Standard Examination Research Articles

The Canine Vaginal Flora: A Large-Cohort Retrospective Study.

Microbiological examinations are frequently performed as part of breeding management examinations in the bitch, but also in case of (suspected) reproductive tract problems. As most bacteria are opportunistic pathogens, evaluation of bacterial findings is challenging for veterinarians. Besides, breeders might request antimicrobial treatment in breeding bitches, fearing conception failure-even without medical indication. Considering the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, gaining deeper insights into the bacterial findings from the vagina of healthy and (suspected) reproductive-diseased bitches might contribute to the knowledge of the canine aerobic vaginal flora and consequently improve the responsible use of antibiotics. We analyzed results from bacteriological cultures of 23,254 vaginal swabs sent in to three commercial laboratories in Germany between 2015 and 2021, where standard aerobic microbiological examination was carried out. We found a variety of 319 bacterial species that mostly grew in mixed cultures of two or more bacterial species. Commonly found species were Escherichia coli, beta-hemolytic Streptococci, coagulase-positive Staphylococci, Pasteurellales, and aerobic sporulators, as well as other Streptococcus spp. Our results showed a large diversity of the canine vaginal flora in healthy and (suspected) reproductive-diseased bitches. They largely support earlier findings of small studies on the physiological canine vaginal flora, emphasizing that solely the results of a bacterial evaluation should not be the base for antimicrobial treatment. Instead, bacterial findings should be evaluated with the results of a clinical gynecological examination.

Screening for juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis with laser flare photometry in the pediatric rheumatology office: a prospective observational study

BackgroundJuvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Associated Uveitis (JIA-U) remains one of the most serious complications of JIA in children. Historically, pediatric JIA is diagnosed by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist; however, barriers to scheduling increase wait times that may delay diagnosis and treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate laser flare photometry (LFP) use to diagnose JIA-U in the Pediatric Rheumatology clinic for patients with JIA.MethodsThis prospective, observational study assessed pediatric patients diagnosed with JIA without a previous history of uveitis between January 2020 and September 2022. All patients underwent at least one evaluation of both eyes using a Kowa FM-600 laser flare photometer during a routine Rheumatology appointment, as well as a standard slit lamp examination (SLE) by optometry or ophthalmology during routine clinical care. Data collected at patient visits included demographics, JIA characteristics, treatment, LFP readings, and anterior chamber (AC) cell grade score utilizing the SUN grading system. Data were summarized using descriptive analyses and the uveitis false positive rate was calculated.ResultsThe study cohort included 58 pediatric patients diagnosed with JIA. The mean age was 8.4 years (1.2–16.3 years) at diagnosis and 11.9 (4.8–16.5 years) at enrollment. The mean duration of disease at time of enrollment was 42 months (range; 0-157 months). Participants were predominantly female (n = 43, 74.1%) and white/Caucasian race (n = 37, 63.8%). The most common JIA subtypes included persistent oligoarticular JIA (n = 19, 32.8%), and RF negative polyarticular JIA (n = 12, 20.7%). There were 12 ANA positive patients (20.7%). At enrollment, 16 patients (27.6%) were not on medications, with 20 (34.5%) on methotrexate, 20 (34.5%) on adalimumab, 6 (10.3%) on tocilizumab, and 5 (8.6%) on etanercept. During the study period, no eye exams detected active uveitis based on SLE with a SUN grade over 0. However, of the 135 LFP readings, 131 (97.0%) were normal, yielding a false positive rate of 3% (95% CI: 0.8%, 7.4%).ConclusionsLFP is a non-invasive tool that can be utilized in the pediatric rheumatology clinic to evaluate for JIA-U. There is a low false positive rate of LFP when compared with standard slit lamp exam.

Predictors of standardized in-service examination performance and residency outcomes in a graduate periodontics program.

The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of learner- and education-related factors on standardized in-service examination performance and determine whether in-service examination scores predict residency outcomes. American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) In-service Examination (AIE) scores from 10 periodontics residency classes at a single center were recorded and compared against a panel of learner- and education-related variables using multiple linear regression models. Defined residency outcome measures were analyzed against AIE scores using binomial logistic regression. No evaluated learner- or education-related variable was a statistically significant predictor of AIE score in this study sample. Likewise, AIE score was not a statistically significant predictor of any assessed residency outcome. The AAP has performed a tremendous service to periodontics residents and programs by marshaling the leadership and expertise necessary to offer a professionally constructed assessment instrument. However, in the current study, no relationship could be identified between AIE score and any outcome, including first-attempt board certification. The AAP In-service Committee appears well situated to provide additional leadership focusing on exam implementation, which may enhance AIE value in competency decision making.

Is there a rise of prevalence for Molar Incisor Hypomineralization? A meta-analysis of published data

Since Molar Incisor Hypomineralization was first described as a pathologic entity, public perception often suggests a considerable rise in prevalence of the respective disease. Since there are still considerable doubts regarding the etiology and—accordingly—prevention of MIH and respective therapeutic approaches are difficult this question is of considerable clinical and public interest. Accordingly, a systematic literature search in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews on Medline, Cochrane Database, EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, Google scholar, Scopus was performed to retrieve original articles reporting the prevalence of MIH as defined by the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD). From initially 2360 retrieved titles, 344 full texts were assessed for possible inclusion and finally 167 articles of mainly moderate to high quality and based on data of 46′613 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. All studies published before 2001 had to be excluded since it was not possible to align the findings with the EAPD classification. Studies varied considerably regarding cohort size (25 to 23′320, mean 1′235)) and age (5.6–19 y, mean 9.8 y). Over all studies, the weighted mean for the prevalence for MIH was 12.8% (95% CI 11.5%-14.1%) and no significant changes with respect to either publication year or birthyear were found. A sub-analysis of eleven studies reporting on the prevalence in different age groups, however, revealed strong evidence for an increasing prevalence between the years 1992 (3%) and 2013 (13%).Therefore, based on data from cross-sectional studies a possible rise in prevalence of MIH remains unclear. Future prospective large-scale studies under standardized examination conditions with an emphasis on examiner calibration are needed to gain better understanding in the evolution of the prevalence of MIH.

Hydration status in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure depending on the severity of glucose metabolism disorder

Aim. To study the hydration status according to clinical parameters and laboratory and instrumental research findings at admission and discharge in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), depending on the severity of glucose metabolism disorder.Materials and methods. The study included 280 patients (53% men, average age 70.1 ± 10.8 years) with ADHF. 72.5% of patients had arterial hypertension in the medical history, 60% of patients had coronary artery disease. In all patients, the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was determined to assess the glucose metabolism status. The patients were divided into groups depending on the results obtained: at HbA1c values < 5.7%, patients were included in the group without glucose metabolism disorders, at HbA1c of 5.7–6.4% – in the prediabetes group, at HbA1c ≥ 6.5% – in the type 2 diabetes group. The patients underwent a standard physical examination at admission and at discharge, as well as a clinical and comprehensive assessment of congestion (determination of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), lung ultrasound, liver Fibroscan testing, including calculation of a controlled attenuation parameter, bioimpedance analysis of the body).Results. The frequency of glucose metabolism disorders in patients hospitalized with ADHF was 57.5% (n = 161), while prediabetes was detected in 17.1% of patients (n = 48) and type 2 diabetes – in 40.4% (n = 113) of cases. Congestion at admission was detected in all patients. A significantly higher frequency of residual (61%) and a lower frequency of subclinical congestion (10%) were revealed in patients with ADHF and type 2 diabetes, compared to patients without glucose metabolism disorders (39% for residual congestion, 27% for subclinical congestion) and prediabetes (40% for residual congestion, 25% for subclinical congestion), respectively. There were no significant differences in the frequency of euvolemia at discharge, depending on the glucose metabolism disorder.Conclusion. Тo assess congestion phenomena at discharge, it is necessary to use clinical, laboratory, and instrumental assessments for patients with ADHF and glucose metabolism disorders. However, in patients with ADHF and prediabetes, it is preferable to focus on the laboratory and instrumental assessment of congestion, while in patients with ADHF and type 2 diabetes, both clinical and laboratory and instrumental assessment of congestion should be performed.

Sirenomelia: An anatomical assessment and genetic sex determination of two cases.

The etiology of sirenomelia is currently unknown. Data are limited in comparing external and internal abnormalities using modern imaging technologies and molecular genetic analysis. The purpose of the current study was designed to compare external and internal anatomical defects in two cases of sirenomelia and Potter's sequence. Considered rare, Potter's sequence is a fetal disorder with characteristic features of bilateral renal agenesis, obstructive uropathy, atypical facial appearance, and limb malformations. The internal and external malformations of two term fetuses with sirenomelia and Potter's sequence were compared using assessment of external features, radiography and MRI on internal structures, and molecular genetic studies on sex determination. Data reveal that both fetuses were male and manifested with an overlapping but distinct spectrum of abnormalities. Principal differences were noted in the development of the ears, brain, urogenital system, lower limbs, pelvis, and vertebral column. Defects of the axial mesoderm are likely to underlie the abnormalities seen in both fetuses. The first one, which had only caudal defects, was found to have a spectrum of abnormalities most similar to those associated with more severe forms of the small pelvic outlet syndrome, although the structure and orientation of the sacrum and iliae were different from previously reported cases. The other had both caudal and cranial defects, and was most similar to those described in the axial mesodermal dysplasia syndrome. Defects associated with sirenomelia can be evaluated with standard gross anatomy examination, radiology, MRI, and modified PCR techniques to determine anatomical abnormalities and the sex of preserved specimens, respectively. Evidence indicated that sirenomelia could be developed via various etiologies.

Sensors, standards and analysis techniques for road transport vibration: A systematic review

This comprehensive review paper analyzes 20 published articles focused on the instrumentation and analysis of road transport vibrations. The study encompasses the distribution of articles based on databases, journals, and publication years, revealing trends in research sources. The examination of sensors and standards emphasizes the critical role of vibration sensor selection and the application of standards, with a focus on accelerometer designs and the prevalence of ASTM D4169-16. The paper delves into various analytical methods, highlighting the frequent use of power spectral density (PSD) and the application of these methods in understanding vibration frequencies and their effects on different transportation conditions. The review identifies key areas for future research, emphasizing the need for refined instrumentation methodologies, standardized standards, and exploration of advanced analytical techniques, considering the dynamic nature of real-world vibrations and emerging technologies in the road transport landscape. Additionally, the review suggests future investigations into optimizing packaging designs and developing innovative materials with vibration-damping properties to enhance the safety and efficiency of road transportation systems.

Development of quality control parameters for two Bhutanese medicinal plants (Aster flaccidus Bunge and Aster diplostephioides (DC.) Benth. ex C.B.Clarke) using traditional and modern pharmacognostical platforms

Bhutan's scholarly traditional medical system is called Bhutanese Sowa Rigpa medicine (BSM). It was integrated with the modern healthcare system in 1967. Over 200 medicinal plants are used to produce more than 100 poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. Although BSM is supported by well-documented principles, pharmacopoeias, diagnostic procedures, treatment regimens, and traditional quality assurance systems, modern quality control parameters have become essential to distinguish closely related species and prevent contamination from exogenous impurities. This study aims to establish reliable analytical methods and quality control parameters for Aster flaccidus Bunge and Aster diplostephioides (DC.) Benth. ex C.B. Clarke used as ingredients in the BMS poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. Furthermore, their reported phytochemicals and biological activities are also discussed in this study. Standard pharmacognostic techniques, including macroscopical and microscopical examinations of crude drugs, were employed to establish the quality control parameters for two Aster species. The physicochemical limits were determined as per the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended guidelines and methods described in the Thai herbal pharmacopoeia. A high-performance thin-layer liquid chromatography (HPTLC) was used to develop a comparative chromatogram/phytochemical fingerprint for the crude extracts obtained from two Aster species. A literature review was conducted to record their isolated phytochemicals and biological activities. Two Aster species possess macro- and microscopic features such as colour, appearance, and shape. Physicochemical analysis of crude drugs from two Aster species including HPTLC fingerprinting of their methanol crude extracts also yielded adequate data to differentiate and confirm two Aster species before adding them to the BSM poly-ingredient medicinal formulations. From the literature review, only A. flaccidus was found to be studied for its phytochemical constituents, whereby 11 pure compounds were isolated from aerial parts and roots. The current study revealed distinct species-specific distinguishing features, including ecological adaptation, micromorphology, anatomy, physicochemical values, HPTLC chromatograms. These parameters can be used to authenticate the species identity and prevent adulterations, thereby improving the quality and safety of BSM formulations.

New techniques to identify the tissue of origin for cancer of unknown primary in the era of precision medicine: progress and challenges.

Despite a standardized diagnostic examination, cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a rare metastatic malignancy with an unidentified tissue of origin (TOO). Patients diagnosed with CUP are typically treated with empiric chemotherapy, although their prognosis is worse than those with metastatic cancer of a known origin. TOO identification of CUP has been employed in precision medicine, and subsequent site-specific therapy is clinically helpful. For example, molecular profiling, including genomic profiling, gene expression profiling, epigenetics and proteins, has facilitated TOO identification. Moreover, machine learning has improved identification accuracy, and non-invasive methods, such as liquid biopsy and image omics, are gaining momentum. However, the heterogeneity in prediction accuracy, sample requirements and technical fundamentals among the various techniques is noteworthy. Accordingly, we systematically reviewed the development and limitations of novel TOO identification methods, compared their pros and cons and assessed their potential clinical usefulness. Our study may help patients shift from empirical to customized care and improve their prognoses.

Complex therapy of the evaporative form of dry eye syndrome in patients after keratorefractive surgery

Introduction. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is considered as the leading cause of the evaporative dry eye syndrome (DES). At the same time the standard methods of DES treatment often allow to achieve only a short-term effect and the search of alternative methods to achieve remission for a longer period is required.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined treatment of DES with MGD using transdermal Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) method combined with preservative-free sodium hyaluronate 0.18% eyedrops.Materials and methods. The study involved 60 patients (120 eyes) after refractive surgery (femtoLASIK) with DES and MGD aged 20 to 40 years with a follow-up period of 3 months. The patients were divided into two groups: main (30 patients) and control (30 patients). Patients of both groups were administered a preservative-free form of 0.18% sodium hyaluronate four times a day for 3 months. All studied patients underwent standard examination methods, indicators of DES were assessed along with an objective valuation of tear film parameters and the meibomian glands condition by mean of digital biomicroscopy using a MediWorks slit lamp before surgery and 7 days, 1, 2 and 3 months after refractive surgery.Results and discussion. A comparative analysis of therapy effectiveness in the main and control groups showed that OSDI scores (ocular surface disease index), non-invasive tear breakup time (NITBUT) and meibomian gland function improved after treatment in both groups, but in the main group (IPL) positive dynamics of indicators were more pronounced with a cumulative increase of effectiveness after subsequent sessions.Conclusion. A course of IPL therapy in combination with a course of sodium hyaluronate 0.18% for dry eye syndrome due to MGD reduces the time, allows for longer-term results of therapy and promotes earlier elimination of discomfort.

Current gross examination and reporting patterns of post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy cystectomy specimens: Is it time for a standardized approach?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is recommended for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and robust treatment response may result in lack of grossly identifiable tumor in the cystectomy specimen. Current gross examination and reporting protocols, however, do not include specific guidance on the approach to these specimens. A Qualtrics survey was disseminated by email and X (formerly Twitter). Responses from pathologists and pathologists' assistants (PAs) were included. The survey interrogated demographics, practice settings, prevalence of NACT use, approach to gross examination, and reporting practices in the setting of both grossly visible tumor or ulcer bed and the complete absence of a gross lesion. Based on 55 respondents' experience, identifying gross tumor occurred less frequently than tumor or ulcer bed (40% vs 71%). Lack of identification of any gross lesions was estimated to occur in 29% of cases. Gross examination practices were relatively consistent in cases with residual gross tumor or gross tumor bed, with agreement that gross tumor should be submitted as 1 block per centimeter (66%), and tumor or ulcer bed should be submitted in its entirety (97%). Gross examination practices appeared more varied when no gross lesions were identified. Overall, most responders stated they "definitely" or "maybe" support a standardized gross examination (89%) and reporting (96%) protocol. With the increased use of NACT, lack of any gross lesion leads to inconsistent gross examination techniques. This study provides insight into the current approach to examination of post-NACT cystectomies and suggests that a desire exists among pathologists and pathologists' assistants for more standardized practice.

Natural increase in the efficiency of ablation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias using high-density mapping in patients with non-ischemic etiology

Objective This research is aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of ablation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias using high-density mapping in patients with non-ischemic etiology. Material and methods This study analyzed 60 patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias, using diagnostic tools like electrocardiography and MRI. Treatment involved epicardial ablation following the E. Sosa method, with efficacy evaluated through the SF-36 survey and MRI. Success rates were categorized, and post-treatment care included troponin monitoring and aspirin. Data was analyzed using Excel and Statistika 11.0. Results Of the 60 patients, 30 underwent surgery at the City Cardiological Center in Almaty and 30 patients were operated on at the National Research Cardiac Surgery Center in Astana. Prior to surgery, all patients underwent a standard clinical diagnostic examination followed by ablation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias using high-density mapping. After six and 12 months from the beginning of the study, all patients underwent a follow-up examination, with an assessment of the effectiveness of the above treatment. After 12 months, follow-up examination of patients showed good results. Left ventricular ejection fraction in patients after 12 months increased from 47 ± 2.4 to 58 ± 4.5%. The end-diastolic diameter of the left ventricle decreased from 61.2 ± 2.31 to 50.1 ± 1.9 mm. Conclusion In summary, the study highlights the efficacy and safety of high-density mapping ablation in treating ventricular tachyarrhythmias, especially from the right ventricular outflow tract in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The success rate of the procedure was 95%. This approach proves beneficial for patients unresponsive to antiarrhythmic therapy, enhancing both the quality of life and potentially reducing mortality in patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

Predictors of the Effectiveness of Psychological Support in Addition to the Base Treatment in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect on the psycho-emotional state and adherence to treatment in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis of remaxol inclusion in the accompanying therapy regimens.Material and methods. The data from 326 patients (252 men and 74 women) with various forms of pulmonary tuberculosis treated at the Regional Clinical Tuberculosis Dispensary were analyzed; the average age of patients was 41.3±1.6 years. A low level of adherence to treatment, as well as clinical and laboratory signs of grade I hepatotoxicity were revealed in patients receiving a course of etiotropic therapy in the main group (N=72). In this regard, in addition to the psychological support for the main course of treatment, accompanying therapy was prescribed: remaxol 400 ml intravenous drip every other day (course No. 5), after-wards — 1 time a week (course No. 4). Patients in the comparison group (N=254) received standard treatment. In addition to the standard examination, the cytokine profile (the level of IL-1β, 4, 6), TNF-α and IFN-γ) was determined in dynamics according to the indications in patients. The level of adherence to the treatment was also determined in dynamics through testing according to the original methodology.Results. The study revealed that the inclusion of remaxol in the treatment regimens facilitated more pronounced positive dynamics in clinical and laboratory data compared with the standard regimen: a decrease in signs of hepatotoxicosis and a tendency towards improvement in cytokine profile parameters. This contributed to maintaining the etiotropic therapy regimen and improving the well-being of patients, which, in turn, increased the level of adherence and therefore the effectiveness of treatment in patients.Conclusions. The combination of positive effects of remaxol use in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis contributes to an increase in their psycho-emotional state and thereby increases adherence to treatment and its effectiveness.

Adaptive behavior assessed by Vineland-3 as comprehensive outcome measure in vanishing white matter.

Investigate the results and usability of the Vineland-3 as an outcome measure in vanishing white matter patients. A cross-sectional investigation of the Vineland-3 based on interviews with caregivers, the Health Utilities Index, and the modified Rankin Scale in 64 vanishing white matter patients. Adaptive behavior measured with the Vineland-3 is impaired in the vast majority of vanishing white matter patients and significantly impacts daily life. Typically, the daily living skills domain is most severely affected and the socialization domain is the least affected. Based on the metric properties and the clinical relevance, the standard scores for the daily living skills domain and Adaptive Behavior Composite have the best properties to be used as an outcome measure. The Vineland-3 appears to be a useful outcome measure to explore and quantify complex cognitive, behavioral, and psychiatric impairments affecting daily functioning in vanishing white matter. Further research should address the longitudinal evaluation of this tool and its additional value to standard neuropsychological and clinical examination.

Liver damage in infectious mononucleosis in children

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory features of infectious mononucleosis with liver damage in children hospitalized in an infectious diseases hospital.Materials and methods. A comparative retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to June 2021. 200 Medical records of an inpatient were selected by random sampling. Inclusion criteria: age from 1 to 17 years, clinical presentation of infectious mononucleosis, absence of severe concomitant pathology. All patients underwent a standard laboratory examination, additionally determined the DNA of herpes viruses in the blood by PCR. Depending on the presence of cytolysis syndrome (ALT level > 31 U/l), all patients were divided into 2 groups: children with hepatic manifestations of IMN – 80 patients (40%) and without them – 120 (60%). Statistical analysis of the obtained results was carried out using the statistical program Statistica 8 (USA).Results. Epstein – Barr virus was the cause of the development of IMN clinic in 59% (118/200) of cases of monoinfection and in 14.5% (29/200) in combination with other herpesviruses. All participants in the study had moderate disease. An increase in the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) above 150 U/L was recorded in 9.5% (19/200) of the examined, no one had more than 1000 U/L, the median was 72.5 (MKR 48–138.5) U/L. Liver damage was more often recorded in children older than 3 years, girls predominated (53.8%, p = 0.017). In patients with liver damage, the following were recorded: moderately severe fever and lymphadenopathy (p < 0.05), hepatosplenomegaly (p < 0.001), lymphocytic leukocytosis (p < 0.05), thrombocytopenia (p < 0.001), atypical mononuclear cells were detected more often (p < 0.001), less often an increase in the level of CRP (p = 0.008).Conclusions. Our study showed that liver damage in IMN is registered in 40% of hospitalized children. Obviously, children with moderate forms of IMN need laboratory and instrumental monitoring of the state of the hepatobiliary system and appropriate correction of therapy.

Diagnostic accuracy of tele-dentistry in screening children for dental caries by community health workers in a lower-middle-income country.

Tele-dentistry can be useful for dental caries screening of children, especially in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of mobile phone photographs taken by a community health worker (CHW) for caries detection in Iran. Children aged 6-12 years were visually examined by a paediatric dentist. Following dental examinations, intraoral photographs were taken by a trained CHW. Two remote dentists assessed intraoral photographs for dental caries. Diagnostic accuracy of tele-dentistry for caries detection was evaluated. In addition, the questionnaire about oral health and parents' views towards tele-dentistry was prepared. One hundred thirty-one children aged 8.74 ± 1.62 years participated. The caries prevalence was 30% for the whole dentition. Tele-dentistry demonstrated high accuracy, with a sensitivity exceeding 80% and specificity exceeding 90%. The inter-rater reliability for remote dentists' assessments to the gold standard dental examination ranged from substantial to almost perfect (kappa: 75%-93%). Additionally, 80% of parents whose children participated in this study had positive views towards tele-dentistry. Tele-dentistry was shown to be an alternative approach to clinical examinations for caries detection among school children. Employing non-dental care professionals in tele-dentistry has been emerged as a reliable and cost-effective approach, especially in LMICs.

InterVFast—effectiveness and acceptance of intermittent fasting in cardiac rehabilitation patients: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundResearch on intermittent fasting has shown that it can improve a variety of health outcomes, including blood sugar control, blood lipid levels and blood pressure. Only few studies document longer periods of fasting, especially in rehabilitation participants. Cardiac inpatient rehabilitation follows a multidisciplinary approach including change of health behaviour to reduce patients’ risk of future cardiovascular events. To date, evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can be an effective way to improve health and well-being, but more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and factors that promote the implementation. Therefore, the aim of the ongoing InterVFast trial is to investigate the effectiveness of intermittent fasting amongst cardiac rehabilitation patients after 4-week inpatient rehabilitation as well as 3 and 12 months subsequently including patients’ perspective.MethodsThis single-centre randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of the InterVFast intervention in weight loss (primary outcome). We also examine patients’ acceptance and the effect on relevant outcomes as blood glucose and triglyceride levels, cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Weight, blood samples and clinical data are collected as part of the initial and final examination during inpatient rehabilitation. During inpatient rehabilitation, participants daily note fasting intervals and meals eaten as well as practicability in a fasting diary. In addition, interviews about perceived advantages and disadvantages and acceptance are carried out with the participants in the IG. A standardized follow-up examination (weight, blood samples) will be carried out by the family doctor after 3 and 12 months (t2 and t3).DiscussionCompared to other weight-loss intervention studies, our study addresses patients with coronary heart disease and includes patients’ acceptance as well as long-term maintenance. It is hypothesized that participation in the InterVfast intervention will improve relevant health outcomes in a sample of cardiac rehabilitation patients and thus constitute a behavioural prevention strategy to reduce the risk of future cardiac events and improve overall health and quality of life.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov DRKS00023983. Registered on February 17, 2022.

Development of AI-Based Prediction of Heart Attack Risk as an Element of Preventive Medicine

The future paradigm of early cardiac diagnostics is shifting the focus towards heart attack preventive medicine based on non-invasive medical imaging with the support of artificial intelligence. It is necessary to preventively detect its increased risk early and respond with preventive drugs before moving on to more effective, but also more invasive, forms of therapy. The main motivation of our study was to improve existing and develop new AI-based solutions for cardiac preventive medicine, with particular emphasis on the prevention of heart attacks. This is due to the fact that the epidemic of lifestyle diseases (including cardiologic ones) has been stopped but not reversed; hence, automatically supervised prevention using AI seems to be a key opportunity to introduce progress in the above-mentioned areas. This can have major effects not only scientific and clinical in nature, but also economic and social. The aim of this article is to develop and test an AI-based tool designed to predict the occurrence of a heart attack for the purposes of preventive medicine. It used the combination and comparison of multiple AI methods and techniques to determine a personalized heart attack probability based on a wide range of patient characteristics and, from a computational point of view, determine the minimum set of characteristics necessary to do so. When applied to a specific patient, this represents progress in this field of research, resulting in improvements in preclinical care and diagnostics, as well as predictive accuracy in preventive medicine. After an initial selection based on the authors’ knowledge and experience, four solutions turned out to be the best: linear support vector machine (Linear SVC), logistic regression, k-nearest neighbors algorithm (KNN, k-NN), and random forest. A comparison of the models developed in the study shows that models based on logistic regression proved to be the most accurate, although their predictive value is moderate, but sufficient for the initial screening diagnosis—selecting patients who require further, more accurate testing. In addition, this can be performed based on a reduced set of parameters, particularly heart rate, age, BMI, and cholesterol. This allows the development of a prevention strategy based on modifiable factors (e.g., in the form of diet, activity modification, or a hybrid combining different factors) combined with the monitoring of heart attack risk by the proposed system. The novelty and contribution of the described system lies in the use of AI for a widely available, cheap, and quick predictive analysis of cardiovascular functions in a group of patients classified as at risk, and over time in all patients as a standard periodic examination qualifying them for further, more advanced diagnosis of heart diseases.

Computer adaptive quizzing versus NCLEX review textbook in preparation for the exit HESI examination

BackgroundNursing students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examination to become licensed registered nurses. There is an identified nursing shortage, and nursing programs are faced with finding solutions to help students pass the NCLEX-RN examination and enter the workforce. Many nursing schools administer a predictor examination, such as Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI). A gap exists in identifying solutions for NCLEX's success. AimThe purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in the exit HESI examination scores of senior-level associate degree nursing (ADN) students who used CAQ to prepare with ADN students who used NCLEX review textbooks to prepare for the exit HESI examination. MethodsThe study used a quantitative nonexperimental descriptive comparative design with archival data. Two groups of students took the exit HESI examination during their capstone course. The sample included students previously enrolled in an ADN program. Archival data were collected and analyzed using a one-way ANCOVA with a pairwise comparison post hoc analysis. ResultsThe CAQ group had higher exit HESI examination scores compared to the NCLEX review textbook preparation group. ConclusionsCAQ as a curricular adjunct can contribute to student success on standardized examinations.

Detection of caries lesions using a water-sensitive STIR sequence in dental MRI

In clinical practice, diagnosis of suspected carious lesions is verified by using conventional dental radiography (DR), including panoramic radiography (OPT), bitewing imaging, and dental X-ray. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for caries visualization. Fourteen patients with clinically suspected carious lesions, verified by standardized dental examination including DR and OPT, were imaged with 3D isotropic T2-weighted STIR (short tau inversion recovery) and T1 FFE Black bone sequences. Intensities of dental caries, hard tissue and pulp were measured and calculated as aSNR (apparent signal to noise ratio) and aHTMCNR (apparent hard tissue to muscle contrast to noise ratio) in both sequences. Imaging findings were then correlated to clinical examination results. In STIR as well as in T1 FFE black bone images, aSNR and aHTMCNR was significantly higher in carious lesions than in healthy hard tissue (p < 0.001). Using water-sensitive STIR sequence allowed for detecting significantly lower aSNR and aHTMCNR in carious teeth compared to healthy teeth (p = 0.01). The use of MRI for the detection of caries is a promising imaging technique that may complement clinical exams and traditional imaging.