Nevin Manimala

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Aug 27;121(35):e2405351121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2405351121. Epub 2024 Aug 19.

ABSTRACT

Matter entanglement is a common chaotic structure found in both quantum and classical systems. For classical turbulence, viscous vortices are like sinews in fluid flows, storing and dissipating energy and accommodating strain and stress throughout a complex vortex network. However, to explain how the statistical properties of turbulence arise from elemental vortical structures remains challenging. Here, we use the quantum vortex tangle as a skeleton to generate an instantaneous classical turbulent field with intertwined vortex tubes. Combining the quantum skeleton and tunable vortex thickness makes the synthetic turbulence satisfy key statistical laws, offering valuable insights for elucidating energy cascade and extreme events. By manipulating the elemental structures, we customize turbulence with desired statistical features. This bottom-up approach of designing turbulence provides a testbed for analyzing and modeling turbulence.

PMID:39159373 | DOI:10.1073/pnas.2405351121

Invest Radiol. 2024 Aug 20. doi: 10.1097/RLI.0000000000001117. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the performances of photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) and energy-integrating detector computed tomography (EID-CT) for visualizing nodules and airways in human cadaveric lungs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Previously obtained 20 cadaveric lungs were scanned, and images were prospectively acquired by EID-CT and PCD-CT at a radiation dose with a noise level equivalent to the diagnostic reference level. PCD-CT was scanned with ultra-high-resolution mode. The EID-CT images were reconstructed with a 512 matrix, 0.6-mm thickness, and a 350-mm field of view (FOV). The PCD-CT images were reconstructed at 3 settings: PCD-512: same as EID-CT; PCD-1024-FOV350: 1024 matrix, 0.2-mm thickness, 350-mm FOV; and PCD-1024-FOV50: 1024 matrix, 0.2-mm thickness, 50-mm FOV. Two specimens per lung were examined after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The CT images were evaluated for nodules on a 5-point scale and for airways on a 4-point scale to compare the histology. The Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni correction was performed for statistical analyses.

RESULTS: Sixty-seven nodules (1321 μm; interquartile range [IQR], 758-3105 μm) and 92 airways (851 μm; IQR, 514-1337 μm) were evaluated. For nodules and airways, scores decreased in order of PCD-1024-FOV50, PCD-1024-FOV350, PCD-512, and EID-CT. Significant differences were observed between series other than PCD-1024-FOV350 versus PCD-1024-FOV50 for nodules (PCD-1024-FOV350 vs PCD-1024-FOV50, P = 0.063; others P < 0.001) and between series other than EID-CT versus PCD-512 for airways (EID-CT vs PCD-512, P = 0.549; others P < 0.005). On PCD-1024-FOV50, the median size of barely detectable nodules was 604 μm (IQR, 469-756 μm) and that of barely detectable airways was 601 μm (IQR, 489-929 μm). On EID-CT, that of barely detectable nodules was 837 μm (IQR, 678-914 μm) and that of barely detectable airways was 1210 μm (IQR, 674-1435 μm).

CONCLUSIONS: PCD-CT visualized small nodules and airways better than EID-CT and improved with high spatial resolution and potentially can detect submillimeter nodules and airways.

PMID:39159364 | DOI:10.1097/RLI.0000000000001117

Cutis. 2024 Jul;114(1):12-14. doi: 10.12788/cutis.1053.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39159339 | DOI:10.12788/cutis.1053

Clin Nurse Spec. 2024 Sep-Oct 01;38(5):229-236. doi: 10.1097/NUR.0000000000000839.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of laughter yoga applied to intensive care nurses on perceived stress, job motivation, and mental well-being.

DESIGN: This study was a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS: The study was conducted with nurses working at the university hospital’s surgical intensive care and anesthesia intensive care units of the third-level intensive care unit in Turkey. Data obtained from 30 participants in the intervention group and 33 participants in the control group were analyzed. The Nurse Introduction Form, Nurse Job Motivation Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale were used to collect data. Data obtained from the study were evaluated using the SPSS 22.0 package.

RESULTS: It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the average scores of the pretest/posttest 1/posttest 2 of the Perceived Stress Scale (13.70 ± 3.33 to 14.57 ± 4.57, P > .05; 13.50 ± 3.15 to 13.48 ± 4.59, P > .05; and 13.56 ± 3.15 to 13.15 ± 3.49, P > .05, respectively) and Work Motivation Scale (59.70 ± 7.58 to 59.69 ± 7.98, P > .05; 60.30 ± 8.07 to 58.48 ± 8.94, P > .05; and 60.56 ± 7.86 to 57.93 ± 9.54, P > .05, respectively) for both the intervention and control groups of nurses. A statistically significant difference was found in the average scores of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale pretest/posttest 1/posttest 2 for the intervention group of nurses (50.90 ± 7.60, 51.50 ± 7.80, and 53.70 ± 7.08, respectively; F = 3.330, P = .043). However, the difference was found to be insignificant in pairwise comparisons in the further analysis (a = b = c). It was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the average scores of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale pretest/posttest 1/posttest 2 for the control group of nurses (52.21 ± 9.89, 51.93 ± 10.45, and 51.03 ± 9.63, respectively; P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS: The application of laughter yoga on intensive care nurses did not result in a significant change in perceived stress levels and work motivation. However, statistically significant differences were observed in the average mental well-being scores among the intervention group.

PMID:39159324 | DOI:10.1097/NUR.0000000000000839

Urogynecology (Phila). 2024 Aug 12. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001541. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Up to 50% of patients report not readily seeking treatment for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The increase in phone applications (apps) for health care information is an opportunity to increase access to care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate content and function of apps for patients with PFDs.

STUDY DESIGN: Apps were screened using PFD-related search terms. Included apps were on the Apple store, in English, and targeted patients with PFDs. The primary outcome was app quality based on the APPLICATIONS scoring system (scored 0-16). Secondary outcomes included professional medical involvement, iTunes rating details, the presence of a voiding/bowel diary, tracking of diet, pain/symptoms, exercise, and medication, graphing or social functions, reminders, disease information, and decision support. Data was reported with descriptive statistics (medians (ranges) and n (percentages).

RESULTS: Eight hundred forty apps were identified and 83 were analyzed. The top 3 PFD categories represented were defecatory dysfunction (29), overactive bladder (28), and stress incontinence (27). The median APPLICATIONS score was 7 (3-12). Most apps (78%) were developed without professional medical involvement. Most apps were free, while the remainder ranged from $1.99 to $4.99. No app had all features. Twenty-five apps (30%) included a voiding diary, 33 (40%) had a bowel diary, 27 (33%) included exercise tracking, and 44 (53%) had reminder systems.

CONCLUSIONS: Most apps had reasonable, but not high, functionality. Current apps provide varying degrees of overall utility, with limited disease information and decision support. Further collaboration with medical providers in app development would support better integration of clinician and patient needs.

PMID:39159315 | DOI:10.1097/SPV.0000000000001541

Liver Transpl. 2024 Sep 1;30(9):873-874. doi: 10.1097/LVT.0000000000000406. Epub 2024 May 21.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:39159308 | DOI:10.1097/LVT.0000000000000406

Sex Health. 2024 Aug;21:SH24083. doi: 10.1071/SH24083.

ABSTRACT

Background Mouthwash is a commonly used product with the potential to prevent STIs. This study aimed to determine the association between mouthwash use frequency with sexual behaviours and STIs among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM in Xi’an, China, from January to September 2022. Participants were categorised into non-mouthwash users, occasional (used it less than once every week) and frequent (used it more than once every week) mouthwash users. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to identify the association between mouthwash use frequency with sexual behaviours. Results Of 838 MSM included in the analysis, 621 (74.11%) reported never using mouthwash, whereas 47 (5.60%) used it occasionally and 170 (20.29%) used it frequently. Frequent mouthwash users had a lower prevalence of chlamydia compared with occasional users (8.33% vs 23.93%, P Conclusion MSM with more sexual partners or lower condom use frequency were more likely to be frequent mouthwash users. However, frequent mouthwash users had a lower chlamydia prevalence.

PMID:39159291 | DOI:10.1071/SH24083

PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2024 Aug 19;18(8):e0011991. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011991. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Culex quinquefasciatus is one of the most important carriers of human pathogens. Using the insecticides is one of the most important methods of combating this vector. But the genetic resistance created in Culex quinquefasciatus led to disruption in the fight against this pest. Consequently, it is necessary to know the level of resistance to fight this vector. Based on this, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of kdr resistance in Culex quinquefasciatus against organochlorine insecticides in the world.

METHODS: This study was conducted by systematic review, and meta-analysis on the prevalence of kdr resistance and mortality rate in Culex quinquefasciatus against organochlorine insecticides in the world. All pertinent articles were extracted and analyzed in accordance with this information during an unrestricted search of the scientific databases Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, biooan.org, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar until the end of November 2023. Statistical analysis of data was done using fixed and random effects model in meta-analysis, I2 index, Cochran’s test, and meta-regression by STATA version 17 software.

RESULTS: Seventy articles were included in the meta-analysis process. Based on the findings, the prevalence of Kdr in Culex quinquefasciatus against organochlorine insecticide was estimated at 63.1%. Moreover, the mortality rate against the insecticide deltamethrin was 46%, DDT 18.5%, permethrin 42.6%, malathion 54.4% and lambdacyhalothrin 53%.

CONCLUSION: More than half of Cx. quinquefasciatus had Kdr. This vector was relatively resistant to DDT and permethrin insecticides and sensitive to malathion, deltamethrin and lambdacyhalothrin. In order to prevent the development of resistance to alternative insecticides, it is consequently critical to combat this vector with efficacious insecticides.

PMID:39159258 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pntd.0011991

PLoS One. 2024 Aug 19;19(8):e0307895. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307895. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Construction workers are a population that is at risk for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and even suicide due to the high stress and physical demands of their work. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for depression, anxiety, and stress among Bangladeshi construction workers.

METHODS: From February 2022 to June 2022, community-based cross-sectional research was conducted among construction workers. Survey data was gathered using interviewer administered questionnaires with 502 participants from the construction sites. Data were collected based on the information related to socio-demographics, lifestyle, occupation, health hazards, and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress). The results were interpreted using the chi-square test and logistic regression utilizing SPSS statistical software.

RESULTS: The study revealed the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among construction workers to be 17.9%, 30.3%, and 12%, respectively. Key findings indicate that construction workers who maintained a healthy sleep duration were 64% less likely to be depressed compared to those with poor sleep (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21-0.61, p<0.001). Workers who did not experience breathing issues upon starting construction work had a 45% lower likelihood of experiencing depression (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32-0.97, p = 0.037) and an 82% lower likelihood of experiencing anxiety (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.11-0.30, p<0.001). Bricklayer construction workers were 72% less likely to experience stress (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.08-0.95, p = 0.041), and workers without breathing issues after starting construction work were 66% less likely to experience stress (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17-0.66, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: The study found that depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent among construction workers in Bangladesh, with breathing issues as a significant risk factor. Thus, there is a need for effective measures to reduce these problems and provide a safe working environment for construction workers to ensure their productivity and the country’s overall growth.

PMID:39159238 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0307895

PLoS One. 2024 Aug 19;19(8):e0308830. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308830. eCollection 2024.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We investigated the vertical implantation of a toric implantable collamer lens (ICL) and compared the rotational stability with that of horizontal implantation.

METHODS: This matched comparative study retrospectively reviewed and analyzed data from patients who underwent ICL implantation from 2003-2022 by 1:1 matching vertical and horizontal (V and H toric groups, respectively) implantation patients according to preoperative astigmatism, spherical equivalent, sulcus-to-sulcus, anterior chamber depth, and ICL size. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, vaulting, and rotation were measured 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS: We included 646 eyes (323 each in the V and H toric groups). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups in postoperative visual acuity, refractive error, and astigmatism. Vaulting was lower in the V toric group. (P < 0.001). The mean lens rotation in the V toric group was less than that in the H toric group (1.11 ± 2.84° versus 3.02 ± 10.34°, P = 0.001). The proportion of eyes in the V and H toric groups showing ≥10° of rotation was 2.5% (8 eyes) and 6.5% (21 eyes), respectively (P = 0.014). Despite repositioning from rotation, three (0.9%) and eight (2.5%) eyes required removal owing to lens re-rotation in the V and H toric groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Toric ICL vertical implantation showed good rotational stability, and appropriate visual acuity correction results with relatively low vaulting. This procedure therefore presents an effective novel method that could replace horizontal toric ICL implantation.

PMID:39159219 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0308830