Optimizing Neurobehavioral Assessment for Patients with Disorders of Consciousness: Proposal of a Comprehensive Pre-Assessment Checklist for Clinicians.

Background: Clinicians are challenged by the ambiguity and uncertainty in assessing level of consciousness in individuals with disorder of consciousness (DoC). There are numerous challenges to valid and reliable neurobehavioral assessment and classification of DoC due to multiple environmental and patient-related biases including behavioral fluctuation and confounding or co-occurring medical conditions. Addressing these biases could impact accuracy of assessment and is an important aspect of the DoC assessment process.

Examining Insula-Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity and Its Relationship with Heart Rate Variability.

Background: The Default Mode Network (DMN) is involved in self-referential and emotional processes, while the insula integrates emotional and interoceptive signals. Functional connectivity between the insula and the DMN is proposed to enhance these processes by linking internal bodily states with self-referential thoughts and emotional regulation. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a measure of parasympathetic regulation of cardiac activity, has been associated with the capacity to regulate autonomic arousal.

Modeling of Jet Lag and Searching for an Optimal Light Treatment.

The role of the hierarchical organization of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in its functioning, jet lag, and the light treatment of jet lag remains poorly understood. Using the core-shell model, we mimic collective behavior of the core and shell populations of the SCN oscillators in transient states after rapid traveling east and west. The existence of a special region of slow dynamical states of the SCN oscillators can explain phenomena such as the east-west asymmetry of jet lag, instances when entrainment to an advance is via delay shifts, and the dynamics of jet lag recovery time.

Playing a serious game to increase fertility awareness: perceptions of adolescents, parents and teachers.

Infertility is increasing globally, affecting one in six adults due to factors like delayed childbearing and lifestyle changes. Despite the recognition of the importance of increasing fertility awareness, levels remain low. This study evaluated the perceptions of 'FActs!', a serious game aimed at improving adolescents' fertility awareness.

Authenticity and Bioactive Markers Search in the Phenolic-Rich Extracts of Asteraceae Medicinal Plants Through Integrative Computational Chemometrics.

The Asteraceae family has been of significant concern for ethnobotanical studies, thanks to its health-promoting properties linked to a plethora of bioactive compounds, among which phenolic compounds play a critical role. In this work, a workflow based on computational chemometrics was employed to assess the authenticity and biomarker search of five key Asteraceae species commonly employed in traditional medicine. The UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS-MS phenolic profile of Asteraceae extracts was combined with the evaluation of several in vitro biological properties.

Insights in biomarkers complexity and routine clinical practice for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules and cancer.

Background: The differential diagnosis between benign and malignant thyroid nodules continues to be a major challenge in clinical practice. The rising incidence of thyroid neoplasm and the low incidence of aggressive thyroid carcinoma, urges the exploration of strategies to improve the diagnostic accuracy in a pre-surgical phase, particularly for indeterminate nodules, and to prevent unnecessary surgeries. Only in 2022, the 5th WHO Classification of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors, and in 2023, the 3rd Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology and the European Thyroid Association included biomarkers in their guidelines.

Simulated practice in the development of clinical reasoning in nursing students: A systematic review protocol.

is a pedagogical technique that replicates real-world scenarios in a controlled environment, enabling nursing students to engage in the teaching-learning process actively. While simulated practice is a growing pedagogical strategy, several studies have examined its strengths and limitations. However, evidence of its effectiveness in developing clinical reasoning skills among nursing students still needs to be improved.

Nitroaromatic-based triazene prodrugs to target the hypoxic microenvironment in glioblastoma.

Hypoxia is a hallmark of the glioblastoma multiforme microenvironment and represents a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Herein, we report nitroaromatic-based triazene prodrugs designed for selective activation by tumoral endogenous reductases and release of the cytotoxic methyldiazonium ion a self-immolative mechanism. While compounds bearing a 2-nitrofuran bioreductive group were more efficiently activated by nitroreductases, 4-nitrobenzyl prodrugs 1b, 1d and 1e elicited a more pronounced cytotoxic effect against LN-229 and U-87 MG glioblastoma cell lines under hypoxic conditions when compared to temozolomide (TMZ), the golden standard for glioblastoma treatment.

Machinability and surface integrity analysis of Ti-17 alloy using WEDC for advanced aero-engine application.

Recent advancements in aerospace industry demand intricate aero-engine parts, leading to the increased use of titanium alloys, particularly Ti-17, due to its high strength, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. However, its low thermal conductivity and tool wear tendency pose significant machining challenges, impacting surface integrity, fatigue life, and overall component performance. This study investigates the Wire Electrical Discharge Cutting (WEDC) process, revealing that the mechanism behind improved surface integrity lies in the controlled thermal input, which minimizes phase transformations and reduces residual stresses.

Filamentous cyanobacteria growth assessment using fluorinated ethylene propylene microcapillaries.

Abstract: Filamentous cyanobacteria originate toxic harmful algal blooms (HABs) in aquatic ecosystems, severely impacting freshwater ecosystems and life. Despite being natural bloomers, these microorganisms are challenging to handle , due to the formation of aggregates with entangled filaments. Consequently, their precise growth dynamics, although vital to timely predict HABs, remains inaccessible.

Definition of a European pre-vasectomy scoring system to identify patients at risk of vasectomy regret.

Introduction: Vasectomy is a widely used, safe, effective method of permanent contraception and contributes to healthy sexuality.

Aims: We have conducted a 3-step observational clinical study to develop a vasectomy regret risk score and guide patients and clinicians when discussing a vasectomy.

Methods: A 3-step approach has been followed.

Structural and luminescent properties of a Cr/Sm doped GdAlO orthorhombic perovskite for solid-state lighting applications.

The Cr and Sm doped GdAlO perovskite with formula GdSmAlCrO, was synthesized a solid-state reaction method, and its structure, morphology, and photoluminescence properties were thoroughly investigated. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group, with Cr transition-metal ions substituting Al in the octahedral symmetry site, and Sm lanthanide (rare-earth) ions occupying the tetrahedral site. The material's morphology and chemical composition homogeneity were evaluated through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis.

Monoterpenoid selenophenes derived from (-)-carvone with GPx-like activity.

Organoselenium compounds have been recognized as potential therapeutic agents against several diseases. Specifically, the incorporation of selenium into natural products has been reported to produce positive synergistic biological effects. We report herein the one-pot reaction of the natural monoterpenoid (-)-carvone with selenium bromide, which yields mentoselenophenone 1, together with minor amounts of phenols 2 and 3.

Nursing approaches to self-care, self-management, and adaptation to illness.

Nursing approaches to self-care, self-management, and adaptation to illness encompass diverse strategies aimed at enhancing patient well-being and empowering chronic condition management. The BMC Nursing collection "Nursing Approaches to Self-Care, Self-Management, and Adaptation to Illness" invites research advancing knowledge and care quality in these areas.

Under-five mortality and social determinants in africa: a systematic review.

Purpose: Under-five mortality is a key public health indicator, highly responsive to preventive interventions. While global efforts have made strides in reducing mortality rates in this age group, significant disparities persist, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to systematically review the factors influencing under-five mortality in Africa, focusing on sociodemographic factors and health-related determinants.

Replacing Theories with Evidence Around the Axes of the Eye in Intraocular Lens Selection: A Review for the Clinician.

The prevailing narrative in scientific literature has long overemphasized the role of ocular axes in intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, perpetuating misconceptions that have led to unnecessary exclusions of patients. Historical assumptions, coupled with inconsistent terminology and statistical inaccuracies, have muddled clinical decision-making. This review delves into these misconceptions, offering a critical reassessment of their relevance.

Nephrectomy in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A consensus statement of the ERA Genes & Kidney Working Group.

A substantial number of patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) undergo a nephrectomy, especially in work-up for a kidney transplantation. Currently, there is no evidence-based algorithm to guide clinicians which patients should undergo nephrectomy, the optimal timing of this procedure, or the preferred surgical technique. This systematic review-based consensus statement aimed to answer important questions regarding nephrectomy in ADPKD.

Ultrasound-guided release of carpal tunnel syndrome - anterograde technique.

Compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel is a frequent pathology with severe functional impact. An ultrasound-guided technique was developed to preserve structures, diminish scar fibrosis and enable fast return to full activity. Its advantages are safety and low additional cost.

A new population pharmacokinetic model for dosing optimization of zonisamide in patients with refractory epilepsy.

Zonisamide exhibits significant pharmacokinetic variability, demanding for the development of population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) models to identify key factors influencing drug disposition. This study aimed to develop and validate a PopPK to optimize zonisamide posology in patients with refractory epilepsy. A total of 114 plasma concentrations of zonisamide, obtained from 64 patients, were used for PopPK model development, employing the nonlinear mixed-effects modelling approach.

Co-cultivation of Komagataeibacter sp. and Lacticaseibacillus sp. strains to produce bacterial nanocellulose-hyaluronic acid nanocomposite membranes for skin wound healing applications.

Inspired by natural microbial cooperation, a co-culture approach was used to synthesize bacterial nanocellulose (BNC)-based nanocomposites for potential wound healing applications. By co-culturing either Komagataeibacter xylinus (K1G4) or the never tested strain K. rhaeticus (K2G46) with the hyaluronic acid (HA)-producer Lacticaseibacillus casei UMCC 2535, two BNC-HA nanocomposites were obtained (C1-K1 and C2-K2).

Reassessing the Role of Morning Cortisol in Adrenal Insufficiency Diagnosis: Insights from a Multicentric Cohort.

The diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (AI) is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms. Measuring 8 AM serum cortisol levels is a common screening test, but its accuracy in predicting AI remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive diagnostic value of basal morning cortisol levels in suspected AI cases and compare them with levels in healthy individuals.