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Health & Place Jun 2024Neighborhood level social determinants of health are commonly measured using a patient's most recent residential location. Not accounting for residential history, and...
Neighborhood level social determinants of health are commonly measured using a patient's most recent residential location. Not accounting for residential history, and therefore missing accumulated stressors from prior social vulnerabilities, could increase misclassification bias. We tested the hypothesis that the electronic health record could capture the residential history of lung transplant patients -a vulnerable population. After applying the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to individual residential histories, the most recent SVI equaled the first SVI in only 15.4% (58/374) of patients. There is a need for databases with residential histories to inform place-based determinants of health and applications to patient care.
PubMed: 38943794
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103306 -
The Knee Jun 2024The average rate of patient dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is 10%. Multi-modal analgesia is the present standard of pain management after TKA....
BACKGROUND
The average rate of patient dissatisfaction following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is 10%. Multi-modal analgesia is the present standard of pain management after TKA. Studies show that with multi-modal analgesia, approximately 60% of patients experience severe knee pain following surgery, while around 30% experience moderate pain. To date, there is no literature available on targeted pain management using bone cement.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the feasibility of incorporating anti-inflammatory medications and identify the analgesic with the best release pharmacokinetics from bone cement for application in pain management.
METHODS
In an in-vitro study, 100 mg of five drugs (aceclofenac, diclofenac, naproxen, paracetamol and methyl prednisolone) were incorporated into bone cement (Palacos). Cement cubes holding each drug were made and allowed to harden for 30 min. Each drug-containing cube was placed in a beaker with saline for 72 h. Fractions of 10 ml were collected at 0, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h and analysed using high-pressure liquid chromatography to measure the percentage release of the drug from bone cement.
RESULTS
Naproxen showed superior elution from bone cement, with 10.9% at 24 h and 9.08% at 72 h. Paracetamol showed 4.9% at 24 h and 3.78% at 72 h, aceclofenac 0.2% at 24 h and 0.4% at 72 h, diclofenac 3.03% at 24 h and 1.99% at 72 h, and methylprednisolone 0.26% at 24 h and 0.32% at 72 h.
CONCLUSIONS
Polymethylmethacrylate bone cement can elute analgesics in vitro. Among the five drugs studied, naproxen had the best release kinematics from polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. Analgesic eluting bone cement is a novel approach for targeted postoperative pain management in TKA.
PubMed: 38943788
DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2024.05.012 -
Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam,... Jun 2024This study assessed the viability of an anion-exchange microbial fuel cell (MFC) for extracting electricity from palm oil mill effluent (POME), a major pollutant in...
This study assessed the viability of an anion-exchange microbial fuel cell (MFC) for extracting electricity from palm oil mill effluent (POME), a major pollutant in palm-oil producing regions due to increasing demand. The MFC incorporated a tubular membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with an air core, featuring a carbon-painted carbon-cloth cathode, an anion exchange membrane (AEM), and a nonwoven graphite fabric (NWGF) anode. An additional carbon brush (CB) anode was placed adjacent to the tubular MEA. The MFC operated under semi-batch conditions with POME replacement every 7 days. Results showed superior performance of the AEM, with the highest power density (P) observed in POME-treated MFCs. Current and power density increased with CB addition; the best chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency reached 73 %, decreasing from 1249 to 332 mg/L with three CBs. The P was 0.18 W/m(-|-) with 1000 mg/L COD and three CBs, dropping to 0.0031 W/m(-|-) without CB and at 410 mg/L COD. Anode resistance, calculated using organic matter supplementation, COD, and anode surface area, decreased with increased COD or surface area, improving electricity production. AEM and CB compatibility synergistically enhanced MFC performance, offering potential for POME wastewater treatment and energy recovery.
PubMed: 38943780
DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108770 -
International Journal of Hygiene and... Jun 2024On March 31, 2021, an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease was reported in Dangapara village of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India. The outbreak was investigated to...
BACKGROUND
On March 31, 2021, an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease was reported in Dangapara village of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, India. The outbreak was investigated to estimate the magnitude, identify aetiological agents and source of infection, and guide prevention control measures.
METHODS
We did an active search for case patients at Dangapara village. We excluded children under five years of age from the epidemiological analysis. We described the outbreak by time, place, and person. We conducted a case control study with 133 controls and 65 cases. Water samples from different sources and rectal swabs from case patients were collected and sent for laboratory investigations.
RESULTS
We identified 95 case patients among 330 residents of Dangapara village (attack rate 29 %). Three stool samples were positive for Vibrio cholerae, and two pond water samples were contaminated with coliform organisms. Washing utensils [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 69.8, (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.5-749.5)] and taking a bath in pond water [AOR: 3.4, (95% CI 1.2-9)] were associated with increased risk of illness. About 97% of cases were attributed to washing utensils in pond water. Washing hands before taking food was associated with a lower risk of developing disease with AOR: 0.1 (95% CI 0.03-0.33).
CONCLUSION
A cholera outbreak occurred among residents of Dangapara village due to theuse of contaminated pond water for washing utensils and bathing. Prompt management of cases and immediate discontinuation of pond water use stopped the outbreak.
PubMed: 38943722
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114409 -
Brain : a Journal of Neurology Jun 2024The histone methyltransferase ASH1L plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression across various organ systems during development, yet its role in brain development...
The histone methyltransferase ASH1L plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression across various organ systems during development, yet its role in brain development remains largely unexplored. Over 130 individuals with autism harbour heterozygous loss-of-function ASH1L variants, and population studies confirm it as a high-risk autism gene. Previous studies on Ash1 l deficient mice have reported autistic-like behaviours and provided insights into the underlying neuropathophysiology. In this study, we used mice with a cre-inducible deletion of Ash1 l exon 4, which results in a frame shift and premature stop codon (p.V1693Afs*2). Our investigation evaluated the impact of Ash1 l loss-of-function on survival and craniofacial skeletal development. Using a tamoxifen-inducible cre strain, we targeted Ash1 l knockout early in cortical development (Emx1-Cre-ERT2; e10.5). Immunohistochemistry was utilized to assess cortical lamination, while EdU incorporation aided in birthdating cortical neurons. Additionally, single-cell RNA sequencing was employed to compare cortical cell populations and identify genes with differential expression. At e18.5, the proportion of homozygous Ash1 l germline knockout embryos appeared normal; however, no live Ash1 l null pups were present at birth (e18.5: n = 77, P = 0.90; p0: n = 41, P = 0.00095). Notably, Ash1l-/- exhibited shortened nasal bones (n = 31, P = 0.017). In the cortical-specific knockout model, SATB2 neurons showed increased numbers (n = 6/genotype, P = 0.0001) and were distributed through the cortical plate. Birthdating revealed generation of ectopically placed deep layer neurons that express SATB2 (e13.5 injection: n = 4/genotype, P = 0.0126). Single cell RNA sequencing revealed significant differences in gene expression between control and mutant upper layer neurons, leading to distinct clustering. Pseudotime analysis indicated that the mutant cluster followed an altered cell differentiation trajectory. This study underscores the essential role of Ash1 l in postnatal survival and normal craniofacial development. In the cortex, ASH1L exerts broad effects on gene expression and is indispensable for determining the fate of upper layer cortical neurons. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential mechanisms of ASH1L neuropathology, shedding light on its significance in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
PubMed: 38943682
DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae218 -
Molekuliarnaia Biologiia 2024It has been 10 years since CRISPR/Cas technology was applied to edit the genomes of various organisms. Its ability to produce a double-strand break in a DNA region... (Review)
Review
It has been 10 years since CRISPR/Cas technology was applied to edit the genomes of various organisms. Its ability to produce a double-strand break in a DNA region specified by the researcher started a revolution in bioengineering. Later, the Base Editing (BE) method was developed. BE is performed via the formation of single-strand breaks by the mutant form of Cas nuclease (nickase), fused with deaminases and other enzymes. It can be used to promote A ↔ G and C ↔ T transitions, and a C → G transversion. Just over 3 years ago, a new Prime Editing (PE) variant of CRISPR/Cas was invented. Unlike BE, in PE the nickase is fused with reverse transcriptase, capable of building a new DNA chain using the pegRNA template. The pegRNA consists of an elongated guide RNA with an extra sequence at the 3'-end. Prime editing makes it possible to insert the desired mutations into this extra sequence and to carry out any substitutions and indels of bases without the use of special donor DNA. To date, a number of PE variants have been proposed; they are briefly considered in this review with an emphasis on prime editing of plant genomes. Some attention is also paid to pegRNA design programs, as well as evaluation of the efficiency of the editing. Such a variety of PE techniques is due to the opportunities of high-precision introduction of desired changes with a rather low frequency of off-target mutations in the genomes of various organisms. The relatively low efficiency of prime editing inspires researchers to offer new approaches. There is hope that further development of the technology will improve PE enough to take its rightful place among the genome targeting methods that are suitable for any organisms, and will have a positive impact on the agricultural sector, industrial biotechnologies, and medicine.
Topics: Gene Editing; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Genome, Plant; RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems; Humans
PubMed: 38943578
DOI: No ID Found -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Jun 2024Our study aims to assess if decreasing bottle cap size was associated with more ingestions and injuries nationally. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.
OBJECTIVE
Our study aims to assess if decreasing bottle cap size was associated with more ingestions and injuries nationally. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.
SETTING
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database.
METHODS
The NEISS was queried for bottle cap ingestions in children 0 to 18 years old between 2002 and 2021. Demographic factors including age, race, and sex of the patient were recorded. The location where the ingestion took place and the disposition of the patient were also analyzed. Data were excluded if the narrative did not specify the ingestion of a cap of a drinking bottle.
RESULTS
A total of 415 bottle cap ingestion injuries were identified, for a national estimate of 11,683 injuries. The mean age at the time of ingestion was 10.3 ± 5.2 years and the majority of the injuries occurred in males (N = 9129, 78.4%). 46.4% (N = 5398) were Caucasian, 17.6% (N = 2046) were Black or African American, and 2.7% (N = 311) were Hispanic. 55.0% (N = 6405) of injuries occurred at an unknown location, 41.4% (N = 4781) occurred at home, and 2.8% (N = 326) occurred at school. 82.3% (N = 9584) of patients were treated in the emergency department and released, 6.9% (N = 808) were treated and admitted, 6.7% (N = 783) were treated and transferred, and 0.9% (N = 110) were held for observation. From 2002 (N = 6) to 2021 (N = 2291), there was a statistically significant increase in bottle cap ingestions (P < .001).
CONCLUSION
Plastic bottle cap ingestions have increased in children over the last 20 years, coincident with the change to smaller bottle caps.
PubMed: 38943452
DOI: 10.1002/ohn.876 -
Work (Reading, Mass.) Jun 2024It is known that even under static conditions a backpack wearer will need to make some adjustments to maintain postural stability. There is a paucity of research...
BACKGROUND
It is known that even under static conditions a backpack wearer will need to make some adjustments to maintain postural stability. There is a paucity of research exploring the impact of altering the position of the feet with imposed loads of variable distance from the posterior midline.
OBJECTIVE
Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if changes in the horizontal position of a fixed load when wearing a backpack affect specific variables derived from foot tracings of males and females standing with their self-selected natural feet position.
METHODS
150 healthy volunteer participants were instructed to adopt a natural stance across four conditions: Backpack with no weight, backpack with a weight (5% of body mass) placed at 0 cm, 20 cm, and 40 cm distance from the posterior body. Foot tracings were made for each condition. Base of Support (BoS), Feet Width (FW), and Feet Opening Angle (FOA) were calculated.
RESULTS
The BoS significantly decreased in loaded conditions (0 cm, 20 cm and 40 cm) compared to unloaded. This was supported by FW and FOA significant findings that once the load was imposed the response was to approximate the feet and reduce 'toeout'.
CONCLUSION
This reaction of people to reduce their BoS in response to added backpack load appears counter intuitive and raises the question of whether this is maladaptive. Clarification by further investigation will inform backpack wearers to counter this instinctive response to load and increase postural stability.
PubMed: 38943419
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230488 -
Work (Reading, Mass.) Jun 2024Given the importance of cultural diversity in healthcare, the shift from "cultural competence" to "cultural humility" has become crucial. This transition is particularly...
BACKGROUND
Given the importance of cultural diversity in healthcare, the shift from "cultural competence" to "cultural humility" has become crucial. This transition is particularly relevant for nursing students in multiethnic regions, such as Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey, where diverse cultural interactions can significantly impact their professional development and practice.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to determine the cultural humility levels of nursing students.
METHODS
This descriptive study was carried out with nursing students in two universities in the Southeastern Anatolia region, where the immigrant population is dense, in Turkey.
RESULTS
In this study, the total mean score of the Cultural Humility Scale of the students participating in the research was 70.03±16.01. A significant difference was found between the Cultural Humility scale mean scores of the students and their gender, nationality, native language, experience of going abroad, desire to live in another country, and enjoying spending time with people from different cultures (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were determined between the average scores provided by the students on a 0-10 scale, indicating the importance they placed on cultural diversity in nursing education, and both the total score of the Cultural Humility Scale and the mean score of its sub-dimensions (p < 0.01, r = 0.273).
CONCLUSION
This study found that the cultural humility level of nursing students living and studying with people from various cultures is sometimes exhibited.
PubMed: 38943417
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230268 -
Journal of Alzheimer's Disease : JAD Jun 2024The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a valuable assessment of the patient's awareness of time and place. We show that bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) significantly...
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a valuable assessment of the patient's awareness of time and place. We show that bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) significantly affects MoCA testing when administered by the intravesical route. MoCA scores were lower with increasing age and higher in more formally educated individuals. Patients receiving BCG tended to maintain their MoCA scores, whereas almost half the control cases tended to show reduced scores. This benefit is supported by reduced pre-amyloid biomarkers in BCG-injected healthy volunteers and a favorable effect on neuronal dendritic development in animal models. Our results suggest that BCG has a beneficial impact on the cognitive status of older individuals.
PubMed: 38943393
DOI: 10.3233/JAD-240307