Significant Risk Research Articles

Genomic dissection of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) resistance in Indica rice genotypes

AbstractThe population growth and the regular breakout of Nilaparvata lugens pose a significant risk to rice cultivation. Four different N. lugens biotypes have been identified worldwide, with biotype 4 being the most destructive and prevalent throughout Asia, particularly in India. Therefore, a rice variety with multiple resistance genes/alleles is required for effective management of N. lugens. Hence, 191 rice genotypes collected from various parts of India were evaluated for resistance to N. lugens. Further, SSR markers representing 23 different N. lugens resistant (R) genes were assayed to identify genomic regions associated with resistance. The results of the genetic analysis showed that the average genetic diversity value of all markers was 0.165 and polymorphic information content of 0.145 for all the markers used. The population structure and cluster analysis divided the studied genotypes into three distinct groups, with resistant genotypes grouped separately. These findings were confirmed by the principal coordinate analysis, which categorized resistant genotypes, moderately resistant genotypes, and susceptible genotypes into distinct components. Additionally, 90% of the genetic variation was between individuals of populations and 10% between the populations. Marker‐trait association study through mixed linear model and generalized linear model identified six SSR markers such as RM6732 (Bph15), RM314 (Bph6), RM16999 (Bph6), RM7 (QBph3), RM401 (bph4), and RM7102 (Bph1), which were significantly associated with various phenotypic parameters, such as feeding mark, honeydew excretion, percent damage and nymphal survival. The resistant genes identified in these genotypes could help in the marker‐assisted rice variety development with durable resistance against N. lugens.

Diet quality and blood pressure among pregnant women with overweight or obesity: A secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials.

Maternal obesity is a significant risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. High diet quality may protect against this, yet data regarding the relationship between diet quality and blood pressure among pregnant women with raised body mass index (BMI) is limited. This is a secondary analysis (n = 543) of women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 from two randomized controlled trials; PEARS (Pregnancy Exercise and nutrition Research Study with smartphone application support) and ROLO (Randomized cOntrol trial of LOw glycemic index diet to prevent macrosomia in euglycemic women). Blood pressure was measured at 10-18 weeks and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Mean arterial pressure was calculated as (diastolic blood pressure [systolic blood pressure diastolic blood pressure]). Diet quality was assessed using 3-day food diaries, and Alternative Healthy Eating Index for Pregnancy (AHEI-P) scores were generated, quantifying alignment of food intakes with dietary guidelines in first and early third trimesters. The cohort was divided based on AHEI-P tertiles to explore differences at an alpha significance value of <0.05. The mean age of the group was 32.21 ± 4.39 years with a median body mass index (BMI) of 28.13 (IQR 3.47) kg/m2. Mean arterial pressures in the first and third trimesters were 81.07 ± 9.00 mmHg and 82.33 ± 7.53 mmHg, respectively. Rates of elevated blood pressure (≥120/80 mmHg) were 22.33% in trimester 1 and 24.48% in early trimester 3. Mean AHEI-P scores in trimester 1 and early trimester 3 were 53.90 ± 10.43 and 54.05 ± 10.76, respectively. There was no correlation between AHEI-P score and blood pressure and no differences in blood pressure between AHEI-P tertiles at either timepoint (all P-values <0.05). A higher proportion of those with elevated early third trimester blood pressure had a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 compared with those with normal blood pressure (40.31% vs 28.64%, P = 0.016). While diet remains an important factor in maternal health and wellbeing, we did not find a relationship between diet quality as measured by AHEI-P and blood pressure among pregnant women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2. High BMI remains a risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Profiles of Decision-Making and Suicidal Behaviors

Objective Deficits in decision-making (DM) are a significant risk factor for suicidal behaviors. However, specific patterns of DM aspects have rarely been examined. This study examined the profiles of DM and their relationship with suicide ideation and attempts. Methods A total of 175 young adults participated in an online survey and the Cambridge Gambling Task between October and November 2021. Results Based on the latent profile analysis with four aspects of DM—risk DM, risk adjustment, DM speed, and delay-discounting—as indicators, three profiles were identified: (1) no deficit class, (2) high risk DM class, and (3) slow DM speed class. Higher use of an avoidant and dependent DM styles was associated with a greater likelihood of being in the slow DM speed class. Younger age and psychache was associated with a greater likelihood of being in the high risk DM class. The rates of lifetime suicide ideation (i.e., wish for death, suicide intent, and suicide plan) and lifetime suicide attempt were higher in the high risk DM class than in the no deficit class. The rate of lifetime wish for death was higher in the slow DM speed class than in the no deficit class. Conclusions Suicide prevention may benefit from addressing DM, which is characterized by high risk and slow speed.

The role of self-compassion in the association between childhood maltreatment and marital quality: An actor-partner interdependence model.

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is a significant risk factor for intimate relationship and marital quality. However, there has been limited research exploring the underlying mechanisms of this link, with most studies focusing on individuals, while not considering the dyadic context and reciprocal influences within intimate relationships. Intimate relationships entail mutual processes, where each partner's abusive experiences can affect the partner's marital quality. In this study, we aimed to examine whether self-compassion is an underlying factor in the dyadic associations between CM and one's own and one's partner's marital quality. A convenience sample of 115 heterosexual couples completed self-report questionnaires. Utilizing an actor-partner interdependence model, we found partial support for our hypotheses, indicating that each partner's CM was indirectly associated with their own marital quality through their self-compassion. However, CM did not significantly impact their partner's marital quality through self-compassion. These findings contribute to the existing evidence supporting the mediating role of self-compassion as a transdiagnostic protective factor associated with increased marital quality for individuals with a history of CM. Nevertheless, the results suggest that this mediating effect may be specific to one's own marital quality and may not extend to the partner's marital quality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Quantitative Fluorescent Lateral Flow Strip Sensor for Myocardial Infarction Using Purity-Color Upconversion Nanoparticles.

Acute myocardial infarction is a serious cardiovascular disease and poses significant risks to human health. Its early diagnosis and real-time detection are of great importance. Herein, we design a low-cost device that has a high sensitivity of cTnT and cTnI detection. Dual-color upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are prepared as probes, which not only have high-purity red upconversion luminescence (UCL) under 980 or 808 nm excitation but also achieve good temperature sensing. Temperature-dependent multicolor emission excitation is obtained, and the color turns from white to orange and red with increasing temperature. In particular, the maximum SR and SA values based on nonthermally coupled levels are 4.76% K-1 and 8.6% K-1, which are higher than those based on thermally coupled levels. With the UCNPs-based lateral flow strip (LFS), the specific detection of cTnI and cTnT antigens in samples is achieved with a detection limit of 0.001 ng/mL, which is 1 order of magnitude lower than that of their clinical cutoff. The UCNPs-LFS device has a low-cost laser diode and a simplified laser and permits a mobile-phone camera to collect the results, which has an important influence on the field of biomarker sensing.

Risk Factors for Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury in a Cohort of Pediatric Patients With Cervical Seat Belt Sign.

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BVCI), injury to the carotid or vertebral arteries, may result from forces involving seatbelts. Although previous studies have not found a seat belt sign to be a significant predictor for BCVI, it is still used to screen patients for BCVI. This study aims to determine risk factors for BCVI within a cohort of patients with seat belt signs. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using our institutional trauma registry and included patients younger than 18 years with blunt trauma who both had a computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck performed and had evidence of a seat belt sign per the medical record. We reported frequencies, proportions, and measures of central tendency and conducted univariate analysis to evaluate factors associated with BCVI. We estimated the magnitude of the effect of each variable associated with the study outcome by conducting logistic regression and reporting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Among all study patients, BCVI injuries were associated with Injury Severity Score higher than 15 ( P = 0.04), cervical spinal fractures ( P = 0.007), or basilar skull fractures ( P = 0.01). We observed higher proportions of children with BCVI when other motorized and other blunt mechanisms were reported as the mechanisms of injury ( P = 0.002) versus motor vehicle collision. Significant risk factors for BCVI in the presence of seat belt sign are: Injury severity score greater than 15, cervical spinal fracture, basilar skull fracture, and the other motorized mechanism of injury, similar to those in all children at risk of BCVI.

Depression and the risk of developing temporomandibular disorders in different diagnostic groups: A systematic review with meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the role of depression in the development of TMD groups. Methods: This systematic review with meta-analysis compared the prevalence and scores of depression between TMD groups and controls. Results: The results showed that depression was a significant risk factor in the development of RDC/TMD axis I muscle disorders (group I) and arthralgia/osteoarthritis/osteoarthrosis (group III), and non-significant for disc displacements (group II). Severe depression had almost four times the risk of developing TMD as compared to moderate depression. Conclusion: These findings suggest that addressing psychological factors in general, and depression in particular, in the managemenof TMD is crucial, especially in those TMD groups with higher pain levels (I and III), and the TMD pain reduction is crucial in reducing depression levels.

Identifying and assisting sedentary patients: a practical guide

A sedentary lifestyle is a significant cardiovascular risk factor and increases premature mortality. Engaging in routine physical activity (PA) provides a wide range of health benefits. Accordingly, physical inactivity must be identified and sedentary patients supported systematically to achieve recommended levels of PA. The level of PA can be assessed by taking patients' history and using specific tools. Support begins by assessing PA contraindications and patients' level of motivation to change their lifestyle. Patients are then encouraged to adopt a more active lifestyle through tailored advice, and if necessary, referred to specialists with expertise in exercise medicine. This article details the key aspects of accompanying sedentary patients, to help healthcare professionals integrate them into their practice.

Supplementation of lactobacillus-fermented rapeseed meal in broiler diet reduces Campylobacter jejuni cecal colonization and limits the l-tryptophan and l-histidine biosynthesis pathways.

Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni), a widely distributed global foodborne pathogen, primarily linked with contaminated chicken meat, poses a significant health risk. Reducing the abundance of this pathogen in poultry meat is challenging but essential. This study assessed the impact of Lactobacillus-fermented rapeseed meal (LFRM) on broilers exposed to C. jejuni-contaminated litter, evaluating growth performance, Campylobacter levels, and metagenomic profile. By day 35, the litter contamination successfully colonized broilers with Campylobacter spp., particularly C. jejuni. In the grower phase, LFRM improved (P < 0.05) body weight and daily weight gain, resulting in a 9.2% better feed conversion ratio during the pre-challenge period (the period before artificial infection; days 13-20). The LFRM also reduced the C. jejuni concentration in the ceca (P < 0.05), without altering alpha and beta diversity. However, metagenomic data analysis revealed LFRM targeted a reduction in the abundance of C. jejuni biosynthetic pathways of l-tryptophan and l-histidine and gene families associated with transcription and virulence factors while also possibly leading to selected stress-induced resistance mechanisms. The study demonstrated that LFRM inclusion improved growth and decreased cecal Campylobacter spp. concentration and the relative abundance of pivotal C. jejuni genes. Performance benefits likely resulted from LFRM metabolites. At the molecular level, LFRM may have reduced C. jejuni colonization, likely by decreasing the abundance of energy transduction and l-histidine and l-tryptophan biosynthesis genes otherwise required for bacterial survival and increased virulence. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Safety of midodrine in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) poses significant health risks. Midodrine for maintaining blood pressure in HFrEF, requires further safety investigation. This study explores midodrine's safety in HFrEF through extensive matched analysis. Methods: Patients with HFrEF (LVEF <50%) without malignancy, non-dialysis dependence, or non-orthostatic hypotension, were enrolled between 28 August 2013, and 27 August 2023. Propensity score matching (PSM) created 1:1 matched groups. Outcomes included mortality, stage 4 and 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), emergency room (ER) visits, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, hospitalizations, and respiratory failure. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for each outcome, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on gender, age (20-<65 vs. ≥65), medication refill frequency, and baseline LVEF. Results: After 1:1 PSM, 5813 cases were included in each group. The midodrine group had higher risks of respiratory failure (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.25), ICU admissions (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.23), hospitalizations (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.12-1.31), and mortality (HR: 1.090, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17). Interestingly, midodrine use reduced ER visits (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71-0.83). Similar patterns of lower ER visit risk and higher risks for ICU admissions, respiratory failure, and overall hospitalizations were observed in most subgroups. Conclusion: In this large-scale study, midodrine use was associated with reduced ER visits but increased risks of respiratory failure, prolonged ICU stays, higher hospitalizations, and elevated mortality in HFrEF patients. Further research is needed to clarify midodrine's role in hemodynamic support and strengthen existing evidence.

Serum betaine and dimethylglycine in mid-pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a case-control study.

To investigate the associations of choline, betaine, dimethylglycine (DMG), L-carnitine, and Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) with the risk of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) as well as the markers of glucose homeostasis. We performed a case-control study including 200 diagnosed GDM cases and 200 controls matched by maternal age (±2 years) and gestational age (±2 weeks). Concentrations of serum metabolites were measured by the high-performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Compared to the control group, GDM group had significantly lower serum betaine concentration and betaine/choline ratio, and higher DMG concentration. Furthermore, decreased betaine concentration and betaine/choline ratio, increased DMG concentration showed significant association with the risk of GDM. In addition, serum betaine concentrations were negatively associated with blood glucose levels at 1-h post-glucose load (OGTT-1h), and both betaine and L-carnitine concentrations were positively associated with 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels. Betaine/choline ratio was negatively associated with OGTT-1h and blood glucose levels at 2-h post-glucose load (OGTT-2h) and serum choline concentrations were negatively associated with fasting blood glucose and positively associated with OGTT-2h. Decreased serum betaine concentrations and betaine/choline ratio, and elevated DMG concentrations could be significant risk factors for GDM. Furthermore, betaine may be associated with blood glucose regulation and short-term glycemic fluctuations.

Association between albuminuria and retinal microvascular parameters measured with swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

To evaluate the relationship between urine albumin excretion (UAE) and retinal microvascular parameters assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This retrospective cross-sectional study included 180 patients with diabetes and 50 age-matched controls. Patients with diabetes were grouped according to the five-stage DR severity, combined with the presence of albuminuria. All subjects underwent 12×12mm2 field SS-OCTA. The foveal avascular zone metrics, vessel density, and capillary nonperfusion area (NPA) were quantified using a semi-automatic software algorithm on three different rectangular fields (3×3 mm2, 6×6 mm2, and 10×10 mm2). The correlations between albuminuria and the four OCTA parameters were analyzed. A total of 105 subjects had normal UAE, and 75 subjects had albuminuria. Of the 102 subjects whose DR severity was higher than mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), capillary NPA on the 3×3 mm2, 6×6 mm2, and 10×10 mm2 fields was significantly larger in the albuminuria group. None of the OCTA parameters were significantly different between the two groups in subjects with mild NPDR or without DR. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in NPA in the 6×6 mm2 and 10×10 mm2 fields was a significant risk factor for the presence of albuminuria (odds ratio = 1.92 and 1.35). An increase in capillary NPA was independently associated with albuminuria in patients with clinically significant DR levels. SS-OCTA imaging can be a useful marker for the early detection of diabetic nephropathy.

Unilateral visual impairment and blindness in school children - prevalence and aetiology in Saki-East LGA of Oyo State, Nigeria.

This study determined the prevalence and aetiology of unilateral visual impairment (VI) and blindness and its associated factors in school children. We conducted a multistage, cross-sectional study in primary and secondary schools of Saki-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Unilateral VI was defined as presenting visual acuity (PVA) worse than +0.3 LogMAR (6/12) and unilateral blindness as PVA worse than +1.3 LogMAR (3/60) in the worse eye. Detailed ocular examinations were performed for students with unilateral VI, and Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore associations with independent variables. The mean age of participants was 11 ± 3.2 years. Thirty-six (0.98%) of 3671 children had unilateral VI, and fifteen children had unilateral blindness (0.41%), giving a combined prevalence of 1.39 ± 0.5%. History of ocular trauma was reported by 14 (27.5%) participants with unilateral VI and blindness. In addition, those with a history of ocular trauma were 6.5 times more likely to be blind or have a severe VI (95% CI 1.5-2.8) than those without a history of ocular trauma. Uncorrected refractive error was the major cause of unilateral VI in 26 (51%) participants, while traumatic cataract was the main cause of unilateral blindness seen in 5 (9.8%) participants, none of whom had a previous eye examination. Fourteen per thousand school children had unilateral VI in this study; the major causes were refractive error and cataract, which are treatable. Ocular trauma was a significant risk factor for unilateral VI and blindness.

ASSESSING ANNUAL EXPOSURES DOSE AND OTHER RADIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS FROM COSMIC RADIATION AMONG FLIGHT CREWS IN NIGERIA LOCAL AIRLINE

Cosmic radiation is high-energy radiation generated in outer space that increases with altitudes. This study uses aircrew cosmic radiation exposure to measure radiation dose received by monitoring individual crew members (a total of 179 members for all the crews in the three routes for 2011 to 2022) using computer model calculator (CARI – 6M) on Nigeria’s local airlines crews and evaluated other radiological parameters. The finding shows that annual effective dose (AED) received by the air crew members between 2011 and 2022 across the three routes (Lagos – Kano, Lagos – Abuja and Lagos – Port Harcourt) ranges between 0.230 and 1.90 µSv y-1 and there is a direct relationship between the time of flight and the effective dose received by the crew members. This result is lower than the recommended value of 20 µSv y-1 by International bodies. The result also revealed that Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE) across the three routes ranges from 7.20 – 380 µSv y-1 with only Lagos – Kano route in year 2017 (380 µSv y-1) were above the maximum permissible value of 300 µSv y-1. The findings indicated low AED however; the significant excess lifetime cancer risk that increases with cumulative doses and dependent of the flight route constitute a risk. This implies that, there are possibilities of the crew members developing cancer during their lifetime. It’s therefore recommended that Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority should introduce regulations and training program to reduce potential sources of radiation exposure of Nigerian flight crews.

Chlorine-Induced Toxicity on Murine Cornea: Exploring the Potential Therapeutic Role of Antioxidants.

Chlorine (Cl2) exposure poses a significant risk to ocular health, with the cornea being particularly susceptible to its corrosive effects. Antioxidants, known for their ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alleviate oxidative stress, were explored as potential therapeutic agents to counteract chlorine-induced damage. In vitro experiments using human corneal epithelial cells showed decreased cell viability by chlorine-induced ROS production, which was reversed by antioxidant incubation. The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased due to both low and high doses of Cl2 exposure; however, it was recovered through antioxidants. The wound scratch assay showed that antioxidants mitigated impaired wound healing after Cl2 exposure. In vivo and ex vivo, after Cl2 exposure, increased corneal fluorescein staining indicates damaged corneal epithelial and stromal layers of mice cornea. Likewise, Cl2 exposure in human ex vivo corneas led to corneal injury characterized by epithelial fluorescein staining and epithelial erosion. However, antioxidants protected Cl2-induced damage. These results highlight the effects of Cl2 on corneal cells using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models while also underscoring the potential of antioxidants, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, resveratrol, and melatonin, as protective agents against acute chlorine toxicity-induced corneal injury. Further investigation is needed to confirm the antioxidants' capacity to alleviate oxidative stress and enhance the corneal healing process.

Risk Factors Associated with Medication Administration Errors in Children: A Prospective Direct Observational Study of Paediatric Inpatients.

Limited evidence exists regarding medication administration errors (MAEs) on general paediatric wards or associated risk factors exists. The aim of this study was to identify nurse, medication, and work-environment factors associated with MAEs among paediatric inpatients. This was a prospective, direct observational study of 298 nurses in a paediatric referral hospital in Sydney, Australia. Trained observers recorded details of 5137 doses prepared and administered to 1530 children between 07:00h and 22:00h on weekdays and weekends. Observation data were compared with medication charts to identify errors. Clinical errors, potential severity and actual harm were assessed. Nurse characteristics (e.g. age, sex, experience), medication type (route, high-risk medications, use of solvent/diluent), and work variables (e.g. time of administration, weekday/weekend, use of an electronic medication management system [eMM], presence of a parent/carer) were collected. Multivariable models assessed MAE risk factors for any error, errors by route, potentially serious errors, and errors involving high-risk medication or causing actual harm. Errors occurred in 37.0% (n=1899; 95% confidence interval [CI] 35.7-38.3) of administrations, 25.8% (n=489; 95% CI 23.8-27.9) of which were rated as potentially serious. Intravenous infusions and injections had high error rates (64.7% [n=514], 95% CI 61.3-68.0; and 77.4% [n=188], 95% CI 71.7-82.2, respectively). For intravenous injections, 59.7% (95% CI 53.4-65.6) had potentially serious errors. No nurse characteristics were associated with MAEs. Intravenous route, early morning and weekend administrations, patient age ≥ 11 years, oral medications requiring solvents/diluents and eMM use were all significant risk factors. MAEs causing actual harm were 45% lower using an eMM compared with paper charts. Medication error prevention strategies should target intravenous administrations and not neglect older children in hospital. Attention to nurses' work environments, including improved design and integration of medication technologies, is warranted.

Unplanned revisits of older patients to the emergency department

IntroductionOlder patients currently represent up to 12%−24% of all emergency department (ED) visits. While increasing in number, they are also at high risk of revisits once discharged. The rate of ED revisits within 72 h is a key indicator of the quality of care in emergency medicine and varies between 1% and 15%. The reasons for ED revisits are natural course of illness, misdiagnosis, lack of homecare, and self-discharge against medical advice. However, the risk factors for ED revisits have not been fully investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the incidence of ED revisits and identify the risk factors for ED revisits within 72 h after ED discharge.MethodsIn this retrospective study, older patients (≥70 years) were consecutively enrolled if they presented with an Emergency Severity Index of 2 or 3 in a tertiary care ED in 2019, with discharge after the ED visit. The primary endpoint was the frequency of unplanned ED revisits within 72 h after ED discharge. The secondary endpoints were the reasons and potential risk factors for ED revisits. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used.ResultsA total of 592 older patients were enrolled, of whom 30 (5.1%) revisited the ED within 72 h. Gastrointestinal diagnosis [odds ratio (OR), 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04–8.2; p = 0.043) and nausea in particular (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.3–9.4; p = 0.016) were significant risk factors for ED revisits. Furthermore, discharge against medical advice (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.7–18.1; p = 0.004) and ED presentation during the night (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2–6.1; p = 0.014) were significant risk factors for ED revisits within 72 h after discharge, respectively.ConclusionAlthough the frequency of ED revisits among older patients at 72 h after discharge tends to be low and most revisits were illness-related, all older patients need to be assessed for risk factors for ED revisits. Discharge should be carefully evaluated to improve patient safety and provide the best healthcare to this frail population.

THE Point prevalence of acetylcholinesterase inhibition, neuropathy and safety awareness among flower farm workers in naivasha, nakuru county, kenya.

Acetyl cholinesterase catalyses the hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the nerve synapses, thereby terminating nerve impulse, however, it is inhibited by organophosphates and carbamates. This study aimed to assess the level of acetyl cholinesterase inhibition and the resultant neuropathy in flower farm workers as well as the farmers’ awareness of safety measures and predisposing factors while handling pesticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 217 participants from different flower farms. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data to assess level of safety and predisposing awareness and to assess for neuropathy. Blood samples were collected to determine the cholinesterase levels using spectrophotometry technique at 405 nm. The mean serum cholinesterase level in flower farm workers in Naivasha was 5873.26 U/L. There was a positive correlation (R= 0.07) between the numbers of years worked in the industry and serum cholinesterase levels as shown by Karl Pearson`s coefficient. The point prevalence of cholinesterase inhibition in Naivasha was 14% indicating a significant risk of adverse health effects. The level of safety awareness and predisposing factors among workers on pesticide exposure was 65%, suggesting that while the majority of workers had some level of safety awareness, there is still room for improvement. The point prevalence of neuropathy was 38% of the participants presenting with varying symptoms of adverse effects of pesticide exposure. Musculoskeletal impairment was leading at 19.81%, followed by skin irritation at 13.36%.These findings highlighted the need for better safety measures and awareness campaigns in the flower farm industry to reduce the risk of acetyl cholinesterase inhibition.

Endoscopic stone surgery in patients having asymptomatic bacteriuria

Introduction. Endoscopic surgery for the treatment of urolithiasis is highly effective but is associated with the risk of infectious complications. Nevertheless, endoscopy is also associated with the risk of postoperative infectious complications, the primary risk factor being positive urine culture. Considering the possibility of detecting persistent asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in this patients amid the shortfall of clear algorithms and schemes of ASB management before endoscopy, a comparative analysis of infectious complications in patients with sterile urine and persistent ASB undergoing endoscopic surgery for renal and ureteral stones is an urgent task.Оbjective. Analysis of the risk of infectious complications in patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of urinary stones, including those with preoperative evidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria.Materials &amp; methods. We conducted a cohort, retrospective study of data from eligible patients who underwent endoscopic removal of renal and ureteral stones between January 2023 and July 2023. From the 449 patient records selected, 211 patients fulfilling the established inclusion and non-inclusion criteria were enrolled in further analyses. Antibacterial prophylaxis was administered a few hours before surgery for initial sterile urine culture, three days before surgery for clinically insignificant ASB, and seven days before surgery for clinically significant ASB, followed by repeat control urine culture and determination of antibacterial prophylaxis according to the proposed methodology.Results. A preoperative sterile urine culture was diagnosed in 152 patients (72.0%), while 59 patients 28% [22%; 34.5%] were found to have bacteriuria, of which 28 patients 13.3% [9%; 18.6%] had clinically significant bacteriuria at a titer of ≥ 105 CFU/mL. After antibiotic therapy, ASB persisted in six patients (22.0%). Accordingly, 37 patients 17.5% [12.79%; 23.4%] with clinically significant and insignificant ASB underwent endoscopic surgery. In the postoperative period, 54 patients (25.6%) had leukocytosis, 17 patients (8.1%) had hyperthermia, and 11 patients (5.2%) had fever accompanied by leukocytosis One patient (0.5%) had an elevated procalcitonin level, which may indicate a systemic inflammatory response. Logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between the probability of hyperthermia and bacteriuria. A positive urine culture increased the odds of hyperthermia 4.75-fold (OR = 4,75, 95% CI [1.222; 18.803], p = 0.023). Maximum stone size (p = 0.013), stone volume, and ureteral stent drainage (p = 0.006) were the factors influencing the development of leukocytosis. Moreover, the volume of the stone increases the odds of leukocytosis by 1.54 times (OR = 1.543, 95% CI [1.128; 2.158], p = 0.008) for a 1.0 cc enlargement.Conclusion. Our study shows that a positive urine culture is a significant risk factor for infectious complications after endoscopic surgery. Prolonged courses of antibiotic prophylaxis lasting seven and three days in patients having clinically significant and clinically insignificant ASB, respectively, seem adequate to minimize the risk of postoperative infectious complications.

Computational analysis into the potential of azo dyes as a feedstock for actinorhodin biosynthesis in Pseudomonas putida.

Fermentation-based biosynthesis in synthetic biology relies heavily on sugar-derived feedstocks, a limited and carbon-intensive commodity. Unconventional feedstocks from less-noble sources such as waste are being utilized to produce high-value chemical products. Azo dyes, a major pollutant commonly discharged by food, textile, and pharmaceutical industries, present significant health and environmental risks. We explore the potential of engineering Pseudomonas putida KT2440 to utilize azo dyes as a substrate to produce a polyketide, actinorhodin (ACT). Using the constrained minimal cut sets (cMCS) approach, we identified metabolic interventions that optimize ACT biosynthesis and compare the growth-coupling solutions attainable on an azo dye compared to glucose. Our results predicted that azo dyes could perform better as a feedstock for ACT biosynthesis than glucose as it allowed growth-coupling regimes that are unfeasible with glucose and generated an 18.28% higher maximum ACT flux. By examining the flux distributions enabled in different carbon sources, we observed that carbon fluxes from aromatic compounds like azo dyes have a unique capability to leverage gluconeogenesis to support both growth and production of secondary metabolites that produce excess NADH. Carbon sources are commonly chosen based on the host organism, availability, cost, and environmental implications. We demonstrated that careful selection of carbon sources is also crucial to ensure that the resulting flux distribution is suitable for further metabolic engineering of microbial cell factories.