Restricted Period Research Articles

Antibiotic management programme in a tertiary intensive care unit: effects of a carbapenem-restricted period on clinical and laboratory parameters and costs of infections

Carbapenems are antibiotics used for serious infections. The consumption of carbapenems has increased worldwide due to increasing microbial resistance. To investigate the effects of a carbapenem-restricted antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) on changes in the resistance profiles of infectious agents, the amount of antibiotics used, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), mortality, and costs. Patients hospitalized in ICU between July 1st, 2020 and May 1st, 2021 were divided into two periods: the carbapenem-non-restricted period (CNRP); and the carbapenem-restricted period (CRP) in which alternative antibiotics to carbapenems were preferred during infection. The defined daily dose (DDD) per 100 patient-day methodology was used to calculate the antibiotic consumption. Of the 572 patients included in the study, 62.2% were male, and mean age was 70.5 years. In the blood culture the most frequently Gram-negative agent was Acinetobacter baumannii (25%). A.baumannii bloodstream infections with multidrug-resistant and extensively drug resistant micro-organisms were significantly different between the two periods (CNRP: 95.6% (N= 22), CRP: 66.6% (N= 8); P= 0.04). There was a gradual decrease in the incidence density and rate of nosocomial infection (P= 0.06), and a significant decrease in meropenem consumption between the two periods (CNRP vs CRP: 21.19 vs 6.37 DDD per 100 patient-days respectively; P= 0.007). ASP yielded US$8,600 of antibiotic cost savings and a total of 14% patient cost savings (P < 0.05) per patient. Combining an effective ASP with a comprehensive infection control programme may mitigate the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria.

Description of the fasted serum metabolomic signature of lean and obese cats at maintenance and of obese cats under energy restriction.

This study aimed to investigate the serum metabolomic profile of obese and lean cats as well as obese cats before and after energy restriction for weight loss. Thirty cats, 16 obese (body condition score 8 to 9/9) and 14 lean (body condition score 4 to 5/9), were fed a veterinary weight loss food during a 4-week period of weight maintenance (L-MAINT and O-MAINT). The 16 obese cats were then energy restricted by a 60% energy intake reduction with the same food for a 10-week period (O-RESTRICT). Fasted serum metabolites were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance and direct infusion mass spectrometry after the maintenance period for L-MAINT and O-MAINT cats and after the energy restriction period for O-RESTRICT and compared between groups using a two-sided t-test. Obese cats lost 672 g ± 303 g over the 10-week restriction period, representing a weight loss rate of 0.94 ± 0.28% per week. Glycine, l-alanine, l-histidine, l-glutamine, 2-hydroxybutyrate, isobutryric acid, citric acid, creatine, and methanol were greater in O-RESTRICT compared to O-MAINT. There was a greater concentration of long-chain acylcarnitines in O-RESTRICT compared to both O-MAINT and L-MAINT, and greater total amino acids compared to O-MAINT. Glycerol and 3-hydroxybutyric acid were greater in O-MAINT compared to L-MAINT, as were several lysophosphatidylcholines. Thus, energy restriction resulted in increased dispensable amino acids in feline serum which could indicate alterations in amino acid partitioning. An increase in lipolysis was not evident, though greater circulating acylcarnitines were observed, suggesting that fatty acid oxidation rates may have been greater under calorie restriction. More research is needed to elucidate energy metabolism and substrate utilization, specifically fatty acid oxidation and methyl status, during energy restriction in strict carnivorous cats to optimize weight loss.

Water restriction increases oxidation of endogenous amino acids in house sparrows (Passer domesticus).

Animals can cope with dehydration in a myriad of ways, both behaviorally and physiologically. The oxidation of protein produces more metabolic water per kilojoule than that of fat or carbohydrate, and it is well established that birds increase protein catabolism in response to high rates of water loss. However, the fate of amino acids mobilized in response to water restriction has not been explicitly determined. While protein catabolism releases bound water, we hypothesized that water-restricted birds would also oxidize the resulting amino acids, producing additional water as a product of oxidative phosphorylation. To test this, we fed captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) 13C-labeled leucine for 9 weeks to label endogenous proteins. We conducted weekly trials during which we measured the physiological response to water restriction as changes in lean mass, fat mass, metabolism and the enrichment of 13C in exhaled CO2 (δ13Cbreath). If water-restricted birds catabolized proteins and oxidized the resulting amino acids, we expected to simultaneously observe greater lean mass loss and elevated δ13Cbreath relative to control birds. We found that water-restricted birds catabolized more lean tissue and also had enriched δ13Cbreath in response to water restriction, supporting our hypothesis. δ13Cbreath, however, varied with metabolic rate and the length of the water restriction period, suggesting that birds may spare protein when water balance can be achieved using other physiological strategies.

Acute and chronic sleep restriction differentially modify maternal behavior and milk macronutrient composition in the postpartum rat

BackgroundsSleep restriction is considered a stressful condition itself, causing a wide variety of physiological alterations, from cognitive and hormonal to immunological status. In addition, it is established that stress in mother rats can modify milk ejection, milk composition, and maternal care of the pups. Also, sleep disturbances during the early stages of motherhood are a common feature of all studied species. In this context, while the impacts of sleep disruption in non-lactating animals were extensively investigated, its repercussions during the initial phases of motherhood have been poorly explored. Therefore, we wonder if maternal behavior, milk ejection and its macronutrient composition would be disrupted when mother rats are subjected to an additional acute or chronic sleep restriction to the already existing sleep disturbances. MethodsLactating rats were implanted with unilateral electrodes for polysomnographic recordings and for deep brain electrical stimulation into mesopontine waking-promoting area (for sleep deprivation). During the early postpartum period (postpartum day 5–9), mother rats were randomly assigned into one of three groups: chronic sleep restriction group (CSR; 6 h of sleep deprivation/day for five consecutive days), acute sleep restriction group (ASR; 6 h of sleep deprivation only for one day), or undisturbed group (control group). Active maternal behaviors (retrievals of the pups into the nest, mouthing, lickings [corporal and anogenital] and sniffing the pups) and passive maternal behaviors (kyphotic and supine nursing postures) were evaluated during a 30 min period without sleep restriction immediately after the sleep restriction or control period. The litter weight gain was assessed every day, and on the last experimental session mothers were milked for posterior macronutrients analysis (protein, carbohydrates and fat). ResultsWhen compared to control group, CSR decreased the amount of milk ejected in the middle days of the sleep restriction period, while ASR did not affect this parameter. Moreover, ASR reduced milk protein content compared to control and CSR groups. Finally, compared to the control group, CSR reduced active maternal behaviors towards the end of the treatment days. ConclusionsWe demonstrated that not only acute but also chronic sleep restriction impacts on the postpartum period, each one affecting different aspects of maternal behavior and lactation. Our results suggest the existence of a homeostatic recovery mechanism in breastfeeding during CSR, possibly ensuring the survival of the litter, while the decline in active maternal behaviors appears to be cumulative.

Acquired immune resistance is associated with interferon signature and modulation of KLF6/c-MYB transcription factors in myeloid leukemia.

Resistance to immunity is associated with the selection of cancer cells with superior capacities to survive inflammatory reactions. Here, we tailored an ex vivo immune selection model for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and isolated the residual subpopulations as "immune-experienced" AML (ieAML) cells. We confirmed that upon surviving the immune reactions, the malignant blasts frequently decelerated proliferation, displayed features of myeloid differentiation and activation, and lost immunogenicity. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a limited number of commonly altered pathways and differentially expressed genes in all ieAML cells derived from distinct parental cell lines. Molecular signatures predominantly associated with interferon and inflammatory cytokine signaling were enriched in the AML cells resisting the T-cell-mediated immune reactions. Moreover, the expression and nuclear localization of the transcription factors c-MYB and KLF6 were noted as the putative markers for immune resistance and identified in subpopulations of AML blasts in the patients' bone marrow aspirates. The immune modulatory capacities of ieAML cells lasted for a restricted period when the immune selection pressure was omitted. In conclusion, myeloid leukemia cells harbor subpopulations that can adapt to the harsh conditions established by immune reactions, and a previous "immune experience" is marked with IFN signature and may pave the way for susceptibility to immune intervention therapies.

Improving access to melarsomine therapy: treating canine heartworm infection in a high-volume, outpatient community clinic setting

BackgroundModels that provide high-quality veterinary care for more affordable prices are emerging, but not well documented outside of wellness and preventative care. Effective treatment guidelines for heartworm disease have been developed by the American Heartworm Society; however, not all owners are able to access treatment due to the high costs associated with sick and emergency care services.MethodsTo increase access to high-quality adulticidal treatment of canine heartworm disease, we developed and implemented a technician-leveraged heartworm treatment protocol for high-volume, outpatient community clinic settings based on the American Heartworm Society guidelines. Modifications were few and included limited pre-treatment blood work, pre-injection sedation, post-injection pain medication, and a reduced exercise restriction period. We monitored retention rates for 556 dogs throughout treatment, evaluated treatment success (defined as no antigen detection 9 months post treatment) for patients that returned for post-treatment antigen testing, and reported on adverse reactions and therapy adherence throughout treatment.ResultsOf the patients that began adulticide therapy, 539/556 (97%) successfully completed the three-injection series. No microfilariae were detected in 99% (428/433) of those who returned for post-injection microfilaria testing. Among those that returned for or reported the results of post-injection antigen testing, no antigen was detected for 99% (245/248) and no microfilariae were detected for 99.5% (200/201). During the course of treatment, 483/539 (90%) of patients experienced at least one adverse reaction, with the most frequently reported types being behavioral and injection site reactions. 25/539 (4.6%) of owners sought additional medical care for adverse reactions at some point during the treatment course. The overall mortality rate was 1.3% (7/556).ConclusionsThis study represents the first evaluation of a heartworm treatment protocol optimized for implementation in a high-volume, outpatient community clinic setting. Our findings align with those previously reported in private practice or tertiary referral centers, illustrating that through the inclusion of pre-treatment blood work, employing short-acting or reversible sedatives, ensuring proper analgesia, minimizing the use of ancillary diagnostics, reducing the duration of in-clinic monitoring while focusing on outpatient care, and maximizing technician involvement, we can deliver effective and safe melarsomine therapy at a more affordable cost to pet owners.Graphical

Investigation of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic in motor and visuomotor performance of Brazilian schoolchildren

Motor skills are important for building autonomy in daily life activities and school activities, being acquired through lived experiences and neurocognitive maturation. However, with the pandemic, there was a period of social restrictions. With the COVID-19 pandemic, Brazilian schoolchildren stopped attending school in person from March 2020 to July 2021. The effects of this change are still largely unknown, as the school is the main means of socialization, communication and to practice motor activities for many children. Therefore, this study aimed investigate, correlate and find predictors of gross and fine motor proficiencies and visual perception between pre- and post-pandemic schoolchildren. This was a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. Forty schoolchildren participated in this study, being divided into groups GI (20 schoolchildren, from the 1st and 2nd grades, evaluated after remote teaching); GII (20 schoolchildren, paired with GI, in relation to sex and chronological age, being evaluated before the Pandemic). They underwent the procedures of motor Proficiency and visual perception development test. GI showed lower performance when compared to GII for motor and visual variables. No correlation was found between the motor and visual variables. Regression analysis explained 86.5% to 98.7% of the variance of motor performance. The visual variables of did not influence motor performance. Regression analysis explained between 75.8% and 96.7% of the variance of the visual performance. GI showed lower performance when compared to GII for motor and visual variables. The presence of several predictors for the classification of motor and visual performance suggests the presence of neurodevelopmental delay, which might be aggravated by social isolation resulting from the Pandemic, which must be seen as a warning sign for speech therapists and pedagogues.

The features of multidrug-resistant organisms between 2016 and March 2023 and its change after the end of zero-COVID-19 policy in a teaching hospital in Shenzhen, China

To investigate the clinical distribution and changing trend of antibiotic resistance profiles of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), a retrospective study was undertaken. The characteristics of MDROs isolated from 2016 to March 2023 were retrospectively analysed. The detection rate of these MDROs was compared prior to COVID-19 (Period 1, 2016-2019), during the COVID-19 pandemic with restrictions (Period 2, 2020-2022), and after the end of zero-policy (Period 3, Jan-March, 2023). Antibiotic-resistant genes were detected. The overall detection rates of CRPA, CRAB, CREC, CRKP, MRSA, and VREfm were 22.6%, 22.6%, 1.3%, 4.0%, 19.5%, and 3.1%, respectively. The detection rate of CRAB was significantly lower in Period 2 and 3 compared with Period 1 (P < 0.0001). The detection rate of CRPA and VREfm was significantly increased in Period 3 compared with Period 1 and 2 (P < 0.0001). The resistance rate to ticarcillin/clavulanic acid (TIM) and piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) has gradually increased in CRPA since 2018. NDM and KPC were the most common carbapenemase genes identified in CREC (60.0%) and CRKP isolates (47.8%), respectively. All the 10 VREfm isolates carried the vanA gene. The detection rate of CRAB has decreased since 2018, but a significantly increased prevalence of CRPA and VREfm was seen after the end of zero-policy. An increasing resistance rate to TIM and TZP was seen in CRPA. NDM, KPC, and vanA were the common genes harboured by CREC, CRKP, and VREfm, respectively. Ongoing surveillance after the COVID-19 era is suggested.

The effect of the 2008–09 short selling sales ban on UK security equities in relation to market metrics of volatility, liquidity, and price discovery

In this study we look at the Financial Services Authority imposed short sale ban of UK financial equities in the 2008–2009 financial crisis to explore the effects of the short selling ban on liquidity, volatility, and price discovery on alternative portfolios of UK equity stocks. To this end we employ a control portfolio as well a portfolio of banned stocks. By using a GARCH model to explore the effects of short selling on portfolios’ returns volatility, we find a decline of volatility for selected UK financial stocks during the short sale restriction period. Further, we employ a bid-ask spread model to explore the effects of short selling on liquidity and find that liquidity deteriorates during the short sale ban period. We also employ a Wald-Wolfowitz Runs Test to investigate the effects of the short sale ban on price discovery and find that price discovery deteriorated during the short sale ban period. Finally, we examine the causal relationships among the market metrics in order to provide additional insight into the structure of the UK equity market during the period under study.

Lark: As a Medium of Interpersonal Communication for TNS Employees to Manage Work Stress Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic

Working from home (WFH) during the community activity restrictions period (PPKM), such as those imposed by Indonesia’s government, leaves employees with little choice in dealing with work stress. Lark is a collaborative working media tool, during work from home all communication in TNS department took place in Lark. This study's importance is to see how Lark basically a formal working media tool can form an interpersonal communication between woman employees that help them to manage work stress during WFH and PPKM period. Since the trend of working from home is likely to continue even after pandemic, this research provides contribution and information related to communication tools and work from home consequences.The theory for this research is Computer-mediated Communication and Social Information Processing Theory (SIPT). This research method employs a qualitative approach through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and library study. This study finds that implementing WFH during the Covid-19 period resulted in heightened work stress among female employees in TNS Department. It was observed that sharing work-related burdens with coworkers proved to be effective in reducing work stress. Interestingly, sharing witha coworker was considered more beneficial than sharing with a spouse or family. Lark application which serves as a working media tool turns out can facilitate interpersonal communication among female employees. The application's instant messenger, phone call, and expressive emoji make it convenient for employees to share their concerns and stress, as compared to using video conferences.

Trends in low-value GP care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundSeveral studies showed that during the pandemic patients have refrained from visiting their general practitioner (GP). This resulted in medical care being delayed, postponed or completely forgone. The provision of low-value care, i.e. care which offers no net benefit for the patient, also could have been affected. We therefore assessed the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on three types of low-value GP care: 1) imaging for back or knee problems, 2) antibiotics for otitis media acuta (OMA), and 3) repeated opioid prescriptions, without a prior GP visit.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study using registration data from GPs part of an academic GP network over the period 2017–2022. The COVID-19 period was defined as the period between April 2020 to December 2021. The periods before (January 2017 to April 2020) and after the COVID-19 period (January 2022 to December 2022) are the pre- and post-restrictions periods. The three clinical practices examined were selected by two practicing GPs from a top 30 of recommendations originating from the Dutch GP guidelines, based on their perceived prevalence and relevance in practice (van Dulmen et al., BMC Primary Care 23:141, 2022). Multilevel Poisson regression models were built to examine changes in the incidence rates (IR) of both registered episodes and episodes receiving low-value treatment.ResultsDuring the COVID-19 restrictions period, the IRs of episodes of all three types of GP care decreased significantly. The IR of episodes of back or knee pain decreased by 12%, OMA episodes by 54% and opioid prescription rate by 13%. Only the IR of OMA episodes remained significantly lower (22%) during the post-restrictions period. The provision of low-value care also changed. The IR of imaging for back or knee pain and low-value prescription of antibiotics for OMA both decreased significantly during the COVID-restrictions period (by 21% and 78%), but only the low-value prescription rate of antibiotics for OMA remained significantly lower (by 63%) during the post-restrictions period. The IR of inappropriately repeated opioid prescriptions remained unchanged over all three periods.ConclusionsThis study shows that both the rate of episodes as well as the rate at which low-value care was provided have generally been affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. Furthermore, it shows that the magnitude of the impact of the restrictions varies depending on the type of low-value care.This indicates that deimplementation of low-value care requires tailored (multiple) interventions and may not be achieved through a single disruption or intervention alone.

Transcriptome Analysis of Compensatory Growth and Meat Quality Alteration after Varied Restricted Feeding Conditions in Beef Cattle.

Compensatory growth (CG) is a physiological response that accelerates growth following a period of nutrient limitation, with the potential to improve growth efficiency and meat quality in cattle. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, 60 Huaxi cattle were divided into one ad libitum feeding (ALF) group and two restricted feeding groups (75% restricted, RF75; 50% restricted, RF50) undergoing a short-term restriction period followed by evaluation of CG. Detailed comparisons of growth performance during the experimental period, as well as carcass and meat quality traits, were conducted, complemented by a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the longissimus dorsi muscle using differential expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). The results showed that irrespective of the restriction degree, the restricted animals exhibited CG, achieving final body weights comparable to the ALF group. Compensating animals showed differences in meat quality traits, such as pH, cooking loss, and fat content, compared to the ALF group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 57 genes and 31 pathways differentially regulated during CG, covering immune response, acid-lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis. Notably, complement-coagulation-fibrinolytic system synergy was identified as potentially responsible for meat quality optimization in RF75. This study provides novel and valuable genetic insights into the regulatory mechanisms of CG in beef cattle.

Teātra kritika Covid-19 pandēmijas laikā (2020–2022)

The experience of the pandemic period (2020–2022) has become part of the recent history of Latvian theatre, and the purpose of this article is to analyse the adaptation of criticism to the ‘new normal’ in terms of both form and content. The article’s research object is the reviews by theatre critics in the Latvian printed press and electronic media during the period of pandemic restrictions – from March 13, 2020, until spring 2022. After March 13, 2020, when the first outbreak of Covid-19 began in Latvia, inevitable confusion arose not only in theatres but also in the press writing about the theatre industry. The specialised cultural media had to create a new concept of content, shifting from performance reviews to the format of interviews or discussions. As theatres created new performative works of various formats, critics had to find new ways and vocabulary to write about them, including the use of new words such as ‘covid time’, ‘lockdown’, ‘online performance’, etc. New virtual performances contributed to discussions about whether or not e-theatre is a ‘real theatre’; critics began to pay attention to such technical aspects as the angle of the camera, the specifics of editing, the choice of close-ups, etc. Discussions became relevant on how to distinguish between performances created specifically for the virtual environment and recordings of performances that theatres showed during lockdown. Experimental formats of criticism emerged: in the spring of 2020, a cycle of fake reviews of performances that were not shown to the public due to the pandemic was published in the electronic journal Kroders.lv; inspired by the form used in Elmārs Seņkovs’s successful virtual performance “Iran Conference”, four critics founded the KuKū critics’ discussion club on the Zoom platform, its name describing the sense of the world at that time. Criticism changed from evaluative and analytical in the traditional sense to empathically descriptive, stimulating a discussion about the ethics of criticism. Categorical definitions turned into discussion questions and critical observations – into empathetic advice on how theatres can survive in pandemic conditions. The authors’ article explores these and other aspects of form and content by conducting a qualitative content analysis of Latvian theatre critics’ reviews and outlining the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Latvian theatre criticism.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Incidence of Complicated Appendicitis in a Tertiary Medical Center, Amman, Jordan. A retrospective cohort.

Abstract&#x0D; Objective: To assess the incidence of complicated appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan University Hospital.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: in this cohort study, we retrospectively investigated data on acute appendicitis cases, two groups were established, the first group was the pandemic group, which includes patients who presented to the hospital during the period of acute restrictions and shutdowns extending from the 17th of March to the 6th of June 2020, and the pre-pandemic group which represents the same period in the previous year. These two groups were compared in terms of clinical characteristics and the prevalence of complicated appendicitis.&#x0D; Results: A total of 45 patients were included in the study, 24 in the pandemic group and 21 in the pre-pandemic group. Gender distribution was not significant between the two periods (P-value&gt;0.05). Rates of occurrence of overall complications, preoperative complications, and intraoperative complications were similar indicating no significant difference between the two groups (P-value=0.526, 0.835, and 0.547, respectively). The duration between symptoms and admission and ALVARADO score were not significantly different between the two study groups. Also, the duration of in-hospital stay was numerically but not significantly lower in the 2019 (March-June) group compared to 2020 (March-June).&#x0D; Conclusion: In our study, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complicated appendicitis between pandemic and pre-pandemic groups.&#x0D;

Changed pattern of physical activity and energy expenditure among mid-pregnancy women during China's COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study examines the physical activity (PA) patterns and energy expenditure of Chinese pregnant women during the COVID-19 lockdown, their influencing factors, and explores potential improvement strategies. MethodsA survey using the Chinese version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) was conducted among 610 women in their second trimester. It compared their PA patterns and energy expenditure during the lockdown with pre-pandemic levels. Factors influencing PA were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and regression. ResultsAlthough aware of PA benefits, respondents overestimated their PA levels during lockdown, showing significantly lower PA and energy expenditure than before pregnancy, primarily in housework and caregiving activities. Average energy expenditure was 34.3 MET-hrs/wk. Influential factors included concerns about miscarriage/preterm birth, parity, pre-pregnancy exercise habits, and family opposition. ConclusionsThe lockdown notably decreased PA patterns and energy expenditure in mid-pregnancy, highlighting a gap between perception and practice. Activities were mainly sedentary to light-intensity. Influencing factors suggest the need for targeted health education and support. Implementing adaptive strategies, personalized antenatal care, effective health education, family engagement, and digital health tools could enhance PA during restrictive periods like lockdowns.

Monitoring Drought Tolerance Mechanisms of Sorghum and Maize Under Unevenly Distributed Precipitation

The study examines the morpho-physiological differences in leaf characteristics between two species of C4 plants: sorghum and maize. The research was conducted in field conditions where plants were rainfed. Both species different varieties were cultivated at two distinct sites that exhibited variations in soil texture and drought stress incidence according to the vegetation condition index (VCI). Samples were collected during various growth stages to analyze the relative water content (RWC), proline levels, and stomatal density. Sorghum plants displayed higher RWC, proline levels, and stomatal density than maize plants. In sorghum, the biochemical traits, such as the proline content, may play a more critical role in withstanding water-limited conditions than in maize in our experiment. Under the same water restriction period, sorghum showed higher RWC levels. Sorghum plants reduced stomatal density under more water-limited conditions, which proves its plasticity. Additionally, early maturation played a crucial role in both species. The early sorghum variety KWS Kallisto and maize variety Walterinio KWS had a more stable yield at both sites. Nevertheless, the highest yields were found in the later varieties, KWS Hannibal and KWS Inteligens. The higher proline levels and the relative water content are drought-tolerant mechanisms and may be used to indicate drought intensity in field conditions. Our findings spotlight the influence of genetic diversity and genotype-environment interactions in determining crop responses to drought stress, providing valuable information for future breeding programs to enhance drought tolerance in crops.

Fear of giving birth alone: Experiences of psychological distress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and coping- strategies of childbearing women during COVID-19

BackgroundPsychological distress during pregnancy is a well-documented risk factor for adverse maternal outcomes. Distress related to the COVID-19 pandemic may further increase the vulnerability of pregnant women to negative mental health outcomes. AimTo explore the mental health experiences of pregnant women, focusing on mental health outcomes, challenges related to the pandemic, coping strategies, and factors buffering mental health factors during the restricted COVID-19 lockdown period. MethodsA mixed-methods survey study was conducted, examining symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout among 21 pregnant women. Qualitative data were gathered through open-ended questions about participants’ experiences of challenges, coping strategies and buffering factors amid the pandemic. Symptoms of anxiety, depression and burnout were calculated, and qualitative data was thematically analyzed. ResultsApproximately one-third (24 %) of the respondents reported clinically significant levels of depression, 19 % reported clinically significant levels of anxiety, and 43 % reported experiencing burnout. All participants reported distress and emotional burden, including fear, worry, stress and anxiety related to the pandemic. Specific concerns such as fear of giving birth alone, fear of the consequences due to lockdown restrictions, insufficient information, disruption of prenatal healthcare services, and fear of miscarriage were prevalent among the participants. Social support, financial stability, stable relationships, adherence to daily routines, reduced stress and social demands, a calmer daily life, physical activity, and less work-related stress including working from home, emerges as buffering factors that aided women in coping with pandemic-related distress. ConclusionHealthcare providers should prioritize stability, predictability, and minimizing disruptions to prenatal care. Broad-based screening is crucial to identify women at risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Recommendations for clinical pathways aimed at pregnant women are discussed.

RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF PATIENT WITH LIVER METASTASIS OF STRUMA OVARII SUBMITTED TO SODIUM IODIDE THERAPY (I-131)

This paper presents as main objective to discuss Radiological Protection in Iodotherapy of patients with rare Hepatic metastasis of the Struma Ovarii Cancer. This was followed up for 28 days with periodic measurements of the external dose rate of the patient submitted to therapy with I-131, carried out two meters away. During the first therapeutic session, 14 days without close contact with children of their living and work were suggested. After the first 14 days of follow-up it was found by measurements and hepatic uptake of I-131, that restrictions should be maintained for another 14 days. The patient was accompanied during the whole period of social intercourse restriction. Measurements were compared with estimated dose rates of routine treatment of papillary or follicular-type thyroid cancer. The elimination of I-131 demonstrated by the dose rate measurements was shown to adjust significantly with the curve used, with correlation coefficient R = 0.9225. In contrast, the estimated curves for activities of 100, 150 and 200 mCi present better fit with R = 0.9999. The time needed for the dose rate to decrease in the level of release of the restrictions of living together was 4 times greater than the time for patients with thyroid cancer who do not live with children younger than 5 years or pregnant women; and 2 times greater than the time for patients who live with children or pregnant women. It can be concluded that different from a thyroid cancer, in this case, when treated with I-131, one can capture and retain an amount of activity that makes it impossible to release the restrictions of living together before at least 28 days. This work also suggests that the release of living restrictions depends on the biological elimination of I-131 in the patient's body. And the physiological and social conditions of each individual.

Short-term periodic restricted feeding elicits metabolome-microbiome signatures with sex dimorphic persistence in primate intervention

Dietary restriction has shown benefits in physiological, metabolic, and molecular signatures associated with aging but is a difficult lifestyle to maintain for most individuals. In mice, a less restrictive diet that allows for cyclical periods of reduced calories mitigates aging phenotypes, yet the effects of such an intervention in a genetically heterogenous, higher-order mammal has not been examined. Here, using middle-aged rhesus macaques matched for age and sex, we show that a regimen of 4 days of low-calorie intake followed by 10 days of ad libitum feeding (4:10 diet) performed in repeating cycles over 12 weeks led to significant loss of weight and fat percentage, despite the free access to food for most of the study duration. We show the 4-day restriction period is sufficient to drive alterations to the serum metabolome characterized by substantial differences in lipid classes. These phenotypes were paralleled by changes in the gut microbiome of restricted monkeys that highlight the involvement of a microbiome-metabolome axis. This regimen shows promising phenotypes, with some sex-dimorphic responses, including residual memory of the diet. As many calorie restriction interventions are difficult to sustain, we propose that this short-term diet may be easier to adhere to and have benefits directly relevant to human aging.

Relationship between food environment, social isolation and diet quality in Brazil

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted diet quality in differentways. In this context, community, organizational and consumer nutrition environments can influence the eating pattern. Objective. The purpose of this study was to identify how quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic changed the diet in Brazil. Materials and methods. A natural experiment organized into experimental (social-isolated group - SIG) and control groups (non-isolated group - CG) was conducted with data collection from an online survey at the beginning of the pandemic (T0) and in the less restrictive period of 2020 (T1). Pre-post improvements in diet quality (IDQ) were determined for the SIG and CG. Intro-intergroup changes were tested using the Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. The intervention effect was estimated using crude and adjusted difference- indifference in multilevel regression analysis accounting for repeated measures. Results. A sample of 565 Brazilian adults answered the questionnaire at T0 and T1. IDQ was favored twice or more by attitudes such as buying food directly from farmers/street markets, reducing requests for food delivery, and increasing time spent on eating activities and the frequency of cooking. The isolated group had no IDQ at T1, whereas the no isolated group, who worsened diet quality (6.1%) at T0, improved it at T1 (4.8%). Conclusions. The restrictive quarantine forced the non-isolated population to have an experience comparable to a food desert, negatively affecting their diet.