Category: Nevin Manimala

J Burn Care Res. 2023 Oct 21:irad163. doi: 10.1093/jbcr/irad163. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Self-inflicted burns (SIB) are preventable injuries that often occur due to suicidal intent or deliberate self-harm. The incidence of SIB and demographics vary across different countries. This study highlights our regional experience of SIB over almost two decades, assessing characteristics and outcomes. A retrospective chart review of all patients assessed at a UK regional burns centre, presenting with SIB, from 2003 to 2021, was performed. Subgroup analyses based on gender, the presence or absence of pre-existing psychiatric disorders and in-hospital patient mortality were undertaken. The relationship between annual mental health funding and incidence of SIB was assessed. Over the study period 285 SIB cases, with a median age of 42.84 years, presented to our centre. The majority of patients were male (63.2%) and had a pre-existing psychiatric disorder (74.7%). Flame burns were the most frequent type of injury (82.1%) and the median total body surface area (TBSA) was 10.25%. The average length of hospital stay was 10 days and inpatient mortality rate 20.7%, significantly great than the mortality of the rest of the cohort (3.7%, p<0.01). SIB survivors were younger and had less severe burns, relative to non-survivors. There was no statistically significant correlation between the incidence of self-inflicted burns and mental health funding. Self-inflicted burns account for a minority of referrals to our regional burns centre. Adequately funded regional and national measures should be implemented to reduce the incidence and impact of these injuries, alongside appropriate mental health support.

PMID:37864840 | DOI:10.1093/jbcr/irad163

J Clin Ultrasound. 2023 Oct 21. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23597. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We investigated the impact of pregestational and gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM and GDM) on the development of fetal intracranial structures and spaces.

METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study involved singleton pregnancies between 20 and 32 weeks of gestation. The study comprised a control group (n = 65) of healthy pregnant women without diabetes mellitus (DM); a PGDM group (n = 43) of pregnant women having type 2 DM in a controlled diabetic state; and a GDM group (n = 26) of pregnant women with GDM diagnosed with 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test and received intervention to reduce the diabetic impact on fetus. During neurosonographic evaluation, the simultaneous measurements of corpus callosum (CC) width and depth in the midsagittal image; and lateral craniocortical and posterior craniocortical widths of the subarachnoid space and insular and parieto-occipital fissure depths in the axial image were performed. Before statistical analysis, these values were carefully adjusted for the occipitofrontal diameter.

RESULTS: The DM groups displayed substantially higher frequencies of family history of DM and obstetric history of GDM compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Regarding the neurosonographic parameters, the CC length and insular and parieto-occipital fissure depths were significantly increased in the GDM group but not in the PGDM group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found among the study groups regarding other neurosonographic parameters (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The results of neurosonographical evaluation of fetal brain structures and spaces reveal that diabetic impact may not be seen in the presence of PGDM, especially in pregnant women receiving prenatal interventions to reduce or avoid diabetic adverse effects on fetal brain development. The effect of GDM on neurosonographically assessed fetal brain development should be evaluated in further studies with subjects matched for gestational weeks and antenatal care conditions.

PMID:37864816 | DOI:10.1002/jcu.23597

STAR Protoc. 2023 Oct 20;4(4):102478. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102478. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Here, we describe a technique for charting the inputs of individual Kenyon cells in the Drosophila brain. In this technique, a single Kenyon cell per brain hemisphere is photo-labeled to visualize its claw-like dendritic terminals; a dye-filled electrode is used to backfill the projection neuron connected to each claw. This process can be repeated in hundreds of brains to build a connectivity matrix. Statistical analyses of such a matrix can reveal connectivity patterns such as random input and biased connectivity. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Hayashi et al. (2022).¹.

PMID:37864788 | DOI:10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102478

Matern Child Health J. 2023 Oct 21. doi: 10.1007/s10995-023-03791-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that expectant parents receive a preventive visit with a pediatrician in the prenatal period (a pediatric prenatal visit, or PPV). Discussing newborn health topics in the prenatal period tends to be more effective than immediately postpartum, and research suggests, for example, that the PPV increases timely childhood immunizations. However, only 22% of expectant parents have these visits, and there are significant disparities by race and income.

METHODS: A 2-min online survey with open-ended questions was emailed to 304 eligible obstetrics providers in Rochester, NY. Simple descriptive statistics and chisquare analysis were applied to survey responses. Responses were organized within the framework of knowledge, attitudes, and practices to identify barriers to guideline adherence resulting in chronic under-utilization of the PPV.

RESULTS: Ninety obstetric providers completed the survey. 66 reported awareness of the PPV, and 45 reported referring patients for a PPV. However, in open-ended questions, respondents expressed confusion between the PPV and a “meet and greet” visit with a pediatrician. Some respondents believed that the PPV is not covered by insurance, even though these visits are covered by Medicaid and marketplace insurance. Providers who had personally received one as a parent expressed positive attitudes.

DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that unfamiliarity with the PPV is one barrier to referral. Educating providers about the guideline recommendations, evidence base, and insurance coverage could overcome this barrier. Doing so could reduce disparities in utilization of the pediatric prenatal visit.

PMID:37864772 | DOI:10.1007/s10995-023-03791-5

Neurol Sci. 2023 Oct 21. doi: 10.1007/s10072-023-07143-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: As Hearing loss and dementia affect people with the same profile, several epidemiological studies have evaluated their relationship. However, the link between age-related hearing loss and Alzheimer’s disease is still unclear.

METHODS: We selected subjects with no history of exposure to loud noises, blasts, head trauma with hearing loss, or sudden sensorineural hearing loss from a cohort intended to study preclinical phases of Alzheimer’s disease. Participants are volunteers over 55 years without cognitive impairment. We correlated the results of an objective auditory evaluation with brain amyloid and p-tau181 levels and with the outcomes of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.

RESULTS: Fifty-five subjects at different stages of the Alzheimer’s disease continuum were evaluated. There were no statistically significant correlations between amyloid-β and p-tau levels and any of the objective auditory measures. A weak but significant correlation was found between amyloid-β values and the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly. The neuropsychological domains more correlated to hearing loss were executive function and processing speed.

DISCUSSION: Age-related hearing loss is not linked to any pathological markers of Alzheimer’s disease nor to neuropsychological domains typically affected in this disease. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly has an important component of subjectivity and further studies are needed to explore its relationship with amyloid-β levels.

PMID:37864751 | DOI:10.1007/s10072-023-07143-7

Int Orthop. 2023 Oct 21. doi: 10.1007/s00264-023-06009-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Full-thickness retracted massive supraspinatus tears are a challenge for arthroscopic surgeons where multiple options for treatment exist, but medializing the attachment is a relatively easy procedure for which a decision can be taken intraoperatively. We investigate the viability of MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten freshly thawed cadavers were taken and dissected. The supraspinatus tendon was resected, and then its attachment was progressively medialized. The range of motion (abduction, internal and external rotation) was recorded and compared. As a result, we noted a statistically significant decrease in abduction, internal and external rotation with progressive medialization of the supraspinatus insertion.

CONCLUSION: Medialized repair of the supraspinatus can be performed only to an extent beyond which it compromises glenohumeral motion. We noted a statistically significant decrease in ROM with even a 3 mm medialization of the tendon, but the acceptable medialization has to be determined on a case-to-case basis.

PMID:37864720 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-023-06009-z

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Oct 21. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-30125-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Governments and professionals have recently tried to improve public environmental knowledge and laws in order to meet growing environmental concerns. As a result, most nations see corporate environmental initiatives like the circular economy and the green supply chain as important (GSCM) as the best ways to address environmental problems. As a result, this study tries to show how important GSCM and the circular economy are regarding the economy of China’s relationship to environmental sustainability. This study uses the partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) on data to obtain trustworthy results from 387 Chinese manufacturing companies. A favorable and statistically significant correlation between GSCM, environmental performance, and the circular economy was revealed using PLS-SEM analysis. To raise environmental standards, eco-friendly methods like buying and designing green items are widely regarded today. Imagine if manufacturing companies adopt green supply chain management, which would improve their economic performance and increase operational effectiveness. The secret to a successful corporation is having successful operations.

PMID:37864702 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-30125-3

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Oct 21. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-30471-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at utilizing three waste materials, i.e., solid refuse fuel (SRF), tire derived fuel (TDF), and sludge derived fuel (SDF), as eco-friendly alternatives to coal-only combustion in co-firing power plants. The contribution of waste materials is limited to ≤5% in the composition of the mixed fuel (coal + waste materials). Statistical experimental design and response surface methodology are employed to investigate the effect of mixed fuel composition (SRF, TDF, and SDF) on gross calorific value (GCV) and ash fusion temperature (AFT). A quadratic model is developed and statistically verified to apprehend mixed fuel constituents’ individual and combined effects on GCV and AFT. Constrained optimization of fuel blend, i.e., GCV >1,250 kcal/kg and AFT >1,200 °C, using the polynomial models projected the fuel-blend containing 95% coal with 3.84% SRF, 0.35% TDF, and 0.81% SDF. The observed GCV of 5,307 kcal/kg and AFT of 1225 °C for the optimized blend were within 1% of the model predicted values, thereby establishing the robustness of the models. The findings from this study can foster sustainable economic development and zero CO₂ emission objectives by optimizing the utilization of waste materials without compromising the GCV and AFT of the mixed fuels in coal-fired power plants.

PMID:37864701 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-30471-2

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Oct 21. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-30263-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The main hurdle in deploying renewable energy projects is the high initial cost, making it difficult for businesses and individuals to afford it. The fragility of the financial sector and human resource management further slows the pace of renewable energy demand. Therefore, we aim to investigate the impact of financial fragility and human resource management on renewable energy consumption over time horizon 1997-2020. To that end, the analysis employed the ARDL-PMG model. For Asia as a whole and all other sub-regions, including South East Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and Western Asia, the estimates for bank non-performing loans are notably negative. In general, these findings imply that a rise in financial fragility significantly reduces renewable energy consumption in the long run. In the short run, the estimates attached to both bank non-performing loans and bank costs are negatively significant in Asia and sub-regions of Western Asia only. The results for the human resources show that it exerts a significant and positive influence on renewable energy demand in Asia as a whole, South Asia, East Asia, and Western Asia. The estimates attached to human resources are statistically insignificant in all models in the short run. In the end, some important public strategies and their implementations have been discussed.

PMID:37864689 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-30263-8

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 Oct 21. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-30388-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Few studies have focused on the effects of multiple metal mixtures on bone health and the underlying mechanisms related to alterations in the gut microbiota. This study aimed to examine the potential roles of gut microbiota alterations in metal mixtures and their association with osteoporosis traits. Adults aged ≥ 55 years were recruited from two community healthcare centers in Wuhan City during 2016-2019. The plasma concentrations of six metals (zinc, iron, selenium, lead, cadmium, and arsenic) were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The k-means clustering method was employed to explore the exposure profiles of metal mixtures for all participants. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to profile the gut microbiota of participants. Combining these results with those of our previous study, we identified overlapping taxa and evaluated their potential roles. A total of 806 participants (516 females), with an average age of 67.36 years were included. The participants were grouped into three clusters using k-means clustering: Cluster 1 (n = 458), Cluster 2 (n = 199), and Cluster 3 (n = 149). The high-exposure group for iron, zinc, lead, and cadmium (Cluster 3) showed a negative association with lumbar spine 1-4 bone mineral density (BMD). A total of 201 individuals (121 females) underwent sequencing of the gut microbiota. Both alpha and beta diversities were statistically different among the three groups. Bacteroidaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bacteroides, and Lachnospiraceae_incertae_sedis were identified as overlapping taxa associated with the metal mixtures and BMD. Interaction analysis revealed that Cluster 3 interacted with Bacteroidaceae/Bacteroides, resulting in a positive effect on LS1-4 BMD (β = 0.358 g/cm², 95% CI: 0.047 to 0.669, P = 0.025). Our findings indicate associations between multiple metal mixtures and BMD as well as gut microbiota alterations. Exploring the interaction between metal mixtures and the gut microbiota provides new perspectives for the precise prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

PMID:37864687 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-30388-w