Tag: nevin manimala

Phys Rev Lett. 2023 Aug 4;131(5):053801. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.053801.

ABSTRACT

We investigate the turn-on process in a laser cavity where the round-trip time is several orders of magnitude greater than the active medium timescales. In this long delay limit, we show that the universal evolution of the photon statistics from thermal to Poissonian distribution involves the emergence of power dropouts. While the largest number of these dropouts vanish after a few round-trips, some of them persist and seed coherent structures similar to dark solitons or Nozaki-Bekki holes described by the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation. These coherent structures connect stationary laser emission domains having different optical frequencies. Moreover, they emit intensity bursts which travel at a different speed, and, depending on the cavity dispersion sign, they may collide with other coherent structures, thus leading to an overall turbulent dynamics. The dynamics is well-modeled by delay differential equations from which we compute the laser coherence time evolution at each round-trip and quantify the decoherence induced by the collisions between coherent structures.

PMID:37595237 | DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.131.053801

Clin Nurse Spec. 2023 Sep-Oct 01;37(5):237-243. doi: 10.1097/NUR.0000000000000766.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE/AIMS: Evidence is required to inform effective interventions promoting publication among clinical nurses. This study examined the effect of a mentored writing program on clinical nurse perceptions of writerly self-efficacy and publication.

DESIGN: A mixed-methods, pretest-posttest study design with an education intervention was implemented. The Revised for Nursing Practice – Postsecondary Writerly Self-efficacy Scale (RNP-PSWSES) measured perception of writerly self-efficacy before and after intervention. Manuscripts submitted for publication were counted.

METHODS: The purposive, convenience sample included registered nurses with completed research, evidence-based practice, or quality improvement projects. Subjects participated in a 3-month structured mentored writing program and completed the RNP-PSWSES survey before and after program completion. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to determine the significance of difference between the pretest and posttest, and the number of published manuscripts was reported.

RESULTS: The RNP-PSWSES items identified pretest-posttest Cronbach’s α (.728, .818). Posttest RNP-PSWSES scores were statistically significantly higher than pretest scores (z = -1.96, P = .050) with a large effect size of r = 0.69. Two manuscripts were accepted for publication, and 1 manuscript was withdrawn after the third request for revisions.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, mentored writing workshops improve nurses’ perceptions of writing ability and increase publications. Generalization of findings is limited by small sample size. Clinical nurse specialists are critical to champion writing and publication.

PMID:37595198 | DOI:10.1097/NUR.0000000000000766

Holist Nurs Pract. 2023 Sep-Oct 01;37(5):E69-E74. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000599.

ABSTRACT

Psychological problems among nursing students are well documented. Unfortunately, only a minority of these populations seek help related to their psychological distress. Yoga exercises improve individuals’ psychological distress and cardiovascular outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this study to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of our health promotion theme-based yoga program to reduce the participants’ stress levels and anxiety symptoms and improve their blood pressure and heart rate. This study has a pre/posttest quasi-experimental design. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit the participants who were 18 years or older and could speak and read English. Individuals with any contraindication to participate in yoga or receiving any medications for their mental health or cardiovascular health were excluded from the study. The Perceived Stress Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 were used to measure the participants’ stress levels and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Their blood pressure and heart rate were measured by using a standard blood pressure measuring machine. Participants received 50 minutes of weekly yoga sessions in groups and also performed individual yoga sessions 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Descriptive statistics were used to answer our research questions. Our recruitment rate of 47% (n = 19) was lower than our anticipated rate of 80%; however, we had a retention rate of 90%. There was a reduction in participants’ stress levels and anxiety symptoms from the preintervention phase to the postintervention phase. A larger study and a randomized controlled trial are warranted to draw conclusions.

PMID:37595123 | DOI:10.1097/HNP.0000000000000599

Holist Nurs Pract. 2023 Sep-Oct 01;37(5):260-267. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000602.

ABSTRACT

This study sought to determine complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods used by older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample for this descriptive study comprised 415 adults older than 65 years who completed an online questionnaire between August and October 2020. The study used descriptive statistical methods and a χ2 test for the statistical analysis of data. In the study, 55.4% of participants had used one or more CAM methods during the pandemic. The most frequently used methods were vitamin and mineral supplements (48.5%) and herbal products (37.2%). The study determined that 43.1% of participants did not inform their health care professionals of the method they had used. It is possible that the use of CAM methods by older adults during the pandemic and the decrease in the frequency of seeking care at health care institutions could complicate the management of health problems related to the use of CAMs.

PMID:37595118 | DOI:10.1097/HNP.0000000000000602

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Aug 18. doi: 10.1002/ohn.503. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether nonopioid analgesic regimens, taken after discharge for thyroid and parathyroid surgery have noninferior pain outcomes in comparison to opioid analgesic regimens. Secondarily, we sought to determine if nonopioid analgesic regimens decrease the number of opioid medications taken after thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and to assess adverse events associated with opioid versus nonopioid regimens.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane.

REVIEW METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines, and identified 1299 nonduplicate articles for initial review of which 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified as meeting all eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity in the data and statistical analyses.

RESULTS: Both RCTs included in this systematic review found no significant differences in postoperative pain scores between individuals discharged with a nonopioid only analgesic regimen compared to analgesic regimen that included oral opioid medications. One study reported significantly increased number of postoperative calls related specifically to pain in the nonopioid arm compared to the opioid arm (15.6% vs. 3.2%, P = .045).

CONCLUSION: This systematic review of RCTs revealed a limited number of studies examining nonopioid versus opioid postoperative pain medications among adults who undergo thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Among the 2 RCTs on this topic, there is a shared finding that nonopioid analgesic regimens are noninferior to opioid analgesic regimens in managing postoperative pain after thyroid and parathyroid surgery, supporting the use of nonopioid pain regimens given the risk of opioid dependence associated with prescription opioid medications.

PMID:37595107 | DOI:10.1002/ohn.503

Gen Dent. 2023 Sep-Oct;71(5):58-63.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the apices of posterior teeth and the maxillary sinus floor, comparing the results of assessments performed with panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective cross-sectional study consisted of 96 participants with a total of 302 maxillary posterior teeth. On both panoramic radiographs and corresponding CBCT images, 735 roots were classified into 3 categories according to their topographic relationship with the maxillary sinus: class 1, clear, distinct distance between the root tips and the floor of the sinus; class 2, roots adjacent to the floor of the maxillary sinus; or class 3, roots protruding into the maxillary sinus cavity. Panoramic radiographic signs of root protrusion into the sinus (class 3) were categorized as projection, discontinuity, missing lamina dura, darkening, or kinking. The observed data were analyzed using statistical software, and the Cohen κ coefficient was calculated. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the predictive radiographic signs of protrusion into the sinus. The overall correlations between panoramic radiography and CBCT classifications were 90.8%, 66.8%, and 47.1% for the class 1, class 2, and class 3 categories, respectively. The radiographic signs of projection and darkening were significant predictors of root protrusion (P < 0.05). Panoramic radiography is reliable for assessing root posi¬tions when there is a clear distance between the roots and the floor of the maxillary sinus. However, when the roots are in contact with or have protruded into the sinus on panoramic images, the results are not definitive, and CBCT should be performed.

PMID:37595085

Gen Dent. 2023 Sep-Oct;71(5):38-44.

ABSTRACT

Demand for direct esthetic restorations is high, but shade matching can be challenging. Some manufacturers claim that a single product is able to match all colors of the human dentition, eliminating shade matching challenges. This in vivo study, which followed the International Commission on Illumination’s (CIE) CIEDE2000 color difference standard (ΔE₀₀), aimed to quantify the shade matching and blending capabilities of a single-shade composite (Omnichroma PLT) used as a direct veneer. A color difference of ΔE₀₀ ≤ 1.8 was set as the acceptability threshold. Ten participants with an unrestored and noncarious maxillary left central incisor were enrolled in the study. Direct spectrophotometric measurements (CIE L*a*b*) were made on the tooth and then on composite cured on the tooth. Consistency in measurements and composite resin placement were attained through the use of a specially designed jig. A digital photograph was then taken with the composite in place, and colorimetric software was used to obtain the L*a*b* values at the most incisal and cervical edges of the restoration. These values were compared to those of the natural tooth structure immediately adjacent to the composite resin. The ΔE₀₀ scores were calculated to determine the composite’s ability to match the tooth shade beneath it (ΔE_m) and to blend with the incisal (ΔE_i) and cervical (ΔE_c) tooth shades. Mean scores for ΔE_m, ΔE_i, and ΔE_c were calculated, and an independent t test (α = 0.05) was used to compare means for ΔE_i and ΔE_c. The mean (SD) ΔE₀₀ values were 6.16 (2.38), 3.90 (2.47), and 6.84 (1.80) for ΔE_m, ΔE_i, and ΔE_c, respectively. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.008) was observed between ΔE_i and ΔE_c. As a direct veneer, the tested composite did not meet the acceptability threshold for any ΔE₀₀ measurement; however, it was better at matching the incisal third of the tooth than it was the other thirds. More in vivo studies are needed to verify and expand on these results.

PMID:37595082

Acta Biochim Pol. 2023 Aug 18. doi: 10.18388/abp.2020_6590. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Smoking is a main risk factor for bladder cancer (BC). NAT2 is a drug-metabolizing enzyme that catalyses the detoxification of many xenobiotics and carcinogens. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in NAT2 results in different acetylation phenotypes (fast, intermediate or slow). Certain NAT2 SNPs were associated with BC and/or modified the association of BC with smoking. However, limited evidence is available among BC patients or smokers from Jordan. This study aimed to discover novel SNPs in NAT2 and to assess the association with BC. This was a case-control study among 120 BC patients and 120 controls. Amplification of a 446 bp fragment of NAT2 encoding the N-catalytic domain was conducted using a polymerase chain reaction. Gene sequencing was done using Sanger-based technology. A total of 40 SNPs were detected. Two variants were significantly associated with BC (p<0.05); namely a novel c.87G>A and the reported c.341T>C. Regarding c.87G>A, genotype distribution was significantly associated with BC and subgroup analysis confirmed that this was significant in both smokers (p=0.007) and non-smokers (p=0.001). Regression subgroup analysis suggested GA as a risk factor among smokers (AOR= 2.356). The frequencies of TC and CC genotypes of c.341T>C were significantly higher in BC (p<0.05). This was statistically significant among smokers only (p=0.044), upon subgroup analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that subjects with TC genotype are 6.15 more likely to develop BC and regression subgroup analysis revealed TC as a risk factor among smokers (AOR=5.47). This is the first study from Jordan to report the association of smoking and two NAT2 variants with BC. The data supports the use of GA and TC genotypes of the novel c.87G>A and the reported c.341T>C SNPs, respectively as potential biomarkers of BC, particularly among smokers. Future investigations with a larger population are required to support our findings.

PMID:37595067 | DOI:10.18388/abp.2020_6590

Plant Physiol. 2023 Aug 18:kiad460. doi: 10.1093/plphys/kiad460. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Source and sink interactions play a critical but mechanistically poorly understood role in the regulation of senescence. To disentangle the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying source-sink regulated senescence (SSRS), we performed a phenotypic, transcriptomic, and systems genetics analysis of senescence induced by the lack of a strong sink in maize (Zea mays). Comparative analysis of genotypes with contrasting SSRS phenotypes revealed that feedback inhibition of photosynthesis, a surge in reactive oxygen species, and the resulting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were the earliest outcomes of weakened sink demand. Multi-environmental evaluation of a biparental population and a diversity panel identified 12 quantitative trait loci and 24 candidate genes, respectively, underlying SSRS. Combining the natural diversity and coexpression networks analyses identified seven high-confidence candidate genes involved in proteolysis, photosynthesis, stress response, and protein folding. The role of a cathepsin B like protease 4 (ccp4), a candidate gene supported by systems genetic analysis, was validated by analysis of natural alleles in maize and heterologous analyses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Analysis of natural alleles suggested that a 700-bp polymorphic promoter region harboring multiple ABA-responsive elements is responsible for differential transcriptional regulation of ccp4 by ABA and the resulting variation in SSRS phenotype. We propose a model for SSRS wherein feedback inhibition of photosynthesis, ABA signaling, and oxidative stress converge to induce ER stress manifested as programmed cell death and senescence. These findings provide a deeper understanding of signals emerging from loss of sink strength and offer opportunities to modify these signals to alter senescence program and enhance crop productivity.

PMID:37595026 | DOI:10.1093/plphys/kiad460

Intern Med J. 2023 Aug 18. doi: 10.1111/imj.16200. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The right internal jugular vein is the preferred approach to tunnelled haemodialysis catheter placement. However, the effect of the insertion site on long-term catheter outcomes remains uncertain.

AIMS: We aimed to analyse a large cohort of tunnelled haemodialysis catheter placements to compare short-term and long-term results according to central venous catheter location.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed on consecutive tunnelled catheter insertions at two centres over 7 years. The primary outcome was catheter survival, compared according to the central vein site. We used the Kaplan-Meier curve method and Cox proportional hazards modelling to determine the effect of the catheterisation route on primary patency, adjusted for clinical risk factors for catheter failure.

RESULTS: There were 967 tunnelled dialysis catheter placements in 620 patients. The median survival for right internal jugular vein catheters was 569 days. There were no differences in rates of catheter failure between right internal jugular, left internal jugular (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-1.21), external jugular (HR, 0.79; CI, 0.33-3.13), subclavian (HR, 0.67; CI, 0.58-2.44) and femoral vein (HR, 1.20; CI, 0.36-1.33) catheters following multivariable analysis. There were no major differences in functionality or complications between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: This study identified no statistically significant relationship between tunnelled haemodialysis catheter insertion site and catheter survival. The contemporary approach to dialysis vascular access should be tailored to specific patient circumstances.

PMID:37595018 | DOI:10.1111/imj.16200