Mobilization Procedures Research Articles

Magnesium as an adjunct in regional anesthesia: literature review

Neringa Umaraitė1, Audronė Grigaliūnaitė2, Ramūnas Tamošiūnas2 1Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania 2Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics, Department of Anesthesiology, Kaunas, Lithuania Abstract Background. High-quality regional anesthesia should ensure good operating conditions and effective, long-lasting analgesia after surgery. Ways to prolong analgesia in order to allow early patient mobility and rehabilitation procedures are constantly being sought. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as an adjunct to local anesthetics solutions is an attractive option and is being extensively studied. The aim: to review the scientific literature on usage of MgSO4 as an adjunct in regional anesthesia and to provide clinical conclusions for the application of MgSO4 in this anesthesia. Methods: The search of the scientific literature was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar online databases, using the following keywords and their combinations: ,,magnesium“, ,,peripheral nerve block“, ,,brachial plexus block“, ,,TAP block”, ,,spinal anesthesia“, ,,epidural anesthesia“, ,,neuraxial anesthesia“. 19 publications were included. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the literature. Results. Regardless of type of regional anesthesia, magnesium combined with a local anesthetic shortens the duration of analgesic onset, prolongs both sensory and motor block durations, alleviates postoperative pain. Furthermore, less analgesics are consumed during surgery and postoperative period. Also, magnesium has advantage over some adjuvants to complement the action of local anesthetics or to avoid certain adverse effects. However, there is no consensus on what concentrations and volumes of MgSO4 solution should be used for different types of regional anesthesia. Conclusions. MgSO4, when used as an adjunct in regional anesthesia, enhances the action of local anesthetics without increasing the frequency of adverse effects. Keywords: magnesium sulfate, regional anesthesia, peripheral blocks, neuraxial anesthesia. Full article https://doi.org/10.53453/ms.2023.2.18

Determinants of increased nursing workload in the COVID-era: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

COVID-19 is associated with increased nursing workload, therefore a high nurse-to-patient ratio would be required. To analyse difference in nursing workload, as expressed with the Nursing Activities Score (NAS), between COVID-19 patients versus control patients without COVID-19 disease (NCOVID-19 group) in an Italian Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) centre. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data, enrolling consecutive patients admitted to a general Intensive Care Unit, between 1st May 2019 and 28th February 2021. A multivariate analysis was then performed to assess if COVID-19 disease was an independent predictor of higher NAS and to assess which other factors and procedures are independently associated with increased workload. We enrolled 574 patients, of which 135 (24%) were in the COVID-19 group and 439 (76%) in the NCOVID-19 group. The average NAS was higher in the COVID-19 group (79 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 15, T=-10.026; p < 0.001). Prone positioning, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and ECMO were used more frequently in the COVID-19 group. A higher fraction of patients in the COVID group showed colonization from multidrug resistant bacteria. COVID-19 group had a higher duration of mechanical ventilation and longer ICU stay. The COVID-19 diagnosis was independently associated with a higher NAS. Other independent predictors of higher NAS were the use of prone positioning and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Colonization from multidrug resistant bacteria and ECMO support were not independently associated with higher NAS. The higher nursing workload in COVID-19 patients is mainly due to specific procedures required to treat the most hypoxemic patients, such as prone positioning. Colonization with multidrug resistant bacteria and ECMO support were not independently associated with a higher NAS. Higher workload in COVID-19 patients was due to specific interventions, such as prone positioning and CRRT, with the related nursing activities, as continuous presence at patient's bed, mobilization, positioning and complex hygienic procedures.

Determination of free and total meropenem levels in human plasma and its application for the consistency evaluation of generic drugs.

The consistency evaluation of generic drugs is important for the overall reformation of drug registration in China. In this study, we used meropenem as a model drug to explore the key techniques for clinical consistency evaluation by studying the plasma protein binding ratio of different preparations. Because the free portion of drug is the effective part in vivo, it is essential to measure the free drug concentration in the circulatory system. Therefore, in this study, a fast and accurate HPLC-MS/MS method was developed to determine the total and free concentrations of meropenem in human plasma. Simple protein precipitation procedures were used for the sample processing assay, and ultrafiltration was implemented for the separation of free drugs. Liquid chromatography separation was performed using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) silica (2.1 × 50 mm, 3 μm) column. The mobile phase and sample preparation procedures were optimized. Factors affecting the measurement of free drug concentration were also explored. Nonspecific binding of the ultrafiltration membrane was negligible because the recovery rate for post-ultrafiltration was greater than 96%. Under optimal conditions, the drug concentrations were linear from 0.5 to 50 μg/mL for both total and free drug concentrations. The plasma protein binding (PPB) ratio was calculated based on the free and total drug concentrations. The PPB of meropenem varied from 1.4% to 24.2% in different subjects. The validated method was applied to evaluate PPB of four preparations, and the results varied from 6.57 ± 3.19% to 10.40 ± 8.31%. ANOVA showed no significant differences between the four preparations. We established a rapid, robust, and reliable method for the determination of total and free meropenem concentrations using LC-MS/MS with ultrafiltration techniques. The method provided a new perspective for the clinical consistency evaluation of generic drugs.

High-performance Liquid Chromatography based Methods for Determination of Antitubercular Drugs in Urine Samples: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. TB is primarily caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) and the percentage of Multi-Drug Resistance TB (MDR-TB) and Extensively Drug Resistance TB (XDR-TB) is increasing daily in many developing countries. Aim: To summarise different High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-based methods for checking treatment adherence and drug monitoring of patients by estimating the amount of Anti-tubercular (Anti-TB) drugs in urine samples. Materials and Methods: The authors conducted a search and screened various databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) using different keywords between April 2023 and June 2023. The authors included original research articles, clinical trials, and observational studies that focused on estimating anti-TB drugs in urine samples using HPLC. The authors excluded articles that employed methods other than HPLC for drug estimation in urine samples. A total of 13 articles were included in this review. Results: The authors identified 296 articles from different electronic databases and four articles from other sources (Google Scholar, ResearchGate, etc.). Ultimately, 13 articles were included describing HPLC-based methods for determining anti-TB drugs in urine samples. Data was extracted focusing on mobile phases and sample preparation/extraction procedures. Two articles of 2004 and 2014 reported simple mobile phases and sample preparation methods for estimating rifampicin and isoniazid. Additionally, articles published in the last five years have employed simple mobile phases with minimal or no extraction procedures. Conclusion: The present review summarises various HPLCbased methods reported in the literature, as it is considered the gold standard method for checking treatment adherence in TB patients. Urine samples were chosen for ease of collection, particularly from patients of different age groups, including the paediatric population. This review highlights the need for more HPLC-based methods with simple mobile phases and extraction procedures for early detection of anti-TB drugs in resource-poor settings.

Effects of nutrition education via a mobile-based game on nutritional knowledge, dietary habits and anthropometric indices in preschool children: A study protocol

Preschool age is a great time to learn a healthy lifestyle, for behavior therapy. Mobile health procedures are inexpensive, reliable, and accessible. This project has two phases. The KidFood mobile game and two nutrition knowledge questionnaires were designed during the first phase. In the second phase, a six-month, parallel, blinded, randomized controlled trial will perform on 120 Iranian children aged 5 to 6 years. Before and after nutritional education via KidFood, the dietary habits, the nutritional knowledge of parents and children, and the anthropometric indices of children will be evaluated.

Опыт концептуализации специальных военных операций в современном праве

Special military operations are associated with the establishment of a special legal regime in a certain territory or in relation to certain actions, as well as with the special activities of collective subjects and military officials. Difficulties in international legal and law enforcement conceptualization give rise to various forms of legal understanding of the phenomenon of “special military operation”. The article discusses interrelated conceptual, legal, and institutional issues of special military operations, including the way they apply to Russia’s special military operation (SMO) in Ukraine at different stages of legal regulation. In terms of differentiation of the legal regulation’s object, SMO is already regulated by over 30 federal laws and subsidiary legislation acts, and this list continues to grow. The specifics of the formation of special legislation on SMO that forms a separate subject area of the Russian law is revealed. Specialization of legislation first manifested itself at the level of individual legal norms (such as military award procedures in SMO area) and sub-institutions (such as ensuring monetary and social security of its participants, partial mobilization procedures etc.), with subsequent optimization and integration of legal regulation into single legal institution of SMO. Legal regulation problems in the field of military confrontation in cyber-space and at sea actualized by SMO are also addressed. The authors conclude that some features of social relations to be regulated in the case of SMO require certain legal norms and the method of legal regulation to be revised, as the existing legal mechanisms do not always function effectively.

Despite Use of Upfront Plerixafor and G-CSF, Daratumumab Exposure Reduces Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Introduction Daratumumab is an anti-CD38 IgG1k monoclonal antibody with direct tumor killing and immunomodulatory mechanisms of action which was shown to have clinical benefits when added to the standard-of-care induction regimen in transplant eligible multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, prior studies have indicated a potential reduction in stem cell yield in patients exposed to daratumumab prior to stem cell mobilization. Additionally, prior studies have not utilized combination mobilization regimens with G-CSF and the CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor as standard-of-care, which may overcome the deleterious effect of daratumumab. In this study, we investigated the stem cell yield of plerixafor-treated patients with daratumumab exposure compared to those without. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of patients with MM at our institution who underwent autologous stem cell mobilization and collection during first-line treatment over a 15-month period from 2021-2022. Following induction, patients underwent mobilization with a regimen of G-CSF for 5 days with plerixafor on the 4th day. Circulating CD34+ stem cells were enumerated on the 5th day, after which patients underwent approximately 20L apheresis with a collection goal of 5x106 CD34+ cells/kg of body weight. The primary endpoint of this study was the comparison of circulating CD34+ cells between patients who received daratumumab during induction and those who did not. Secondary endpoints included collection CD34+ yield and proportion who met the collection goal. Results 123 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 65 (range: 34-77), 54% were male, and 84% were White. Twenty-two percent were stage I, 58% stage II, and 19% stage III by the Revised International Staging System. Forty-seven percent received daratumumab during induction. Of those, the median number of cycles administered was 4 (range: 1-5). Ninety percent received daratumumab in combination with bortezomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone. The two cohorts were balanced in terms of age, gender, race, and exposure to lenalidomide, alkylators and radiation during induction. Patients with daratumumab exposure had a mean mobilization of 57.5 CD34+ cells/mcl compared to 96.4 for those without (p < 0.001). The mean CD34+ cell collection yield in 1 apheresis procedure was 6.0 x 106 cells/kg compared to 10.6 x 106 cells/kg (p < 0.001). Fifty-three percent of patients with daratumumab exposure met the collection goal compared to 80% of patients without (p < 0.001). Of the patients who did not meet the goal in one apheresis procedure, the majority were able to meet the goal with 1-3 additional days of apheresis (Figure 1). However, only 86% of patients with daratumumab exposure met the collection goal compared to 97% of those without (p < 0.001). Ten patients failed to collect 2.0 x 106 cells/kg, the institutional minimum for transplantation, 9 of which received daratumumab during induction. Eight were able to collect the minimum with an additional 1-3 days of apheresis; 2 patients required an additional mobilization procedure and collection but were able to proceed to transplantation. After adjusting for covariates including age, gender, race, weight, and exposure to lenalidomide, alkylators, and radiation, daratumumab exposure was associated with a 37.9 cells/mcl decrease in mean mobilization of CD34+ and 4.2 x 106 cells/kg decrease in CD34+ cell collection (both p < 0.001). Alkylator exposure was associated with a 43.3 cells/mcl decrease in mean mobilization of CD34+ (p = 0.040) and 4.1 x 106 cells/kg decrease in CD34+ cell collection (p = 0.057). Lenalidomide exposure was associated with a 103.4 cells/mcl decrease in mean mobilization of CD34+ (p <0.001) and 8.7 x 106 cells/kg decrease in CD34+ cell collection (p <0.001). Conclusion Inclusion of daratumumab in the induction regimen for transplant-eligible patients with MM resulted in a significant reduction in stem cell mobilization and stem cell yield, even with the use of plerixafor-containing mobilization regimens. This reduction was similar to alkylator exposure but less than lenalidomide exposure. With the increasing use of quadruplet induction regimens, the frequency of mobilization failure is likely to increase in the future and new mobilization regimens and approaches are needed to guarantee adequate cell yields without the need for additional days of apheresis and/or mobilizations. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Active 5G radio resource management measurements using a multiple CATR reflector system

AbstractThis paper presents results for active and passive measurements using a novel method based on multiple compact antenna test range (CATR) reflectors to perform simultaneous multiple angle measurements in order to characterize the beam-forming characteristics in a real environment of the 5G devices operating in the millimeter wave frequency band: 24–44 GHz. The over-the-air (OTA) system generates four planar wavefronts with different incidence angles, realizing up to five pairs of angular spreads or four switched/simultaneous angles of arrival. The initial target application is radio resource management (RRM) testing, where the execution of mobility procedures and radio link monitoring of a 5G millimeter wave device are evaluated. The applicability of the multi-reflector approach to RRM testing is measured with commercial 5G handsets, through three test scenarios. The paper demonstrates that baseband (non OTA) testing is not sufficient for RRM FR2, as the results are influenced by the direction of arrival of the signal. It is further shown that OTA testing in a multi-reflector CATR system and a careful selection of a representative set of test directions is critical for full characterization of the performance of a wireless device operating in the millimeter wave bands.

Protocol for a mobile laboratory study of co-administration of cannabis concentrates with a standard alcohol dose in humans.

Cannabis is commonly used among people who drink alcohol, yet evidence on acute effects of co-use is conflicting. Two important variables that may influence the effects of cannabis and alcohol are cannabinoid content (i.e., the ratio of cannabidiol [CBD] and 9-tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]) as well as the order of use (i.e., cannabis before alcohol vs. alcohol before cannabis). Research is mixed regarding the acute imapct of cannabis on alcohol consumption and intoxication, with some studies suggesting additive effects of alcohol and cannabis, and others demonstrating negligible effects of combining these substances. Further complicating this, high-THC-content cannabis concentrates are increasingly popular on the legal-market, but to our knowledge, no studies have explored concentrate and alcohol co-use. In addition to cannabinoid content, order of use may influence intoxication and other acute effects, but is also understudied. Co-use studies typically administer a fixed dose of alcohol before cannabis, and there is a lack of data on the acute effects of cannabis before alcohol. Thus, there is a need for experimental co-use studies exploring the impact of cannabinoid content (particularly of highly potent cannabis concentrates) and order effects on intoxication. This study uses a federally-compliant mobile laboratory procedure to explore the effects of co-administration of legal-market cannabis concentrates with a moderate alcohol dose (.8g/kg) in a sample of community participants who regularly use alcohol and cannabis. The study will also explore alcohol and cannabis order effects (cannabis before alcohol vs. alcohol before cannabis). Outcomes are objective intoxication (measured using blood cannabinoid level, heart rate, psychomotor performance and breath alcohol level [BrAC]) and subjective intoxication (assessed via self-report measures). Overall, this study may influence harm-reduction recommendations for individuals who drink alcohol and use cannabis.

In vivo measurement of intradiscal pressure changes related to thrust and non-thrust spinal manipulation in an animal model: a pilot study

BackgroundThe intervertebral disc is a known back pain generator and is frequently the focus of spinal manipulative therapy evaluation and treatment. The majority of our current knowledge regarding intradiscal pressure (IDP) changes related to spinal manual therapy involves cadaveric studies with their inherent limitations. Additional in vivo animal models are needed to investigate intervertebral disc physiological and molecular mechanisms related to spinal manipulation and spinal mobilization treatment for low back disorders.MethodsMiniature pressure catheters (Millar SPR-1000) were inserted into either the L4-L5 or L5-L6 intervertebral disc of 3 deeply anesthetized adult cats (Oct 2012-May 2013). Changes in IDP were recorded during delivery of instrument-assisted spinal manipulation (Activator V® and Pulstar®) and motorized spinal flexion with/without manual spinous process contact.ResultsMotorized flexion of 30° without spinous contact decreased IDP of the L4-L5 disc by ~ 2.9 kPa, while physical contact of the L4 spinous process decreased IDP an additional ~ 1.4 kPa. Motorized flexion of 25° with L5 physical contact in a separate animal decreased IDP of the L5-L6 disc by ~ 1.0 kPa. Pulstar® impulses (setting 1–3) increased IDP of L4-L5 and L5-L6 intervertebral discs by ~ 2.5 to 3.0 kPa. Activator V® (setting 1–4) impulses increased L4-L5 IDP to a similar degree. Net changes in IDP amplitudes remained fairly consistent across settings on both devices regardless of device setting suggesting that viscoelastic properties of in vivo spinal tissues greatly dampen superficially applied manipulative forces prior to reaching deep back structures such as the intervertebral disc.ConclusionsThis study marks the first time that feline in vivo changes in IDP have been reported using clinically available instrument-assisted spinal manipulation devices and/or spinal mobilization procedures. The results of this pilot study indicate that a feline model can be used to investigate IDP changes related to spinal manual therapy mechanisms as well as the diminution of these spinal manipulative forces due to viscoelastic properties of the surrounding spinal tissues. Additional investigation of IDP changes is warranted in this and/or other in vivo animal models to provide better insights into the physiological effects and mechanisms of spinal manual therapy at the intervertebral disc level.

Orthostatic intolerance after fast-track knee arthroplasty: Incidence and hemodynamic pathophysiology.

Early postoperative mobilization can be hindered by orthostatic intolerance (OI) due to failed orthostatic cardiovascular regulation. The underlying mechanisms are not fully understood and specific data after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the incidence of OI and the cardiovascular response to mobilization in fast-track TKA. This prospective observational cohort study included 45 patients scheduled for primary TKA in spinal anesthesia with a multimodal opioid-sparing analgesic regime. OI and the cardiovascular response to sitting and standing were evaluated with a standardized mobilization procedure preoperatively, and at 6 and 24 h postoperatively. Hemodynamic variables were measured non-invasively (LiDCO™ Rapid). Perioperative bleeding, fluid balance, surgery duration, postoperative hemoglobin, opioid use, and pain during mobilization were recorded. Eighteen (44%) and 8 (22%) patients demonstrated OI at 6 and 24 h after surgery, respectively. Four (10%) and 2 (5%) patients experienced severe OI and terminated the mobilization procedure prematurely. Dizziness was the most common OI symptom during mobilization at 6h. OI was associated with decreased orthostatic responses in systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressures, and heart rate (all p < .05), while severe OI patients demonstrated impaired diastolic, mean arterial pressures, heart rate, and cardiac output responses (all p < .05). No statistically significant differences in perioperative bleeding, fluid balance, surgery duration, postoperative hemoglobin, pain, or opioid use were observed between orthostatic tolerant and intolerant patients. Early postoperative OI is common following fast-track TKA. Pathophysiologic mechanisms include impaired orthostatic cardiovascular responses. The progression to severe OI symptoms appears to be primarily due to inadequate heart rate response.

Comparison Between Standard and High Dose of G-CSF for Mobilization of Hematopoietic Progenitors Cells in Patients and Healthy Donors.

A standard dose of 10 µg/kg/day granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF) is currently recommended for hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) mobilization. Our aim was to analyze whether certain patients or healthy donors could benefit from high dose of G-CSF.We performed a retrospective multicenter analysis of HPCs mobilization procedures (2015-2020) in patients and healthy donors. Those who received standard dose of G-CSF (10 µg/Kg/day for 4 days to patients and healthy donors) and those that received higher dose (24 µg/Kg/day for 4 days to patients and 16 µg/Kg/day for 4 days to healthy donors) were compared.496 individuals were included (201 standard dose and 295 higher dose). Between standard or higher dose, we did not find significant differences in median number of mobilized CD34+ cells/mL, neither among healthy donors (77 100 vs 75 500 respectively, P=.895), nor in patients (34 270 vs 33 704 respectively, P=.584). Additionally, among those with the same underlaying pathology the comparison between standard and higher dose did not showed differences. High G-CSF dose was not associated with a less frequent incidence of poor mobilizers (<20 000 CD34+ cells/mL) neither in healthy donors (1 [1.3%] vs 0; P=.218) nor patients (30 [24.4%] vs 32 [18.1%]; P=.165). Multivariate analysis showed that age, gender, and G-CSF dose did not influence median number of mobilized CD34+ cells/mL in healthy donors or patients. However, the underlying pathology among patients significantly influenced the CD34+ cells mobilization. In healthy donors, cellular blood count showed significantly higher leukocytes and platelets count with G-CSF high-dose, while in patients just a higher platelets count was found. To conclude, high dose of G-CSF compared to standard dose did not show significant benefit in terms of mobilization of CD34+ cells in healthy donors or in patients, also without a decrease in the incidence of poor mobilizers.

Treatment of Congenital Radioulnar Synostosis Using a Free Vascularized Fascia Lata Graft.

ObjectiveTo describe the modified mobilization surgery technique that uses a free vascularized fascia lata graft as the interposition graft, and to evaluate the outcome of this procedure in treating congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS).MethodsEleven patients (eight boys and three girls with an average age of 6.0 years) were treated using this procedure between 2012 and 2017 in our institution. Five bilateral cases (four left forearms and one right forearm were treated), and six unilateral cases (three left forearms and three right forearms) were included. All 11 cases were treated with mobilization procedure with free vascularized fascia lata as the interposition graft, and were followed‐up for an average of 2.2 years (range, 2–4 years). The parental satisfaction, postoperative ankylosis at proximal radioulnar joint, and active range of forearm rotation motion (measured by physical examination) were evaluated at the last follow‐up.ResultsThe average preoperative fixed pronation angle was 67.3° (range, 20°–90°). Ipsilateral thumb hypoplasia was noted in one case, and cleft palate and bilateral thumb hypoplasia were noted in one case; none of the patients had a family history of congenital radioulnar synostosis. Pronation and supination splints were used 3 days after the operation and were worn every night for 4–6 months postoperatively. Active and passive rehabilitation for elbow flexion and forearm rotation was initiated 4 weeks postoperatively. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years (average, 26 months; range, 24–48 months). The average forearm pronation range was 39° (range, 20°–60°), and the average forearm supination range was 33.2° (range, 10°–60°) at the latest follow‐up. Re‐ankylosis occurred in one case. An osseous bridge developed between the radius and ulna at the osteotomy site in one case. Radial nerve paralysis developed in two cases and spontaneously resolved 2 months later. Plate breakage was noted in one case 9 weeks postoperatively; however, union was achieved 7 months later.ConclusionMobilization of proximal radioulnar synostosis using a free vascularized fascia lata graft as the interposition graft may prevent re‐ankylosis and restore the forearm rotation function, making it a good option for the surgical treatment of CRUS.

The effectiveness of mobilization and manipulation on patients suffering from cervical spine injuries

Patients with neck pain undergoing cervical mobilization and manipulation were monitored for changes in ROM and pain. The cervical spine was manipulated and mobilized. An inclinometer was used to measure cervical range of motion. VAS was used to gauge the severity of the pain in the cervical region (VAS). A total of 35 patients agreed to participate. The participants' ages ranged from 15 to 70, with an average of 46.5 years. Neck pain and limited cervical range of motion were common symptoms among the participants in this study. We saw a decrease in pain intensity and an increase in cervical range of motion in our patients. All metrics had significant pre-treatment variations (p0.01 at the first, fourth, and tenth visits). Patients with neck pain may benefit from the use of cervical spine Mobilization and Manipulation procedures, according to the findings of this study.

EEG Hyperscanning and Qualitative Analysis of Moments of Interest in Music Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation-A Feasibility Study.

Interdisciplinary research into the underlying neural processes of music therapy (MT) and subjective experiences of patients and therapists are largely lacking. The aim of the current study was to assess the feasibility of newly developed procedures (including electroencephalography/electrocardiography hyperscanning, synchronous audio–video monitoring, and qualitative interviews) to study the personal experiences and neuronal dynamics of moments of interest during MT with stroke survivors. The feasibility of our mobile setup and procedures as well as their clinical implementation in a rehabilitation centre and an acute hospital ward were tested with four phase C patients. Protocols and interviews were used for the documentation and analysis of the feasibility. Recruiting patients for MT sessions was feasible, although data collection on three consecutive weeks was not always possible due to organisational constraints, especially in the hospital with acute ward routines. Research procedures were successfully implemented, and according to interviews, none of the patients reported any burden, tiredness, or increased stress due to the research procedures, which lasted approx. 3 h (ranging from 135 min to 209 min) for each patient. Implementing the research procedures in a rehabilitation unit with stroke patients was feasible, and only small adaptations were made for further research.

An Efficient 5G Data Plan Approach Based on Partially Distributed Mobility Architecture.

Reaching a flat network is the main target of future evolved packet core for the 5G mobile networks. The current 4th generation core network is centralized architecture, including Serving Gateway and Packet-data-network Gateway; both act as mobility and IP anchors. However, this architecture suffers from non-optimal routing and intolerable latency due to many control messages. To overcome these challenges, we propose a partially distributed architecture for 5th generation networks, such that the control plane and data plane are fully decoupled. The proposed architecture is based on including a node Multi-session Gateway to merge the mobility and IP anchor gateway functionality. This work presented a control entity with the full implementation of the control plane to achieve an optimal flat network architecture. The impact of the proposed evolved packet Core structure in attachment, data delivery, and mobility procedures is validated through simulation. Several experiments were carried out by using NS-3 simulation to validate the results of the proposed architecture. The Numerical analysis is evaluated in terms of total transmission delay, inter and intra handover delay, queuing delay, and total attachment time. Simulation results show that the proposed architecture performance-enhanced end-to-end latency over the legacy architecture.

Análise netnográfica dos impactos do COVID-19 no turismo do Brasil

Brazilian tourism has experienced the restrictions on mobility and new rigid health procedures as a result of the COVID‑19. pandemic The present research aimed at analysing the impacts of coronavirus on tourism as based on the perceptions of specialists in the area, as given live on the social network Instagram and in interviews. In order to study the impacts, an exploratory qualitative approach was chosen, using the techniques of net(h)nography. Thus, of the results obtained, the study highlights the understanding that post‑COVID‑19 tourism will recover at a slower pace than other sectors of the economy acquiring formats that privilege domestic tourism, requiring public managers to exercise perspicacity in development and management processes that allow tourist destinations to adapt to the new market demands.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFICACY OF CRYOTHERAPY AND MYOFASCIAL RELEASE TECHNIQUE IN CALF MUSCLE SPASTICITY IN SPASTIC DIPLEGIC CEREBRAL PALSY CHILDREN

The greatest substantial consequence of juvenile impairment is cerebral palsy (CP). Spasticity of numerous muscle groupings is common after Central Nervous System damage. Spasticity causes functioning issues. For individuals suffering from CP ankle anomalies seem strongly tied to workable limits. Spastic CP is highest frequent type of CP, which limits child's responsive status and prohibits them from participating in communal activities. Soft tissue mobilisation procedures would be used in variety ways. Cryotherapy is interventional method for stiffness in neurological patients that has narrow advantage. MFR can potentially utilised against spasticity. The focus of this investigation is to evaluate Cryotherapy and MFR influence over calf muscle stiffness in participants who have Spastic Diplegic CP. The survey's goal is to determine efficacy of Cryotherapy and MFR in calf muscle spasticity in Spastic diplegic CP subjects. Thirty individuals suffering spastic diplegic CP were chosen using randomized sampling procedure. The subjects was categorised onto 3 subgroups, each of ten individuals. Cryotherapy was applied to Group A, MFR was applied to B and C Group was applied with combination of cryotherapy and MFR. Both before and after therapy, MAS and goniometry are used to assess calf muscle spasticity and ankle PROM. Overall validity of MAS and PROM comparing before and after in subgroup was determined using Tukey Test. Spasticity was reduced and range of motion was improved (p&lt;0.05) in intra group comparison. Cumulative influence of cryotherapy and MFR is beneficial in reducing calf muscle stiffness in spastic diplegic CP children, as per this investigation.

Development of a quantitative prediction model for peripheral blood stem cell collection yield in the plerixafor era

Background aimsPredicting autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection yield before leukapheresis is important for optimizing PBSC mobilization and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for treating hematological malignancies. Although guidelines for plerixafor usage based on peripheral blood CD34+ (PB-CD34+) cell count are available, their predictive performance in the real world remains unclear. MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed 55 mobilization procedures for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma and developed a novel quantitative prediction model for CD34+ cell collection yield that incorporated four clinical parameters available the day before leukapheresis; namely, PB-CD34+ cell count the day before apheresis (day −1 PB-CD34+), number of prior chemotherapy regimens, disease status at apheresis and mobilization protocol. ResultsThe effects of PB-CD34+ cell counts on CD34+ cell collection yield varied widely per patient characteristics, and plerixafor usage was recommended in patients with poorly controlled disease or those with a history of heavy pre-treatments even with abundant day −1 PB-CD34+ cell count. This model suggested a more proactive use of plerixafor than that recommended by the guidelines for patients with poor pre-collection condition or those with a higher target number of CD34+ cells. Further, the authors analyzed the clinical outcomes of ASCT and found that plerixafor use for stem cell mobilization did not affect short- or long-term outcomes after ASCT. ConclusionsAlthough external validations are necessary, the results can be beneficial for establishing more effective and safer mobilization strategies.

Reconstructive Techniques of Primary Distal Penile Hypospadias: A Meta-Analysis Study of Last 10 Years

Abstract Background Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital anomalies affecting males worldwide, with distal variants representing up to 70% of all cases. Several surgical techniques are adopted for distal hypospadias repair. However, there is still much controversy about the ideal technique. Objectives The aim of this study is to compare between the most popular reconstructive techniques for distal penile hypospadias repair. Highlighting their effectiveness, in term of success rate as well as the risk of postoperative complications. Methods For this systematic review, PubMed/Medline and ScinceDirect online databases were searched using the keywords ‘distal hypospadias, complications and outcome’. Inclusion criteria were primary repairs; distal hypospadias; pediatric case series and standard techniques. Abstracts of articles identified were reviewed, and then relevant articles were retrieved in full. Papers were only included if data on at least one of the main outcome measures was obtainable, which are postoperative fistula, meatal stenosis and glanular dehiscence. Data were pooled using CMA software, effect sizes were reported as event rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) been calculated for each outcome. Results A total of 25 studies, which included 4572 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The tubularised incised plate (TIP) was the most commonly adopted procedure followed by the peri-meatal flap (Mathieu). Few studies reported data for other techniques like onlay flap, Thiersch-Duplay, meatal advancement and MAGPI procedures, in addition to urethral mobilization technique. The overall incidence of main complications was 10.5% with comparable results among different techniques. The results are in favor of urethral mobilization and TIP procedures over Mathieu regarding the incidence of both meatal stenosis and post-operative fistula. Overall, the quality of the included studies was determined to be satisfactory. Conclusion Compared with Mathieu technique, urethral mobilization and the TIP procedure for distal penile hypospadias (DPH) reconstruction were associated with a lower risk of overall complications specifically postoperative fistula and meatal stenosis.