Mesh Research Articles

Electrochemical Synthesis of Polyaniline@Nano Zinc Oxide/Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite Coating for Solid Phase Microextraction of Some Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Coffee and Grilled Meat.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic compounds resulting from incomplete burning of organic materials. This work describes the successful layer-by-layer fabrication of a novel zinc oxide nanocomposite made of zinc oxide nanoparticles, aniline, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes on a stainless steel wire by electrodeposition. The coating and extraction conditions were screened, optimized, and validated using factorial design and central composite design, respectively. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller techniques. It featured a porous structure, excellent heat stability, and a high extraction capacity. It also adhered well to the steel surface. Extracting PAHs was optimized through experimental design. The optimal conditions obtained for extraction were 60min, 30%, and 30°C for extraction time, amount of salt, and extraction temperature, respectively. The validated method generally showed a linear range between 0.01 to 1.50 µg/mL with a linearity of (R2) of 0.9902-0.9992, limits of detection less than 0.003 µg/mL, limit of quantification lower than 0.010 µg/mL, and relative standard deviation percent less than 45. Recovery values of the analytes in food samples varied between 53.4% and 110.1%. The proposed method was employed in the extraction and determination of some PAHs in some food samples while naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, benzo[a]pyrene, and benz[a]anthracene were detected in certain food samples. Overall, our research suggests a novel nanocomposite as a potential fiber coating that enables high-capacity PAH extraction.

Revisiting Tension Band Principle Using Fiber Tape in Patella Fractures in Terms of Functional Outcomes, Complications, and Resurgery.

Post-operative complications related to hardware, particularly symptoms caused by it, such as implant impingement, wire breakage, and skin infection are frequently reported following surgical management of patellar fractures with stainless steel wires. As a potential solution, some researchers have advocated for the use of non-absorbable sutures for fracture fixation. This study aims to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients treated with fiber taping as an alternative technique. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of 20 patients diagnosed radiographically with displaced patellar fractures (including transverse, poles, and severely comminuted). These patients underwent tension band technique with the help of high strength polyethylene fiber tape. Clinical and radiological outcomes were meticulously assessed, with specific attention to union time, complications, and functional outcome assessed by the Lysoholm scoring system, all of which were carefully observed and documented. The mean age of the patients was 42.5 ± 14.3 years, and the majority were male (70%). The mean operative time was 68.5 ± 22.4 min. All fractures achieved union without any reported cases of wound complications, infections, loss of reduction, or implant failure. The mean Lysholm Knee Score improved from 36.4 ± 8.2 at baseline to 92.1 ± 5.9 at 12-month post-surgery. The visual analogue scale for pain decreased from 7.8 ± 1.4 at baseline to 0.8 ± 0.6 at 12 months. The mean range of motion improved from 96.5° ± 12.8° of flexion and -5.2° ± 3.1° of extension at baseline to 134.2° ± 6.1° of flexion and 0.6° ± 0.7° of extension at 12 months. Our investigation into a modified tension band technique using fiber tape sutures revealed encouraging clinical outcomes, marked by minimal complications. The adoption of fiber tape as a substitute for metal wire counterparts in patellar fracture treatment shows potential for reducing hardware related symptoms and shows lesser morbidity.

Flavored Tobacco Products (FTPs): A New-generation Gimmick in the Indian Market—A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT Flavored tobacco products (FTPs) have gained global popularity but are associated with significant health concerns. These products, which include flavored cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, hookahs, and nicotine dissolvable, come in a range of different flavors. For example, cigarettes come in a variety of flavors, including menthol, alcohol, spices, and herbs, which are more appealing to young adults, and fruit or candy, which are more appealing to kids. Despite the perceived safety of these flavorings for consumption, their toxicity remains largely unknown. Additionally, the deliberate promotion of FTPs by the tobacco industry in emerging nations such as India has hindered tobacco control efforts. The current review seeks to offer a thorough examination of additives used in tobacco, the various flavors found in emerging tobacco products, patterns of consumption, strategies employed in marketing, and the necessity for regulating these emerging tobacco products. A systematic review methodology was employed for this narrative review using relevant medical subject headings (MeSH) terms. The literature search was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, guidelines, advisory, survey reports, factsheets, editorial, communication, and news related to topic of interest. Pertinent articles were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The synthesized results illuminate the prevalence and usage of tobacco products with flavors in the market, effectively fulfilling the research objectives. Moreover, in addition to fulfilling the research objectives, the synthesized results offer valuable perspectives on how FTPs influence patterns of tobacco use, particularly among the younger population. These findings underscore the need for effective regulations and guidelines to curb the appeal and consumption of FTPs, ultimately reducing the prevalence of smoking-related disorders and promoting public health.

Integrating Nutritional Status and Hematological Biomarkers for Enhanced Prognosis Prediction in Glioma Patients: A Systematic Review.

Multiple inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers have been established as independent prognostic factors across various solid tumors, but their role in outcomes prediction for glioma is still under investigation. Aim of the present systematic review is to report the available evidence regarding the impact of nutritional assessment and intervention for glioma prognosis and patients' quality of life (QoL). Our systematic review conformed to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched to identify studies assessing the impact of nutritional status and intervention and hematological biomarkers on survival outcomes and quality of life in patients with newly diagnosed gliomas. In the search strategy Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were used. Search terms included ("nutritional status" or "nutritional assessment" or "nutritional intervention") AND ("glioma" or "glioblastoma" or "high-grade glioma" or "low-grade glioma" or "anaplastic astrocytoma" or "anaplastic oligodendroglioma") AND ("prognosis" or "survival outcomes"). The quality of each study was investigated based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) criteria. Selected papers were in English and included publications in humans. This study was registered on PROSPERO (Registration No. CRD42024555442). Our search retrieved 20 papers published between 2015 and 2023, all aiming at investigating correlations between hematological biomarkers (albumin, prealbumin, fibrinogen) and/or nutritional tools (Controlling Nutritional Score, CONUT; Prognostic Nutritional Index, PNI) and survival outcomes and quality of life of glioma patients. Nutritional intervention as well was evaluated for outcomes prediction. Overall, most papers contributed to the evidence of how nutritional assessment and inflammatory biomarkers could play an independent prognostic role also in the management of glioma patients. PNI, CONUT score and hematological biomarkers (e.g. albumin, globulin, neutrophils, lymphocytes) may serve as useful predictors in patients with gliomas, potentially influencing clinical decisions. Additional large-scale studies are required to validate these findings and determine the mechanisms by which nutritional status, systemic inflammation and immune status affect prognosis in glioma patients.

Effect of tropical climates on the quality of commonly used antibiotics: the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionMedicine quality can be influenced by environmental factors. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with tropical climates, storage facilities of medicines in healthcare settings and homes may be suboptimal. However,...

Effectiveness of Various Sternal Closure Devices Post Adult Cardiac Surgery

Sternotomy remains a commonly used technique to access the heart for cardiac surgery worldwide. To date, there is no clear consensus on the single superior sternal closure technique. Patient-specific factors such as osteoporosis, diabetes, old age, body habitus influence a surgeon's choice in this matter as do techniques commonly used during the training period and used in the current workplace. The goal is to achieve good bony union and prevent deep sternal wound infection and mediastinitis. Utilising stainless steel wires to repair the sternum is still the most prevalent technique. Numerous studies demonstrate no superiority with infection prevention or sternal dehiscence when comparing simple interrupted wiring techniques to more specialised techniques such as longitudinal sternal wiring or figure-of-eight wiring. There may be a reduction in wound complications with sternal plating compared to wiring. This is especially true for patients with one or more risk factors, who may benefit from sternal reinforcement with specialised or advanced wiring or additional plating. The aim of this study was to explore the optimal sternal closure technique post-adult cardiac surgery. A retrospective study of all patients undergoing cardiac surgery with the aid of sternotomy in the year 2021 was conducted at a quaternary hospital. Results were analysed following sternal re-approximation using wires, cables or plating in the short term (<30 days) and at 1-year follow up. The primary outcome measure was 1 year free from surgical reintervention with secondary outcome measures including rates of superficial infection, wound dehiscence, deep sternal infection and mediastinitis as well as the need for further active management or surgical reintervention. This study demonstrated superior outcomes following wire closure versus cable closure including a decreased need for surgical reintervention, intravenous antibiotics or readmission with a trend towards reduced sternal non-union. The results were similar among patients who had wires as opposed to plating. It was also observed that risk factors including diabetes, emergency surgery and the need to return to theatre increased the patient's risk for short-term postoperative sternal complications including superficial and deep infections, wound dehiscence and sternal non-union. This study would support the use of wires as the superior sternal repair technique when taking into account the lower cost profile of wires vs sternal plating with similar sternal outcomes. There was an increased need for surgical reintervention, readmission and intravenous antibiotics following the use of cables for sternal closure.

A novel approach to designing wire mesh demisters for surface separators: experimental, CFD, and artificial intelligence perspectives

A novel approach to designing wire mesh demisters for surface separators: experimental, CFD, and artificial intelligence perspectives

A novel approach to designing wire mesh demisters for surface separators: experimental, CFD, and artificial intelligence perspectives

A novel approach to designing wire mesh demisters for surface separators: experimental, CFD, and artificial intelligence perspectives

Risk and Protective Factors of Anxiety in Nurses During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted nurses, exposing them to challenges that have affected their overall well-being. Most nurses have experienced psychosocial problems, including anxiety. This study aims to identify the protective and risk factors associated with anxiety among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review was used as a method in this study. Eight databases were used Science Direct, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, ProQuest, Scopus, Taylor &amp; Francis, and JSTOR. The literature search was conducted using keywords derived from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) framework. The search terms included: Nurses OR "staff nurses" OR "healthcare professionals", AND "factors associated with anxiety" OR "risk factors" OR "protective factors", AND "COVID-19" OR "COVID-19 pandemic". The data were further analyzed by critically assessing the quality of the articles using the JBI and CASP checklists. The research articles included in the review were cross-sectional studies published between 2020 and 2022, written in English, available in full text, and specifically focused on protective and risk factors for anxiety. A risk of bias assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment checklist. A total of 33 articles were reviewed, revealing two primary themes of protective and risk factors: internal and external factors. Internal factors included variables such as age and gender, while external factors encompassed aspects such as hospital status. Based on the findings, it is recommended that hospitals implement mental health and psychosocial support interventions as promotive and preventive efforts to improve the nurses' psychological well-being.

Nutritional Strategies Prescribed During Pregnancy and Weight Gain in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

Background/Objectives: This systematic review aims to identify diets related to weight gain in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, and its protocol was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023432322). The searches used the medical subject headings in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE databases. Studies were selected, and data were extracted by three researchers. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tool were used to assess methodological quality. Results: Six articles were included, most of them of the cohort type, with nutritional strategies lasting 2–15 weeks for overweight/obese women, based on the “macronutrient-adjusted diet” and “calorie-adjusted diet”. Only one study addressed dietary counseling in weight management, and none considered the dietary pattern. The gestational weight gain was 4.91–13.8 kg, and a lower weight gain was found in all studies that used the “macronutrient-adjusted diet” nutritional strategy. However, it did not meet the gestational weight gain targets. Conclusions: Despite the limited number of studies examining the impact of nutritional strategies on weight gain in women with GDM, some research suggests that diets focused on macronutrient adjustment may lead to less weight gain but are not adequate. Therefore, future studies are needed to evaluate which type of nutritional strategies ensure weight gain control during pregnancy.

Mosquito control activities associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever in Indonesia: A literature review

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is an endemic disease. It has become a public health concern. Mosquito control activities are needed to control vectors and prevent DHF. Therefore, we conduct a literature review of mosquito control activities associated with DHF in Indonesia. This study applies the selected articles using PRISMA (Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses), and they are sourced from Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, ProQuest, Ebscohost, and Portal Garuda. The criteria for the selected articles are full-text articles, published in 2015-2020, and those which are published in national journals SINTA 2 or international journals. This study reviewed 683 articles, out of which were selected for further examination. The key variables, such as draining water containers, covering water containers, burying and recycling used containers, using mosquito repellent, using larvacide , keeping larva-eating fish, having mosquito repellent plants, installing wire mesh on ventilation, showed significant correlation with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) incidence. Among the selected articles, 38.89% employed cross-sectional design, and the rest belonged to case-control studies. Most articles have variable draining water containers (55.56%), 50% covers water containers, 80% have a significant association between draining water containers and DHF incidence, and 66.67% have a significant association between covering water containers and DHF incidence. Most articles show that not implementing PSN (Pemberantasan sarang nyamuk) or PSN 3M (Pemberantasan sarang nyamuk, menguras, menutup, mengubur plus) is associated with the incidence of DHF and is a risk factor for the occurrence of DHF. On the other hand, the implementation of PSN or PSN 3M Plus will be a protective factor.

The Epidemiology of Dengue Fever: Comparative Analysis of Urban and Rural Transmission Dynamics

Background: Dengue fever poses a significant public health challenge, with over 3 billion individuals at risk globally. Traditionally, urban environments have been associated with higher dengue transmission rates, primarily due to dense populations and favorable conditions for Aedes aegypti proliferation. However, recent studies indicate a notable increase in dengue prevalence in rural areas. Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive literature review, employing Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keyword searches across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The analysis focused on defining rurality, examining transmission mechanisms, and comparing dengue incidence between urban and rural settings. Results: The findings reveal that dengue transmission risk in rural regions often equals or exceeds that in urban areas. Variability in definitions of rurality complicates the assessment of dengue dynamics. Many rural areas exhibit characteristics traditionally linked to urban settings, such as increased human mobility and altered land use patterns, which can enhance vector breeding sites and transmission rates. Conclusion: The study underscores the necessity for enhanced surveillance and understanding of dengue transmission in rural contexts. It emphasizes that while population size is relevant, environmental and infrastructural factors significantly influence dengue risk. Effective public health interventions must address these complexities, especially as rural areas increasingly contribute to dengue epidemiology.

Experimental investigation of the corrosion effect and repair effectiveness for an RC beam with the corroded stirrups

To investigate the effectiveness of selected repair materials and reinforcement methods on the shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with corroded stirrups, 14 RC beam specimens were designed with corroded stirrups exhibiting weight loss rates of 10% and 17%. Additionally, control specimens without repairs were included to assess the impact of pre-corroded stirrups on strength development. A three-point bending test was conducted to evaluate the shear strength of the specimens under various repair and reinforcement scenarios. Epoxy mortar, cement mortar, and non-shrinkage cement mortar were selected as repair materials, while spot-welded steel wire mesh (WWM) and carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) were used to enhance repair effectiveness. The results indicate that, for the specimens with corroded stirrups showing weight loss rates of 10% and 17%, their shear strengths decreased by up to 17% and 21%, respectively, compared to specimens without any corrosion. Additionally, the shear strengths of the specimens repaired using epoxy mortar were slightly increased by reinforcing with WWM and CFRP. However, the shear strengths of most specimens with repair and reinforcement were lower than their original shear strengths. For practical design applications, this work introduces a novel approach to quantifying the effectiveness of repair materials in conjunction with reinforcement methods, based on the softened strut-and-tie model (SST), which was verified using experimental data.

The lived experience of living liver donors: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

BackgroundLiving liver donors are frequently used for liver transplantation, but they experience many physical changes and psychological challenges. A better understanding of the experiences of liver donors can provide them with comprehensive and individualized patient-centred support and health care. Thus, this study sought to identify and synthesize existing qualitative studies to develop an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of living liver donors.MethodA meta-synthesis was conducted and reported in accordance with the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research statement. Seven databases were systematically searched from inception to March, 2024, using a combination of Medical Subject Headings with keywords. The results were integrated using the three-step thematic synthesis method suggested by Thomas and Harden.ResultsNine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-synthesis. Four themes emerged from the meta-synthesis: (1) facing a life-changing situation, (2) experiencing changes in interpersonal relationships, (3) coping with changes, and (4) achieving personal growth.ConclusionsLiving liver donors experienced physical, psychological, and social changes after surgery, striving to manage these challenges, highlighting the importance of coping strategies and ultimately achieving personal growth. Future nursing research should focus on psychological interventions, supportive measures, and the positive aspects of living liver donors to help them achieve the optimal quality of life.Trial registrationPROSPERO CRD42022328947.

Essential visual skills required for boxing: A review

Background: Boxing requires athletes to possess specific visual skills to effectively evaluate situations and react in a timely manner. Understanding these skills is crucial for the training and development of athletes.Aim: This review aimed to summarise and analyse the essential visual skills required for boxing, highlighting their importance beyond basic visual acuity.Method: Studies were obtained from various databases, including Science Direct, Google Scholar, CISTI Source, SPORTDiscus and PubMed. A comprehensive keyword search was conducted, searching Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) ‘visual skills’, ‘hand-eye coordination’, ‘peripheral vision’, ‘eye movements’, ‘boxing’, ‘boxing rules’, ‘reaction time’, ‘speed of recognition’, ‘accommodation facility’, ‘visual memory’, ‘combat sport’, ‘depth perception’, ‘motor learning’, and ‘cognitive function’.Results: A total of 35 full-text English-language articles were included in the review after the removal of duplicates and the full-text review process. The review found that the essential visual skills required for boxing are depth perception, accommodation facility, saccadic eye movements, hand-eye coordination, peripheral awareness, speed and span of recognition, reaction time, visual memory and anticipation.Conclusion: The findings suggest that training programmes for boxers should incorporate exercises to enhance these visual skills. Further research is needed to develop specific training protocols and evaluate their effectiveness.Contribution: This review provides a comprehensive overview of visual skills in boxing, offering insights into their role in athletic performance. The study contributes to the development of more effective training strategies and highlights the need for further research in sports vision.

EFFECTIVENESS OF WALKING EXERCISE ON HBA1C AND BMI OF DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background : Survey data shows that there are 51.9% of DM sufferers who do not exercise as an alternative to controlling diabetes. Walking exercise has been demonstrated to have an impact on BMI and HbA1c in one trial, but only in people with prediabetes. Objective: Analyzed the results of primary research regarding the effectiveness of walking exercise in controlling the HbA1c and body mass index (BMI). Methods: Design of this study was a systematic review. Data sources of this article was from 4 databases (Scopus, EBSCO, Proquest and Pubmed). Search for articles for the last 10 years, Mar 2015- Mar 2024. The research method used PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Article selection used the PICO framework. Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) is used to search for keywords. The quality assessment of an article is assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) format. Results: Walking exercise has a positive effect on HbA1c and BMI. Four of the eight articles showed a significant effect of walking exercise on reducing HbA1c. Three of the 7 articles showed a significant effect of walking exercise on reducing BMI. Conclusion: Walking exercise is a type of physical exercise that is considered to have a positive effect on body health for both diabetics and non-diabetics. Walking exercise can improve the metabolic status of diabetes sufferers by reducing blood glucose levels, HbA1c and BMI.

Commissioning of the Varian universal interstitial cylinder system for HDR brachytherapy of gynecological cancer.

This paper outlines the commissioning of the Varian (VMS, Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA) Universal Interstitial Cylinder (UIC) applicator set for Ir-192 HDR brachytherapy. The UIC was commissioned for use with CT and MRI and a custom phantom was designed to avoid the introduction of water-like materials into the needle guide tracks. Various marker strands were investigated to determine which allowed the most accurate reconstruction of source positions. Planar kV and MV imaging, along with physical measurements and autoradiographs, were used to commission the physical dimensions of all components of the UIC applicator set. CT and MR imaging was used to further commission one configuration of the UIC with UCP and eight interstitial needles in a simulated clinical setup using a GYN phantom. Three different methods of channel identification were compared - no radio opaque markers, VMS numbered markers, or nylon coated stainless steel leader wires - to see which best aided in channel identification and image registration. An HDR MRI Lumen marker (C4 Imaging, LLC) was used to verify any applicator rotation on MR scans during image registration. Three types of GYN phantoms were investigated - wet towel, gelatin, and ground beef. Dimensions of all components were compared with vendor provided information, including the solid applicator models, which are based on the computer-aided design model files of the specific applicators. The dimensions of the applicators could be validated using physical measurements, kV and MV planar imaging, and CT scans. The ground beef based GYN phantom best eliminated the introduction of water into the needle guide tracks that was found when using a water or gel-based phantom. CT scans using no radio opaque markers did not allow the plastic needles to be visualized well enough to digitize source positions. CT scans with VMS markers showed significant artifact. CT scans with the nylon coated stainless steel wires provided the best visibility of the needle locations to aid in digitizing source positions. The use of an MR marker allowed the channel to be identified on the MR scan and confirm rotation for image registration. The UIC set and applicator configuration was commissioned for CT and MR based treatment planning. The plastic components of the UIC applicator set pose challenges to the commissioning process but the use of radio opaque markers seen on CT combined with MR image registration allow the source positions within the needles, as well as the location of the end of the needles, to be digitized appropriately. A ground beef phantom minimized the fluid introduced into the needle guide track, minimizing any unintended MR and CT signal in the needle guide tracks.

Gastric Cancer: Molecular Characterization, Therapeutic Innovations, and Perspectives

Abstract Introduction Gastric cancer is the fifth most common neoplasm and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. The present review aims to offer to the oncologic community the molecular characterization of gastric cancer, the therapeutic innovations and the perspectives for the systemic therapy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods We searched for articles in the PubMed database using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). The latest publications and proceedings of meetings were also reviewed. Results The cornerstone of the systemic therapy for gastric cancer is the dual combination of fluoropyrimidines and platin-based chemotherapy. Nevertheless, it is recommended that gastric cancer patients are tested for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H), programmed cell death-ligand 1(PD-L1), and claudin 18.2 expression. If HER2-positive, trastuzumab plus pembrolizumab should be added to the doublet chemotherapy. Anti-programmed cell death-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy, such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab, should also be added to chemotherapy in MSI-H and in the PD-L1-positive patients. Patients who present overexpression of claudin 18.2 should be treated with the combination of zolbetuximab and oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. Immunotherapy may also be considered in patients with high tumor mutational burden. Clinical trials evaluating fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) inhibitors and the dual inhibition anti-PD-1 and anti-T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains (anti-TIGIT) are promising. Conclusions The clinical applicability of precision medicine in gastric cancer has risen in the past few decades, leading to substantial improvements in the efficacy of the systemic therapy. Testing patients for biomarkers is paramount for the appropriate management of advanced disease. Ongoing clinical trials evaluating new therapeutic strategies are promising and offer optimism for the patients affected by this challenging disease.

DUTIES OF NURSES IN THE FIELD OF ROBOTIC SURGERY. ADVANTAGES AND PERSPECTIVES

Background: The integration of robotic surgery into modern medical practices has transformed operative methodologies, necessitating an evolution in the roles of operating room nurses. Methods: The method of literature review through deductive content analysis was used for the study. Three databases were selected according to criteria scale and possibility of free access – Science Direct, PubMed (Medline), Scopus. Keywords/phrases corresponding to MeSH terminology (Medical Subject Headings) have been defined - ''robot surgery'', ''nurses'', ''robot assisted surgery'', ''nursing care'', ''laparoscopic surgery'', ''nurse's role'' Results: The literature review yielded 10 selected publications for analysis. These publications covered diverse topics such as nurses' experiences in robotic-assisted surgery, perioperative nursing roles, and evaluations of nursing interventions in robotic procedures. Conclusion: Nurses play main roles in robotic surgery across preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases. As technology advances, nurses need continuous training and updated protocols to meet the specific demands of robotic procedures. The study emphasizes the wide-ranging responsibilities of nurses and calls for ongoing research to enhance their contribution to the evolving field of robotic surgery.

Effect of Cadmium Chloride Administration and Restraint Stress Model on Cardiac Function of Female Wistar Rats

Psychological stress which is becoming an epidemic due to continental economic meltdown, wars, climate change, disasters has reached a point of global health concern and can be mimicked in rats by restraint stress model. Cadmium chloride is a heavy metal salt whose exposure can be through inhalation, drinking contaminated water, sheltering and watering. This study therefore evaluated the combined effects of restraint stress and cadmium chloride on cardiac function of female Wistar rats. Twenty four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats each. Control (CTL) group received only water and animal feed ad libitum. Restraint stress (RSS) group was restrained using wire mesh for 30 minutes each day for 21 days. Cadmium chloride (CDC) group received 100mg/kg b.w of Cadmium chloride orally and daily for 21 days. Restraint stress and Cadmium chloride group (RSC) was restrained for 30 minutes and received Cadmium chloride (100mg/kg) daily for 21days. Twenty four hours after the last procedures, the ECG of the rats was taken and then all rats were anesthetized and their blood collected for biochemical assay. Their hearts were also removed for histology studies. The result showed that restraint stress and cadmium chloride caused an altered electrical conductivity of the heart independently and their combination caused an exacerbated effect. The serum troponin I (cTnI), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Creatine kinase (CK) were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in RSS and CDC groups when compared with the control however the LDH level was significantly higher in the RSC group when compared with other groups. Histology of the hearts of the rats indicated that both restraint stress and cadmium chloride caused necrosis in the hearts of the rats. In conclusion, the combined exposures to cadmium chloride administration and restraint stress have exacerbated deleterious effects on cardiac function of female Wistar rats.