bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Electrocardiogram Interpretation Training Program on Intern Nursing Students' Competencies: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Abdelwahab Shaimaa Ramadan , Mohamed Marwa Kamal , Eldesoky Hamda Ahmed , Mohammed Fatma Abdelaziz , Shalby Abeer Yahia , Awad Wafaa Hassan , Tantaewy Nayera Mohamed , Badr Mohamed Naeem 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Aim:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is crucial for establishing many cardiac diagnoses; it is an efficient way of diagnosing life-threatening conditions. Given the importance of nurses’ ability to detect normal and pathological ECGs, the accurate interpretation of ECG is an essential skill for nurses to safeguard patients against these serious consequences as a result of misinterpretation of electrocardiogram. The aim of this study was to determine This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of ECG interpretation training program on intern nursing students' competencies in Egypt.
Materials and Methods
A quasi-experimental design with two groups, pretest–posttest design, was used to collect data using a self-administered, structured, questionnaire designed to measure nurses' knowledge and practices regarding ECG interpretation. The study was conducted from August 2023 to November 2023 using a simple random sampling technique, including 130 nursing interns.
Results:
A significant difference was observed between the intervention and control groups in terms of the mean knowledge and practice scores, where in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group. The study results showed that total knowledge score of interns after exposure to educational training program (22.80 ± 3.7), which was significantly higher than before the intervention (15.23 ± 7.9). Moreover, the total mean practice scores were (15.40 ± 4.95) and (23.46 ± 5.17) at before and after the educational intervention respectively, with a statistical significance of p < 0.05.
Conclusion:
ECG interpretation training program was shown to be effective in improving skills, and knowledge among intern nursing students. Thus, regular, standard training and education are recommended. Also, managers and educators of the health system should consider the role of exposure to ECG interpretation in improving the competence of staff and students to interpret ECG.
Development and validation of a depression risk-predicting model for Chinese middle-aged and elderly Chronic Kidney Disease patients
Authors: Sun Tongxin , Ye Qihui , Li Xunliang , Wang Deguang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
A global public health issue, chronic kidney disease(CKD) may worsen more quickly if depression symptoms overlap. In this study, a nomogram model was developed and validate to predict depression in Chinese CKD patients between the ages of middle-aged and old.
Methods
A 7:3 random split of the 1571 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study was made into training and validation sets. After doing Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO) and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis to discover determinants of depression symptoms. These predictors were used to create a nomogram, which was then evaluated for discriminative power, predictive performance, and clinical applicability using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, Hosmer-Leme show tests, and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
The nomogram model included 10 predictors, including gender, marital status, place of residence, education level, life satisfaction. pain, sleep disorders, self-reported health, as well as comorbid chronic diseases. The Area under the curve(AUC) values of the training and validation sets were, in turn, 0.889 (95% CI: 0.869–0.908) and 0.869 (95% CI: 0.836–0.902), the values of Hosmer–Lemeshow test were p = 0.113 and p = 0.259. The calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test results were used to verify the nomogram model's predictive capabilities. Additionally, the decision curve analysis (DCA) curves illustrated a high net clinical benefit provided by the predictive model.
Conclusions
We developed and validated a depression risk model for middle-aged and elderly CKD patients. Clinicians can accurately screen middle-aged and older CKD patients having depressive symptoms using the evaluation instrument, which is important for early intervention.
Pulmonary talaromycosis leads to respiratory failure in an HIV-negative patient in Shandong province: case report
Authors: Xu Mingling , Yin Xinda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Talaromyces marneffei is a common travel related fungal disease, mostly prevalent in south China and commonly found in HIV-positive patients. In recent years, the number of reports on HIV-negative patients has been increasing year by year, while there have been few reports on successful treatment of localized pulmonary talaromycosis with respiratory failure.
Case presentation:
A 50 year-old welder returned from Fujian to Zibo, Shandong due to fever and respiratory distress, and sought medical attention at our department. The patient collected pathogenic specimens through various methods, and finally sputum culture revealed Talaromyces marneffei. After active antifungal treatment and respiratory support, the patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital.
Conclusion
The infectious pathogen of diffuse pulmonary lesions combined with respiratory failure can also be Talaromyces marneffei. Tracking the disease history, obtaining pathogens through multiple pathways, and seeking timely and reasonable antifungal treatment are the keys to successful treatment.
Study of water condensation over cooled surfaces of humid non-condensable gas streams
Authors: Pozzobon João Carlos , Mantelli Marcia Barbosa Henriques , Milanese Fernando Henrique 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The water consumption rate and scarcity of water sources also suggest the high importance of proper water management, especially in the industrial context. Some of the many approaches that could be taken to help conserve industrial water resources include condensing steam emitted in cooling towers. This work aims to evaluate the performance of the finned tube heat exchanger for water steam recuperation in various industries. To accomplish this goal, three different types of evaluation methods were used for the current heat exchanger under investigation. First, steady-state CFX simulations were made using a core section of the heat exchanger. The second approach was another CFX simulation different from the first one where a new geometry which comprises of parallel flat plates approximating the heat exchanger was used. Last of all, with the help of the third method, a semi-theoretical model, which was established and validated before to describe the required thermophysical processes, was employed. The findings indicate that the heat exchanger can successfully recover up to 24% of water steam, or more so depending on the temperature difference of the wall thickness and the steam/air mixture to about 14.5 K, the outcome is far less favorable, where it is assumed that the temperature difference is only 4.5 K the effectiveness of the recovery is still at about 2 percent. More importantly, the theoretical consideration also shows that, by using a rectangular channel made up of parallel flat plates, it is possible to model the complex geometry of a finned tube heat exchanger and obtain results that are within 2% of the benchmark. Moreover, the semi-theoretical model does not yield less accurate but more conservative coefficients of determination. These coefficients of determination represent the model's ability to explain the variability in the data, with higher values indicating a better fit.
The multifaceted investigation of DHEAS level in COVID-19 disease: Insights into disease severity, gender, age, comorbidities, and implications for tailored management
Authors: Jamali Tahereh , Ardestani Sussan Kaboudanian , Vaez-Mahdavi Mohammad-Reza , Rezaei Arezou , Tuserkani Fatemeh , Khazaei HosseinAli , Khodadadi Ali , Khazaei Bahman , Latifi Keivan , Ghazanfari Tooba 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has affected millions of people worldwide. DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, has been found to play a crucial role in the immune system, and its levels have been linked to various health outcomes. The study aims to unravel the multifaceted role of DHEAS in COVID-19, focusing on disease status, temporal patterns, gender-specific trends, and the influence of age and comorbidities (hypertension (HT), heart disease (HD), and diabetes mellitus (DM)). DHEAS was quantified using ELISA in COVID-19 patients. We conducted a longitudinal analysis, tracking DHEAS concentration over different days. Gender-specific comparisons were performed. Furthermore, we analyzed DHEAS levels in both inpatients and outpatients, considering comorbidities. COVID-19 patients, especially inpatients, have lower levels of DHEAS compared to controls. However, DHEAS was not strongly associated with mortality or the need for intensive care. Findings unveiled a dynamic pattern of DHEAS levels during COVID-19 disease, marked by an initial decline followed by recovery. Notably, the scatter plot analysis suggested that COVID-19 could increase the conventional age-related decline in DHEAS levels among males, hinting at a potential gender-specific effect. Comorbidities including HP, HD, and DM, were prevalent among COVID-19 patients and correlated with disease severity. Hypertension appeared to moderate the relationship between hospitalization and DHEAS levels, particularly in females. DHEAS emerges as a biomarker for measuring COVID-19 severity, with distinct temporal dynamics. COVID-19's potential to increase the age-related decline in DHEAS levels, especially in male patients, underscores its intricate relationship with age. The influence of comorbidities adds another layer of complexity to COVID-19 outcomes. The influence of hypertension on DHEAS levels suggests a gender-specific effect, highlighting the need for tailored approaches in managing COVID-19 patients. These findings provide valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of COVID-19 and its interaction with hormonal and demographic factors.
Impact-Induced Vaporization During Accretion of Planetary Bodies
Authors: Saurety Adrien , Caracas Razvan , Raymond Sean 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Giant impacts dominate the late stages of accretion of rocky planets [1, 2, 3]. They
contribute to the heating, melting, and sometimes vaporization of the impacted bod-
ies [4, 5, 6]. Due to fractionation during melting and vaporization, planet-building
impacts can significantly change the composition and geochemical signatures of rocky
objects [7, 8]. Using first-principles molecular dynamics simulations, we analyze the
shock behavior of complex realistic silicate systems, representative of both rocky bod-
ies. We introduce a novel criterion for vapor formation that uses entropy calculations
to determine the minimum impact velocity required to pass the threshold for vapor
production. Our simulations reveal that sufficient velocities for vapor formation —
7.1 km/s for chondritic bodies and 6.1 km/s for terrestrial bodies — are reached in
54% and 60% of impacts, respectively, during the late stages of accretion [1]. Fur-
thermore, these outcomes should be nuanced by factors such as the impact angle and
the mass of the impacting bodies, which further influence the vaporization dynamics
and the resultant material distribution. Our findings indicate that vaporization was
a common occurrence during accretion and likely played a crucial role in shaping the
early environments and material properties of terrestrial planets.
Non-surgical treatment of lateral malleolar fractures is safe - Long-term follow-up of a comprehensive treatment algorithm
Authors: Börjesson Erik , Johannesson Karolina , Ekelund Jan , Rydberg Emilia Möller 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: A previous study conducted at Sahlgrenska University Hospital (SU) revealed a significant variation in the treatment of ankle fractures, which resulted in the creation of a treatment algorithm (TA). The aim of TA was to standardise treatment and reduce the number of unnecessary surgical procedures. A follow-up study concluded that the number of surgeries had significantly decreased since the introduction of the TA. However, the long-term effects of the TA and the reduced number of surgical procedures remained unclear.
Aim: To analyse the long-term effects of a structured TA for ankle fractures regarding complications and reoperation rates.
Method: The present study is a long-term follow-up of the same two cohorts of patients with lateral malleolar fractures of type AO/OTA44-B1 as studied in the previous studies on the TA for ankle fractures at SU. The current study compares a group of AO/OTA 44B1-fractures treated before the introduction of the TA, the pre-TA cohort (n=410), with a group treated after the introduction of the TA, the post-TA cohort (n=333). Both groups were followed for a minimum of four years, and the outcomes were reoperation or complication. Reoperation was defined as any surgical procedure that occurred 30 days or more after the initial injury.
Results: The results demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in the reoperation rate for lateral malleolar ankle fractures from 7.1% to 2.4% (p = 0.006) following the introduction of a TA that reduced the number of primary surgical procedures. Hardware-related complaints were the leading cause of reoperation in both cohorts. Three major reoperations were observed in the Pre-TA cohort compared to none in the Post-TA cohort. The present study revealed no increase in the frequency of late surgeries due to non-union.
Conclusion: Treating stable ankle fractures non-surgically does not lead to an increase in reoperations, complications or late surgeries due to non-union. In fact, a structured treatment algorithm that reduce the number of primary surgical procedures for lateral malleolar fractures of type AO/OTA44-B1 also led to a significant reduction in reoperation rates and no increase in failure rates. This long-term follow-up demonstrates that a non-surgical approach to isolated lateral malleolar fractures is safe.
Activity outcomes after hip arthroplasty: an information tool based on patients’ experience captured in a hospital registry
Authors: Cole Sophie , Fabiano Gianluca , Barea Christophe , Cullati Stéphane , Agoritsas Thomas , Gutacker Nils , Silman Alan , Hannouche Didier , Lübbeke Anne , Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and purpose
Patients receiving total hip arthroplasty (THA) have different expectations and concerns about their health outcomes after surgery. In this study we developed a tool based on registry data to inform patients and their clinicians about activity outcomes after THA.
Methods
We used data from the Geneva Arthroplasty Registry (GAR) on patients receiving a primary elective THA between 1996 and 2019. The information tool was developed around five activity outcomes: getting in/out of the car, getting dressed autonomously, independence in weekly tasks, interference in social activities, and activity levels. Clusters of patients with homogeneous activity outcomes were identified based on baseline predictors at one, five and 10 years after surgery using Conditional Inference Trees (CITs).
Results
In total, 14 CITs were generated based on 6,836 operations included in the tool. Overall, activity outcomes substantially improved at all three times points after surgery, with 1-year values mostly being the highest. While before surgery only about 10% of patients had none/slight limitations in activities of daily living there were about 70% 1 year after surgery. The SF12 mental component score (MCS), SF12 self-rated health (SRH), BMI, ASA score, and comorbidity count were the most recurring predictors of activity outcomes.
Predictors and their relative importance changed at different time points for the same outcome. For example, for ability to get in/out the car, whilst clusters at year 1 were generated based on WOMAC function, SRH, mental health, WOMAC difficulty walking, and SF12 physical interference, at year 5, ASA score, BMI, SF12 physical & mental health, activity level, and socio-economic status were significant. Outcome profiles varied by clusters.
Conclusion
Distinct activity outcomes clusters based on baseline patient characteristics were identified and knowing this can help inform patients’ expectation and meaningful discussions with clinicians about treatment decisions.
Endocardial suture occlusion of the left atrial appendage during minimally invasive cardiac surgery
Authors: huang chengfeng , huang jiawen , shen si , li yongheng , Zhang yanlin , Zhang xiaoshen , Lu Hua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Most thrombi originate from the left atrial appendage (LAA), and preventing thromboembolic stroke is an important aspect of stroke prevention. Previous studies have found that LAA closure is beneficial for preventing thrombosis. Currently, surgical procedures can achieve LAA closure by closing the endocardium or epicardium. Among them, only the LAA endocardial suture technique can be applied to both median thoracotomy and right minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Aims
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of LAAC with MICS.
Methods
A total of 74 patients who underwent LAAC during valve operation between 2017 to 2021 were included in this study. Of these, 42 patients underwent MICS. 32 patients who underwent valve surgery during full sternotomy were compared. LAAC uses a continuous suture from the insides. Patients underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) follow-up approximately 18 months after surgery. Complete occlusion of the LAA after LAAO was defined as a radiodensity of < 100 HU, contrast opacification of < 25% of the left atrium, and LAAC without any leak.
Results
The LAA closure procedure was successful in 26 cases (81%) in the median thoracotomy group and 20 cases (48%) in the right minimally invasive group. Residual shunting (failed LAA closure) was more common in the right minimally invasive group (P: 0.003), and no correlation was found between residual shunting and left atrial (LA), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDD), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).
Conclusions
Compared with median thoracotomy, residual shunting after MICS was more common. CT imaging analysis of 22 patients with failed closure in the MICS group showed that residual shunting was mainly concentrated on margins of the suture (anterior superior and posterior inferior) (86%), with a middle area accounting for 3 (14%).
Differences in fine-scale spatial genetic structure of European beech populations along elevational gradients
Authors: Budde Katharina , Zormpa Ourania Grigoriadou , Wilhelmi Selina , Vucetic Boban , Müller Markus , Gailing Oliver , Ciocîrlan Mihnea-Ioan-Cezar , Ciocîrlan Elena , Curtu Alexandru Lucian , Targem Mehdi , Wildhagen Henning 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Limited gene dispersal via pollen and seeds typically leads to clustering of related individuals within populations, known as fine-scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS). It reflects microevolutionary processes at the local scale and can inform forest management practices for conservation and restoration purposes. The strength of FSGS varies widely between species with different life history traits but also between populations of the same species.
Here, we investigated the FSGS, genetic diversity and spring phenology (bud burst) of five European beech (Fagus sylvaticaL.) populations along an elevational gradient, ranging from about 550 m to 1400 m a.s.l. in the Romanian Carpathians.
Using microsatellite and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, we showed that FSGS was most pronounced in lower elevation populations. While FSGS results based on both marker types showed similar trends, significant differences were detected mainly based on SNPs, highlighting the higher resolution of genome-wide markers. Spring phenology started earlier at low elevations and appeared more synchronized compared to high elevations, which may contribute to differences in FSGS. We also observed a slight decrease in genetic diversity with increasing elevation.
These differences in FSGS and genetic diversity could be explained by the lower density of beech and stronger interspecific competition in forest stands at high elevation. Here, the less dense forest structure may facilitate gene flow in this wind pollinated species. Future studies on other beech populations and other species with similar life history traits along elevational gradients are needed to test how common such patterns are.
Incidental prostate cancer status in the era post-PSA screening in two tertiary hospitals in Rwanda
Authors: Ndayishimye Theophile , Mutuyimana Diane Joyeuse , Ikugabire Sonia , Ngendahayo Edouard , Gasana Afrika Guido , Muhawenimana Emmanuel , Mwizerwa Jean Luc 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
: Prostate cancer is the second most common noncutaneous cancer in men, with a lifetime risk of 16%. The incidental discovery of prostate cancer during surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) indicates the significant worldwide occurrence of this disease. This study evaluated the incidence of prostate cancer in specimens of prostate obtained during prostatectomy or trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign diagnoses.
Methods
Review of all TURP and open prostatectomy specimens obtained for benign pathologies at two tertiary hospitals between January 2015 and October 2022. The preoperative clinical characteristics, pathology reports, and Gleason scores were retrieved for all patients. The primary outcome was the incidence of incidental prostate cancer. Univariable logistic regressions were performed to assess associations between prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, preoperative clinical characteristics of patients, and primary .
Results
The study included 153 patients ranging in age from 47 to 97 years whose procedures were performed for benign diagnoses. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in six individuals (6/153) (4%). The Gleason score varied, ranging from 3 + 3 = 6 to 4 + 5 = 9. The patients' disease stages included pT1a, pT1b, pT1c, and T3N1M0. Active surveillance was chosen for three of the patients, while the remaining three underwent androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Preoperative hematuria and low back pain were found to be independent predictors of incidental prostate cancer. All incidental prostate cancers were found in patients with PSA levels higher than 4 ng/mL.
Conclusion
There is a low rate of incidental prostate cancer among surgical specimens from patients treated for BPH, and core needle biopsies can be omitted for patients with a PSA lower than 4 ng/ml and without clinical signs suggestive of metastasis or invasion like, such as low back pain and hematuria. In addition to a low rate, only one-third of diagnosed patients required actual treatment. Prospective and more extensive studies are recommended to guide systematic histopathological review of surgical specimens from patients with BPH.