Category: Nevin Manimala

Pharmacol Res Perspect. 2023 Apr;11(2):e01068. doi: 10.1002/prp2.1068.

ABSTRACT

We aimed to determine the effects of isoproterenol on arrhythmia recurrence in atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT) patients treated with catheter ablation. The present randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on AVNRT patients candidates for radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The patients were randomly assigned to receive isoproterenol (0.5-4 μg/min) or not (control group) for arrhythmia re-induction after ablation. The results of the electrophysiological (EP) study, the ablation parameters, and the arrhythmia recurrence rate were recorded. We evaluated 206 patients (53 males and 153 females) with a mean (SD) age of 49.87 (15.5) years in two groups of isoproterenol (n = 103) and control (n = 103). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two studied groups in age, gender, EP study, and ablation parameters. The success rate of ablation was 100% in both groups. During ~16.5 months of follow-up, one patient (1%) in the isoproterenol group and four patients (3.8%) in the control group experienced AVNRT recurrence (HR = 0.245; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.043-1.418; p = .173). Based on the Kaplan-Meier analysis, there was no significant difference in the incidence rate of arrhythmia recurrence during the follow-up period between the two studied groups (p = .129). Additionally, there were no significant differences between the arrhythmia’s recurrence according to age, gender, junctional rhythm, type of AVNRT arrhythmia, and DAVN persistence after ablation. Although isoproterenol administration for arrhythmia re-induction after ablation did not alleviate the treatment outcomes and arrhythmia recurrence following RFA in AVNRT patients, further studies with a larger sample size and a longer duration of follow-up are necessary.

PMID:36855813 | DOI:10.1002/prp2.1068

Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2022 Nov 24;33(1):8-11. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1758522. eCollection 2023 Jan.

ABSTRACT

Background Vertebral insufficiency fractures in the elderly are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis is essential to direct patient-specific rehabilitation. Aims We hypothesize that in patients with vertebral insufficiency fractures, there is atrophy of the psoas and paraspinal muscles with alteration in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the muscles. Materials and Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies for 100 consecutive patients, older than 60 years presenting with lower back pain, were included in the study. For each MRI study, the CSA of the psoas and paraspinal muscles (multifidus) at the level of L4/5-disc space was measured to calculate the cross-sectional area ratio (CSAR) by two readers. One reader repeated the measurements after an interval of 2 weeks. We divided the patients ( n = 100) into various groups based on the number of vertebral fractures. Results In total, 77 patients with vertebral body fractures (48 with one, 16 with two and 13 with more than two fractures) were identified with a mean age of 73 (range 60-92) years. The ratio of multifidus CSA to psoas CSA was calculated with mean values of each group (1-4) as 2.56, 1.89, 2.09 and 2.16, respectively. There was statistically significance difference of the CSAR between the cohorts ( p -value = 0.0115). Conclusion Vertebral insufficiency fractures in the elderly are associated not only with atrophy of psoas and the multifidus group of muscles as evident by the CSA values, but they also affect the CSAR depending on the number of fractures. This finding may help to direct targeted patient-specific physiotherapy rehabilitation and interventions to prevent further such fractures.

PMID:36855732 | PMC:PMC9968526 | DOI:10.1055/s-0042-1758522

Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2022 Dec 26;33(1):53-64. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1759642. eCollection 2023 Jan.

ABSTRACT

Aim In this paper, the authors share their experience of imaging patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy by magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) spanning over a period of nearly 10 years. Setting and Design This was a single-institution, prospective, observational study conducted between August 2012 and March 2022. Materials and Methods Children and adults presenting to the plastic surgery outpatient department with features of traumatic brachial plexopathy were included in the study. The MRN study was performed in a 1.5T scanner (Magnetom Essenza, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). The area scanned extended from C3 level to T3 level. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics (percentages, mean, median, and mode). Results A total of 134 patients ( n = 134) were included in the study. The age of our patients ranged from 6 months to 65 years. The mean age was 24.95 ± 12.10 years, with a median of 23 years. All patients had unilateral injury, and the right side was more commonly involved. Road traffic accident was the most common mode of injury, and blunt crush-avulsion was the most common mechanism of injury. Involvement of shoulder, elbow, and hand together (panplexopathy) was the most common clinical presentation. Conclusion This study of patients with traumatic brachial plexopathy imaged by MRN, spanning nearly a decade, has led to several interesting observations. The majority of these injuries occur in young men from urban areas who usually present with panplexopathy. The most common mode of injury is road traffic accident, and blunt crush-avulsion is the most common mechanism of injury.

PMID:36855714 | PMC:PMC9968524 | DOI:10.1055/s-0042-1759642

J Sci Educ Technol. 2023 Feb 23:1-14. doi: 10.1007/s10956-023-10033-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of web-based biology learning environment in improving academic performance via a meta-analysis. In looking for the studies on web-based biology learning environment, several keyword patterns from the abstracts (e.g., Pattern 1: web-based learning and biology education) were recruited in well-known databases (e.g., ERIC, EBSCO, Springer Link). Finally, 22 papers were apparent for the current meta-analysis examining the effect of web-based biology learning environment on academic performance. All statistical data from the studies were initially inserted into an Excel sheet and then imported into comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) statistics software to calculate Hedges’ g values. The overall effect-size of web-based biology learning environment pointed to a medium effect. Also, it was found that the educational level and type of experimental design, as moderator variables, did not positively affect the students’ academic performance along with web-based biology learning environment. In light of the findings, it can be concluded that web-based biology learning environment is somewhat effective at improving the students’ academic performance. The current study recommends that further studies should be undertaken to deepen the implementation processes of the studies with extreme values and explore what makes them unique.

PMID:36855681 | PMC:PMC9948792 | DOI:10.1007/s10956-023-10033-4

Transp Policy (Oxf). 2023 Apr;134:217-230. doi: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2023.02.020. Epub 2023 Feb 23.

ABSTRACT

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic created an environment where nearly all aspects of mobility changed to ensure the health and safety of the public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that people quarantine for 14 days if they were potentially exposed to the virus, stay at least six feet apart from others, and stay at home as much as possible. Delivery via third-party restaurant app, grocery, and package delivery quickly became an essential service. This study assesses customer’s changes in use and perceived quality of delivery services in Southwest Virginia, via an online stated-preference survey (n = 423). The responses were analyzed using ordered logit and generalized ordered logit models to identify which population segments had changing delivery behavior and perceptions due to the pandemic. Findings include that before the pandemic, only households with an income greater than $100,000 had a significantly higher demand for package delivery services than those making less than $25,000. During the pandemic, all income brackets had a significantly higher demand for package delivery “weekly” than households with less than a $25,000 income, with a 19.50%, 22.54%, and 45.59% greater chance of use for income levels $25,000 to $50,000, $50,000 to $100,000, and over $100,000, respectively. This trend highlights that package delivery became necessary during the pandemic. Respondents who lived within town limits were statistically significantly more likely to use third-party restaurant delivery apps at least once a week before (3.10%), during (9.20%), and after (4.50%) the pandemic compared to those outside town limits. The results also found people who lived within town limits were 7.77% more likely to be satisfied with delivery services in general than those who lived outside town limits. The findings from this paper identify expanding delivery equity gaps within the population and provide recommendations for policymakers and delivery agencies. Some limitations include that low sample size did not allow for fully segmented models and meant that the study should be considered exploratory in nature.

PMID:36855673 | PMC:PMC9949719 | DOI:10.1016/j.tranpol.2023.02.020

Heliyon. 2023 Mar;9(3):e13912. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13912. Epub 2023 Feb 24.

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the augmentation of students’ engagement in the online learning process using Zoom platform. To engage students more in the online classes we have conducted a survey on four universities students in the four dimensions. To investigate effective online class, we have gone through descriptive statistics followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and factor regression model to identify predicted factors that engage students more in the Zoom online classes. The results of PCA confirmed that questions answer session, instructor asks question to them, break during the class, topic related examples, experience sharing scope, case studies, using Google classroom, screen share, screen annotation, video contents share, class recording, raise hand and reactions to topics can enhance students engagement in the Zoom online classes. The regression results validate all four dimensions have significant influence on effective zoom online class that enhance students learning process. Thus, findings of this study recommend educating course instructors for ensuring all the applications of online learning process while conducting online classes. We strongly believe this course of action will engage students in the online class to enhance learning activities using Zoom platform in Bangladesh.

PMID:36855649 | PMC:PMC9951031 | DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13912

J Inflamm Res. 2023 Feb 22;16:769-778. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S401818. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

ABO blood group antigens exhibit alternative phenotypes and genetically derived structures that are located on the red cell surface. The role of ABO blood group in cancer biology has been intensely reported by several studies, and it is now widely recognized that ABO antigens are associated with the risk and prognosis of several types of tumors, namely gastric cancer and pancreatic cancer. However, there have been contentious limited issues with the association between the ABO blood group and lymphoma. In this narrative review, based on literature data, we discuss the role of ABO blood group in the risk and prognosis of lymphoma and summarize the current knowledge of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of the association. The possible association of ABO blood group with racial disparities and pathological classification in lymphoma patients is also discussed.

PMID:36855543 | PMC:PMC9968433 | DOI:10.2147/JIR.S401818

J Product Anal. 2023 Feb 24:1-16. doi: 10.1007/s11123-023-00665-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this paper is to extend the literature on multisectoral industries productivity such as tourism by simultaneously analysing the multidimensional nature of the Italian tourism sector in the period 2011-2020, considering both cross-sectoral and spatial spillover effects. To further improve our analysis, we consider two fundamental features for policy decisions: high spatial detail of analysis and the multipurpose nature of the tourism industry. Empirical findings confirm the hypotheses that the productivity level of the Italian tourism industry depends on its ability to make to most of the different input factors coming from different sectors and on (positive and negative) input spillovers.

PMID:36855518 | PMC:PMC9951159 | DOI:10.1007/s11123-023-00665-4

Med Devices (Auckl). 2023 Feb 22;16:37-46. doi: 10.2147/MDER.S401041. eCollection 2023.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The significance of effectively using medical equipment has received widespread public attention. Due to its complex effects on healthcare costs and quality, the relationship between hospital features and medical equipment consumption has drawn increased attention. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of medical equipment utilization and its associated factors.

METHODS: The study was conducted at public referral hospitals in East Wollega, Oromia Regional National State, Ethiopia, in 2021. A cross-sectional study design was mixed with observation and document review. The study included approximately 192 pieces of equipment. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square (χ ²) were used to identify associations between each independent and dependent variable at p<0.05 to declare level of significance.

RESULTS: Using 95% confidence interval (CI), the level of utilization coefficient was estimated to be 0.49 (0.44-0.55). As a result, 111 pieces of equipment (57.8%) were used efficiently, while 81 (42.2%) were underutilized. The form in which the hospitals received the equipment (χ ²=7.7.2; P=0.005), regular availability (χ ²=19.30; P=0.00), equipment breakdown (χ ²=11.57; P=0.001), the availability of trained staffs operating the equipment (χ ²=26.14; P=0.00), performing preventive maintenance (χ ²=91.54; P=0.00), the availability of spare parts (χ ²=32.36; P=0.00), and the availability of accessories (χ ²=43.91; P=0.00) were statistically significant factors affecting the medical equipment utilization.

CONCLUSION: On average, the utilization coefficient of medical equipment in the study hospitals was low compared to other study findings, which indicated that 2 out of 5 pieces of medical equipment were under-utilized, which could be significantly affected by the form in which the hospital received the equipment, its regular availability, equipment breakdown, availability of trained staff operating the equipment, performing preventive maintenance, and availability of adequate spare parts and accessories. Every hospital should develop an appropriate strategic framework to manage and utilize the available medical diagnostic equipment based on its level and demand.

PMID:36855514 | PMC:PMC9968427 | DOI:10.2147/MDER.S401041

Vet World. 2023 Jan;16(1):161-167. doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.161-167. Epub 2023 Jan 27.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bacterial and viral infections affect the welfare of animals and lead to large economic losses in dairy cattle breeding due to decreased productive indicators and increased culling rates. In modern dairy farming, farmers are looking for effective solutions to prevent and minimize infectious disease risks. To this end, the most relevant study field is the search for gene sites that impact production and health. This study aimed to determine the nature of the distribution of the relative frequencies of alleles and genotypes of polymorphic prolactin (PRL) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) in Holstein cows and identify the relationship of these genes with resistance to mastitis and bovine leukemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, we chose cows because infectious diseases affect the amount of lactation and milk quality. Holstein cattle with mastitis and bovine leukemia were selected. Animal genotypes were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. The results were analyzed using a nonparametric statistical method using Microsoft Excel 2010 and Statistica 6.0.

RESULTS: In healthy animals, 94 genotypes were identified for both genes under study. For bPRL, bPRL-RsaI^AA (72) was the most common genotype and bPRL-RsaI^BB (4) the least; for NOS2, bNOS2 –HinfI^AB (47) was the most common genotype and bNOS2 –HinfI^AA the least (21). In animals with leukemia, 34 genotypes were identified. For PRL, bPRL-RsaI^AA (25) was the most common genotype and bPRL-RsaI^BB (2) the least; for NOS2, bNOS2 –HinfI^BB (17) was the most common genotype and bNOS2 –HinfI^AA (3) the least. In animals with mastitis, 67 genotypes were identified. For PRL, bPRL-RsaI^AA (43) was the most common genotype and bPRL-RsaI^BB (6) the least; for NOS2, bNOS2 –HinfI^BB (31) was the most common genotype and bNOS2-HinfI^AA (7) the least. The distribution of genotypes of polymorphic bPRL and bNOS2 generally coincides, and bPRL-RsaI^BB is the most common genotype. In groups of sick animals, the number of bNOS2 –HinfI^AA homozygotes was lower than that of the control group. In particular, the proportion of animals with the bNOS2 –HinfI^AA genotype with bovine leukemia was 8.7% and with mastitis was 10.3% compared with 22.4% in healthy animals. These data support the possible association of the bNOS2 –HinfI^AA genotype with resistance to infection. The frequency of the bPRL-RsaI^B allele was higher in groups of sick animals. This allele is associated with increased milk productivity, suggesting that highly productive animals are less resistant to the incidence of viral bovine leukemia and mastitis of bacterial etiology.

CONCLUSION: DNA amplification of Holstein cattle for the polymorphic regions of PRL and NOS2 using the PCR-RFLP method revealed a possible connection between the distribution of relative allele frequencies of bPRL and bNOS2 and resistance to viral and bacterial infections. Thus, in groups of sick animals, the frequency of bPRL-RsaI^BB, associated with increased milk production compared with the theoretically calculated equilibrium value was higher and the number of homozygotes bNOS2 –HinfI^AA was lower than in the control group. In conclusion, animals with increased milk production were more prone to diseases, such as mastitis and bovine leukemia.

PMID:36855359 | PMC:PMC9967724 | DOI:10.14202/vetworld.2023.161-167