Highest Percentage Reduction Research Articles

EDI&S SO03 Replacing Single-use Chloraprep with Low Carbon Cost-effective Surgical Skin Preparation: A QI Project for Sustainability in Surgery

Abstract Background Operating theatre waste accounts for approximately 50% of all hospital waste produced in the NHS [1] and two-thirds of carbon contributions come from single-use items [2]. With a major goal of the NHS being net-zero, surgeons have a collective responsibility for reducing the carbon footprint through eliminating single-use equipment and plastic waste such as Chloraprep wands. The aim of this quality improvement project was to introduce the use of chlorhexidine solution poured into reusable gallipots and applied using reusable sponge-holders into local practice, which is more environmentally friendly, significantly cheaper and is the first-line skin preparation recommended by NICE [3]. Method Chloraprep use in consecutive operations performed by the trust in a month before and after the intervention was retrospectively collected and categorised based on specialties. The intervention was a series of local oral presentations, leaflets and posters to highlight the benefits of chlorhexidine solution over Chloraprep. The change in percentage of Chloraprep use in all cases completed in 1 month pre- and post-intervention was retrospectively collected and analysed. Further qualitative data was obtained through pre- and post-intervention surveys. Results There was a reduction in use of Chloraprep across all specialties targeted by the intervention, with 27% of cases pre-intervention and 24% of cases post-intervention using Chloraprep. The highest percentage reduction was seen by the local upper gastrointestinal surgery team (37%). The percentage reductions in the cases using Chloraprep 10 days post intervention were general surgery 9%, upper GI 3%, colorectal 1% and vascular 6%. The pre- and post-intervention surveys also showed a decrease in Chloraprep use from 94.1% to 80% and corresponding increased use of swabs and antiseptic solution. 100% of the responders agreed with using the sustainable option. Conclusion The educational intervention has proven to be effective in achieving the aims of this project. Critical analysis of the literature has shown no difference in surgical site infection rates between the two options [2]. However, there is a need for high quality trials that directly compare the clinical effectiveness of both methods of application. We hope to encourage surgeons and theatre staff to opt out of using Chloraprep and consider the use of swabs dipped in chlorhexidine alcohol solution. Thus, we recommend the re-usable low carbon low-cost alternative method and encourage efforts to promote sustainability in surgery.

Influence of Hot Rolling on Microstructure, Corrosion and Mechanical Properties of Mg–Zn–Mn–Ca Alloy

The effect of hot rolling on the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties of the magnesium alloy 96 wt% Mg–2.3 wt% Zn–0.7 wt% Ca–1 wt% Mn was studied. After heat treatment, the original plates of an as-cast alloy were rolled from a 7 mm thickness to a 0.2 mm thickness at two temperatures—300 or 400 °C. It has been established that increasing the rolling temperature from 300 to 400 °C increases the fraction of recrystallized grains in the microstructure and after rolling at 400 °C, the microstructure is fully recrystallized. The best strength–ductility balance of the alloy was obtained after rolling at 300 °C, with a high total percentage reduction of 93–97%: the yield stress, the ultimate tensile strength, and the elongation averaged at 285 MPa, 310 MPa, and 5%, respectively. The alloy after rolling, annealed at 400 °C, shows improved ductility but lower strength: the yield stress, the ultimate tensile strength, and the elongation were 200 MPa, 260 MPa, and 17%, respectively. The strong dependence of corrosion resistance on respect to rolling direction is observed, which can be reduced after heat treatment. The as-rolled alloy and the heat-treated alloy had low corrosion rates in Hanks’ solution of 0.54 and 0.19 mm/year, respectively.

Assessing the effects of early and timely sowing on wheat cultivar HD 2967 under current and future tropospheric ozone scenarios

This study investigates the impact of elevated ozone (eO3) levels on the growth and yield of the wheat cultivar HD 2967 under different sowing dates in open-top chambers. Wheat was sown early on November 1st and timely on November 20th, 2017, under ambient and elevated O3 (ambient + 20 ppb), resulting in four treatment groups: AT (ambient + timely), ET (elevated + timely), AE (ambient + early), and EE (elevated + early). Results showed significant reductions in morphological traits and gas-exchange parameters, including photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency under elevated O3. The most notable decreases were observed 40 days after germination (DAG) compared to 80 DAG. Interestingly, while a higher percentage reduction was observed under ET at 80 DAG, a reversal in the trend of percentage reduction between the two stages was noted, suggesting a dynamic response of the wheat cultivar to stress across the growth stage. However, compared with ET's results, early sowing mitigated these negative effects under a futuristic O3 level scenario, showing no significant impact on grain yield and productivity factors. This resilience is attributed to the extended growth period, enhancing photosynthesis and biomass accumulation while avoiding high eO3 concentrations during critical reproductive stages. Furthermore, a trade-off in ET plants suggests resources are allocated towards defense (enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants) at the expense of growth, while EE conditions favor growth at later stages, maintaining reproductive fitness despite eO3 levels. Under conventional timely sowing, wheat may suffer yield declines of up to 30% amidst rising eO3 levels. Early sowing emerges as a proactive strategy to enhance wheat productivity under increasing O3 stress. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of early sowing across multiple wheat cultivars and climatic conditions to inform sustainable agricultural practices in high O3 areas.

Formulation and evaluation of physical stability and antidiabetic activity from nanoliposomes containing an ethyl acetate extract of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrader & Wendland fruit in rats

Introduction: The extract of Solanum xanthocarpum fruit has antidiabetic activity. This research aims to formulate nanoliposomes containing ethyl acetate extracts of S. xanthocarpum selected from multilevel extraction, evaluate their physical stability and antidiabetic activity, and compare them with the extract. Methods: The extracts were prepared using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water as solvents, and their antidiabetic activities were evaluated to select the extract most effective in lowering blood sugar levels in rats. That extract was formulated into three nanoliposomes using varying amounts of phospholipid, cholesterol, and Span 60, i.e., F1 (40 mmol), F2 (50 mmol), and F3 (60 mmol). Various sonication times ranging from 10 to 30 minutes were evaluated for particle size, entrapment efficiency, and physical stability. The selected formulations were evaluated for antidiabetic activity. Results: The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest decrease in glucose in rats and was selected for nanoliposome formulation. The nanoliposomes obtained were physically stable at low temperatures for 12 weeks. F2 had the smallest particle size (143.97 nm) and the greatest entrapment efficiency (92.981% ± 0.35%) with a sonication time of 30 minutes and was significantly different from F1 and F3 (P<0.05). The highest percentage reduction in blood sugar levels was with F2 at 74.57% and significantly differed (P<0.05) from the ethyl acetate extract of S. xanthocarpum at 73.98% and the positive control rat group. Conclusion: The results show the potential uses of the prepared nanoparticles, especially the F2 formulation, as an antidiabetic formula.

Phylogenetic analyses and pathogenic diversity of Meloidogyne graminicola of rice (cv. BRRI Dhan28) from different agro-ecological zones of Bangladesh

Rice root-knot caused by Meloidogyne graminicola is a major yield-limiting factor in all rice growing countries around the world, which is often ignored in Bangladesh due to its subtle and obscure above ground symptoms. The current study proposes a comprehensive diagnosis of rice root-knot nematode at the molecular level and analyzes the pathogenic diversity of M. graminicola population of different AEZs. Rice seedlings of a popular variety (BRRI Dhan28) showing galls in the roots were collected from thirty Agro-Ecological-Zones (AEZs) of Bangladesh. For molecular identification, nuclear DNA was collected from single second-stage juvenile and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was used as a universal primer. Molecular identification and phylogenetic analyses revealed that all nematode populations of galled rice seedlings from different locations belong to M. graminicola. The nematode populations constitute six phylogenetic clades. Nematode population of phylogenetic clade II showed the highest no. of galls (178 ± 1.67), although galling index was higher and similar in clade I, clade-II, clade-III and clade-VI. The highest percent reduction in both vegetative and yield-contributing traits were recorded in clade-II. A negative correlation was found in galling incidence and all growth and yield parameters. Comparative hatching of M. graminicola from different locations reveals that the pathogenicity of M. graminicola depends on the genetic variability of the nematode population, but not on the hatched juveniles. It might be concluded that the rice root-knot nematodes (M. graminicola) are prevalent in all agro-ecological zones of Bangladesh, despite the most pathogenic groups being frequent in AEZ- 1, 6, 7, 10, 18, 19, 21 and appropriate management initiatives are therefore crucial for maximizing rice yield.

Design, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic evaluation of a lecithin-chitosan hybrid nanoparticle-loaded dual-responsive in situ gel of nebivolol for effective treatment of glaucoma

In this research work, optimized nebivolol-loaded lecithin-chitosan hybrid nanoparticles (NEB-LCNPs) were prepared using sequential screening and optimization designs. The design of experiments software (DoE) was used to obtain a robust formulation that can improve ocular delivery of the NEB in the treatment of glaucoma. The optimized NEB-LCNPs had a mean particle size of 170.5 ± 5.3 nm and drug loading of 10.5 ± 1.2%. These were further loaded in a dual-responsive in situ gel, designed and reported previously by our group. The NEB-LCNPs loaded in situ gel (NEB-LCNPs-ISG) was characterized for physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, stability, in vitro dissolution, and ocular in vivo studies. The ocular pharmacokinetics showed that NEB-LCNPs-ISG had two-fold higher aqueous humor exposure with AUC0–tlast of 375.4 ng × h/mL and sustained drug concentrations for longer durations (1.7-folds higher duration with a mean residence time of 10.6 h) in comparison to a conventional aqueous suspension of NEB (NEB-Susp). Similarly, the pharmacodynamic study showed that NEB-LCNPs-ISG resulted in a higher percentage reduction in intraocular pressure (% ΔIOP) of 28.1 ± 1.8% × h, which was 2.2-times higher reduction compared to NEB-Susp (74.2 ± 3.2% × h). In addition, the pharmacodynamic effect was more sustained with a mean response time of 11.3 ± 0.2 h, a 2.8-times higher response time compared to NEB-Susp (4.06 ± 0.3 h). These results suggest that NEB-LCNPs-ISG was more effective than the conventional aqueous suspension of NEB in the treatment of glaucoma.

Optimization of coagulation-flocculation in urban water treatment using Moringa oleifera

Using a safe, easy-to-apply, and cost-effective flocculant to substitute alum is imperative for broadening and improving water quality in rural areas where conventional water treatment methods are inaccessible. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Moringa oleifera seeds (MOS) in treating urban wastewater. The experiment involved adding random quantities ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 g/500 ml of water. Various properties of the wastewater were evaluated, including turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and color. The optimal dosage of MOS was determined to be 0.3 g/ 500 ml, resulting in the most significant reduction in color and turbidity. The highest reduction percentage was observed for turbidity (87.5 %), followed by COD (58.8 %) and color (49.76 %). The characteristics of dissolved organic matter notably influence the coagulation behavior of MOS. Based on these findings, the study proposed a coagulation mechanism for Moringa.

EFFECTS OF ORGANIC MATTER AMENDMENTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL AND YIELD OF RAINFED RICE

Organic matter amendments play a pivotal role in improving the soil’s physiochemical properties and crop productivity. This study was conducted to examine the effects of various organic matters on soil physicochemical properties and the yield of rainfed rice in Bangladesh. The research was conducted following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments, viz. cow dung slurry (CDS), rice husk biochar (RHB), cow dung (CD), vermi-compost (VC) and trico-compost (TC) used @ 2 t C ha-1, and bacterial inoculant (BI) @ 4 ml plot-1. The findings indicated a reduction trend of bulk density as compared to the initial soil in all the organic matter-treated soils, where the highest reduction percent was found in the RHB (1.45%) treated plot, followed by CDS (0.74%), VC (0.74%), TC (0.74%), CD (0.73%) and BI (0.73%). Significantly higher total N was observed in inorganic matter-treated post harvested soil compared to initial soil. The highest total N was recorded in TC (0.12%) and CDS (0.12%) treated soils, followed by CD (0.11%), VC (0.11%), BI (0.11%) and RHB (0.10%). The significantly highest CEC (6.48 meq100g soil-1) was noted in RHB-added soil, while the lowest value (5.70 meq100g soil-1) was found in initial soil. The RHB exhibited the maximum quantity of P, S, and exchangeable K in post-harvest soils, with 12.75, 19.73 mg kg-1 soil, and 0.14 cmol kg-1, respectively. Plant height, tiller hill-1, panicle length, grain panicle-1, and 1000-grain weight were greatly influenced by the various treatments. In the context of grain yields, the treatments can be rated as follows: CD>CDS>VC>RHB>TC>BI>control. Thus, it was concluded that organic amendments improves soil fertility and the yield of rice, particularly in rainfed condition.

Minimally invasive fixation of posterior malleolus fracture: description of surgical technique and radiological results

Introduction. Ankle fractures are one of the most common lower extremity injuries. Despite the high incidence of these fractures in the population, the best therapeutic approach has not been established yet. The treatment of posterior malleolus fractures is particularly controversial. Aim. Evaluation of percutaneous posterior-to-anterior fixation of posterior malleolus fracture (posterolateral fragment) in terms of safety of the method and accuracy of fracture reduction. A detailed description of the surgical technique was also presented. Materials and methods. A retrospective evaluation included 18 patients operated on due to complex ankle fractures between April 2023 and March 2024. All patients included in the study underwent percutaneous posterior-to-anterior fixation of posterior malleolus fracture. Patients were evaluated for neurovascular complications and postoperative CT scans were assessed to determine the accuracy of posterior malleolus reduction. Results. In 14 patients (77.8%), the fracture displacement was less than 1 mm; in 3 patients (16.7%), the displacement was 1-2 mm; and in one patient (5.5%), the displacement was >2 mm. No neurovascular complications were observed in any patient. Conclusions. Percutaneous posterior-to-anterior fixation of fractures of the posterolateral part of the posterior malleolus is a safe method and provides a high percentage of anatomical reduction.

Effects of Oxygen Therapy on Patients with a Chronic Wound: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To synthesize the effects of oxygen-based therapy on patients with a chronic wound. The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant randomized controlled trials from database inception. Investigators measured risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. The included randomized controlled trials focused on the effects (short- or long-term wound healing, amputation rate, percentage of reduction in ulcer size, and poststudy transcutaneous oxygen measurement [TcPO2]) of oxygen-based therapy (including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, topical oxygen therapy, and continuous diffusion of oxygen) on patients with a chronic wound. Researchers extracted information regarding participant characteristics and primary and secondary outcomes from the included studies. Pooled effects of 31 included studies showed that patients treated with oxygen had better short-term wound healing (risk ratio [RR], 1.544; 95% CI, 1.199 to 1.987), a higher percentage reduction in the ulcer area (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.999; 95% CI, 0.439 to 1. 599), lower amputation rates (RR, 0.529; 95% CI, 0.325 to 0.862), shorter wound healing time (SMD, -0.705; 95% CI, -0.908 to -0.501), and higher poststudy TcPO2 (SMD, 2.128; 95% CI, 0.978 to 3.278) than those in the control group. For long-term wound healing, there was no statistically significant difference (RR, 1.227; 95% CI, 0.976 to 1.542). Oxygen-based therapy improves short-term parameters of wound healing in patients with chronic wounds.

Small-Scale Experimental Evidence On The Use Of Date Palm Forest To Mitigate Tsunami In The Arabian Sea

Because of the multi-scale benefits, ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR) has received much attention in coastal disaster mitigation. Coastal forests are considered a sustainable and economical solution to mitigate inundations from tsunamis. Owing to the rare occurrence of tsunamis and reported local tsunami heights being small, the coastal forests are a potential solution to protect from tsunamis in the Arabian Sea. The potential of date palm trees to mitigate tsunami inundations was investigated in an experimental study. The experiments were conducted at a geometric scale of 1:100 with the Froude-Cauchy similitudes. It found that the canopy of the tree played a key role in flow energy reduction. If the tsunami height was higher than the canopy height a significant tsunami depth was reduced behind the forest compared to the case that the tsunami height was lower than the canopy height. The highest percentage reduction in the maximum flow depth behind the forest was 37% for the forest length of 180 m and tsunami height of 7 m.

Effect of Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) Infestation on the Growth Parameters of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn.) are aggressive hemipteran species that depend primarily on leaf tissue for their nourishment, causing substantial damages and yield losses in their hosts. This study was carried out to assess the effect of whitefly infestation on the growth parameters of one of the commercial eggplant cultivars (round green Solanum melongena L) under filed conditions. The trial consists of four treatments (T1= 15, T2= 30, T3= 45 and control (T4) = 0 whiteflies/plot) replicated four times. The result revealed that all the parameters assessed are negatively affected by whitefly infestation with plants in treatment (T3) being most affected while those in T1 are least affected. The dry weight recorded least value (1.1 g/leaf) having the highest percentage reduction (69.11%) followed by leaf area with 152.5cm2 (48.83% reduction) while the number of leaves was least affected recording 50.3 leaves/plant (18.09% reduction) at 90 days after infestation in 2022 experiment. In 2023 experiment, similar results were recorded with plants in T3 being most affected. Dry weight of the leaves had the lowest value (1.3g/leaf) representing the highest reduction (68.30%) followed by the leaf area with 167.3cm2 (44.8% reduction) with the number of leaves also being least affected, recording 52.1 leaves/plant representing 9.40% reduction with plants in treatment T1, at 90 days after infestation. The highest reduction in yield was also recorded with plants in T3 (92.10, 90.10%) while the least was observed in T1 (86.8 and 85.70%) for the respective trials (2022 and 2023). The result shows the level of susceptibility of the variety examined to whitefly infestation, demonstrating the urgent needs for the development of eco-friendly and sustainable whitefly management regimes for improved eggplant production in the area.

Clinico-diagnostic and Therapeutic Management of Ehrlichiosis in Dog

Background: The research work was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of various diagnostic tests by using conventional microscopic examination, rapid Ab detection test and molecular technique, haemato-biochemical changes, Abdominal organs changes using ultrasonography, and therapeutic efficacy of different treatment protocols on Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) infected dogs from in and around Navsari, Gujarat, India. Methods: 69 dogs suspected of ehrlichiosis based on clinical signs and hematological values and then subjected to blood and buffy coat smear examination, rapid Ab detection test and PCR based assay targeting 16S rRNA gene. The pre and post-treatment haematology and biochemical analysis of treatment groups along with all the positive dogs were performed. Further, all the treatment group dogs were subjected to ultrasound for evaluating organ abnormalities. Modified Clinical Sign Grading (MCSG) score for CME-infected dogs was carried out to evaluate therapeutic responses based on minimizing the clinical score. Descriptive statistics along with Student t-test and One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by DMRT was performed to compare differences between means wherever applicable. Result: CME incidence among the 69 suspected cases was 49.28%. Out of 69 suspected dogs, Ehrlichial inclusions or morulae in the monocytes could be identified in only 4.35% of blood smears and 10.14% of buffy coat smears examined by Giemsa and or Field-stained and 15.94% of dogs were found positive for Ehrlichia genus by PCR. 72.5 per cent of dogs were found positive for antibodies to E. canis, out of 40 dogs. The sensitivity of blood smear examination, buffy coat smear examination, and thrombocytopenia was 10.34%, 24.14% and 89.66%, respectively. The specificity of all the diagnostic tests was 100%. The anemia along with leucopenia, were the most significant hematological alteration recorded while ALP, creatinine, and BUN were elevated and albumin was significantly decreased in CME-infected dogs. Significant improvement of haemato-biochemical parameters towards normalcy in both treatment groups. However, a higher percentage of reduction was observed in the clinical score of imidocarb treated CME affected dogs than in the oxy-doxycycline therapy after 14 days.

Analysis of The Role of Stakeholders in Efforts to Reduce the Acceleration of Stunting: A Case Study in a Quality Family Planning Village Locus

<div><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="left"><tbody><tr><td align="left" valign="top"><p><em>West Tanjung Jabung Regency has succeeded in reducing the prevalence of stunting over the last three years. This is inseparable from the efforts of all sectors that play a role in innovation programs to reduce stunting. One of the efforts to accelerate stunting reduction is the program that has been implemented by Quality Family Village. This research aims to analyze stakeholders in their insights and roles in reducing stunting in quality family planning village loci. This research uses a qualitative approach with analytical descriptive methods. This research took place in West Tanjung Jabung Regency, which is the district with the highest percentage reduction in stunting prevalence in 2022. Data collection methods were in-depth interviews and observation. The informants in this research were 15 people consisting of the main informant and supporting informants. Data analysis using NVivo Software. The results of this research are that there are good practices characterized by local wisdom in efforts to reduce the acceleration of stunting cases in the form of jargon/slogans such as JAS BERKAH, Safari Subuh, and the Declaration of Stunting Free Villages. The roles of stakeholders consisting of facilitators, coordinators, accelerators, evaluators, and policy creators have been placed by the functions and roles of the Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team. The role of stakeholders related to the convergence action plan can be mapped into three scenarios, namely the role of the chairman in convergence actions 1 and 2, and the role of the regional secretary in convergence actions 2, 4, and 5. Meanwhile, the role of technical agencies focuses on convergence actions 4, 5, 6, 7, and action 8. It is necessary to carry out continuous coordination with all relevant stakeholders and increase maximum coordination on achievement indicators, as well as community support for active and independent participation</em><em>.</em><em></em></p><p> </p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><strong><em>Keywords: Convergence action, family planning, stakeholders, stunting</em></strong>

Повышение эффективности уборки семян подсолнечника с результатами испытаний навесного уборочного адаптера ПРП-12

Sunflower is the most widespread oilseed crop in the Russian Federation; most of its harvest is used to produce sunflower oil. One of the most labor-intensive technological processes in sunflower cultivation technology is harvesting, this is due to the use of a large amount of specialized equipment that needs to be maintained and operated. It is important to harvest sunflowers at the optimal time, i.e. when the seed moisture content is 12-14%, harvesting at a later date can lead to self-shedding of the seeds. However, cleaning at the optimal time cannot guarantee a high percentage of loss reduction, since losses behind the harvesting unit also make their own adjustments. According to agricultural requirements, the total losses behind the grain harvesting unit should not exceed 3%, however, in the test reports of grain harvesters, these figures are much higher. To reduce losses behind grain harvesters, promising directions are to reduce losses behind the reaping part and the threshing-separating device of the grain harvesting unit. The paper presents the results of field tests of the sunflower harvesting device PRP-12. Keywords: SEED HARVESTING, SUNFLOWER, MOUNTED HARVEST ADAPTER, COMBINE HARVESTER, SOIL, EQUIPMENT, TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS

Shrinkage Reduction in Nanopore-Rich Cement Paste Based on Facile Organic Modification of Montmorillonite.

The organic modification of montmorillonite was successfully achieved using cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide under facile conditions. The modified montmorillonite was subsequently used for the fabrication of montmorillonite-induced nanopore-rich cement paste (MNCP), and the shrinkage behavior and fundamental performance of MNCP were also investigated. The results indicate that alkali cations on a montmorillonite layer surface were exchanged by using CTAB under 80 °C, successfully achieving the organic modification of montmorillonite. As a pore-forming agent, the modified montmorillonite caused a reduction in shrinkage: the 28-day autogenous shrinkage at a design density of 400 kg/m3 and 800 kg/m3 was reduced to 2.05 mm/m and 0.24 mm/m, and the highest reduction percentages during the 28-day drying shrinkage were 68.1% and 62.2%, respectively. The enlarged interlamellar pores and hydrophobic effects caused by the organic modification of montmorillonite aided this process. Organic-modified montmorillonite had a minor influence on dry density and thermal conductivity and could contribute to an enhancement of strength in MNCP.

Screening of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) genotypes for resistance to the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)

The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne spp. incurs substantial economic losses in vegetable crops. The present investigation involved glass-house-based screening performed by artificial inoculation of a set of 62 cauliflower accessions against RKN infestation. The PAUCE-292 genotype exhibited a resistant reaction to RKN infestation while genotypes PAUCE-15, PAUCE-16, PAUCE-19C and PAUCM-PI exhibited a moderately resistant reaction. Nematode inoculation reduced various growth parameters including plant height, plant weight and root length as compared to control but a higher percent reduction was recorded for the susceptible and highly susceptible genotypes. The root galling intensity was recorded to be high in susceptible and highly susceptible genotypes. The root-morphoanatomy studies on selected genotypes revealed no specific association of the studied traits with RKN reaction. But, optical microscopy revealed elaborate lignification and gall formation on RKN inoculation in susceptible PAUCM-SD3 and highly susceptible PAUCM-STAR accessions. The total phenol and flavonoid contents were maintained at significantly high levels in resistant genotype(s) in the initial 2.5-week post-inoculation of nematode juveniles. Therefore, this study provides biochemical cues on the mechanism of RKN resistance in cauliflower accessions.

Longitudinal evaluation of advanced glaucoma: ten year follow-up cohort study

This study focused on patients with advanced open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and aimed to identify key factors for monitoring them. We included 127 such patients who were followed for seven years or more, undergoing annual ophthalmic examinations. Glaucoma progression was defined as a deterioration in either structure or function. The progression rates and risk factors were evaluated. The patients were divided into upper- and lower-half subgroups based on the reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) from the baseline. Over an 11-year period, glaucoma progression was detected in 59 eyes (46.5%). The rate of change in mean deviation (MD) was − 0.43 dB/year for the entire population; − 0.67 dB/year for progressors; and − 0.20 dB/year for non-progressors. Hypertension and disc hemorrhage (DH) were more common in progressors compared to non-progressors (45.8 vs. 23.5%, 11.9 vs. 1.5%; P = 0.008 and P = 0.016). Multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard model revealed that the presence of DH and a better baseline MD were associated with glaucoma progression. Additionally, patients with a higher percentage reduction in IOP (> 20.94%) had a lower risk of progression compared to those with less reduction. Inadequate IOP reduction, better baseline MD, presence of DH, and lower central corneal thickness were identified as risk factors for progression in advanced OAG patients.

Anti-biofilm effectiveness of protocols for cleaning complete dentures in hospitalized patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Denture biofilm acts as a potential reservoir for respiratory pathogens, considerably increasing the risk of lung infections, specifically aspiration pneumonia, mainly 48h after hospital admission. The establishment of a straightforward, affordable, and applicable hygiene protocol in a hospital environment for the effective control of denture biofilm can be particularly useful to prevent respiratory infections or reduce the course of established lung disease. To evaluate the anti-biofilm effectiveness of denture cleaning protocols in hospitalized patients. The maxillary complete dentures (MCDs) of 340 hospitalized participants were randomly cleaned once using one of the following 17 protocols (n=20): brushing with distilled water, toothpaste, or neutral liquid soap (controls); immersion in chemical solutions (1% sodium hypochlorite, alkaline peroxide, 0.12% or 2% chlorhexidine digluconate), or microwave irradiation (650 W for 3 min) combined or not with brushing. Before and after the application of the protocols, the biofilm of the intaglio surface of the MCDs was evaluated using two methods: denture biofilm coverage area (%) and microbiological quantitative cultures on blood agar and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (CFU/mL). Data were subjected to the Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α=0.05). All 17 protocols significantly reduced the percentage area of denture biofilm and microbial and fungal load (P<0.05). The highest percentage reductions in the area of denture biofilm were observed for 1% hypochlorite solution with or without brushing and for 2% chlorhexidine solution and microwave irradiation only in association with brushing (P<0.05). The greatest reductions in microbial and fungal load were found for the groups that used solutions of 2% chlorhexidine and 1% hypochlorite and microwave irradiation, regardless of the association with brushing (P<0.05). A single immersion for 10 min in 1% sodium hypochlorite, even in the absence of brushing, proved to be a straightforward, rapid, low-cost, and effective protocol for cleaning the dentures of hospitalized patients.

Activity of Sea Cucumber and Spirulina in Wound Healing and Blood Glucose Decreasing in Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetic Rats

Previous study showed that sea cucumber and spirulina had an antioxidant activity and antihyperglycemic activity. Sea cucumbers contain a cell growth factor that is useful in wound healing. This research aimed to determine the activity of sea cucumber and spirulina in decreasing the fasting blood glucose and wound healing process in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The antihyperglycemic activity and wound healing test were done to experimental rats that have been conditioned with diabetic wound. 2840 mg/kg body weight of liquid preparation of sea cucumber methanol extract and 81 mg/kg body weight of spirulina extract were given through oral gavage and sea cucumber methanol extract was given topically once a day. The results showed that group of golden sea cucumber orally-topically had the best antihyperglycemic activity with the highest percentage reduction in blood glucose level while group of golden sea cucumber topically-spirulina orally had the best wound healing effect with the highest percentage of wound healing.