Against mathematical platonism, it is sometimes objected that mathematical objects are mysterious. One possible elaboration of this objection is that the individuation of mathematical objects cannot be adequately explained. This suggests that facts about the numerical identity and distinctness of mathematical objects require an explanation, but that their supposed nature precludes us from providing one.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTermites, together with cockroaches, belong to the Blattodea. They possess an XX/XY sex determination system which has evolved from an XX/X0 system present in other Blattodean species, such as cockroaches and wood roaches. Little is currently known about the sex chromosomes of termites, their gene content, or their evolution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAn 84-year-old man with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome treated with tocilizumab reported with a 3-day history of left eye pain, conjunctival chemosis and injection, and horizontal binocular diplopia. Examination revealed restriction of left eye ductions in all directions with mild unilateral proptosis. MRI of his brain and orbits demonstrated abnormal enhancement of the left posterior sclera and intraorbital optic nerve sheath, without involvement of the extraocular muscles, cavernous sinus, or optic nerve parenchyma.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Our aim was to examine mortality trends in the era of antiretroviral therapy, among people who inject drugs (PWID) who are living with HIV. The study objectives were to assess and quantify mortality among PWID diagnosed with HIV over time in Scotland, in the context of a recent outbreak of HIV and rise in drug-related mortality.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of those diagnosed with HIV in Scotland between January 2000 and February 2020, with acquisition related to injecting drug use, linked to mortality data.
Background: The performance and availability of invasive and non-invasive investigations for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) vary across clinical settings. Estimating the pre-test probability of PCP is essential to the optimal selection and interpretation of diagnostic tests, such as the 1,3-β-D-glucan assay (BDG), for the prioritization of bronchoscopy, and to guide empiric treatment decisions. We aimed to develop a multivariable risk score to estimate the pre-test probability of PCP.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Fatigue is common in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with IBD activity, sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression. The relative contribution of these factors to fatigue is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fatigue and these factors through a novel approach using structural equation modelling.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: While midwifery education in Bangladesh has expanded since its establishment in 2013, there is little information available about the quality of education. The aim of this project was to analyse the literature related to midwifery education in Bangladesh in reference to the Global Standards for Midwifery Education.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus databases.
This study aimed to improve the predictive accuracy of the Braden assessment for pressure injury risk in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) by incorporating real-world data and training a survival model. A comprehensive analysis of 126 384 SNF stays and 62 253 in-house pressure injuries was conducted using a large calibrated wound database. This study employed a time-varying Cox Proportional Hazards model, focusing on variations in Braden scores, demographic data and the history of pressure injuries.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is widely used in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but limited data exist for its application in individuals at above-average risk for CRC who complete surveillance colonoscopies.
Aim: To assess the accuracy, acceptability, and effectiveness of FIT in the interval between surveillance colonoscopies, for predicting advanced neoplasia (advanced adenoma or CRC) at the next colonoscopy.
Methods: Individuals enrolled in an Australian surveillance program were included.
Proc SPIE Int Soc Opt Eng
February 2024
Neuroblastoma is the most common type of extracranial solid tumor in children and can often result in death if not treated. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive technique for treating tissue that is deep within the body. It avoids the use of ionizing radiation, avoiding long-term side-effects of these treatments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Aim: Surveillance colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is generally not recommended beyond 75 years of age. The study determined incidence and predictors of advanced adenoma and CRC in older individuals undergoing surveillance colonoscopy.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of asymptomatic older participants (≥75 years), enrolled in a South Australian CRC surveillance program who underwent colonoscopy (2015-2020).
Introduction: Menthol tobacco products have been marketed disproportionately to communities of color for decades.
Methods: In Los Angeles County, California, a health marketing campaign, which used glossy visuals and attractive people in appealing poses, reminiscent of tobacco marketing tactics, was created and implemented to educate smokers on the health risks of using menthol cigarettes. The campaign encouraged smokers to make a quit attempt by offering access to free or low-cost resources through the Kick It California quitline and the LAQuits website (laquits.
Background And Aims: Drug-related deaths in Scotland more than doubled between 2011 and 2020. To inform policymakers and understand drivers of this increase, we estimated the number of people with opioid dependence aged 15-64 from 2014/15 to 2019/20.
Design: We fitted a Bayesian multi-parameter estimation of prevalence (MPEP) model, using adverse event rates to estimate prevalence of opioid dependence jointly from Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT), opioid-related mortality and hospital admissions data.
Introduction: A large SNF system in the United States adopted a holistic wound care model that included an AI DWMS to improve PI care.
Objective: To compare the trend in PI point prevalence rates and average days to healing linked to adopting technology in practice from 2021 to 2022, and to assess the rate of received PI F686 citations in facilities that adopted the technology compared with those that did not.
Methods: The study used the DWMS database to compare anonymized PI data assessed in 2021 (15 583 patients) vs 2022 (30 657 patients) from all SNF facilities that adopted the technology in 2021 and 2022.
Background: Several regulatory agencies have approved the use of the neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy for resectable stage II and III of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and numerous trials investigating novel agents are underway. However, significant concerns exist around the feasibility and safety of offering curative surgery to patients treated within such pathways. The goal in this study was to evaluate the impact of a transition towards a large-scale neoadjuvant therapy program for NSCLC.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAm J Respir Crit Care Med
June 2024
is the major bacterial pathogen colonizing the airways of adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and causes chronic infections that persist despite antibiotic therapy. Intracellular bacteria may represent an unrecognized reservoir of bacteria that evade the immune system and antibiotic therapy. Although the ability of to invade and survive within epithelial cells has been described in different epithelial cell models, evidence of this intracellular lifestyle in human lung tissues is currently lacking.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAmid the growing concerns about air toxics from pollution sources, much emphasis has been placed on their impacts on human health. However, there has been limited research conducted to assess the cumulative country-wide impact of air toxics on both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the complex interactions within food webs. Traditional approaches, including those of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), lack versatility in addressing diverse emission sources and their distinct ecological repercussions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlthough Valley fever represents a growing public health challenge for Central and Southern Californian residents, awareness remains severely limited. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) ran a cross-platform campaign to mitigate this awareness gap and impact prevention behavior. This study evaluates exposure to the CDPH campaign, followed by an examination of the information consumption patterns associated with key health outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Measures of participation restrictions in daily life occupations are not typically used and may aid discharge planning and demonstrate the impact of occupational therapy services in inpatient settings. The overall aim of this mixed-methods study was to test the feasibility of relevant outcome measures by (1) investigating which of the three identified measures-the Home Support Needs Assessment, the Personal Care Participation Assessment and Resource Tool, and the Functional Autonomy Measurement System-best identifies meaningful changes in participation restrictions in daily life occupations required for community life; and (2) investigating the acceptability, usefulness, and feasibility of each measure to support inpatient practice.
Methods: Occupational therapists (n = 3) completed the three measures with patient participants (n = 12) at admission and discharge.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, immune dysregulation, and multi-organ fibrosis. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a complication of SSc and a leading cause of SSc-death. The administration of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) intradermally in the mouse (HOCl-SSc) purportedly shows several features typical of SSc.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Evidence shows that ongoing accurate wound assessments using valid and reliable measurement methods is essential to effective wound monitoring and better wound care management. Relying on subjective interpretation in measuring wound dimensions and assuming a rectilinear shape of all wounds renders an inconsistent and inaccurate wound area measurement.
Objective: The authors investigated the discrepancy in wound area measurements using a DWMS versus TPR methods and compared debridement codes submitted for reimbursement by assessment method.
Background/aims: Insomnia is common in people with chronic medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and is readily treatable through cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. This study aimed to describe the associations with insomnia in people with IBD and its relationship to IBD-related disability.
Methods: An online questionnaire was administered through 3 tertiary IBD centers, social media, and Crohn's Colitis Australia.
Background & Aims: An increasing burden on health care resources has resulted in a backlog of individuals requiring colonoscopy, with delays in surveillance possibly detrimental for individuals at increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study investigated the use of a 2-sample fecal immunochemical test (FIT) to establish those most likely to have advanced neoplasia (AN) and in need of prioritized surveillance colonoscopy.
Methods: This was a prospective study conducted in the tertiary care setting.