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Background and Design: Hematological parameters have been used as laboratory markers to evaluate the systemic inflammation in several rheumatic disease. The aim of this study is to determine the difference of hematological parameters between the patients who have been just fulfilled the Behçet's disease (BD) criteria and patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with newly diagnosed BD and 47 patients with RAS whose oral ulcerations appeared at least three times a year were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were recorded. Results: Patients' characteristics including gender, age, duration, and frequency of oral aphthous ulcerations in both study groups were comparable (p>0.05). CRP was significantly higher in newly diagnosed BD group when compared to the RAS group (p=0.001). CRP value higher than 2.7 g/dL, mean platelet volume (MPV) value higher than 7.58 fL and lymphocyte count higher than 2.85 103/μL were found to be the markers for distinguishing patients with BD from patients with RAS [odds ratio (OR): 12.76 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.86-56.88), OR: 5.61 (95% CI: 1.11-28.42), OR: 15.24 (95% CI: 1.77-131.31), respectively]. Conclusion: The elevated CRP, MPV and lymphocyte count were associated with patients with newly diagnosed BD rather than patients with RAS. Further large prospective studies with the healthy control group are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Misconceptions about male nurses not only exacerbate the gender imbalance in the nursing profession but also negatively impact male nurses embarking on their careers. Currently, no tool exists to measure the gender biases toward males in nursing among nursing students in China. Consequently, the primary objective of this study is to assess the validity and reliability of the Chinese translation of the Gender Misconceptions of Men in Nursing (GEMINI) scale among nursing students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1,102 nursing students from China who participated online. We utilized the Brislin translation technique with a forward-backward approach. To determine the factor structure within the Men in Nursing Gender Misconceptions Scale's Chinese version, both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied. The scale's internal consistency was measured through the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, corrected item-total correlation, and a retest reliability assessment. Results: The scale showed a content validity index of 0.938 and a retest reliability of 0.844. EFA indicated a two-factor structure for the translated instrument. CFA revealed a chi-square/degree of freedom of 3.837, an incremental fit index (IFI) of 0.952, a goodness-of-fit index (GFI) of 0.910, a comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.952, and an RMSEA of 0.073, all of which were within acceptable limits. The scale's Cronbach's α was 0.953, and the corrected item-total correlations ranged between 0.539 and 0.838. Gender-based misconceptions about men in nursing among students appeared to be influenced by their gender and whether they considered a nursing program as their first choice when applying for a major. Misconceptions about male nurses are greater among men and those who do not consider nursing programs as their first choice when applying for a major. Conclusions: The Chinese adaptation of the GEMINI scale showcased high reliability and validity. It stands as a potential instrument to gauge gender misconceptions concerning male nurses among Chinese nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Urolithiasis is one of the most common urological problems worldwide. The fastest treatment modality to achieve stone clearance of ureteral stones is Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL). However, it is negated by both the cost burden and potential risk to the patient. Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) is a treatment option for upto 10 mm stones but has failure rates of 40-60% in the literature. Aim: To analyse the various indications for surgery, whether MET was used or not, if used-its details, operative findings at ureteroscopy including the reason for the failure of MET. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of 72 patients with ureteric calculi undergoing URSL was analysed from June 2017 to December 2018 at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Indications were assessed at the time of admission. During ureteroscopy, factors like impaction, distal obstruction, and unusual findings were studied, which could have contributed to the failure of MET. The Chi-square test was used as a test of significance for categorical data. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used as a test of significance to identify the mean difference between continuous variables. The p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age in the study was 41.65±13.4 years (range 20-69 years), and the mean stone size was 10.03±3.34 mm. Large stone was the most common indication (41, 56.9%, p=0.004), followed by failed MET (35, 48.6%). Even though MET could have been continued for four weeks in 17 patients (23.6%), they were taken up for surgery. The impaction rate was 70.8% (51), with 48.6% (35) being large impacted stones and 22.2% (16) being small impacted stones. The overall stone clearance rate was 68 out of 72 (94.4%). Conclusion: Large stone size (=10 mm) and failed MET were the main indications for surgery. One reason for the failure of MET was not waiting for a duration of four weeks. During ureteroscopy, impaction of the stone, irrespective of size, was the most common finding and was the reason for the failure of MET. Ureteric stones on MET should not be neglected as there are reasons for the failure of MET, and they will require URSL after four weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a virtual mindfulness meditation intervention on stress and anxiety levels of 145 nursing students. BACKGROUND Because of the twin demands of classroom and clinical workloads, nursing students experience greater amounts of stress and anxiety than the average college student. Mindfulness meditation is a promisingmethod to alleviate stress and anxiety. METHOD A pretest-posttest randomized controlled design was used. Participants received either weekly mindfulness meditation recordings or recordings on nursing information. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale. RESULTS A two-way mixed analysis of variance and follow-up simple main effects tests revealed that participants in the experimental group, who received meditation recordings, experienced significantly lower levels of stress and anxiety on posttest surveys than the control group. CONCLUSION Mindfulness meditation can reduce stress and anxiety levels in nursing students. This can improve students' overall mental and physical well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Researchers must concentrate their focus on whether patients understand various treatment options available among removable complete and partial denture patients and whether they are aware of the maintenance protocol of the prosthesis. Materials and Methods: All the patients who completed removable partial or complete denture treatment in a period of 6 months were included in the study. Collected data were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: Awareness needs to be increased regarding the treatment options available for removable complete and partial denture treatment causes because many subjects in this study were only aware of the removable partial denture and complete denture treatment for missing teeth and not the other options, especially among individuals in the lower socioeconomic group. Conclusion: The findings indicate that awareness needs to be increased regarding the functions of prostheses such as esthetics and phonetics because many subjects in this study were only aware of the masticatory function performed by prosthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our aim was to determine whether child attachment to parents, parent attachment style, and morning cortisol levels were related to diabetes outcomes measured by average glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), HbA1c variability over 4 years and time in range (TIR) in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Research design and methods: 101 children with T1D and one of their parents were assessed at baseline for child attachment (Child Attachment Interview; CAI) and parent attachment (Relationship Structures Questionnaire; ECR-RS). Serum samples were collected for cortisol measurements before the interviews. HbA1c levels were measured during a 4-year follow-up period at regular 3-monthly visits, and data for TIR were exported from blood glucose measuring devices. Multivariate linear regression models were constructed to identify independent predictors of glycemic outcomes. Results: More girls than boys exhibited secure attachment to their mothers. The results of the regression models showed that securely attached girls (CAI) had higher average HbA1c than did insecurely attached girls (B = −0.64, p = 0.03). In boys, the more insecure the parent's attachment style, the worse the child's glycemic outcome: the higher the average Hb1Ac (B = 0.51, p = 0.005), the higher the HbA1c variability (B = 0.017, p = 0.011), and the lower the TIR (B = −8.543, p = 0.002). Conclusions: Attachment in close relationships is associated with glycemic outcomes in children with T1D, and we observed significant differences between sexes. A sex- and attachment-specific approach is recommended when treating children with less favorable glycemic outcomes. Special attention and tailored support should be offered to securely attached girls in transferring responsibility for diabetes care and at least to male children of insecurely attached parents to prevent suboptimal glycemic control. Further studies in larger samples and more daily cortisol measurements may help us better understand the links between stress response, attachment and T1D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is a critical window for growth faltering, deficiencies, and common childhood illnesses. Even with optimum breastfeeding, children 6-23 months are at higher risk of being undernourished if they do not receive adequate and appropriate complementary feeding. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the nutritional status of children 6-23 months and find the association between sociodemographic profile and nutritional status. Materials and Methods: Mothers of 411 children of age 6-23 months in an urban area of Raipur were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire based on the WHO indicators to record their complementary feeding practices. Weight, height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was taken to assess the nutritional status. Overall and specific (sex-wise and severity-wise) prevalence rate of stunting, wasting, and underweight were calculated. The distribution of these according to various factors like infant and young child feeding practices, and details of study subject and family were calculated. Chi-square test of significance was applied to find the association between nutritional status and independent variables and their strength of association. Results: The prevalence of wasting was 25%, underweight 30%, and stunting 15%. Statistically significant association of underweight with age of the parents, both mother and father, was observed (P < 0.05). Minimum dietary diversity was achieved by only 4.1% and minimum acceptable diet by 2.4% children. Conclusions: The prevalence of wasting and undernutrition was assessed. Complementary feeding indicators were unsatisfactory among children. Ending all forms of malnutrition is the global goal. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that directly affect or indirectly influence nutrition have to be recalled at this stage and addressing malnutrition is a key element required to achieving them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The risk of malignancy in pediatric thyroid nodules is higher compared to the risk in adults. Our aim was to investigate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics of pediatric thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods: The data of 132 children and adolescents who had thyroid nodules were collected retrospectively from medical records. Results: The mean age of the patients was 12.07 ± 4.08 years and 67% were female. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 86 patients (65%) and the results were as follows: benign in 53.4% (n = 46), atypia or follicular lesion of undetermined significance in 3.5% (n = 3), suspicious for follicular neoplasia in 2.3% (n = 2), and malignancy in 32.5% (n = 28). The overall malignancy rate was 22.7% (n = 30). Malignancy was detected after surgery in 2 thyroid nodules belonging to the atypia or follicular lesion of undetermined significance category. Malignancy was detected in 7 patients who had autoimmune thyroiditis and in 1 patient who had congenital dyshormonogenesis. The malignancy rate of the nodules in the patients, who had autoimmune thyroiditis, was found to be 13.4%. Mixed echogenicity, microcalcifications, nodules larger than 10 mm, abnormal lymph nodes, and irregular borders were more common in the malignant group. The nodule size, abnormal lymph nodes, and irregular borders were found to be significant in terms of predicting malignancy. Conclusion: We found malignancy in 22.7% of the thyroid nodules, and the malignancy rate of nodules in the patients, who had autoimmune thyroiditis, was 13.4%. The nodule size, abnormal lymph nodes, and irregular nodule borders emerged as the most significant risk factors for malignancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism plays an important role in the pathophysiology of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Additionally, ApoE may contribute to the progression of oxidative stress. Thus, this study aimed to determine the ApoE gene polymorphism and evaluate the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in ESRD patients and healthy individuals. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at 2010 at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (Kermanshah, Iran). The study population comprised ESRD patients (n=136) and healthy individuals (n=137). The MDA level was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the frequencies of ApoE gene alleles were analyzed using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 13. The significant differences of ApoE genotypes in case and control groups were assessed using Pearson's Chi square tests, and two-tailed Student's tests. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the odd ratio. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: According to the results, ESRD patients had a higher frequency of the E2/E3 genotype than the healthy group (P<0.001). The results indicated that E3/E4 genotype frequency in the patients' group was higher than that of the control group (P=0.026). Furthermore, the E3/E2 (OR=5.7, 95% CI=2.68-12.14) (P<0.001) and E3/E4 (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.05-2.34) (P=0.029) genotypes were found to increase the risk of ESRD. Moreover, the MDA level in ESRD patients was higher than the healthy individuals (P<0.001). The patients with E3/E2 (P<0.001) and E3/E4 (P<0.001) genotypes had a higher level of MDA than the control group. Conclusion: According to the findings, patients with ESRD had higher genotypes of E3/E2 and E3/E4, which suggests a higher risk of developing ESRD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective analysis examined the association between change in A1C and professional continuous glucose monitoring (p-CGM) use in patients with type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control who were not using insulin. Data from 15,481 eligible patients (p-CGM users n = 707 and p-CGM nonusers n = 14,774) showed a greater decrease in A1C from baseline to the end of follow-up for p-CGM users, and differences favored p-CGM users regardless of whether they started insulin therapy during the follow-up period. These findings suggest that people with type 2 diabetes who have poor glycemic control using multiple noninsulin therapies may benefit from p-CGM, which can reduce A1C over a 6-month period compared with usual care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare systems are shifting toward "patient-centered" care often without assessing the values important to patients. Analogously, the interests of the patient may be disparate with physician interests, as pay-for-performance models become common. The purpose of the study was to determine which medical preferences are essential for patients during their surgical care. Methods: This prospective, observational study surveyed 102 patients who had undergone a primary knee replacement and/or hip replacement surgery about hypothetical scenarios regarding their surgical experience. Data analysis included categorical variables presented as a number and percent, while continuous variables presented as mean and standard deviation. Statistical analysis for anticoagulation data included the Pearson chi-square test and one-way ANOVA test. Results: A large majority, 73 patients (72%), would not pay to have a four-centimeter or smaller incision. The remaining 29 patients (28%) would prefer to have a four-centimeter or smaller incision and would pay a mean of $1,328 ± 1,629 for that day. A significant number of patients preferred not to use anticoagulation (p = 0.019); however, the value attributed to avoiding a specific method of anticoagulation was found not to be significant (p = 0.507). Conclusions: The study determined the metrics prioritized by hospitals and surgeons are not important to the majority of patients when they evaluate their own care. These disconnects in the entitlements patients expect and receive can be solved by including patients in discussions with physicians and hospital systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Incidental small renal masses (SRMs) now account for the majority of new diagnoses of renal cancers. Although there are established management guidelines, referral and management patterns can vary. We aimed to explore identification, practice patterns, and management of identified SRMs in an integrated health system. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. METHODS: We identified patients with a newly diagnosed SRM measuring 3 cm or less from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017, at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. These patients were flagged at the time of radiographic identification to ensure adequate notification of findings. Diagnostic modality, referral, and treatment patterns were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 519 patients with SRMs, 65% were found on abdominal CT and 22% on renal/abdominal ultrasounds. Within 6 months, 70% of patients consulted with a urologist. Initial management patterns were as follows: active surveillance (60%), partial/radical nephrectomy (18%), and ablation (4%). Among 312 patients on surveillance, 14% eventually received treatment. The majority of patients (69.4%) did not receive guideline-recommended chest imaging for initial staging. Urologist visit within 6 months of SRM diagnosis was associated with increased adherence to staging (P = .003) and subsequent surveillance imaging (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In this contemporary analysis of an integrated health system's experience, referral to a urologist was associated with guideline-concordant staging and surveillance imaging. Frequent utilization of active surveillance with a low rate of progression to active treatment was noted in both groups. These findings shed light on care patterns upstream of urologic evaluation and support the need for clinical pathways to be implemented at the time of radiologic diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social housing tenants are at greater risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviours than the general population. Housing association employees are in an ideal position to contribute positively to their tenants' health. 'New Home, New You' (NHNY) is a joint venture between a social housing association, a city council and a community healthcare provider in the South West of England. It was designed with the aim of improving the health and well‐being of social housing tenants. Objectives: The aim of this retrospective evaluation was to establish whether social housing tenants were benefiting from this health‐related behavioural intervention in terms of their mental well‐being and health‐related behaviours. Methods: This was a mixed‐methods evaluation. The outcome evaluation was a secondary analysis of quantitative data collected during the NHNY project. The process of delivering and receiving the intervention was evaluated using qualitative, semi‐structured interviews with housing officers and tenants who had participated in the programme. The development of the intervention was evaluated through a focus group and additional semistructured interviews with key stakeholders. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Qualitative interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Six key stakeholders and a total of seven housing officers from several teams and seven tenants were interviewed. Of the 1016 tenants who were invited to participate in NHNY, 226 enroled in the programme. For participating tenants, the scope for health‐related behaviour change was greatest in relation to eating and smoking. Small positive statistically significant changes in mental health were found between the 6‐ and 12‐month mean score and between the baseline and the 12‐month score. Conclusions: The findings indicate that NHNY may have been beneficial for some participating tenants. Housing officers can have a significant role in promoting health messages and embedding behaviour change among their tenants. Although the programme was implemented as a service improvement rather than a controlled trial and focused on a particular intervention and geographical area, other housing associations may find this evaluation useful for considering whether to adopt some of the principles applied in NHNY in other settings. Patient or Public Contribution: A social housing tenant representative provided input on the methodology and methods used to evaluate NHNY, as well as the information sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of unhealthy commercial foods and beverages (UCFB) is common among infants and young children living in low- and middle-income countries. Such foods can displace other nutritious foods, however, there is limited evidence on how this consumption tracks across time. This study assessed and tracked UCFB consumption of children living in rural/peri-urban Cambodia during the complementary feeding period, identified UCFB consumption patterns of these children, and explored the association between UCFB consumption and growth. A 6-month longitudinal cohort study was implemented among 567 caregivers of children aged 10-14 months at recruitment. UCFB consumption was estimated each month via a telephone-administered 7-day food frequency questionnaire, and UCFB consumption patterns were identified based on changes in this frequency of consumption over time. The majority of children either maintained (45.7%, n = 246) or developed (43.5%, n = 234) an unhealthy consumption pattern and only 10.8% (n = 58) of children maintained/transitioned into a healthy consumption pattern. High consumers of UCFB at 10-14 months had a 4.7 (CI: 4.7 [3.1-7.2]) times odds of being high consumers of UCFB at 15-19 months (p < 0.001). There was a trend of lower length- for-age z-scores (LAZ) among children maintaining or developing an unhealthy consumption pattern (~-0. SD LAZ) compared to children maintaining/transitioning into a healthy consumption pattern, however, this association was not statistically significant. Findings indicate that high UCFB consumption begins during infancy and tracks into early childhood. National policies and programmes centred on early interventions addressing the use of UCFB for infant and young child feeding are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The number of pigmented moles is the most important risk factor for melanoma. This "real world" study conducted in 25 Australian childcare centers is the first to show it is possible to prevent a significant proportion of pigmented moles in young Caucasian children by dressing them in UPF 30-50+ clothing that covers at least half their body on a daily basis. Regularly wearing this clothing for 3.5 years was sufficient to prevent almost one-quarter of the pigmented moles that young children developed on their skin. This should, by implication, reduce their risk of developing melanoma in the future. Primary health care providers should stress the importance of garment coverage when recommending sun protection for children and should lobby for all sun-protective clothing standards to assess and report garment coverage, in addition to the transmission of ultraviolet radiation through the fabric (reported as UPF), on clothing labels and packaging for children's clothing, including school uniforms. Numerous pigmented moles are associated with sun exposure and melanomarisk. This cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to determine if sun-protective clothing could prevent a significant proportion of the moles developing in young children (ACTRN12617000621314; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Twenty-five childcare centers in Townsville (19.25° S), Australia, were matched on shade provision and socioeconomic status. One center from each pair was randomized to the intervention arm and the other to the control arm. Children at 13 intervention centers wore study garments and legionnaire hats at childcare and received sun-protective swimwear and hats for home use, while children at the 12 control centers did not. The 1–35-month-old children (334 intervention; 210 control) were examined for moles at baseline (1999–2002) and were re-examined annually for up to 4 years. Both groups were similar at baseline. Children at intervention centers acquired fewer new moles overall (median 12.5 versus 16, p = 0.02; 0.46 versus 0.68 moles/month, p = 0.001) and fewer new moles on clothing-protected skin (6 vs. 8; p = 0.021 adjusted for confounding and cluster sampling) than controls. Intervention children had 24.3% fewer new moles overall (26.5 versus 35) and 31.6% (13 versus 19) fewer moles on clothing-protected skin than controls after 3.5 years. Sunlight's influence on nevogenesis is mitigated when children regularly wear UPF 30-50+ clothing covering half their body, implying that increased clothing cover reduces melanoma risk. Sun-protective clothing standards should mandate reporting of the percentage of garment coverage for childrenswear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To learn the rationale for complementing or replacing a P-value with a Bayesian inference • To understand the basic concepts and compelling statistical and practical benefits of Bayesian analysis • To learn about the two Bayesian approaches increasingly advocated as alternatives or complements to commonly applied P-value statistics • To identify user-friendly software available for Bayesian analysis Background: The statistical shortcomings of null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) are well documented, yet it continues to be the default paradigm in quantitative healthcare research. This is due partly to unfamiliarity with Bayesian statistics. Aim: To highlight some of the theoretical and practical benefits of using Bayesian analysis. Discussion: A growing body of literature demonstrates that Bayesian analysis offers statistical and practical benefits that are unavailable to researchers who rely solely on NHST. Bayesian analysis uses prior information in the inference process. It tests a hypothesis and yields the probability of that hypothesis, conditional on the observed data; in contrast, NHST checks observed data – and more extreme unobserved data – against a hypothesis and yields the long-term probability of the data based on repeated hypothetical experiments. Bayesian analysis provides quantification of the evidence for the null and alternative hypothesis, whereas NHST does not provide evidence for the null hypothesis. Bayesian analysis allows for multiplicity of testing without corrections, whereas NHST multiplicity requires corrections. Finally, it allows sequential data collection with variable stopping, whereas NHST sequential designs require specialised statistical approaches. Conclusion: The Bayesian approach provides statistical, practical and ethical advantages over NHST. Implications for practice: The quantification of uncertainty provided by Bayesian analysis – particularly Bayesian parameter estimation – should better inform evidence-based clinical decision-making. Bayesian analysis provides researchers with the freedom to analyse data in real time with optimal stopping when the data is persuasive and continuing when data is weak, thereby ensuring better use of the researcher's time and resources [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate and compare the costal cartilage lateral crural strut graft's (LCSG) ability to support a weak lateral crus in patients with external nasal valve dysfunction (EVD) undergoing primary versus revision functional rhinoplasty. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of 26 patients (mean [SD]: 40.23 [6.75] years of age; 10 [38%] females) with clinically diagnosed EVD, who underwent primary versus revision functional rhinoplasty with the use of a costal cartilage LCSG (10 [38%] primary functional rhinoplasty patients and the 16 [62%] revision patients). Preoperative and 12-month postoperative subjective and objective functional measurements along with statistical analysis were performed. Results: While all baseline demographic and preoperative functional measurement scores were similar between the 2 groups, the primary cohort's preoperative scores were higher overall. Follow-up was a mean of 14.58 months. The primary group demonstrated a greater difference in score improvement postoperatively in all categories. All patients had significantly improved visual analog scale (VAS), Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Scale, 22-Item Sinonasal Outcome Test, and nasal peak inspiratory flow (NPIF) scores. When comparing the overall score outcome and surgical efficacy of the LCSG, both groups had near equal final score outcomes with the exception of VASL and NPIF. Conclusion: The LCSG is a viable and versatile option in the management of EVD for both primary and revision rhinoplasty patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New daily persistent headache (NPDH) is a rare primary headache that is highly disabling. The pathophysiology of NDPH is still unclear, and we aimed to reveal the underlying mechanism of NDPH through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, thirty patients with NDPH and 30 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) sequences of all participants were obtained using the GE 3.0 T system. We performed ReHo, ALFF (conventional band: 0.01–0.08 Hz, slow-5: 0.01–0.027 Hz, slow-4: 0.027–0.073 Hz) and seed-based to the whole brain functional connectivity (FC) analysis in the NDPH and HC groups. The sex difference analysis of ReHo, ALFF, and FC values was conducted in the NDPH group. We also conducted Pearson's correlation analysis between ReHo, ALFF, FC values and clinical characteristics (pain intensity, disease duration, HIT-6, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and PSQI scores). Results: Both increased ReHo (PFWE-corr = 0.012) and ALFF values (0.01–0.08 Hz, PFWE-corr = 0.009; 0.027–0.073 Hz, PFWE-corr =0.044) of the left middle occipital gyrus (MOG_L) were found in the NDPH group compared to the HC group. There was no significant difference in FC maps between the two groups. Compared to the HC group, no difference was found in ReHo (p = 0.284), ALFF (p = 0.246), and FC (p = 0.118) z scores of the MOG_L in the NDPH group. There was also no sex difference in ReHo (p = 0.288), ALFF (p = 0.859), or FC z score (p = 0.118) of the MOG_L in patients with NDPH. There was no correlation between ReHo, ALFF, FC z scores and clinical characteristics after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05/18). Conclusions: Patients with NDPH may have abnormal activation of the visual system. Abnormal visual activation may occur mainly in higher frequency band of the classical band. No sex differences in brain activity were found in patients with NDPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There is a wide range of choices for combining PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors with other measures in treating tumors, but certain choices of regimens are still controversial. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects of combination therapy with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 compared to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy. Meanwhile, we also explored whether different combination strategies would yield consistent efficacy across different types of tumors. Our study can provide important and useful information for clinicians and encourage the enrollment of more clinical trials for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 combination therapy. Objective: In recent years, the anti-programmed cell death protein-1 and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) or combination therapies have been recommended as an alternative emerging choice of treatment for oncology patients. However, the efficacy and adverse events of different combination strategies for the treatment of tumors remain controversial. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the European Society of Medicine Oncology (ESMO) were searched from database inception until 16 February 2022. The endpoints of objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and adverse events (AEs) were analyzed from different treatment schemes and tumor types. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022328927). Results: This meta-analysis included forty-eight eligible studies. Combination therapy has improved ORR (RR = 1.40, p < 0.001), DCR (RR = 1.22, p < 0.001), and PFS (the median survival ratio (MSR) was estimated to be 1.475 p < 0.001) compared to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 but had no significant benefit on OS (MSR was estimated to be 1.086 p = 0.117). Besides, combination treatment strategies are more toxic in any grade AEs (RR = 1.13, p < 0.001) and grade 3–5 AEs (RR = 1.81, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Treatment with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in combination with other antitumor therapies improve patients' ORR, DCR, and PFS compared to anti-PD-1/PD-L1. However, it is regrettable that there is no benefit to OS and an increased risk of AEs in combinatorial therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We have recently reported that the cytosolic C-terminal domain (CTD) of the tumour suppressor PTCH1, the Hedgehog proteins receptor, interacts with the autophagy-related protein ATG101 and impairs autophagic flux. In this study, we identified the interaction region and found that it is absent in a subset of colorectal, stomach and endometrial cancers. We demonstrated that truncation mutants lack the ability to constraint autophagy, resulting in a proliferative advantage and reduced sensitivity to autophagy inducers or glycolysis inhibitors in cell lines harbouring endogenous PTCH1 CTD mutations compared to isogenic cells expressing wild-type PTCH1. In summary, this study highlights the importance of the PTCH1-ATG101 interaction in the regulation of basal and stimulated autophagy and the metabolic flexibility in cancer cells. The Hedgehog receptor, Patched1 (PTCH1), is a well-known tumour suppressor. While the tumour suppressor's activity is mostly ascribed to its function as a repressor of the canonical Smoothened/Gli pathway, its C-terminal domain (CTD) was reported to have additional non-canonical functions. One of them is the reduction of autophagic flux through direct interaction with the Unc-51, like the autophagy activating kinase (ULK) complex subunit autophagy-related protein-101 (ATG101). With the aim of investigating whether this function of PTCH1 is important in cancer cell fitness, we first identified frameshift mutations in the CTD of PTCH1 in cancer databases. We demonstrated that those mutations disrupt PTCH1 interaction with ATG101 and increase autophagic flux. Using deletion mutants of the PTCH1 CTD in co-immunoprecipitation studies, we established that the 1309–1447 region is necessary and sufficient for interaction with ATG101. We next showed that the three most common PTCH1 CTD mutations in endometrial, stomach and colon adenocarcinomas that cause frameshifts at S1203, R1308 and Y1316 lack the ability to interact with ATG101 and limit autophagic flux, determined by bafilomycin A1-sensitive accumulation of the autophagy markers LC3BII and p62. We next engineered PTCH1 indel mutations at S1223 by CRISPR/Cas9 in SW620 colon cancer cells. Comparison of two independent clones harbouring PTCH1 S1223fs mutations to their isogenic parental cell lines expressing wild-type PTCH1 showed a significant increase in basal and rapamycin-stimulated autophagic flux, as predicted by loss of ATG101 interaction. Furthermore, the PTCH1 CTD mutant cells displayed increased proliferation in the presence of rapamycin and reduced sensitivity to glycolysis inhibitors. Our findings suggest that loss of the PTCH1-ATG101 interaction by mutations in the CTD of PTCH1 in cancer might confer a selective advantage by stimulating autophagy and facilitating adaptation to nutrient deprivation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to investigate the factors associated with extubation failure of patients in the intensive care unit. Method: unpaired, longitudinal, retrospective and quantitative case-control with the participation of 480 patients through clinical parameters for ventilator weaning. Data were analyzed by: Fisher's exact test or the chi-square test; unpaired two-tailed Student's t test; and Mann-Whitney test. Significant P values lower than or equal to 0.05 were admitted. Results: of the patients, 415 (86.5%) were successful and 65 (13.5%) failed. Success group: the most negative fluid balance, APACHE II in 20 (14-25), weak cough in 58 (13.9%). Failure group: the most positive fluid balance, APACHE II in 23 (19-29), weak cough in 31 (47.7%), abundant amount of pulmonary secretions in 47.7%. Conclusion: positive fluid balance and the presence of inefficient cough or inability to clear the airway were predictors of extubation failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to analyze the profile of nurses regarding integrative and complementary practices in health (ICPH) and understand how they are used in the care of people with arterial hypertension. Method: mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. The cross-sectional quantitative stage included 386 nurses who completed an online questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and professional information, training, and practice, with a descriptive and inferential analysis. The qualitative stage was performed via 18 online interviews with professionals who had ICPH training and implemented it in the care provided to individuals with hypertension, with a participatory analysis. Integration occurred through a connecting approach. Results: 36.8% had ICPH training; most were women, Caucasian, married, public servants, aged 37 (+ 9.4) on average; 14.2% incorporated ICPH into the care provided to people with hypertension; predominantly auriculotherapy (28.2%) and bloodletting in hypertensive crises. The results show that nurses integrally approached patients, and their approach was not limited to the vital sign altered at the time, but they also intervened in anxiety, stress, sleep, and rest. A potentiality observed concerns support treatment adherence. Conclusion: the profile of nurses with ICPH training is presented, and such practice has implications for lowering blood pressure. ICPH has been incorporated into the care of people with hypertension, but its use is still incipient, considering its potential in nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to describe the effects of the new coronavirus pandemic carried out by the mobile emergency care service (SAMU) in Senador Canedo-Goiás in the period 2019-2020. Methods: This is a descriptive ecological study, using the SAMU service bulletins of the respective municipality as a source of information, referring to the period from January 2019 to December 2020. The absolute and relative frequencies of the selected variables were calculated and calculated the chi-square test with a significance level of 5% (p< 0.05). Results: In 2019, 1,078 occurrences were recorded, while in 2020, 1,705 were attended, showing an increase in the number of calls between years. Most attendances were male (2019-2020 - 59.4%) aged between 19 and 45 years (2019-2020 - 36.3%). The main place of occurrence was at home (2019-2020 - 45.9%), in the afternoon shift (2019-2020 - 34.1%) and the highest occurrences were carried out on weekends (2019-2020 - 32, 1%). The main type of occurrence was due to assistance in both years (2019-90.5%; 2020-79.6%), although removal/transport showed a significant demand in 2020 (2019-9.5%; 2020- 20.4% - p= <0.0001). The main reason for attendance was due to clinical causes (2019-19.5%; 2020-28.5% - p= 0.914), followed by external causes (2019-15.3%; 2020-26.6% - p=<0.0001). Conclusion: it was observed that the pandemic significantly influenced the increase in cases of occurrences in the year 2020, increasing the number of removals/ transportation, impacting the health service and it is expected that the unpublished data from the sample obtained can serve as a substrate for the planning and execution of measures aimed at improving health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Heparin-based regimens are recommended for anticoagulation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 though a study reported similar mortality with apixaban in critically ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Our pilot study sought to determine the differences in all-cause mortality, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and bleeding events between apixaban and therapeutic heparin-based regimens in hospitalized non-critically ill COVID-19 patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of non-critically ill COVID-19 patients aged ≥ 18 years admitted to 3 campuses of Montefiore Medical Center during the first (March 2020 to May 2020) and second (January 2021 to February 2021) COVID-19 surges, who received within 48 hours of admission and continued for ≥72 hours a therapeutic dose of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH), or any apixaban dose for VTE prophylaxis. Outcomes data analyzed included mortality, suspected or imaging-confirmed VTE, and bleeding using a defined criteria. Results: Overall, 162 patients met eligibility for analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups except liver and renal functions. Mortality occurred in 10 (13.3%) patients on apixaban and 23 (26.4%) patients on a heparin-based regimen (P =.059). Confirmed VTE events were not different between the groups (8% vs 13.8%, P =.359), but higher incidence of bleeding occurred in heparin-based group (4% vs 52.9%, P <.001). Conclusion: There were no differences in mortality or confirmed VTE between apixaban and heparin-based regimens except for more bleeding events with the heparins. This study highlights the utility of apixaban in COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Flipped learning excessively boosts the conceptual understanding of students through the reversed arrangement of pre-learning and in classroom learning events and challenges students to independently achieve learning objectives. Using a gamification method in flipped classrooms can help students stay motivated and achieve their goals. Methods: This study adopted a randomized controlled study design with a pre-test and post-test and involved 128 nursing students at Mansoura University. This study randomly divided the students into the study and control groups. Data were collected at three time points using six tools. In the intervention group, Moodle was gamified for 6 weeks. Results: A significant difference in the students' self-confidence (p = 0.021), skills knowledge (p < 0.001), intensity of preparation (p < 0.001), and motivation (p < 0.001) was observed between the two groups; however, no difference in the students' skills performance (p = 0.163) was observed between the two groups after using gamified flipped classrooms. Conclusions: Compared with the traditional flipped classrooms, gamified flipped classrooms improved nursing students' motivation, intensity of preparation, skills knowledge, and self-confidence during laboratory clinical practice. Thus, gamification is a learning approach that can be implemented in conjunction with the flipped classroom model to motivate students to participate in the learning process. Trial registration. Prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 26/04/2021; registration number NCT04859192. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) is considered for high‐risk patients in stage IB lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, these risk factors are recognized as negative prognostic factors, not as predictors of ACT efficacy. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of ACT in stage IB patients by retrospectively examining patients who had recurrence. Methods: We reviewed 1399 patients with stage IB (American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition) LUAD from 2012 to 2017 in our institution and found 147 patients with recurrence. The last follow‐up date was December 30, 2021. One‐to‐one propensity‐score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the potential selection bias. Results: Fifty‐five (37.4%) patients had received ACT and 92 (62.6%) had not (non‐ACT). Patients with ACT were younger (p < 0.001), had larger tumors (p < 0.001) and more lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.02), and seemed to have less distant recurrence (p = 0.001). After PSM, 110 patients were matched and baseline characteristics were balanced. ACT was not associated with improved disease‐free survival (DFS) after matching (mDFS = 23.5 m for ACT vs. 29.5 m for non‐ACT, p = 0.13). ACT failed to prolong DFS of patients in the extracranial recurrence subgroup and EGFR mutation subgroups, and was even associated with shorter DFS in intracranial relapsed patients (mDFS = 30.3 m vs. 33.5 m, p = 0.083) and patients with tumor ≤30 mm (mDFS = 21.9 m vs. 30.8 m, p = 0.076). Conclusion: In patients who were destined to develop recurrence after completely resected stage IB LUAD, ACT might not be associated with improved DFS. Further large multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective team leadership and good activation criteria can effectively initiate rapid response system (RRS) to reduce hospital mortality and improve quality of life. The first reaction time of nurses plays an important role in the rescue process. To construct a nurse-led (nurse-led RRS) and activation criteria and then to conduct a pragmatic evaluation of the nurse-led RRS. Methods: We used literature review and the Delphi method to construct a nurse-led RRS and activation criteria based on the theory of "rapid response system planning." Then, we conducted a quasi-experimental study to verify the nurse-led RRS. The control group patients were admitted from August to October 2020 and performed traditional rescue procedures. The intervention group patients were admitted from August to October 2021 and implemented nurse-led RRS. The primary outcome was success rate of rescue. Setting: Emergency department, Gansu Province, China. Results: The nurse-led RRS and activation criteria include 4 level 1 indicators, 14 level 2 indicators, and 88 level 3 indicators. There were 203 patients who met the inclusion criteria to verify the nurse-led RRS. The results showed that success rate of rescue in intervention group (86.55%) was significantly higher than that in control group (66.5%), the rate of cardiac arrest in intervention group (33.61%) was significantly lower than that in control group (72.62%), the effective rescue time of intervention group (46.98 ± 12.01 min) was shorter than that of control group (58.67 ± 13.73 min), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The rate of unplanned ICU admissions in intervention group (42.85%) was lower than that in control group (44.04%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The nurse-led RRS and activation criteria can improve the success rate of rescue, reduce the rate of cardiac arrest, shorten the effective time of rescue, effectively improve the rescue efficiency of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The prognostic markers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with bone metastasis are of great significance for the design of treatment strategy, the maintenance of life quality of the patients, and the improvement of cancer prognosis. MicroRNA-149 (miR-149) rs2292832 C/T polymorphism in HCC patients has been reported to be associated with the risk of HCC, but whether it can predict the prognosis of HCC patients with bone metastasis remains unclear. The goal of our study was to examine the prognostic impact of miR-149 rs2292832 C/T polymorphism on HCC patients with bone metastasis. Methods A total of 67 cases of HCC patients with bone metastasis (BC group) and 73 cases of HCC patients without bone metastasis (NC group) were included in this study. The miR-149 levels in blood leukocytes and tumor tissues were determined by qRT-PCR. Genotyping analysis of miR-149 rs2292832 was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Results The blood leukocyte miR-149 levels were significantly decreased in HCC patients, compared with the healthy controls, and they were significantly decreased in the BC patients, compared with the NC cases. BC patients carrying miR-149 rs2292832 CC+CT phenotype have a better overall survival (OS) rate, whereas no significant correlation was found between miR-149 rs2292832 CC+CT phenotype and the OS rate in NC group. The miR-149 rs2292832 CC+CT phenotype was correlated with certain bone turnover markers and bone metabolism markers but was not correlated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) expression. Meanwhile, the combination of miR-149 rs2292832 CC+CT phenotype and RANKL expression could improve the prognosis assessment of HCC patients with bone metastasis. Conclusion miR-149 rs2292832 polymorphism might be a novel prognostic biomarker for HCC patients with bone metastasis. A follow-up study with a larger cohort from a multicenter should be performed to test our conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Differentiation between Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) and Palmoplantar Psoriasis (PP) is a diagnostic challenge. Dermoscopy can helpto distinguish between the two conditions. Aim: To establish and compare the dermoscopic findings of the CHE and PP using DermLite DL4 dermoscope and to confirm the accuracy of the dermoscopic findings with the histopathological findings. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Navodaya Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, Karnataka, India, from January 2017 to June 2018. Fifty patients each of CHE (26 male and 24 female subjects) and PP (25 male and 25 female subjects) were included in the study. A detailed clinical history, cutaneous clinical and dermoscopic findings of each case were noted. A 4 mm punch biopsy was taken from 30 patients for histopathological analysis. The data was tabulated, analysed and tested for significance using the Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of the patients was 46±4 years. On dermoscopic examination, diffuse white scales in 45 (90%) patients, over a red background in 49 (98%) patients with regularly arranged dots and globules in 45 (90%) patients was seen in PP. Patchy yellow scales 46 (90%), yellow dots, globules and yellow to brown crusts against a yellow background was seen in all patients (100%) of CHE (p-value <0.001). Histopathological findings are in agreement with dermoscopic findings in 9/16 and 10/14 cases of CHE and PP respectively. Conclusion: Dermoscope is a useful non invasive clinical aid to differentiate between CHE and PP. The presence of diffuse white scales over a red background and regularly arranged vessels indicates PP, whereas the presence of patchily distributed yellow scales, yellow dots and globules; and yellow to brown crusts against a yellow background is more suggestive of CHE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Resistance to standard therapies impose a huge challenge on the treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is often considered as a cell intrinsic property of either GBM or, more significantly, of GBM stem-like cells. Tumor-associated macrophages and microglia (TAMs) take up the majority of the immune population in the tumor microenvironment of GBM and potentially participating in modulating therapy responses. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the effect of TAMs on temozolomide (TMZ) induced chemoresistance. Members of the metzincin superfamily such as Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs) and A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease (ADAM) proteases are important participants in the process of intercellular communications in the tumor microenvironment. Herein, we revealed a novel concept of an intra-tumoral ADAM8 mediated malignant positive feedback loop constituted by the intimate interaction of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and GBM cells under TMZ treatment. These findings provide a convincing example and further support the notion that the tumor microenvironment, in addition to GBM cells and GBM stem-like cells, should be considered as an essential modulator of therapy in GBM. In conclusion, our study provides a rational basis for TAM sparing ADAM8-targeting in GBM to optimize standard chemotherapy. Standard chemotherapy of Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) using temozolomide (TMZ) frequently fails due to acquired chemoresistance. Tumor-associated macrophages and microglia (TAMs) as major immune cell population in the tumor microenvironment are potential modulators of TMZ response. However; little is known about how TAMs participate in TMZ induced chemoresistance. Members of the metzincin superfamily such as Matrix Metalloproteases (MMPs) and A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease (ADAM) proteases are important mediators of cellular communication in the tumor microenvironment. A qPCR screening was performed to identify potential targets within the ADAM and MMP family members in GBM cells. In co-culture with macrophages ADAM8 was the only signature gene up-regulated in GBM cells induced by macrophages under TMZ treatment. The relationship between ADAM8 expression and TAM infiltration in GBM was determined in a patient cohort by qPCR; IF; and IHC staining and TCGA data analysis. Moreover; RNA-seq was carried out to identify the potential targets regulated by ADAM8. CCL2 expression levels were determined by qPCR; Western blot; IF; and ELISA. Utilizing qPCR; IF; and IHC staining; we observed a positive relationship between ADAM8 expression and TAMs infiltration level in GBM patient tissues. Furthermore; ADAM8 induced TAMs recruitment in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically; we revealed that ADAM8 activated HB-EGF/EGFR signaling and subsequently up-regulated production of CCL2 in GBM cells in the presence of TMZ treatment; promoting TAMs recruitment; which further induced ADAM8 expression in GBM cells to mediate TMZ chemoresistance. Thus; we revealed an ADAM8 dependent positive feedback loop between TAMs and GBM cells under TMZ treatment which involves CCL2 and EGFR signaling to cause TMZ resistance in GBM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the presence of systemic clinical manifestations. Among them, pneumonia accounts for a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, highlighting an urgent need to explore possible susceptibility and potential mechanisms of pneumonia in MM. Recently, the gut–lung axis has emphasized the relevance of gut microbiota and pneumonia, indicating that the compromised function of gut microbiota may be susceptible to pneumonia. It has been previously shown that intestinal Klebsiella pneumonia enriches in MM patients and promotes MM progression in our previous work. In addition, host metabolism has been identified as a key regulator of MM. However, what role the altered gut microbiota plays in MM with pneumonia remains unknown. In this study, we explored the association between gut microbiota and MM with pneumonia. This is the first study to identify and elucidate the function of gut microbiota involved in MM with pneumonia. Pneumonia accounts for a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. It has been previously shown that intestinal Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) enriches in MM and promotes MM progression. However, what role the altered gut microbiota plays in MM with pneumonia remains unknown. Here, we show that intestinal K. pneumonia is significantly enriched in MM with pneumonia. This enriched intestinal K. pneumonia links to the incidence of pneumonia in MM, and intestinal colonization of K. pneumonia contributes to pneumonia in a 5TGM1 MM mice model. Further targeted metabolomic assays reveal the elevated level of glutamine, which is consistently increased with the enrichment of K. pneumonia in MM mice and patients, is synthesized by K. pneumonia, and leads to the elevated secretion of TNF-α in the lung normal fibroblast cells for the higher incidence of pneumonia. Inhibiting glutamine synthesis by establishing glnA-mutated K. pneumonia alleviates the incidence of pneumonia in the 5TGM1 MM mice model. Overall, our work proposes that intestinal K. pneumonia indirectly contributes to pneumonia in MM by synthesizing glutamine. Altogether, we unveil a gut–lung axis in MM with pneumonia and establish a novel mechanism and a possible intervention strategy for MM with pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder is the most common malignancy in dialysis patients in Taiwan compared with renal cell carcinoma in Western countries. Radical cystectomy is the standard of care for localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), as well as for selected patients with high-risk non-MIBC. Despite improvements in anesthetic competency, surgical techniques, and postoperative care, dialysis patients undergoing radical cystectomy are at a higher risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality than non-dialysis patients. Due to the relative rarity of the condition, published data on predictors of outcome in ESRD patients undergoing radical cystectomy are scant. Our study revealed that accurate reporting of complications is necessary for preoperative counseling, identifying modifiable risk factors, and planning risk mitigation strategies. High comorbidity and low-volume surgeons were interrelated as notable risk factors for major complications. In addition to tumor-related factors, male sex, older age, and major complications significantly influence survival. Background: We investigated the use of a standardized reporting system to study perioperative complications and oncologic outcomes after radical cystectomy in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with bladder cancer. Methods: We reviewed retrospective outcomes in 141 ESRD patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between 2004 and 2015. Complications were graded using the Clavien–Dindo classification system with 0–2 classified as "No Major Complications" and Clavien 3–5 as "Major Complications". Low-volume surgeons were classified as those performing fewer than nine cases during the study. Fisher's exact test along with the chi-squared test, two-tailed t tests, logistic regression, and the Cox proportional hazard model were used to evaluate all clinically meaningful covariates. Results: Ninety-nine (99, 70.2%) patients had no major complications, and forty-two (29.8%) patients had major complications. Patients in the major complications group were older, had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and had a longer hospitalization duration than those in the no major complications group (all, p < 0.05). Major complications were also more common when the procedure was performed by low-volume surgeons (p = 0.003). In multivariate logistic regression models, CCI ≥ 5 (p = 0.006) and low-volume surgeon (p = 0.004) were independent predictors of major complications. According to multivariate analysis with the Cox hazards regression, male sex, age > 70 years, CCI ≥ 5, bladder cancer stage ≥ 3, lymphovascular invasion, and experiencing major complications were significant poor prognostic factors for overall survival (all, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Accurate reporting of complications is necessary for preoperative counseling, identifying modifiable risk factors, and planning risk mitigation strategies. High comorbidity and low-volume surgeons were interrelated as notable risk factors for major complications. In addition to tumor-related factors, male sex, older age, and major complications significantly influence overall survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During open-door laminoplasty, the position of the bone gutter is not fixed, and when the gutter migrates inward, the outer end of the titanium plate must be fixed on the lamina edge. It is unclear whether this will affect the clinical efficacy. This study aimed to observe the influence of the titanium plate fixation position on the effectiveness of open-door laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Methods: A total of 98 patients with CSM who underwent open-door laminoplasty from August 2016 to October 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Fifty-five patients had the titanium plate fixed on the lateral mass (lateral mass group), and 43 patients had the titanium plate fixed on the lamina edge (lamina group). The opening angle, opening width, occurrence of hinge fracture, spinal cord drift distance, cervical curvature index (CCI), neurological function recovery (JOA score), neck function (NDI), C5 palsy and severity of axial symptoms were observed and compared between the two groups. Results: The opening angle in the lamina group was significantly larger than that in the lateral mass group, while the opening width and the spinal cord drift distance were significantly smaller than those in the lateral mass group (P < 0.05). The occurrence of hinge fracture in the lamina group was significantly higher than that in the lateral group (25.6% and 9.1%, respectively) (P < 0.05). The CCI was maintained well in both groups (P > 0.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). After surgery, the JOA score significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.05), and the neurological recovery rates were similar between the two groups (62.6% vs. 64.5%). The NDI score significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0.05), but the lateral mass group recovered to a greater degree than the lamina group (P < 0.05). The occurrence of C5 palsy was 2.3% in the lamina group and 14.5% in the lateral mass group, and there was a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). Postoperative axial symptom severity was significantly worse in the lamina group than in the lateral mass group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In open-door laminoplasty, it is feasible to fix the titanium plate on the lateral mass or to the lamina due to the same neurological function recovery. However, fixing it to the lamina will increase the opening angle and decrease the opening width, making the hinge prone to fracture and increasing the severity of postoperative axial symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of prescribing panoramic radiographs in children less than 6 years of age. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was conducted in a dental institution in Chennai between December 2019 and January 2021. Details of all the children less than 6 years subjected to panoramic radiographs were collected. The reason for taking panoramic radiographs was also recorded. Chi-square tests were done to statistically analyze the data, and the significance level was set at 0.05. Results: Out of 2,847 children less than 6 years of age visiting the dental institution, 1.08% (31 children) were advised to take an orthopantomagram (OPG) during the study period. Early childhood caries (75% in males and 66.7% in females) was found to be the most common reason for taking panoramic radiographs followed by developmental disturbances (12.5% in males and 13.3% in females). Chi-square test showed statistical significance between males and females (P- value = 0.003 and 0.002) for the reasons for taking panoramic radiographs in children. Conclusion: Usage of radiographic techniques, especially panoramic radiographs should be limited for children under 6 years of age unless absolutely necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: the care of adolescents with or without a chronic disease must complete, standardized and focused on individual demands and the transition process to adult care and adherence to treatment. This study aimed to characterize the care provided by nurses from the state of São Paulo who work with adolescents. Method: this is a cross-sectional and descriptive study on the care provided to adolescents by nurses in São Paulo, based on the answers to a self-administered questionnaire, available in the REDCap tool between August 2018 and October 2019. Results: participants answered 1632 questionnaires. Only 38% of nurses work with adolescents, 11.2% exclusively. Professionals were divided according to the median length of professional experience in groups A and B (≤5 years and >5 years). Drug addiction (p=0.01) and working with a multidisciplinary team (p=0.04) were significantly more reported in group B. Routine follow-up (p=0.02) and questioning about sexual or physical violence (p=0.03) were significantly more performed by professionals from group A. Conclusion: this study identified the need for a care protocol that can be replicated on a large scale and that includes the treatment and the particularities of adolescents to improve adherence and the transition into adult care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: 1) To determine which characteristics of adolescent athletes with SRC are associated with 'early' versus 'late' presentation for multimodal treatment; 2) to build a propensity score to investigate the effects of treatment timing during the management of SRCs. Methods: Associations between early (0-7 days) versus late (8-28 days) presentation for treatment and pre-specified sociodemographic, pre-injury and injury characteristics were investigated in a historical cohort study of 2949 multi-sport athletes across Canada aged 12-18 years diagnosed with a SRC in community-based healthcare clinics. Results: Early presentation was associated with being male, completing a pre-injury baseline assessment, and responding 'yes' or 'no' to having a diagnosed learning disability. Older athletes who reported previous SRCs were less likely to present early. The propensity score demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.73). Conclusions: Male athletes with a completed baseline assessment were more likely to seek early treatment following a SRC, and older athletes who reported a greater number of previous SRCs were less likely to present early. External validation of the propensity score is needed before examining the impact of treatment timing on adolescent athlete recovery outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To evaluate the reasons for seeking dental care for children and teenagers attending an emergency clinic and the proportion of single visits treatments. Material and methods. A retrospectiv study was made on 500 children and teenagers (252 girls), mean age 13.91±2.3 years, who attended the emergency office from the Paedodontics Department of "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, during 2017-2019. Informations regarding age/gender/diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square test with the significance level set as p < 0.05. Results. For 401 children (80.2%), pain was the main reason for the presentation in an emergency visit. 11% came for a specialist consultation and the others 8.8% because of a dental trauma. Nearly 79% of the visits were due to caries: 39% simple decays and 40% complicated caries. Of the decayed teeth, 62.8% were on the posterior teeth and 37.2% on the anterior permanent teeth. Only 15.4% needed one single visit treatment, the others needed a complex pulp therapy. Conclusions. Pain caused by dental decay was the most frequent chief complaint. A lot of children were brought to the dentist with complaints that had started long time before, for which over-the-counter medications had been used. Most children had complicated caries which requires multiple treatment sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is now available in several world regions to better estimate transmission dynamics. However, to date, there is no epidemiological data regarding anti-SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in Mexico. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and define the clinical and demographic characteristics associated with seroprevalence.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional serological survey in Ciudad Guadalupe, NL, Mexico. City government employees voluntarily participated during July 2020. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected at the time of blood sampling to analyze the associated characteristics. IgM/IgG antibodies were determined using a qualitative chemiluminescent immunoassay. Descriptive statistics were used for categorical and continuous variables. Statistical significance was tested using the Chi-squared test, Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney. Logistic regression models and the odds ratios (adjusted and unadjusted) were used to estimate the association of demographic and clinical characteristics.Results: Of the 3,268 participants included, 193 (5.9%, 95% CI 5.1-6.8) tested positive for IgM/IgG against SARS-CoV-2. Sex, city of residence, and comorbidities did not show any association with having IgM/IgG antibodies. A total of 114 out of 193 (59.1%) subjects with a positive test were asymptomatic, and the odds of being positive were higher in those who reported symptoms of COVID-19 in the previous four weeks to the survey (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.9-5.5).Conclusions: There is a low rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection among government employees that have continuously been working during the pandemic. Six in ten infections were asymptomatic, and seroprevalence is low and still far from herd immunity. Epidemiological surveillance and preventive measures should be mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Urinary catheters (UCs) with a closed urinary drainage system have been widely used in patients for many years. However, the frequency of replacing and operating these devices may be associated with catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). Purpose: This study was designed to compare the incidence of CAUTI by replacement time (every 14 or ≥ 15 days) of the urinary drainage system. Methods: This 1-year prospective, nonrandomized controlled study was conducted in a major teaching hospital. The Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs Statement checklist was used. All of the patients with UCs were divided into two groups based on each patient's preference with regard to replacement time of the urinary drainage system. Results: Five hundred sixty-two patients were evaluated, and 341 patients with UCs were enrolled as participants in the study. In the per-protocol analysis, 16 patients (22.2%; 9.3 episodes/ 1,000 catheter-days) in the 14-day group and 15 patients (17.9%; relative risk = 1.24, 95% confidence interval [0.66, 2.34]) in the ≥ 15-day group (7.7 episodes/1,000 catheter-days; incidence density ratio 1.20, 95%confidence interval [0.60, 2.43]) had CAUTIs. A comparison of cleanliness within urinary bags showed no significant intergroup difference (p > .05). In the intention-to-treat analysis, the incidence of CAUTI between the two groups was also not significantly different (p > .05). Conclusions: No statistically significant difference in the incidence of CAUTI was identified between patients who used the 14-day replacement interval and those who used the ≥ 15-day replacement interval for their urinary drainage system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]