bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life of patients with venous leg ulcers treated by a one-stop clinic
Authors: Rook Bram , Koedijk Jaap , Kroft Ilse EBM , de Jong Elke EMGJ 
Published: February 2023

Objective: Venous leg ulcers (VLU's) can impair patient quality of life (QoL) and have a significant impact on healthcare costs. Symptoms include pain and pruritis but can also lead to low self-esteem and sleep deprivation, which are often underestimated by physicians. Method: We introduced a system in which patients with a VLU were examined and treated via a one-stop clinic. In this exploratory study, we evaluated the experiences of patients in this new setting using the Skindex-29 and conducting semi-structured interviews. Results: A total of seven patients completed the questionnaires and interviews. The study found that younger patients had an impaired QoL due to symptoms disrupting activities of daily living. The cooperation between healthcare workers, the consistent execution of the treatment plan by different care providers and the close contact between staff and patients were appreciated by patients. Patients were positive about the continuous care provided by homecare workers at the patient's home, and experienced higher levels of attention to their illness. Conclusion: The introduction of a one-stop clinic led to better insight and awareness among staff of patients' symptoms and complaints. More focus and time should be given to patient-oriented symptoms, which was highly appreciated by patients in this study. This could eventually lead to a reduction in the impairing effects of VLUs on patients' lives and healthcare costs due to fewer visits to the hospital.
Evaluation of a five-layer hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing across wound care settings in southern Europe
Authors: Scalise Alessandro , Arizmendi Mónica , Vicente Helena , Mateus Fátima , Woodmansey Emma , Styche Tim 
Published: February 2023

Objective: The burden of chronic wounds did not disappear during the Covid-19 pandemic, so new ways to address healthcare practitioner (HCP) education had to evolve. The Teach, Try, and Talk (T3) programme was conceived in 2021 with HCPs in southern Europe (Italy, Spain and Portugal). Method: Virtual education sessions with experienced HCP guest speakers were held and a five-layer hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressing (HPFD) was introduced as a way of reducing dressing change frequencies and improving clinician satisfaction. HCPs recorded their experience of the HPFD using an online form and participated in a further virtual session with experienced HCPs to discuss the results. Results: There were a total of 190 responses. A significant dressing change reduction from 3.6 changes per week to 1.8 with the HPFD (p<0.001) was observed in Italy, Spain and Portugal and within different care settings (hospital, wound clinic/health centre and the patient's home). Nearly one-third of participants stated one more day of dressing wear time was achieved by the ability of the HPFD to lock in and manage exudate, with nearly a quarter of responses stating it was due to fewer than three dressing lobes being full. The majority (97.8%) of HCPs stated they would recommend the HPFD to colleagues and patients. Conclusion: The T3 programme is a highly successful method of training delivery and practice improvement across a variety of healthcare settings in southern Europe, helping support HCP engagement and ongoing development in challenging times during the Covid-19 pandemic. The programme can be adapted considering the needs of different HCPs and payor and/or healthcare systems.
Staples versus sutures wound closure in hip and knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Al-Ajlouni Jihad M , Alisi Mohammed S , Hammad Yazan S , Alsousi Ahmed A , Karameh Haya O , Kawasmi Sanad H , Aladwan Rwand H , Awawdeh Reem A , Almazaraa Yahya A , Hassan Freih O Abu 
Published: February 2023

Objective:This study aimed to compare two methods of wound skin closure—staples versus vertical mattress nylon sutures—in patients undergoing primary total hip (THR) and total knee replacements (TKR). The comparison was for wound complications as a primary outcome, and satisfaction of patient and nurse as secondary outcomes.Method:A prospective cohort study was conducted at an academic teaching hospital. All the patients who were admitted for either primary THR or TKR from September 2018 to September 2019 were included. Revision surgeries, patients >85 years of age, and those who were on steroid therapy were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups (staples and sutures) to compare the two methods of wound closure. Patients in each group were assessed for characteristics such as age, sex, weight, height, comorbidities, smoking status, postoperative wound complications, reoperation and patient/nurse satisfaction.Results:A total of 100 patients met the inclusion criteria. In the staples group (n=50), 26 patients underwent THR while 24 patients underwent TKR. In the sutures group (n=50), 23 patients underwent THR and 27 patients underwent TKR. Overall, there was no significant difference between the two groups (staples versus sutures) in terms of wound complications (p=0.401), patient satisfaction (p=0.357) and nurse satisfaction (p=0.513). Further analysis compared THR and TKR subgroups (THR staples versus THR sutures and TKR staples versus TKR sutures). The results showed no significant difference between the staples and sutures subgroups of THR and TKR in terms of wound complications, patient satisfaction and nurse satisfaction.Conclusion:In THR and TKR, there was no significant difference between either vertical mattress nylon sutures or staples primary skin closure in terms of wound complications and patient satisfaction in this study. The decision on wound closure method should be based on the availability of resources in the institution/country.
Chronic kidney disease: the canary in the coal mine
Authors: Holmes Patrick 
Published: February 2023

Chronic kidney disease is a common condition that is costly to manage. Most of the costs are linked with advanced kidney disease and the associated cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, there are now several treatments that can not only slow the progression of chronic kidney disease but also reduce the burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To do this effectively, patients need to be diagnosed as early as possible, as only then can optimal preventative measures, both lifestyle and pharmaceutical, be deployed. With the scale and complexity of chronic kidney disease, timely access to specialist care is increasingly required. Referral criteria have changed, with more focus on the 5-year risk of developing end-stage renal disease by using the four variable kidney failure risk equation. One of the major limitations to the effective treatment of people living with chronic kidney disease is hyperkalaemia. The appropriate frequency of testing, assessment and management of hyperkalaemia helps not only reduce the risk of dying from the condition, but also from chronic kidney disease and heart failure, as too often sub-optimal treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors impairs optimal care. Chronic kidney disease is commonly seen in primary care. Patrick Holmes looks at identification and optimal management of the condition
Highly sensitive gyroscope based on a levitated nanodiamond
Authors: Zhang Huaijin , Yin Zhang-Qi 
Published: February 2023

A gyroscope is one of the core components of an inertial navigation system. Both the high sensitivity and miniaturization are important for the applications of the gyroscope. We consider a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in a nanodiamond, which is levitated either by an optical tweezer or an ion trap. Based on the Sagnac effect, we propose a scheme to measure the angular velocity with ultra-high sensitivity through the matter-wave interferometry of the nanodiamond. Both the decay of the motion of the center of mass of the nanodiamond and the dephasing of the NV centers are included when we estimate the sensitivity of the proposed gyroscope. We also calculate the visibility of the Ramsey fringes, which can be used for estimating the limitation of gyroscope sensitivity. It is found that the sensitivity

∼
6.86
×

10

−
7

r
a
d

/

s

/

H
z

can be achieved in an ion trap. As the working area of the gyroscope is extremely small (∼0.01~μm2), it could be made on-chip in the future.
Association of plasma metabolites and diagnostic imaging findings with hepatic lipidosis in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and effects of gemfibrozil therapy
Authors: Barboza Trinita K. , Susta Leonardo , zur Linden Alex , Gardhouse Sara , Beaufrère Hugues 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between plasma metabolites, biochemical analytes, diagnostic imaging findings, and the histologic diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis in bearded dragons. To assess the effects of gemfibrozil therapy on hepatic lipid accumulation and associated diagnostic tests.AnimalsFourteen bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)with varying severity of hepatic lipid accumulation (with and without hepatic lipidosis) were included.ProceduresAnimals underwent coelomic ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and coelioscopic hepatic biopsies. Clinical pathology tests included lipidologic tests, hepatic biomarkers, and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Animals were medicated with gemfibrozil 6mg/kg orally once a day for 2 months in a randomized blinded clinical trial prior to repeating previous diagnostic testing.ResultsHounsfield units on CT were negatively associated with increased hepatic vacuolation, while ultrasound and gross evaluation of the liver were not reliable. Beta-hydroxybutyric-acid (BHBA) concentrations were significantly associated with hepatic lipidosis. Metabolomics and lipidomics data found BHBA and succinic acid to be potential biomarkers for diagnosing hepatic lipidosis in bearded dragons. Succinic acid concentrations were significantly lower in the gemfibrozil treatment group. There was a tendency for improvement in the biomarkers and reduced hepatic fat in bearded dragons with hepatic lipidosis when treated with gemfibrozil, though the improvement was not statistically significant.ConclusionsThese findings provide information on the antemortem assessment of hepatic lipidosis in bearded dragons and paves the way for further research in diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
Establishing pregnancy-specific haematological reference intervals in Ghana; a three-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Simpong Nicodemus Larbi , Afefa Charity Tenu , Yimpuri Leander , Akum Betty , Safo Afia , Edziah Simon-Junior , Simpong David Larbi , Adu Patrick 
Published: February 2023

Background
Abnormal intra-pregnancy haematological variables are associated with adverse feto-maternal outcomes. However, the reference intervals (RIs) employed in sub-Saharan Africa to inform clinical decisions are generally imported. Since RIs are influenced by age, geographical location, and race, we hypothesized that context specific RIs should be established in Ghana to contextualize intra-pregnancy decision making.

Methods
This cross-sectional study retrospectively retrieved data of 333 pregnant women with no known clinically determined intra-pregnancy complications; 22 participants in their first trimester (T1; 1–13 weeks), 177 in their T2 (14–27 weeks), and 132 in T3 (28–41 weeks). RIs for haematological parameters were non-parametrically determined at 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles in accordance with CLSI guidance document EP28-A3c. Two-sample comparisons were undertaken using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests whereas more than two-sample comparisons were undertaken using Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05 under the two-tailed assumptions.

Results
In accordance with WHO trimester-specific haemoglobin cutoffs, anaemia prevalence was a moderate (T1: 36.4%; 8/22 & T2: 31.6%; 56/177) to severe (T3:68.0%; 90/132) public health problem. Additionally, 9.3% (31/333) individuals had high gestational haemoglobin levels (Hb >13.0 g/dL). Moreover, haemoglobin (T2: 8.6–14.3 vs T3: 7.5–13.6 g/dL), MCH (T2: 22.5–69.8 vs T3: 21.6–31.9 pg), MCHC (T2: 30.2–51.8 g/L vs T3: 30.5–37.9 g/L), TWBC (T2: 4.0–13.4 vs T3: 4.1–13.0 x 109/L) required trimester specific RIs, compared to RBC (2.8–5.1 x 1012/L), MCV (66.2–100.2 fL), and platelet counts (106.3–388.3 x 109/L) that each required combined reference intervals.

Conclusions
The intra-pregnancy haematological RIs determined have appreciable lower limits; there is the need to determine context-specific thresholds for haematological variables predictive of positive and/or adverse maternal and infant health outcomes.
Using computed tomography to evaluate proper chest compression depth for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in Thai population: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Atiksawedparit Pongsakorn , Sathapornthanasin Thanaporn , Chalermdamrichai Phanorn , Sanguanwit Pitsucha , Saksobhavivat Nitima , Saelee Ratchanee , Phattharapornjaroen Phatthranit 
Published: February 2023

Introduction
The effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is determined by appropriate chest compression depth and rate. The American Heart Association recommended CC depth at 5–6 cm to indicate proper cardiac output during cardiac arrest. However, many studies showed the differences in the body builds between Caucasians and Asians. Therefore, this study aimed to determine heart compression fraction (HCF) in the Thai population by using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and a mathematical model.

Materials and methods
Consecutive contrast-enhanced CT scans of the chest performed at Ramathibodi Hospital were retrospectively reviewed from January to March 2018 by two independent radiologists. Patients’ characteristics, including gender, age, weight, height, and pre-existing diseases, were recorded, and the chest parameters were measured from a CT scan. The heart compression fraction (HCF) was subsequently calculated.

Results
Of 306 subjects, there were 139 (45.4%) males, 148 (47.4%) lung diseases and 10 (3.3%) heart diseases. Mean age and BMI were 60.4 years old and 23.8 kg/m2, respectively. Chest diameter, heart diameter, and non-cardiac soft tissue were significantly smaller in females compared to males. Mean (SD) HCF proportional with 50 mm and 60 mm depth were 38.3% (13.3%) and 50% (14.3%), respectively. There were significant differences of HCF proportional by 50 mm and 60 mm depth between men and women (33.2% vs 42.6% and 44% vs 54.9%, respectively (P<0.001)). In addition, a decrease in HCF was significantly observed among higher BMI groups.

Conclusion
The CT scan and mathematical model showed that 38% and 50% HCF proportions were generated by 50 mm and 60 mm CC depth. HCF proportions were significantly different between genders and among BMI groups. The recommended depth of 5–6 cm is likely to provide sufficient CC depth in the population of Thailand.
Renewable Energy Sources Based on Agricultural Production: Potential Applications Within the Silk Road Economic Belt Framework
Authors: Ji Zhi , Abuselidze George , Lymar Valeriia 
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the Ukrainian-Chinese cooperation in the context of the joint construction of the "Silk Road Economic Belt", in particular, the cost-effective production of renewable energy sources based on agricultural production on the territory of Ukraine with the involvement of investors from China is highlighted. It has been proved that it is advisable to create an agro-industrial park in the agricultural sector, whose activities can be aimed at research and development of new technologies for growing agricultural products and "green technologies" in the field of agriculture. Calculations indicate the possibility of substantiating the quantitative characteristics of biofuel production and the ecological state of the territories. It is shown that in order to identify the degree of influence of these economic and environmental factors on the efficiency of biofuel production enterprises, it is necessary to conduct a systematic assessment of them with the construction of a mechanism for the functioning of such an enterprise as part of an agricultural park, which reflects the relationship of factors of the efficiency of biofuel production.
Keywords: The economic belt of the Silk Road, Agricultural Park; Production of renewable energy sources, Production of biofuels, Efficiency of functioning of biofuel production enterprises.
Korelasi Intensitas Cahaya Dan Suhu Terhadap Kelimpahan Fitoplankton Di Perairan Estuari Ujung Piring Bangkalan
Authors: Zainuri Muhammad , Indriyawati Novi , Syarifah Wasiqatus , Fitriyah Ainul 
Published: February 2023

Fitoplankton merupakan mikroorganisme yang memiliki pigmen klorofil sehingga dapat melakukan fotosintesis. Dalam proses fotosintesis fitoplankton membutuhkan cahaya matahari, sehingga cahaya matahari menjadi faktor utama terhadap perkembangbiakan fitoplankton. Selain itu intensitas cahaya dapat mempengaruhi tinggi rendahnya suhu suatu perairan, sehingga suhu juga akan berpengaruh terhadap distribusi dan keberadaan fitoplankton. Penelitian ini akan menjelaskan korelasi intensitas cahaya dan suhu dengan kelimpahan fitoplakton di perairan estuari. Metode yang digunakan adalah regresi linier sederhana untuk mengetahui korelasi intensitas cahaya dan suhu terhadap kelimpahan fitoplankton. Hasil analisa data intensitas cahaya terhadap kelimpahan fitoplankton menunjukkan nilai R2 = 0,087 yang artinya bahwa kelimpahan fitoplankton dipengaruhi oleh intensitas cahaya sebesar 8,7 %, dan 91,3 % dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain. Sedangkan hasil analisa data suhu terhadap kelimpahan fitoplankton menunjukkan nilai R2= 0,016 yang artinya bahwa kelimpahan fitoplankton dipengaruhi oleh suhu sebesar 1,6 %, dan 98,4 % dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang salah satunya adalah intensitas cahaya matahari. Dari hasil nilai R pada penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa intensitas cahaya memiliki korelasi rendah terhadap kelimpahan fitoplankton dan suhu terhadap kelimpahan fitoplankton memiliki korelasi sangat rendah. Phytoplankton are microorganisms that have chlorophyll pigments, they can carry out photosynthesis. In the process of photosynthesis, phytoplankton need sunlight, so that sunlight is the main factor in the proliferation of phytoplankton. In addition, light intensity can affect the low temperature of a waters, so that the temperature will also affect the distribution and existence of phytoplankton. This study will explain the correlation between light and temperature with phytoplankton in estuary waters. The method used is simple linear regression to determine the correlation between light and temperature on phytoplankton. The results of the analysis of light intensity data to the abundance of phytoplankton showed the value of R2 = 0.087, it’s mean that phytoplankton is influenced by light intensity by 8.7 %, and 91.3 % is influenced by other factors. While the results of analysis of temperature data to the abundance of phytoplankton showed the value of R2 = 0.016, which means that the phytoplankton is influenced by temperature by 1.6%, and 98.4% by other factors, one of which is the intensity of sunlight. From the results of the R value, it can be said that light intensity has a low correlation to the phytoplankton and temperature to the phytoplankton has a very low correlation.
Direct-to-consumer testing – benefits for consumers, people with disease and public health
Authors: Hinzmann Rolf 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests can be defined as any in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) test or, more broadly, any medical test using an IVD or medical device, that is marketed directly to consumers without involvement of a health care provider (HCP). Examples are pregnancy tests, alcohol breath tests, blood pressure measurements (medical device), coagulation tests (INR), self-monitoring of blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring (medical device), HIV tests, HPV tests, SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests, or genetic tests. DTC tests fulfil various customer needs such as making rapid decisions (e.g. glucose monitoring for insulin dosing, SARS-CoV-2 antigen test, hormone test identifying fertile days, alcohol test), monitoring chronic conditions between consultations (e.g. diabetes, lipidaemia, hypertension), saving time and reducing consultations (e.g. INR, SARS-CoV-2 antigen test, blood pressure monitoring), screening for disease when no symptoms are present (e.g. occult blood, cholesterol, triglycerides, SARS-CoV2 antigen test), or maintaining privacy (e.g. pregnancy test, HIV test, HPV test, certain genetic tests). Further, DTC tests can reduce cost and expand access to care in countries with limited resources and can support healthcare systems in extraordinary circumstances such as a pandemic. Valid concerns about DTC testing need to be described, addressed and resolved with the help of authorities and regulators in collaboration with HCP and should not detract from the advantages DTC tests can provide. HCP should play a more prominent role in educating the public through mass media and social media on the proper use of DTC tests and help to pinpoint problem areas.
Trajectory evaluation using repeated rail-bound measurements
Authors: Tombrink Gereon , Dreier Ansgar , Klingbeil Lasse , Kuhlmann Heiner 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Many applications today require the precise determination of the position and orientation of a moving platform over time. However, especially in safety-critical areas, it is also important to derive quality characteristics of the trajectory estimation. This allows verification that sensors are operating within the precision and accuracy required for the application. In this paper, we propose a methodology for trajectory evaluation and address the challenges involved. Our approach is based on repeated measurements obtained using a closed loop rail track and allows the evaluation of the trajectory estimation in terms of precision and accuracy. Starting with the chronologically ordered raw data, the methodology first spatially sorts the measurements and then approximates them to a mean trajectory. The deviations between the single pose observations and the mean trajectory indicate the precision of the observed poses. With the addition of a higher-order reference, our methodology also determines the accuracy of the system under test. The applicability of our method is demonstrated by an exemplary evaluation of a low-cost inertial navigation system.