Nevin Manimala

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 16;11(1):5959. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85413-0.

ABSTRACT

More thermolabile drugs are becoming available, and in most cases, these medications are dispensed to ambulatory patients. However, there is no regulation once medications are dispensed to patients and little is known with regard to what happens during transport and home storage. Previous studies suggest that these drugs are improperly stored. The present study was designed to determine the storage conditions of thermolabile drugs once they are dispensed to the patient in the Hospital Pharmacy Department. This is a prospective observational study to assess the temperature profile of 7 thermolabile drugs once they are dispensed to ambulatory patients at a tertiary care hospital. A data logger was added to the medication packaging. Temperature was considered inappropriate if one of the following circumstances were met: any temperature record less than or equal to 0 °C or over 25 °C; temperatures between 0-2 or 8-25 °C for a continuous period over 30 min. The time series of temperature measurements obtained from each data logger were analyzed as statistically independent variables. The data shown did not undergo any statistical treatment and must be considered directly related to thermal measurements. One hundred and fourteen patients were included and 107 patients were available for the analysis. On the whole, a mean of 50.6 days (SD 18.3) were measured and the mean temperature was 6.88 °C (SD 2.93). Three data loggers (2.8%) maintained all the measurements between 2 and 8 °C with less than 3 continuous data (< 30 min) out of this range but no data over 25 °C or below or equal to 0 °C. 28 (26.2%) data loggers had at least one measurement below zero, 1 data logger had a measurement greater than 25 °C and 75 (70.1%) were between 0 and 2 °C and/or between 8 and 25 °C for more than 30 min. In conclusion, once dispensed to patients, most thermolabile drugs are improperly stored. Future studies should focus on clinical consequences and possible solutions.

PMID:33727627 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-85413-0

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 17;11(1):6528. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85952-6.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:33727608 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-85952-6

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 16;11(1):5963. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85390-4.

ABSTRACT

The eligibility of reperfusion therapy has been expanded to increase the number of patients. However, it remains unclear the reperfusion therapy will be beneficial in stroke patients with various comorbidities. We developed a reperfusion comorbidity index for predicting 6-month mortality in patients with acute stroke receiving reperfusion therapy. The 19 comorbidities included in the Charlson comorbidity index were adopted and modified. We developed a statistical model and it was validated using data from a prospective cohort. Among 1026 patients in the retrospective nationwide reperfusion therapy registry, 845 (82.3%) had at least one comorbidity. As the number of comorbidities increased, the likelihood of mortality within 6 months also increased (p < 0.001). Six out of the 19 comorbidities were included for developing the reperfusion comorbidity index on the basis of the odds ratios in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. This index showed good prediction of 6-month mortality in the retrospective cohort (area under the curve [AUC], 0.747; 95% CI, 0.704-0.790) and in 333 patients in the prospective cohort (AUC, 0.784; 95% CI, 0.709-0.859). Consideration of comorbidities might be helpful for the prediction of the 6-month mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke who receive reperfusion therapy.

PMID:33727593 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-85390-4

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 16;11(1):6071. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85207-4.

ABSTRACT

To meet the present and forecasted market demand, bacterial alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production must be increased through innovative and efficient production strategies. Using sugarcane molasses and biogenic apatite as low-cost and easily available raw materials, this work demonstrates the scalability of ALP production from a newfound Bacillus paralicheniformis strain APSO isolated from a black liquor sample. Mathematical experimental designs including sequential Plackett-Burman followed by rotatable central composite designs were employed to select and optimize the concentrations of the statistically significant media components, which were determined to be molasses, (NH₄)₂NO₃, and KCl. Batch cultivation in a 7-L stirred-tank bioreactor under uncontrolled pH conditions using the optimized medium resulted in a significant increase in both the volumetric and specific productivities of ALP; the alkaline phosphatase throughput 6650.9 U L^-1, and µ = 0.0943 h^-1; respectively, were obtained after 8 h that, ameliorated more than 20.96, 70.12 and 94 folds compared to basal media, PBD, and RCCD; respectively. However, neither the increased cell growth nor enhanced productivity of ALP was present under the pH-controlled batch cultivation. Overall, this work presents novel strategies for the statistical optimization and scaling up of bacterial ALP production using biogenic apatite.

PMID:33727590 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-85207-4

Sci Data. 2021 Mar 16;8(1):84. doi: 10.1038/s41597-021-00871-5.

ABSTRACT

This paper describes benthic coral reef community composition point-based field data sets derived from georeferenced photoquadrats using machine learning. Annually over a 17 year period (2002-2018), data were collected using downward-looking photoquadrats that capture an approximately 1 m² footprint along 100 m-1500 m transect surveys distributed along the reef slope and across the reef flat of Heron Reef (28 km²), Southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Benthic community composition for the photoquadrats was automatically interpreted through deep learning, following initial manual calibration of the algorithm. The resulting data sets support understanding of coral reef biology, ecology, mapping and dynamics. Similar methods to derive the benthic data have been published for seagrass habitats, however here we have adapted the methods for application to coral reef habitats, with the integration of automatic photoquadrat analysis. The approach presented is globally applicable for various submerged and benthic community ecological applications, and provides the basis for further studies at this site, regional to global comparative studies, and for the design of similar monitoring programs elsewhere.

PMID:33727570 | DOI:10.1038/s41597-021-00871-5

Sci Rep. 2021 Mar 16;11(1):6017. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-85238-x.

ABSTRACT

Spot blotch and terminal heat are two of the most important stresses for wheat in South Asia. A study was initiated to explore the use of spelt (Triticum spelta) to improve tolerance to these stresses in spring wheat (T. aestivum). We assessed 185 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the cross T. spelta (H + 26) × T. aestivum (cv. HUW234), under the individual stresses and their combination. H + 26 showed better tolerance to the single stresses and also their combination; grain yield in RILs was reduced by 21.9%, 27.7% and 39.0% under spot blotch, terminal heat and their combined effect, respectively. However, phenological and plant architectural traits were not affected by spot blotch itself. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a strong negative correlation between spikelet sterility and grain yield under spot blotch, terminal heat and their combination. However, four recombinant lines demonstrated high performance under both stresses and also under their combined stress. The four lines were significantly superior in grain yield and showed significantly lower AUDPC than the better parent. This study demonstrates the potential of spelt wheat in enhancing tolerance to spot blotch and terminal heat stresses. It also provides comprehensive evidence about the expression of yield and phenological traits under these stresses.

PMID:33727567 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-85238-x

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2021 Apr 1;100(4):349-353. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001570.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in pain and functionality after ultrasound-guided percutaneous tenotomy (USGPT) for treatment of tendinopathy.

DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing USGPT as an alternative to surgery. Nonelite, active adults completed pain and functionality assessments before USGPT. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to quantify pain. The Lower Extremity Functionality Scale and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand were used to evaluate functionality. Repeat VAS scores were obtained at 1 wk, 1 mo, 2 mos, 3 mos, 6 mos, and 1 yr postprocedure, and repeat functionality assessments, at 1 yr postprocedure. Changes in VAS and functionality were analyzed with paired-sample t-tests.

RESULTS: A total of 103 subjects (61 women, 42 men) underwent USGPT in the following tendons: Achilles, patellar, plantar fascia, flexor carpi ulnaris, extensor carpi radialis brevis, and supraspinatus. Subjects experienced statistically significant decreases in VAS and functionality scores at all time points. The mean VAS score decreased from 7.3 to 3.8 (P < 0.0001) 1 wk postprocedure, with a 5.8-point mean decrease at 1 yr (P < 0.0001). Lower Extremity Functionality Scale scores improved from 42.5 to 65.8 (P < 0.001) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores improved from 41.5 to 10.4 (P < 0.001) at 1 yr.

CONCLUSION: Recipients of USGPT procedures can expect to benefit from less invasive procedures and improved pain and functionality without invasive surgical procedures.

PMID:33727517 | DOI:10.1097/PHM.0000000000001570

Ann Afr Med. 2021 Jan-Mar;20(1):59-63. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_67_20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Rapid and accurate assessment of kidney function in patients after transplantation is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to compare the relationships of serum creatinine and serum cystatin C with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in kidney transplants Saudi patients after a certain period of transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 127 patients were categorized into three groups based on their length of survival after kidney transplantation; <1 year, from 1 to 5 years, and above 5 years after transplantation. Results of cystatin C and creatinine levels were compared by eGFR derived from estimation equation chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration.

RESULTS: In the three assessed periods, the mean (standard deviation) cystatin C level was 1.72 (0.57), 1.59 (0.64), and 1.82 (0.82), respectively, being highest after 5 years of transplantation, normal in 9.40%, and elevated in 90.60% of the participants, while creatinine level, decreased from 1.57 (0.53) to 1.52 (0.64) in 1-5 years, then it became the highest at 1.75 (0.69) in more than 5 years. The mean was normal in 21.30% and elevated in 78.70% of the patients. Both serum creatinine and cystatin C levels were negatively correlated with posttransplantation time in kidney transplant patients.

CONCLUSION: The cystatin C level was statistically significantly higher after 5 years of transplantation. It is a better parameter to rule out renal dysfunction after transplantation.

PMID:33727514 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_67_20

Ann Afr Med. 2021 Jan-Mar;20(1):52-58. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_17_20.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Early detection of breast cancer is important in reducing mortality, morbidity, and high socioeconomic burden associated with it. Mammography is currently the primary imaging modality used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms as they are most curable in the early stage with availability of breast conservative therapies.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at determining the mammographic breast density patterns and outcome in asymptomatic women who presented for mammographic examination in Abuja.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study comprises of 113 asymptomatic women who presented for mammographic examination at the Radiology Department of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada from March 2015 to December 2018. Two basic views (craniocaudal and mediolateral views) of the breast were obtained using EXR-650 mammographic machine.

RESULTS: The mean age of study population was 40.72 ± 10.45 years with age range of 35 and 65 years. Base on mammographic breast density, breast imaging, reporting, and data system 1 and 2 were the most prevalent. There was a positive correlation between mammographic breast density and age of respondents. This relationship was statistically significant (Pearson correlation = 0.56, P = 0.000). The mammographic outcome among asymptomatic women who had mammographic examination was negative in 69 (61.1%) women and positive in 44 (38.9%). The positive outcome noted in mammograms of women examined was: benign mass in 18 (15.9%) women; 9 (8.0%) had benign calcification; 7 (6.2%) showed architectural distortion; 5 (4.4%) was inconclusive; focal asymmetry in 3 (2.6%); and suspicious mass in 2 (1.8%).

CONCLUSION: In this study, screening of women reveals various benign and malignant breast pathologies which necessitate early interventions.

PMID:33727513 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_17_20

Ann Afr Med. 2021 Jan-Mar;20(1):37-41. doi: 10.4103/aam.aam_12_20.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Some market populations in Nigeria have been shown to have high prevalence of hypertension. Current evidence includes environmental pollutants such as heavy metals as risk factors for hypertension.

AIM: To study the heavy metal content of rice meals sold in a market population with a high prevalence of hypertension.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in Ogbete market in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Five different cooked rice meals were obtained from 25 locations of the market. The rice meals included jollof rice, white rice and tomato stew, fried rice, white rice and vegetable sauce, and white rice and palm oil stew (ofeakwu). Accompanying protein (meat, fish, and egg) and vegetable salad were excluded. Similar rice meals were homogenized and analyzed in triplicates using spectrophotometric methods for mercury, copper, cadmium, lead, and arsenic determination.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The mean concentrations of the heavy metals were compared using analysis of variance, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: Twenty-five rice dishes were evaluated, five of each kind. Arsenic content ranged from 503 to 550 mg/kg and was comparable across the five rice dishes (P = 0.148). Copper was significantly highest (16767 mg/kg) in the white rice and tomato stew dish (P < 0.001), while mercury was significantly highest (33 mg/kg) in white rice and ofeakwu (P < 0.001). Jollof rice had the highest cadmium content (23 mg/kg), which was statistically significant (P = 0.021). Lead was not found in any of the rice dishes.

CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors such as heavy metals may play a role in the high prevalence of hypertension observed in market populations, and rice meals may be a major source of these heavy metals.

PMID:33727510 | DOI:10.4103/aam.aam_12_20