Search Results (51)

Background: Pain is a problem faced by critically ill surgical patients and has a major impact on their outcomes. Pain assessment is therefore essential for effective pain management, with a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Clinical supervision, supported by models such as SafeCare, can improve professional development, safety and the quality of care in intensive care units. Objectives: This study aimed to: (1) assess current pain assessment practices in a polyvalent Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in the Porto district; (2) identify nurses’ training needs regarding the Clinical Supervision-Sensitive Indicator—Pain; and (3) evaluate the impact of clinical supervision sessions on pain assessment practices. Methods: A quantitative, quasi-experimental, cross-sectional study with a pre- and post-intervention design was conducted. Based on the SafeCare model, it included a situational diagnosis, 6 clinical supervision sessions (February 2023), and outcome evaluation via nursing record audits (November 2022 and May 2023) in 31 total critical ill patients. Pain was assessed using standardised tools, in line with institutional protocols. Data was analysed using Software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v25.0. Results: Pain was highly prevalent in the first 24 h, decreasing during hospitalisation. Generalised acute abdominal pain predominated, with mild to moderate intensity, and was exacerbated by wound care and mobilisation/positioning. Pain management combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. There was an improvement in all the parameters of the pain indicator post-intervention. Conclusions: Despite routine assessments, gaps remained in reassessing pain post-analgesia and during invasive procedures. Targeted clinical supervision and ongoing training proved effective in improving compliance with protocols and supporting safer, more consistent pain management. Full article

Background: Oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma (AML) are benign renal tumors that may mimic malignant lesions on imaging. With the increasing use of partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal masses, accurate preoperative characterization of these lesions is essential. This study highlights the role of partial nephrectomy as a valuable diagnostic tool in situations where imaging is inconclusive or raises concern for malignancy without definitive confirmation. In the absence of a reliable preoperative diagnosis, partial nephrectomy provides direct histologic verification with minimal perioperative morbidity. Moreover, it offers curative potential when malignancy is present. By achieving both diagnostic certainty and renal preservation, this approach is well-suited for clinical scenarios in which imaging ambiguity might otherwise result in overtreatment through radical surgery or undertreatment Material and methods: in this retrospective study, we reviewed our 5-year experience (2019–2024), 188 partial nephrectomies—including bilateral procedures and operations on solitary kidneys—using robotic and open approaches. All of these 30 tumors were solid renal masses with indeterminate imaging features or suspicious characteristics suggestive of malignancy, further underscoring the limitations of current preoperative diagnostic modalities. Results: Histopathological evaluation confirmed benign renal tumors in 30 cases, with oncocytoma diagnosed in 18 cases (16 robotic, 2 open) and AML in 12 cases (9 robotic, 3 open). Conclusions: Even when imaging raises suspicion of malignancy or remains inconclusive, many small renal masses are ultimately confirmed as benign upon histopathological examination. This study underscores the diagnostic uncertainty associated with small renal tumors and highlights the value of partial nephrectomy as a decisive diagnostic intervention. In situations where non-invasive modalities fail to provide definitive answers, partial nephrectomy offers tissue confirmation with minimal morbidity. Furthermore, when malignancy is present, this approach ensures appropriate oncologic management while preserving renal function. Our findings support the integration of this strategy into routine clinical practice, particularly when diagnostic clarity is essential for guiding safe and effective treatment. Full article

Background: Individuals with ADHD may perform poorly on tasks targeting executive functioning skills such as the ImPACT, which requires the test-taker to employ judgement in non-routine situations Objective: To determine whether ADHD serves as a mediating variable for increasing the likelihood of an invalid score. Materials and Methods: A total of 39,140 collegiate athletes and United States military cadets consented to the Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium study. Participants completed the CARE Baseline Packet which included various sections through which study participants provide self-report data, including demographic, personal, and family history sections. The personal history portion of the CARE Baseline Packet addressed the participant’s neurological history, including self-reported diagnosis of ADHD and history of traumatic brain injury. Variables utilized for the current study included age, gender, race, ethnicity, the participant’s primary college sport, use of mouthguards for athletes competing in sports requiring them, and the presence of an ADHD diagnosis. Participants responded to a question, inquiring if they had ever been diagnosed by a medical professional with ADHD, ultimately producing a dichotomous yes/no response. Results: We found that participants with ADHD were more likely to produce invalid baseline scores (ß = −0.884; p < 0.001). Similar results were found when controlling for sex, race, age, sport played, mouthguard use, and number of previous concussions (ß = −0.786; p < 0.001). Sex, race, sport played, and mouthguard use each played a significant role in determining profile validity, independent of ADHD diagnosis. With ADHD removed from the model, age negatively affected the likelihood of a valid score (ß = −0.052; p = 0.048). Conclusions: Our study suggests that the relationship between age and ImPACT validity is explained by the presence of ADHD. Results support adjusting ImPACT’s validity thresholds for individuals with ADHD. Full article

Maintaining quality of life through functional autonomy is crucial for supporting aging in place. While assistive technologies and architectural adaptations have received significant attention, there is limited knowledge on how older adults independently adapt domestic routines using everyday household products. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore how functionally independent older adults manage key domestic tasks and to identify user-driven adaptations that could inform inclusive product design. Methods: We conducted a qualitative field study involving non-participant observations and in-depth case studies with 20 older adults aged 65–85 living in urban Chile. Participants were observed while performing cooking, dishwashing, and waste disposal activities. Thematic analysis and axial coding, based on grounded theory principles, were applied to identify adaptation strategies and usability barriers. Results: Participants employed a range of adaptation strategies across tasks, including temporal redistribution of effort, spatial reorganization, informal tool use, and reliance on social support. These adaptations reflected creative and situated responses to physical and environmental constraints. Many strategies could be interpreted as emergent user solutions, offering practical insights for the inclusive and low-cost redesign of everyday objects. Conclusions: Older adults actively modify their interactions with domestic environments to preserve autonomy and functionality. Recognizing and incorporating these emergent user adaptations into product design processes can strengthen inclusive design practices, support aging in place, and inform public health strategies aimed at promoting independence among aging populations. Full article

Background and Purpose: Undescended testes (UDT) is recognized as the most prevalent anomaly of the male genitalia and presents a significant risk factor for long-term complications, including infertility and testicular cancer. Currently, there is no consensus on the necessity of imaging in the management of UDT, nor is there agreement on which imaging modality is preferred or to what extent these tests offer real added value in the clinical setting. This review aims to evaluate the various imaging options available in the management of cryptorchidism, discussing their utility, advantages, and disadvantages compared to exploratory laparoscopy. Methods: We conducted a PubMed search using the following search terms: [“undescended testis”] OR [(“cryptorchidism”) OR (“diagnostic imaging”)] OR [(“Ultrasound”), OR (“CT scan”) OR (“MRI”)] AND [“laparoscopy”]. We analyzed 90 full articles, excluding irrelevant ones, and, in total, 18 publications were included in this review. Results: Ultrasound (US) is the most commonly used technique due to its non-invasive nature and absence of ionizing radiation. It is particularly beneficial in cases of non-palpable UDT. However, its main limitation lies in the difficulty in accurately locating UDT, especially when they are situated outside the inguinal region. Computed tomography (CT) scans serve as a crucial diagnostic tool, particularly for testes located below the internal inguinal ring. While CT exhibits comparable accuracy in detecting UDT, the need for sedation or general anesthesia, along with the costs and potential risks of secondary malignancy due to radiation exposure, does not favor its routine use. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers higher sensitivity than US and does not utilize ionizing radiation or intravascular contrast agents. It allows for the generation of multiplanar images, thereby providing improved tissue characterization. However, limitations include prolonged scan durations, the potential for motion artifacts during imaging, the need for sedation, and higher costs. Laparoscopy has been shown to provide better accuracy, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, particularly in cases of non-palpable UDT. It is widely regarded as the gold standard in achieving clear diagnostic and definitive therapeutic procedures and has demonstrated its utility in determining the anatomical position of intra-abdominal testes, owing to its magnification capabilities and minimally invasive approach. Conclusions: Achieving a correct and comprehensive diagnosis of cryptorchidism requires the medical team to decide on the appropriate imaging studies, as these will not significantly influence or alter the therapeutic decision-making process. It is unlikely that medical practice will eliminate imaging studies before a surgical decision is made in the near future. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach that includes clinical examination, imaging, and diagnostic laparoscopy remains essential for the accurate management of UDT. Full article

Colostrum feeding is crucial for calf rearing to guarantee passive immunity transfer (PIT) of antibodies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different management practices on the calf’s immunological parameters focusing on vaccination and colostrum management. Data were gathered on management routines, vaccination programs, and antimicrobial usage. Farmers were provided with colostrum management guidelines and a digital Brix refractometer to enhance colostrum feeding practices. Colostrum quality, PIT and lymphocyte subpopulations in both colostrum and blood were analyzed for further characterization. The combined farm and laboratory data were then examined to evaluate each farm’s situation. Farmers reliably monitored colostrum quality by Brix refractometry and were able to modify colostrum management in a way that favored PIT. High-quality colostrum was linked to better PIT outcomes. Notably, Farm C, the sole non-vaccinated farm, reported higher antibiotic usage in both calves and lactating animals and showed reduced γδ T cell levels in colostrum. In conclusion, lymphocyte subpopulation content should be further studied as a trait of colostrum quality as well as of PIT. Failure to implement a vaccination program in the farm can have negative consequences on colostrum quality, as shown when analyzing both immunoglobulins and lymphocytes. This can result in a higher number of antibiotic treatments that may in turn be followed by different patterns of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Background: Acute lower respiratory tract conditions are highly prevalent in paediatrics. Many of these conditions present as consolidations on imaging studies. One of the most common causes is bacterial pneumonia (BP), which requires an accurate diagnosis to implement the best treatment plan. Despite the fact that major guidelines constrain the use of invasive tests, chest X-ray (CXR) or blood tests are still routinely used for the diagnosis. In this regard, the introduction of lung ultrasound (LUS) signified an advancement in reducing the invasiveness of diagnosis. However, there are still situations where distinguishing between different aetiologies remains challenging, especially in the case of atelectasis. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study to assess the diagnostic accuracy of new non-invasive, quantifiable, and reproducible imaging biomarkers (lung elastance and microvascularization ratio) for differentiating BP from another major entity that causes the appearance of consolidation in imaging tests, atelectasis. It will be conducted at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Spain from June 2025 to June 2027. Firstly, imaging biomarkers will be measured in well-aerated lung tissue without consolidation to establish their values in healthy lung tissue, according to a predefined imaging acquisition protocol. Subsequently, the imaging biomarkers will be assessed in patients with confirmed lung consolidation by LUS (Group 1: BP; Group 2: atelectasis). Results: The study aims to determine whether there are statistically significant differences in the biomarker values in relation to the normal values and between the different etiological groups. Conclusions: The demonstration of the reliable diagnostic accuracy of these biomarkers could significantly reduce the need for invasive techniques and improve the therapeutic management of many patients with BP and other pulmonary conditions presenting with consolidation in imaging tests. Full article

Psychic suffering is typical of the human condition and involves multideterminant factors in its origin, with significant influence from affective–relational–economic issues, invariably marked by negative and positive experiences. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the process of construction and content validation of a set of nursing actions to integrate a mobile educational technology to assist individuals in psychic distress in primary health care. Methods: This was a methodological study in four stages: scope review, qualitative research, elaboration of a set of nursing actions and content validation. It was carried out from December/2022 to December/2023, with 16 Brazilian specialists, a minimum Content Validity Index of 80% and Cronbach’s Alpha (α). Results: Six sets of actions were elaborated and evaluated: nursing actions in the initial assessment of the individual in psychic distress (99% α 0.47); nursing actions towards individuals in psychic distress with complaints associated with Depressive Disorder (93.4% α 0.84); nursing actions towards individuals in psychic distress with complaints associated with Anxiety Disorder (95.4% α 0.88); nursing actions towards individuals in psychic distress with Suicidal Ideation (96.3% α 0.71); nursing actions towards individuals in psychic distress resulting from the use of psychoactive substances (99.6% α 0.77) and; nursing actions towards individuals in psychic distress as a result of grief situations (98.6% α 0.28). Conclusions: The set of actions proved to be validated and to have acceptable reliability, thus contributing to supporting the development of educational technology. The conclusions of this research highlight the possibility for nurses to conduct nursing actions in the care of people in psychic distress, in a non-specialized context. In addition, this is a resource to improve the routine mental health care of nurses who work in primary health care. Full article

Background: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are an heterogeneous group of infiltrating lung pathologies, for which prompt diagnosis and continuous assessment are of paramount importance. While chest CT is an established diagnostic tool for ILDs, there are no formal guidelines on the follow-up regimen, leaving the frequency and modality of follow-up largely at the clinician’s discretion. Methods: The study retrospectively evaluated the indication of chest CT in a cohort of 129 ILD patients selected from the ambulatory care polyclinic at University Hospital of Liège. The aim was to determine whether the imagining acquisition had a true impact on clinical course and follow-up. We accepted three different situations for justifying the indication of the CTs: clinical deterioration, a decrease in pulmonary function tests (at least a 10% drop in a parameter), and monitoring for oncological purposes. The other indications, mainly routine follow-up, were classified as “non-justified”. Radiation dose output was evaluated with Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI) and Dose Length Product (DLP). Results: The mean number of CT scans per patient per year was 1.7 ± 0.4, determining irradiation in CTDI (mGy)/year of 34.9 ± 64.9 and DLP in (mGy*cm)/year of 1095 ± 1971. The percentage of justified CT scans was 57 ± 32%, while the scans justified a posteriori were 60 ± 34%. Around 40% of the prescribed monitoring CT scans had no impact on the management of ILD and direct patient care. Conclusions: Our study identifies a trend of overuse in chest CT scans at follow-up (up to 40%), outside those performed for clinical exacerbation or oncological investigation. In the particular case of ILD exacerbation, CT scan value remains high, underlying the benefit of this strategy. Full article

Bilirubin is a product of the metabolism of hemoglobin from red blood cells. Higher levels of bilirubin are a sign that either there is an unusual breaking down rate of red blood cells or the liver is not able to eliminate bilirubin, through bile, into the gastrointestinal tract. For adults, bilirubin is occasionally monitored through urine or invasive blood sampling, whilst all newborns are routinely monitored visually, or non-invasively with transcutaneous measurements (TcBs), due to their biological immaturity to conjugate bilirubin. Neonatal jaundice is a common condition, with higher levels of unconjugated bilirubin concentration having neurotoxic effects. Actual devices used in TcBs are focused on newborn populations, are hand-held, and, in some cases, operate in only two wavelengths, which does not necessarily guarantee reliable results over all skin tones. The same occurs with visual inspections. Based on that, a continuous bilirubin monitoring device for newborns is being developed to overcome visual inspection errors and to reduce invasive procedures. This device, operating optically with a mini-spectrometer in the visible range, is susceptible to patient movements and, consequently, to situations with a lower signal quality for reliable bilirubin concentration estimates on different types of skin. Therefore, as an intermediate development step and, based on skin spectra measurements from adults, this work addresses the device’s placement status prediction as a signal quality indication index. This was implemented by using machine learning (ML), with the best performances being achieved by support vector machine (SVM) models, based on the spectra acquired on the arm and forehead areas. Full article

Sperm DNA fragmentation (sDF) is a DNA damage able to predict natural conception. Thus, many laboratories added tests for the detection of sDF as an adjunct to routine semen analysis with specific indications. However, some points related to sDF are still open. The available tests are very different each from other, and a direct comparison, in terms of the prediction of reproductive outcomes, is mandatory. The proposed mechanisms responsible for sDF generation have not yielded treatments for men with high levels of sDF that have gained the general consent in clinical practice, thus requiring further research. Another relevant point is the biological meaning to attribute to sDF and, thus, what we can expect from tests detecting sDF for the diagnosis of male infertility. SDF can represent the “tip of iceberg” of a more extended and undetected sperm abnormality somehow impacting upon reproduction. Investigating the nature of such a sperm abnormality might provide novel insights into the link between sDF and reproduction. Finally, several studies reported an impact of native sDF on assisted reproduction technique outcomes. However, to fertilise the oocyte, selected spermatozoa are used where sDF, if present, associates with highly motile spermatozoa, which is the opposite situation to native semen, where most sDF associates with non-viable spermatozoa. Studies comparing the impact of sDF, as assessed in both native and selected spermatozoa, are needed. Full article

Uncertainty quantification is a critical aspect of distribution logistics, particularly unpredictable travel times caused by traffic congestion and varying transportation conditions. This paper explores the modeling of uncertainty in dealing with travel times in the context of distribution logistics using the collocation method. First, we employ Monte Carlo simulations to assess the efficacy of the collocation method in modeling the variability and uncertainty associated with travel times. Second, we implement the collocation method in Casablanca, Morocco, a city renowned for its extensive distribution logistics operations and its dynamic traffic. Four distinct scenarios are considered: morning peak, inter-peak, evening peak, and off-peak periods. Our study explores two scenarios: one with recurrent congestion, representing typical daily conditions, and the other with unpredictable uncertainties in travel times, accounting for unexpected events that may occur during a distribution day. Our research findings enhance our understanding of the probabilistic nature of travel times in distribution logistics. This knowledge provides valuable insights applicable to both routine situations with recurrent congestion and non-recurrent congestion. The results’ findings contribute to a better understanding of the probabilistic nature of travel times in distribution logistics, offering valuable insights for optimizing route planning and scheduling. Full article

Background and Objectives: Implant-supported single crowns have become a routine approach for the replacement of missing single teeth, being considered as one of the most common ways of rehabilitation when adjacent teeth are healthy. The present retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors possibly associated with failure and technical complications of implant-supported single crowns and their supporting implants. Materials and Methods: Patients treated at one faculty (2009–2019) were considered for inclusion. Complications investigated included ceramic fracture/chipping, crown loss of retention/mobility, crown failure/fracture, loosening/loss/fracture of prosthetic screw, and implant failure/fracture. Any condition/situation that led to the removal/replacement of crowns (implant failure not included) was considered prosthesis failure. Univariate/multivariate Cox regression models were used to evaluate the associations between clinical covariates and failure. Results: 278 patients (358 crowns) were included. Mean ± SD follow-up was 56.5 ± 29.7 months. Seven implants (after a mean of 76.5 ± 43.7 months) and twenty crowns (21.3 ± 23.5 months) failed. The cumulative survival rate (CSR) for crowns was 93.5% after 5, remaining at 92.2% between 6 and 11 years. The most common reasons for crown failure were porcelain large fracture (n = 6), crown repeatedly loose (n = 6), and porcelain chipping (n = 5). Men and probable bruxism were identified in the Cox regression model as being associated with crown failure. The most common observed technical complications were mobility of the crown and chipping of the ceramic material, with the latter being observed even in crowns manufactured of monolithic zirconia. Cases with at least one technical complication (not considering loss of screw hole sealing) were more common among probable bruxers than in non-bruxers (p = 0.002). Cases of ceramic chipping were more common among bruxers than in non-bruxers (p = 0.014, log-rank test). Conclusions: Probable bruxism and patient’s sex (men) were factors associated with a higher risk of failure of implant-supported single crowns. Full article

The National Guard (NG) served as a critical component of the US COVID-19 response while concurrently managing personal COVID-19 responses. Understanding pandemic-related concerns, sleep difficulties, increased substance use, and stress management strategies can promote readiness for subsequent disasters. We surveyed 3221 NG service members (75% Army; 79% enlisted; 52% 30–49 years; 81% male) during COVID-19 (August-November 2020). Almost half were activated in response to COVID-19 (mean = 18.6 weeks) and completed the survey 2–3 months post-activation. Service members indicated great concern about family health (39%), the indefinite nature of the pandemic (35%), and their financial situation (23%). Over one-third reported changes in usual sleep amount, 33% described poor sleep quality, and 21% had trouble falling/staying asleep. Increased substance use was reported by 30%, including increased alcohol (13.5%), tobacco (9%), and caffeine/energy drinks (20.1%) consumption. Chi-square analyses and analyses of variance found those who activated reported more increased tobacco and caffeine/energy drink use versus non-activated, with no sleep difficulties nor alcohol use differences. Helpful stress management strategies included spending time outdoors (53%), exercising (48%), talking to family/friends (38%), and having a daily routine (38%). Specific health-, financial-, and job-related stressors were associated with COVID-19. Incorporating stress management in planning/preventive efforts promotes resilience during disasters. Full article

Background: Many patients with ongoing complaints after a SARS-CoV-2 infection are treated in primary care. Existing medical guidelines on how to diagnose and treat Long-/Post-COVID are far from being comprehensive. This study aims to describe how German general practitioners (GPs) deal with this situation, what problems they experience when managing such patients, and how they solve problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of Long-/Post-COVID. Methods and Findings: We conducted a qualitative study and interviewed 11 GPs. The most commonly described symptoms were ongoing fatigue, dyspnea, chest tightness and a decrease in physical capacity. The most common way to identify Long-/Post-COVID was by exclusion. Patients suffering from Long-/Post-COVID were generally treated by their GPs and rarely referred. A very common non-pharmacological intervention was to take a wait-and-see approach and grant sick leave. Other non-pharmacological interventions included lifestyle advices, physical exercise, acupuncture and exercises with intense aromas. Pharmacological treatments focused on symptoms, like respiratory symptoms or headaches. Our study’s main limitations are the small sample size and therefore limited generalizability of results. Conclusions: Further research is required to develop and test pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions for patients with Long-/Post-COVID. In addition, strategies to prevent the occurrence of Long-/Post-COVID after an acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 have to be developed. The routine collection of data on the diagnosis and management of Long-/Post-COVID may help in the formulation of best practices. It is up to policymakers to facilitate the necessary implementation of effective interventions in order to limit the huge societal consequences of large groups of patients suffering from Long-/Post-COVID. Full article