based multilevel resistance exercise, the HMB group received 3g/day of HMBCa, combination group and control groups received standard care, from the ICU to the general ward until discharge. The primary outcomes assessed at discharge included six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and short physical performance battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes measured included muscle mass, MRC score, grip strength, and health reports quality of life at different time points. Data analysis was performed using a generalised linear mixed model (GLLM), adhering to the principles of intention-to-treat analysis.
Results:
RT and combination treatment groups exhibited significant increases in SPPB scores (3.848 and 2.832 points, respectively) compared to the control group, and substantial improvements in 6WMD (99.768 and 88.577 metres, respectively) (all with P<0.01). However, no significant changes were observed in the HMB group. Muscle strength, as indicated by MRC and grip strength tests conducted at both ICU and hospital discharge, showed statistically significant improvements in the RT and combination groups (P<0.05). Nevertheless, no significant differences were found between the treatment groups and usual care in terms of 60-day mortality, prevalence of ICU-AW, muscle mass, quality of life, or other functional aspects.
Conclusions:
RT with or without HMB during the entire hospitalisation intervention improves physical function and muscle strength in medical ICU patients, but muscle mass, quality of life, and 60-day mortality were unaffected.
Trial registration: ChiCTR2200057685 was registered on March 15th, 2022.
ApoE - Functionalization of Nanoparticles for Targeted Brain Delivery - A Feasible Method for Polyplexes?
Authors: Hartl Natascha , Gabold Bettina , Uhl Philipp , Xiao Ximian , Fricker Gert , Mier Walter , Liu Runhui , Merkel Olivia
Published: August 2023

The blood- brain barrier (BBB) poses a major obstacle in the treatment of all types of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers in principle a promising therapeutic approach by downregulating disease-related genes via RNA interference. However, the BBB is a formidable barrier for macromolecules such as nucleic acids. In an effort to develop a brain-targeted strategy for siRNA delivery systems formed by electrostatic interactions with cationic polymers (polyplexes, PXs), we investigated the suitability of the well-known surfactant-based approach for Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs). In the present work, we used cationic branched 25kDa poly(ethyleneimine) (b-PEI) and nylon-3 polymers to form PXs with siRNA and subsequently, we coated them with ApoE without or after precoating with polysorbate 80 (PS 80). We utilized highly hydrophobic NM0.2/CP0.8 nylon-3 polymers to evaluate the effects of hydrophobic cyclopentyl (CP) subunits on ApoE binding efficacy. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that ApoE functionalization particularly of hydrophobically modified PXs is in principle possible and very promising for siRNA delivery based on in vitro results, but further optimization and more sophisticated in vitro models are required to achieve an appropriate in vitro-in vivo translation in future approaches.
Disclosing Core Strength: Reliability and Correlations Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic in Plank and Sit-Ups Tests
Authors: Lemes Vanilson , Brand Caroline
Published: August 2023

Objective: to assess the reliability of the core "Plank" test, investigate its correlation with abdominal resistance strength, and examine its longitudinal association before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in schoolchildren during the transition to adolescence.
Methods: The initial sample included 221 students aged 6 to 11 years in 2018 (58.8% of boys). These same students were reevaluated between May and June 2023, at ages 11 to 16 years. The baseline assessments encompassed the Plank Isometric Test and the Abdominal Sit-up (Dynamic Strength test). Due to resource limitations, only the Plank test was conducted during the post-pandemic evaluation. To verify the reliability and reproducibility of the plank test, the two-way intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used, also correlation coefficients (r) were calculated.
Results: The final sample comprised 130 boys and 91 girls, and the Plank test demonstrated high reliability for both genders, with ICC ranging from 0.623 to 0.869 for boys and 0.695 to 0.901 for girls, as well as high Cronbach's Alpha (α) values, indicating internal consistency. The results revealed significant correlations between the Plank Test and other physical fitness variables for both boys and girls. The Sit-Up test showed moderate positive correlations with the follow-up Plank Test in girls, while in boys, the correlation was weak and negative in the baseline evaluation but became moderate and positive when adjusted for age.
Conclusion: The isometric plank strength test is highly reliable in children aged 6 to 16 years and can be used as an alternative measure to assess core strength in school-aged children. Additionally, there was a significant and strong relationship between the Plank Test and the abdominal sit-up strength-resistance test, which provides valuable insights for fitness assessment in this age group.
Predictors of spontaneous passage of ureteral calculi in cases receiving Medical Expulsive Therapy: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: R Viswas M , Kaushal Devashish , Madhavan Kumar , Malik Rajesh , Sarica Kemal , Sahin Cahit
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is a safe and effective option for the spontaneous passage of uncomplicated ureteric stones sizing ≤ 10 mm. Our objective was to identify parameters that can accurately predict the spontaneous passage of ureteral stones during MET.
Methods
Patients receiving MET (tamsulosin 0.4mg od) for a single unilateral ureteral calculi sizing ≤ 10 mm were followed up to 1 month. The potential parameters, stone related (location, density, volume and transverse, longitudinal, sagittal diameters), ureter related (diameter, density, and wall thickness at the stone site) and hydronephrosis grade were evaluated on CT images and analyzed by using univariate, multivariate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.
Results
Of fifty-five patients, 31 (56.4%) passed the stone successfully within 4 weeks of MET. Univariate analysis revealed these patients tended to have lower ureteric stones (p 0.048), lower longitudinal (p 0.024) and transverse stone diameters (p 0.006), lower stone volume (p 0.015) and ureteral wall thickness (p 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the only variable with significant independent predictive value on successful stone passage (SP) was the maximal ureteral wall thickness (UWT) at stone site (p 0.036). Sagittal stone diameter, ureteral diameter, ureteral & stone densities were found to be insignificant. The UWT cut off was 2.1mm with sensitivity and specificity of 83.8% and 62.5% respectively.
Conclusion
The most significant predictor of successful stone passage in MET of unilateral ureteral stones is the maximal UWT, with an optimal cut-off point of 2.1mm.
An automatic evaluation system for Treatment Effects on Port-wine Stains based mapping algorithm and deep learning
Authors: Li Zhu , Peng YuHang , Wang Ji , Yang ZhaoYi , Tong HeXin , Jin TingTing , Chen Yan , Pan Lei
Published: August 2023

Objectives
A port-wine stain (PWS) is a common type of capillary malformation that often occurs on the head and neck, seriously affecting patients' appearance. Currently, laser phototherapy devices are mainly used to treat PWS. The accuracy of lesion efficacy evaluation results affects the rational selection of treatment plans. In clinical practice, visual assessment methods are commonly used to judge the efficacy of this disease by estimating the degree of improvement in lesions, which is highly subjective and difficult to quantify. To achieve convenient and accurate efficacy evaluation, many image-based evaluation schemes have been proposed. However, these schemes usually require doctors to manually select random areas for color comparison, making it difficult to ensure comprehensiveness and objectivity when evaluating results. To address existing problems in previous studies, we propose an automatic method for evaluating PWS treatment effects.
Methods
By implementing steps such as image correction, lesion area segmentation, and image mapping, color difference comparisons based on all lesion areas and all normal skin color areas can be achieved to realize more objective and accurate treatment evaluations.
Results
We verify the proposed method through consistency experiments. In the experiments, the highest consistency between our proposed method and the findings of three professional doctors reached 88.89%, which was higher than their highest consistency rate of 85.19%.
Conclusions
The experimental results show that this method can significantly improve both efficiency and accuracy in evaluating the effects of PWS treatment.
Comparison of distal radius fracture plating surgery under wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique and general anesthesia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Chih-Ting , Chou Shih-Hsiang , Huang Hsuan-Ti , Fu Yin-Chih , Jupiter Jesse B. , Liu Wen-Chih
Published: August 2023

Background
Distal radius fractures (DRF) are frequently treated with internal fixation under general anesthesia (GA) or a brachial plexus block. Recently, the wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been suggested as a method that results in higher patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of DRF plating surgery under both the WALANT and GA methods.
Methods
Ninety-three patients with DRFs who underwent open reduction and plating were included. Regarding the anesthetic technique, 38 patients received WALANT, while 55 received GA. The patient's overall satisfaction in both groups and the intraoperative numerical rating scale of pain and anxiety (0 to 10) in the WALANT group were recorded. The peri-operative radiographic parameters were measured; the clinical outcomes, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, wrist mobility, and grip strength, were recorded in up to 1-year follow-up. Results presented with a mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
The mean age of patients in the WALANT group was higher than in the GA group (63±17 vs. 54±17, P<0.01), and there were fewer intra-articular DRF fractures in the WALANT group than in the GA group (AO type A/B/C: 30/3/5 vs. 16/10/19, P<0.01). The reduction and plating quality were similar in both groups. The clinical outcomes at follow-up were comparable between the two groups, except the WALANT group had worse postoperative 3-month pronation (88% vs. 96%; -8.0% [-15.7 to -0.2%]) and 6-month pronation (92% vs. 100%; -9.1% [-17.0 to -1.2%]), and better postoperative 1-year flexion (94% vs. 82%; 12.0% [2.0 to 22.1%]). The overall satisfaction was comparable in the WALANT and GA groups (8.7 vs. 8.5; 0.2 [-0.8 to 1.2]). Patients in the WALANT group reported an injection pain scale of 1.7±2.0, an intraoperative pain scale of 1.2±1.9, and an intraoperative anxiety scale of 2.3±2.8.
Conclusion
The reduction quality, functional outcomes, and overall satisfaction were comparable between the WALANT and GA groups. With meticulous preoperative planning, the WALANT technique could be an alternative to GA for DRF plating surgery in selected patients.
Trial registration
This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUHIRB-E(I)-20210201).
A Case Report of Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: raulji jay , sharma rahul
Published: August 2023

Hemolytic anemia is a hematologic disorder characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). This can lead to a shortage of RBCs, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and jaundice.
The destruction of RBCs can occur in two main ways: intravascular hemolysis and extravascular hemolysis. In intravascular hemolysis, the RBCs are destroyed within the bloodstream. This can be caused by factors such as immune-mediated hemolysis, mechanical trauma, or infections. In extravascular hemolysis, the RBCs are destroyed by the spleen and other organs of the reticuloendothelial system. This can be caused by factors such as hereditary defects in RBCs, infections, and medications.
The diagnosis of hemolytic anemia is made based on a clinical evaluation and a variety of laboratory tests. The clinical evaluation should focus on identifying the symptoms and signs of hemolytic anemia, as well as any underlying conditions that may be causing the hemolysis. The laboratory tests that are typically performed include a complete blood count (CBC), a direct antiglobulin test (DAT), a haptoglobin test, and a bilirubin test.
The treatment of hemolytic anemia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatment may include medications, blood transfusions, or surgery.
The prognosis for hemolytic anemia varies depending on the underlying cause. Some types of hemolytic anemia are chronic and lifelong, while others can be cured.
Seasonal variation and identification of parasitic fauna of edible ornamental fish by using Light and scanning electron microscopic summery with special reference to histopathological tissue alteration of infected organ
Authors: M.Sc Saikat , Saha Mandira , M.Sc Beauty , Molla Sabir
Published: August 2023

This communication deals with seasonal variation of protozoans of edible ornamental fishes of West Bengal, India. During this survey, more than 1556 edible ornamental fishes were collected from different fish farms, ponds, bherries and nearby markets of several district of West Bengal namely, Nadia, South 24-parganas, Hooghly, North 24-parganas, Birbhum, Purba Barddhaman and Paschim Barddhaman from November 2019 to December 2022. Three ciliate ectoparasites belonging to the genus Trichodina, Trichodinella and Tripartiella and three myxozoan parasites belonging to the genus Myxobolus, Thelohanellus and Kudoa has identified from edible ornamental fish namely, Anabas testudineus. The study shows ciliate parasites have a higher rate of infection than myxozoan parasites. The highest prevalence of ectoparasitic infection have been reported during the post-monsoon season, i.e., from November to February, followed by monsoon season while lowest prevalence has been observed during pre-monsoon season i.e., March to June, implying that environmental variables play a role in the spread of infections. The identification of these ciliates and myxozoans parasites were done by widely used staining technique, along with an ultra-structural study of the myxozoan parasites using scanning electron microscope. The current work also reveals the histopathological alterations in the gill and fin of Anabas testudineus, infected with myxozoan parasites along with an ultrastructural study using scanning electron microscope.
The Pilot Psychology Group Intervention (MindLINC) within a Community-based Participatory Research: Lessons from Community Connect Campaign
Authors: Singh Suyesha , Sharma Sadhana , Sharma Neha , Patel Manisha , Agrawal Vanshika
Published: August 2023

Background: Within community-based participatory research partnerships, the implementation of pilot interventions presents distinctive challenges and opportunities.
Study Objectives: The primary goal of this research is to shed light on the difficulties and prospects associated with executing initial test interventions within a long-standing Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) partnership. Additionally, we offer insights into the lessons drawn from engaging in a collaborative approach to trial community interventions. We provide suggestions to funding organizations on effective strategies for supporting these preliminary interventions and effectively addressing the challenges they bring.
Methods: We collected insights through interviews with key informants and a group discussion that brought together leaders from the hosting organization and members of the project team.
Lesson Learned: Our discoveries emphasize the dynamic relationship between opportunities and challenges linked to the needs and wishes of community members, the capability of trial interventions to meet those needs, and the essential role of consistent communication in managing both expected and unexpected hurdles encountered during short-term pilot projects in community settings.
Conclusion: Based on our observations, we recommend the exploration of various funding mechanisms that facilitate the rollout of more extensive interventions following successful pilot initiatives within community contexts.
ArcTiCA: Arctic Tidal Constituents Atlas
Authors: Hart-Davis Michael G. , Howard Susan L. , Ray Richard D. , Andersen Ole B. , Padman Laurence , Nilsen Frank , Dettmering Denise
Published: August 2023

Tides in the Arctic Ocean affect ocean circulation and mixing, and sea ice dynamics and thermodynamics. However, there is a limited network of available in situ tidal coefficient data for understanding tidal variability in the Arctic Ocean; e.g., the global TICON-3 database contains only 111 sites above 60ºN and 21 above 70ºN. At the same time, the presence of sea ice and latitude limits of satellite altimetry complicates altimetry-based retrievals of Arctic tidal coefficients. This leads to a reliance on ocean tide models that require validation and reliable data for assimilation into inverse solutions. Here, we present a comprehensive new dataset of tidal constituents in the Arctic region, combining analyses of in situ measurements from tide gauges, ocean bottom pressure sensors and GNSS interferometric reflectometry. The new dataset contains 914 measurement sites above 60ºN and 399 above 70ºN, with each site being quality-assessed and expert guidance provided to help maximise the usage of the dataset. We also compare the dataset to recent tide models.
Inversion of seismic data to modeling the Interval Velocity in an Oilfield of SW Iran
Authors: Kianoush Pooria , Mohammadi Ghodratollah , Hosseini Seyed Aliakbar , Khah Nasser Keshavarz Faraj , Afzal Peyman
Published: August 2023

Seismic velocity is considered the best attribute related to formation pressure changes. Integrating seismic attributes and well-logging data through seismic inversion predicts the reservoir characteristics across the field with the highest accuracy. This study especially presents seismic velocity for the whole south Azadegan Field in SW Iran for carbonate formations. The considered dataset includes 3D seismic data, vertical seismic profiling (VSP), logging data of 23 wells, and geological information. Here, we estimated the interval velocity using post-stack migration velocity, seismic inversion, and the relationship between the acoustic impedance (AI) model and the sonic log to predict formation pressure. As a result, the correlation coefficient of 0.71 and a high inversion accuracy (8.76% relative error) is concluded. The actual and predicted P-wave (Vp) correlation coefficient is calculated as 0.74 and all sevens as 0.79 using an AI seismic attribute. Thus, the estimated Vp agrees with the original well-log values. Inverted AI cubes in the deeper formations of the field are about 8000-15000 [(m/s)*(g/cm3)], which could be referred to as calcareous formations. The correlation of the Vp cube resulting from the Sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) considering co-kriging with the AI, with the initial velocity cube using the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method being 0.54 is more than the same method applied with interval migration velocity trend in co-kriging. The anisotropy of the final Vp cube for the vertical variogram range is 96m, and for major and minor directions is 11850 m.
Female financial inclusion, female access to inheritance, and incomes inequalities in Africa
Authors: Ngono Jean Francky Landry , Bita Charles Alain
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to determine how women's access to inheritance influences the effect of women's financial inclusion on income inequality in Africa. The study covers 47 countries between 1990 and 2014. The generalised method of moments is used as an estimation technique. It shows that women's access to bank accounts does not have a significant direct impact on reducing income inequality in the region. Access to credit, on the other hand, produced significant but ambiguous results. Women's access to inheritance has a weakly significant effect on reducing inequalities. As for the mixed effect, in countries where women have equal access to inheritance, women's financial inclusion contributes to a significant reduction in income inequality. The result is much more significant for the use dimension of women's financial inclusion and for equal access to inheritance for widows and widowers.
Students' Awareness about Hepatitis B and its Vaccine
Authors: ALdeen Nibras Kamal , Mleh Basel , Fawares Maamoun AL- , Ali Ayman
Published: August 2023

Introduction and objective
Health care workers (HCW) and medical students are populations at risk of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), especially in endemic countries Effective vaccines have been available for more than 10 years, but many health care workers and medical students are unaware risk of infection and are still not immunized against hepatitis B. Because of the lack of studies dealing with this issue in the country, we, the work team, studied the knowledge and awareness of the students of the Syrian Private University about hepatitis B among the students of the Syrian Private University.
Materials and methods
The samples were collected at the Syrian Private University through an electronic questionnaire distributed to the special groups of the Syrian Private University. The samples were analyzed by the SPSS program during official working hours. The method for selecting samples is convenience sampling. Our required sample size was 201. It met the criteria for inclusion and exclusion and the design of a cross-sectional study.
Results
The study included (201) students (66.7% males, 33.3% females), the average age was (23) years, and the ages ranged between (18 and 35 years), and the percentage of medical students was (25.9%), and the rest of the percentages were distributed among the rest of the colleges, percentage Knowledge of viral hepatitis B among students (78.1%), and most of the students were receiving information from communication sites and university lectures (32.8% and 30.3%, respectively).
Conclusion
This study showed that the first-year students of the Faculty of Medicine have poor knowledge and lack of awareness about hepatitis B, its transmission methods, risk factors, prevention and treatment methods compared to students of older years, and the greater percentage of knowledge was among fourth-year students.
Paediatric palliative nurse’s experiences of working with child mortality: An IPA study investigating the possibility for experiencing secondary traumatic stress
Authors: Barber Joanne Marie
Published: August 2023

The aim of this research was to qualitatively explore through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), paediatric nurse’s experiences of working with terminally ill children and the possibility for them to experience secondary traumatic stress. Indirect exposure to potentially traumatic situations is common amongst nurses with secondary traumatic stress being one of the most prevalent mental health conditions within nurses (Lee, Daffern, Ogloff & Martin, 2015). Studies have shown that nurses describe their roles as “medics who make people better” (Joudrey & Gough, 2001, p.1155). Within a paediatric hospital setting, it is hoped and usually assumed that the majority of the children within the wards will go home healthier than when first admitted into hospital. However, if a child takes a turn for the worse and passes away in hospital, it is anticipated that this could affect the nurses who have cared for that child, as their perception of their role as those who ‘make people better’ could be challenged. This viewpoint is different to nurses working in a palliative care setting where they know that the child they are caring for will pass away due to their terminal illness. Whilst they may still be affected by the loss of the child, it is anticipated unlike paediatric nurses where it could come as a shock. Participants for this study were recruited from two hospitals in the North West of England who had experience of working with terminally ill children. Five paediatric nurses were asked to take part in an hour-long semi-structured interview where questions about their experiences as a nurse were examined. The results of this research concluded that elements of secondary traumatic stress were prevalent in some of nurses interviewed. This suggestion is examined more thoroughly in the discussion.
O Uso de Resinas Compostas Bulk-Fill para Restaurações Classe II em Dentes Posteriores
Authors: Leal Tauany Maria da Rocha Borges , Vasconcelos Rodrigo Gadelha , Vasconcelos Marcelo Gadelha
Published: August 2023

Introdução: As resinas Bulk-Fill surgiram com a finalidade de facilitar o procedimento restaurador e contribuir para a redução de falhas nesse processo, podendo ser utilizadas em áreas de difícil acesso, como em cavidades Classe II. Objetivo: Avaliar, a partir de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, qual o desempenho clínico do uso de resinas Compostas Bulk-Fill em restaurações classe II em dentes posteriores. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura de natureza qualitativa realizada a partir da pergunta norteadora: Qual o desempenho clínico obtido pelas resinas compostas Bulk-Fill utilizadas em restaurações classe II em dentes posteriores? Utilizou-se a base de dados: U. S. National Library of Medicine (NLM -PubMed), com os seguintes Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (Decs): Composite Resins, Treatment Outcome, Clinical evaluation e Dentistry, Operative. Os critérios de inclusão foram artigos em inglês, publicados entre 2017 e 2022 e que avaliaram o desempenho clínico de restaurações classe II realizadas com resinas Bulk-Fill em dentes posteriores. A pesquisa ocorreu em 6 etapas e os artigos foram incluídos obedecendo os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Resultados: As restaurações foram pontuadas da seguinte forma: Alfa: situação clínica ideal; Bravo: Clinicamente aceitável; Charlie: Clinicamente inaceitável. As restaurações receberam, predominantemente, escores Alfa. Conclusão: As resinas compostas Bulk-Fill apresentam um desempenho clínico positivo quando utilizadas em restaurações classe II em dentes posteriores, apresentando uma condição clínica ideal ou aceitável nos estudos incluídos nesta revisão.