Tag: nevin manimala

Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2023 May 5. doi: 10.3233/CH-231780. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A usual practice in medicine is to search for “biomarkers” which are measurable quantities of a normal or abnormal biological process. Biomarkers can be biochemical or physical quantities of the body and although commonly used statistically in clinical settings, it is not usual for them to be connected to basic physiological models or equations. In this work, a normative blood velocity model framework for the exchange microvessels was introduced, combining the velocity-diffusion (V-J) equation and statistics, in order to define the normative range (NR) and normative area (NA) diagrams for discriminating normal (normemic) from abnormal (hyperemic or underemic) states, taking into account the microvessel diameter D. This is different from the usual statistical processing since there is a basis on the well-known physiological principle of the flow diffusion equation. The discriminative power of the average axial velocity model was successfully tested using a group of healthy individuals (Control Group) and a group of post COVID-19 patients (COVID-19 Group).

PMID:37182862 | DOI:10.3233/CH-231780

Work. 2023 May 9. doi: 10.3233/WOR-220621. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Professional rickshaw driving is a seemingly sedentary occupation and involves many risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and its associated risk factors among professional rickshaw drivers.

METHODS: 263 rickshaw drivers were voluntarily recruited from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. MSD symptoms in the past 12 months and last 7 days were assessed using a self-modified musculoskeletal questionnaire (Nordic Questionnaire). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were performed to analyze associations of MSD symptoms between study variables.

RESULTS: 155 (58.9%) study participants reported MSD symptoms in past 12 months, in lower back (n = 126, 81.3%), leg (n = 122, 78.7%), neck (n = 106, 68.4%) and knee (n = 105, 67.7%); and 121 (46.1%) in last 7 days, in leg (n = 107, 88.4%), lower back (n = 102, 84.3%), neck (n = 89, 73.6%), upper back and knees (n = 87, 71.9%). Binary logistic regression showed relationship between working hours, seat and road condition, average load per ride, rickshaw ride duration, and standing driving with MSD symptoms among rickshaw drivers, especially in the lower back, leg/calf muscles, neck and knees.

CONCLUSION: The results showed a high prevalence of MSD among all rickshaw drivers, with the neck, lower back, leg/calf muscles and knees being the most affected body parts. In order to avoid adverse effects on the occupational health of rickshaw drivers, ergonomic intervention training is necessary.

PMID:37182856 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-220621

Work. 2023 May 6. doi: 10.3233/WOR-220607. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High levels of mobbing are reported in Greek nurses, but the intraindividual and perceived group emotional correlates are little investigated.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between workplace mobbing (specifically in the nursing sector of a public rural hospital in Greece) and emotional correlates.

METHODS: Questionnaires measuring emotional aspects such as Negative Act Questionnaire – Revised (NAQ-R) for measuring perceived exposure to bullying and victimization at work, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Overall Job Satisfaction Scale (OJS), Job Affect Scale (JAS: positive and negative subscales), Perceived Cohesion Scale (PCS), Ethical Climate Questionnaire (ECQ), and Short General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were administered. For the analysis of the data, descriptive and parametric tests were performed through the Pearson correlations and regression for the relationship between variables.

RESULTS: High mobbing levels were reported (M = 45.93) compared to already established cutoff scores. Statistically significant positive correlations were found for NAQ-R and MBI (Exhaustion subscale) (r = .569, p < .001), NAQ-R and JAS-negative affect (r = .610, p < .001), NAQ-R and GHQ-12 (r = .280, p = .002), and NAQ-R andeducational level (r = .196, p = .033). Statistically significant negative correlations were found for NAQ-R and ECQ (r = -.323, p < .001), NAQ-R and JAS-positive affect (r = -.556, p < .001), and NAQ-R and PCS (r = -.586, p < .001). Only burnout,negative affect, and perceived group cohesion predicted mobbing measured by NAQ- R.

CONCLUSION: As mobbing and its consequences are related to specific emotional variables, these perceived individual and group indices, could be targeted in future prevention initiatives.

PMID:37182854 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-220607

Environ Res. 2023 May 12:116075. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116075. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Exposure to environmental noise is associated with adverse health effects, but there is potential for confounding and interaction with air pollution, particularly where both exposures arise from the same source, such as transport.

OBJECTIVES: To review evidence on confounding and interaction of air pollution in relation to associations between environmental noise and cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS: – Papers were identified from similar reviews published in 2013 and 2015, from the systematic reviews supporting the WHO 2018 noise guidelines, and from a literature search covering the period 2016-2022 using Medline and PubMed databases. Additional papers were identified from colleagues. Study selection was according to PECOS inclusion criteria. Studies were evaluated against the WHO checklist for risk of bias.

RESULTS: – 52 publications, 36 published after 2015, were identified that assessed associations between transportation noise and cardiovascular outcomes, that also considered potential confounding (49 studies) or interaction (23 studies) by air pollution. Most, but not all studies, suggested that the associations between traffic noise and cardiovascular outcomes are independent of air pollution. NO₂ or PM_2.5 were the most commonly included air pollutants and we observed no clear differences across air pollutants in terms of the potential confounding role. Most papers did not appear to suggest an interaction between noise and air pollution. Eight studies found the largest noise effect estimates occurring within the higher noise and air pollution exposure categories, but were not often statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Whilst air pollution does not appear to confound associations of noise and cardiovascular health, more studies on potential interactions are needed. Current methods to assess quality of evidence are not optimal when evaluating evidence on confounding or interaction.

PMID:37182833 | DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2023.116075

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2023 May 12:S1053-2498(23)01856-9. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.05.005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Allosensitization represents a major barrier to heart transplantation (HTx). We previously reported favorable 1-year outcomes of complement inhibition at transplant in highly sensitized recipients. We now report a longer follow-up. In this single-arm trial (NCT02013037), 20 patients with panel reactive antibodies ≥70% and pre-formed donor-specific antibodies received eculizumab during the first two months post-transplant. The primary endpoint was antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) ≥pAMR2 and/or left ventricular dysfunction. Median follow-up was 4.8 years. Beyond the first year post-transplant, there were no episodes of pAMR2 or greater and no LV dysfunction. There were three deaths, one episode of pAMR1, and one patient with minimal de novo cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Compared to a matched-control group, we observed a non-statistically significant benefit of eculizumab with a lower incidence of primary endpoint or death (primary endpoint: HR=0.50, 95%CI=0.15-1.67, p=0.26; mortality: HR=0.51, 95%CI=0.13-2.07, p=0.35). Our results support the utility of complement inhibition for high-immunological risk recipients. DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

PMID:37182818 | DOI:10.1016/j.healun.2023.05.005

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2023 May 12:S1083-3188(23)00336-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2023.05.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To understand variations and experiences of vaginal lengthening internationally in individuals with congenital underdevelopment of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina-or Müllerian agenesis.

METHODS: Cross-sectional mixed methods design incorporating quantitative and qualitative questionnaires. Adults with Müllerian agenesis completed questionnaires with quantitative and open-ended qualitative questions about their vaginal lengthening experiences. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Of 616 respondents meeting inclusion criteria (representing 40 countries), 46% (n=284) reported no vaginal lengthening intervention. Vaginal lengthening was commonly reported by participants from North America and Europe (59%), and less commonly by participants from Africa, Asia, and South America (16%). Of those who had undergone vaginal lengthening, 72% reported dilator use, 34% coital dilation, and 39% surgery. Four major themes were identified in response to the open-ended vaginal lengthening experience question: (1) Difficult Physical Symptoms, (2) Practical and Psychosocial Challenges, (3) Intimate Relationships and Sexual Satisfaction, and (4) Impact of Experiences with Healthcare Providers.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights vaginal lengthening practices internationally and shared themes related to significant challenges and positive experiences. Findings show room for improvement in the counseling and care surrounding vaginal lengthening. Future research should investigate factors that influence decision-making about vaginal lengthening and work toward international consensus on best care practices in Müllerian agenesis.

PMID:37182810 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpag.2023.05.004

J Endod. 2023 May 12:S0099-2399(23)00246-7. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2023.05.005. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Concentrated growth factor (CGF) is the third-generation platelet concentrate product. This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of CGF during endodontic microsurgery had a positive influence on surgical outcomes.

METHODS: Fifty-four patients who underwent endodontic microsurgery from January 2017 to November 2021 were enrolled. They were assigned to the CGF and the control group according to whether CGF was used during the surgery and followed up at 6, 12, and 18 months post-surgery. Preoperative classification of the cases and follow-up radiographic outcomes were based on Kim’s classification and Molven’s criteria respectively and evaluated by two calibrated endodontists. Student t-test and Chi-square test were used to assess the baseline of two groups. Rank sum test was used to determine whether CGF had an impact on the surgical outcome.

RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (41 periapical lesion sites) were included in the CGF group, and twenty-three patients (26 periapical lesion sites) were included in the control group. The overall success rate of endodontic microsurgery was above 90%. The baseline of the two groups had no difference (P<0.05). In the CGF group, the success rate was always 100% in three follow-ups, while the success rate was 84.2%, 92.8%, and 90% respectively in the control group. The success rate between the CGF group and the control group was statistically significant in all three follow-up points (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The application of CGF during endodontic microsurgery might have a positive influence on surgical outcomes, thus, its prognosis. However, higher-grade evidence is needed to demonstrate its role.

PMID:37182792 | DOI:10.1016/j.joen.2023.05.005

Sci Total Environ. 2023 May 12:164123. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164123. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Process-based models and empirical modelling techniques are frequently used to (i) explore the sensitivity of tree growth to environmental variables, and (ii) predict the future growth of trees and forest stands under climate change scenarios. However, modelling approaches substantially influence predictions of the sensitivity of trees to environmental factors. Here, we used tree-ring width (TRW) data from 1630 beech trees from a network of 70 plots established across European mountains to build empirical predictive growth models using various modelling approaches. In addition, we used 3-PG and Biome-BGCMuSo process-based models to compare growth predictions with derived empirical models. Results revealed similar prediction errors (RMSE) across models ranging between 3.71 and 7.54 cm² of basal area increment (BAI). The models explained most of the variability in BAI ranging from 54 % to 87 %. Selected explanatory variables (despite being statistically highly significant) and the pattern of the growth sensitivity differed between models substantially. We identified only five factors with the same effect and the same sensitivity pattern in all empirical models: tree DBH, competition index, elevation, Gini index of DBH, and soil silt content. However, the sensitivity to most of the climate variables was low and inconsistent among the empirical models. Both empirical and process-based models suggest that beech in European mountains will, on average, likely experience better growth conditions under both 4.5 and 8.5 RCP scenarios. The process-based models indicated that beech may grow better across European mountains by 1.05 to 1.4 times in warmer conditions. The empirical models identified several drivers of tree growth that are not included in the current process-based models (e.g., different nutrients) but may have a substantial effect on final results, particularly if they are limiting factors. Hence, future development of process-based models may build upon our findings to increase their ability to correctly capture ecosystem dynamics.

PMID:37182772 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164123

Sci Total Environ. 2023 May 12:164146. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164146. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Application of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers in agriculture can increase emissions of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, leaching of nitrate (NO₃^–), a groundwater contaminant hazardous to human health, and soil acidification. Soil amendment with biochar potentially mitigates these losses and undesirable outcomes. However, there have been considerable inconsistencies in reported impacts, likely owing to variable physiochemical characteristics of the biochar materials and/or the soil environment. This study methodically evaluated the impact of biochar soil incorporation on N transformation and underlying microbial processes using soils with varying biochar types, soil texture, soil moisture, and manure compost co- amendments. Laboratory incubations were conducted to monitor the fate of urea fertilizer N spiked in biochar amended and unamended soils by assaying soil ammonium (NH₄⁺), nitrite (NO₂^–), and NO₃^– concentrations, pH, and abundances of soil nitrifiers; ammonia oxidizing bacteria and archaea (AOB and AOA) and Nitrospira with the capacity to perform complete ammonia oxidation (comammox). Soil moisture was a critical factor affecting N transformation processes, more so than biochar, but biochar did result in significantly different concentrations of N species in response to urea application. Biochar enhanced nitrification, more significantly in drier conditions and in sandy soil. Biochar offered some buffering potential in the neutral-alkaline, unsaturated soils, preventing >1 unit drop in pH compared to unamended soils. Co-application of biochar with manure composts enhanced nitrification slightly, which was evidenced by higher abundances of some soil nitrifiers at 4 weeks, although increases in nitrification rates were not statistically significant. Soil nitrifier populations tended to increase in response to a pinewood biochar, but trends differed for saturated soil, in soils of differing textures, or when different biochar materials were evaluated. Thus, when evaluating implications of biochar on the fate of mineral N fertilizer, soil moisture and other environment conditions should be considered.

PMID:37182767 | DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164146

J Stomatol Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 May 12:101496. doi: 10.1016/j.jormas.2023.101496. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the curve of Wilson (COW) and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

METHODS: The study cohort comprised patients aged 19-55 with malocclusion treated at our institution from January to July 2021. They were divided into a malocclusion with TMD group (TMD group) and a malocclusion without TMD group (non-TMB group) based on the diagnostic criteria of TMD. The study outcome was the differences in COW, measured via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance and t-test.

RESULTS: A total of 250 adult individuals were enrolled, including 162 females (age: 36.43 ± 11.00 years) and 88 males (age: 36.33 ± 9.88 years). Compared with the non-TMB group (n = 125), the TMD group (n = 125) had a significantly greater angle of COW (first molars: P = 0.002; second molars: P < 0.001), higher buccal inclination angle of molars in those with same side temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds than those with TMJ sounds (first molar: P = 0.000; second molar: P = 0.006) and greater the side with TMJ sounds (first molar: P < 0.001; second molar: P = 0.016). However, no difference was observed in the buccolingual axial inclination angle of molars between patients with and without TMJ sounds.

CONCLUSION: The study reported the differences in malocclusion patients with and without TMB, which could be used as a reference by dentists to improve the treatment outcomes of these patients.

PMID:37182758 | DOI:10.1016/j.jormas.2023.101496