bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of phospholipase A2, platelet aggregation and egg albumin induced rat paw oedema as anti-inflammatory effect of Peltophorun pterocarpus stem-bark
Authors: Enechi Osmund Chukwuma , Okeke Emmanuel Sunday , Awoh Ogochukwu Emmanuel , Okoye Charles Obinwanne , Odo Chinaza Kyrian
Published: September 2021

Background

Most medicinal plants presently employed in traditional medicine are used without scientific evidence, thereby suggesting a need to explore efficient and reliable investigations of their potential. We, therefore, conducted the present study to ascertain the efficacy of flavonoid-rich extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum sterm-bark in the treatment and management of inflammatory disorders as employed in folk medicine.

Materials and methods

Flavonoid-rich extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum sterm-bark and a total of fifty-five (55) Wistar rats were used for this study. Eighteen (18) mice were used for toxicity testing, and the phytochemical analysis was done using the Trease and Evans method, while the acute toxicity was done using Lorke’s method. In vivo anti-inflammatory study was done using the egg albumin-induced paw oedema method, while the in vitro anti-inflammatory studies were performed for the extract using phospholipase A2 inhibition and calcium chloride-induced platelet aggregation assays.

Results

The phytochemical analysis revealed that the extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum sterm-bark contains tannins, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and saponins ranging from 0.307 ± 0.02 to 1279.567 ± 149.868. The acute toxicity test of the extract showed no toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. In the systemic oedema of the rat paw, scalar doses of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the development of paw oedema induced by egg albumin, particularly with the Indomethacin (1.77 ± 0.41) when compared with the control (5.50 ± 0.26). However, varying doses of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited phospholipase A2 activity and CaCl2-Induced platelet aggregation in a concentration, dose, and time-dependent manner, in comparison to prednisolone.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the extract exhibited anti-inflammatory potential, and the mechanism of this activity has a promising ability to inhibit phospholipase A2 activity and platelet aggregation in rats inflicted with paw oedema.
Evaluation of cellular response and drug delivery efficacy of nanoporous stainless steel material
Authors: Bae Inho , Lim Kyung-Seob , Park Jun-Kyu , Song Ju Han , Oh Sin-Hye , Kim Jung-Woo , Zhang Zijiao , Park Chan , Koh Jeong-Tae
Published: September 2021

Objective

Various surface modification techniques that can further improve the function and usability of stainless steel as a medical device have been reported. In the present study, the physical and biological properties of nanoporous stainless steel as well as its usefulness for drug delivery were assessed.

Methods

The specimen was prepared with a circular disk shape (15 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness). The disk was subjected to electropolishing at a constant voltage of 20 V and 10 A for 10 min in an acidic environment (50% H
2
SO
4
). Everolimus (EVL) was used as a testing drug for drug-loading capacity of the material surface and release kinetics. The physiobiological properties of the material were assessed using platelet adhesion, and smooth muscle cell (SMC) adhesion, migration, and proliferation assays.

Results

The surface roughness of the postpolishing group was greater than that of the nonpolishing group. Platelet adhesion and SMC adhesion and migration were inhibited in the postpolishing group compared to those in the prepolishing group. In the postpolishing group, the total amount of EVL on the surface (i.e., drug storage rate) was higher and the drug release rate was lower, with half the amount of the EVL released within 4 days compared with only 1 day for that of the prepolishing group.

Conclusion

Taken together, this stainless steel with a nanoporous surface could be used as a medical device for controlling cellular responses and carrying drugs.
Exploring the trajectories of highly skilled migration law and policy in Japan and the UK
Authors: Wakisaka Daisuke , Cardwell Paul James
Published: September 2021

Japan and the UK appear to have few commonalities in terms of their history of and approach to migration law and policy. However, strong similarities in their contemporary approaches can be detected. Migration sits at the very top of the national political agendas and both have undertaken successive, major policy reforms over the past decade. Both have governments publicly committed to policies to attract ‘highly skilled’ migrants, with a restrictive approach towards ‘unskilled’ migrants. This article draws out the similarities and differences of migration law and policy in Japan and the UK via their respective legislative structures and policy trajectories on highly skilled migration. The article argues that Japan and the UK promote a market-driven model which enables highly skilled migration to be ‘sold’ to publics believed to be hostile to increased migration. Yet, the rapid changes in policy and revising of applicable rules often prevents the successful recruitment of highly skilled migrants to both countries.
Clinician's attitude to enteral nutrition with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: a survey in China
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Ma Chen , Li Chenxi , Chen Qian , Shen Meifen , Wang Yuyu
Published: September 2021

Background

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is recommended for long-term enteral nutrition. However, long-term nasogastric (NGT) feeding is still commonplace in China. We surveyed Chinese clinicians’ opinions toward PEG feeding in order to identify the potential barriers to acceptancy of PEG feeding.

Methods

A self-reported questionnaire was developed and distributed to 600 doctors. Five-point Likert scales were used for most responses.

Results

Of 525 respondents, the mainly nutritional support method was NGT while PEG was less used. Doctors working in the tertiary class A hospitals and radiotherapy department were more likely to choose PEG feeding (p = 0.000). Overall, 241 (46%) participants did not know PEG and 284 (54%) have different understanding degree of PEG. Age (p = 0.002), working life (p = 0.044) and professionalism (p = 0.005) were significantly related to the understanding of PEG. Levels of agreement was high (score of 3.47) for using PEG in patients with prolonged stroke-associated dysphagia. There was high agreement level in the statement that PEG was unnecessary when NGT could sustain the basic needs of patients, though better outcome can be predicted with PEG feeding. The highest scoring factor (score of 3.91) that influenced clinicians’ choice of PEG was resistance from patients and families and the second one was the poor cooperation among departments (score of 3.80).

Conclusions

Doctors’ insufficient knowledge of PEG feeding, resistance from patients and families, poor cooperation among departments, all these factors leading physicians to prefer more conservative treatment to avoid disputes rather than better ones.
Is simulation-based team training performed by personnel in accordance with the INACSL Standards of Best Practice: SimulationSM?—a qualitative interview study
Authors: Finstad Anne Strand , Ballangrud Randi , Aase Ingunn , Wisborg Torben , Romundstad Luis Georg , Bjørshol Conrad Arnfinn
Published: September 2021

Background

Anesthesia personnel was among the first to implement simulation and team training including non-technical skills (NTS) in the field of healthcare. Within anesthesia practice, NTS are critically important in preventing harmful undesirable events. To our best knowledge, there has been little documentation of the extent to which anesthesia personnel uses recommended frameworks like the Standards of Best Practice: SimulationSM to guide simulation and thereby optimize learning. The aim of our study was to explore how anesthesia personnel in Norway conduct simulation-based team training (SBTT) with respect to outcomes and objectives, facilitation, debriefing, and participant evaluation.

Methods

Individual qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals, with experience and responsible for SBTT in anesthesia, from 51 Norwegian public hospitals were conducted from August 2016 to October 2017. A qualitative deductive content analysis was performed.

Results

The use of objectives and educated facilitators was common. All participants participated in debriefings, and almost all conducted evaluations, mainly formative. Preparedness, structure, and time available were pointed out as issues affecting SBTT.

Conclusions

Anesthesia personnel’s SBTT in this study met the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Standard of Best Practice: SimulationSM framework to a certain extent with regard to objectives, facilitators’ education and skills, debriefing, and participant evaluation.
Salazosulfapyridine-induced agranulocytosis in a patient on chronic hemodialysis with seronegative spondyloarthropathy: a case report
Authors: Iida Takeshi , Nakata Kimihiko , Fukui Masayoshi , Umeda Masaru
Published: September 2021

Background

Salazosulfapyridine is a generally safe drug often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. However, agranulocytosis is a rare but serious adverse effect of this drug. To date, there have been no reports describing the clinical course of salazosulfapyridine-induced agranulocytosis in a chronic hemodialysis patient.

Case presentation

The patient was a 64-year-old man with IgA nephropathy who had been on chronic hemodialysis for about 3 years. For 1 month, he had general fatigue, mild fever, and pain in multiple joints of the upper extremities. He was hospitalized and underwent detailed examinations in our department. Laboratory investigations revealed an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 67 mm/h and a C-reactive protein level of 7.73 mg/dL. Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were negative. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography showed inflammation of the tendon sheath in both wrists and the right shoulder joint. Computed tomography scans revealed osteosclerosis and narrowing of the sacroiliac joint. The diagnosis was seronegative spondyloarthropathy. He was started on salazosulfapyridine. Four weeks later, he had a high fever and low granulocyte count. Treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was started. The agranulocytosis could not be ascribed to any other cause and was considered an adverse effect of salazosulfapyridine, which was then stopped. Nine days later, the granulocyte count had recovered and the fever had resolved.

Conclusions

Currently, there are no guidelines on the use of salazosulfapyridine in chronic hemodialysis patients. The starting dosage should be smaller for these patients than for patients without renal impairment. Also, the laboratory monitoring interval for complete blood count should be shorter than usual.
Prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae at a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Pyakurel Susil , Ansari Mehraj , Kattel Smriti , Rai Ganesh , Shrestha Prasha , Rai Kul Raj , Sah Anil Kumar , Rai Shiba Kumar
Published: September 2021

Aim

Although carbapenem is the last-resort drug for treating drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections, prevalence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria has substantially increased worldwide owing to irrational use of antibiotics particularly in developing countries like Nepal.  Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae and to detect the carbapenemase genes (blaNDM-2 and blaOXA-48) in at a tertiary care hospital in Nepal.

Materials and methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2018 to January 2019 at the Microbiology Laboratory of Annapurna Neurological Institute and Allied Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal. Different clinical samples were collected and cultured in appropriate growth media. Biochemical tests were performed for the identification of K. pneumoniae. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) was performed by the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. The modified Hodge test (MHT) was performed to detect carbapenemase producers. The plasmid was extracted by the modified alkaline hydrolysis method. Carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae were further confirmed by detecting blaNDM-2 and blaOXA-48 genes by PCR using specific forward and reverse primers followed by gel electrophoresis.

Results

Out of the total 720 samples, 38.9% (280/720) were culture positive. K. pneumoniae was the most predominant isolate 31.4% (88/280). Of 88 K. pneumoniae isolates, 56.8% (50/88) were multi-drug resistant (MDR), and 51.1% (45/88) were MHT positive. Colistin showed the highest sensitivity (100%; 88/88), followed by tigecycline (86.4%; 76/88). blaNDM-2 and blaOXA-48 genes were detected in 24.4% (11/45) and 15.5% (7/45) of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates, respectively.

Conclusion

The rate of MDR and carbapenemase production was high in the K. pneumoniae isolates. Colistin and tigecycline could be the drug of choice for the empirical treatments of MDR and carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae. Our study provides a better understanding of antibiotic resistance threat and enables physicians to select the most appropriate antibiotics.
Carica papaya and Mangifera indica modulate haematological, biochemical and histological alterations in atrazine-intoxicated fish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)
Authors: Owolabi Olufemi D. , Abdulkareem Saratu I.
Published: September 2021

Background

Atrazine has impacted negatively on fish by inducing significant alterations in their haematological, biochemical and histological parameters. Mitigating such alterations to enhance fish survival becomes pertinent. Unfortunately, readily available and eco-friendly remedies are scarce. The study, therefore, investigated the potential ameliorative effects of dietary supplementation of aqueous Carica papaya and Mangifera indica leaf extracts on atrazine-induced toxicity and oxidative damage in the tissues of Clarias gariepinus. Fish (average weight: 10.57 ± 1.69 g, and average length: 10. 36 ± 1.26 cm) were randomly divided into six groups of ten samples each. Group I served as control and administered borehole water only, group II was exposed to 8.50 µg/l atrazine corresponding to ¼ of 96 h LC50, group III was treated with low (0.25 mg/g) concentration of each extract alone, group IV was exposed to 8.50 µg/l atrazine and treated with the low concentration of each extract, group V was administered with high (0.75 mg/g) concentration of each extract alone, and group VI was exposed to 8.50 µg/l atrazine and treated with the high concentration of each extract. The experiment spanned 28 days after which the haematological, biochemical and histopathological alterations were assayed.

Results

Atrazine intoxication significantly induced oxidative damage in the gill and liver, culminating into different histopathological disorders, decreased haematological parameters, increased serum, gill and liver levels of malondialdehyde and enzyme biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and acetylcholinesterase). On the other hand, atrazine exposure caused decreased levels of glucose, protein and superoxide dismutase in the tissues. Treatment with diets fortified with both extracts significantly increased all the decreased haematological parameters, reduced the serum levels of the elevated malondialdehyde and tissues enzyme biomarkers in a concentration-dependent manner. Biochemical parameters in the tissues were also improved with dietary supplementation of the extracts. Histopathological examination of both tissues showed ameliorating effects of both extracts in restoring the structural and functional integrity of each tissue.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the extracts have ameliorative potentials against atrazine-induced peroxidative injury in C. gariepinus. The utilisation of these extracts could enhance better health management practices, particularly in a rice-cum fish culture, where atrazine application is common.
Bacillus-based nano-bioformulations for phytopathogens and insect–pest management
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Pandhi Shikha , Mahato Dipendra Kumar , Kamle Madhu , Mishra Archana
Published: September 2021

Background

Recent concerns linked with the application of chemical pesticides and the increasing necessity of low inputs sustainable agriculture have put the use of microbial biocontrol agents and bio-pesticides to the forefront for their application against plant pathogens and insect–pest management.

Results

This review tended to scrutinize the prospects of microbial biocontrol agents and microbes-based nano-formulations against plant diseases and for pest management with emphasis on bacteria-based nanoparticles, especially derived from Bacillus species. It also tended to discuss the probable mechanism of action and effect on plant growth along with its prospects in a brief manner.

Conclusion

The use of microbial biocontrol agents offers effective, eco-friendly, and long-lasting management of plant diseases. The employment of nanotechnology in the field of biopesticides has emerged as a promising solution. Nano-biopesticides in the form of biologically derived active pesticides or compounds integrated as nanoparticles and integrated into a suitable polymer have application in insect–pest management.
Sinus venous thrombosis as a complication of COVID-19-associated hypercoagulability
Authors: Zarrouk Sinda , Finsterer Josef
Published: September 2021

Sinus venous thrombosis (SVT) is an increasingly recognised complication of not only SARS-CoV-2 infections, but also of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations. SVT is attributed to hypercoagulability, a common complication of COVID-19, disregarding the severity of the infection. Hypercoagulability in COVID-19 is explained by direct activation of platelets, enhancing coagulation, by direct infection and indirect activation of endothelial cells by SARS-CoV-2, shifting endothelial cells from an anti-thrombotic to a pro-thrombotic state, by direct activation of complement pathways, promoting thrombin generation, or by immune thrombocytopenia, which also generates a thrombogenic state. Since SVT may occur even in anticoagulated COVID-19 patients and may have an unfavourable outcome, all efforts must be made to prevent this complication or to treat it accurately.
Transcranial approaches for pituitary adenomas: current indications and clinical and radiological outcomes
Authors: Salama Mohamed M. , Rady Mohamed Reda
Published: September 2021

Background

The indications of transcranial approaches for pituitary adenomas have declined in the last decades with the widespread performance of endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches.

The aim of the study was to review the current indications of transcranial approaches for pituitary adenomas and to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome following these approaches.

Patients and methods

This study included 16 patients with fresh, residual, or recurrent pituitary adenomas operated upon by transcranial approaches alone or in combination with transsphenoidal approaches. The indication to perform a transcranial approach was reviewed for each patient. Postoperative clinical outcome and the extent of tumor resection were assessed.

Results

The indications of transcranial approaches were significant parasellar and/or anterior fossa extensions in 6 patients, failed previous transsphenoidal surgery in 3 patients, giant adenoma extending into the third ventricle in 3 patients, dumbbell-shaped adenoma in 2 patients, and doubtful diagnosis in 2 patients. Two patients with invasive giant adenomas were operated upon by a combined approach. There was a single mortality. Permanent complications included visual loss in one patient, third nerve palsy in one patient, hypopituitarism in two patients, and permanent diabetes insipidus in two patients. Gross total resection was achieved in one patient, subtotal resection in seven patients, and partial resection in eight patients.

Conclusion

Transcranial approaches are still needed for some complex pituitary adenomas particularly giant tumors with significant lateral, anterior, or superior extensions, tumors with fibrous consistency particularly after failure of transsphenoidal approach, and dumbbell-shaped tumors with severe constriction at the diaphragm.
Ionic liquid-plasticised composites of chitosan and hybrid 1D and 2D nanofillers
Authors: Chen Pei , Xie Fengwei , Tang Fengzai , McNally Tony
Published: September 2021

The focus of this research was to study the effect of combining nanofillers with different geometry and surface chemistry on the structure and properties of biopolymers as an alternative to traditional plastics. How the inclusion of 2D graphene oxide (GO) or reduced GO (rGO) combined with 1D sepiolite (SPT) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) affect the structure and properties of chitosan and chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) materials was investigated. A 3D interconnected microstructure formed, composed of GO and SPT due to the strong interactions between these hydrophilic nanofillers. The chitosan/CMC/GO/SPT composite had the highest tensile strength (77.5 ± 1.2 MPa) and Young’s modulus (1925.9 ± 120.7 MPa). For the un-plasticised matrices, hydrophobic rGO nanosheets generally hindered the interaction of SPT or CNCs with the polysaccharides (chitosan and CMC) and consequently, composite properties were mainly determined by the rGO. However, for the chitosan matrix plasticised by 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]), rGO + CNCs or rGO + SPT disrupted polymer chain interactions more effectively than the nanofillers when added alone and resulted in the chitosan being more plasticised, as shown by increased chain mobility, ductility, and surface hydrophilicity. For the [C2mim][OAc]-plasticised chitosan/CMC matrix, the advantages of including hybrid fillers, rGO + CNCs or rGO + SPT, were also obtained, resulting in higher thermal stability and surface hydrophobicity.

Graphical Abstract
Are you a team player or a personal pinner? situating pinterest as part of teachers’ online and offline professional learning networks
Authors: Lundgren Lisa , Curcio Rachelle , Schroeder Stephanie E.
Published: September 2021

Pinterest, a popular social networking site, is used as a resource by educators across all grade levels. We take the perspective that Pinterest acts as a professional learning network (PLN) and interrogate the ways that teachers share resources within online/offline PLNs. Eighty-eight teachers responded to a survey that asked about their social media use as well as their sharing of Pinterest resources with their professional colleagues. Building from the media use typology, we developed the Peer-to-Peer Pinterest Sharing Typology to describe types of sharing, finding that most respondents indicated that they did not share resources, others shared if forced to, and some shared as a way to enhance collegial collaboration. This research expands limited empirical work on both Pinterest as a PLN and on how learning and resources from online PLNs cross into school-based ones. This work will be of interest to those who seek to understand how social media sites play a role in teacher professional learning.
A retrospective comparison of two different immobilization systems for radiotherapy of extremity soft tissue sarcomas and its influence on CTV-PTV margin
Authors: Mohamed Reham , Shuja Muhammad , Al-Hazienh Asaad , Aly Moamen
Published: September 2021

Background

On account of extremity wide range of movements and difficulty of reproducibility during irradiation of extremity sarcomas, assorted immobilization strategies are employed to eliminate setup errors. The study purpose was to compare the setup errors of the commonly used immobilization tools and to define planning target volume (PTV) margins for each device.

Methods

A retrospective review comparing Vac-Loc™ and thermoplastic cast (Tcast) was conducted. On radiotherapy treatment, portal imaging was matched with the pre-treatment simulation imaging for both fixation tools. The isocenter shifts and total vector error (TVE) were compared. Random (σ) and systemic errors (Σ) were computed and PTV margins were defined.

Results

Three hundred seven shifts in each direction measured in 14 patients. Mean displacements for the Vac-Loc™ and Tcast, respectively, were as follow: vertical; -0.01 cm vs. 0.02 cm, longitudinal; 0.03 cm vs. 0.04; lateral; 0.04 cm vs. 0.00 cm and TVE; 0.15 cm vs. 0.17 cm with no significant statistical difference. Random and systemic errors were comparable for both devices. The lateral displacement and rotational random errors were higher Vac-Loc™ compared to Tcast. Overall measured PTV margins were marginally lower for Tcast compared to Vac-Loc™.

Conclusion

Vac-Loc™ and Tcast are valid options for immobilization with no clear superiority of either device. The marginal advantage of Tcast warrants further prospective studies.
A mixed-methods study of multi-level factors influencing mammography overuse among an older ethnically diverse screening population: implications for de-implementation
Authors: Austin Jessica D. , Tehranifar Parisa , Rodriguez Carmen B. , Brotzman Laura , Agovino Mariangela , Ziazadeh Danya , Moise Nathalie , Shelton Rachel C.
Published: September 2021

Background

There is growing concern that routine mammography screening is overused among older women. Successful and equitable de-implementation of mammography will require a multi-level understanding of the factors contributing to mammography overuse.

Methods

This explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods study collected survey data (n= 52, 73.1% Hispanic, 73.1% Spanish-speaking) from women ≥70 years of age at the time of screening mammography, followed by semi-structured interviews with a subset of older women completing the survey (n=19, 63.2% Hispanic, 63.2% Spanish-speaking) and providers (n=5, 4 primary care, 1 obstetrics and gynecology) to better understand multi-level factors influencing mammography overuse and inform potential de-implementation strategies. We conducted a descriptive analysis of survey data and content analysis of qualitative interview data. Survey and interview data were examined separately, compared, integrated, and organized according to Norton and Chambers Continuum of Factors Influencing De-Implementation Process.

Results

Survey findings show that 87.2% of older women believe it is important to plan for an annual mammogram, 80.8% received a provider recommendation, and 78.9% received a reminder in the last 12 months to schedule a mammogram. Per interviews with older women, the majority were unaware of or did not perceive to have experienced overuse and intended to continue mammography screening. Findings from interviews with older women and providers suggest that there are multiple opportunities for older women to obtain a mammogram. Per provider interviews, almost all reported that reducing overuse was not viewed as a priority by the system or other providers. Providers also discussed that variation in mammography screening practices across providers, fear of malpractice, and monetary incentives may contribute to overscreening. Providers identified potential strategies to reduce overscreening including patient and provider education around harms of screening, leveraging the electronic health record to identify women who may receive less health benefit from screening, customizing system-generated reminder letters, and organizing workgroups to develop standard processes of care around mammography screening.

Conclusions

Multi-level factors contributing to mammography overuse are dynamic, interconnected, and reinforced. To ensure equitable de-implementation, there is a need for more refined and empirical testing of theories, models, and frameworks for de-implementation with a strong patient-level component that considers the interplay between multilevel factors and the larger care delivery process.
Synthesis and anti-oxidant activity of coumarinyl chalcones
Authors: Prasad Raj Keshwar , Loksh Kavita R.
Published: September 2021

Background

The ability to inhibit oxidative stress has been established as the prime mechanism in treatment of several disease conditions. In view of this, two new series of coumarin–chalcone hybrid molecules (5a–o and 6a–o) were synthesized using various aromatic aldehydes. The structures of the compounds were confirmed using IR, 1HNMR and mass spectral analyses. The compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant potential against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radicals in scavenging assays.

Results

Compounds 5o and 5k exhibited significant antioxidant potential as compared to the standard drug (ascorbic acid).

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the coumarin–chalcone treatment have the potential to be optimized further to generate scaffolds capable to treat many pathological conditions.
Correlation of intraoperative middle ear status and hearing results in single-stage canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy with PORP—a prospective study
Authors: Tamang Nirmala , Shakya Dipesh , Pradhananga Rabindra , Rayamajhi Pabina , Bhattarai Hari
Published: September 2021

Background

Mastoidectomy is one of the common surgical procedures performed by the otologist. It is commonly done for cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media (CCOM) and can be performed as either canal wall up or down techniques. Most of the CCOM is associated with ossicular erosions which require ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) which can be done either in one stage or multiple stages.

A multitude of factors affects postoperative OCR results with tympanomastoidectomy. Among various factors, the status of the tympanic membrane and middle ear mucosa is quite essential. To date, there are no randomized or prospective studies assessing the integrity of pars tensa and status of the middle ear mucosa in hearing outcomes in single-stage tympanomastoidectomy using partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) in the literature. Therefore, this study is performed to correlate the integrity of pars tensa and middle ear mucosa condition with postoperative hearing results of single-stage canal wall down (CWD) tympanomastoidectomy with PORP.

Results

Forty-two patients with cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media underwent single-stage canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWD) and partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) placement. The statistical analysis was done to compare the results of postoperative hearing with the intraoperative integrity of pars tensa and middle ear mucosa status. The mean pre- and postoperative air-bone gaps (ABGs) of all cases were 23.9 dB and 21 dB, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. In the pars tensa intact group, the mean pre- and postoperative ABGs were 21.5 dB and 18.5 dB, respectively, and in the pars tensa not intact group, the mean pre- and postoperative ABGs were 25.7 dB and 22.8 dB, respectively, and both groups had statistically insignificant difference. The pre- and postoperative ABGs in the healthy middle ear mucosa group were 20.7 dB and 19 dB, respectively. Similarly, the pre- and postoperative ABGs in non-healthy middle ear mucosa were 24.4 dB and 21.2 dB, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant in both groups.

Conclusion

There was a statistically significant improvement in postoperative air conduction threshold (ACT) in all cases. The integrity of pars tensa and middle ear mucosa status did not affect the postoperative hearing outcome in single-stage CWD tympanomastoidecomty using PORP.
Fast and long-lasting immune response to S-trimer COVID-19 vaccine adjuvanted by PIKA
Authors: Liu Yuan , Dai Lianpan , Feng Xiaoli , Gao Ran , Zhang Nan , Wang Bin , Han Jianbao , Zou Qingcui , Guo Xiling , Zhu Hua , Liu Jiangning , Qin Chuan , Zhang Yi , Bao Linlin , Li Minghua
Published: September 2021

In the face of the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, there is an urgent need to develop a vaccine that can induce fast, effective, long-lasting and broad protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we developed a trimeric SARS-CoV-2 S protein vaccine candidate adjuvanted by PIKA, which can induce robust cellular and humoral immune responses. The results showed a high level of neutralizing antibodies induced by the vaccine was maintained for at least 400 days. In the study of non-human primates, PIKA adjuvanted S-trimer induced high SARS-CoV-2 neutralization titers and protected from virus replication in the lung following SARS-CoV-2 challenge. In addition, the long-term neutralizing antibody response induced by S-trimer vaccine adjuvanted by PIKA could neutralize multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants and there is no obvious different among the SARS- CoV-2 variants of interest or concern, including B.1.351, B.1.1.7, P.1, B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 variants. These data support the utility of S-trimer protein adjuvanted by PIKA as a potential vaccine candidate against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Microplastics in fecal samples of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and from surface water in the Philippines
Authors: Yong Mila Mi Hua , Leistenschneider Clara , Miranda Joni Anne , Paler Maria Kristina , Legaspi Christine , Germanov Elitza , Araujo Gonzalo , Burkhardt-Holm Patricia , Erni-Cassola Gabriel
Published: September 2021

Marine plastic abundance has increased over the past 60 years and microplastics (< 5 mm) constitute a primary component of such litter. Filter-feeding megafauna, such as the whale shark, might be particularly affected by microplastic pollution as their feeding mode requires filtration of up to thousands of cubic meters of water. In addition, the habitat range of whale sharks intersects with several recognized microplastic pollution hotspots, among which is the Coral Triangle. Direct evidence for microplastic ingestion in whale sharks however, has not yet been presented. Here we show that whale shark scat collected in the Philippines from 2012 to 2019 contained a mean of 2.8 microplastics g− 1. Contrary to our expectations, the microplastic concentration in the scat remained consistent from 2012 to 2019. Water samples from the study site in 2019 indicated that the local microplastic pollution (5.83 particles m− 3) was higher than in surface waters in other whale shark habitats, but well below other pollution hot-spots found in Southeast Asia and China (range: 100–4100 particles m− 3). With the predicted growth in plastic use, leading to increased plastic marine pollution, whale sharks are expected to become more exposed to this form of pollution. To what extent microplastic ingestion impacts the overall health status of this endangered species remains an open question.
Prediction of SARS-CoV-2 hosts among Brazilian mammals and new coronavirus transmission chain using evolutionary bioinformatics
Authors: Lopes Luciano Rodrigo , de Mattos Cardillo Giancarlo , de Lucca Pina Natália Carvalho , da Silva Junior Antonio Carlos , Kasinski Silvana Kertzer , Bandiera-Paiva Paulo
Published: September 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2 are thought to transmit to humans via wild mammals, especially bats. However, evidence for direct bat-to-human transmission is lacking. Involvement of intermediate hosts is considered a reason for SARS-CoV-2 transmission to humans and emergence of outbreak. Large biodiversity is found in tropical territories, such as Brazil. On the similar line, this study aimed to predict potential coronavirus hosts among Brazilian wild mammals based on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) sequences using evolutionary bioinformatics. Cougar, maned wolf, and bush dogs were predicted as potential hosts for coronavirus. These indigenous carnivores are philogenetically closer to the known SARS-CoV/SARS-CoV-2 hosts and presented low ACE2 divergence. A new coronavirus transmission chain was developed in which white-tailed deer, a susceptible SARS-CoV-2 host, have the central position. Cougar play an important role because of its low divergent ACE2 level in deer and humans. The discovery of these potential coronavirus hosts will be useful for epidemiological surveillance and discovery of interventions that can contribute to break the transmission chain.
Challenges and learning from the transcatheter aortic valve implantation team during the COVID-19 pandemic: a nurse's perspective
Authors: Frame Angela , Kainth Gurdeep , Kammerling Einat
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on NHS resources, causing disruption to all elective procedures and affecting each stage of the patient journey. For patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, there is a significant risk of clinical deterioration if left untreated. The risk of delay needs to be weighed against the risk of acquiring COVID-19 during an admission for a procedure. This has presented many challenges for the transcatheter aortic valve implantation team. When offering any procedures during 2020, NHS trusts had a responsibility to protect patients from exposure to COVID-19 through infection control measures and adapting to COVID-19 secure pathways. The aim was to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while performing planned care to high-risk patients where possible, to prevent clinical harm caused by delays. The authors' practice needed to set realistic targets for the care that could be safely delivered at each phase of the pandemic. Therefore, new considerations and methods needed to be applied at every stage of the patient journey, from the patient referrals on the waiting list to post-procedure discharge planning. This required a team-based approach throughout. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation clinical nurse specialists have played a fundamental role in the coordination of the ever-changing situation, implementing the new pathways and monitoring the patients on the waiting list. Nurses in this role are also often the first point of contact for patients and family. This experience presented an opportunity for innovation and learning from change. This article will discuss the challenges faced by the transcatheter aortic valve implantation team, the strategies used during the pandemic and the lessons that can be applied to future practice from the authors' experiences in one centre in London.
Communicating beyond barriers with patients' families during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Akpan Nsisongabasi
Published: September 2021

In this month's student column, Nsisongabasi Akpan shares her experiences and thoughts about the impact of pandemic restrictions on families of patients, their role in their loved one's care and their communication with staff.
How do hospice nurses prepare to give end-of-life care? A grounded theory study of nurses in one UK hospice
Authors: Griffith Sue , Gelling Leslie
Published: September 2021

Background:

Literature for preparing hospice nurses to deliver end-of-life care is sparse.

Aim:

To investigate how nurses in one UK hospice prepared to deliver end-of-life care in their role.

Methods:

A classic grounded theory approach was used to investigate the experiences of 22 registered nurses in one UK hospice, to discover how they prepared for their role. A total of 17 individual interviews and one focus group were conducted. Constant comparison of data and member checking were performed to establish validity.

Findings:

Findings were synthesised into five categories: the ‘shared ideal’, feeling good at the job, making a difference, experience/exposure to hospice work and the importance of role models. The shared ideal formed the core category, which explained how hospice nurses feel a sense of ‘fit’ with their work.

Conclusion:

The feeling of a nurse feeling well-suited to the work and that there the work was a good ‘fit’ for them was identified as a core element to nurses' feelings of preparedness to provide end-of-life care.
Using Death Cafés as a method for discussing death and dying with third year student nurses
Authors: Mitchell Theresa , Nyatanga Brian , Lillyman Sue , Bruce Mary , Bryane Sue
Published: September 2021

Background:

Death Cafés are increasingly being held to facilitate discussions around death and dying and end-of-life issues with the public. They are thought to provide a safe, confidential and interactive space in which sensitive and supportive conversations about death and dying and end-of-life are shared.

Aim:

To explore nursing students' experiences of participating in a modified Death Café and its impact on their learning about death and dying.

Methodology:

A qualitative interpretive approach was employed using face-to-face semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of third year student nurse volunteers. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes.

Findings:

Students viewed the modified Death Cafés positively, reporting that they were stimulating, informative and worthwhile for discussing sensitive topics related to death and dying. Five themes were developed from interview data: anticipation of the Death Cafés; timing of the Death Cafés within the curriculum; facilitation; trust within the group and getting involved; and reflection on, and for, practice.

Conclusion:

Students voiced a preference to disclose their feelings about death to an expert facilitator in the more informal environment of a Death Café because they thought they might be judged by their nursing lecturers. Effective facilitation of a Death Café session is critical to encourage self-scrutiny and disclosure by students, and the modified Death Café sessions achieved this.

Implications:

It is expected that students may feel vulnerable while participating in a Death Café, but it is important that the sessions enable students to be open about their feelings about death and the reciprocal sharing of inner thoughts and feelings about death and dying.
Teaching palliative care skills via simulation-based learning
Authors: Hamdoune Meryem , Gantare Abdellah
Published: September 2021

Background:

The scarcity of palliative care (PC) services in Morocco, and their absence in Settat, limits the opportunities for nursing students at the Higher Institute of Health Sciences (HIHS) to benefit from clinical placements. As a consequence of this, most students feel underprepared to care for patients with PC needs.

Aim:

The purpose of this study is to share a simulation-based learning experience in a PC context and to evaluate the effectiveness of this learning method.

Methods:

The simulation experience took place in the simulation centre of the HIHS and involved 20 nursing students in their second year. The main goal of the simulation session was to simulate the support given to patients going through the five stages of grief. A post-simulation survey was conducted to explore the nursing students reflections on this learning experience.

Findings:

The simulation is recommended as a powerful learning approach to compensate for the lack of PC clinical placements available to nursing students.

Conclusion:

The simulation-based training was an excellent opportunity for nursing students to experience caring for patients in extreme end-of life-situations, which was not possible before due to the lack of specialised PC services.
Research Roundup
Authors: Green Laura
Published: September 2021

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care
Teaching pop vocal performance to students: A comparison of methods used in Russia
Authors: Anufrieva Natalia , Limanov Semyon , Mamonova Yana , Anchutina Natalia , Kats Maria Kats
Published: September 2021

The present study aims to compare modern Russian and foreign methods of teaching pop vocal to college and university students from the point of their effectiveness and educational results based on the analysis of the theoretical background and experimental work. Globalization, internationalization of cultures, the active introduction of electronic educational environments, and distance and online learning now allow mastering many vocal techniques and teaching methods and putting them into practice in a short amount of time. In this regard, the need to compare and evaluate modern Russian and foreign methods of teaching pop vocals, as well as identify the advantages and determine the prospects for their further use in pedagogical practice become relevant. The study summarizes the experience of teaching pop vocals and a comparative analysis of three modern methods of teaching – one foreign (Joe Estill) and two Russian (M.L. Kats and O. Donskaia). The results of the experiment show that the effectiveness of these techniques is due to the emphasis placed on the active and comprehensive development of the vocal apparatus, singing support, rhythmic coordination, singing vibrato, vocal techniques, melismatics, and the development of the vocal range and voicing resonators. The control stage of the experiment reveals the expressiveness of singing, the integrity of vocal pieces, the density of sound in all registers, and the improvement of the quality of timbral coloration of the voice in the tested group of students. These results were undoubtedly promoted by the previously studied and newly implemented methods of teaching pop vocals.
Cyclic DNA codes over the ring $\mathbb{Z}_4+u\mathbb{Z}_4+u^2\mathbb{Z}_4$
Authors: GOWTHAMAN Karthick , GUPTA Somi , MOHAN Cruz , GUENDA Kenza , CHİNNAPİLLAİ Durairajan
Published: September 2021

In this work, we have investigated the one generator cyclic DNA codes with reverse and reverse complement constraints over the ring $R=\mathbb{Z}_4+u\mathbb{Z}_4+u^2\mathbb{Z}_4$ with $u^3=0$. Skew cyclic codes with reverse complement constraint are constructed over $R$. We have also determined a one-to-one correspondence between the elements of the ring $R$ and DNA codons satisfying the Watson-Crick complement. Finally, we have established some examples which satisfy the given constraints.
Simultaneous nonlinear wavelength and mode conversion for high-brightness blue sources
Authors: Lindberg Robert , Liu Xiao , Zukauskas Andrius , Ramachandran Siddharth , Pasiskevicius Valdas
Published: September 2021

We investigate frequency doubling of focused Bessel-like higher order
fiber modes in a one-dimensionally quasi-phase matched structured KTP
crystal. A single higher-order fiber mode,

L
P

0
,
7

, was generated at 971 nm using a
fiber optical parametric amplifier pumped by sub-nanosecond pulses at
1064 nm. Frequency doubling to 485.5 nm was achieved with a maximum
conversion efficiency of 48%, which produced a highly structured blue
beam without any brightness improvement with respect to the
fundamental beam. By optimizing the phase mismatch, we also
experimentally demonstrate clean on-axis conversion—resulting from
cascaded

χ

(
2
)

:

χ

(
2
)

processes, which is in good agreement
with our numerical simulations, that give rise to brightness
enhancement.