Category: Nevin Manimala

Acta Cytol. 2021 Dec 30:1-6. doi: 10.1159/000521052. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to discover a fast and efficient method for the diagnosis of serous effusion cytology specimens by comparing the cytomorphological features of SurePath (SP) smears and smears prepared by cytospin. After the macroscopic features of the incoming material were recorded, it was divided into 2 for conventional technique (CT) and liquid-based technique. Cytospin was used for CT and SurePath for liquid-based technique in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: 243 serous effusions (33 thoracentesis and 92 paracentesis fluids, 118 peritoneal lavage fluids) were investigated. After shaking the effusion gently, it was centrifuged for 5 min at 1,250 rpm for cytospin smear. SP smear was prepared according to the “BD PrepStain slide processor”. Two smears were prepared with these 2 methods and then stained with Papanicolaou. The smears were examined under a light microscope in terms of fixation, background, cellularity, nucleus, and structural features. All statistical analysis of the data was performed using the SPSS 17.0 software. For each microscopic feature, the χ2 test was used to assess the significance of the relationship between cytospin and SP, and level of agreement in between the methods was assessed using the kappa statistic.

RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 methods in background (p < 0.001), cellularity (p < 0.001), nucleus features (p < 0.001), and structural features (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in fixation. Low level of agreement was observed with the kappa statistic in fixation, background, and cellularity. Moderate level of agreement was observed in the nucleus and structural feature groups with the kappa statistic.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Although there are advantages of liquid-based technique such as standardized fixation and cleaner background, since the cellular and background components required for morphological analysis and diagnosis are better preserved in cytospin, it is considered to be better to use liquid-based technique not alone but together with CT.

PMID:34969029 | DOI:10.1159/000521052

J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Dec 31;47(6):445-453. doi: 10.5125/jkaoms.2021.47.6.445.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Periodontitis is the most common chronic disease that causes tooth loss and is related to systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. An objective indicator of the current activity of periodontitis is necessary. Soluble forms of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) are markers that reflect the status of inflammatory diseases. In this study, the relationship between sRAGE and periodontitis was analyzed to determine whether it can be used to diagnose the current state of periodontitis. Patients and.

METHODS: Eighty-four patients without any systemic diseases were diagnosed with periodontitis using three classifications of periodontitis. Demographics and oral examination data such as plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP) index, and probing pocket depth (PPD) were analyzed according to each classification. In addition, correlation and partial correlation between sRAGE and the values indicating periodontitis were analyzed.

RESULTS: In each classification, the level of sRAGE tended to decrease if periodontitis was present or severe, but this change was not statistically significant. sRAGE and periodontitis-related variables exhibited a weak correlation, among which the BOP index showed a relatively strong negative correlation (ρ=-0.20). Based on this, on analyzing the correlation between the BOP index and sRAGE in the group with more severe periodontitis (PPD≥5 mm group, severe group of AAP/CDC [American Academy of Periodontology/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], periodontitis group of López), the correlation further increased (ρ=-0.23, -0.40, -0.50). Partial correlation analysis of the sRAGE and BOP index showed a stronger negative correlation (ρ=-0.36, -0.55, -0.45).

CONCLUSION: sRAGE demonstrated a tendency to decrease upon increased severity of periodontitis according to the classifications used. Above all, the correlation with the BOP index, which reflects the current state of periodontitis, was higher in the group with severe periodontitis. This indicates that the current status of periodontitis can be diagnosed through sRAGE.

PMID:34969018 | DOI:10.5125/jkaoms.2021.47.6.445

Gait Posture. 2021 Dec 22;92:413-420. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.12.016. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Coordination variability has been linked to overuse running injuries and has been studied both on a treadmill and over-ground. It is not clear, however, if the coordination variability data from over-ground locomotion can be compared with treadmill locomotion data.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare coordination variability of selected lower extremity couplings at different locomotor speeds during over-ground and treadmill walking and running.

METHODS: Nineteen (10 female, 9 male) healthy, recreational collegiate runners participated in this study. Each participant performed in two different conditions: over-ground and on a treadmill at three walking speeds (1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 m•s^-1) and three running speeds (2.8, 3.2, and 3.6 m•s^-1). A modified vector coding technique was used to calculate coordination variability for five selected coupled segment and joint angles. Each of the segmental couples was analyzed separately using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA (Condition Χ Speed) implemented with one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping.

RESULTS: While no interaction effects were observed for condition X speed, we saw increased coordination variability in the sagittal couples during overground compared with treadmill locomotion, which predominantly occurred during the stance phase. There were mixed results for changes in coordination variability as a function of gait speed. However, for the sagital plane couplings, coordination variability decreased with speed, particularly during the stance phase.

SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that the controlled belt speed of the treadmill affects the intrinsic dynamics of human movement and this should be considered when making comparisons between treadmill and over-ground studies and in future study designs.

PMID:34968998 | DOI:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.12.016

J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Dec 31;47(6):438-444. doi: 10.5125/jkaoms.2021.47.6.438.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Loss of the interdental papilla is multi-factorial and creates a multitude of problems. Autogenous connective tissue/biomaterial-based regeneration has been attempted for decades to reconstitute the black space created due to the loss of papilla. The aim of this present study was to regenerate papillary recession defects using an amnion-chorion membrane (ACM) allograft and to evaluate the clinical outcome up to six months postoperatively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with 25 Nordland and Tarnow’s Class I/II interdental papillary recession defects were treated with ACM and coronal advancement of the gingivo-papillary unit via a semilunar incision on the labial aspect followed by a sulcular incision in the area of interest. A photographic image analysis was carried out using the GNU Image Manipulation software program from the baseline to three and six months postoperatively. The black triangle height (BTH) and the black triangle width (BTW) were calculated using the pixel size and were then converted into millimeters. The mean and standard deviation values were determined at baseline and then again at three and six months postoperatively. The probability values (P <0.05 and P≤0.01) were considered statistically significant and highly significant, respectively. An analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni test were carried out to compare the mean values.

RESULTS: Our evaluation of the BTH and BTW showed a statistically and highly significant difference from the baseline until both three and six months postoperatively (P=0.01). A post hoc Bonferroni test disclosed a statistically significant variance from the baseline until three and six months postoperatively (P <0.05) and a non-significant difference from three to six months after the procedure (P≥0.05).

CONCLUSION: An ACM allograft in conjunction with a coronally advanced flap could be a suitable minimally invasive alternative for papillary regeneration.

PMID:34969017 | DOI:10.5125/jkaoms.2021.47.6.438

Am J Emerg Med. 2021 Dec 18;53:6-11. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.12.028. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The classical two-arm randomized clinical trial (RCT) is designed to test the efficacy or effectiveness of an intervention, which may consist of one or more components. However, this approach does not enable the investigator to obtain information that is important in intervention development, such as which individual components of the intervention are efficacious, which are not and possibly should be removed, and whether any components interact. The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) is a new framework for development, optimization, and evaluation of interventions. MOST includes the RCT for purposes of evaluation, but inserts a phase of research before the RCT aimed at intervention optimization. The optimization phase requires one or more separate trials similar in scope to an RCT, but employing a different experimental design. The design of the optimization trial is selected strategically so as to maximize the amount of scientific information gained using the available resources. One consideration in selecting this experimental design is the type of intervention to be optimized. If a fixed intervention, i.e. one in which the same intervention content and intensity is provided to all participants, is to be optimized, a factorial experiment is often appropriate. If an adaptive intervention, i.e. one in which intervention content or intensity is varied in a principled manner, is to be optimized, a sequential multiple-assignment randomized trial (SMART) is often a good choice. The objective of this article is to describe MOST and the scientific rationale for its use; describe two current applications of MOST in emergency medicine research, one using a factorial experiment and the other using a SMART; and discuss funding strategies and potential future applications in studying the care of individuals with acute illness, injury, or behavioral disorders.

PMID:34968972 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajem.2021.12.028

J Mech Behav Biomed Mater. 2021 Dec 25;126:105064. doi: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.105064. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The use of Mouthguards (MGs) in contact sports is an interesting biomedical topic. MGs are protective personal equipment made principally from the copolymer ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). EVA is a thermoplastic whose thickness and rigidity are variables of concern for a good shock energy absorption capability in an MG. A natural fiber polymer composite is an interesting attempt for tackling these variables. Luffa cylindrica (luffa) is a sponge gourd that grows in 3D structure, which is used mainly as an ornament, a filling, or is trimmed for its use as a bathing product. In this work, a new EVA-luffa composite (EVLc) was made from commercial EVA sheets and luffa mat acting as reinforcement. FTIR, DSC, and TGA tests of EVA revealed its nature compared to literature data. A mechanical testing was applied to eight EVLc ASTM D-638 type V dumbbells (D1-D8) that showed low tensile strength values compared to EVA resistance ranges in literature. SEM images of EVLc’s D1-D8 confirmed good adhesion between the reinforcement and matrix without surface treatment, and a descriptive statistical analysis indicated an intrinsic variation.

PMID:34968944 | DOI:10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.105064

Pregnancy Hypertens. 2021 Dec 24;27:69-73. doi: 10.1016/j.preghy.2021.12.009. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine if elevated concentration of soluble receptor tunica interna endothelial cell kinase-2 (Tie-2) in the amniotic fluid represent a risk factor for the subsequent development of preeclampsia (PE).

STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid samples were collected as a part of routine clinical diagnostics from women referred to clinical care due to genetic indications. A total of 12 women with preeclampsia and 26 normotensive pregnant women were included in the study. Mean gestational age at amniocentesis was 17.92 weeks of pregnancy in preeclampsia and 17.88 in control group, respectively. Concentrations of sTie-2 in the amniotic fluid were determined by a standardized enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS: Median concentration of Tie-2 in the amniotic fluid of PE patients was lower (median 1.109 ng/ml) compared with normotensive pregnant women (median 1.433 ng/Ml) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2973). Concentration of sTie-2 in the amniotic fluid did not significantly correlate with maternal age, gestational age at amniocentesis or delivery, as well as weight or length at birth. A difference in the gestational age at delivery in PE patients (mean 37.7 weeks) and normotensive pregnant controls (mean 39.8 weeks) was statistically significant (p = 0.0003). Birth weight and length of children delivered by PE women (mean 2863.3 g and 48.3 cm) were significantly lower compared with normal pregnancies (mean 3591.2 g and 51.4 cm, p = 0.0002 and p = 0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that amniotic fluid concentrations of sTie-2 do not predict development of PE and that further studies on biomarkers as predictors of PE should include other angiogenic biological response modifiers.

PMID:34968946 | DOI:10.1016/j.preghy.2021.12.009

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2021 Dec 21;269:35-40. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.12.018. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: After 41 weeks, the labor induction term varies according to countries and obstetrical teams. The French recommendations are not to exceed 41 weeks 6 days. However, there are no data on the percentage of nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix at 41 weeks going into spontaneous labor within five or six days.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to establish the rate of spontaneous labor within five days amongst nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix at 41 weeks, and to identify the maternal and obstetrical factors associated with this spontaneous labor.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study in a University Hospital Maternity between January 1st and December 31st 2017. All nulliparous women with a cephalic fetal presentation and unfavorable cervix at 41 weeks (Bishop ≤ 3) were included. The maximum term for induced labor was set at 41 weeks 5 days. The population was divided into two groups: spontaneous labor and induced labor (induction between 41 weeks and 41 weeks 4 days for medical indications or maternal wish and induction at 41 weeks 5 days for full term). The maternal and obstetrical characteristics of the two groups at 41 weeks were compared as well as the maternal and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS: The rate of spontaneous labor among the 269 women included was 38.3% (n = 103/269). At 41 weeks, the presence of painful uterine contractions and a Bishop score of 3 were associated with spontaneous labor within five days (p < 0.01). The Bishop score criteria most associated with spontaneous labor were cervical dilation and fetal station. The cesarean delivery rate was 20.4% in the group of women with spontaneous labor versus 41.0% in the group of induced labor (p < 0.01). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of neonatal outcome.

CONCLUSION: Among nulliparous women with an unfavorable cervix at 41 weeks, almost 40 % will have a spontaneous onset of labor within five days. The only factors found to be associated with this onset of labor are the presence of painful uterine contractions and a higher Bishop score at 41 weeks.

PMID:34968872 | DOI:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.12.018

Nurse Educ Today. 2021 Dec 24;109:105256. doi: 10.1016/j.nedt.2021.105256. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Key challenges for clinical education during the COVID-19 pandemic include how to continue teaching and learning, how to teach core clinical skills, and how to demonstrate professional and practical skills in various clinical situations. Therefore, nursing students need to learn how to assist with in-patient intubation, eliminate accumulated sputum overflow, and the basic techniques of sputum suction.

OBJECTIVES: We proposed and investigated an approach to integrating online game-based learning with the watch-summarize-question strategy to improve nursing students’ learning achievement, self-efficacy, learning engagement, and learning satisfaction in sputum suction skill training.

DESIGN: A quasi-experimental study with pretest and posttest design.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: We randomly allocated 45 first-year nursing students to an experimental group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 24) at a school of nursing in a university.

METHODS: The experimental group adopted the online game-based learning and watch-summarize-question strategy, while the control group used video-based learning. Participants were assessed on learning achievement of sputum suction skills, self-efficacy, learning engagement, and learning satisfaction before and after the intervention.

RESULTS: The experimental group, which used the proposed approach, achieved statistically significant higher learning achievement, self-efficacy, learning engagement, and learning satisfaction than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS: The integration of online game-based learning with the watch-summarize-question strategy demonstrated a positive impact on nursing students’ sputum suction skill training. Nurse educators and researchers should consider integrating computer technology and teaching strategies to facilitate nursing education.

PMID:34968932 | DOI:10.1016/j.nedt.2021.105256

PLoS One. 2021 Dec 30;16(12):e0261944. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261944. eCollection 2021.

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus are among the top ten causes of death globally. To prevent the spread of these infections, health workers and student nurses should comply to infection prevention and control measures called standard precautions. The aim of this study is to assess compliance of Eswatini university student nurses regarding standard precautions for preventing Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A non-experimental quantitative approach was used to conduct a survey on all senior student nurses of Eswatini University using questionnaires. IBM SPSS Statistics version 26 software was used to analyse the data. Results from this study showed that out of the 105 student nurses who were asked only 51.4% (n = 54) said they always used personal protective equipment. However, they did comply well on disposing sharps as 92.4% (n = 97) reported that they always used designated containers. There is a need for close supervision of student nurses in the clinical area. The researcher recommends that clinical facilitator should always accompany student nurses in the clinical area and that preceptors should be exempted from other nursing duties when there are student nurses in the hospitals so that they can mentor the students.

PMID:34968395 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0261944