bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Trends in Hypoparathyroidism-Related Inpatient and Emergency Department Admissions and Costs in the United States
Authors: Kaul Sanjiv , Gosmanova Elvira O , Castriota Felicia , Hitchens Abby , Candrilli Sean , Parikh Rohan , Esterberg Elizabeth , Ayodele Olulade
Published: April 2023

Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is a rare disease associated with high morbidity. Its economic impact is not well understood. This retrospective, cross-sectional study used data from the United States-based National Inpatient Sample and the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample from 2010 to 2018 to quantify overall trends in number, cost, charges, and length of stay (LOS) for inpatient hospitalizations and number and charges for emergency department (ED) visits for HypoPT-related and for non-HypoPT-related causes. Additionally, the study estimated the marginal effect of HypoPT on total inpatient hospitalization costs and LOS as well as ED visit charges. Over the observed period, a mean of 56.8–66.6 HypoPT-related hospitalizations and 14.6–19.5 HypoPT-related ED visits were recorded per 100 000 visits per year. Over this period, the rate of HypoPT-related inpatient hospitalizations and ED visits increased by 13.5% and 33.6%, respectively. The mean LOS for HypoPT-related hospitalizations was consistently higher than for non-HypoPT-related causes. Total annual HypoPT-related inpatient hospitalization costs increased by 33.6%, and ED visit charges increased by 96.3%. During the same period, the annual costs for non-HypoPT-related hospitalizations and charges for ED visits increased by 5.2% and 80.3%, respectively. In all years, HypoPT-related hospital encounters resulted in higher charges and costs per individual visit than non-HypoPT-related encounters. The marginal effect of HypoPT on inpatient hospitalization costs and LOS, and on ED charges, increased over the period of observation. This study demonstrated that HypoPT was associated with substantial and increasing healthcare utilization in the United States between 2010 and 2018.
Direct force measurement and loading on developing tissues in intact avian embryos
Authors: Chan Chon U. , Xiong Fengzhu , Michaut Arthur , Vidigueira Joana M. N. , Pourquié Olivier , Mahadevan L.
Published: April 2023

Developmental morphogenesis is driven by tissue stresses acting on tissue rheology. Direct measurements of forces in small tissues (100 µm-1 mm) in situ, such as in early embryos, require high spatial precision and minimal invasiveness. Here, we introduce a control-based approach, tissue force microscopy (TiFM), that integrates a mechanical cantilever probe and live imaging with closed-loop feedback control of mechanical loading in early chicken embryos. By testing previously qualitatively characterized force-producing tissues in the elongating body axis, we show that TiFM quantitatively captures stress dynamics with high sensitivity. TiFM also provides the means to apply stable, minimally invasive and physiologically relevant loads to drive tissue deformation and to follow the resulting morphogenetic progression associated with large-scale cell movements. Together, TiFM allows us to control tissue force measurement and manipulation in small developing embryos, and promises to contribute to the quantitative understanding of complex multi-tissue mechanics during development.
Análisis de los programas de historia publicados en iVoox. Pódcast como herramienta de divulgación.
Authors: Méndez-Majuelos María Inés , Olivares-García Francisco J. , Ruiz Acosta María José
Published: April 2023

En los últimos años tanto el consumo como la producción de emisiones de audio creadas para su consumo en internet ha aumentado, como puede observarse en las principales plataformas de difusión de audio. Los pódcast han alcanzado un nivel de popularidad y de producción técnica muy alto a partir de una narrativa cada día más especializada, debido a la madurez alcanzada por el formato, y a la diversidad del contenido ofrecido, que abarca desde producciones domésticas hasta programas de radio profesional. Nos encontramos, además, que estos formatos tienen cada día más espacios para ofrecer sus contenidos, bien sea de forma gratuita o de pago, a un número creciente de usuarios. Cuando parece que las temáticas de humanidades, ciencias sociales e historia no son los más atractivos para los ciudadanos, encontramos en el formato pódcast una tecnología y unas estructuras narrativas que hacen más cercanas estos contenidos, independientemente del nivel de especialización de la audiencia. En este trabajo abordamos los pódcasts de historia como una herramienta para la divulgación de contenidos muy especializados y a los que les costaba encontrar un hueco en los medios de comunicación. De esta forma, presentamos un estudio sobre la capacidad de los pódcast con temática de historia de transmitir contenidos especializados de forma divulgativa y amena. Para ello, realizamos un análisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de los pódcast de historia más escuchados en España, sus características y temáticas, de tal forma que se ha podido establecer un perfil de la producción de contenido en este formato.
What is the limit for composite restorations?
Authors: Baker James
Published: April 2023

Extensive tooth tissue loss due to caries, trauma or tooth-surface loss has traditionally been treated with crowns. However, this results in further depletion of the remaining structural tooth tissue, sometimes requiring use of the root canal space for post and core restorations to retain the crown. This paper explores the use of occlusal-coverage direct composite restorations as a conservative alternative to destructive conventional indirect restorations. In combination with the use of short-fibre reinforced composite (SFRC) the author suggests that it is possible and desirable to restore extensively damaged teeth that would otherwise require a post-crown or possibly even extraction.
Artificial intelligence: what it is and what it can do for dentists
Authors: Schwendicke Falk , Arsiwala-Scheppach Lubaina T , Krois Joachim
Published: April 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an increasingly relevant topic for dental clinicians, with AI applications entering the clinical arena at a high pace. This article outlines what AI is, how it works, what its application fields are, but also what challenges the profession faces now and in the future. Computer vision, language processing, simulation and precision dentistry are the main fields where AI is, or will be, applied in dentistry. The ability to be generalizable to external data sources, be accurate, useful and easy to explain are the main cornerstones of AI for health applications. Clinicians should be able to appraise AI applications before integrating them in their daily workflow. AI will be useful for synthesizing an increasing amount of data in dentistry, allowing more automated, efficient and precise care. Certain tools will also facilitate patient communication and documentation. Dentists should critically evaluate AI against certain quality criteria and standards.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important to be aware of the applications of artificial intelligence in dentistry.
Disappearing teeth. The story of infra-occlusion of primary molars: diagnosis, aetiology and management
Authors: Hamilton Sean , Oliver Graham , Chawla Ourvinder , Atack Nicola E
Published: April 2023

This article outlines the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment options available for the management of infra-occluded primary molars. Treatment decisions are mainly guided by the clinical presentation of the infra-occluded tooth, the malocclusion, the age of the patient, the presence or absence of the permanent successor and, of course, the wishes of the patient and/or parents.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: It is important that infra-occlusion is diagnosed and managed in a timely way to prevent potentially avoidable complications.
Species diversity of gastropods (Cypraeidae and Conidae) at Krakal Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: FEBIANSI DEA , RAHMAYANTI FERINTA , RAHMAYANTI FERINTA , KURNIA RIFA NINGMAS , SILMI MALYA ADZILLINA , DEWI ARISMA KUSUMA , MILLATY IRKHAMNA NOVIYANI KHUSNA , PRASETYA TAUFIK ADHI , ROSHITAFANDI DHELA APRILYANDHA , SARTIKA HENI WAHYU , TRIJOKO TRIJOKO
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Febiansi D, Rahmayanti F, Kurnia RN, Silmi MA, Dewi AK, Millaty NK, Prasetya TA, Roshitafandi DA, Sartika HW, Trijoko. 2018. Species diversity of gastropods (Cypraeidae and Conidae) at Krakal Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Ocean Life 2: 27-32. Krakal is a beach in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia which has white sand and coral substrate in the intertidal zone. Cypraeidae and Conidae are families of gastropods found quite varied in the intertidal zone of Krakal Beach. The purpose of this research was to discover the diversity of Cypraeidae and Conidae families in the intertidal zone of Krakal Beach, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. The research was conducted on May 24, 2014 and May 25, 2017. The ecological parameters recorded were  26,5oC for temperature in 2014 and  26oC for temperature in 2017 , ±3.35% for salinity in 2014 and ±3,6% for salinity in 2017, 7.7 for pH. in 2014 and 7 for pH in 2017. The samples were collected using purposive sampling method, and specimens were identified by determining the morphological characteristics of the shell. This study found 5 species of Cypraeidae family in the intertidal zone of Krakal Beach, those are Cypraea annulus, Cypraea bouteti, Cypraea moneta, Cypraea caputserpentis and Cypraea lynx. While for family Conidae 5 species were found, those are Conus coronatus, Conus ebraeus, Conus capitaneus, Conus botulinus, and Conus fergusoni.
Meiofauna and nematode community assemblage as sediment disturbance indicator in Mida Creek, Kenya
Authors: WAFULA MATTHEWS , MUTHUMBI AGNES , WANG’ONDU VIRGINIA
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Wafula M, Muthumbi A, Wang’ondu V. 2019. Meiofauna and nematode community assemblage as sediment disturbance indicator in Mida Creek, Kenya. Ocean Life 3: 24-37. Meiofauna is a group of benthic fauna mostly found in the sediments’ upper centimeters (cm), including Copepoda, Polychaeta, and Nematoda. This study focused on determining nematodes’ potential as bio-indicators of sediment disturbance caused by bait harvesting. Furthermore, bait harvesting was common, albeit with different intensities, on the different beaches of Mida Creek, Kenya, on November 2013. Sediment samples were collected along two transects within the mud flat running from the mangrove forest edge to the edge of the subtidal zone. Along the transects, 1 m² was placed at 20 m intervals. A replicate of 2 sediments core (3.4 cm diameter, 10 cm deep) was taken from each quadrat. Next, samples were fixed using 5% formalin, stored in plastic bottles, and then transported to the laboratory for processing and identification. The nematodes were used because it could bring out a clear difference in their distribution, community assemblage, diversity, and abundance due to sediment disturbance compared to other meiofauna. Of the total meiofauna, 3,988 individual nematodes were identified to the genus level. In addition, Nematoda was the most abundant taxon of all other meiofauna taxa. The bait harvesting through digging was more pronounced in Mayonda due to its wider mud flat width. The result showed a clear difference in the distribution, diversity, and community assemblage of the nematodes seen in all the sites. A sum of 83 nematode genera was encountered in Mida Creek. Kirepwe had 58 genera, Dabaso had 46 and Mayonda had 35. Mayonda had the highest nematode diversity, then followed by Kirepwe and Dabaso. On the contrary, Dabaso had the highest nematode density, then followed by Mayonda and Kirepwe. The meiofauna had a high community similarity, while nematode community similarity was lower at different levels of sediment disturbances. That makes the nematodes better bio-indicators as compared to meiofauna as a group. Therefore, this study points out that digging out polychaetes causes sediment disturbance. The disturbance affects the benthic fauna distribution, community assemblage, diversity, and abundance. Moreover, Terschellingia and Spirinia were distributed across all sites, even though in disturbed quadrats the numbers reduced significantly. On the contrary in disturbed quadrats, Viscosia, Pontonema, Synochium, Haliplectus, and Pheronus increased in numbers. To measures such as educating the fishermen on the effects of digging polychaete should be emphasized to safeguard marine biodiversity and its ecosystem.
Aquatic macrophyte diversity, distribution, and control in coastal Southern Ghana, with priority on non-native invasive species
Authors: AMEKA GABRIEL K. , ERNEST ASARE
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ernest A, Ameka GK. 2019. Aquatic macrophyte diversity, distribution, and control in coastal Southern Ghana, with priority on non-native invasive species. Ocean Life 3: 87-93. Southern Ghana has been the focus of research into the variety and distribution of aquatic macrophytes, focusing on invasive species. Greater Accra, the Central Region, the Ashanti Region, the Eastern Region, the Volta Region, and the Western Region were all included in the study. Voucher specimens were obtained from 44 locations and submitted to the Ghana Herbarium. Sixty-two species of aquatic macrophytes were found, representing 48 genera and 30 families. All the aquatic macrophytes seen were classified into two groups, those that were invasive and those that were not; these were further divided into their respective families. With nine species, the Cyperaceae family emerged as the contender. IUCN (2004) criteria were used to determine if a species met the definition of an invasive. Because of this, the observed aquatic macrophytes were classified as invasive or noninvasive. Fifty-two aquatic species were found to be noninvasive, whereas eleven were found to be invasive. The aquatic macrophytes' life histories were also analyzed. There were 41 emergent species (67%), 11 free-floating species (17%), eight submerged species (13%), and two floating-leaf species (3%). Eleven types of invasive aquatic plants were found, and distribution maps were made for each. In the southern region of Ghana, Pistia stratiotes were found in seven different locations, making it the most widespread invasive aquatic plant in the region. All 62 invasive and noninvasive species were recorded in a database. Among these were the species' scientific and colloquial names and their genus and family, description, reproduction, habitat, distribution, and uses. Each method of control for invasive aquatic macrophytes was reviewed to make advantage of the most effective strategies for their management and eradication.
Growth rate and survival rate of coral Acropora sp. transplanted on the artificial dead coral substrate in the waters of Baai Island, Bengkulu, Indonesia
Authors: ANDIKA DODI , PURNAMA DEWI , FAJAR SPN BERTOKA , Kusuma Aradea Bujana , TAPILATU RICARDO F.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Andika D, Purnama D, Fajar SPN N, Kusuma AB, Tapilatu RF. 2020. Growth rate and survival rate of coral Acropora sp. transplanted on the artificial dead coral substrate in the waters of Baai Island, Bengkulu, Indonesia. Ocean Life 4: 17-23. Coral reefs are organisms that live on the bottom of the waters that are capable of producing limestone. Transplantation is a technique to accelerate the regeneration of coral reefs that can be used to protect coastal areas and marine life and improve the quality of coral habitat. This study aims to determine the survival rate, growth, and growth rate of height and width of Acropora sp. reared using transplantation technology. The usefulness of this research is as one of the basic information about the use of transplantation in the maintenance of coral reefs. The research location is on Baai Island at a depth of 2 m. This study used an experimental method utilizing a transplant technique and five treatments. At the end of the study, the survival rate of coral reefs Acropora sp. at the end of the study was 92%. For three months, the growth of coral reef height Acropora sp. ranged from 0.87 to 0.90 cm, while the width ranged from 0.84 to 0.94 cm. The growth rate of the average height of coral reefs Acropora sp. ranged from 0.72 to 0.82 cm, while the average width was 0.72 to 0.76 cm. Based on the ANOVA statistical test results, there was no difference in the growth rate in either height or width for each type of substrate used.
Physicochemical factors influencing zonation patterns, niche width and tolerances of dominant mangroves in southern Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Authors: RAGANAS AARON FROILAN , MAGCALE-MACANDOG DAMASA B.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Raganas AFM, Magcale-Macandog DBM. 2020. Physicochemical factors influencing zonation patterns, niche width, and tolerances of dominant mangroves in southern Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. Ocean Life 4: 51-62. Physicochemical factors are known for having strong influence on the spatial patterns and structural complexity of mangroves. In this regard, we aimed to contribute to filling up this information gap in the six mangrove ecosystems on the southern coast of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. In each of the six mangrove ecosystems, the dominant mangrove species were identified in four mangrove zones - seaward, riverine, middle, and landward - using a stratified random sampling method for vegetation survey. Physicochemical parameters of water, air, and soil were also obtained from these ecozones. Results of the Principal Component Analysis revealed that temperature and water salinity are the factors that show strong influence on the spatial distribution of the dominant mangrove species. Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed that Avicennia marina, Sonneratia alba, and Rhizophora apiculata, are species associated with a highly saline environment, while Xylocarpus granatum, Ceriops decandra, Avicennia rumphiana, and Rhizophora mucronata are species associated with low to optimum saline environment. Most of these dominant species preferred ecotypes with low to optimum salinity levels as revealed by their individual niche width and tolerances. The different adaptations and dominance of these mangrove species provide insights in the identification of appropriate species that could be used as planting materials for rehabilitation endeavors in the respective mangrove ecosystem.
Pioneer assessment on megabenthic community suggest the recent ecological condition of coral reef in Senggigi Beach, Western Lombok Island, Indonesia
Authors: Ghafari Muhammad Irsyad Abiyusfi , Fitrianti Vita
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ghafari MIA, Fitrianti V. 2021. Pioneer assessment on megabenthic community suggests the recent ecological condition of coral reef in Senggigi Beach, Western Lombok Island, Indonesia. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 5: 14-21. Megabenthic communities are among the excellent bioindicator used nowadays. This study was the first to conduct in Senggigi Beach and provide preliminary useful information regarding the condition of coral reef ecosystem on-site, through assessing the megabenthic community from 2019-2020 to 202-2021. Benthos Belt Transect (BBT) method was used to collect data from 6 different observation sites. There are 3 groups of targeted megabenthic fauna assessed: the bioindicator group (sea urchin and blue starfish), the corallivorous group (drupella snail and crown-of-thorns starfish), and the commercially valued group (edible sea cucumber, giant clam, spiny lobster, and commercial top shells). Sea urchin was found to dominate all stations, indicating a decreasing live coral cover after bleaching. Presence of corallivorous megabenthos was very rare, as it is not a potential threat to corals. There is a trend of increasing density of edible sea cucumber and giant clam by 30% and 50% respectively, with a mass giant clam recruit in 2021. We suspect less or no impact of anthropogenic activity to megabenthic community dynamic in Senggigi Beach to date, but their community dynamic is purely influenced by the decline condition of coral reef ecosystem due to recent 2016 mass bleaching.
The significance of community-based management in the structure and sustainability of the fisheries in Cross River Estuary, Nigeria
Authors: ANTIGHA AMBO ANTIGHA , ARMAH AYAA KOJO , NYARKO ELVIS
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Antigha AA, Armah AK, Nyarko E. 2021. The significance of community-based management in the structure and sustainability of the fisheries in Cross River Estuary, Nigeria. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 5: 29-41. Given the unsustainable fishing practices in the Cross River estuary, this study examined its fisheries' structure and sustainability. Water quality and fish health in the research area were evaluated by analyzing the water's physicochemical parameters. Surface measurements included pH, DO, turbidity, salinity, alkalinity, phosphate, and nitrate levels. In addition, researchers looked into the exploitation rates, fish sizes, and socioeconomic elements in the estuary's multispecies gillnet fishery to ascertain its susceptibility to human and environmental influences. The turbidity of the water in the area varied significantly between the study sites, with values ranging from 21.8 to 52.2 NTU (normalized turbidity units) at Esuk Anansa, 30.3 NTU at Esuk Okon, and 21.8 NTU at Esuk Anantigha. Nevertheless, fish could tolerate the water quality during the research period. Sampled monthly catches averaged 21.2 kilograms in weight (range 15.3 kg to 27.0 kg). CPUE averaged 7.1 kg per vessel per journey. Pseudotolithus elongatus made up 56.69% of the catch by weight, followed by Ethmalosa fimbriata at 30.28% and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus at 7.53%. The study found that certain fish species are in danger because of unsustainable fishing practices that result in the taking of predominantly small fish (less than 15 cm in length). To update knowledge on socioeconomic indices, fishing equipment, and prime captures of the fishes in the area and to propose management methods for the fisheries and environment, the socioeconomic situation of artisanal fishermen, traders, and mangrove loggers in the estuary were determined. The study suggests implementing a community-based coastal resource management strategy for the long-term health of the region's fisheries and ecology.
New record of seven marine crabs from Saint Martin’s Island of the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Habib Kazi Ahsan , Sarkar Shilpi , Islam Md Jayedul
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Habib KA, Sarkar S, Islam MJ. 2021. New record of seven marine crabs from Saint Martin’s Island of the northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 5: 41-49. The present study reports the first occurrence of seven marine crabs species, Camposcia retusa, Conchoecetes artificiosus, Cyclodius obscurus, Eucrate indica, Halimede ochtodes, Petrolisthes boscii, and Prismatopus aculeatus collected from Saint Martin’s Island, Bangladesh. These species belong to the seven families: Inachidae, Dromiidae, Xanthidae, Euryplacidae, Galenidae, Porcellanidae, and Majidae. Specimens were identified by the examination of morphological characters.
Coastal and mangrove economic valuation associated fisheries and problems in Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: AHMED HASSAN ABDIRIZAK , MWAURA FRANCIS , THENYA THUITA , KAIRO JAMES G.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Ahmed HA, Mwaura F, Thenya T, Kairo JG. 2022. Coastal and mangrove economic valuation associated fisheries and problems in Kwale County, Kenya. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 6: 17-27. The coastal fisheries in Kenya are essential to the livelihoods of the coastal communities. They provide employment, income, and food and support other auxiliary industries. Despite the socio-economic importance of coastal fisheries, various anthropogenic and climate change impact threatened their existence. Fish habitats, including mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses, are threatened by human activities such as aquaculture, mangrove extraction, unplanned expansion of coastal cities, and marine pollution. Usually, coastal fisheries are also neglected in key policy-making agendas. That is attributed to inadequate information and a lack of data on the socio-economic contribution of coastal communities engaged in fisheries. This study aimed to estimate the economic value to provide crucial information for policy making of mangrove ecosystem-based coastal fisheries in Kwale County. The study also attempted to establish the coastal fishery production trend for the past decade, to estimate the economic value of mangrove ecosystems to fishery production, and the future of coastal fisheries projecting based on Climate Compatible Development (CCD) and Business As Usual (BAU) scenarios. Combining the primary data from interviews with 242 respondents with secondary data, including a decade of fish catch data, were analyzed, which exhibited a continuous increase from 1,908 tonnes in 2004 to 2,450 tonnes in 2013 coastal fisheries production. The coastal fisheries value was estimated to be Ksh.182 million (US$ 2.2) annually after deducting all fishing-related costs in 2013. This study also estimated that mangrove ecosystems could support the production of 160kg/ha/year, comprable to Ksh.11,610/ha/year (US$ 198/ha/year). Moreover, the estimated values could be much higher than the calculated ones because a considerable amount of fish caught is unrecorded. The future projections reveal that the scenario of Business As Usual (BAU) is not sustainable. Hence, the study demands a shift to the scenario of Climate Compatible Development (CCD), which incorporates mitigation measures, climate change adaptation, and investment in infrastructure. The study recommends reviewing the existing fishery policies regarding the unique characteristics of coastal fisheries to ensure sustainable exploitation and address the challenges. The research also recommends further economic studies on the coastal fisheries value chain.
Successful Management of Subcutaneous Infiltration of an Intubating dose of Rocuronium in a Morbidly Obese Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Awad Nadia , Zalut Scott , Deutsch Evan
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Induction of anesthesia relies on multiple factors including appropriate monitoring, administration, and dosing of induction agents. In morbidly obese patients, placement and maintenance of intravenous lines may be difficult and accidental subcutaneous infiltration of medications may be challenging to identify. The treatment of accidental subcutaneous administration of neuromuscular blocking agents may be complex as the absorption and subsequent elimination is altered and not well known, and the inadvertent prolonged dosing could lead to catastrophic complications. Case Report: We present a case report of the successful management of the accidental subcutaneous administration of rocuronium in a morbidly obese, 65-year-old Caucasian female with multiple comorbidities undergoing an elective endovascular procedure. The perioperative management of the patient is discussed, and a review of the literature is provided. Conclusion: Relatively little information is available regarding the absorption of medications outside of the typical route of administration. The accidental subcutaneous infiltration of neuromuscular blockers could lead to airway compromise or prolonged blockade due to the unknown onset, peak effect, and duration of action. Open discussion among the many treatment team members after identification of accidental misadministration of medications is critical and clinical acumen is paramount to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Since intravenous line infiltration and subsequent subcutaneous extravasation are not a rare intraoperative event, more research into the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents is needed to aid clinical outcomes. Keywords: Anesthesia, critical care, drug administration routes, extravasation, neuromuscular blocker.
Are we starving our cesarean patients too much postoperatively?
Authors: Sathe Kalyani , Wagh Harshal , Kakde Avinash , Thusay Pranav
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Cesarean section is a common operation in obstetric care. Delayed initiation of oral fluids and food may be uncomfortable for women in the postoperative period. Early feeding should be initiated without any fear of side effects. Patients have early postoperative recovery; it is cost effective and results in higher patient satisfaction. Early oral intake post cesarean section regardless of objective signs of the return of bowel functions was demonstrated to be safe and effective, with added patient comfort as the primary benefit. Keywords: Cesarean section, Early feeding, Early recovery.
Unique presentation and clinical course of shingles: A case report
Authors: Rivera Luis M. , Furnish Timothy
Published: April 2023

We report the unique presentation of a Varicella Zoster Virus reoccurrence, commonly referred to as shingles, in a patient who developed three concurrent but different manifestations: 1. A cutaneous rash in a cervical dermatome; 2. A rash-free reoccurrence of a previous Post Herpetic Neuralgia in a different dermatome, and; 3. A rash-free, new-onset of Bell’s palsy. Literature searches did not produce any reported cases with this triad of concomitant events. The patient is a 58-year-old immunocompetent Hispanic man whose only risk factor is age greater than 50 years. He had been treated with immunosuppressants in the past for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Immunosuppression was stopped eight years ago after undergoing a total colectomy as definitive treatment. Now immunocompetent, he develops shingles for the second time in his life, with a very unusual presentation and disease course. The presentation and course of his disease promoted the use of empiric pharmacologic treatment courses, including three courses of oral corticosteroids, for which no current guidelines exist. It is hoped that the observations drawn from the clinical course of this patient may shed light into the better understanding and treatment of Varicella Zoster Virus and Post Herpetic Neuralgia. We also discuss the possibility that each of these individual manifestations may constitute separate disease processes, requiring individual and unique evaluation and treatment. Keywords: Varicella Zoster Virus, Shingles, Post-Herpetic Neuralgia, Zoster Sine Herpete, Bell’s palsy
Ultrasound-guided 2-in-1 block – A technique to block both femoral nerve and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve using a single injection point
Authors: Mistry Tuhin , Singh Shiv Kumar
Published: April 2023

Dear Editor, Femoral nerve (FN) and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) blocks with local anesthetic (LA) are required to provide perioperative anesthesia and/or analgesia for fractured neck of femur surgeries, skin grafting from the upper thigh, and biopsy from the quadriceps muscle for the diagnosis of muscular disorders. Fractured neck of the femur is common in the elderly and is often fixed with dynamic compression hip screw (DHS), cannulated screw fixation, or intramedullary nailing and hip screw. Some of these fractures might need total or hemi-hip arthroplasty. Of these surgeries, DHS is one of the most common procedures and the nerves that supply the area involved in the surgery include the FN and LFCN which arise from the lumbar plexus (LP). Although the FN that arises from the nerve roots L2-4 is the main nerve that needs to be blocked for analgesia, the incision in DHS is supplied by the LFCN that arises from L2,3. It has been noted that occasionally the LFCN may arise from the FN and not as a separate branch of LP. These two nerves can be blocked separately, as a part of the 3-in-1 or fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) using a larger volume of LA (0.6–0.8 ml/kg of 0.25% Levobupivacaine). In most instances, ultrasound (US)-guided 3-in-1 or FICB can block the LFCN reliably, but the sample size in these studies to definitively conclude this finding is too small [1,2]. Individual nerve blocks of the femoral and lateral cutaneous FN would require two separate punctures. We describe an US-guided block technique that blocks both the femoral and LFCN using a single injection point and we call this “US guided 2-in-1 Block” for neck of femur fractures. Below the inguinal ligament, FN lies outside the femoral sheath and below the fascia iliaca, whereas LFCN lies above fascia iliaca. For this block, a patient lies supine, and after preparing the area aseptically, the US probe is placed below the inguinal ligament just medial to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). The needle entry point is from lateral to medial, near to the ASIS. After piercing the fascia lata, 10 ml of LA is deposited under it to block the LFCN (Figs.1 a and b). The needle is then advanced further to pierce the fascia iliaca and the 15–20 ml of LA is deposited (Fig 2a). On moving the US probe medially, it can be observed that the LA surrounds the FN (Fig 2b). Since we do not need to go near to the FN, the chances of nerve injury and vascular puncture are almost negligible. This is a good technique for beginners in US-guided blocks who may be acquiring the hand–eye coordination and are afraid of nerve injuries or intravascular injection causing LA systemic toxicity. Although our technique seems to be safe and easy to perform, a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size is needed to validate its superior efficacy and reliability compared to other described techniques.
Multi-contrast digital histopathology of mouse organs using quantitative phase imaging and virtual staining
Authors: Min Eunjung , Aimakov Nurbolat , Lee Sangjin , Ban Sungbea , Yang Hyunmo , Ahn Yujin , You Joon S. , Jung Woonggyu
Published: April 2023

Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) has emerged as a new digital histopathologic tool as it provides structural information of conventional slide without staining process. It is also capable of imaging biological tissue sections with sub-nanometer sensitivity and classifying them using light scattering properties. Here we extend its capability further by using optical scattering properties as imaging contrast in a wide-field QPI. In our first step towards validation, QPI images of 10 major organs of a wild-type mouse have been obtained followed by H&E-stained images of the corresponding tissue sections. Furthermore, we utilized deep learning model based on generative adversarial network (GAN) architecture for virtual staining of phase delay images to a H&E-equivalent brightfield (BF) image analogues. Using the structural similarity index, we demonstrate similarities between virtually stained and H&E histology images. Whereas the scattering-based maps look rather similar to QPI phase maps in the kidney, the brain images show significant improvement over QPI with clear demarcation of features across all regions. Since our technology provides not only structural information but also unique optical property maps, it could potentially become a fast and contrast-enriched histopathology technique.
Very high-frequency, gate-tunable CrPS4 nanomechanical resonator with single mode
Authors: Li Bo-Lin , Guo Meng-Lin , Chen Jun-Fan , Fang Jia-Wei , Fan Bo-Yu , Zhou Qiang , Wang You , Song Hai-Zhi , Niu Xiao-Bin , Arutyunov Konstantin Yu. , Guo Guang-Can , Deng Guang-Wei
Published: April 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) antiferromagnetic semiconductor chromium
thiophosphate (CrPS4) has gradually become a major
candidate material for low-dimensional nanoelectromechanical devices
due to its remarkable structural, photoelectric characteristics and
potentially magnetic properties. Here, we report the experimental
study of a new few-layer CrPS4 nanomechanical resonator
demonstrating excellent vibration characteristics through the laser
interferometry system, including the uniqueness of resonant mode, the
ability to work at the very high frequency, and gate tuning. In
addition, we demonstrate that the magnetic phase transition of
CrPS4 strips can be effectively detected by
temperature-regulated resonant frequencies, which proves the coupling
between magnetic phase and mechanical vibration. We believe that our
findings will promote the further research and applications of the
resonator for 2D magnetic materials in the field of optical/mechanical
signal sensing and precision measurement.
Tunable and controllable multi-channel time-comb absorber based on continuous photonic time crystals
Authors: Dong Rui-yang , Wang Shuo , Zou Jia-Hao , Zhang Hai-feng
Published: April 2023

To date there have been many studies on multi-channel absorbers for conventional photonic crystals (PCs). However, the number of absorption channels is small and uncontrollable, which cannot satisfy applications such as multispectral or quantitative narrowband selective filters. To address these issues, a tunable and controllable multi-channel time-comb absorber (TCA) based on continuous photonic time crystals (PTCs), is theoretically proposed. Compared with conventional PCs with fixed refractive index (RI), this system forms a stronger local electric field enhancement in the TCA by absorbing externally modulated energy, resulting in sharp multi-channel absorption peaks (APs). Tunability can be achieved by adjusting the RI, angle, and time period unit (T) of the PTCs. Diversified tunable methods allow the TCA to have more potential applications. In addition, changing T can adjust the number of multi-channels. More importantly, changing the primary term coefficient of n 1(t) of PTC1 can control the number of time-comb absorption peaks (TCAPs) in multi-channels within a certain range, and the mathematical relationship between the coefficients and the number of multiple channels is summarized. This will have potential applications in the design of quantitative narrowband selective filters, thermal radiation detectors, optical detection instruments, etc.
Microbiomic profiles of bile in patients with benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary disease
Authors: Poudel Shyam K. , Padmanabhan Roshan , Dave Heloni , Guinta Kathryn , Stevens Tyler , Sanaka Madhusudhan R. , Chahal Prabhleen , Sohal Davendra P. S. , Khorana Alok A. , Eng Charis
Published: April 2023

Background

The prognostic and pathophysiologic significance of the biliary microbiota in pancreaticobiliary malignancies is little understood. Our goal was to find malignancy-related microbiomic fingerprints in bile samples taken from patients with benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary diseases.

Methods

Bile specimens were collected from consenting patients during routine endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We used PowerViral RNA/DNA Isolation kit to extract DNA from bile specimens. The Illumina 16S Metagenomic Sequencing Library Preparation guide was used to amplify the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and create libraries. QIIME (Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology), Bioconductor phyloseq, microbiomeSeq, and mixMC packages were used for post-sequencing analysis.

Results

Of 46 enrolled patients, 32 patients had pancreatic cancers, 6 had cholangiocarcinoma and 1 had gallbladder cancer. Rest of the patients had benign diseases including gallstones, and acute and chronic pancreatitis. We used multivariate approach in mixMC to classify Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs). Doing this, we found a predominance of genera Dickeya (p = 0.00008), [Eubacterium] hallii group (p = 0.0004), Bacteroides (p = 0.0006), Faecalibacterium (p = 0.006), Escherichia-Shigella (p = 0.008), and Ruminococcus 1 (p = 0.008) in bile samples from pancreaticobiliary cancers as compared to benign diseases. Additionally, bile samples from patients with pancreatic cancer exhibited a predominance of genus Rothia (p = 0.008) as compared to those with cholangiocarcinoma, whereas bile samples from patients with cholangiocarcinoma exhibited a predominance of genera Akkermansia (p = 0.031) and Achromobacter (p = 0.031) as compared to those with pancreatic cancers.

Conclusions

Both benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary diseases have distinct microbiomic fingerprints. The relative abundance of OTUs in bile samples varies between patients with benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary diseases, as well as between cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer. Our data suggest that either these OTUs play a role in carcinogenesis or that benign disease-specific microenvironmental changes differ from cancer-specific microenvironmental changes, resulting to a clear separation of OTU clusters. We need more research to confirm and expand on our findings.
Genetic diversity of the wild ancient tea tree (Camellia taliensis) populations at different altitudes in Qianjiazhai
Authors: Wang Fei , Cheng Xiaomao , Cheng Shoumeng , Li Wanting , Huang Xiaoxia
Published: April 2023

In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of 4 wild ancient tea tree (Camellia taliensis) populations at different altitudes (2,050, 2,200, 2,350, and 2,500 m) in Qianjiazhai Nature Reserve, Zhenyuan country, Yunnan province, were investigated using EST-SSR molecular markers to compare their genetic variation against altitude. In total, 182 alleles were detected across all loci, ranging from 6 to 25. The top one informative SSR was CsEMS4 with polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.96. The genetic diversity of this species was high, with 100% of loci being polymorphic, an average Nei’s gene diversity (H) of 0.82, and Shannon’s information index (I) of 1.99. By contrast, at the population level, the genetic diversity of wild ancient tea tree was relatively low, with values of H and I being 0.79 and 1.84, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a minor genetic differentiation (12.84%) among populations, and most of the genetic variation (87.16%) was detected within populations. Using population structure analysis, we found that the germplasm of wild ancient tea tree was divided into three groups, and there was a substantial gene exchange among these three groups at different altitudes. Divergent habitats caused by altitudes and high gene flow played important roles in genetic diversity of wild ancient tea tree populations, which will provide new opportunities for promoting their protection and potential utilization.
Assessing pharmacists and other healthcare providers’ knowledge of hand sanitization during COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan: A comparative study
Authors: Darwish Rula M. , AlMasri Mohammad , Ammar Khawla , AlMasri Rama , Al- Najar Hani , Al-Masri Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Health care providers including pharmacists are often on the first line when dealing with COVID -19; they can be under threat of contracting and spreading the disease. We aimed to assess and compare their knowledge of hand sanitization during COVID-19 pandemic to improve quality of care.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan, on healthcare providers in different settings from 27 October till 3 December 2020, using a pre-validated electronic questionnaire. Participants (n = 523) were healthcare providers practicing in different settings. Descriptive and association statistical analyses were produced on the data using SPSS 26. Chi square was used for the categorical variables, and One way ANOVA was used on the continuous and categorical variables.

Results

A significant difference was recorded in total knowledge mean according to gender (59.78 vs 61.79 p = 0.030) in favor of men, and between pharmacists and other healthcare providers in favor of the latter (59.22 vs 61.45, p = 0.02). No significant difference was generally noticed between those who attended hand hygiene training and those who did not.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers’ knowledge of hand hygiene was generally good among participants, regardless of training and it was possibly increased because of fear of COVID-19 infection. Physicians were the most knowledgeable in regard of hand hygiene while pharmacists were the least among healthcare providers. Thus, structured, more frequent, and tailored training on hand sanitization in addition to new educational strategies are recommended for healthcare providers, in particular, pharmacists for better quality of care especially in pandemics.
Acute pain and analgesic requirement after vaginal childbirth with and without neuraxial labor analgesia–Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Maeda Ayumi , Shimada Gen , Fujita Nobuko , Suzuki Rimu , Yamanaka Michiko , Takahashi Osamu , Uchida Tokujiro , Nagasaka Yasuko
Published: April 2023

Background

Few data are available on the intensity of pain that women experience during the first five days after vaginal childbirth. Moreover, it is unknown if the use of neuraxial labor analgesia has any impact on the level of postpartum pain.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study based on chart review of all women who delivered vaginally at an urban teaching hospital between April 2017 and April 2019. The primary outcome was the area under the curve of pain score on numeric rating scale (NRS) documented in electronic medical records for five days postpartum (NRS-AUC5days). Secondary outcomes included peak NRS score, doses of oral and intravenous analgesics consumed during the first five days postpartum, and relevant obstetric outcomes. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the use of neuraxial labor analgesia and pain-related outcomes adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

During the study period, 778 women (38.6%) underwent vaginal delivery with neuraxial analgesia and 1240 women (61.4%) delivered without neuraxial analgesia. Median (Interquartile range) of NRS-AUC5days was 0.17 (0.12–0.24) among women who received neuraxial analgesia and 0.13 (0.08–0.19) among women who did not (p<0.001). Women who received neuraxial analgesia were more likely to require the first- and second-line analgesics postpartum than women who did not: diclofenac (87.9% vs. 73.0%, p< 0.001, respectively); acetaminophen (40.7% vs. 21.0%, p< 0.001, respectively). The use of neuraxial labor analgesia was independently associated with increased odds of having NRS-AUC5days in the highest 20 percentile (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55–2.65), having peak NRS ≥ 4 (aOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.25–1.91) and developing hemorrhoids during the postpartum hospitalization (aOR 2.13; 95% CI 1.41–3.21) after adjusting for relevant confounders.

Conclusion

Although women who used neuraxial labor analgesia had slightly higher pain scores and increased analgesic requirement during postpartum hospitalization, pain after vaginal childbirth was overall mild. The small elevation in the pain burden in neuraxial group does not seem to be clinically relevant and should not influence women’s choice to receive labor analgesia.
Multi-disturbance identification from mine wind-velocity data based on MSSW and WPT-GBDT
Authors: Shang Wentian , Deng Lijun , Liu Jian , Zhou Yukai
Published: April 2023

To overcome the false alarm problem that arises for mine wind-velocity sensors due to air-door and mine-car operation, a wind-velocity disturbance identification method based on the wavelet packet transform and gradient lifting decision tree is proposed. In this method, a multi-scale sliding window discretizes continuous wind-velocity monitoring data, the wavelet packet transform extracts the hidden features of discrete data, and a gradient lifting decision tree multi-disturbance classification model is established. Based on the overlap degree rule, the disturbance identification results are merged, modified, combined, and optimized. In accordance with a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, the air-door operation information is further extracted. A similarity experiment is performed to verify the method performance. For the disturbance identification task, the recognition accuracy, accuracy, and recall of the proposed method are 94.58%, 95.70% and 92.99%, respectively, and for the task involving further extraction of disturbance information related to air-door operation, those values are 72.36%, 73.08%, and 71.02%, respectively. This algorithm gives a new recognition method for abnormal time series data.