Significant Decrease In Number Research Articles

Pediatric hospital admissions, case severity, and length of hospital stay during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary children’s hospital in Switzerland

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 directly contributes to the burden of respiratory disease in children, but indirect effects of protective measures also need to be considered to assess the overall impact of the pandemic on children's health.MethodsWe retrospectively compared pre-pandemic and pandemic data of main admission diagnoses, sorted by ICD-10 diagnosis groups, in a tertiary children's hospital in Switzerland from 2017 until August 2021. Hospital admission rates, severity, and length of stay (LOS) of the individual ICD-10 groups during the pandemic were compared with three previous years accounting for seasonal differences.ResultsAmong 20,168 hospital admissions (n = 13′950 in pre-pandemic years; n = 3′120 in 2020 and n = 3′098 in 2021), there were significant decreases in numbers of admissions for respiratory diseases during the early pandemic with a rebound in summer 2021. During the pandemic, admissions for non-respiratory infections, neoplasms, and skin diseases decreased but increased for trauma. Particularly, a drop in admissions for different respiratory infections [e.g. respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and bronchiolitis] was pronounced after introduction of strict measures, but admissions increased again after restrictions were loosened. While disease severity was lower for respiratory and neurologic diseases and bronchiolitis throughout the pandemic, gastrointestinal disease admissions had longer LOS and in the first pandemic year greater severity. For RSV and pneumonia, disease severity and LOS were higher in the first pandemic year and lower in the second pandemic year.ConclusionThe pandemic and associated protective measures had a significant effect on respiratory and non-respiratory admissions, particularly with decreases in hospital admissions for respiratory infections followed by a rebound after loosening of measures.

PH-Responsive PEGylated Niosomal Nanoparticles as an Active-Targeting Cyclophosphamide Delivery System for Gastric Cancer Therapy.

A PEGylated niosomal formulation of cyclophosphamide (Nio-Cyclo-PEG) was prepared using a central composite design and characterized in terms of drug loading, size distribution, and average size. The stability of formulations was also studied at different conditions. In vitro cytotoxicity of drug delivery formulations was assessed on gastric cancer cells using MTT assay. The mechanism of cytotoxicity was studied at the transcriptional level by real-time PCR on Caspase3, Caspase9, CyclinD, CyclinE, MMP-2, and MMP-9 genes, while apoptosis was investigated with flow cytometry. The anti-metastatic property was evaluated using the scratch method. Propidium iodide staining was used to study the cell cycle. The results indicated that the as-designed nanocarrier exhibited a controlled drug release pattern with improved nanoparticle stability. It was found that the living cancer cells treated with Nio-Cyclo-PEG showed a significant decrease in number when compared with the niosomal carrier without PEG (Nio-Cyclo) and free drug (Cyclo). Moreover, the drug-loaded nanocarrier induced planned death (apoptosis) in the cancer cells through the regulation of Caspase3, Caspase9, CyclinD, CyclinE, MMP-9, and MMP-2 gene expression, indicating that the Nio-Cyclo-PEG formulation could significantly inhibit the cell cycle at the sub G1 phase as well as prevent the migration of cancer cells. In conclusion, Nio-Cyclo-PEG as developed in this study could serve as an active-targeting drug delivery nanocarriers for gastric cancer therapy with high efficacy and minimal side effects on healthy tissues/cells.

Changing patterns of Oral & Maxillofacial injuries before and during COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective study

IntroductionOral and maxillofacial injuries can be defined as injuries involving soft and hard tissue structures of the facial region and oral cavity, including the teeth and vital structures of the head and neck area as a result of trauma. The maxillofacial injuries are multifactorial and vary from one country to another and even from region to region. Despite, societal restrictions imposed by the government in the form of lockdowns and curfews, patients still experienced trauma and required significant healthcare services for management. MethodsPatients of either gender reporting to the emergency department of Lata Mangeshkar Hospital with maxillofacial injuries, attended by residents of OMFS from October 2019 to August 2020 were included in the retrospective study. The demographic data about age, gender and status pertaining to under the influence of alcohol was recorded. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the changing patterns of the maxillofacial injuries during the Covid-19 pandemic. ResultsIn the present study, the road traffic accidents were 72.50% pre-lockdown which reduced to 47.37% during the alcohol ban and nationwide lockdown and gradually increased to 63.83% post-lockdown. The second most common cause of maxillofacial injury was falls which showed a significant increase from 22.50% before the lockdown to 31.58% during the lockdown and decreased to 26.6% after lockdown during the pandemic. There was an increase in the number of assaults from 2.50% pre-lockdown to 15.79% during the lockdown and again a decrease to 6.38% post-lockdown. DiscussionOur study demonstrates the impact of nationwide lockdown in the month of April and May 2020, may have an association with the significant statistical decrease in the monthly average number of trauma admissions. There was a significant decrease in the number of road traffic collisions and falls during the “lockdown period”. ConclusionThe etiology and pattern of maxillofacial injuries reflect the trauma pattern within the community. We need more coordinated strategies of action to minimize maxillofacial injuries and its implication on physical and psychological wellbeing of patients.

Reduction of root-knot nematode infection with compost and nematode-trapping fungus in greenhouse setting

Arthrobotrys oligospora is a nematode-trapping fungus and one of the most extensively researched biological control agents of plant-parasitic nematodes. Urea and composted organic matter (COM) may also control nematodes by making rhizospheric environment more favorable to beneficial microbes and also boosted the plant growth improvement. Thus, combining A. oligospora with urea and COM may improve nematode biocontrol. For this. an in vitro experiment was performed with three replicates of each parameter and repeated thrice. Inoculation with M. incognita in culture plates revealed that the fungus creates adhesive traps comprised of hyphae loops within 24 h. However, maximal capture was observed after 7 days of incubation. Furthermore, the A. oligospora culture filtrate was highly poisonous to the nematodes. Green house trial was conducted complete randomized block design with three replicates of each treatment, including the control and inoculated control pots. The plants treated with A. oligospora alone or in combination with urea and COM showed improved growth, yield and biochemical characteristics, when compared to M. incognita inoculated plants. Antioxidant enzyme activity (POD, SOD, CAT and PAL) was substantially increased in the plants treated with A. oligospora in combination with urea and COM. Maximum and significant decrease in number of gall (86.89%), size of gall (76.52%), number of egg masses (88.86%) and disease index were observed when fungus was used in combination with COM. Histological examination showed that the presence of A. oligopsora reduced nematode penetration and feeding site when compared to roots infected with only M. incognita, which show breakdown of the vascular bundle due to nematode feeding. These findings imply that combining A. oligospora with urea and COM has the ability to promote plant resilience as well as more trap formation by fungus resulted in prevent M. incognita infection and serve as an environmentally safe alternative to chemical nematicides.

Broad Decline in Viral Infections During COVID-19 Lockdown: Association with Lung Function in Lung Transplant Recipients

PurposeIn April 2020 COVID-19 lockdown measures were instigated leading to a dramatic drop in non-COVID respiratory virus infections (RVI). This provided a unique situation to assess the impact of RVI on annual FEV1 decline, episodes of temporary drop in lung function suggestive of infection (TDLF) and CLAD in lung transplant recipients (LTR).MethodsAll lung function tests (LFT) of LTR transplanted between 2009-April 2020 were used from post-transplant baseline onward. LFT were censored after COVID-19 infection. Weekly RVI counts from the virology department defined RVI pressure over time. TDLF was defined as sudden, reversible FEV1 drop compared to previous 4 values (any TDLF ≥10% and ≥200ml, severe TDLF ≥20% and ≥500ml). Annual FEV1 decline was estimated using linear mixed effects models with separate estimates for 2009/20 and 2020/21. Effect modification by TDLF frequency of individual LTR (two subgroups, split at median) and RVI pressure was tested. Rates of CLAD and TDLF were analyzed over time.Results479 LTR (12,775 LFT) were included. Annual FEV1 change in 2009/20 was -114ml [95%CI -133; -94], while in 2020/21 this was significantly less: 5ml [-38; 48] (p<0.001). RVI pressure significantly affected FEV1 level (an increase in weekly RVI-count of 10 leading to a 7ml [-10; -5] lower FEV1 (p<0.001). FEV1 decline in 2009/20 was faster in frequent TDLF LTR vs. infrequent (-150ml [-181; -120] vs. -90ml [-115; -65] p=0.003 Fig A). 2020/21 showed significant decreases in number of any TDLF (OR 0.53 [0.33; 0.85], p=0.008) and severe TDLF (OR 0.34 [0.16; 0.71] p=0.005) and numerically lower CLAD (OR 0.53 [0.27; 1.02] p=0.060). Effect modification by RVI pressure (Figures B-D) indicated an association between the events and RVI.ConclusionDuring the lockdown year 2020/21 the broad decline in RVI coincided with substantially less FEV1 decline, TDLFs and possibly CLAD. All these outcomes were moderated by RVI pressure suggesting an important role for RVI in lung function decline in LTR.

Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on volume and surgeon professional fees generated by emergency general surgery procedures.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed the dynamics of healthcare in the USA. In early 2020, most states issued orders to stop non-emergent elective surgeries. This contracted the overall revenue generated by the hospital systems. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on volume has not been well studied but effects on surgeon professional fees generated remains unexplored. The goal of this study was to assess if COVID-19 pandemic has affected surgeon professional fees and revenues generated from emergency general surgeries.MethodsThis is a retrospective review to compare surgical case volume in 2019 and 2020. We obtained our data from a tertiary care referral center database. Data were collected from February to April of 2019 and 2020, corresponding to the duration of statewide ban on non-emergent surgical cases. We used the most reported current procedural terminology (CPT) Code for each surgical procedure to calculate the surgeon professional fees generated. We calculated the percentage difference in surgeon professional fees between 2019 and 2020 for comparison.ResultsThere was a statistically significant decrease in daily emergent operations between 2019 and 2020 time periods (6.13/day vs 4.64/day). There was a statistically significant decrease in hospital admissions for appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, skin and soft tissue infections, small bowel obstruction and GI bleed. Additionally, a statistically significant decrease in number of appendectomy, cholecystectomy, sigmoid colectomy with anastomosis, small bowel resection, operation for incarcerated and reducible hernia procedures was observed. There is a decline in surgeon professional fees generated in 2020 compared to 2019 for all emergent surgeries. When compared to 2019, we observed an increase of 238 more inquests in February to April of 2020, which is the same time period when we noticed a significant decrease in hospital admissions and procedures for emergency general surgery.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted surgical case volumes in 2020 compared to 2019. This includes both emergent and non-emergent cases. There is a need for more broad cost analysis which considers hospital expenditures and cost benefit analysis.

Evaluation of Combined Weed Control Practices on Weed Dynamics, Yield and Economic Return in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia

The field experiment was conducted in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia, to evaluate different weed management practices on weed dynamics, yield and economic return in common bean in 2014. The experiment comprised of fifteen treatments which included two herbicides (s-metolachlor and pendimethalin) applied as pre-emergence alone and in different combinations, hand weeding and hoeing, weedy check all with and without mulching and weed free check laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha -1 + mulching at 2 weeks after crop emergence (WAE) resulted in significant decrease in total weed density over weedy. Weed dry weight varied in response to weed significantly management practices at 2 WAE. However, at 12 WAE this has no significant difference with pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha -1 + hand weeding and hoeing 5 WAE, s-metolachlor 0.75 kg ha -1 + pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha -1 + mulching and hand weeding and hoeing at 2 and 5 WAE. At 12 WAE, the highest weed control efficiency (99.8%) was obtained with hand weeding and hoeing at 2 and 5 WAE which is statistically at parity with pendimethalin 1.00 kg/ha+ hand weeding and hoeing 5 WAE (99.4%. Weed infestation throughout the growing period suppressed the plant height by about 29.6 to 95.3% compared to other treatments. The highest number of pods per plant was recorded under complete weed free and it was statistically in parity with pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha -1 + hand weeding and hoeing 5 WAE. Weedy check resulted in significant decrease in number of pods per plant which varied between 28.6 and 54.4% over other treatments. The highest number of seeds/pod was also obtained with complete weed free plots but in addition to pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha -1 + hand weeding and hoeing 5 WAE, Weight of hundred seeds was maximum with complete weed free which was statistically in parity with the application of pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + hand weeding and hoeing at 5 WAE and two hand weeding and hoeing 2 and 5 weeks after crop emergence (WAE) treatments. Highest grain yield (1982 kg ha -1 ) and net returns (ETB 17362 ha -1 ) was obtained with the application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha -1 + hand weeding and hoeing 5 weeks after crop emergence. Generally, it could be concluded that pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 combined with one hand weeding and hoeing at 5 WAE was the most appropriate method for effective weed management and profitable production of common bean. Keywords: Herbicides combination, mulch, pendimethalin, pre-emergence, s-metolachlor, yield, economic feasibility DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-6-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2022

Neuroprotective Effects of Purpurin Against Ischemic Damage via MAPKs, Bax, and Oxidative Stress Cascades in the Gerbil Hippocampus

Purpurin has various effects, including anti-inflammatory effects, and can efficiently cross the blood–brain barrier. In the present study, we investigated the effects of purpurin on oxidative stress in HT22 cells and mild brain damage in the gerbil hippocampal CA1 region induced by transient forebrain ischemia. Oxidative stress induced by H2O2 was significantly ameliorated by treatment with purpurin, based on changes in cell death, DNA fragmentation, formation of reactive oxygen species, and pro-apoptotic (Bax)/anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) protein levels. In addition, treatment with purpurin significantly reduced the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK), and p38 signaling in HT22 cells. Transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils led to a significant increase in locomotor activity 1 day after ischemia and significant decrease in number of surviving cells in the CA1 region 4 days after ischemia. Administration of purpurin reduced the travel distance 1 day after ischemia and abrogates the neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region 4 days after ischemia based on immunohistochemical and histochemical staining for NeuN and Fluoro-Jade C, respectively. Purpurin treatment significantly decreased the activation of microglia and astrocytes as well as the increases of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells p65 in the hippocampal CA1 region 4 days after ischemia and ameliorated the ischemia-induced transient increases of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the hippocampus 6 h after ischemia. In addition, purpurin significantly alleviated the ischemia-induced phosphorylation of JNK, ERK, and p38 in the hippocampus 1 day after ischemia. Furthermore, purpurin treatment significantly mitigated the increases of Bax in the hippocampus 1 day after ischemia and the lipid peroxidation based on malondialdehyde and hydroperoxides levels 2 days after ischemia. These results suggest that purpurin can be one of the potential candidates to reduce neuronal damage and inflammatory responses after oxidative stress in HT22 cells or ischemic damage in gerbils.

Status and Management of the Blue Crab Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico

AbstractManagement of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus fishery in the Gulf of Mexico is the responsibility of the individual states under the purview of a regional management plan. States generally follow the “2‐S” system of management, placing emphasis on size and sex. Despite management policies, harvest and juvenile abundances remain in decline. A significant trend toward decreasing harvest began in the early 2000s, with landings below average in 13 of the 20 years from 2000 to 2019. Since 2010, the fishery has maintained a lower but relatively stable harvest. There have been significant decreases in numbers of late‐stage juveniles in fishery‐independent trawl surveys, while numbers of megalopae and early juveniles have not exhibited declines. Postsettlement mortality is potentially driven by climate‐related hydrological processes that structure the biotic community (predator guild) and nearshore habitats. Diversity of predators, few predation‐free refuges, and a lack of seasonality in predation likely contribute to high regional mortality. Factors that influence quality and quantity of available refuge may ultimately control abundance. Although genetics data describe the population as panmictic, geographic differences in coastal climate and hydrological processes may act to structure populations. Separation of stocks according to ecozones may provide a more suitable approach to population delineation. The 2011 stock assessment divided the population into eastern and western regions based on confounding information on genetics, physiographic features that limit larval transport, variations in climate, and migration of female crabs along the west coast of Florida. There is concern that the population is undergoing Gulf of Mexico‐wide changes in biomass associated with regional climate regime shifts that may alter the resiliency of the stock. Whether the shift to a more favorable climate phase would reverse the declining trends is unknown. Changes in population levels could be rapid given the high juvenile mortality and short generation time as well as the importance of climate in structuring habitat.

Barriers to Implementation of a Same-Day Discharge Pathway for Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate

ObjectiveTo investigate perceived barriers to successful same-day discharge (SDD) after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) from the perspective of surgical and nursing staff members. MethodsA 17-question survey was administered to intraoperative and postoperative surgical staff in June 2021 after a six-month period of implementing a SDD HoLEP pathway with same-day catheter removal. McNemar's and Stuart-Maxwell tests were performed for statistical analysis. ResultsSurveys were completed by 30 respondents. The majority of respondents had less than 5 years of surgical experience (63%). Almost all respondents (96%) felt that HoLEP patients could be discharged safely on day of surgery. Overall, 60% felt that HoLEP had a lower risk of post-operative bleeding compared to other transurethral surgeries. There was a significant decrease in number of respondents that felt apprehensive when comparing initiation of SDD HoLEP pathway to 6-months post-implementation (43% vs 7%, P = .003). The most common factors causing apprehension both pre- and post-implementation included: degree of hematuria (43% vs 40%, P = .56), risk of failure of trial of void (40% vs 30%, P = .26), and risk of readmission or unplanned emergency department (ED) visit (33% vs 30%, P = .48). There was a significant decrease in the number of respondents who were apprehensive about lack of experience with SDD after HoLEP comparing pre- and post-implementation (20% vs 0%, P = .01). ConclusionWhile staff report initial apprehension regarding implementation of a SDD HoLEP pathway, adequate support to intraoperative and postoperative teams helps build experience that alleviates these concerns.

Mitigation of Drought Damages by Exogenous Chitosan and Yeast Extract with Modulating the Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidant Defense System and Improving the Productivity of Garlic Plants

Garlic is an important vegetable in terms of its economic value and also as a medicinal plant. In this study, chitosan (300 mM) and yeast extract (8 g/L) were used individually or in combination to improve the yields of garlic plants under drought conditions (i.e., 75% and 50% of the water they would normally receive from irrigation) for two seasons. Significant decreases in numbers of leaves per plant and plant height, plant dry weight, relative water content, and chlorophyll a and b concentrations were found in stressed garlic plants in both seasons. The greatest reductions in these characters were recorded in plants that received only 50% of the normal irrigation in both seasons. Levels of hydrogen peroxide, products of lipid peroxidation such as malondialdehyde, and superoxide, as well as percentages of electrolyte leakage, were elevated considerably and were signals of oxidative damage. The application of the yeast extract (8 g/L) or chitosan (300 mM) individually or in combination led to a remarkable increase in the most studied characters of the stressed garlic plants. The combination of yeast extract (8 g/L) plus chitosan (300 mM) led to increase plant height (44%), ascorbic acid levels (30.2%), and relative water content (36.8%), as well as the chlorophyll a (50.7%) and b concentrations (79%), regulated the proline content and levels of antioxidant enzymes in stressed garlic plants that received 75% of the normal irrigation, and this decreased the signs of oxidative stress (i.e., percentage of electrolyte leakage and levels of malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide).

Comparison of Antibacterial Efficacy of Fenugreek Seed Extract Rinse and Nigella Sativa Seed Extract Rinse against Streptococcus Mutant Colonies

Background: Dental infections were caused by the bacterium overgrowth on the surface of the tooth, and treatment should always be set up to prevent this development.Antibiotics have long been used as a conventional antibacterial medication, but their overuse has resulted in microbes gaining resistance to many of the antibiotics, trying to make many commercialized therapeutic remedies ineffectual and resulting to infection recurrence. In this regard we aim to analyze the antibacterial activity of nigella sativa seeds’ and fenugreek seed extract rinses against S. mutans' colonies.&#x0D; Methodology: It was a preclinical experimental study conducted at Baqai Medical and Dental College Karachi., from January - June 2021. Calculated sample size was n = 80 Consecutive sampling technique was used. Plaque of study participants was collected on sterile strips that was transported to laboratory for culture in sterile containers.The extract of Fenugreek seed and nigella sativa seed was kept in an airtight bottle and stored in a refrigerator till usage. The extracts were diluted in distilled water in 1:4 (Extract: Distilled water). Study participants were instructed to not brush their teeth before sampling. Study participants were divided into four groups (negative control, positive control, fenugreek seed extract group and Nigella sativa group) each group had 20 participants. Diluted Fenugreek seed extract and Nigella sativa extract was given to experimental groups for rinses.&#x0D; Results: There was significant decrease in number of colonies in positive controls, fenugreek seed extract group and nigella sativa extract group and there was no change in number of colonies in control group. Furthermore, the analysis showed significant (p-value = 0.001) difference among the groups followed by post hoc analysis. Post hoc analysis showed no difference between positive control, fenugreek seed extract group and nigella sativa group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Fenugreek seed extract and Nigella Sativa seed extract showed comparable antibacterial properties. Also, the effect was found to be similar to commercially available mouth rinse.

Can the chokeberry juice be used as additional therapy for burning mouth syndrome in menopausal women?

The researchers’ aims were to evaluate the effects of chokeberry juice in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and oral discomfort in menopausal women. The following validated scales and questionnaires were used before and after treatment: questionnaire used for selection of research participants with xerostomia, the xerostomia inventory, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), localization of pain before and after treatment, short-form McGill pain questionnaire. There was statistically significant decrease in number of research participants who felt pain after therapeutic procedure (p < 0.05). Chokeberry juice, as additional therapy for BMS, reduced intensity of characteristic types of pain sensations and oral dryness feeling.

60 Impact of sequential implementation of a standardized feeding protocol and donor breastmilk on necrotizing enterocolitis among preterm infants born &amp;lt;31 weeks gestation

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of gastrointestinal morbidity and mortality among preterm infants born &amp;lt;31 weeks. Nutritional interventions such as a standardized feeding protocol (SFP) and donor breastmilk (DBM) are recommended to reduce NEC. Objectives Our objective was to assess the impact of implementing a feeding protocol and pasteurized donor breastmilk protocol on NEC among preterm infants born &amp;lt; 31 weeks GA. Design/Methods Retrospective cohort study including 682 infants born &amp;lt; 31 weeks, who survived ≥ 14 days and were admitted to two tertiary NICUs from 2009-2018. Data was obtained from the local Canadian Neonatal Network database. Infants were classified into epochs, based on the timing of interventions: Epoch 1, baseline (2009-2012); Epoch 2, SFP (2013-2015); Epoch 3, SFP + DBM (2016-2018). The primary outcome was NEC stage ≥ 2. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess associations between epochs and outcomes and were adjusted for confounders. Results Among 682 infants, 46 (7%) had NEC and 74 (11%) had mortality/NEC. Rates of NEC decreased with each epoch: 10% (25/246) Epoch 1 (baseline); 5% (8/163) Epoch 2 (SFP); and 5% (13/273) Epoch 3 (SFP+DBM), (p&amp;lt;0.01) (Table1). SFP alone was associated with significantly lower odds of NEC compared to baseline (Epoch 2 vs 1, AOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.17-0.93) (Table 2). Implementation of DBM was not associated with lower odds of NEC compared to SFP alone (Epoch 3 vs 2, AOR 0.94, 95% CI 0.38-2.42) (Table2). Number of NPO days prior to the initiation of enteric feeds after birth decreased in Epoch 3 (Epoch 1&amp;2: 2 days versus Epoch 3: 1 day; p&amp;lt;0.01). Exclusive human breastmilk feeds during the first 3 weeks increased from 62% in Epoch 2 to 82% in Epoch 3 (p&amp;lt;0.01). A significant decrease in number of total parenteral nutrition and central venous line (CVL) days was observed from Epoch 1 to 3 (25 to 15 days and 26 to 15 days respectively; p&amp;lt;0.01) (Table 1), this was reflected in the decrease in late onset sepsis (Epoch 3 vs 1, AOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.86). Conclusion Implementation of SFP was associated with a significant decrease in NEC among infants born &amp;lt; 31 weeks. Combining the SFP and DBM did not further decrease NEC, but was associated with shorter NPO days, higher exclusive human breastmilk exposure, and significant decrease in number of central venous line (CVL) days.

Primate Selfies and Anthropozoonotic Diseases: Lack of Rule Compliance and Poor Risk Perception Threatens Orangutans

Our understanding of the transmission of anthropozoonotic diseases between humans and non-human primates, particularly great apes due to their close genetic relationship with humans, highlights a serious potential threat to the survival of these species. This is particularly the case at tourism sites where risk of disease transmission is increased. We focus on the interaction between tourists and the Critically Endangered Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) at Bukit Lawang in the Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, before and after the park was closed due to the threat of COVID-19 in April 2020. Through analysis of posts on Instagram we determine the extent of compliance by visitors with the rule to keep a minimum distance of 10 m from orangutans and assess the positional behaviours of the orangutans. Of the 2,229 photographs we assessed between November 2019 and July 2020, 279 depicted one or more orangutans. Forty-two of these contained both a human and an orangutan, and of these all showed inappropriate behaviours (direct contact, feeding orangutans, close proximity <5 m) providing direct evidence of non-compliance with the 10-m distance rule. Most of these photographs additionally showed orangutans performing abnormal positional behaviours such as being low to or on the ground rather than their natural high position in the canopy; being near the ground and in close proximity to humans increases the risk of anthropozoonotic disease transmission. As expected, we found a significant decrease in number of photographs that were posted following the closure, and a decrease in the proportion of photographs that showed orangutans, or tourists feeding orangutans. Tourists do not seem to perceive that they pose risks to the orangutans and therefore increased awareness, education and enforcement of rules by all stakeholders, tourism bodies and government officials need to be actioned in order to safeguard this important population, which is crucial to the future survival of the Sumatran orangutan.

The effects of vitamin D supplemantation on prognosis in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D on the disease prognosis and biochemical parameters in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Nineteen adult male individuals (18–65 years) who were diagnosed with mild OSAS after polysomnography and had low vitamin D levels were included in the study. Each week, patients took 50.000 IU Vitamin D3 supplementation for 8 weeks. Polysomnography, biochemical parameters FBG (fasting blood glucose), lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, VLDL-C), calcium, phosphorus, parathormone, calcitonin, serum 25(OH)D, insulin, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 of patients were evaluated at the beginning of study and at the end of the study. All assessments, including polysomnography, were repeated after 8 weeks. Serum vitamin D levels were initially 19.5 ± 5.01 ng/mL and increased to 41.8 ± 10.51 ng/mL (p < 0.001) at the end of the study. FBG, TC and HOMA-IR of the patients were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were also correlated with serum vitamin D levels (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in number of obstructive apneas, apneas a nd hypopneas, apnea index, hypopnea index, and apnea hypopnea index of the patients (p < 0.05). As a result, it is thought that vitamin D supplementation may have a positive effect on the disease prognosis of mild OSAS.

A variable baseline stereoscopic camera with fast deployable structure for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

Stereo vision can provide surgeons with 3D images and reduce the difficulty of operation in robot-assisted surgery. In natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, distortions of the stereoscopic images could be induced at different observation depths. This would increase the risk of surgery. We proposed a novel camera to solve this problem. This study integrated the camera calibration matrix and the geometric model of stereoscopic system to find the cause of distortion. It was found that image distortions were caused byinappropriate disparity, and this could be avoided by changing the camera baseline. We found the relationship between camera baseline and observation depth with the model. A variable baseline stereoscopic camera with deployable structure was designed to achieve this requirement. The baseline could be adjusted to provide appropriate disparity. Three controlled experiments were conducted to verify the stereo vision of the proposed camera at different observation depths. No significant difference was observed in the completion time. At the observation depths of 30mm and 90mm, the number of errors apparently decreased by 62.90% and 51.06%, respectively. The significant decrease in number of errors shows that the proposed camera has a better stereo vision than a regular camera at both small and large observation depths. It can produce more accurate stereoscopic images at any depth. This will further improve the safety of robot-assisted surgery.

Ethosomes-based gel formulation of karanjin for treatment of acne vulgaris: in vitro investigations and preclinical assessment.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02978-3.

Incidence of intradialytic hypertension in hemodialysis patients in Beheira governorate and effect of high flux versus low flux dialysis on it

Abstract Background Intradialytic hypertension (IDH) is a common complication of hemodialysis (HD) that is under-recognized and its significance is underappreciated. No standard definition of IDH exists. As a unifying criteria for the diagnosis of IDH has not been proposed, the focus of this review will be on systolic blood pressure (SBP) rise = 10 mmHg at = 4 over six consecutive sessions. IDH is estimated at 5–15% of HD patients. IDH has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in HD patients including increased hospitalizations, higher ambulatory blood pressure (BP), cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. Aim of the Work To detect the incidence of IDH in HD patients in Beheira governorate and to compare the effect of high flux versus low flux dialysis on it. Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 200 patients on maintenance HD from different HD units in Beheira governorate. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: 100 patients on HD with high flux dialyzers and Group 2: 100 patients on HD with low flux dialyzers. Results: Incidence of IDH in HD patients in Beheira governorate was 23.5% at the start, 21% after one month and 13% after three months duration. Results of our study demonstrated that there were no significant differences between both groups as regards effect of high-flux vs low-flux dialysis on IDH after one month and at the end of the study (P &amp;gt; 0.05), but there was a significant decrease in number of IDH patients after one month duration and after three months in both high-flux and low-flux dialysis patients. In our study, there was significant improvement in the form of reductions in all of pre-dialysis BUN, post-dialysis BUN, serum creatinine levels and serum IPTH levels at the end of the study in high flux group compared to low flux group. Finally, our results showed significant improvement in serum hemoglobin levels in high flux group by the end of the study in contrast to the low flux group. Conclusion No significant difference in the effect of high flux versus low flux dialysis on IDH, but there was significant improvement in all of pre-dialysis BUN, post-dialysis BUN, serum creatinine levels and serum IPTH levels by the end of the study in the high flux group compared to the low flux group.

MP12-20 THE EVOLUTION OF LEADERS IN UROLOGY

You have accessJournal of UrologyEducation Research II (MP12)1 Sep 2021MP12-20 THE EVOLUTION OF LEADERS IN UROLOGY Jordan Levine, Zafardjian Dalimov, Julia Yu, Jinwei Hu, and Teresa Danforth Jordan LevineJordan Levine More articles by this author , Zafardjian DalimovZafardjian Dalimov More articles by this author , Julia YuJulia Yu More articles by this author , Jinwei HuJinwei Hu More articles by this author , and Teresa DanforthTeresa Danforth More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001985.20AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Healthcare reform has changed the landscape of urology over the last several decades. However, little is known about the changing characteristics amongst leaders in urology. In this study, we evaluated the trend in demographic, fellowships, additional degrees pursued and scientific publication characteristics of the past presidents of the American Urological Association (AUA). METHODS: The BoardCertifiedDocs.com database was queried for demographic information of the past presidents of the AUA. The Web of Science database was queried for the quality and quantity of their publications from 1970 to 2020. Measures of academic output, including author’s personal impact factor (h-index) and number of publications, were compared pre and post induction using paired t-tests. RESULTS: There have been 50 past presidents of the AUA since 1970. No females have been elected president. No past presidents held PhDs or advanced non-PhD equivalents. The proportion of surgical fellowships has increased throughout the last 50 years, with 60% of past presidents in the last decade having undergone surgical fellowship training. In terms of the productivity and citation impact of the publications, there was a statistical difference between author h-index between pre- and post-induction (18.42±1.92 vs 5.58±1.29, p <0.01). There was a significant decrease in number of publications post-induction as compared with pre-induction (72.76±11.90 vs 16.96±4.15, p <0.01). The h-index has increased throughout the last 5 decades, however there has been a disproportionately smaller increase in h-index compared to the increase in number of publications. The proportion of h-index to publication count is lower in the pre-induction period as compared to the post-induction period. CONCLUSIONS: Trending the shift in background may be important in identifying the characteristics valuable to recruitment into leadership roles and to address any gaps in characteristics for more comprehensive representation of an evolving workforce. The lack of gender balancing in leadership roles has poorly reflected the changes observed in the modern urologic workforce. While subspecialty fellowships were once seldom pursued, they are becoming more ubiquitous amongst leaders in urology. The observed increase in academic productivity has been reserved to the pre-induction period, however the citation impact per publication is consistently greater in the post-induction period. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e196-e196 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jordan Levine More articles by this author Zafardjian Dalimov More articles by this author Julia Yu More articles by this author Jinwei Hu More articles by this author Teresa Danforth More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...