Mesh Research Articles

Nursing students' knowledge and related factors towards skin cancer: A systematic review

This systematic review aims to examine the nursing students' knowledge and related factors towards skin cancer. In order to conduct this comprehensive and review study, articles were searched from the earliest to April 1, 2023 using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as "knowledge", "skin cancer", and "nursing students" in various international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool) was used to evaluate the quality of the studies included in this article. In total, 2,841 nursing students participated in five cross-sectional studies. The average age of the students was 20.93 (SD=1.89). 78.07% of the students in this study were female. 19.70% of students had a history of skin cancer in their family member. The average nursing students' knowledge and related factors towards skin cancer was 14.78 (SD=2.68) out of 25 which suggests a moderate level of knowledge. Factors such as year of study, female gender, age, using cosmetics, using depilatory wax, using epilating appliance, skin cancer caused by sun exposure, and protection of information have a significant positive relationship with nursing students' knowledge about skin cancer. However, knowledge had a negative relationship with factors such as using shaving, having mole, and having swelling. Additionally, the factors of father education, place of residence, sunburn frequency, source information had a significant relationship with nursing students' knowledge about skin cancer. According to the results of this review, the knowledge of nursing students in skin cancer is moderate. Therefore, nursing professors may contribute to the development of nursing students' knowledge by providing an online or physical education platform related to skin cancer.

Effect of telenursing on self-efficacy among diabetic patients: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of telenursing on self-efficacy among patients who have experienced myocardial infarctions. The study conducted a comprehensive search of international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, spanning from the earliest available records to September 15, 2023. The search used keywords derived from Medical Subject Headings, specifically "telenursing", "self-efficacy", and "myocardial infarction". Additionally, Iranian databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database were consulted. The quality assessment of included studies, which consisted of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies, was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) critical assessment checklist. The review included a total of five studies involving 478 diabetic patients. Among these patients, 74.32% were female, and 52.00% were allocated to the intervention group. The average age of the participants was 48.76 (SD=7.48) years. The mean duration of the studies and their respective follow-up periods were 32.80 and 12.80 weeks, respectively. Furthermore, the average duration of the telenursing intervention was 23.33 minutes. The findings of this review indicated that telenursing can be an effective method for enhancing self-efficacy among patients. The study suggests that healthcare managers and policymakers should consider establishing a platform that not only incorporates telenursing via phone calls but also incorporates alternative methods like video calls. This approach should aim to balance the costs associated with these different methods to ensure accessibility for all individuals. Consequently, alongside traditional telephone-based telenursing, other modalities can be integrated to promote self-efficacy.

Nursing students' knowledge and related factors towards palliative care: A systematic review

The objective of this systematic review is to assess the extent of nursing students' knowledge concerning palliative care and identify potential factors that may impact it. To carry out their comprehensive and review research, items were searched from the starting point to March 1, 2023, applying keywords gathered from Medical Subject Headings such as "knowledge", "palliative care", and "nursing students" in global online databases involving Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Iranian electronic library including Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database. Using the assessment instrument for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool), the quality of the studies included in this systematic review was determined. In total, 4,320 nursing students participated in eleven cross-sectional studies. The age mean of the students was 21.48 (standard deviation [SD]=2.32) years. The study comprised 71.43% female participants and 97.92% single. The average nursing student's knowledge of palliative care was 8.94 (SD=3.57) out of 20; the results have shown an insufficient level of knowledge. Factors such as age, female gender, encounter with terminally ill patients, receiving a non-university educational session, year of study, being mature, and receiving a university educational session have a potential positive correlation with nursing students' knowledge of palliative care. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the following variables had a statistically significant association with nursing students' level of knowledge in palliative care: academic year, perception of death as the cessation of life, receipt of university educational sessions, teaching content related to palliative care, type of university, academic grade, gender, place of birth, monthly family income, religious beliefs, and experience of providing care to a dying family member. The outcomes of this review suggest that nursing students possess inadequate knowledge in the domain of palliative care. Thus, it is recommended that future studies focus on implementing appropriate interventions for nursing students to enhance their level of knowledge regarding palliative care.

Diabetic patients' knowledge and related factors towards insulin therapy: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the knowledge of diabetic patients and related factors regarding insulin therapy. A comprehensive search was systematically conducted across several international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. The search employed Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) keywords including "knowledge", "insulin", and "diabetes", covering records up to May 1, 2024. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). A thorough analysis of fourteen cross-sectional studies involving 2,471 diabetic patients revealed an average knowledge level of 56.51 out of 100 regarding insulin therapy. The study identified several significant factors influencing this knowledge level: age, education level, duration of insulin treatment, practical experience, marital status (specifically being single), participation in training courses, urban residence, and male gender. These findings underscore the crucial role of health policymakers and managers in improving diabetic patients’ knowledge of insulin therapy. By targeting interventions toward these specific factors, they can make a significant difference in the lives of diabetic patients.

Analysis Of Flexural Resistance And Environmental Feasibility Of Ferrocement Concrete Slabs From Fly Ash And Sandblasting Waste

Sandblasting waste from the shipbuilding industry and fly ash waste from industry and electric steam power plants in Indonesia are relatively high in quantity, are B3, and can potentially cause serious environmental pollution. This research aims to utilize this waste as material for ferrocement concrete, where the SiO2 and Al2O3 content from fly ash replaces some of the cement, silica sand from sandblasting waste replaces sand, and additional wire mesh as reinforcement. The method used is a quantitative experiment, where the material to be used is tested for gradation and TCLP. The finished ferrocement concrete is tested for flexural strength. The test results show that the raw material meets the gradation standards in SNI 03 2834 2000, as well the TCLP test results which show that the B3 heavy metal content is Barium, Zinc, and Copper in the sandblasting waste value is below the quality standards of PP No. 22 of 2021 Appendix XI so that all materials can be used for mix designs. The mix design created has a composition ratio of 1S:1.5PB, 1S:1.5PB:50AT, 1S:2PB, and 1S:1PB:50AT. The 1S:2PB ratio composition has the highest average flexural strength, namely 17.46 MPa, which is suitable for light vertical load construction work

Is metadata of articles about COVID-19 enough for multilabel topic classification task?

The ever-increasing volume of COVID-19-related articles presents a significant challenge for the manual curation and multilabel topic classification of LitCovid. For this purpose, a novel multilabel topic classification framework is developed in this study, which considers both the correlation and imbalance of topic labels, while empowering the pretrained model. With the help of this framework, this study devotes to answering the following question: Do full texts, MeSH (Medical Subject Heading), and biological entities of articles about COVID-19 encode more discriminative information than metadata (title, abstract, keyword, and journal name)? From extensive experiments on our enriched version of the BC7-LitCovid corpus and Hallmarks of Cancer corpus, the following conclusions can be drawn. Our framework demonstrates superior performance and robustness. The metadata of scientific publications about COVID-19 carries valuable information for multilabel topic classification. Compared to biological entities, full texts and MeSH can further enhance the performance of our framework for multilabel topic classification, but the improved performance is very limited. Database URL: https://github.com/pzczxs/Enriched-BC7-LitCovid.

Studies of physical activity and COVID-19 during the pandemic: an updated scoping review.

This review is an update of the previous study aiming to identify the available evidence related to physical activity (PA) in the context of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We searched 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) in April 2024. Medical subject headings and keywords related to PA and COVID-19 were combined to conduct the online search, which covered the period from July 2020 to April 2024. Overall, 49,579 articles were retrieved. After duplicate removal and title, abstract, and full-text screening, 1,976 articles were included in this update. Most of the studies were observational with a cross-sectional design (68.0%). Most of COVID-19 and PA studies came from high-income countries. Most studies explored the changes in PA levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on mental health outcomes. Research on PA and COVID-19 prioritized online approach and cross-sectional designs. Most of the evidence identified a decrease in PA levels due to social distancing measures.

Impact of breast reconstruction on quality of life in women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis using the Breast-Q questionnaire

Introduction: Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is crucial in breast cancer treatment; however, its impact on women’s quality of life (QOL) remains inadequately understood. The BREAST-Q questionnaire is used for assessing QOL related to breast surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether there are differences in QOL between women undergoing mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction using the BREAST-Q questionnaire. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO. Articles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were included, and studies on prophylactic mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery, duplicate studies, duplicate data, articles without original data (reviews, editorials, case reports, technical reports) and those without breast reconstruction were excluded. A comprehensive search was conducted across nine scientific databases. The defined search strategy was related to the terms standardized by the MeSH/PubMed controlled vocabularies, including Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), Embase subject headings (Emtree), and their synonyms. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the chi-squared and inconsistency tests. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. A meta-analysis was performed for each BREAST-Q domain when data from multiple studies were available. Results: Of 1266 studies identified, three with 611 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Of these participants, 248 underwent mastectomy without reconstruction and 363 underwent post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The meta-analysis revealed significantly higher scores in the domains “satisfaction with the breast,” “physical well-being of the chest,” “psychosocial well-being,” and “physical well-being” in women who underwent breast reconstruction compared with those who did not. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a positive association between breast reconstruction and enhanced QOL in women undergoing breast cancer treatment and mastectomy. Patient-reported outcome measures using questionnaires, such as Breast-Q, can elucidate satisfaction levels with the reconstruction, which will likely improve continuously with advances in modern plastic surgery.

Flow boiling heat transfer in multi-stage enhanced open microchannels with micro/nano structures

In the realm of flow boiling research, open microchannels heat sink is garnering more attention due to its potential in enhancing heat transfer and mitigating flow instability. Nevertheless, growing heat dissipation needs necessitate further enhancement of the heat removing capability of flow boiling within open microchannels. In this paper, experimental research on flow boiling in open microchannels utilized a new environmentally friendly refrigerant SF-33 and presented a novel heat transfer enhancement strategy, specifically, a multi-region enhancement strategy for diverse flow pattern stages. A copper heat sink with 25 open microchannels was fabricated, and a layer of copper powder particles was sintered on the channel bottom to create a microporous structured surface in about 1/3 of the inlet region. Several layers of copper wire mesh with micropores were sintered in about 1/3 of the outlet region, and the nanostructures were grown on the wire mesh by chemical treatment, resulting in a micro-nanocomposite structure. The final product formed the multi-stage enhanced open microchannels (MSEOM). The heat transfer performance and pressure drop of SF-33 saturated flow boiling in MSEOM under different operating conditions were determined, and the transitions of flow patterns were visualized to analyze the mechanism of two-phase heat transfer. The study demonstrated that despite SF-33 having a low latent heat of vaporization, its flow boiling heat transfer coefficient in MSEOM was high. This was attributed to the enhanced effect of multi-region surface modifications on heat transfer. Additionally, a vapor plug breakup-dispersed bubble flow pattern was observed for the first time, which resulted from the combined influence of the low surface tension property of SF-33 and the boosted nucleate boiling triggered by the micro-nanostructures in the outlet region.

Modern views on the etiology and role of microbial persistence in the development of inflammatory processes in the periodontal complex (review)

Alveolar tissue diseases cause the appearance of dentition defects, thereby reducing the patients' work capacity and quality of life. The purpose of this research was to investigate, modern views on the etiology of periodontitis and the role of microbial persistence in the development of inflammatory processes of periodontal complex basing on a review of literary sources. Literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar from 2018 to March 2024. There were no restrictions on the date of publication or the language of scientific sources. Searches were conducted according to MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) with using the following search terms: "periodontitis", "oral mucosa", "gums", "dental plaque", "periodontium", "traumatic occlusion", "microorganisms". In total, during the initial analysis 82 literary sources were selected and processed, after further systematization of the selected information using general scientific methods, 70 of them remained. Used methods: bibliographic and analytical. Generalized perio­dontitis is a chronic inflammatory-dystrophic process that occurs as a result of various factors. In the pathogenesis of this disease, the key role is played by the inflammatory process, which is a complex interaction of microcirculatory, he­matological and connective tissue reactions to the lesion. Local (exogenic) and general (endogenic) causative factors are distinguished. The main factors that cause pathological changes in periodontium are bacterial biofilm, traumatic occlusion and various anatomical anomalies. Dental plaque occupies a special and main place among the causes of periodontitis. At present, leading pathogenetic links in the development of the inflammation in the periodontium, in par­ticular, the disruption of free radical oxidation, the processes of peroxide oxidation of lipids and proteins, the disorder of the functional state of the antioxidant system, the formation of oxidative stress, as well as the humoral link of adaptive immune protection and cytokinesis, have not been sufficiently studied. There is no doubt about the role of the microbial factor in the etiology of periodontal diseases, but the penetration of microbes into the periodontium does not always lead to the development of the disease, because the organism has a number of protective mechanisms that counteract the development of inflammation.

Improving airway management in pediatric emergency intubation: A narrative review with a focus on bougie guidance in settings with limited resources

AbstractBackgroundEffective airway management in pediatric emergency settings, especially in resource‐limited environments, presents unique challenges that necessitate innovative solutions.ObjectivesThis review investigates the role of bougie‐guided pediatric intubation as a crucial technique in addressing these challenges.MethodsA comprehensive search of peer‐reviewed literature was conducted using reputable databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Suitable keywords and Medical Subject Headings terms were employed. Data extraction focused on study design, patient demographics, intervention protocols, primary outcomes, and safety profiles. A qualitative synthesis was performed to provide a comprehensive narrative review.ResultsPediatric bougies, known for their cost‐effectiveness and adaptability, emerge as promising tools for successful and efficient pediatric intubation. Comparative studies indicate that bougie use results in superior first‐pass success rates and reduced intubation times. Case studies highlight the bougie's versatility in managing difficult pediatric airways.ConclusionsThe bougie's cost‐effectiveness positions it as a practical solution to disparities in treatment levels. Successful pediatric intubation in resource‐limited settings requires improved accessibility, standardized proficiency, and infrastructure readiness. Integrating the bougie into pediatric airway management guidelines represents a proactive approach to these challenges.

Comparison of Friction Resistance Between Different Bracket Systems: An In Vitro Study

Introduction The efficiency of tooth movement associated with orthodontic sliding mechanics can be compromised by friction between archwire and tube or bracket slot. Orthodontic brackets and archwires are important constituents of an orthodontic appliance system. Friction is an uncontrolled variable of particular interest when continuous arch techniques are used to align and move teeth by way of sliding a tube or bracket along an arch. Aim and Objectives Comparison of frictional resistance between different bracket systems of 3M and MO brands in combination with different wires of 3M, MO, and G&H brands. Evaluation of frictional resistance between two different types of bracket systems and different types of wire combinations. Materials and Methods Two types of bracket systems were used: metal bracket system and ceramic bracket system (3M and MO brands). Four different orthodontic wire alloys were used: stainless steel (SS), TMA, NiTi, and CuNiTi (3M, MO, and G&H brands). A rectangular block made up of self-cure acrylic resin was designed to hold the bracket during the mechanical test. Each bracket base was glued to an acrylic block with cyanoacrylate glue. The wire segment was inserted into the bracket and was ligated passively with SS ligature wire. The bracket–wire combination was submitted to mechanical tests with a universal testing machine. One end of the acrylic block was mounted to the lower grip of the universal testing machine. The free end of the archwire was fixed to the upper grip of the universal testing machine. The friction which was generated between the wire and bracket was measured under dry conditions and at room temperature. The test wire was pulled through the bracket at a speed of 0.5 cm/min. The load cell registered a maximum force level. This data was stored in the computer and was submitted to statistical analysis, and parameter tests were applied. Results The highest mean friction resistance of 5.998 N was generated by group B2-E2 (ceramic bracket – MO + TMA archwire – MO). The lowest mean friction resistance of 2.552 N was generated by group A1-C1 (metal bracket – 3M + SS wire – 3M). There was a statistically significant difference between the friction generated by the metal bracket on SS archwire and the ceramic bracket on TMA archwire regardless of 3M or MO brand material ( p value < .0001) and metal bracket ( p = .0004).

Unveiling New Horizons: Advancing Technologies in Cosmeceuticals for Anti-Aging Solutions.

In the last years, the landscape of anti-aging cosmetics has been marked by significant advances in cosmeceutical delivery systems. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of these technological innovations, with a focus on anti-aging effects, from 2018 to 2023. The methodology included a thorough search on PubMed and through gray literature, applying rigorous exclusion criteria. The descriptors were selected based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). A total of 265 articles were found. Exclusion criteria were applied, and 90 of them were selected for full reading. After reading the full 90 articles, 52 were excluded, leaving 38 articles for final evaluation composing this review. The key findings highlighted a clear prevalence of studies exploring nanotechnology, including nanoparticles, niosomes, and liposomes. Most of the formulations analyzed in this review emphasize antioxidant activities, which play a crucial role in preventing premature aging caused by free radicals. The reviewed studies revealed specific activities, such as the reduction in melanin synthesis, the inhibition of enzymes involved in the skin aging process, and the prevention of morphological changes typical of aging.

Comparison of catch efficiency of wire mesh fish traps operated along the coast of Thoothukudi, South-east coast of India

Aim: The study designs and fabricates traps with diverse wire mesh colors and shapes for field experiments. It also collects detailed catch data to assess their catch efficiency and determine the most effective design. Methodology: Experimental fish traps were fabricated utilizing four distinct colors (Light green, Dark green, White and Orange) and three different shapes (rectangle, square and circle). Fishing trials were conducted in selected fishing villages of Thereshpuram, with the traps operated fortnightly from June 2022 to May 2023. The catch rate per trip (CPUE) was calculated using the Total catch (in numbers) divided by the Unit Effort (White, 1987). An economic analysis of trap fishery was also performed based on gross revenue and total cost (Geetha et al., 2014). Results: The traps' overall catch per unit effort (CPUE) was recorded at 0.48Nos hr-1. Siganus canaliculatus emerged as the dominant species among the fishes trapped, constituting 16% of the total catch. Regarding trap color, the highest CPUE was observed with traps of dark green color (0.63 Nos hr-1), followed by light green (0.51 Nos hr-1), white (0.49 Nos hr-1) and orange (0.38 Nos hr-1). Economically, the performance of the trap fishery was evaluated using indicators such as operating cost/year, fixed cost, gross revenue and profit cost ratio. The success of the trap fishery was further emphasized by a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.50. Interpretation: Dark green-colored, square-shaped traps show promise in significantly enhancing fishermen's profits due to their higher catch per unit effort (CPUE) compared to other colors. Moreover, dark green traps may offer ecological advantages by blending into natural surroundings. This study highlights their potential and provides practical insights for fishermen to make informed gear choices, considering factors like color and shape. Key words: BCR, Color, CPUE, Shape, Trap

Surgical management of costal margin rupture associated with intercostal hernia: Evolution of techniques

INTRODUCTION Costal margin rupture (CMR) injuries in association with intercostal hernia (IH) are rare and symptomatic and provide a significant surgical challenge. Surgical failure rates up to 60% are reported, and optimal techniques are unclear. We have characterized these injuries and describe the evolution of our surgical management techniques. METHODS Patients characterized by the Sheffield Classification where CMR and IH were both present, either CMR-IH or transdiaphragmatic intercostal hernia (TDIH), were identified prospectively, and injury characteristics, patient management, and follow-up data were recorded. Surgical techniques evolved according to patient outcomes from suture repair without and then with extrathoracic mesh, to three iterations of double-layer mesh repair (DLMR). The third iteration involved DLMR with biologic mesh, titanium buttress plates applied to the ribs adjacent to the IH with intercostal nerve-sparing suture placement. Associated surgical stabilization of rib fractures, or surgical stabilization of nonunited rib fractures, was performed when required, with costal margin plate fixation where possible. RESULTS Of 25 patients with CMR-IH and 11 with TDIH, 25 patients underwent surgery, with 6 reoperations in 5 patients. There were 8 suture repairs and 3 extrathoracic mesh repairs: DLMR was performed in 14 patients (3 Mark [Mk] 1, 5 Mk 2, and 6 Mk 3) with 2, 1, and 0 reoperations, respectively. Costal margin stabilization with titanium plates was successful twice at the level of the seventh but failed twice out of three times at the ninth costal cartilage. Reoperation after a failed mesh repair is particularly challenging and may require the placement of titanium buttress plates, surgical stabilization of rib fractures, and the use of stainless steel wire sutures. CONCLUSION Repair of CMR-IH/TDIH is challenging, but experience-based evolution of techniques has led to a durable and reproducible Mk 3 repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Observational; Level III.

Experimental and numerical investigation on RC beams with web openings subjected to pure torsion strengthened by ferrocement technique or GFRP sheets

The main objective of the current experimental and numerical study is to investigate the effect of strengthening by ferrocement layers on the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams with openings subjected to pure torsion and compare it with the beams that were strengthened by Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP). The experimental investigation consists of twelve reinforced concrete (RC) beams that have been divided into four groups. The parameters under investigation included the strengthening technique (ferrocement or External Bonded Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer EB-GFRP), type of steel mesh (welded wire mesh and expanded metal mesh), number of layers of mesh (1, 2, 3), extension length outside opening (50, 100 or 200) mm, strengthening configuration (full or U-shape) wrapping, and the anchoring system effect. The experimental work consists of one solid beam and eleven beams with openings. The tested beams yielded results such as cracking and ultimate torques, angle of rotation, and mechanism of failure. Creating an opening in the control solid beam resulted in a 38.46 % decrease in ultimate torque, while using different techniques during this research proved efficiency in the strengthening process. Using GFRP U-wrapping and fully wrapping to strengthen the area around the beam's opening increased the ultimate torque by 50 % and 81.25 %, respectively, compared to the un-strengthened beam with an opening. Adding fully wrapped ferrocement layers to the beam with an opening greatly improved its torsional strength. The ultimate torque increased by 40.63 % to 81.25 % compared to the beam with an unreinforced opening. Increasing the number of welded steel mesh layers from 1 to 3 in the ferrocement strengthening technique led to an increase in ultimate torque from 40.63 % to 75 % compared with the un-strengthened beam with the opening. The tests showed that using expanded metal mesh instead of welded wire mesh in strengthened beams with holes led to a 9.43 % higher ultimate torsional capacity, indicating that the expanded metal mesh worked better than the welded wire mesh. Using the U-shape ferrocement wrapping with anchors was better than without anchors, resulting in a 9.1 % increase in the ultimate torsional capacity. Applying a fully wrapped GFRP sheet or expanded metal mesh ferrocement strengthening achieved the highest ultimate torque, 81.25 % more than the un-strengthened beam with an opening. Moreover, a 3D non-linear finite element analysis is conducted using ABAQUS software to forecast the torsional properties of beams strengthened by either ferrocement or EB-GFRP. The numerical model captured the failure patterns, twisting angle, and ultimate load of tested beams. The experimental and analytical results were in good agreement. The research concluded the effectiveness of using the ferrocement reinforced with different steel mesh types in strengthening reinforced concrete beams with openings under pure torsion, the cost-efficiency and simplicity of ferrocement as a solution compared to its results with EB-GFRP techniques.

Variation in Relative Abundance of Small Mammal Species Caught in Two Different Ecosystems and Implicated in the Spread of Emerging Pathogens in Mali

Background: Small rodents and insectivores are potential reservoirs of many pathogens transmissible to humans, such as bacteria, parasites and viruses responsible for epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West Africa. Few studies on small mammal species in West Africa are available. Our previous findings from a study investigating emerging pathogens in two localities in Mali has determined the prevalence of pathogens in small mammals (rodents and insectivores). We used the data collected from this small mammal population with different eco-climatic characteristics to test hypothesis that small mammal distribution in different eco-climatic settings could explain the diversity and frequency of pathogens they carry. Methods: Sessions of trapping were carried out in December 2016 in Faladjè and Bougouni with “Besançon tous services” (BTS) wire mesh traps baited with peanut butter and/or onion. All animals captured were identified morphologically. Results: Out of 123 small rodents and insectivores captured over 674 trap-nights, 75 (60.97%) were from Faladjè and 48 (39.02%) from Bougouni. Of these, six species of small rodents belonged to the family Muridae (Mastomys erythroleucus, Mastomys natalensis, Rattus rattus, Praomys daltoni, Gerbilliscus gambianus, Taterillus gracilis) and two species of insectivores associated with the genus Crocidura spp. belonged to the family Soricidae and Erinaceidae (Crocidura cf olivieri and Atelerix cf albiventris), respectively. There is low species diversity within these two areas, but the variation in relative abundance is significant (binomial test, p ˂ 0.05) between Faladjè and Bougouni. Mastomys erythroleucus was the most dominant species (57.33%, 43/75) in Faladjè, while R. rattus dominated (37.5%,18/48) in Bougouni. Conclusions: These two species of small mammals potentially involved in the transmission of bacteria, parasites and pathogenic viruses to humans are differently present in two distinct eco-climatic areas in Mali.

Efficacy and Safety of Tetrabenazine in Reducing Chorea and Improving Motor Function in Individuals With Huntington's Disease: A Systematic Review.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that causes chorea and motor dysfunction due to a mutation in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. Tetrabenazine (TBZ) is used to treat HD-related chorea, but its efficacy and safety require further investigation. This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of TBZ in reducing chorea and improving motor function in HD patients. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple sources, including PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Wiley Library, and Google Scholar. Medical subject heading (MeSH) terms were used to enhance search precision. Narrative reviews, clinical practice guidelines, open-label trials, and observational studies were included. Data synthesis followed Cochrane's recommendations for narrative synthesis. Evidence from narrative reviews, clinical guidelines, and trials consistently supports TBZ's efficacy in reducing chorea and improving motor function in HD patients. However, potential side effects like sedation and depression have been noted. This review underscores TBZ's positive impact but emphasizes cautious consideration of associated risks, informing clinical management and further research directions.

Peri-operative strategy in resuscitation of unstable injured surgical patients: a primer.

Trauma remains a leading cause of death, both for individuals under 40 in North America, and globally, where it contributes to ~10% of deaths annually. Thoughtful, timely, balanced resuscitation, especially in the peri-operative period for unstable injured surgical patients, is vital for optimizing outcomes. The advanced trauma life support protocol plays a pivotal role in early evaluation and management, emphasizing hemorrhage control and resuscitation strategies. This narrative review provides a structured, evidence-based framework aimed at enhancing the educational experience of surgical trainees. It outlines key principles in peri-operative trauma resuscitation, emphasizing timely intervention, goal-directed fluid therapy, and damage control surgery (DCS) to improve patient outcomes. A comprehensive Scale for Quality Assessment of Narrative Review Articles -guideline compliant literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar for English-language articles published between January 2000 and February 2024. The search included relevant medical subject headings terms. Additional studies were identified from reference lists. Extracted data were reviewed and organized using thematic analysis, focusing on historical perspectives, evidence-based practices, and the concept of DCS. Key findings from the 55 relevant studies selected underscore the importance of balanced fluid and blood product administration, the use of permissive hypotension in hemorrhagic shock, and the application of DCS principles. This review highlights educational strategies that foster a deeper understanding of trauma resuscitation practices, offering practical insights through case studies and technological innovations. This review serves as an educational resource for surgical trainees, equipping them with a robust understanding of evidence-based trauma resuscitation. By integrating historical context, modern practices, and emerging technologies, the review aims to enhance both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for managing unstable trauma patients. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary teamwork, continuous education, and personalized resuscitation strategies to improve clinical outcomes.

A Comparison of Conventional Root Canal Sealers With Ones That Use Green Synthesized Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Activity: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Root canal failure and secondary endodontic infection are frequent clinical scenarios in dentistry. The main microorganisms implicated in root canal therapy failure are persistent Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus. To combat the impact of disease resistance, scientists are concentrating on alternative antimicrobial root canal sealers. Nanomaterials are a recent development in endodontic materials that exhibit great antimicrobial properties, making them an ideal material choice for root canal sealers. This systematic review aims to compare the antimicrobial properties of conventional root canal sealers to those incorporating green synthesized nanoparticles between 2010 and 2024. A well-constructed protocol was established and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021286373). Ethics approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research and Ethics Committee from the University of the Western Cape (UWC; BM22/1/4). PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) reporting guidelines were followed. The included criteria demonstrate the green synthesized nanoparticles studies where the nanoparticles (NPs) are incorporated in root canal sealers. MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms were used for the search strategy of the systematic electronic databases for articles published in English between 2010 and 2024. The selected databases included Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, EBSCOhost, SpringerLink, and Wiley Online. A quality assessment tool for laboratory studies will be used to critically appraise the included studies. If applicable, statistical measures (mean, SD, etc) will be used for data analysis and presentation of the results. The protocol is registered with PROSPERO. A preliminary search was conducted using a determined search strategy across 8 electronic databases, and the review is now complete. It is anticipated that the results of this systematic review may reveal the increased interest and application for nanoparticle-enhanced root canal sealers. This will aid in the future development of root canal sealants and mitigate the risk of endodontic failure. PROSPERO CRD42021286373; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=286373. DERR1-10.2196/51351.