Category: Nevin Manimala

Med Eng Phys. 2021 Apr;90:54-65. doi: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.02.007. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

ABSTRACT

Ex vivo analysis of artificial discs is essential to better understand their ability to replace degenerated intervertebral discs. The Mobi-C differs from some other contemporary disc designs in that it has a mobile polyethylene insert that is sandwiched between superior and inferior cobalt chromium endplates. While some studies claim the Mobi-C to have restored normal cervical spinal biomechanics, others have noted high levels of migration. Our objective was to contribute to this debate by, for the first time, analysing an explanted Mobi-C cervical disc which was removed due to worsening myelopathy at the nano and macro scales. Intraoperatively, the insert was found to have excessively migrated and it compressed the spinal cord. Roughness was measured as 0.016 ± 0.006 μm (Sa) and 0.055 ± 0.020 μm (Sa) for the superior and inferior plates, and 1.210 ± 0.154 μm (Sa) and 0.446 ± 0.083 μm (Sa) for the superior and inferior surfaces of the insert. Compared to unworn surfaces, the roughness increased for the superior and inferior plates and decreased for both surfaces of the insert. However, the only statistically significant change occurred on the articulating surface of the inferior plate (p = 0.04). At the nanoscale, valleys dominated the articulating surfaces. The superior plate had a burnished appearance whereas the inferior plate appeared matt. Impingement was observed on the endplates. The insert was severely damaged, burnished and had scratches. Additionally, subsurface whitening and internal cracking were observed on the insert.

PMID:33781480 | DOI:10.1016/j.medengphy.2021.02.007

Transplant Cell Ther. 2021 Mar;27(3):259.e1-259.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jtct.2020.12.006. Epub 2020 Dec 16.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) feasibility has increased in the last decades because of haplo-HSCT, changes in chemotherapy schedules, and the possibility of an outpatient-based HSCT. The main barriers remain in low-middle income countries. There is a lack of information regarding haplo-HSCT with a myeloablative (MAC) regimen on an outpatient basis.

OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to determine if outpatient haplo-HSCT was feasible.

STUDY DESIGN: Single center, retrospective cohort, n=60 adult patients undergoing Haplo-HSCT. Descriptive statistical analysis, univariate and multivariate comparison.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: We analyzed 60 adult patients transplanted with an intended haplo-HSCT on an outpatient basis from 2015 to 2019 in our unit. A multivariate analysis was performed on risk factors for hospitalization.

RESULTS: Median age was 27 years (15-64). All patients underwent conditioning as outpatients, and none required hospitalization before day 0. Thirteen patients (21.6%) were followed completely in the outpatient clinic and 47 (78.3%) required hospitalization in a median of 3 days after infusion (range, 1-14). The median length of stay (LOS) was 8 days (IQR, 3-17). Fever secondary to cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was the most common reason for hospitalization occurring in 43/47 (91.5%), 4 were related to infection and 36 were related to CRS. In the univariate analysis, CRS, slower engraftment, and female sex were associated with the need for hospitalization. In the multivariate analysis, only CRS remained significant (OR 9.14 [95%CI, 1.58-56.46]). The 2-year overall survival (OS) was 41.7% for ambulatory transplant vs. 38% for those requiring hospitalization (P = 0.12). The 2-year event-free survival (EFS) was 33% for outpatient patients and 16.7% for those hospitalized (log-rank, P = 0.062).

CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the feasibility and safety of carrying out an outpatient haplo-HSCT, potentially resulting in cost savings and perhaps a higher quality of life.

PMID:33781529 | DOI:10.1016/j.jtct.2020.12.006

J Equine Vet Sci. 2021 Apr;99:103374. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103374. Epub 2021 Jan 12.

ABSTRACT

The dynamic upper airway functional (URT) problems of Colombian paso horses (CPH) have not been investigated in literature up to date. These horses perform special walking gaits with high poll flexion of the neck. Our goal is to evaluate the upper airway mechanics in CPH, showing abnormal respiratory sounds and poor performance during exercise. Resting and overground endoscopy was performed in 40 CPHs. Statistical analyses were performed using the sciPy package. One-tailed Fisher exact tests were used to check for positive contingency between each pair of upper respiratory tract disorder (P < .05). Arytenoid cartilage collapse was observed in 35 of 40 cases during exercise. Among these, dynamic laryngeal collapse (DLC) was the most significant finding, but ventromedial luxation of the apex of the corniculate process of the arytenoid and recurrent laryngeal neuropathy was also observed. Dorsal displacement of the soft palate was only detected in 4 of 40 cases. DLC was significantly associated with vocal cord collapse, nasopharyngeal collapse, and medial collapse of the margins of the epiglottis, and medial collapse of the margins of the epiglottis was associated with nasopharyngeal collapse. DLC is only a typical feature in some special breeds worldwide. We suggest that the extensive poll flexion and the relatively small laryngeal lumen and high intensitivity workload are the most important predisposing factors of DLC. Ventromedial luxation of the apex of the corniculate process of the arytenoid was over-represented in our caseload, compared with other studies. Whereas, despite the intensive workload, dorsal displacement of the soft palate was relatively uncommon. We presume that this could also be tailored to the high poll flexion performed during the special gaits.

PMID:33781434 | DOI:10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103374

J Equine Vet Sci. 2021 Apr;99:103397. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103397. Epub 2021 Feb 3.

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the effect of three different primary vaccination intervals on EI vaccine response, 21 unvaccinated thoroughbred foals were randomly divided into three groups of 7 and vaccinated with three different intervals of primary immunization (i.e., with 1, 2 or 3 months intervals between V1 and V2, respectively). The antibody response was measured for up to 1 year after the third immunization V3 (administered 6 months after V2) by single radial hemolysis (SRH) assay. All weanlings had seroconverted and exceeded the clinical protection threshold 2 weeks after V2 and 1 month after V3 until the end of the study. Significant differences were measured at the peak of immunity after V2 and for the duration of the immunity gap between V2 and V3. The group with one month primary vaccination interval had a lower immunity peak after V2 (158.05 ± 6.63 mm²) and a wider immunity gap between V2 and V3 (18 weeks) when compared with other groups (i.e., 174.72 ± 6.86 mm² and 16 weeks for a two months interval, 221.45 ± 14.48 mm² and 12 weeks for a 3-month interval). The advantage observed in the group with 1 month primary vaccination interval, which induces an earlier protective immunity, is counterbalance with a lower peak of immunity and a wider immunity gap after V2, when compared with foals vaccinated with 2- and 3-month intervals.

PMID:33781435 | DOI:10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103397

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2021 Apr;35(2):223-231. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2020.06.006. Epub 2020 Jun 16.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To investigate the well-being at work and analyze relevant predictors of it among nurses working in psychiatric outpatient settings including following specific objectives 1) describe the current state of well-being at work among psychiatric nurses; and 2) examine how background characteristics and exposure to violence predict well-being at work.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey design.

METHODS: Two-staged sampling was used to select participants from psychiatric outpatient units. Data were collected with printed Nordic Questionnaire for Monitoring the Age Diverse Workforce (QPSNordic-ADW) and Violence Incidence Assessment (VIA-Q) questionnaire from January 2019 to June 2019. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize the collected data and binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors related to the well-being at work.

RESULTS: The respondents (n = 181) generally evaluated well-being at work quite positively but were more critical towards interaction with their immediate superior, organizational culture, interaction between work and private life, and organizational commitment. Working experience in psychiatric nursing and experiences of harassment were identified as strong predictors of well-being at work.

CONCLUSION: The management of healthcare organizations should discuss nursing ethics and morale more, as well as pay attention to the ethical environment to prevent moral distress among nurses. Several weaknesses seem to exist especially in the management of psychiatric outpatient units which influence nurses’ well-being at work. Identification of these can help organizations to develop management and implement interventions to increase nurses’ well-being at work. Conversations about the managerial culture and collegial climate should also arise at the organizational and unit levels.

PMID:33781405 | DOI:10.1016/j.apnu.2020.06.006

J Equine Vet Sci. 2021 Apr;99:103399. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103399. Epub 2021 Feb 3.

ABSTRACT

The use of a self-inflating tissue expander is a technique to stretch cutaneous tissues for potential use in reconstructive skin surgeries. This study investigates the mechanical properties of horse skin stretched by the subcutaneous implantation of anisotropic tissue expanders at the forehead, right shoulder, and dorsomedial part of the cannon region of the right forelimb in six (n = 6) horses. After 14 days of skin expansion, expanded and normal (control) skin samples were harvested and their mechanical properties of elastic modulus (EM), maximum force (MF), maximum stress (MSs) and maximum strain (MSr) were evaluated using uniaxial tension test. The expanded skin from shoulder area has higher EM, MSs, MSr and MF than the normal skin when compared to the forehead and lower forelimb. Statistically, there was a significant (P= .02) mean difference for MSs between the expanded shoulder and lower forelimb skin, but the pairwise comparison of EM, MSr and MF showed no significant difference between the locations. The overall effect of locations on EM and MSs was statistically significant (P < .05), however, there was no overall effect of horse factor, treatment factor (normal and expanded skin) and location interaction on the EM, MSS, MF and MSr. In conclusion, the expanded skin from the frontal head and the distal limb are less elastic (stiffer) compared to that of the expanded skin of the shoulder, thus anatomical location of the skin has some degree of effect on EM and MSs.

PMID:33781409 | DOI:10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103399

J Equine Vet Sci. 2021 Apr;99:103388. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103388. Epub 2021 Jan 20.

ABSTRACT

Ill-fitting saddles can impair the well-being and performance of horses. Saddle fit is generally assessed subjectively by a trained professional or with an electronic saddle pressure mat, but little is known about the agreement between both methods. The study aims were (1) to assess the prevalence of saddle fit issues in a riding sound Swiss horse population, (2) to investigate how well the subjective assessment correlates with objectively measured pressure magnitude and distribution under the saddle during riding, and (3) how well both correlate with back pain of the horse. Only 10% of the saddles were free of the assessed problems. Pressures exceeded clinically relevant thresholds in 15% of the horses. There was no clear correlation between back pain and pressure magnitude, but back pain was associated with certain subjectively assessed fit problems. Statistically significant associations between fit problems and the expected pressure patterns were found for panel angles, curvature of the saddle, width of the panel channel, and the waist of the saddle. There was no or limited association of pressure patterns with the balance of the saddle, width and angle of the tree head, or the symmetry of the panels. The results revealed that certain fit problems were reflected in the electronically measured pressure distribution and that the subjective assessment can therefore provide relevant information. Pressure magnitude showed only limited association with back pain, which indicates that there are other factors involved in the development of back problems in horses.

PMID:33781419 | DOI:10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103388

J Equine Vet Sci. 2021 Apr;99:103359. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103359. Epub 2020 Dec 30.

ABSTRACT

This study examined the effects of 15 sessions of hippotherapy (HPOT) on gross motor skills in children (aged 2-3 years) with gross motor developmental delay (DD) (n = 11) in comparison with age-based controls without DD (n = 6). Gross motor skills in both groups were assessed with the Battelle Developmental Inventory 2nd Edition, and gait parameters were measured using a computerized gait analysis system prestudy and poststudy. The DD group took part in 15 sessions of HPOT, and the control (CON) group did not participate in any equine activities. The statistical analysis examined preintervention and postintervention data in the DD group and compared testing data at the same intervals in controls. Functional motor skills significantly improved after HPOT intervention. Mean percent motor delay score decreased by 24.1 points from pretest to post-test in the DD group, indicating significantly (P < .001) less delay after HPOT. In contrast, mean Battelle Developmental Inventory 2nd Edition motor scores of the CON group were unchanged pre-study to post-study. The two groups’ scores were significantly (P < .001) different indicating more improvement in the DD HPOT group when compared with the control group. Gait performance measures did not change significantly (P > .05) from pre-test to post-est in the DD group after HPOT; however, improvement trends were seen in step width and step length after HPOT. The results suggest that HPOT intervention in young children with DD can improve gross motor skills. These data provide important quantitative information concerning the efficacy of early HPOT intervention for children with DD during this critical stage of child development.

PMID:33781428 | DOI:10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103359

J Dance Med Sci. 2021 Mar 29. doi: 10.12678/1089-313X.061521d. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dancers seek studio-based conditioning methods that improve fitness to help them meet the demands of their discipline. Heart rate variability (HRV) mobile technology offers one such potential method. The purpose of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to investigate how HRV impacted fitness outcomes over a 4 to 6 week period of supplemental training. The study’s cohort, 134 competitive female dancers ages 12 to 35, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the HRV study group, the Tabata high-intensity control group, or the Vinyasa yoga low-intensity control group. Fitness assessments conducted in the pre- and post-training period included cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, and lower extremity power. These assessments were evaluated with ANOVA between group and within group comparisons. Results revealed lower extremity power improvement in the HRV group at a statistically significant level (p < 0.05) and overall trends toward greater muscle endurance. Additional unanticipated findings surfaced in the yoga control group that demonstrated cardiovascular improvements and normalization of right versus left lower extremity power discrepancies. Conclusions support the use of HRV mobile technology to individualize daily conditioning intensity, thereby efficiently improving lower extremity power and overall muscle endurance for dancers while monitoring for signs of overtraining.

PMID:33781372 | DOI:10.12678/1089-313X.061521d

J Dance Med Sci. 2021 Mar 29. doi: 10.12678/1089-313X.061521i. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Dancers are known to have specific limb preferences when they dance and commonly experience lower limb injury, especially early in their training. The primary aim of this study was to determine and examine the relationships between lateral limb bias, perceived turnout profile, and lower limb injury history in female pre-professional ballet dancers using current definitions of lateral bias, leg dominance, and the concept of “working” and “supporting” legs in dance. A cross-sectional survey design with retrospective recall of 12-month injury history was employed. An online questionnaire was distributed to female dancers between the ages of 16 and 21 years who were training in classical ballet at the pre-professional level in Australia. The questionnaire gathered information regarding laterality, perceived turnout asymmetry, and self-reported 12-month injury profile. Descriptive and correlation analyses were employed to describe dancer profiles and determine relationships between the three variables. Thirty-two dancers participated. The majority of participants (67%) had right-side dominance and most indicated the right leg as their preferred supporting leg (86.7%) and working leg (60%). A total of 17 participants (53.1%) reported at least one injury in the preceding 12-month period and the side injured was significantly correlated with leg dominance (rS = 0.595, p = 0.012), with the majority of injuries also affecting the preferred supporting and working leg. Dancer perceptions regarding turnout range were correlated with their perceptions of leg dominance (rS = 0.556, p = 0.001), but no statistically significant associations were found between perceptions of turnout range and injury side. In pre-professional dancers, the dominant and the preferred supporting or working leg tend to be the same leg, and the results suggest that the dominant and preferred supporting and working leg of dancers are at greatest risk of injury.

PMID:33781379 | DOI:10.12678/1089-313X.061521i