bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute care nurses' experience in providing evidence‐based care for patients with laparotomy wounds: A scoping review
Authors: Hulbert‐Lemmel Sarah , Madhuvu Auxillia , Team Victoria 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo systematically search and synthesise available literature on barriers and enablers to evidence‐based care for patients with laparotomy wounds reported by acute care nurses. Specifically, we focused on wound assessment, infection control techniques, wound products used, escalation of care, dressing application, documentation and holistic care. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Checklist and explanation documents directed the review. The methodology framework created by Arksey and O'Malley, updated by Levac et al., and the Joanna Briggs Institute were utilised to assist the scoping review process. Data synthesis was guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Six qualitative and mixed methods studies were selected for the review. Most reported barriers and enablers were mapped to knowledge, skills, beliefs about consequences, environmental context and resources and beliefs about capability domains. The main barriers were limited access to and utilisation of wound assessment tools and clinical practice guidelines for wound management and suboptimal time management skills. Inconsistent management of laparotomy wounds was related to ward culture and nurses' lack of knowledge and skills in surgical wound assessment and aseptic technique during wound encounters. The reported enablers were knowledge of multi‐factorial risk factors for surgical wound recovery, valuing education and reflective practice and believing that protocols should be utilised alongside comprehensive wound assessments. Holistic wound care included patient education on the role of mobilisation and nutrition in wound healing. Acute care nurses do not routinely incorporate comprehensive, evidence‐based care recommendations for laparotomy wound management. Further research on evidence‐based care behaviours in managing laparotomy wounds is required. The results indicate a need for standardising the practice of laparotomy wound management while acknowledging the current challenges faced in the ward environment.
The knowledge and attitude on the prevention of pressure ulcers in Chinese nurses: A cross‐sectional study in 93 tertiary and secondary hospitals
Authors: Liang Hongyan , Hu Hongyang , Feng Liuqun , Wei Huiyan , Ying Yuai , Liu Yuanfei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAlthough pressure ulcers are related to substantial health burdens, they may be preventable. Since nurses play a fundamental role in pressure ulcer prevention, their knowledge and attitude are of great importance. This study aims to investigate the current situation and associated factors of nurses' knowledge and attitude on the prevention of pressure ulcers from both tertiary and secondary hospitals. A total of 11 347 nurses were recruited including 7108 nurses (62.6%) from tertiary hospitals and 4239 nurses (37.4%) from secondary hospitals. The median (interquartile range) of the pressure ulcer knowledge score was 51% (38%, 90%) for all the participants with the lowest scores on prevention of pressure ulcers (51.33%). The mean (standard deviation) of attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention was 39.64 (4.65) with the lowest scores on personal competency to prevent pressure ulcers (mean 3.09). The results of multivariate linear regression showed that hospital level, nurses' age, years of work experience, initial education level at work and time of last training significantly associated with nurses' knowledge of pressure ulcer prevention. Meanwhile, hospital level, job title, previous training, time of last training and subjective needs for further training had significant association with nurses' attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention (all p < 0.05). Results showed inadequate knowledge but relative positive attitudes in nurses indicating the importance to deliver continuing education and training regarding pressure ulcer prevention in practice to improve the quality of care.
Exploring the impact of TGF‐β family gene mutations and expression on skin wound healing and tissue repair
Authors: Cui Kai , Gong Sunxin , Bai Junfeng , Xue Liangliang , Li Xue , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTransforming Growth Factor‐Beta (TGF‐β) signalling pathway is of paramount importance in the processes of wound healing, epidermal integrity maintenance and development of skin cancer. The objective of this research endeavour was to clarify the impact of gene mutations and variations in expression within TGF‐β family on mechanisms of tissue repair, as well as to identify potential targets for therapeutic purposes in non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). The methods utilized in this study involved obtaining RNA‐seq data from 224 NMSC patients and paired normal skin tissues from the PRJNA320473 and PRJEB27606 databases. The purpose of the differential gene expression analysis was to identify genes whose expression had changed significantly. In order to evaluate the effects and interrelationships of identified gene variants, structural analysis with AlphaFold and PDB data and network analysis with the STRING database were both utilized. Critical gene expression was externally validated through the utilization of the GEPIA database. Tumour tissues exhibited a notable upregulation of genes associated with the TGF‐β pathway, specifically MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, EGF, COL3A1 and COL1A2, in comparison with normal tissues. As indicated by the central node status of these genes in the network analysis, they play a crucial role in the progression of NMSCs. The results of the structural analysis suggested that mutations might cause functional disruptions. External validation of the upregulation confirmed the expression trends and emphasized the biomarker potential of the upregulated genes. In conclusion, this research offered thorough examination of molecular modifications that occur in TGF‐β family genes, which are linked to cutaneous wound healing and NMSC. The modified expression of the identified hub genes may represent innovative targets for therapeutic intervention.
Risk factors contributing to postoperative surgical site infections in patients undergoing ankle fracture fixation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yin Changxin , Sun Lu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSurgical site infections (SSIs) following ankle fracture fixation pose significant challenges in patient recovery and healthcare management. Identifying risk factors contributing to SSIs can aid in developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. This systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. A comprehensive literature search across major databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, was completed on September 26, 2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed peer‐reviewed studies of various designs that investigated risk factors for SSIs post‐ankle fracture fixation. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses assessed heterogeneity and calculated combined effect sizes using fixed‐ or random‐effects models, depending on the heterogeneity observed. The initial search yielded 1250 articles, with seven meeting the inclusion criteria after rigorous screening and full‐text review. The included studies, conducted between 2006 and 2019, predominantly utilized case–control designs. The meta‐analysis identified diabetes, open fractures, smoking, age, alcohol consumption, ASA score ≥3, high BMI, contaminated incisions, fracture dislocation and heart disease as significant risk factors for postoperative SSIs. Publication bias assessment showed no significant bias across studies. The identification of key risk factors such as diabetes, open fractures, smoking, advanced age, alcohol consumption, high ASA score, elevated BMI, contaminated incisions, fracture dislocation and heart disease is essential in managing SSIs post‐ankle fracture fixation. Targeted interventions addressing these risk factors are crucial to reduce the incidence of SSIs and improve overall patient outcomes.
Short‐term recovery of insulin secretion in response to a meal is associated with future glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Enkaku Asako , Chujo Daisuke , Kamigishi Miki , Inagawa Shinya , Matsukoshi Shinnosuke , Sakai Waka , Takikawa Akiko , Fujisaka Shiho , Tobe Kazuyuki 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAims/IntroductionEndogenous insulin secretion could be recovered by improving hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the association between short‐term recovery of insulin secretion during hospitalization and clinical background or future glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsA total of 127 patients with type 2 diabetes were included. The recovery of endogenous insulin secretion was determined using the following indices: index A: fasting C‐peptide index (CPI) at discharge – fasting CPI on admission; index B: postprandial CPI at discharge – postprandial CPI on admission; and index C: Δ C‐peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) (postprandial CPR − fasting CPR) at discharge – ΔCPR on admission. We examined the associations of each index with clinical background and future glycemic control measured by glycosylated hemoglobin and continuous glucose monitoring.ResultsUsing index A and B, the age was significantly younger, whereas BMI and visceral fat area were significantly higher in the high‐recovery group than in the low‐recovery group. Changes in glycosylated hemoglobin levels were significantly greater at 6 and 12 months in the high‐recovery group in the analysis of index C. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified the index B and index C as indicators to predict glycosylated hemoglobin <7.0% at 6 months after discharge. Furthermore, index C was positively correlated with the time in the target glucose range, and inversely correlated with the standard deviation of glucose at 3 and 12 months after discharge.ConclusionsShort‐term recovery of insulin secretion in response to a meal during hospitalization, evaluated with the index‐C, might predict future glycemic control.
Developing ultrasound‐assisted infrared drying technology for bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
Authors: Akhoundzadeh Yamchi Abolfazl , Hosainpour Adel , Hassanpour Ali , Rezvanivand Fanaei Adel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe design of specific drying equipment requires correct knowledge of kinetic and thermodynamic characteristics of agricultural products. The purpose of this research is to find a suitable mathematical model to describe the experimental drying process, obtain the activation energy to specify the thermodynamic properties and calculate the specificity energy consumption. Bitter melons were dried in an infrared dryer with different temperatures, ultrasonic pretreatment times, and diverse distances from infrared lamps to reach moisture 0.1 kgw.kgd−1. The Midilli's model, best model to describe the drying process of bitter melon was chosen. The effective diffusion coefficient of bitter melon increased from 1.14 × 10−8to 3.60 × 10−8 m2.s−1with increasing drying temperature and duration of ultrasound treatment and decreasing the distance from infrared lamps. Also, Specific energy consumption decreased from 161.96 to 303.57 kWh.kg−1by increasing the temperature and duration of ultrasound pretreatment and reducing the distance of infrared lamps.Practical applicationsReducing moisture through mass and heat transfer is necessary to maintain the quality and shelf life and reduce the waste of medicinal plants and food materials. The controlled and scientific drying of bitter melon is of utmost importance due to the sensitivity of its effective constituents to the application of heat during the drying process. The utilization of mathematical modeling to conduct theoretical research offers a robust and expeditious means of evaluating the phenomena of mass and heat transfer in the context of natural drying conditions. In order to ensure quality control, a thorough investigation of the product's drying procedure and reducing energy consumption is imperative. The findings of this investigation are applicable to the enhancement of drying processes within the medicinal plant drying sector.
Genomic footprints of (pre) colonialism: Population declines in urban and forest túngara frogs coincident with historical human activity
Authors: Moran Peter A. , Bosse Mirte , Mariën Janine , Halfwerk Wouter 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUrbanisation is rapidly altering ecosystems, leading to profound biodiversity loss. To mitigate these effects, we need a better understanding of how urbanisation impacts dispersal and reproduction. Two contrasting population demographic models have been proposed that predict that urbanisation either promotes (facilitation model) or constrains (fragmentation model) gene flow and genetic diversity. Which of these models prevails likely depends on the strength of selection on specific phenotypic traits that influence dispersal, survival, or reproduction. Here, we a priori examined the genomic impact of urbanisation on the Neotropical túngara frog (Engystomops pustulosus), a species known to adapt its reproductive traits to urban selective pressures. Using whole‐genome resequencing for multiple urban and forest populations we examined genomic diversity, population connectivity and demographic history. Contrary to both the fragmentation and facilitation models, urban populations did not exhibit substantial changes in genomic diversity or differentiation compared with forest populations, and genomic variation was best explained by geographic distance rather than environmental factors. Adopting an a posteriori approach, we additionally found both urban and forest populations to have undergone population declines. The timing of these declines appears to coincide with extensive human activity around the Panama Canal during the last few centuries rather than recent urbanisation. Our study highlights the long‐lasting legacy of past anthropogenic disturbances in the genome and the importance of considering the historical context in urban evolution studies as anthropogenic effects may be extensive and impact nonurban areas on both recent and older timescales.
Efficacy and safety of modified Atkins diet therapy for drug‐resistant epilepsy in children and adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Budiputra Nobel , Budiputri Charista Lydia , Elsa Mary Christina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionDiet‐based treatments have been proposed for drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE), and the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) is an alternative. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of MAD as an adjunctive therapy for reducing seizures in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy.MethodsA literature search was done on six databases. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were included, comparing DRE patients of all ages on standard antiseizure medications (ASD) who received MAD compared to no‐dietary or other dietary interventions. The outcomes are the seizure frequency reduction and the adverse events. Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool and GRADE were used to assess study quality and the overall certainty of evidence. The effect size of the efficacy of MAD was computed as risk ratio (95% CI). Subgroup analysis based on each type of comparator was done.ResultsTen RCT studies (905 participants) were included, comparing MAD to no dietary intervention, ketogenic diet (KD), and low glycemic index treatment (LGIT). Overall, MAD is constantly and significantly more efficacious than no dietary intervention in reducing seizures ≥50% (RR 7.90, 95% CI 4.59–13.62), ≥90% (RR 4.61, 95% CI 2.05–10.36), and inducing complete seizure‐free (RR 7.79, 95% 2.61–23.22) with high certainty. Other dietary therapies and MAD did not differ significantly from one another in terms of efficacy. The risk of adverse events in MAD is insignificantly higher than in others (RR 1.19, 95% 0.92–1.55).ConclusionThe Modified Atkins Diet has better seizure reduction than no diet intervention but is comparable to other dietary interventions with a negligible increased risk of adverse events.
A rare presentation of unilateral posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following a trivial head trauma
Authors: Sen Bonny , Chaudhuri Jasodhara , Nanda Tapasaya , Panda Sourav , Mandal Manamita , Nanda Sourav 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPosterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is typically a reversible clinico‐radiological entity associated with some specific features on brain imaging. However, there are several atypical radiological presentations. Unilateral presentation of this condition has rarely been reported in past and may mimic other pathologies. Here, we report a very rare case of atypical, unilateral posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a 25‐year‐old female following a trivial head injury. All other relevant secondary causes had been ruled out.
The effect of salbutamol sulphate inhalation (an anti‐asthmatic medication) on the surfaces of orthodontic Archwires
Authors: Alemran Majd A. , Abbassy Mona A. , Bakry Ahmed S. , Alsaggaf Doaa H. , Abu Haimed Tariq S. , Zawawi Khalid H. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the surface roughness and friction of different orthodontic archwires after exposure to salbutamol sulphate inhalation, an anti‐asthmatic medication.MethodsOrthodontic archwires (stainless‐steel [StSt], nickel‐titanium [NiTi], beta‐titanium [β‐Ti], and copper‐NiTi [Cu‐NiTi]) were equally divided into two groups. The exposed groups were subjected to 20 mg salbutamol sulphate for 21 days and kept in artificial saliva. The control groups were only kept in artificial saliva. Surface changes were visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average surface roughness (Ra) was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and friction resistance forces were assessed using a universal testing machine. Statistical analyses were performed using t‐tests and ANOVA followed by post hoc tests.ResultsSalbutamol sulphate did not change the surface roughness of StSt and NiTi archwires (p > .05). However, the change in the surfaces of β‐Ti and Cu‐NiTi archwires was significant (p < .001). The frictional forces of exposed StSt, NiTi, and Cu‐NiTi archwires did not change (p > .05). However, the frictional forces of β‐Ti archwires increased significantly after exposure to salbutamol sulphate (p = .021). Brushing with fluoride after exposure to salbutamol sulphate increased the frictional forces of β‐Ti only (p = .002).ConclusionsSalbutamol sulphate inhalation significantly affected the surface texture of β‐Ti and Cu‐NiTi orthodontic archwires and increased the friction of β‐Ti archwires. These deteriorating effects were not detected on the surface of StSt and NiTi archwires. Therefore, we suggest that β‐Ti and copper titanium archwires should be used cautiously in individuals under salbutamol sulphate inhalation treatment.
Extensive perineal ecthyma gangrenosum in leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 associated with Staphylococcus hominis bacteremia
Authors: Kalyanaprabhakaran Balamurugan , Kumar Venkataraman Ranjith , Ramamoorthy Jaikumar Govindaswamy , Karunakar Pediredla , Gunasekaran Dhandapany , Jindal Bibekanand 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLeukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD), a disorder of neutrophil function, is characterized by a defect in leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Recurrent infections in the skin, soft tissue, gingiva, and lungs due to Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella sp. are common in these patients. Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is an ulcer of skin and subcutaneous tissue with a black eschar and surrounding erythematous halo secondary to a bacterial infection. Here, we report an unusual presentation of LAD type‐1 with extensive EG of perineum secondary to Staphylococcus hominis bacteremia treated successfully with combination of granulocyte transfusion and diversion colostomy.
Analysis of a 5‐year, evidenced‐based, rational blood utilisation project in a South African regional hospital
Authors: Wise Robert , Hood Kirsten , Bishop David , Sharp Gary , Rodseth Reitze ,   Saving Blood Saving Lives Working Group
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundBlood products are a lifesaving but limited resource, particularly in resource‐limited settings. Evidence‐based transfusion criteria tailored to local hospitals have shown great promise in reducing costs, minimising shortages, and ameliorating the morbidity and mortality associated with liberal blood product usage. We implemented the “Saving Blood, Saving Lives” project to: promote responsible blood product use and reduce blood product ordering inefficiencies and expenditure.MethodsA comprehensive change management programme, preceded by 3 months of clinical department consultation and training, was implemented. A new evidence‐based protocol for blood product utilisation was developed, together with an accountability form. This form was used in monthly audit meetings to refine policies, identify new problems, improve communication, and to drive hospital staff accountability and training. The primary measure of the programme's success was the change in the number of red cell concentrate units ordered.ResultsProject implementation required minimal time and no additional budget or staff. Annual red cell concentrate usage reduced from 7211 units in year one to 4077 units in year 5 (p < 0.001). Similar reductions were seen in freeze‐dried plasma and platelet usage, as well as administrative costs. Total project saving, adjusted to baseline admission numbers, amounted to over R46 million ($2.5 million).ConclusionsAs a change management programme centred the “Saving Blood, Saving Lives” project, was able to significantly reduce blood product‐related administration and expenditure by implementing evidence‐based transfusion criteria. The programme is simple, replicable and cost effective, making it ideally suited for use in resource‐constrained environments.