J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s44197-024-00268-8. Online ahead of print.
NO ABSTRACT
PMID:38913257 | DOI:10.1007/s44197-024-00268-8
Tag: pubmed
Braz J Microbiol. 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s42770-024-01413-y. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
The Yanomami are one of the oldest indigenous tribes in the Amazon and are direct descendants of the first people to colonize South America 12,000 years ago. They are located on the border between Venezuela and Brazil, with the Venezuelan side remaining uncontacted. While they maintain a hunter-gatherer society, they are currently experiencing contact with urbanized populations in Brazil. The human gut microbiota of traditional communities has become the subject of recent studies due to the Westernization of their diet and the introduction of antibiotics and other chemicals, which have affected microbial diversity in indigenous populations, thereby threatening their existence. In this study, we preliminarily characterized the diversity of the gut microbiota of the Yanomami, a hunter-gatherer society from the Amazon, experiencing contact with urbanized populations. Similarly, we compared their diversity with the population in Manaus, Amazonas. A metabarcoding approach of the 16 S rRNA gene was carried out on fecal samples. Differences were found between the two populations, particularly regarding the abundance of genera (e.g., Prevotella and Bacteroides) and the higher values of the phyla Bacteroidetes over Firmicutes, which were significant only in the Yanomami. Some bacteria were found exclusively in the Yanomami (Treponema and Succinivibrio). However, diversity was statistically equal between them. In conclusion, the composition of the Yanomami gut microbiota still maintains the profile characteristic of a community with a traditional lifestyle. However, our results suggest an underlying Westernization process of the Yanomami microbiota when compared with that of Manaus, which must be carefully monitored by authorities, as the loss of diversity can be a sign of growing danger to the health of the Yanomami.
PMID:38913252 | DOI:10.1007/s42770-024-01413-y
Eur Radiol. 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s00330-024-10850-0. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To establish normative values and identify potential factors influencing pancreatic iodine uptake using dual-energy CT (DECT).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included participants without pancreatic diseases undergoing DECT at two institutions with different platforms. Their protocols both included arterial phase (AP), portal venous phase (PP), and equilibrium phase (EP), defined as 35 s-40 s, 60 s-70 s, and 150 s-180 s after injection of contrast agent, respectively. Both iodine concentration (IC) and normalised IC (NIC) were measured. Demographic features, local measurements of the pancreas and visceral fat area (VFA) were considered as potential factors influencing iodine uptake using multivariate linear regression analyses.
RESULTS: A total of 562 participants (median age 58 years [interquartile range: 47-67], with 282 men) were evaluated. The mean IC differed significantly between two institutions (all p < 0.001) across three contrast-enhanced phases, while the mean NIC showed no significant differences (all p > 0.05). The mean values of NIC were 0.22 at AP, 0.43 at PP and 0.45 at EP. NICAP was independently affected by VFA (β = 0.362, p < 0.001), smoking (β = -0.240, p = 0.001), and type-II diabetes (β = -0.449, p < 0.001); NICPP by VFA (β = -0.301, p = 0.017) and smoking (β = -0.291, p < 0.001); and NICEP by smoking (β = -0.154, p = 0.10) and alcohol consumption (β = -0.350, p < 0.001) with statistical power values over 0.81.
CONCLUSION: NIC values were consistent across institutions. Abdominal obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes are independent factors influencing pancreatic iodine uptake.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study has provided reference normative values, influential factors and effective normalisation methods of pancreatic iodine uptake in multiphase dual-energy CT for future studies in this area as a new biological marker.
KEY POINTS: Evaluation of pancreatic iodine uptake measured by dual-energy CT is a promising method for future studies. Abdominal obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, and sex are independent factors influencing pancreatic iodine uptake. Utility of normalised iodine concentration is necessary to ensure the consistency across different institutions.
PMID:38913243 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-024-10850-0
Int Ophthalmol. 2024 Jun 24;44(1):267. doi: 10.1007/s10792-024-03196-5.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To assist in surgical planning in endoscopic approaches, we analyzed the morphometric measurements of the superior orbital fissure (SOF) and optic canal (OC) by three-dimensional multislice computed tomography (3D MDCT) and evaluated them according to age, gender, and lateralization.
METHODS: The study analyzed 219 MDCT images (114 women, 105 men) from individuals aged 18-90. Measurements of SOF and OC were performed on 3D MDCT images in the axial plane and with 3D-Slicer software.
RESULTS: The distance between the infraorbital foramen and the anterior entrance of the maxillary sinus (CBW) (p < 0.001), the distance between the CBW and the lateral point of the SOF (p = 0.001), and the Angle 1 (p = 0.028) were higher in women than in men. While the SOF length and on 3D the SOF width were higher in women than men (p < 0.001 and (p = 0.001, respectively), the lateral wall length OC was higher in men than women (p = 0.045). According to SOF classification, SOF length was highest in type II and lowest in type VIII (p = 0.025), SOF width was highest in type I and lowest in type VI (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found based on age groups and lateralization in all parameters.
CONCLUSION: We found that as the SOF width increased, the SOF length also increased, and there was a statistically strong positive correlation. These findings can contribute to a more effective and safe operation by improving and updating surgeons’ knowledge about safe distances to SOF in endoscopic procedures from a 3D MDCT perspective.
PMID:38913238 | DOI:10.1007/s10792-024-03196-5
Nanoscale. 2024 Jun 24. doi: 10.1039/d4nr00589a. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
We conduct all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to systematically investigate the underlying mechanisms governing ion transport through a sub-nanometer pore decorated with negative charges in a “Janus” MoSSe membrane. The charge imbalance between S and Se atoms on each side of the membrane induces different types of ion adsorption processes depending on the pore inner charge configuration, and the polarity of external biases, which leads to asymmetry in ionic I–V characteristics. Statistical analysis of the total translocation times including adsorption-desorption processes, and ion dwell times indicates that potassium ions predominantly remain adsorbed during their interaction with the membrane before undertaking a quick translocation through the pore. High applied biases suppress cation adsorption, which results in fast translocation with the current flow boosted by negative inner charges around the pore. We also show that in a membrane consisting of several “Janus” layers, the applied bias necessary to overcome the sub-nm pore barrier increases with the number of layers, providing control over the ionic current.
PMID:38912547 | DOI:10.1039/d4nr00589a
Resusc Plus. 2024 Jun 5;19:100683. doi: 10.1016/j.resplu.2024.100683. eCollection 2024 Sep.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers are essential for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival, however implementing high-performance CPR guidelines in developing EMS settings presents challenges. This study assessed the impact of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives on OHCA outcomes in a hospital-based EMS agency in Bangkok, Thailand.
METHODS: A before-and-after study design was utilized, utilizing data from a prospective OHCA registry spanning 2019 to 2023. CQI interventions included low-dose high-frequency training in advanced airway management, high-performance CPR, and post-debriefing with video recording (VDO). Data collection encompassed patient characteristics, EMS management, and survival outcomes. Quality CPR metrics were assessed using the mobile defibrillator and CPR code review software. Statistical analyses compared outcomes between the pre-intervention period in 2019 and the post-full CQI implementation period in 2023.
RESULTS: Among enrolled OHCA patients, with 88 cases occurring in 2019 and 91 cases in 2023. The bystander CPR rate was similar between both groups (47.73% in 2023 vs 53.85%, p = 0.413). In 2023, there was a significantly higher rate of prehospital intubation (93.40% vs 70.45%, p < 0.001) compared to 2019. Prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) improved from 30.68% to 49.45% (p = 0.012), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 2.16 (95% CI: 1.14-4.07). Survival to discharge increased significantly from 2.27% in 2019 to 7.69% in 2023 (p = 0.27), with an aOR of 3.81 (95% CI: 0.46-31.79).
CONCLUSION: Tailored CQI initiatives in a developing EMS setting were significantly associated with improved prehospital ROSC but showed an insignificant increase in survival to discharge.
PMID:38912534 | PMC:PMC11192784 | DOI:10.1016/j.resplu.2024.100683
Resusc Plus. 2024 Jun 5;19:100684. doi: 10.1016/j.resplu.2024.100684. eCollection 2024 Sep.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: Previous research has reported racial disparities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) interventions, including bystander CPR and AED use. However, studies on other prehospital interventions are limited. The primary objective of this study was to investigate race/ethnic disparities in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) interventions: EMS response times, medication administration, and decisions for intra-arrest transport. The secondary objective was to evaluate differences in the provision of Bystander CPR (CPR) and application of AED.
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from the Salt Lake City Fire Department (2010-2023). We included adults 18 years or older with EMS-treated OHCA. Race/ethnicity was categorized as White people, Asian people, Black people, Hispanic people, and others. We employed multivariable regression analysis to evaluate the association between race/ethnicity and the outcomes of interest.
RESULTS: Unadjusted analyses revealed no significant differences across ethnic groups in EMS response, medication administration, bystander CPR, or intra-arrest transport decisions. However, significant ethnic disparities were observed in Automated External Defibrillator (AED) utilization, Black people having the lowest rate (6.5%) and Asian people the highest (21.8%). The adjusted analysis found no significant association between race/ethnicity and all OHCA intervention measures, nor between race/ethnicity and survival outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS: Our multivariable analysis found no statistically significant association between race/ethnicity and EMS response time, epinephrine administration, antiarrhythmic medication use, bystander CPR, AED intervention, or intra-arrest transport. These results imply regional variations in ethnic disparities in OHCA may not be consistent across all areas, warranting further research into disparities in other regions and additional influential factors like neighborhood conditions and socioeconomic status.
PMID:38912531 | PMC:PMC11190541 | DOI:10.1016/j.resplu.2024.100684
Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2024 Jun 17;20:373-379. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S455332. eCollection 2024.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The management of patients with COVID-19 infection has placed great pressure on the healthcare systems around the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the treatment outcomes of patients with rectal cancer by comparing them to those of patients with the same diagnosis in the pre-pandemic period.
METHODS: Retrospective data analysis of patients undergoing multimodal treatment for rectal cancer at the four university hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) and the 2-year pre-pandemic period (2018-2019).
RESULTS: A total of 693 patients (319 in the pre-pandemic period and 374 in the pandemic period) with rectal cancer were included in the study. The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients in both study periods were comparable, as was the spectrum of surgical procedures. Palliative surgery was more common in the pandemic period (18% vs 13%, p=0.084). The proportion of patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic (p=0.025). There were no statistically significant differences between the study periods in the incidence/severity of post-operative complications, 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay. The number of positive resection margins was similar (5% vs 5%). Based on these results, COVID-19 had no effect on the postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer. Neoadjuvant treatment was more common in the pre-pandemic period (50% vs 45%). Long-course RT was predominantly offered in the pre-pandemic period, short-course RT during the pandemic. Significantly shorter “diagnosis-surgery” intervals were observed during the pandemic (23 days vs 33 days, p=0.0002). The “surgery-adjuvant therapy” interval was similar in both analysed study periods (p=0.219).
CONCLUSION: Our study showed, that despite concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, multimodal treatment of rectal cancer was associated with unchanged postoperative morbidity rates, increased frequency of short-course neoadjuvant RT administration and shorter “diagnosis-surgery” intervals.
PMID:38912517 | PMC:PMC11192038 | DOI:10.2147/TCRM.S455332
Heliyon. 2024 May 27;10(11):e31618. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31618. eCollection 2024 Jun 15.
ABSTRACT
The security of images is one of the predominant pivotal aspects in the mammoth and still expanding digital domain. Due to chaotic system properties i.e. randomness and unpredictability is very appropriate to encrypt the images. In this research article, we construct an encryption model via 6D hyperchaotic map and a symmetric matrix for both color and grayscale images. We utilize the 6D hyperchaotic map in the confusion stage to change the pixel location and the symmetric matrix is used for changing the pixel value in the diffusion step for each RGB channel extraction from plain or original image. The image encryption model is checked over differential attacks (NPCR and UACI). Histogram analysis, correlation coefficients, and entropy analysis are also performed as statistical attacks. In conclusion, the image pixels are uniformly distributed, and the average entropy value are 7.9992 and 7.9973 for color and grayscale images, subsequently. The average NPCR and UACI for color images are 99.5956 and 33.4061, correspondingly, while the values for grayscale images are 99.5934 and 33.3054, respectively. These values are in the vicinity of optimal ranges. The suggested scheme’s great efficiency and the proposed algorithm’s resilience to a wide range of cryptanalytic attacks are implied by experimental results, statistical analysis, and differential attacks.
PMID:38912513 | PMC:PMC11190540 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31618
Heliyon. 2024 Jun 7;10(11):e32663. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32663. eCollection 2024 Jun 15.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance (AMR) and results in mortality, morbidity, and financial burden. Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) with education can resolve a number of barriers recognized in the implementation of successful ASPs. The aim of this study was to assess health professionals’ perceptions and status of ASPs in hospitals in 2022.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2022 to October 30, 2022. A total of 181 health professionals were included, and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The status of hospitals was assessed using a checklist. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (X2) at a P-value of <0.05 were used.
RESULTS: Of the 181 respondents, 163 (90.1 %), and 161 (89.0 %) believed that AMR is a significant problem in Ethiopia and globally, respectively. Easy access to antibiotics 155 (85.6 %), and inappropriate use 137 (75.7 %) were perceived as key contributors to AMR. Antibiotics were believed to be prescribed/dispensed without laboratory results 86 (47.5 %), and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were not considered to guide empiric therapy 81 (44.8 %). ASP was believed to reduce the duration of hospital stays and associated costs 137 (75.7 %), and improve the quality of patient care 133 (73.5 %), whereas 151 (83.4 %), 143 (79 %), and 142 (78.5 %) suggested education, institutional guidelines, and prospective audits with feedback interventions to combat AMR in their hospitals, respectively. There were significant differences in perception among professionals based on professional category and attempts by hospitals to implement ASPs. Although ASPs were not functioning according to standard, there have been attempts to implement it in three hospitals. The issue of ASP had never been heard in general hospitals. Currently, it is feasible to implement ASPs in four hospitals.
CONCLUSION: The status of ASP in hospitals was very poor. Despite a lack of prior knowledge on ASPs, most respondents do have a positive perception of AMR and the implementation of ASPs. Pharmacist-led prospective audits and feedback with education and institutional guidelines for empiric antibiotic use can be better implemented in hospitals. Involvement of representatives from infection prevention and control, and collaboration among hospitals in ASP implementation will help establish a strong ASP in the area.
PMID:38912506 | PMC:PMC11193037 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32663