Tag: nevin manimala

Matern Child Health J. 2023 May 20. doi: 10.1007/s10995-023-03676-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women especially in the developing countries resort to herbal medicines to manage their unpleasant conditions in pregnancy. The study examined the utilization of herbal medicine among pregnant women in Asante Akim North District of Ghana.

METHODS: Purposive, random and convenient sampling techniques were used to select pregnant women visiting antenatal clinics in the selected health institutions. The theoretical underpinning of the study was the theory of planned behaviour. The sequential mixed method approach was used to draw data from the respondents. The research was a cross-sectional study and instruments used for data collection were structured questionnaire and interview guide. Data were analysed using statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and chi-square test of independence.

RESULTS: Results indicate that over 82% of respondents had ever used herbal medicine during pregnancy and they derived greater part of their medication from herbalists. Ginger and leaves of the neem tree were the herbs regularly used and the major health problems they faced during pregnancy were waist pains, malaria and anaemia. The factors that exhibited a statistically significant association with the use of herbal medicine were income (X² =41.601; p=0.014) and religion (X²=9.422; p=0.045).

CONCLUSIONS: The rate of use of herbal medicine by pregnant women is high in the district. The theoretical underpinning of the study has been vindicated. The findings have implications for global health given that maternal health issues engage serious attention of international donor organisations. Recommendations have been made to improve the efficacy of herbal medicine and to integrate herbal medicine into orthodox medicine.

PMID:37209378 | DOI:10.1007/s10995-023-03676-7

Sports Med. 2023 May 20. doi: 10.1007/s40279-023-01864-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Players in contact sports frequently experience mild traumatic brain (concussion) injuries (TBI). While there are known disruptions to balance following acute head trauma, it is uncertain if sport-related concussion injuries have a lasting impact on postural control.

AIM: To assess postural control in retired rugby players in comparison to retired non-contact sport players, and to evaluate any association with self-reported sport-related concussion history.

METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, 75 players in the NZ-RugbyHealth study from three sports groups (44 ± 8 years; 24 elite rugby, 30 community rugby, 21 non-contact sport) took part in this study. The SMART EquiTest^® Balance Master was used to assess participant’s ability to make effective use of visual, vestibular and proprioceptive information using standardised tests. Postural sway was also quantified using centre of pressure (COP) path length. The relationship among sports group, sport-related concussion history and postural control was evaluated using mixed regression models while controlling for age and body mass index.

RESULTS: Limited significant differences in balance metrics were found between the sports groups. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) interaction indicated a relationship between COP path length and sport-related concussion history in the most challenging balance condition, such that path length increased as the number of previous sport-related concussions increased.

CONCLUSION: There was some evidence for a relationship between sport-related concussion recurrence in sports players and postural stability in challenging balance conditions. There was no evidence of impaired balance ability in retired rugby players compared with non-contact sport athletes.

PMID:37209367 | DOI:10.1007/s40279-023-01864-7

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 May 20. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-27583-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Oil and natural consumption are non-renewable energy sources that are the main drivers of economic growth, but these energy sources are also the main causes of environmental degradation in Northeast Asian countries. The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of renewable energy consumption, non-renewable energy consumption on CO₂ emissions, and economic growth in seven selected Northeast Asian countries during the period 1970-2020. First, the cross-sectional dependence test recommended by Pesaran, Ullah, and Yamagata (2008) concludes that there is no cross-sectional dependence in the panel data model, so it is feasible to use the first-generation panel data methods. Later, cointegration tests proposed by Pedroni (Oxford Bull Econ Stat 61:653-670, 1999, Economet Theor 20:597-625, 2004), Kao (J Econom 90:1-44, 1999), and Westerlund (2007) were adopted, revealing long-term cointegration relationships among model panel variables. Long-term variable coefficient elasticities were detected using the estimation techniques of panel fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) and panel dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS). Two-way causality of variables was detected using the Dumitrescue-Hurlin (Econ Model 29:1450-1460, 2012) panel causality test. The results of the analysis highlight the significant progressive effects of renewable energy consumption, nonrenewable energy consumption, employed labor force, and capital formation on long-run economic growth. The study also concluded that renewable energy consumption significantly reduced long-term CO₂ emissions, while non-renewable energy consumption significantly contributed to long-term CO₂ emissions. Estimates from the FMOLS technique reflect a significant progressive effect of GDP and GDP³ on CO₂ emissions, while GDP² has a significant adverse effect on CO₂ emissions, thus validating the N-shaped EKC assumption in selected group of countries. Furthermore, the feedback hypothesis is supported based on the two-way causality between renewable energy consumption and economic growth. Strategically, this evidence-based empirical study demonstrates that renewable energy is a valuable process that can protect the environment and contribute to future economic growth in selected countries by addressing energy security and reducing carbon emissions.

PMID:37209352 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-27583-0

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 May 20. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-27721-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The occurrence, mobilization, and origin of Potentially Toxic Eelements (PTEs) in the environment is always a difficult research question that has not been fully addressed to date; solving this problem would be a major achievement for environmental science and pollution research, a significant scientific breakthrough, and an important contribution to environmental analysis and monitoring. The lack of a holistic methodology that uses chemical analysis to determine the origin of each PTE in the environment is the main motivation for this project. Therefore, the hypothesis tested here is to develop a scientific approach applied to each PTE to determine whether its origin is geogenic (i.e., water-rock interaction with dominance of silicate or carbonate mineral phases) or anthropogenic (i.e., agricultural practices, wastewater, industrial activities). A total of 47 groundwater samples from the Psachna Basin in central Euboea, Greece, were used and plotted on geochemical mole ratio diagrams (i.e., Si/NO₃ vs. Cl/HCO₃) and used to perform a robust geochemical modeling analysis. The proposed method showed that elevated groundwater concentrations of various PTEs in groundwater were mainly related to intensive fertilization (e.g., Cr, U), water-rock interaction (e.g., Ni), and saltwater intrusion. (i.e., As, Se). This work highlights that a comprehensive framework with sophisticated molar ratios combined with modern statistical methods, multi-isotope signatures, and geochemical modeling could provide answers to unresolved scientific questions about the origin of PTEs in water resources and improve environmental resilience.

PMID:37209349 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-27721-8

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2023 May 20. doi: 10.1007/s11356-023-27471-7. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Environment-friendly textile processing is the demand of the current global scenario, where the application of sustainable technologies such as microwave radiation has been gaining fame in all global fields due to their green and human-friendly nature. This study has been conducted to employ sustainable technology such as microwave (MW) rays for dyeing polyamide-based proteinous fabric using Acid Blue 07 dye. The fabric before and after MW treatment for up to 10 min has been dyed using an acid dye solution. Spectrophotometric analysis of the dye solution was performed before and after irradiation at a specific selected level. Using selected dyes and irradiation conditions, a series of 32 experiments using a central composite design has been employed. The shades made at selected conditions of irradiation and dyeing were assessed for colorfastness as per ISO standards. It was observed that for dyeing silk, 55 mL of Acid Blue 07 dye solution containing 1 g/100 mL salt solution at 65 °C for 55 min should be employed after MW treatment for 10 min. In comparison, for dyeing wool, 55 mL of Acid Blue 07 dye solution containing 2 g/100 mL salt solution at 65 °C for 55 min should be employed after MW treatment for 10 min. Physiochemical analysis shows that sustainable tool has not altered the chemical nature of fabric but has modified the fabric surface physically to enhance uptake ability. Colorfastness shows that the shades made have offered good resistance to fade and have given good to excellent ratings on the gray scale.

PMID:37209341 | DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-27471-7

Mol Biol Rep. 2023 May 20. doi: 10.1007/s11033-023-08511-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) V617F gene mutation is an important marker for the diagnosis of Philadelphia negative Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) which is subdivided into Polycythemia Vera (PV), Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF), and Essential Thrombocythemia (ET). The aim here is to investigate the JAK2 allele burden of the patients diagnosed with the subgroups of MPN and to demonstrate the alterations of hematological parameters and spleen size between diagnosis and 6 months of treatment.

METHODS: A total of 107 patients with the diagnosis of MPN and negative Philadelphia chromosome, 51 males and 56 females with a mean age of 59,74 ± 16,41 years, were included in the study. Diagnosis of MPN was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Subgroups of MPN distributed as 49,5% ET, 46,7% PV, and 3,8% PMF. Findings such as the age of the patients, JAK-2 allele burden, and laboratory findings of splenomegaly were examined at the time of diagnosis, 3rd month, and 6th month. JAK2 allele burden and spleen size were re-evaluated in 6th month.

RESULTS: Our study confirmed the findings of high Hb, HCT, and RBC but low platelet values in PV patients with high JAK2 allele burden with respect to other groups, a positive correlation between JAK2 allele burden and LDH.

CONCLUSIONS: A novel finding of our study is, that there is not any reducing effect of the phlebotomy on JAK2 allele burden in PV patients whether they receive phlebotomy or not. Evaluation of the spleen size alteration during 6 months within the subgroups demonstrated a decrease in PV and ET groups whereas no statistically significant difference was found in the PMF group.

PMID:37209326 | DOI:10.1007/s11033-023-08511-4

Funct Integr Genomics. 2023 May 20;23(2):169. doi: 10.1007/s10142-023-01104-1.

ABSTRACT

Stripe rust (Sr), caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is the most devastating disease that poses serious threat to the wheat-growing nations across the globe. Developing resistant cultivars is the most challenging aspect in wheat breeding. The function of resistance genes (R genes) and the mechanisms by which they influence plant-host interactions are poorly understood. In the present investigation, comparative transcriptome analysis was carried out by involving two near-isogenic lines (NILs) PBW343 and FLW29. The seedlings of both the genotypes were inoculated with Pst pathotype 46S119. In total, 1106 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at early stage of infection (12 hpi), whereas expressions of 877 and 1737 DEGs were observed at later stages (48 and 72 hpi) in FLW29. The identified DEGs were comprised of defense-related genes including putative R genes, 7 WRKY transcriptional factors, calcium, and hormonal signaling associated genes. Moreover, pathways involved in signaling of receptor kinases, G protein, and light showed higher expression in resistant cultivar and were common across different time points. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to further confirm the transcriptional expression of eight critical genes involved in plant defense mechanism against stripe rust. The information about genes are likely to improve our knowledge of the genetic mechanism that controls the stripe rust resistance in wheat, and data on resistance response-linked genes and pathways will be a significant resource for future research.

PMID:37209309 | DOI:10.1007/s10142-023-01104-1

Langenbecks Arch Surg. 2023 May 20;408(1):202. doi: 10.1007/s00423-023-02939-9.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Postoperative wound complications are common in patients undergoing resection of lower extremity soft tissue tumors. Postoperative drainage therapy ensures adequate wound healing but may delay or complicate it. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of postoperative wound complications and delayed or prolonged drainage treatment and to propose a standardized definition and severity grading of complex postoperative courses.

METHODS: A monocentric retrospective analysis of 80 patients who had undergone primary resection of lower extremity soft tissue tumors was performed. A new classification was developed, which takes into account postoperative drainage characteristics and wound complications. Based on this classification, risk factors and the prognostic value of daily drainage volumes were evaluated.

RESULTS: According to this new definition, regular postoperative course grade 0 (no wound complication and timely drainage removal) occurred in 26 patients (32.5%), grade A (minor wound complications or delayed drainage removal) in 12 (15.0%), grade B (major wound complication or prolonged drainage therapy) in 31 (38.8%), and grade C (reoperation) in 11 (13.7%) patients. Tumor-specific characteristics, such as tumor size (p = 0.0004), proximal tumor location (p = 0.0484), and tumor depth (p = 0.0138) were identified as risk factors for complex postoperative courses (grades B and C). Drainage volume on postoperative day 4 was a suitable predictor for complex courses (cutoff of 70 ml/d).

CONCLUSION: The proposed definition incorporates wound complications and drainage management while also being clinically relevant and easy to apply. It may serve as a standardized endpoint for assessing the postoperative course after resection of lower extremity soft tissue tumors.

PMID:37209306 | DOI:10.1007/s00423-023-02939-9

Braz J Microbiol. 2023 May 20. doi: 10.1007/s42770-023-01001-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Brucellosis is a zoonosis prevalent worldwide and very recurrent in less developed or developing regions. This zoonosis affects livestock, generating high financial losses to producers, in addition to transmitting diseases to humans through meat consumption or handling contaminated products and animals. In this study, five extraction methods for Brucella abortus intracellular metabolites, using different solvent compositions and cell membrane disruption procedures, were evaluated. Derivatized extracts were analyzed by GC-HRMS. Raw data were processed in XCMS Online and the results were evaluated through multivariate statistical analysis using the MetaboAnalyst platform. The identification of the extracted metabolites was performed by the Unknowns software using the NIST 17.L library. The extraction performance of each method was evaluated for thirteen representative metabolites, comprising four different chemical classes. Most of these compounds are reported in the cell membrane composition of Gram-negative bacteria. The method based on extraction with methanol/chloroform/water presented the best performance in the evaluation of the extracted compounds and in the statistical results. Therefore, this method was selected for extracting intracellular metabolites from cultures of Brucella abortus for untargeted metabolomics analysis.

PMID:37209273 | DOI:10.1007/s42770-023-01001-6

J Adv Nurs. 2023 May 20. doi: 10.1111/jan.15703. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate why registered nurses seek forensic mental health employment and explore their initial impressions of this setting.

DESIGN: Explanatory sequential mixed methods.

METHODS: Registered nurses employed in a forensic mental health hospital completed an online survey about their reasons for seeking work in forensic mental health and their transition into the setting. To fully explore findings, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sub-group of survey respondents. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse survey data, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews.

RESULTS: Sixty-nine respondents completed the survey, and 11 interviews were conducted. Prior interest in forensic mental health and encouragement from hospital staff were considered important influences in seeking forensic mental health employment. New knowledge, changes in clinical responsibility, exposure to patients’ background offences and security processes overwhelmed some participants initially. However, participants reported that the initial challenges of their transition revealed opportunities to develop genuine connections with patients.

CONCLUSION: This study provides a new understanding of the reasons why nurses seek employment in forensic mental health and the challenges and opportunities experienced when first working in this setting. Such professional and personal elements need to be considered by organizations to strengthen recruitment strategies and support future nurses’ transition into forensic mental health settings.

IMPACT: This study provides new knowledge about recruiting and supporting nurses’ transition into forensic mental health employment. As such, it informs policymakers, clinical services and managers about strategies needed to attract and retain this workforce.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No public or patient involvement.

PMID:37209266 | DOI:10.1111/jan.15703