bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and mechanical properties of low‐temperature sintered Al2TiO5 flexible ceramics
Authors: Ma Qian , Shui Anze , He Chao , Zhou Yuqian , Shan Qingliang
Published: July 2023

To lower the sintering temperature and improve the mechanical properties of aluminum titanate (AT, Al2TiO5) flexible ceramics, γ‐Al2O3 is employed to partially replace the α‐Al2O3 as the starting powder. The results show that the addition of γ‐Al2O3 is sufficient to promote the reaction, improve the flexibility, raise the strength, and accelerate the grain growth of AT flexible ceramics when sintered at 1300°C. With that, the combination of optimum fracture strength (∼33.52 MPa) and high flexibility (∼1.05%) is obtained when the addition of γ‐Al2O3 is 20 wt.%. As compared to the virgin, the optimization of 21.67% in fracture strength and 176% in strain can be obtained. It is believed that the increase of crack deflection and branching should take the responsibility. However, the mechanical strength degrades with the increase of sintering temperature, which is caused by the grain defects that reduce the bearing capacity of AT grains and lead to the grain fracture model transition. In addition, the effect of γ‐Al2O3 content on AT grain growth transfers from promotion to inhibition with the increase of sintering temperature. The main reason is that the growth of the nanocrystals at AT grain boundary causes the uneven distribution of the intermediate phase, leading to the roughening transition of the boundary and hence reducing the grain growth rate. On these bases, the grain growth mechanism that dominates by grain boundary is proposed. It is believed that the discovery of this study will provide a new grain growth model and the reference for solving the abnormal grain growth or grain growth stagnation.
Design and evaluation of adapalene microemulsion for transfollicular drug delivery through guinea pig skin
Authors: Salimi Anayatollah , Sharifmakhmalzadeh Behzad , amirabadi Fatemeh safari
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Acne vulgaris can be treated topically with adapalene, a synthetic derivative of naphthoic acid with retinoid activity. Adapalene has a very low rate of percutaneous absorption and is almost completely insoluble in water. To obviate this problem, microemulsion (ME) carrier is used. The study's goals were to create and characterize adapalene‐loaded ME and assess the drug's transfollicular route of penetration to see if hair follicles can serve as a conduit for the drug to enter the skin.

Methods

Adapalene microemulsions (MEs) are made by combining the right amounts of the cosurfactant (propylene glycol), surfactant (Tween 80 and Span 20), and oil phase (oleic acid–Transcutol P (10:1)). Physical and chemical characteristics of MEs, including droplet size, stability, viscosity, drug release, and in vitro skin permeability via guinea pigs' hairy and non‐hairy skin, were assessed.

Results

The range of 13.86–56.16 nm was found to be the average droplet size of ME formulations. The range of viscosities was 117–240 cps. The drug release profile reveals that 95.374 percent of the drug was released within the experiment's first 24 h. Compared to the adapalene control (aqueous suspension), all MEs enhanced the adapalene flow through both hairy and non‐hairy skin. The surfactant/cosurfactant ratio had an impact on the amount of drug that passed through both skins because a larger ratio enhanced the adapalene affinity in the follicular route.

Conclusion

Furthermore, the proportions of the water and oil phases in formulations, as well as the S/C ratio, have a significant impact on the physicochemical characteristics and adapalene permeability across both pathways.
Nurses' work experiences in hospital wards with single rooms: An integrative review
Authors: Søndergaard Susanne Friis , Rasmussen Bodil , Kerr Debra , Frederiksen Kirsten , Redley Bernice , Trueman Melody , Kolbaek Raymond , Laursen Henrik Sehested , Bloomer Melissa J.
Published: July 2023

Aim and objective

To evaluate evidence that examined nurses' work experiences in hospital wards with single rooms. The research question was ‘What does the research tell us about nurses’ work experiences in hospital wards with single rooms?’

Background

In the last decades, new hospital builds have moved towards including a high proportion of single rooms. Yet, single rooms create ‘complex environments’ that impact the nurses.

Design

A structured integrative review was undertaken of empirical evidence.

Methods

Original, peer‐reviewed articles, written in English, were sourced from four databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. The initial searches were performed in April 2021 and repeated in December 2022. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyse the data. Reporting was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results

Twelve studies, published between 2006 and 2022, with an international origin, and representing n = 826 nurses, were included in this review. The synthesis revealed mixed perspectives about nurses' work experiences in wards with single rooms. Whilst single rooms are ‘all good in theory (and) a good idea’, the reality was quite different. Synthesised findings are presented in four categories: (i) aesthetics and the physical space, (ii) privacy vs. isolation, (iii) safety, which includes situational awareness and (iv) communication and collaboration.

Conclusion

This review describes how single rooms affects nurses' work experience. Whilst nurses shared multiple concerns about single rooms and the challenges they also acknowledged patient preference for the privacy and space afforded by single rooms.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Findings from this review highlight the need for careful planning to maintain and strengthen teamwork, prevent nurses' sense of working in isolation, as well as creating opportunities for mentorship, and collaboration among nurses when working in single‐room settings.
From the epistemic perspectives in experimental semantics to the ambiguity of proper names: Is the inference warranted? A critical notice of Jincai Li's The referential mechanism of proper names
Authors: D'Agruma Nicolò
Published: July 2023

In her engaging book, The referential mechanism of proper names, Li presents empirical studies involving American and Chinese laypeople. Li interprets her results as supporting an epistemic‐perspective reading of the variability in referential intuitions on proper names. Building upon this thesis, Li defends the ambiguity view, claiming that names are ambiguous between a descriptivist and a causal‐historical meaning. I argue that either Li's data do not enable a comparison of the two theories of reference, or support for the ambiguity view is limited to the Chinese sample at most and does not rely upon the inference that Li employs.
J wave dynamicity during coronary angiography and intracoronary acetylcholine administration
Authors: Aizawa Yoshiyasu , Ohashi Narutaka , Kawamura Akio , Ogawa Satoshi , Aizawa Yoshifusa
Published: July 2023

Background

J‐waves may be observed during coronary angiography (CAG) or intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) administration, but their significance is unknown.

Methods

Forty‐nine patients, 59.1 ± 11.5 years old and 59% male, were studied on suspicion of vasospastic angina, and J wave dynamicity was compared between CAG and Ach administration.

Results

Diagnostic (≥0.1 mV) or nondiagnostic (<0.1 mV) J waves in 9 and 3 patients, respectively, were augmented, and J waves were newly observed in 2 patients during CAG and Ach administration. Similar changes in the J‐wave amplitude were observed: from 0.10 ± 0.09 mV to 0.20 ± 0.15 mV (p < .002) and from 0.10 ± 0.10 mV to 0.20 ± 0.16 mV (p < .001) during CAG and Ach administration, respectively. J waves were located in the inferior leads and changed only during the right coronary interventions. In the remaining 35 patients, J waves were absent before and during the coronary interventions. Augmentation of J waves was found when the RR interval was shortened in some patients. Injection of anoxic media into the coronary artery might induce a conduction delay from myocardial ischemia that manifests as augmentation or new occurrence of J waves.

Conclusions

Both CAG and intracoronary Ach administration affected J waves similarly in the same individuals. A myocardial ischemia‐induced conduction delay may be responsible for the changes in J waves, but further studies are needed.
Development of a national Zoom‐based lectureship for pediatric transplant hepatology trainees
Authors: Banc‐Husu Anna M. , Bonn Julie , Mavis Alisha M. , Feldman Amy G.
Published: July 2023

Background

Previous publications identified a gap in standard education on topics related to advanced hepatology and liver transplantation for pediatric transplant hepatology trainees. The Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) Education Committee designed a Zoom‐based lectureship series for all advanced pediatric transplant hepatology trainees. We aim to describe the educational series and feedback from fellow participants.

Methods

Pediatric transplant hepatology trainees from across the United States and Canada were invited to attend 25 Zoom‐based lectures on a broad list of topics pertaining to pediatric transplant hepatology. At the completion of the lectureship, a 53‐item REDcap survey using single‐answer, Likert‐scale, and open‐ended questions was distributed via email to all participants.

Results

A total of 16 fellows from broad geographic areas responded to the survey. Nineteen percent (n = 3/16) of fellows attended all 25 lectures and 31% (n = 5/16) attended 16–20 lectures. Majority of fellows (88%, n = 14/16) reported the lecture series increased knowledge of liver disease, increased confidence in managing children with liver disease, and aided with board preparation. Additionally, over half of the fellows (81%, n = 13/16) reported the series served as a platform for networking and mentoring from peers and experts in the field. All fellows recommended the lecture series for future fellows.

Conclusion

The SPLIT educational lectureship for advanced pediatric transplant hepatology trainees provided a national education curriculum that not only led to increased knowledge and confidence in the diagnosis and management of common conditions encountered in pediatric transplant hepatology but also provided a unique networking and mentorship environment.
Betti numbers and the curvature operator of the second kind
Authors: Nienhaus Jan , Petersen Peter , Wink Matthias
Published: July 2023

We show that compact, ‐dimensional Riemannian manifolds with ‐nonnegative curvature operators of the second kind are either rational homology spheres or flat. More generally, we obtain vanishing of the th Betti number provided that the curvature operator of the second kind is ‐positive. Our curvature conditions become weaker as increases. For , we have , and for , we exhibit a ‐positive algebraic curvature operator of the second kind with negative Ricci curvatures.
Efficacy of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf against strongyle and coccidia infections in sheep
Authors: Bagulo Issah , Ibn Iddriss Abdul-Rahman , Abubakari Mohammed , Nsor Victor Asiedu , Katusime Joshua
Published: July 2023

Gastrointestinal parasites are developing resistance to various commercial anthelmintics. Hence, the need to explore the efficacies of herbal plants against gastrointestinal parasites. The study was therefore conducted to determine the efficacy of aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina leaf against strongyles and coccidia spp. in sheep. A total of 60 sheep were used for the study. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Those in group A, B, C, and D were given albendazole (ABZ), 10% aqueous V. amygdalina extract (BL10) , 20% aqueous V. amygdalina extract (BL20), and 10 mL distilled water, respectively. All four treatments were given orally, depending on the body weight of the animals, with the exception of the distilled water, which was constant (10 mL) for each animal. Faecal samples were collected from each sheep and examined using McMaster technique. The data were analyzed using R version 4.2. The study brought to light that the prevalence of strongyles in sheep was 70% in the study area at pre-treatment. BL10 had efficacies of 52.58% and 65.08% against strongyles and coccidia spp., respectively. BL20 produced similar anthelmintic effect against strongyles as ABZ. Strongyle spp. showed resistance against ABZ in the study area.
Environmental Protection and Economic Development in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mubonderi James
Published: July 2023

The main objective of the paper is to assess the implications of the business expansion approach to economic development in Zimbabwe on the quality of the environment. In terms of the research methodology, the research adopted a mixed methodology and utilized a parallel semantic convergent research design. The study gathered data using questionnaires, interviews, and observations from the 600 randomly selected businesses from the agriculture, entrepreneurship, and small-scale mining sectors. Data were analyzed using STATA. The paper hypothesized that there is no significant relationship between entrepreneurship, mining, and agricultural activities under Zimbabwe’s expansion business approach and environmental protection. The findings have highlighted that Zimbabwe is dominated by illegal entrepreneurship, peri-urban agriculture, and artisanal mining activities. Such illegal activities negatively affect the quality of the environment in Zimbabwe. There is a lot of environmental degradation and land pollution associated with the expansion of nonformal and illegal business activities in Zimbabwe. However, the paper concluded that illegal agricultural, mining, and entrepreneurial activities which have been expanding since 2008 in Zimbabwe are affecting the quality of the environment. In terms of policy implications, it is necessary to put in place institutional instruments and enforcement mechanisms to protect the environment under the Zimbabwe expansion business approach.
Trypsin Digestion Pretreatment of Kelp Samples and the Iodine Speciation Analysis of Iodate, Iodide, MIT, and DIT by HPLC-ICP-MS
Authors: Chen Tong , Cui Wanjing , Bi Ziwei , Guo Yafei , Zhu Guoliang , Pan Xiuyun , Cui Zhiqiang , Yang Zhen , Deng Tianlong
Published: July 2023

The analysis of iodine content in kelp is mainly focused on determining total iodine content, which lacks a rapid and sensitive analytical method for iodine species corresponding to iodate, iodide, monoiodotyrosine (MIT), and diiodo-tyrosine (DIT). Based on exploring the pretreatment methods of enzymatic hydrolysis of kelp, a rapid determination method of high-performance liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) for different iodine species existed in kelp samples was established. The pretreatment method is trypsin hydrolysis of kelp samples treated at 50°C for 10 hours, then the extraction solution was obtained by centrifugation, and filtration was proved for the first time. A high-efficiency separation anion-exchange column (Dionex IonPac AS-14) for iodate, iodide, MIT, and DIT with 0.1 mol·L−1(NH4)2CO3 solution at pH = 9 as a mobile phase, a flow rate of 0.8 mL·min−1 for the first 1500 s, and 1.2 mL·min−1 for the last 1800 s was confirmed. The linear ranges of the standard calibrations on four iodine species are 1.0–150 μg·L−1, and the detection limits are 1.62, 1.02, 1.59, and 2.55 μg·L−1, respectively, while the RSD values of four iodine species are all less than 2%. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method was successfully applied for the speciation analysis of iodine in kelp samples.
Adverse Health Outcomes among Rural and Urban Breast Cancer Survivors: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Koric Alzina , Mark Bayarmaa , Chang Chun-Pin , Lloyd Shane , Dodson Mark , Deshmukh Vikrant G. , Newman Michael , Date Ankita , Gren Lisa H. , Porucznik Christina A. , Haaland Benjamin , Henry N. Lynn , Hashibe Mia
Published: July 2023

Background:

Limited population-based studies have focused on breast cancer survivors in rural populations. We sought to evaluate the risk of adverse health outcomes among rural and urban breast cancer survivors and to evaluate potential predictors for the highest risk outcomes.

Methods:

A population-based cohort of rural and urban breast cancer survivors diagnosed between 1997 and 2017 was identified in the Utah Cancer Registry (UCR). Rural breast cancer survivors were matched on year (±1 year) and age at cancer diagnosis (±1 year) with up to 5 urban breast cancer survivors (2,359 rural breast cancer survivors; 11,748 urban breast cancer survivors). Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate HRs with 99% confidence intervals (CI) for adverse health outcomes overall, within 5 years, and >5 years after cancer diagnosis.

Results:

Compared with urban breast cancer survivors, rural breast cancer survivors had a 39% (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.02–1.65) higher risk of heart failure (HF) within the 5 years of follow-up. Overall, there was no increase in the risk of other evaluated adverse health outcomes. A higher baseline body mass index and Charlson Comorbidity Index, family history of cardiovascular diseases, family history of breast cancer, and advanced cancer stage were risk factors for HF for rural and urban breast cancer survivors, with similar levels of HF risk.

Conclusions:

Rural residence was associated with an increased risk of HF among breast cancer survivors.

Impact:

Our study highlights the need for primary preventive strategies for rural cancer survivors at risk of heart failure.
A new genus of hydrobiid gastropods with Australian affinities from Lake Poso, Sulawesi (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Rissooidea)
Authors:   Australian Museum, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia, PONDER W. F. , HAASE M. ,   Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, case postale 51, 55 rue Buffon, F-75005 Paris, France
Published: July 2023

A new genus is provided for two species of hydrobiid (sensu lato) gastropods living micro-sympatrically in Lake Poso, Central Sulawesi. One was originally described as Indopyrus bonnei Abbott, 1945 and the other is described as new. The relationships of these taxa are discussed. The genus Caldicochlea, found in artesian springs in central Australia, is the most similar of the named Australasian genera and there are also similarities with Fluviopupa found on various Pacific Islands.
Larval chaetotaxy and morphometry of Megasternini: Cercyon (Paracercyon) Seidlitz, Cryptopleurum Mulsant and Pelosoma Mulsant (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)
Authors: RODRIGUEZ GEORGINA , ARCHANGELSKY MIGUEL
Published: July 2023

The chaetotaxy of the head capsule and head appendages of all the larval instars of Cercyon (Paracercyon) analis and the first and third instars of Cryptopleurum minutum and Pelosoma sp. is described and illustrated for the first time. Morphometric characters derived from the head capsule and mouthparts are also included, together with detailed illustrations of all characters. The morphology and chaetotaxy of these larvae are compared to that of other Megasternini with described larvae. The larval morphology of Megasternini has proven to be very similar, however we provided a group of chaetotaxic characters useful to separate genera. Most of the differences were found in the sensilla of the head capsule, maxilla, and labium, both in size and arrangement, while the chaetotaxy of the antennae and mandibles was strongly conserved.
AMS Community Synthesis on Geohealth
Authors: Seitter Keith , Tipton Emma , Higgins Paul , White Lauren , Miller Andy
Published: July 2023

The Earth system and human health are inextricably linked. In this period of widespread and rapid global change, understanding the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of health, geoscience, and the Earth system (broadly termed “geohealth”) has taken on a new level of importance. Scientific discovery and innovation can play a key role in helping humanity understand and respond to environmental, technological, and societal drivers of global changes so as to enable security, prosperity, and positive health outcomes for all. This AMS Policy Program study synthesizes input from the AMS community on the various connections, gaps, and opportunities that currently exist at the geohealth interface. Through these community discussions this study identifies: 1) a set of critical throughlines for effective convergence in geohealth research, 2) overarching challenges that currently impede progress, and 3) potential solution areas where significant progress might be made quickly. The geohealth professionals contributing to this report covered a wide range of geohealth topics. In addition to identifying overarching challenges that impact most of all areas of the field, the contributors suggested more narrowly focused areas where rapid progress might be possible. The report includes these as examples that might foster productive new avenues for research funding, while recognizing that the rapid nature of this study meant that it could not be exhaustive in its coverage of the field and that a different set of contributors might have provided a much different set of examples.
Isolated Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) vs Combined ATFL and Calcaneofibular Ligament Suture Tape Augmentation for the Treatment of Lateral Ankle Instability: Are Outcomes Equivalent?
Authors: Troiani Zachary , Harrington Michael , Anoushiravani Afshin , Tallapaneni Jetha , Salgado Andrew , Rosenbaum Andrew
Published: July 2023

Background:

The Broström procedure with suture tape augmentation has become commonplace for surgical treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability. However, there is no consensus among surgeons whether internal bracing of the ATFL alone or a combined ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) internal brace produces superior clinical outcomes. This retrospective study aims to investigate whether isolated internal bracing of the ATFL has comparable outcomes to combined ATFL and CFL brace.

Methods:

There were 85 patients from a single tertiary medical center’s electronic medical record identified who underwent an ATFL or ATFL and CFL reconstruction between January 2017 and December 2020. Postoperative outcomes including patient satisfaction, ankle instability, ankle pain, and the need for revision surgery at 1-year follow-up were evaluated.

Results:

Forty-eight patients underwent isolated ATFL reconstruction, and 37 underwent combined ATFL and CFL reconstruction. The choice was made between the 2 options based on surgeon preference. At 1-year follow-up, postoperative outcomes were statistically indistinguishable between the 2 treatment groups.

Conclusion:

The modified Broström reconstruction with ATFL and CFL reconstruction with an internal brace did not produce superior functional outcomes measured at 1 year compared to isolated ATFL reconstruction. Further investigation of long-term functional outcomes is needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of combined or single-ligament reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective study.
Efficacious switching from subcutaneous to intravenous tocilizumab in patients with non-infectious non-anterior uveitis
Authors: Leclercq Mathilde , Goupillou Paul , Gomez Hélène , Muraine Marc , Benhamou Ygal , Girszyn Nicolas , Gueudry Julie
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The efficacy of tocilizumab in refractory chronic noninfectious uveitis has been previously reported, but no data comparing intravenous and subcutaneous tocilizumab in uveitis are available.

Results

We report a case series of patients with chronic noninfectious uveitis with incomplete efficacy of subcutaneous tocilizumab, improved after switching to intravenous routes. Improvement of visual acuity was observed with intravenous tocilizumab for all patients. Half of the patients could stop corticosteroids. Rapid efficacy of intravenous tocilizumab was observed, between 2 and 3 months.

Conclusion

In uveitis, tocilizumab administration could be optimized by a switching from a subcutaneous to an intravenous administration route.
Circulating mir-483-5p as a novel diagnostic biomarker for acute coronary syndrome and its predictive value for the clinical outcome after PCI
Authors: Zhao Yuying , Song Xinxing , Ma Yanzhuo , Liu Xiang , Peng Yuhong
Published: July 2023

Background

MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a critical function in the progression of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This research was designed to probe the diagnostic accuracy of miR-483-5p in patients with ACS and its predictive value of MACEs.

Methods

118 patients with ACS (40 with unstable angina pectoris [UAP] and 78 with acute myocardial infarction [AMI]) and 75 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum miR-483-5p was detected in the subjects by reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). ROC curve and logistic regression models were employed to estimate the diagnosis. Patients were monitored for 6 months after PCI to document the occurrence of MACEs. Kaplan-Meier survival was conducted to explore the predictive significance of miR-483-5p for the MACEs.

Results

Serum miR-483-5p levels were higher in ACS patients and associated with SYNTAX score and Gensini score. miR-483-5p was effective in identifying ACS patients from healthy individuals (AUC = 0.919) and AMI patients from ACS patients (AUC = 0.867), demonstrating a high diagnostic value, proven by logistic regression (OR = 9.664, 95%CI = 4.462–20.928, P < 0.001). The prevalence of MACEs during follow-up were 24.58%, and a higher prevalence of MACEs were observed in patients with elevated miR-483-5p (P = 0.01). miR-483-5p was also an effective predictor of MACE occurrence (HR = 5.955, 95%CI = 1.928–18.389, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Expression of serum miR-483-5p can be utilized as a non-invasive marker for diagnosing ACS and predicting the onset of MACE after PCI.
Efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets combined with mosapride citrate in the treatment of constipation in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Mei , Xiong Lishou , Zhang Lu , Xu Qinchang
Published: July 2023

Aim

To analyze the efficacy and safety of Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets combined with mosapride citrate for the treatment of constipation.

Methods

A systematic review was performed on studies published until July 2022 in PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang. The efficacy rate, adverse reaction rate, recurrence rate, and clinical symptoms were included in the measured outcomes.

Results

The efficacy of Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets combined with mosapride citrate in the treatment of constipation was higher than that of mosapride citrate alone (OR = 4.75, 95% CI (3.27, 6.90), Z = 8.19, P < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.645). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (OR = 0.97, 95% CI (0.61,1.57), Z = 0.11, P = 0.911; I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.958). The recurrence rate of constipation in patients receiving the combination treatment was lower than that of patients treated with mosapride citrate alone (OR = 0.48, 95%CI (0.31, 0.73), Z = 3.38, P = 0.001; I2 = 29.8%, P = 0.200).

Conclusions

Bifidobacterium quadruple viable tablets combined with mosapride citrate demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating constipation. Probiotics have the potential to positively influence gut health and microbial profiles in patients with functional constipation.
Clinical utility of genetic testing in Indian children with kidney diseases
Authors: Saha Anshuman , Kapadia Shahenaz F. , Vala Kinnari B , Patel Himanshu V.
Published: July 2023

Background

Kidney diseases with genetic etiology in children present with an overlapping spectrum of manifestations. We aimed to analyze the clinical utility of genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of suspected genetic kidney diseases in children.

Methods

In this retrospective study, children ≤ 18 years in whom a genetic test was ordered were included. Clinical indications for genetic testing were categorized as Glomerular diseases, nephrolithiasis and/or nephrocalcinoses, tubulopathies, cystic kidney diseases, congenital abnormality of kidney and urinary tract, chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology and others. Clinical exome sequencing was the test of choice. Other genetic tests ordered were sanger sequencing, gene panel, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and karyotyping. The pathogenicity of the genetic variant was interpreted as per the American College of Medical Genetics classification.

Results

A total of 86 samples were sent for genetic testing from 76 index children, 8 parents and 2 fetuses. A total of 74 variants were reported in 47 genes. Out of 74 variants, 42 were missense, 9 nonsense, 12 frameshifts, 1 indel, 5 affected the splicing regions and 5 were copy number variants. Thirty-two were homozygous, 36 heterozygous and 6 were hemizygous variants. Twenty-four children (31.6%) had pathogenic and 11 (14.5%) had likely pathogenic variants. Twenty-four children (31.6%) had variants of uncertain significance. No variants were reported in 17 children (22.3%). A genetic diagnosis was made in 35 children with an overall yield of 46%. The diagnostic yield was 29.4% for glomerular diseases, 53.8% for tubular disorders, 81% for nephrolithiasis and/or nephrocalcinoses, 60% for cystic kidney diseases and 50% for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology. Genetic testing made a new diagnosis or changed the diagnosis in 15 children (19.7%).

Conclusion

Nearly half (46%) of the children tested for a genetic disease had a genetic diagnosis. Genetic testing confirmed the clinical diagnoses, changed the clinical diagnoses or made a new diagnosis which helped in personalized management.
Prevalence of hyperuricemia among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alemayehu Ermiyas , Fiseha Temesgen , Bambo Getachew Mesfin , Sahile Kebede Samuel , Bisetegn Habtye , Tilahun Mihret , Debash Habtu , Ebrahim Hussen , Mohammed Ousman , Belete Melaku Ashagrie , Gedefie Alemu
Published: July 2023

Background

Hyperuricemia increases morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetic individuals. It is linked to the expansion of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases indicators, as well as being a significant predictor of coronary artery disease. It also leads to a poor prognosis and increment of diabetic complications including diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of hyperuricemia among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Africa.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. To identify relevant articles, we searched electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, Science Direct, Embase, ResearchGate, Scopus, and Web of Sciences. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software. To evaluate heterogeneity, we utilized Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. Publication bias was assessed through the examination of a funnel plot and Egger’s test. The pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effect model. Furthermore, sub-group and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results

The overall pooled prevalence of hyperuricemia among type 2 diabetic patients in Africa was 27.28% (95% CI: 23.07, 31.49). The prevalence was highest in Central Africa 33.72% (95% CI: 23.49, 43.95), and lowest in North Africa 24.72% (95% CI: 14.38, 35.07). Regarding sex, the pooled prevalence of hyperuricemia among female and male type 2 diabetic patients was 28.02% (95% CI: 22.92, 33.48) and 28.20% (95% CI: 22.92, 33.48), respectively.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed a high prevalence of hyperuricemia among type 2 diabetic patients. So, regular screening and diagnosis of hyperuricemia required for preventing its pathological effects and contribution to chronic complications of diabetes.

Systematic review registration

: PROSPERO (2022: CRD42022331279).
Patient safety culture and associated factors among health care providers in government and private hospitals, Bahir Dar City Northwest, Ethiopia, 2022: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Ayanaw Tezeta , Worede Eshetu Abera , Alemayehu Mekuriaw , Worku Walelegn , Abere Giziew , Betew Bikes Destaw
Published: July 2023

Background

Patient safety in a healthcare setting is now a major global concern. Millions of people suffer disabling injuries or death directly related to medical care errors, particularly in developing countries. Evidence about patient safety culture in Ethiopia is limited. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the level of patient safety culture and associated factors among healthcare providers in government and private healthcare providers.

Methods and materials

Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 30, 2022. Self-administered hospital survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) tool was used to select 448 study participants. Epi Data version 4.6 and SPSS version 26 were used for data entry and analysis. Chi-square test, Bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regressions were done to determine the association between the independent and outcome variable.

Result

A total of 448 healthcare providers with a response rate of 99.6% participated. The prevalence of good patient safety culture was 50.9%( 95%CI: 46.2, 55.6%). Patient safety culture difference was observed between government and private healthcare providers (× 2 = 22.6, df = 1, p = 0.000). Type of hospitals (AOR = 0.37(95% CI:(0.21, 0.68), profession (AOR = 2.16 (95% CI:(1.02,4.62), job satisfaction (AOR = 0.19,95%CI:(0.12,0.30), participated in patient safety programs(AOR = 2.69:(95%CI:1.53,4.75), providing necessary equipment and materials (AOR = 2.05(95%CI: 1.18,3.55%), and work shift (AOR = 0.47( 95%CI: 0.25,0.93) were found significantly associated with good patient safety culture among healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The prevalence of good patient safety culture was relatively low. Patient safety culture difference is observed between government and private healthcare providers. Type of hospitals (public or private), profession, job satisfaction, participation in patient safety programs, providing necessary equipment and materials, and work shifts were associated factors for patient safety culture. Therefore, it is better to design patient safety improvement strategies for both government and private healthcare providers.
The effect of health literacy, self-efficacy, social support and fear of disease progression on the health-related quality of life of patients with cancer in China: a structural equation model
Authors: Zhang Ling , Shi Yumei , Deng Jing , Yi Dali , Chen Ji-an
Published: July 2023

Background

Health literacy (HL), self-efficacy (SE), social support (SS) and fear of disease progression (FOP) are all important factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cancer patients. However, their synergistic effects and underlying mechanisms on HRQoL in cancer patients remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to construct a structural equation model (SEM) to explore the underlying mechanism of factors affecting HRQoL. It is hoped that this study will provide a theoretical basis for future interventions.

Methods

A cross-sectional design and convenience sampling method were used to investigate cancer inpatients in two general hospitals in Chongqing and Chengdu. Data were collected using structured scales, including HL, SE, SS, FOP and HRQoL. Finally, the SEM was constructed, and P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

There were 1749 participants included in this study. Correlation analysis showed that all variables were significantly correlated with one another except for symptoms, physical health (PD) and social family (SF) (p < 0.01). The SEM of the HRQoL had a good overall fit (GFI = 0.943, AGFI = 0.917, NFI = 0.950, RFI = 0.936, CFI = 0.955, IFI = 0.955, RMSEA = 0.072). The model indicated that HL had the strongest correlation with HRQoL (β = 0.398, p < 0.01), followed by FOP (β = -0.364, p < 0.01), SE (β = 0.347, p < 0.01) and SS (β = 0.184, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The HRQoL of cancer patients is correlated with HL, SS, SE and FOP. HL can directly affect HRQoL and mediate HRQoL through SS and SE. Future programs should consider HL promotion, SE improvement and SS expansion as the breakthrough point when designing targeted intervention strategies. At the same time, the importance of the impact of FOP on the HRQoL of patients with cancer should not be ignored.
Neural network-based prognostic predictive tool for gastric cardiac cancer: the worldwide retrospective study
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Minghang , Cai Siyu , Wu Liangliang , Li Chao , He Yuqi , Yang Guibin , Wang Jinghui , Pan Yuanming
Published: July 2023

Backgrounds

The incidence of gastric cardiac cancer (GCC) has obviously increased recently with poor prognosis. It’s necessary to compare GCC prognosis with other gastric sites carcinoma and set up an effective prognostic model based on a neural network to predict the survival of GCC patients.

Methods

In the population-based cohort study, we first enrolled the clinical features from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data (n = 31,397) as well as the public Chinese data from different hospitals (n = 1049). Then according to the diagnostic time, the SEER data were then divided into two cohorts, the train cohort (patients were diagnosed as GCC in 2010–2014, n = 4414) and the test cohort (diagnosed in 2015, n = 957). Age, sex, pathology, tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) stage, tumor size, surgery or not, radiotherapy or not, chemotherapy or not and history of malignancy were chosen as the predictive clinical features. The train cohort was utilized to conduct the neural network-based prognostic predictive model which validated by itself and the test cohort. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was used to evaluate model performance.

Results

The prognosis of GCC patients in SEER database was worse than that of non GCC (NGCC) patients, while it was not worse in the Chinese data. The total of 5371 patients were used to conduct the model, following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Neural network-based prognostic predictive model had a satisfactory performance for GCC overall survival (OS) prediction, which owned 0.7431 AUC in the train cohort (95% confidence intervals, CI, 0.7423–0.7439) and 0.7419 in the test cohort (95% CI, 0.7411–0.7428).

Conclusions

GCC patients indeed have different survival time compared with non GCC patients. And the neural network-based prognostic predictive tool developed in this study is a novel and promising software for the clinical outcome analysis of GCC patients.
Thirty-Day Unplanned Hospital Readmissions in Patients With Cancer and the Impact of Social Determinants of Health: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Stabellini Nickolas , Nazha Aziz , Agrawal Nikita , Huhn Merilys , Shanahan John , Hamerschlak Nelson , Waite Kristin , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S. , Montero Alberto J.
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE

Develop a cancer-specific machine learning (ML) model that accurately predicts 30-day unplanned readmissions in patients with solid tumors.

METHODS

The initial cohort included patients 18 years or older diagnosed with a solid tumor. Two distinct cohorts were generated: one with and one without detailed social determinants of health (SDOHs) data. For each cohort, data were temporally partitioned in 70% (training), 20% (validation), and 10% (testing). Tree-based ML models were developed and validated on each cohort. The metrics used to evaluate the model's performance were receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), area under the ROC curve, precision, recall (R), accuracy, and area under the precision-recall curve.

RESULTS

We included 13,717 patients in this study in two cohorts (5,059 without SDOH data and 8,658 with SDOH data). Unplanned 30-day readmission occurred in 21.3% of the cases overall. The five main non-SDOH factors most highly associated with an unplanned 30-day readmission (R, 0.74; IQR, 0.58-0.76) were: number of previous unplanned readmissions; higher Charlson comorbidity score; nonelective index admission; discharge to anywhere other than home, hospice, or nursing facility; and higher anion gap during the admission. Neighborhood crime index, neighborhood median home values, annual income, neighborhood median household income, and wealth index were the main five SDOH factors important for predicting a high risk for an unplanned hospital readmission (R, 0.66; IQR, 0.56-0.72). The models were not directly comparable.

CONCLUSION

Key drivers of unplanned readmissions in patients with cancer are complex and involve both clinical factors and SDOH. We developed a cancer-specific ML model that with reasonable accuracy identified patients with cancer at high risk for an unplanned hospital readmission.
Pinostrobin mitigates neurodegeneration through an up-regulation of antioxidants and GDNF in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kongsui Ratchaniporn , Promsrisuk Tichanon , Klimaschewski Lars , Sriraksa Napatr , Jittiwat Jinatta , Thongrong Sitthisak
Published: July 2023

Background: One of the most common neurodegenerative diseases is Parkinson’s disease (PD); PD is characterized by a reduction of neurons containing dopamine in the substantia nigra (SN), which leads to a lack of dopamine (DA) in nigrostriatal pathways, resulting in motor function disorders. Oxidative stress is considered as one of the etiologies involved in dopaminergic neuronal loss. Thus, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of pinostrobin (PB), a bioflavonoid extracted from Boesenbergia rotunda with antioxidative activity in PD.

Methods: Rats were treated with 40 mg/kg of PB for seven consecutive days before and after 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD. After completing the experiment, the brains including SN and striatum were used for histological studies and biochemical assays.

Results: PB treatment demonstrated a reduction of free radicals in the SN as indicated by significantly decreased MDA levels, whereas the antioxidative enzymes (SOD and GSH) were significantly increased. Furthermore, PB treatment significantly increased glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) immunolabelling which has neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects on the survival of dopaminergic neurons.  Furthermore, PB treatment was shown to protect CA1 and CA3 neurons in the hippocampus and dopaminergic neurons in the SN. DA levels in the SN were increased after PB treatment, leading to the improvement of motor function of PD rats.

Conclusions: These results imply that PB prevents MPTP-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidant activities and increases GDNF levels, which may contribute to the therapeutic strategy for PD.
Technical Note—Incomplete Information VCG Contracts for Common Agency
Authors: Alon Tal , Talgam-Cohen Inbal , Lavi Ron , Shamash Elisheva
Published: July 2023

The “common agency” model, introduced by Bernheim and Whinston in 1986 combines the fundamental challenge of the principal–agent model with the challenges of coordinating multiple principals. In “Incomplete information VCG contracts for common agency,” Alon, Talgam-Cohen, Lavi, and Shamash show that the class of common agency settings for which there exists a contract that guarantees truthfulness of all principals, welfare maximization, and the two standard properties from contract theory—limited liability for the agent and individual rationality for the principals—is identifiable by a polynomial-time algorithm. Furthermore, for these settings, the authors design a polynomial-time computable contract: given valuation reports from the principals, it returns, if possible for the setting, a payment scheme for the agent that constitutes a contract with all desired properties.
A Produção do Cuidado em um Contexto Formativo com Visitadoras do Programa Primeira Infância Melhor
Authors: Dornelles Alíssia Gressler , Ferrari Andrea Gabriela , Arrosi Kellen Evaldt
Published: July 2023

A partir de uma experiência de encontros de formação com visitadoras do Programa Primeira Infância Melhor, este trabalho se propõe a refletir sobre a inserção da psicanálise nas políticas públicas. Foram utilizadas vinhetas dos encontros e de entrevistas individuais com as visitadoras para pensar na importância de espaços onde a circulação da palavra e, com ela, ressignificações sobre o trabalho realizado nos territórios, seja possível. Ganham destaque três elementos que se articulam e produzem reverberações no contexto de trabalho com o Primeira Infância Melhor: as bases legais e normativas da política pública, as famílias e crianças visitadas e o sujeito-visitador. Pensa-se que esses três aspectos, quando trazidos à tona pelo processo de enunciação em um espaço de formação, geram a circulação de lugares e posições discursivas. Tais movimentações, por sua vez, contribuem para a sustentação de uma prática pautada na produção de cuidado no contexto das políticas públicas de saúde.
Fusion’s Direct Drive
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: July 2023

An underdog laser scheme may be best placed to deliver
competitive fusion energy.
Ultra-broadband UV-VIS-SWIR InGaAs focal plane arrays via n-InP contact layer removal
Authors: shi yan-li , zhang jia , WANG WEI , ye haifeng , HUANG RUNYU , Liu Chen , li yunxue , Ma Xu , zhano weilin
Published: July 2023

We present ultra-broadband ultraviolet (UV)‒visible light (VIS)‒short wavelength infrared (SWIR) 640×512 15 μm InGaAs focal plane arrays (FPAs) by removing the n-InP contact layer in the active area and reserving the InP contact layer around the pixels for n contact, creating incident light to be directly absorbed by the In0.53Ga0.47As absorption layer. In addition, the optical absorption characteristics of InGaAs FPAs with and without an n-InP contact layer are studied theoretically. Benefiting from n-InP contact layer removal, the spectral response is extended to the range of 200–1700 nm, and the quantum efficiency is higher than 45% over a broad wavelength range of 300‒1650 nm. Imaging capability of InGaAs FPAs without an n-InP contact layer has been demonstrated, which has proved the feasibility for the applications of InGaAs detectors in these three bands.