bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICU nurses´ lived experience of caring for adult patients with a tracheostomy in ICU: a phenomenological-hermeneutic study
Authors: Akroute Abder Rahim , Brinchmann Berit Støre , Hovland Anders , Fredriksen Sven-Tore Dreyer
Published: August 2022

Background

The care of adult patients with a tracheostomy in intensive care unit is complex, challenging and requires skilled intensive care unit nurses. ICU nurses’ live experience is scarcely known. This study aimed to describe the lived experience of intensive care unit nurses of caring for adult patients with a tracheostomy in intensive care unit.

Methods

This study employs a qualitative design. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sampling of 6 intensive care unit nurses from a medical-surgical ICU of a university hospital in Norway who were interviewed. Data was analyzed and interpreted using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach. This study was reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Results

The interpretation yielded the following themes and subthemes: 1) theme: ‘challenges of caring for patients with a tracheostomy’ consisted of the sub-themes: ‘difficult to communicate/interpret and understand the patient’s different forms of expression’, ‘complicated professional assessments’, ‘caring with patience’, and ‘collaborating with patient regarding challenges. 2) theme: ‘the satisfaction from providing care to patients with a tracheostomy’ consisted of the sub-themes: ‘working with intensive care patients is instructive’ and ‘importance to motivate’.

Conclusions

ICU nurses experienced ambivalent feelings while caring for adult patients with a tracheostomy in ICU. They perceived caring as demanding owing to communication and collaboration at the same time, they experienced satisfaction while they strived to provide proper care and motivation. The identified challenges would lead to further improvement in nurses’ experiences and, in turn, the quality-of-care for patients with a tracheostomy. Awareness of these challenges is crucial to understand the need for an effective communication strategy to improve the quality and safety of adult patients with tracheostomy in ICU.
Comparison of post-operative outcomes after open or closed surgical techniques to stabilize metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dogs and cats
Authors: Rosselló Gabriel Carbonell , Carmel Jasmin , Pead Matthew , Lacosta Victor Vidal , Lafuente Pilar
Published: August 2022

Backfround

Treatment options for metacarpal/metatarsal fractures include conservative and surgical management. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is any significant difference in healing and complication rates, between open and closed treatment. Medical records of dogs and cats with metacarpal/metatarsal fractures with complete follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were allocated in two groups: open or closed stabilization. Minor and major complications were recorded and compared. Fracture healing was classified as good, delayed and non-union, and it was statistically compared.

Results

Sixty-three patients (35 dogs and 28 cats) were included. Thirty-one were treated with an open approach and 32 by a closed stabilization. Regarding fracture healing a significantly higher proportion of delayed healing/non-union was found in the closed group (12/32 vs 2/31). Regarding postoperative complications, a significantly higher number of animals in the open group did not develop any complications (12/31 vs 3/32). A significantly higher proportion of minor complications were reported in the closed group (27/32 vs 12/31). However, a higher number of major complications was reported in the open group (7/31 vs 2/32) although this was not statistically significant. Fracture malalignment was significantly more prevalent in patients undergoing closed stabilization (11/32 vs 2/31).

Conclusion

According to the results, better healing, fracture alignment and a lower complication rate are found when fractures are stabilised with an open technique. However, other factors such as configuration of the fracture, soft tissue involvement, patient´s character and client´s situation would also need to be taken into account in the decision of stabilization technique.
On the frontlines
Authors: Vila Daniel , J. McDermott Thomas K.
Published: August 2022

Recent literature has suggested a link between poor air quality and worse COVID-19 outcomes. In the United States, this link is particularly noteworthy because of residential sorting along ethnic lines within the US population; minorities are disproportionately exposed to health hazards, including air pollution. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have also been disproportionately concentrated amongst minorities. We explore the association between air quality and COVID-19 outcomes, using county level data for the United States from the first wave of the pandemic in 2020, and test whether exposure to more polluted air can account for some of the observed disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among minorities.
Functional reorganization of monoamine transport systems during villous trophoblast differentiation: evidence of distinct differences between primary human trophoblasts and BeWo cells
Authors: Vachalova Veronika , Karahoda Rona , Ottaviani Martina , Anandam Kasin Yadunandam , Abad Cilia , Albrecht Christiane , Staud Frantisek
Published: August 2022

Background

Three primary monoamines—serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine—play major roles in the placenta-fetal brain axis. Analogously to the brain, the placenta has transport mechanisms that actively take up these monoamines into trophoblast cells. These transporters are known to play important roles in the differentiated syncytiotrophoblast layer, but their status and activities in the undifferentiated, progenitor cytotrophoblast cells are not well understood. Thus, we have explored the cellular handling and regulation of monoamine transporters during the phenotypic transitioning of cytotrophoblasts along the villous pathway.

Methods

Experiments were conducted with two cellular models of syncytium development: primary trophoblast cells isolated from the human term placenta (PHT), and the choriocarcinoma-derived BeWo cell line. The gene and protein expression of membrane transporters for serotonin (SERT), norepinephrine (NET), dopamine (DAT), and organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) was determined by quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. Subsequently, the effect of trophoblast differentiation on transporter activity was analyzed by monoamine uptake into cells.

Results

We present multiple lines of evidence of changes in the transcriptional and functional regulation of monoamine transporters associated with trophoblast differentiation. These include enhancement of SERT and DAT gene and protein expression in BeWo cells. On the other hand, in PHT cells we report negative modulation of SERT, NET, and OCT3 protein expression. We show that OCT3 is the dominant monoamine transporter in PHT cells, and its main functional impact is on serotonin uptake, while passive transport strongly contributes to norepinephrine and dopamine uptake. Further, we show that a wide range of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect serotonin cellular accumulation, at pharmacologically relevant drug concentrations, via their action on both OCT3 and SERT. Finally, we demonstrate that BeWo cells do not well reflect the molecular mechanisms and properties of healthy human trophoblast cells.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings provide insights into the regulation of monoamine transport during trophoblast differentiation and present important considerations regarding appropriate in vitro models for studying monoamine regulation in the placenta.
Impact of in vitro fertilization state mandates for third party insurance coverage in the United States: a review and critical assessment
Authors: Peipert Benjamin J. , Montoya Melissa N. , Bedrick Bronwyn S. , Seifer David B. , Jain Tarun
Published: August 2022

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates that fewer than a quarter of infertile couples have sufficient access to infertility care. Insurers in the United States (US) have long considered infertility to be a socially constructed condition, and thus in-vitro fertilization (IVF) an elective intervention. As a result, IVF is cost prohibitive for many patients in the US. State infertility insurance mandates are a crucial mechanism for expanding access to fertility care in the US in the absence of federal legislation. The first state insurance mandate for third party coverage of infertility services was passed by West Virginia in 1977, and Maryland passed the country’s first IVF mandate in 1985. To date, twenty states have passed legislation requiring insurers to cover or offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Ten states currently have “comprehensive” IVF mandates, meaning they require third party coverage for IVF with minimal restrictions to patient eligibility, exemptions, and lifetime limits. Several studies analyzing the impact of infertility and IVF mandates have been published in the past 20 years. In this review, we characterize and contextualize the existing evidence of the impact of state insurance mandates on access to infertility treatment, IVF practice patterns, and reproductive outcomes. Furthermore, we summarize the arguments in favor of insurance coverage for infertility care and assess the limitations of state insurance mandates as a strategy for increasing access to infertility treatment. State mandates play a key role in the promotion of evidence-based practices and represent an essential and impactful strategy for the advancement of gender equality and reproductive rights.
Clinical characteristics and therapeutic response of immunoglobulin G4-related disease: a retrospective study of 127 Chinese patients
Authors: An Wen , Wu Zhen , Li Min , Yu Haitian , Zhao Xinyan , Wang Xiaoming , Wang Yu , Wang Qianyi , Duan Weijia , Kong Yuanyuan , Ma Hong , Ou Xiaojuan , You Hong , Liu Yanying , Li Peng , Duan Ting , Jia Jidong
Published: August 2022

Background and aims

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a multisystem fibroinflammatory condition. The aim of the present study was to characterize the clinical features and therapeutic response of patients with IgG4-RD and identify risk factors for disease relapse.

Methods

We collected baseline data of eligible patients with IgG4-RD and analyzed clinical features by interview and review of medical records. The patients who received glucocorticoids (GC) therapy with at least 3 months follow-up were used to characterize the therapeutic response and identify risk factors for relapse.

Result

Totally 127 IgG4-RD patients, including 92 males and 35 females, were enrolled in the present study. The median age of onset was 63.0 years, ranging from 23 to 86. The pancreas, bile duct and lymph nodes were the most frequently involved organs. The serum IgG4 level was elevated in 94.5% of the patients and was correlated with the number of organs involved. Patients classified as head and neck limited group were more likely to be female. Compared to Mikulicz syndrome and systemic involvement group, pancreato-hepatobiliary group had higher aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin and lower IgG4 level. Mikulicz syndrome and systemic involvement group had the highest IgG4-RD RI score, IgG level. Among 92 patients who received medical therapy with at least 3 months follow-up, 76 received GC alone or in combination with immunomodulator (IM) and 16 patients did not take GC. 74 out of the 76 patients (97.3%) achieved remission, with 59 of them remained in remission and 15 of them relapsed. Whereas 16 patients did not take GC, among them, 6 patients achieved remission with one relapsed. On multivariate analysis, higher initial score of ACR/EULAR IgG4-RD Classification Criteria and GC withdrawal were independent predictors for relapse.

Conclusion

Four phenotypes of IgG4-RD showed different demographic and serological features. GC + IM therapy was safe and effective and might protect patients from relapse. The independent risk factors of relapse were GC withdrawal and higher score of ACR/EULAR IgG4-RD Classification Criteria.
Ultra-sensitive and selective fluorescence approach for estimation of elagolix in real human plasma and content uniformity using boron-doped carbon quantum dots
Authors: Salman Baher I. , Hassan Ahmed I. , Hassan Yasser F. , Saraya Roshdy E.
Published: August 2022

Elagolix (ELX) is an orally administered non-peptidic GnRH antagonist that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2018 for the treatment of endometriosis pain. A sensitive and selective method for estimating elagolix (ELX) in human plasma and content uniformity was developed and validated. The spectrofluorimetric technique was used to investigate ELX utilizing boron-doped carbon quantum dots (B@CQDs). After gradually adding ELX, the quantum dots fluorescence was enhanced with LOQ of 1.74 ng mL−1, the calibration curve between ELX and corresponding fluorescence intensity was found over a range of 4–100 ng mL−1. The method was successfully applied in real human plasma with pharmacokinetic study and content uniformity test. The pharmacokinetic parameters as Cmax were found to be 570 ± 5.32 ng. mL−1 after 1 h, t1/2 was found to be 6.50 h, and AUC was found to be 1290 ± 30.33 ng. h. mL−1. B@CQDs were characterized using variety of instruments. The strategy is simple to implement in clinical labs and therapeutic drug monitoring systems.
Oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.1%, boosts the effects of botulinum toxin on blepharospasm: a case series
Authors: Sung Jonathan , Song Alice , Song Michael , Song Julia
Published: August 2022

Background

Oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (0.1%) is a medication used to treat blepharoptosis. Patients who suffer from blepharoptosis have low-lying eyelids that can hinder their vision. Oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (0.1%) is prescribed to patients to improve their vision by lifting the upper eyelids. Blepharospasm consists of involuntary, bilateral orbicularis oculi muscle movements that result in twitching and eyelid closure. Botulinum toxin is a treatment used to treat blepharospasm by preventing muscle contraction; but it is not always effective.

Case presentation

The effects of treatment with both oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (0.1%) and botulinum toxin are assessed in three patients: (1) Patient A, a 58-year-old Filipina woman; (2) patient B, a 62-year-old Korean woman; and (3) patient C, A 57-year-old Vietnamese woman. All patients had been diagnosed with blepharoptosis as well as blepharospasm. Each patient was given an opportunity to complete an optional survey to assess not only the efficacy of oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (0.1%) together with botulinum toxin but also their perceived stress during the past month.

Conclusions

Administering botulinum toxin for the treatment of blepharospasm in patients A and B yielded the expected results; adding oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (0.1%), a medical treatment for ptosis, to the treatment regimen yielded an unexpected reduction of blepharospasm. We propose that botulinum toxin and oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (0.1%) can have a synergistic effect on reducing blepharospasm when used concomitantly. We present three cases in which combined use of botulinum toxin with oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (0.1%) reduced blepharospasm, and propose possible reasons for such effects. We also discuss previous literature in agreement with the results of our cases.
Viral dynamics and immune responses to foot-and-mouth disease virus in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer)
Authors: Perez-Martin Eva , Beechler Brianna , Zhang Fuquan , Scott Katherine , de Klerk-Lorist Lin-Mari , Limon Georgina , Dugovich Brian , Gubbins Simon , Botha Arista , Hetem Robyn , van Schalkwyk Louis , Juleff Nicholas , Maree Francois F. , Jolles Anna , Charleston Bryan
Published: August 2022

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most important livestock diseases restricting international trade. While African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) act as the main wildlife reservoir, viral and immune response dynamics during FMD virus acute infection have not been described before in this species. We used experimental needle inoculation and contact infections with three Southern African Territories serotypes to assess clinical, virological and immunological dynamics for thirty days post infection. Clinical FMD in the needle inoculated buffalo was mild and characterised by pyrexia. Despite the absence of generalised vesicles, all contact animals were readily infected with their respective serotypes within the first two to nine days after being mixed with needle challenged buffalo. Irrespective of the route of infection or serotype, there were positive associations between the viral loads in blood and the induction of host innate pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins. Viral loads in blood and tonsil swabs were tightly correlated during the acute phase of the infection, however, viraemia significantly declined after a peak at four days post-infection (dpi), which correlated with the presence of detectable neutralising antibodies. In contrast, infectious virus was isolated in the tonsil swabs until the last sampling point (30 dpi) in most animals. The pattern of virus detection in serum and tonsil swabs was similar for all three serotypes in the direct challenged and contact challenged animals. We have demonstrated for the first time that African buffalo are indeed systemically affected by FMD virus and clinical FMD in buffalo is characterized by a transient pyrexia. Despite the lack of FMD lesions, infection of African buffalo was characterised by high viral loads in blood and oropharynx, rapid and strong host innate and adaptive immune responses and high transmissibility.
Characterization, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of polymer blends based on chitosan and fish collagen
Authors: Ferreira Andressa Coelho , Bomfim Maria Rosa Quaresma , da Costa Sobrinho Carlos Henrique de Barros , Boaz Daniela Talissa Lobo , Da Silva Lira Railane , Fontes Valéria Costa , Arruda Mariana Oliveira , Zago Patrícia Maria Wiziack , Filho Carlos Alberto Alves Dias , Dias Carlos José Moraes , da Rocha Borges Marilene Oliveira , Ribeiro Rachel Melo , Bezerra Cícero Wellington Brito , Penha Rosiane Silva
Published: August 2022

This study aims to produce, characterize, and assess the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of polymer blends based on chitosan (CT) and fish collagen (COL) produced by different precipitation methods. Polymer blends were obtained in alkaline (NaOH), saline (NaCl), and alkaline/saline (NaOH/NaCl) solutions with different CT:COL concentration ratios (20:80, 50:50, and 80:20). The polymer blends were characterized by various physicochemical methods and subsequently evaluated in terms of their in vitro antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activity. In this study, the degree of chitosan deacetylation was 82%. The total hydroxyproline and collagen content in the fish matrix was 47.56 mg. g−1 and 394.75 mg. g−1, respectively. The highest yield was 44% and was obtained for a CT:COL (80:20) blend prepared by precipitation in NaOH. High concentrations of hydroxyproline and collagen in the blends were observed when NaOH precipitation was used. Microbiological analysis revealed that the strains used in this work were sensitive to the biomaterial; this sensitivity was dose-dependent and increased with increasing chitosan concentration in the products. The biocompatibility test showed that the blends did not reduce the viability of fibroblast cells after 48 h of culture. An analysis of the microbiological activity of the all-polymer blends showed a decrease in the values of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The blends showed biocompatibility with NIH-3T3 murine fibroblast cells and demonstrated their potential for use in biomedical applications such as wound healing, implants, and scaffolds.
Enhancing the primary care pediatrician's role in managing psychosocial issues: a cross sectional study of pediatricians and parents in Israel
Authors: Gadassi Hava , Millo David Inbal , Yaari Maya , Kerem Eitan , Katz Manuel , Porter Basil , Stein-Zamir Chen , Grossman Zachi
Published: August 2022

Background

Psychosocial issues are an integral part of children's health and well-being, and it is widely acknowledged that pediatricians should be involved in their management. We examined the current perception of the pediatrician’s role in the management of psychosocial problems in Israel from the perspective of parents and pediatricians, and identified possible barriers.

Methods

We assessed parents' and pediatricians' perspectives through a cross sectional survey. 1000 parents with children under 10 were randomly selected from a large database representing the Israeli population and phone-surveyed by a polling company. Due to a low response-rate (5.4%), there was an overrepresentation of married parents and underrepresentation of parents with primary or secondary education. 173 Pediatricians were recruited both at a medical conference and by a web-based questionnaire.

Results

55% of the parents reported they were concerned with at least one psychosocial problem, yet less than 50% of them discussed these issues with the pediatrician. 59.9% of the parents did not perceive psychosocial problems as relevant to the pediatrician's role. Pediatricians with some previous training related to psychosocial issues were more likely to report on a lack of professional confidence (p = .037) and insufficient available resources (p = .022) as barriers to their involvement, while pediatricians who had no training were more likely to report on the parents' perception of their role as the barrier to involvement (p = .035).

Conclusions

Parents tend to avoid the discussion of psychosocial concerns in pediatric settings due to their perception that it's irrelevant to the pediatrician's role. Trained pediatricians feel unconfident in their ability to manage psychosocial issues and report on a lack of suitable resources. These findings suggest current pediatric mental-health training is insufficient to equip pediatricians with the knowledge and skills required to their involvement in psychosocial problems, and imply necessary changes to environment of community-based pediatrics. In order to change the practice of pediatricians in the community to enable them to address a variety of psychological issues, appropriate training is needed, through all stages of the pediatrician’s professional life, including medical school, pediatric residency and continuous medical education.
Living labs for a mobile app-based health program: effectiveness of a 24-week walking intervention for cardiovascular disease risk reduction among female Korean-Chinese migrant workers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Youlim , Lee Hyeonkyeong , Chung Misook Lee
Published: August 2022

Background

The risk of Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) among adult populations is influenced by environmental factors, and immigrant populations tend to be more vulnerable. This study examined the effectiveness of a 24-week walking program based on social-cognitive determinants through mobile app for CVD risk reduction among female Korean-Chinese middle-aged workers.

Methods

This study used a parallel randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited by distributing posters and flyers and randomly assigned to either the standard treatment (ST, n = 22) or enhanced treatment group (ET, n = 28). Participants were provided with a mobile app linked to Fitbit Alta for 24 weeks and instructed to walk at least 30 minutes five times a week and moderate-intensity physical activity. The ET group had additional interventions that enhanced social-cognitive determinants such as self-efficacy, social support. All participants were guided to voluntary physical activity during the 12-week maintenance period. Data were analyzed by the Mann Whitney U-test and a generalized estimating equation.

Results

There were significant between-group differences regarding the number of steps (B = 1.295, P < .001) and moderate physical activity time (OR = 6.396, P = .030) at week 12. ET group had significant changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (B = 10.522, P = .007), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (B = -16.178, P = .024), total cholesterol (B = -20.325, P = .039), fasting blood sugar (B = − 8.138, P = -.046). In addition, there was a significant reduction of 10-year CVD risk for the ET group over 12 weeks compared to the ST group (B = -0.521, P<. 001).

Conclusions

Long-term studies are needed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in large-scale migrant workers and to confirm the direct and insdirect effects of social-cognitive determinants on health outcomes.

Trial registration

The trial was retrospectively registered in WHO ICTRP (KCT0006467) August 19th, 2021. (https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=KCT0006467,
The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its associated factors in Cape Verde
Authors: Duarte Lopes Edna , Monteiro Alzerina Maria Rocha Lima , Varela Djenifa Odília Barbosa Fernandes Ca , Trigueiros Dulcineia Elisa Lima Rodrigues , Monteiro Spencer Maia Irina , de Jesus Xavier Soares Janice , da Luz Pires Vieira Nívia Maria
Published: August 2022

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months of life is essential for maternal and child health. Breast milk is considered the most suitable food for the child in early years of life. Studies carried out in Cape Verde (INE; MSSS, Apresentação dos Principais Resultados Preliminares do IDSR-III, 2018) showed prevalence of EBF below the values recommended by the (WHO & UNICEF, Global Breastfeeding Scorecard, 2018. Enabling Women To Breastfeed Through Better Policies And Programmes, 2019). However, the determinants of EBF across the country have never been identified. The objective of this study is to estimate prevalence and identify the determinants of EBF in Cape Verde.

Methods

This is a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out between July 2018 and March 2019. The study population consisted of 1717 mothers of children aged less than or equal to 2 years, users of the Health Centers of the islands of Santo Antão, S. Vicente, Sal, Santiago and Fogo. A structured questionnaire was applied to mothers through an interview.

The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was estimated by frequency analysis. The chi-square test was used to assess the association between the duration of EB and the variables maternity leave, mother’s education, family income and health care variables. In order to identify the determinants of EBF, a binary logistic regression analysis was used.

Results

At the time of data collection, 32.50% of mothers practiced EBF. The present study shows that exclusive breastfeeding is influenced by several factors. The most representatives are maternal age (OR = 0.001*), level of education (OR = 0.028*), parity (OR = 0.004*) and number of prenatal consultations (OR = 0.019*). Receiving breastfeeding counseling was the only health care variable that was associated with the duration of EBF (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

In Cape Verde, the prevalence of EBF can be considered reasonable. The present study shows that EBF in the country is influenced by maternal age, level of education, parity and number of prenatal consultations.
Susceptibility genes of hyperuricemia and gout
Authors: Nian Yue-Li , You Chong-Ge
Published: August 2022

Gout is a chronic metabolic disease that seriously affects human health. It is also a major challenge facing the world, which has brought a heavy burden to patients and society. Hyperuricemia (HUA) is the most important risk factor for gout. In recent years, with the improvement of living standards and the change of dietary habits, the incidence of gout in the world has increased dramatically, and gradually tends to be younger. An increasing number of studies have shown that gene mutations may play an important role in the development of HUA and gout. Therefore, we reviewed the existing literature and summarized the susceptibility genes and research status of HUA and gout, in order to provide reference for the early diagnosis, individualized treatment and the development of new targeted drugs of HUA and gout.
Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode isolates from Turkey against wheat stink bug, Aelia rostrata Boheman (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) adults under laboratory conditions
Authors: Peçen Aydın , Kepenekci İlker
Published: August 2022

Background

The wheat stink bug,Aelia rostrataBoheman (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is one of the harmful insects that caused significant product losses in cereals due to outbreaks. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are natural enemies of soil insect pests whose effects as a biocontrol agent against many harmful pests have been demonstrated by many laboratories and field/garden studies in the world. The present laboratory studies, using native EPNs [Steinernema carpocapsae(Black sea isolate),S. feltiae(isolate 09-31) (Aydin isolate) andHeterorhabditis bacteriophora(isolate 09-43) (Aydin isolate)] against the wheat stink bug adults, were carried out.

Results

In the application of EPNs to the soil in plastic cups, the highest mortality rates (75 and 70%) on wheat stink bug occurred at 200 IJs cm−2concentration ofS. carpocapsaeisolate at 15 and 12 °C, respectively. In other tested nematode species, the highest insect mortality was observed at 200 IJs cm−2concentration ofS. feltiaeandH. bacteriophoraisolates, with mortality rates of 65–35% and 55–25%, at 15 and 12 °C, respectively.S. carpocapsae(Black sea isolate) was the most pathogenic among the three nematodes tested.

Conclusions

It was concluded thatS. carpocapsaehad the potential as a biocontrol agent against the wheat stink bug,A. rostrata. The applications ofS. carpocapsaewere the great potential for the management of the pest. Effective use of EPNs should be evaluated in integrated pest management strategies between other biological control agents. According to EPNs laboratory experiments results, field trials should be conducted in future studies.
The incremental value of multislice CT in diagnosis of late bariatric surgery complications
Authors: Bendari Doaa Samy , Mubarak Amr Ahmed , Elsawaf Mohamed Ibrahim , Mohamed Rania Essam-el-dein
Published: August 2022

Background

Bariatric surgery has become a widely accepted treatment option among the population for obesity management. Nevertheless, different complications may still be encountered during the late post-operative period. Our prospective cross-sectional study aimed to show the incremental value of multislice CT for diagnosis of such complications.

Results

Within the included twenty patients who underwent multislice CT of upper abdomen, gastric pouch dilatation causing recurrent weight gain was the commonest complication detected in 70% of the studied patients and was found mainly after sleeve gastrectomy in whom mean gastric pouch volume was 248.4 ml. Gastric stricture, gastric herniation through plication suture, hiatus hernia and incisional hernia were less commonly encountered complications.

Conclusion

Multislice CT is a useful non-invasive imaging modality for detection of late bariatric surgery complications.
Role of ethno-phytomedicine knowledge in healthcare of COVID-19: advances in traditional phytomedicine perspective
Authors: Nasir Ahmed Md , Hughes Kerry
Published: August 2022

Background

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, ethnomedicinal plants have been used in diverse geographical locations for their purported prophylactic and pharmacological effects. Medicinal plants have been relied on by people around the globe for centuries, as 80% of the world’s population rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care needs, according to the World Health Organization.

Main body

This review portrays advances in traditional phytomedicine by bridging the knowledge of ethno-phytomedicine and COVID-19 healthcare. Ethnomedicinal plants have been used for symptoms related to COVID-19 as antiviral, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antipyretic, and lung–gut immune boosters. Traditionally used medicinal plants have the ability to inhibit virus entry and viral assembly, bind to spike proteins, membrane proteins, and block viral replications and enzymes. The efficacy of traditional medicinal plants in the terms of COVID-19 management can be evaluated by in vitro, in vivo as well as different in silico techniques (molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning, etc.) which have been applied extensively to the quest and design of effective biotherapeutics rapidly. Other advances in traditional phytomedicines against COVID-19 are controlled clinical trials, and notably the roles in the gut microbiome. Targeting the gut microbiome via medicinal plants as prebiotics is also found to be an alternative and potential strategy in the search for a COVID-19 combat strategy.

Conclusions

Since medicinal plants are the sources of modern biotherapeutics development, it is essential to build collaborations among ethnobotanists, scientists, and technologists toward developing the most efficient and the safest adjuvant therapeutics against the pandemic of the twenty-first century, COVID-19.
Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer That Is Either Endocrine-Pretreated or Hormone Receptor–Negative: ASCO Guideline Rapid Recommendation Update
Authors: Moy Beverly , Rumble R. Bryan , Carey Lisa A. ,   for the Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy for HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer that is Either Endocrine-Pretreated or Hormone Receptor–Negative Expert Panel
Published: August 2022

ASCO Rapid Recommendations Updates highlight revisions to select ASCO guideline recommendations as a response to the emergence of new and practice-changing data. The rapid updates are supported by an evidence review and follow the guideline development processes outlined in the ASCO Guideline Methodology Manual. The goal of these articles is to disseminate updated recommendations, in a timely manner, to better inform health practitioners and the public on the best available cancer care options.
From normal to anomalous diffusion of water molecules in narrow carbon nanotubes with defects, gases, and salts
Authors: Wang Yangjie , Chen Jige
Published: August 2022

In this letter, we study the diffusion of water molecules inside narrow carbon nanotubes in the presence of nanotube defects, gas molecules and salt ions by using molecular dynamics simulations. Mean square displacement (MSD) with a power-law fitting parameter

, and the probability distribution function (PDF) with an

distribution parameter a, of water molecules are calculated. It is found that within the diffusion time scale, water molecules exhibit a superdiffusion behavior with

inside a perfect nanotube and the superdiffusion is weakened in the presence of gas molecules and salt ions. Meanwhile, a normal diffusion behavior with

is observed inside a defective nanotube, and it is replaced by a subdiffusion behavior with

when gas molecules and salt ions are involved. PDF of water molecules is found to be Gaussian-like with

subject to superdiffusion and normal diffusion, while it becomes a center-peaked and long-tailed Lévy distribution with a < 2 subject to subdiffusion. Furthermore, it is found that the diffusion behavior of water molecules approaches normal diffusion as the radius size of the nanotube increases. Our result implies anomalous transport behavior of water in nanochannels due to the common presence of defects, gases and salts in nanochannels.
Black Populism
Authors: Hesse Barnor
Published: August 2022

This article theorizes the contemporary meaning and significance of populism in Black politics. It is based on a reading of the mass protests characteristic of the Black Lives Matter movement across the US during 2020. The argument developed suggests contemporary Black populism evidenced by its multicultural and multiracial mobilizations during 2020 comprised and catalyzed several strategic social orientations, organized around the public ventilation of critical affective repertoires of Black feeling. The idea of Black feeling is emphasized historically and curatorially via the public mourning of Black families over the police killing of Black people and the public rage of Black protesters. The article also develops the idea of a populism of Black feeling involved in activating and influencing a marking and critique of white sovereignty that split white solidarity into supporters and opponents of BLM. In highlighting this split in whiteness as symptomatic of a post-civil rights crisis of white sovereignty, the article suggests Black populism is now a significant dimension of entrenching that crisis.
Comparison of carotid artery calcification between stroke and nonstroke patients using CT angiographic and panoramic images
Authors: Kwon Young-Eun , An Chang-Hyeon , Choi Karp-Shik , An Seo-Young
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of carotid artery calcification (CAC) in stroke and nonstroke patients using computed tomography angiographic (CTA) and panoramic images.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study on patients who acquired both CTA and panoramic images at the Neurology Department of Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea, between 2011 and 2016. The patients were divided into stroke (n = 109) and nonstroke (n = 355) groups based on the final diagnosis. CAC was analyzed in each group based on its presence, shape, and severity using the [Formula: see text] 2 test. The differences in age and sex between the two groups were examined using a two-sample t-test. A measure of intraobserver reliability was obtained using Cohen’s κ index.

Results:

CAC was more frequently observed in the stroke group than in the nonstroke group using both CTA (stroke group, 100%; nonstroke group, 23.1%) and panoramic (stroke group, 83.5%; nonstroke group, 16.6%) images. Although scattered CAC shape and mild severity occupied the largest portion in both groups, vessel-outlined CAC was more common in nonstroke patients than in stroke patients. In age and sex analyses, only females patients in their 70 s showed significant differences in CAC shape between the stroke and nonstroke groups.

Conclusions:

On both CTA and panoramic images, although CAC is found more frequently in the stroke group, vessel-outlined-shaped CAC in the nonstorke group shows significant differences compared to other shapes.
The relationship of masseter muscle thickness with face morphology and parafunctional habits: an ultrasound study
Authors: Ispir Nebiha Gozde , Toraman Meryem
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the normal range of masseter muscle thickness by ultrasonographic measurement in individuals over 15 years of age, and to evaluate its relationship with age, gender, facial morphology, body mass index and parafunctional habits.

Methods:

The study was conducted on 115 volunteers whose lateral cephalometric radiography was performed within the indication in Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. The participants in the study were asked questions about their parafunctional habits, age, height and weight. Individuals were grouped as hypodivergent (n = 28), normdivergent (n = 55), or hyperdivergent (n = 32) according to vertical face morphology by making measurements on lateral cephalometric films. Right and left masseter muscle thicknesses of individuals were measured by ultrasonography while at rest and in contraction.

Results:

The mean value of masseter muscle thickness was found to be 13.57 ± 2.57 mm. The rest and contracted muscle thicknesses were significantly higher in males than in females for the right and left masseter muscles (p < 0.05). When the masseter muscle was at rest and contracted, its thickness was higher in individuals with hypodivergent facial morphology, than in the other groups. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of masseter muscle thickness between individuals having parafunctional habits and those who did not have parafunctional habits (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Although masseter muscle thickness varied according to vertical facial morphology, this was not the case for parafunctional habits.
Granisetron versus Ondansetron: Comparison of 5HT3 antagonists in preventing spinal anaesthesia induced hemodynamic instability in obstetric patients
Authors: Wahid Maheen , Ali Shabana , Yasin Bilal , Farhat Kulsoom , Noor Mudassar , Tassadaq Syed Fatima
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the Ondansetron and Granisetron in preventing spinal anaesthesia induced hemodynamic instability in obstetric patients

Methods: The comparative analytical study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from September to October, 2021. One hundred and twenty pregnant women undergoing cesarean section, were enrolled in the study via non probability convenience sampling, and divided into three groups containing 40 participants each based on the type of antiemetic premedication they received, if any: Group N were those not requiring antiemetic premedication, Group O consisted of those given ondansetron 4mg, and Group G had those receiving 3mg granisetron, 15 minutes prior to administration of spinal anaesthesia. Systolic blood pressures and heart rates were recorded before and at multiple intervals after spinal anaesthesia was administered. Episodes of hypotension and bradycardia were recorded. Requirement of phenylephrine and atropine as rescue drugs was recorded for each participant.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in incidence of hypotension among the three groups (p value <0.001), with both drugs being superior to the control group (p value <0.001 for both), and 3mg granisetron being superior to 4mg ondansetron (p value <0.001). As for incidence of bradycardia, ondansetron and granisetron were superior to control group (p value 0.03 and <0.001 respectively), but there was no significant difference between the two drug groups (p value 0.094).

Conclusion: High dose granisetron (3mg) is superior to low dose ondansetron (4mg) in preventing hemodynamic fluctuations induced by spinal anaesthesia.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5585

How to cite this:Wahid M, Ali S, Yasin B, Farhat K, Noor M, Syed FT. Granisetron versus Ondansetron: Comparison of 5HT3 antagonists in preventing spinal anaesthesia induced hemodynamic instability in obstetric patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5585

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Industry 4.0 solutions for preventive engine maintenance: a systematic review
Authors: Fauska Christian , Kniežová Jaroslava
Published: August 2022

Background: Industry 4.0 is about to revolutionize engine maintenance and support systems with predictive and analytical technologies. Available academic research probes into different expert technologies but lacks a comprehensive overview of available standards and their interaction

Methods: The study conducts a systematic review based on the PRISMA Concept 2020 to provide a systematic overview on articles empirically analyzing technologies for maintenance and repair using industry 4.0 technologies.

Results: The review identifies four key development fields of industry 4.0 solutions for preventive engine maintenance and repair: sensor equipment, digital networks, technology integration and augmented behavior. All four technologies can be intertwined to implement industry 4.0 based solutions in the industry shopfloor. A cycle model illustrating this is derived.

Conclusions:  Industry 4.0 based  maintenance and repair in the shopfloor is a promising technological development field but further research is required to utilize the individual technologies consistently and integrate them into a comprehensive  digital shopfloor environment.
Productivity of mother pigs is lower, and mortality greater, in countries that still confine them in gestation crates
Authors: Schuck-Paim Cynthia , Alonso Wladimir J.
Published: August 2022

Background: For decades, pig farmers have used gestation crates to confine pregnant sows. Gestation crates physically restrain sows for most of their life, preventing them from walking or turning around. Growing concern about animal welfare has been pressuring the industry for change, with recent legislation in several countries restricting the use of crates. Still, the notion that gestation crates negatively affect sow welfare has been challenged by producers in regions where crates are still used, who argue that, by facilitating health monitoring and preventing aggression, crates lead to lower sow mortality and higher piglet outputs per sow. We test whether these claims are valid by comparing these parameters across countries with different housing systems.

Methods: We use publicly available data from InterPig, a network of pig production economists in 17 countries that provides harmonized methods for meaningful comparisons of production and cost indicators. We focus on the last five years (2015-2019) of data available. Annual sow mortality and the number of pigs sold per sow were compared among (1) countries where gestation crates are the norm (CRATE), (2) countries where gestation crates are restricted to four weeks after insemination (RESTRICTED), and (3) countries where gestation crates are banned (BANNED).

Results: Sow mortality was significantly higher (F2,85=5.03;P=0.009), and annual pig production per sow significantly lower (F2,85=5.99;P=0.004), in the CRATE than in the RESTRICTED group.

Conclusions: Claims of higher mortality and reduced productivity per sow in crate-free systems are not substantiated by this industry-validated dataset. While many factors differ among the country groups (e.g., genetics, nutrition, climate), the observation that factors other than crating have a greater influence on performance challenges claims of an overall negative effect of loose housing on the parameters investigated. This evidence should be considered in policies affecting the welfare of breeding pigs.