Frequent Source Research Articles

Perceived Stress among Iranians during COVID-19 Pandemic; Stressors and Coping Mechanisms: A Mixed-methods Approach

IntroductionThis study was a mixed-methods study. We distributed a web-based 1scale (PSS-10), to measure perceived stress scores, through social networks from March 12 to 23, 2020. Then, we interviewed 42 students, 31 homemakers, 27 healthcare providers, and 21 male participants to identify the sources of stress and coping mechanisms.ObjectivesWe examined the correlates of stress among a large sample of Iranian citizens, the second country hit hard by the pandemic, and still a hot spot.MethodsThis anonymous survey had 19 items falling into two sections: sociodemographic data and Cohen’s 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10).ResultsA statistically significant difference was observed between the levels of perceived stress in individuals with different health statuses with a higher median of total PSS-10 scores reported for hospitalized individuals. The total PSS-10 scores were higher in those who were practicing self-isolation, had a relative affected with COVID-19 disease, and had experienced the death of a relative due to COVID-19 disease.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the most vulnerable groups overloaded with stress in society and the sources of their stress. Furthermore, we identified the groups that perceived lower levels of stress along with their coping mechanisms. The most frequent source of stress among the most stressful groups including homemakers, students, and health care workers has directly related to their job and their principal role in this period. Abstract thought about the COVID-19 pandemic and its complications were more prevalent among students while homemakers and health care providers showed concrete thinking about the COVID-19 pandemic.DisclosureI have no significant financial interest, consultancy, or other relationship with products, the manufacturer(s) of products, or providers of services related to this abstract?

Preprint citation practice in PLOS

The role of preprints in the scientific production and their part in citations have been growing over the past 10 years. In this paper we study preprint citations in several different aspects: the progression of preprint citations over time, their relative frequencies in relation to the IMRaD structure of articles, their distributions over time, per preprint database and per PLOS journal. We have processed the PLOS corpus that covers 7 journals and a total of about 240,000 articles up to January 2021, and produced a dataset of 8460 preprint citation contexts that cite 12 different preprint databases. Our results show that preprint citations are found with the highest frequency in the Method section of articles, though small variations exist with respect to journals. The PLOS Computational Biology journal stands out as it contains more than three times more preprint citations than any other PLOS journal. The relative parts of the different preprint databases are also examined. While ArXiv and bioRxiv are the most frequent citation sources, bioRxiv’s disciplinary nature can be observed as it is the source of more than 70% of preprint citations in PLOS Biology, PLOS Genetics and PLOS Pathogens. We have also compared the lexical content of preprint citation contexts to the citation content to peer-reviewed publications. Finally, by performing a lexicometric analysis, we have shown that preprint citation contexts differ significantly from citation contexts of peer-reviewed publications. This confirms that authors make use of different lexical content when citing preprints compared to the rest of citations.

A holistic approach to reducing small-bore fitting and tubing failures in oil and gas facilities

Small-bore piping and instrument tubing vibration failures are not just a hidden risk to production, reliability, and safety, but also a frequent source of emissions through leaks and plant flaring when issues arise. Vibration-induced failure risks are often overlooked and detected too late, despite making up a significant portion of leaks and lost production incidents. Conventional approaches to managing these hidden risks have resulted in recurring failures and unplanned downtime at process plants. Large inventories of Small-Bore Fittings (SBFs) and tubing generally require management as most are integral parts of the plant and can be classed as safety and/or production critical. Small-bore tubing assemblies are at risk of fatigue failure due to a general lack of awareness of the best-practice design for reducing vibration response and how to manage this risk. A holistic approach to manage and pro-actively reduce small-bore piping and tubing vibration anomalies in the field is presented in this paper. This involves a risk-based assessment approach combined with the use of digital tools to register, manage, and visualise the status of the risk to the plant and the improvement in risk with the implementation of remedial actions. Best-practice and a short case study is discussed to demonstrate how the approach can be implemented to effectively reduce and manage vibration-induced small-bore piping and tubing failure incidents.

Translated article] Contact Allergy in Patients With Rosacea

Background and objectiveRosacea is a chronic acneiform skin disorder in which impaired skin barrier function can lead to sensitization to allergens. We aimed to analyze contact allergies in our patients with rosacea. Material and methodsRetrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent patch testing in our skin allergy clinic between May 1991 and May 2019. ResultsA total of 200 patients with rosacea were referred to our clinic for patch testing during the study period; they represented 2.1% of all patch tested patients in the period. Eighty-one percent were women (mean age, 44.7years). At least 1 positive patch test was recorded for 46.5%; 15% were of current relevance. The most frequent positive reaction was to nickel (26%), followed by cobalt chloride (6.5%), isothiazolinones (6%), p-phenylenediamine (5.5%), fragrance mix II (5%), and thimerosal (3.5%). The most common currently relevant patch test reactions were to isothiazolinones in 10 of the 200 patients (5%); to phenylenediamine, fragrance mix II, and toluensulfonamide formaldehyde resin in 4 patients (2%) each; and to tixocortol and fragrance mix I in 2 patients (1%) each. The allergen groups most often implicated were metals (of current relevance in 12.6%) and drugs (of current relevance in 25.8%). Preservatives and fragrances were the next most common allergen groups, and 70.8% and 43.7% of the positive reactions in these groups, respectively, were of current relevance. Cosmetics were the most frequent source of sensitization, followed by topical medications—notably corticosteroids and antifungal agents. ConclusionsWe emphasize the high prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with rosacea, a finding which supports patch testing, especially if eruptions worsen when these patients use cosmetics and topical medications.

Analysis of contact tracing surveillance for COVID-19 among healthcare workers in secondary referral hospital, Indonesia

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Tracing and screening cases among healthcare workers are essential to overcome the spread of COVID-19. We held surveillance at the second-referral hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia, to inspect the associating factors of infected HCWs. Methods: From 776 HCWs, we conducted a structured retrospective review of all COVID-19-confirmed HCWs and ones having contact with COVID-19 patients between February-July 2021. We associated general characteristics (i.e age, gender, working sites, etc) of the sample with the positive cases, analyzed the vaccination status, then did bivariate and multivariate regression logistic analyses to determine related factors putting HCWs at risk for COVID-19 infection. Results: Bivariate analysis significantly revealed that 72.86% patients had a close contact (OR = 2.61; p<0.05), with medical staffs as the most frequent source (85.71%; OR = 2.19; p=0.033), for > 15 minutes contact duration (90%; OR = 1.1; p<0.05). Healthcare workers wearing proper PPE (N-95 and face shields) were significantly less exposed to COVID-19 (OR = 0.47; p<0.05; and OR = 0.46; p<0.05). Even fully-vaccinated samples were still prone to infection. (OR=1.25; p= 0.042). Common symptoms consisted of fever, rhinorrhea, sore throat, and vomiting (p=0.025l p=0.002; p<0.05; p=0.002). Multivariate regression logistic analysis disclosed that the use of N95 masks, contact duration >15 minutes, and the vaccine were the most influential factors (aOR = 1.72. 95% CI (1.029-2.88); aOR = 3.92. 95% CI (1.75-8.78); aOR = 0.39. 95% CI (0.13-0.82 )) Conclusions: Close contact, lack of compliance in wearing N95 masks, and unvaccinated status are risk factors for COVID-19 exposure to HCWs; thus, to achieve maximum prevention of intra-hospital transmission, the use of N-95 masks, contact avoidance, and vaccination, along with immediate tracing and strict health-protocols are all compulsory.

Direct space approach in action: Challenging structure solution of microcrystalline materials using the EXPO software

Despite recent advances, the crystal structure solution process from powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data is still a challenging task. In this article, we present case studies of structure solutions using direct-space methods based on a simulated annealing approach. Representative examples of applications of the software EXPO are described in detail to provide methodological and computational tools useful to face complex cases of structure solutions from powders. We focus on the main practical aspects regarding how to build a structure model compatible with the expected molecular geometry, which tricks to use in case of low-quality diffraction data, how to decide that the obtained solution is the correct one and how to treat the most frequent sources of errors. Through six case studies, regarding the solution process of diltiazem hydrochloride, tetracycline hydrochloride, selexipag form I, catena-(Aluminophosphate hexadecakis(2-hydroxyethylamine), poly[[di-μ-aqua-bis-(glycinato-κ2N,O)calcium(II)] monohydrate] and lanthanum titanium aluminate, we give the reader, expert or new in the field, the necessary instructions for solving structure using EXPO with the help of auxiliary programs. The article highlights some of the most critical aspects of the PXRD solution process with direct-space methods for providing deep insights into both the powers and limits.

Mistreatment Experiences, Protective Workplace Systems, and Occupational Distress in Physicians

Reducing physician occupational distress requires understanding workplace mistreatment, its relationship to occupational well-being, and how mistreatment differentially impacts physicians of diverse identities. To assess the prevalence and sources of mistreatment among physicians and associations between mistreatment, occupational well-being, and physicians' perceptions of protective workplace systems. This survey study was administered in September and October 2020 to physicians at a large academic medical center. Statistical analysis was performed from May 2021 to February 2022. Primary measures were the Professional Fulfillment Index, a measure of intent to leave, and the Mistreatment, Protection, and Respect Measure (MPR). Main outcomes were the prevalence and sources of mistreatment. Secondary outcomes were the associations of mistreatment and perceptions of protective workplace systems with occupational well-being. Of 1909 medical staff invited, 1505 (78.8%) completed the survey. Among respondents, 735 (48.8%) were women, 627 (47.1%) were men, and 143 (9.5%) did not share gender identity or chose "other"; 12 (0.8%) identified as African American or Black, 392 (26%) as Asian, 10 (0.7%) as multiracial, 736 (48.9%) as White, 63 (4.2%) as other, and 292 (19.4%) did not share race or ethnicity. Of the 1397 respondents who answered mistreatment questions, 327 (23.4%) reported experiencing mistreatment in the last 12 months. Patients and visitors were the most common source of mistreatment, reported by 232 physicians (16.6%). Women were more than twice as likely as men to experience mistreatment (31% [224 women] vs 15% [92 men]). On a scale of 0 to 10, mistreatment was associated with a 1.13 point increase in burnout (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.36), a 0.99-point decrease in professional fulfillment (95% CI, -1.24 to -0.73), and 129% higher odds of moderate or greater intent to leave (odds ratio, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.75 to 2.99). When compared with a perception that protective workplace systems are in place "to a very great extent," a perception that there are no protective workplace systems was associated with a 2.41-point increase in burnout (95% CI, 1.80 to 3.02), a 2.81-point lower professional fulfillment score (95% CI, -3.44 to -2.18), and 711% higher odds of intending to leave (odds ratio, 8.11; 95% CI, 3.67 to 18.35). This survey study found that mistreatment was common among physicians, varied by gender, and was associated with occupational distress. Patients and visitors were the most frequent source, and perceptions of protective workplace systems were associated with better occupational well-being. These findings suggest that health care organizations should prioritize reducing workplace mistreatment.

Аgglutination test and passive hemagglutination test as immunological methods of antigenisisty assessment of vaccines against poultry salmonellosis

Salmonellosis ranks first among acute intestinal infections with an established pathogen in Ukraine. Poultry products are the most frequent source of human salmonellosis is the highest in both the world and Ukraine. Therefore, Salmonella-specific prevention measures in most countries are an issue of great importance. The study's goal was to compare the levels of antibodies against Salmonella to the enteritidis, Typhimurium, and infantis monoantigens in the serum of poultry immunized with the experimental bivalent, the trivalent vaccine against salmonellosis using the Agglutination test (AT) and Passive Hemagglutination test (PHA). The research of two Salmonella inactivated emulsified vaccines – bivalent (S. enteritidis) and trivalent (S. enteritidis, S. typhimurium and S. infantis) was conducted on one of the poultry farms of the Lviv region. The birds were vaccinated two times in the 14th day's interval. The sera samples were taken on the 14, 21, and 28th days after the last shot. The antibody (agglutinin) levels were assessed in the AT and PHA. Both vaccines (bivalent and trivalent) inducted an intense immune response in birds' organisms. The average antibody titers were 1 : 512 –1 : 717 using the AT and 1 : 4096 – 1 : 5734 using the PHA. The highest antibody levels were detected for S. Enteritidis: 1 : 5734 for trivalent vaccine and 1 : 5120 for bivalent one using PHA. AT antibody levels were lower: 1 : 717 for the trivalent vaccine and 1 : 640 for the bivalent. The antibody levels to S. typhimurium were: 1 : 4915 for trivalent vaccine and 1 : 4710 for bivalent (PHA) and 1 : 640 for trivalent vaccine 1 : 589 for bivalent on (AT). The lowest antibody levels were detected in S. Infantis in both tests. An interesting fact of S. infantis agglutinins presence in serum samples from poultry vaccinated with the bivalent vaccine in both tests may be explained by cross-immunity formed by S. enteritidis – S. typhimurium vaccine.

MO1043: Influenza Vaccine Awareness and Acceptance Among Individuals with Glomerulonephritis and Renal Vasculitis During the Corononavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

BACKGROUND AND AIMSPatients with glomerulonephritis may have an increased risk of influenza infection and morbidity, but vaccine coverage remained low with little data on acceptance in glomerulonephritis. We aimed to assess influenza vaccine awareness among patients with glomerulonephritis and identify determinants of vaccine acceptance.METHODSingle-center cross-sectional study of patients with glomerulonephritis who completed a survey in the clinic or over the telephone between June and August 2021. Sociodemographic data, health literacy measured by HLS-EU-47 questionnaire, influenza and the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine awareness and determinants of vaccine acceptance according to the World Health Organization framework.RESULTSAmong 86 patients who completed the survey, influenza vaccine awareness was lower than COVID-19 vaccine awareness (75.6% versus 100%). After adjusting for the survey type, use of English language at home and at healthcare settings, higher income and professional or executive occupation were significantly associated with influenza vaccine awareness, while older age and lower education level were associated with reduced awareness. The healthcare provider was the most frequent information source and > 90% trusted that healthcare providers and the government considered the patients’ best interests and gave correct information. Only half thought their medical condition and medications would affect their vaccine decision while a quarter to half did not understand how the vaccine worked and thought there were better ways to protect against infection.CONCLUSIONHealthcare providers can actively identify and advocate influenza vaccines to the unaware and overcome potential barriers to reduce influenza infections and morbidity in glomerulonephritis.

Reasons and Sources of Hesitancy Against COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Study among General Public in Pakistan

Introduction:Since Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory infection which is transmitted by respiratory droplets, it has now spread all across the globe. There are various myths and misconceptions about this vaccination that act as a prime barrier to vaccinate majority of the population. Methods: A cross-sectional-study was performed from all over Punjab province using convenience sampling technique. A sample size of 400 was gathered in this study by o digital and hardcopy questionnaires after the participants gave their consent. Results: The willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19, was only 28.0% while the greater remainder of 72% opted for ‘no’ or ‘maybe’. Our study prevailed that the most common reason of hesitancy among the population was that vaccine can cause blood to clot and people may die (15.6%). And the most frequent source emerged to be social media by 23%. Discussion: The study revealed that people with no or low educational status were more uncertain or hesitant towards vaccine administration as well as those belonging to ages 41-50 years.

English

Aflatoxins belong to a category of mycotoxins that have impacted mankind since the beginning of organized cultivation. This toxin is produced by certain molds in food and feeds and results to adverse health effects to both humans and animals, as well as economic barriers to farmers and countries. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the current level of aflatoxin awareness and knowledge of its contamination, preventive measures, and health implications among the population. Questionnaires were administered to capture data on socio-economic features, perceptions, and knowledge revolving around aflatoxin using a multi-stage sampling technique. Among the sample, respondents aged above 50 years with higher educational status and farmers were more informed about aflatoxin awareness. Among the regions, Central River Region showed the highest level of aflatoxin awareness. Family/friends are the most frequent source of information as compared to traditional media (radio and television), formal workshops and internet. The results suggest a need for an introduction of educative intervention programs and establishing initiatives through avenues that can promote aflatoxin awareness in the country. Key words: Aflatoxin, awareness, demographic, The Gambia.

Miscommunicated referent tracking in L2 English: a case-by-case analysis

Abstract For second language learners, reference remains a frequent source of error and pragmatic infelicity, even at relatively advanced levels. While most errors will be readily accommodated by the hearer, on some occasions they result in fundamental misunderstandings about what has been stated. This paper presents a case-by-case exploratory study of 22 such miscommunications and explores the discourse conditions under which such otherwise routine errors became problematic. Data are drawn from elicited narratives by 20 high-intermediate English language learners of various language backgrounds and their L1 English interlocutors. The discussion focuses on the two most prominent issues identified: the conditions under which pronoun errors triggered misunderstandings, and the contribution of pervasive over-explicitness to referent introductions being mistaken for referent tracking.

Poisoning among children in Malaysia: A 10-years retrospective study.

Poisoning commonly occurs among children due to their curiosity, where they tend to explore and investigate their surroundings. They frequently put what they find into their mouths as they do not understand the danger and probably cannot read the warning label. As this issue has not been extensively studied in Malaysia; hence, a retrospective analysis of records was carried out to determine the profile of phone call enquiries regarding poisoning among children at the National Poison Centre (NPC). The records of all cases of poisoning among children below the age of 18 years were retrospectively reviewed over a period of 10 years from 2006 to 2015. The data on the cases were analysed according to age group and gender, the circumstances and the toxic agent implicated in the poisoning. During the 10-year study period, 13,583 calls that met the criteria for this study were referred to the NPC. Of these calls, 62.2% involved children between the age of 0 to 5 years, 9% were children aged between 6 to 12 years, and 28.8% were children between 13 to 18 years. Unintentional poisoning accounted for 96.7% of the incidents involving children between the age of 0 to 5 years, although among the children who were between the age of 13 to 18 years, 76% of the cases were intentional. In all the cases involving children, pharmaceutical agents were the most frequent source of the poisoning. More than 95% of the cases were exposed to poisoning through the oral route. Poisoning in children between the age of 0 to 5 years was mainly unintentional, while poisoning in children between the age of 13 to 18 years was mainly intentional, where pharmaceutical and household agents were responsible for more than two-thirds of the poisoning cases. Most of these incidents could have been prevented if protective measures, such as child-resistant enclosures, had been implemented and if the parents and guardians had been educated about preventive measures, such as keeping poisoning agents out of the reach of children.

Determination of variation in dosimetric parameters of treatment planning with Co-60 and Ir-192 sources in high dose rate brachytherapy of cervical carcinoma

AimTo determine the differences in dosimetric parameters in patients of intracavitary brachytherapy and interstitial HDR brachytherapy using Co-60 and Ir-192 sources. Materials and methodsComputed tomography (CT) based treatment plans of 20 cervical carcinoma patients treated with intracavitary and interstitial high dose rate brachytherapy were retrospectively studied. Patients were planned using Co-60 and Ir-192 sources, keeping the same dwell positions and dose objectives. The dosimetric parameters such as V100, D90, homogeneity index (HI) and conformal index (CI) for target and D2cc, D1cc and D0.1cc for organs at risk (OAR) were compared for both sources. ResultsFor interstitial brachytherapy plans, HR-CTV mean V100 values for Co-60 and Ir-192-based plans were 97.03 ± 1.93% and 96.42 ± 2.18%, respectively. There was no significant difference found in target coverage (p = 0.370). Ir-192 based plans were more homogeneous (HI = 0.68 ± 0.09) than the Co-60 plans (HI = 0.59 ± 0.10). However, the conformity was similar with both the sources. No significant difference was found between D2cc, D1cc, and D0.1cc values of bladder and rectum. In intracavitary brachytherapy plans, we did not find any significant difference in the dosimetric parameters such as point A values, D90, V100, and OAR doses on comparing plans from both sources. ConclusionThere are no significant differences in dosimetric parameters and no clinical advantage of using Co-60 over Ir-192-based brachytherapy. However, when it comes to cost management, Co-60 has a longer half-life, which reduces the cost of frequent source replacement and disposal.

Infection of a Free-Living Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) with a Bacterium from the Mycobacterium kansasii Complex.

Simple SummaryMycobacteriosis is a collective term for diseases caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria. Wild animals are a frequent source of mycobacteria infection in farm animals and humans; therefore, it is important to monitor the presence of these pathogens in free-living mammals. We isolated bacterium belonging to Mycobacterium kansasii complex from a submandibular lymph node obtained from a wild boar. This mycobacterium is a common cause of severe human lung diseases and is rarely responsible for animal diseases; therefore, its presence in the wild animal population is of great concern. The animal was apparently healthy, and we did not find any internal organ lesions despite the abundant growth of tissue-isolated bacteria on media. Thanks to our research, the specificity of wild boar mycobacteriosis caused by MKC will be better known.The most numerous group of bacteria in the genus Mycobacterium is the nontuberculous mycobacteria. Currently, over 200 species of bacteria have been classified as belonging to this group, of which approximately 30 are pathogenic to humans and animals. Mycobacterium kansasii complex numbers among these pathogenic species. The submandibular lymph nodes of a wild boar shot by a hunter were examined in order to confirm or exclude infection with bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium. In culture, a bacterial isolate was obtained after 12 days of incubation on Petragnani and Stonebrink media. A multiplex PCR clearly indicated that the isolate was a nontuberculous mycobacterium. The results of species identification attempts via both molecular biology methods and mass spectrometry confirmed that the isolated strain belonged to MKC. The described case of a wild boar infection with MKC is the first documented case in Poland and only the second in Europe, and in confirming the presence of this pathogen among free-living animals, this report implies that MKC is of great concern. Our research elucidates some specifics of wild boar mycobacteriosis and may be used to instill awareness in the public of the dangers of dressing hunt prey or consuming its meat in ignorance of safe procedures, which can contribute to the transmission of the pathogen to humans.

Relationship and distribution of Salmonella enterica serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- strain sequences in the NCBI Pathogen Detection database

BackgroundOf the > 2600 Salmonella serovars, Salmonella enterica serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- (serovar I 4,[5],12:i:-) has emerged as one of the most common causes of human salmonellosis and the most frequent multidrug-resistant (MDR; resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes) nontyphoidal Salmonella serovar in the U.S. Serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- isolates have been described globally with resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline (R-type ASSuT) and an integrative and conjugative element with multi-metal tolerance named Salmonella Genomic Island 4 (SGI-4).ResultsWe analyzed 13,612 serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- strain sequences available in the NCBI Pathogen Detection database to determine global distribution, animal sources, presence of SGI-4, occurrence of R-type ASSuT, frequency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and potential transmission clusters. Genome sequences for serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- strains represented 30 countries from 5 continents (North America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and South America), but sequences from the United States (59%) and the United Kingdom (28%) were dominant. The metal tolerance island SGI-4 and the R-type ASSuT were present in 71 and 55% of serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- strain sequences, respectively. Sixty-five percent of strain sequences were MDR which correlates to serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- being the most frequent MDR serovar. The distribution of serovar I 4,[5],12:i:- strain sequences in the NCBI Pathogen Detection database suggests that swine-associated strain sequences were the most frequent food-animal source and were significantly more likely to contain the metal tolerance island SGI-4 and genes for MDR compared to all other animal-associated isolate sequences.ConclusionsOur study illustrates how analysis of genomic sequences from the NCBI Pathogen Detection database can be utilized to identify the prevalence of genetic features such as antimicrobial resistance, metal tolerance, and virulence genes that may be responsible for the successful emergence of bacterial foodborne pathogens.

Preventing the Catastrophe: Aberrant Carotid in Adenoid and Tonsil Surgery: Two Case Reports

Background: Adenoid and tonsil surgeries are the most commonly done surgical procedures, with haemorrhage being an important complication. Fatalities due to haemorrhage almost never occur, but the occasional devastating outcomes that are life-threatening become a frequent source of litigations and audits. Catastrophic bleeds are usually due to an aberrant vessel or carotid protruding in the pharyngeal airway. The aberrant carotid poses a risk during routine pharyngeal surgeries like adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, Quincy and Para-pharyngeal abscess drainage, UPPP, pharyngeal biopsies, etc. and injuries during routine pharyngeal surgical procedures can be catastrophic due to massive bleeding. Case report: We report two cases of routine Adeno-tonsillectomy surgeries where aberrant carotid vessels protruding in the adeno-tonsil surgical area were identified by endoscopic transoral evaluation intraoperatively. The surgery in these cases was postponed for further investigation due to the risk of injury and catastrophic bleeding. Conclusion: Aberrant carotids are usually clinically silent, and adenoid removal in most cases is a blind procedure done by curettage. There are no guidelines to identify aberrant vessels pre or intraoperatively, and preventing injury and catastrophic bleeding depends on surgeon’s experience and caution. These cases underline the importance of due vigilance and taking steps before starting the procedures, particularly pre-and intraoperative transoral endoscopic assessment for identifying aberrant vessels in the upper airway area, thus preventing injury and avoiding devastating complications. We report these cases and underline the steps to identify aberrant vessels in the upper airway surgical field before starting surgery to prevent a potentially catastrophic complication.

Highly sensitive SPR-based PCF bio sensor for plasma cell detection in human blood for the detection of early stage cancer

This study investigates an extremely sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based Photonic crystal fiber (PCF) biosensor to detect blood plasma cell. A blood sample is put into one of the PCF cladding's air holes. This results in a substantial confinement loss which is used to study as the analyte core mode, while the background is used as the silica mode. To induce plasmonic effects, the plasma sample is injected into one of the air holes in the PCF cladding and its outer covering is coated with Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). In the range of 1.3246–1.3634 for the analyte refractive index, this determination of plasma yielded a sensitivity of 6701.03 nm/RIU for x-polarization and 5154.63 nm/RIU for y-polarization. The provided sensor's sensing output is investigated by using Finite Element Method (FEM)-based programme with a detection limit of 0.0097 RIU overall. Using the analyte defect layer with varied refractive indices, we were able to generate a difference in the resonant peak positions. As a result of our simulation results, it is vital to highlight that the suggested sensor exhibits notable sensor performance for both polarization modes, allowing for more frequent light source selection during practical implementation. Our proposed sensor can detect organic chemicals, biochemical analytes, and can also be used extensively in medical diagnostics, according to the findings.

Media Source Characteristics Regarding Food Fraud Misinformation According to the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) in China: Comparative Study.

BackgroundOngoing rumors and fake news regarding food fraud, adulteration, and contamination are highly visible. Health risk information circulating through media and interpersonal communication channels has made health crisis an important research agenda.ObjectiveThis study explored the issue of food fraud and the effect of misinformation. Further, it assessed whether and how these issues have provided evidence-based interventions for food handlers and regulators to mitigate fraud misinformation.MethodsThe Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) was adopted for a collaborative study in China, after which a cross-sectional survey with door-to-door interviews was performed. Participants from Beijing and Hefei were selected using multistage sampling of adults in May 2017. Based on 4 government surveillance reports on food rumors and safety incidents, a descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and analysis of variance were performed on the data.ResultsA total of 3090 results were gathered and analyzed. Among the respondents, 83.6% (2584/3090) heard at least one food rumor. Learning about food fraud was correlated with interpersonal connections (eg, doctors or health specialists) for accessing food health information. Overall, Chinese citizens with a higher level of interpersonal connection were more likely to be concerned about food incidents with a statistical difference (P<.001). Interpersonal connection was the most frequent communication source (698/1253, 55.7%), followed by traditional media (325/1253, 25.9%) and internet portals (144/1253, 11.5%). There was a significant relationship between media use and media category in Beijing (P<.001) and Hefei (P<.001). Overall, responses to food fraud and incident risks were lower in Beijing than in Hefei (P=.006). The respondents in Beijing were confronted more frequently by food rumors (range 346-1253) than those in Hefei (range 155-946). The urban dwellers in Beijing and their rural counterparts in Hefei also differed in terms of perceiving different levels of food risks from different media sources. The food rumor narratives that examined the conspiracy belief showed that social media played more important roles in influencing attitudes against misinformation for users in Hefei than in Beijing.ConclusionsThis study shows that consumers have to be on guard against not only fake food, but also spreading fake information and rumors, as well as conspiracy beliefs involving fake food. This study focused on characterizing media sources, types of food fraud misinformation, and risk perceptions of food safety, which mix urgency and suspicion, and attempted to provide evidence-based interventions for risk management guidance, with the hypothesis of significant correlations between media types and sources, and consumer exposure and perception levels of food rumors and risks.

Latest Trends in Pollutant Accumulations at Threatening Levels in Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings with and without Mechanical Ventilation: A Review.

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a major target in developed countries toward decreasing their energy consumption and CO2 emissions. To meet this target, a large number of countries have established energy codes that require buildings to be airtight. While such a retrofitting approach has improved health outcomes in areas with heavy traffic, it has worsened the health outcomes in Nordic countries and increased the risk of lung cancer in areas with high levels of radon emissions. This review highlights the importance of adapting the characteristics of energy-efficient residential buildings to the location, age, and health of inhabitants to guarantee healthy indoor pollutant levels. The implementation of mechanical ventilation in new energy-efficient buildings has solved some of these problems; however, for others, a decrease in the level of outdoor pollutants was still required in order to achieve a good indoor air quality. A good balance between the air exchange rate and the air humidity level (adapted to the location) is key to ensuring that exposure to the various pollutants that accumulate inside energy-efficient buildings is low enough to avoid affecting inhabitants′ health. Evidence of the protective effect of mechanical ventilation should be sought in dwellings where natural ventilation allows pollutants to accumulate to threatening levels. More studies should be carried out in African and Asian countries, which, due to their rapid urbanization, use massive volumes of unproven/unrated building materials for fast-track construction, which are frequent sources of formaldehyde and VOC emissions.