Onealpike2699
However, PO pulling demonstrated a significant reduction from baseline of MS count (
= 0.010), while VCO pulling showed no significant reduction. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean changes of any microbiological parameters between the two treatments.
VCO pulling did not show statistically significant superior benefit against plaque bacteria over PO pulling. Using PO pulling as an adjunctive oral hygiene care may reduce the number of MS, but this requires further investigations.
VCO pulling did not show statistically significant superior benefit against plaque bacteria over PO pulling. Using PO pulling as an adjunctive oral hygiene care may reduce the number of MS, but this requires further investigations.
Around the world, an increasing number of people are turning towards nature by using the natural herbal products not only because they are inexpensive but also for better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and minimal side effects. This study assessed the effectiveness of liquorice (root extract) mouth rinse against dental plaque and gingivitis and compared it with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate mouth rinse.
A double-blind, concurrent parallel randomized controlled clinical trial (CTRI/2016/09/007311) of four months duration was conducted. Forty-four volunteers who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups through the computer-generated random sequence. Based on
minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration evaluations on periodontal pathogens, a concentration of 20% (w/v) of aqueous liquorice root extract mouth rinse was prepared. Both the groups were asked to rinse with their respective mouthwash twice daily for 15 days. Gingivitis was evion. Considering the established side effects of long-term use of chemical formulations, the herbal mouth rinse preparation can promise to be an effective self-care therapy.
Repeated abutment replacements may insults the soft tissue (mucosal) barrier mechanically, that might initiate other toxic irritants and bacteria into the mucosal-implant barrier that may affect the strength of the tissues around implants. The development of the "definitive abutment," might minimize the chances of peri-implant soft and hard tissue loss. Therefore, the study was designed to assess peri-implant tissue dimensions in dental implants with definitive abutment (Test group) and repeated abutment replacements (Control group).
Twenty edentulous sites from systemically healthy participants were selected for the study. Parameters registered were bleeding on probing, Sulcus probing depth, peri-implant marginal bone loss (PMBL) and additionally, two parameters were measured both clinically and radiographically, which included distance of cement enamel junction to alveolar crest (CEJ-AC) and distance of CEJ to gingival margin (CEJ-GM). At the time of surgery, sites were allocated randomly to either test group or control group. All the measurements were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months.
The PMBL increased from baseline to 3 months in control (1.05 ± 0.28 mm) and test groups (0.65 ± 0.41 mm). When the clinical values of CEJ-AC and CEJ-GM were compared with their respective radiographic values, no substantial differences were noticed between both the groups. The soft-tissue margins in both the groups remained comparatively stable across all the time points.
The findings of this study point toward the use of implants with definitive abutment are more beneficial in achieving better maintenance in terms of marginal peri-implant tissue health.
The findings of this study point toward the use of implants with definitive abutment are more beneficial in achieving better maintenance in terms of marginal peri-implant tissue health.
Reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs) produced in periodontitis could contribute to excessive tissue damage. Thus, treatment of chronic periodontitis may decrease the ROM levels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the ROM levels in plasma, saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) patients before and after nonsurgical periodontal treatment.
Two groups were included in this study. Group I consisted of 30 healthy controls (C) and Group II consisted of 30 subjects with GCP. Plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index, Probing Depth (PD), and clinical attachment level were recorded. GCF, saliva, and plasma samples were collected from both groups. ROM levels were assessed. A baseline comparison was made between the two groups. Nonsurgical periodontal treatment was carried out for Group II subjects. Two months posttreatment, the clinical parameters and ROM levels in GCF, saliva, and plasma were reassessed in Group II, and the data were compared with their baseline values. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20 software and results were derived.
Two months posttreatment, Group II exhibited significant reduction in ROM levels in plasma, saliva, and GCF with significant decrease in PI, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and attachment loss.
Thus, significant oxidative stress may occur in chronic periodontitis and nonsurgical periodontal therapy may be regarded as an effective treatment modality to treat the diseased periodontium, thereby preventing possible systemic diseases in future.
Thus, significant oxidative stress may occur in chronic periodontitis and nonsurgical periodontal therapy may be regarded as an effective treatment modality to treat the diseased periodontium, thereby preventing possible systemic diseases in future.
Drilling of the implant site results in transient rise in temperature of the surrounding bone disrupting the bone healing process and implant stability. Overproduction of heat due to various factors at osteotomy site needs to be controlled as it hampers the final outcome of the procedure.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate various factors related to implant drills responsible for heat generation and temperature rise during osteotomy.
A total of 64 bone specimens with dimensions of 15 mm × 15 mm were obtained from goat mandibles and were equally divided into Groups A and B with operating room temperature maintained at 25°C and 30°C, respectively. Osteotomies were performed using drills with diameters (4.2 mm and 5.6 mm) at various drilling depths (10 mm and 13 mm) with external saline irrigation temperatures (4°C and 25°C). Temperature change was recorded by laser thermometer.
The surgical drill depths, diameters, and room temperatures made no differences in temperatures at implant drilling sites whereas the temperatures of the irrigants provide sufficient heat control during drilling.
Cooled saline provides beneficial effects in controlling the temperatures of osteotomy sites as compared to saline used at room temperature during implant site preparation.
Cooled saline provides beneficial effects in controlling the temperatures of osteotomy sites as compared to saline used at room temperature during implant site preparation.
The use of biofuel like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) may enhance the healing potential of the tissues in tobacco smokers and diabetic patients.
To evaluate the modified advanced PRF (A-PRF) buffy coat quantitatively in uncontrolled type-2 diabetic patients and tobacco smokers with chronic periodontitis by determining the size outcome of the buffy coat, the platelet and leukocyte concentration, and also to find out the influence of gender on these parameters.
In this cross-sectional study, 180 generalized chronic periodontitis patients (46-55 years) were enrolled, Group 1 (Control group) 60 systemically healthy subjects; Group 2 (Test group) 60 Heavy tobacco smokers; and Group 3 (Test group) 60 uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients. 15 ml of blood was drawn from all subjects to assess the size outcome, platelet, and leukocyte concentration also to find out the influence of gender on the various parameters of the prepared modified (A-PRF) membrane.
Uncontrolled type-2 diabetic patients had maximum height clot was found to be comparatively larger in uncontrolled type-2 diabetic patients particularly in females of all the groups when compared to males. Among the hematological parameters, the total count as well as the percentage of platelet and leukocyte in modified (A-PRF) membrane was found to be higher in uncontrolled type-2 diabetic patients. Female subjects exhibited higher platelet and leukocyte concentration than males.The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the mechanical resistance of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane when submitted to resistance traction on longitudinal axis. Blood collection of a healthy individual was collected with an amount of 300 mL and divided into 30 tubes containing 10 mL each one. The samples were divided into three groups, according to the g-force protocols (1) F200 g (2) F400 g; (3) F800 g. Membranes of each g-force group were divided into subgroups, according to waiting time after centrifugation (T0) immediate use and (T30) use after 30 min. Considering these intervals of time, the concentrate was removed from tubes and inserted in a PRF metallic box to confection of the membrane. The PRF membranes were submitted to mechanical tension on a universal testing machine and obtained to a resistance force of each membrane. The centrifugation time showed no statistically significant difference for membrane resistance for any force applied (P > 0.05; Student's t-test). For T0 group results demonstrated no influence for membrane resistance (P = 0.357; Student's t-test), therefore T30 showed statistically significant difference (P = 0.040; Student's t-test) for membrane resistance for centrifugation forces applied, with highest value when applied greatest force. The findings suggest that the waiting time for centrifugation could be determined according to demand of application, and for immediate use of the membrane, the centrifugation did not influence the resistance, on the other hand, after 30 min, the application of higher force resulted in a membrane with considerable resistance.
Periodontitis caused by multifactorial polymicrobial infection results in a destructive inflammatory process and loss of tooth supporting tissues. Many putative bacterial virulence factors that cause host destruction are regulated by iron and haem. Therefore, this study investigated the free haem levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) at periodontitis sites in smokers and nonsmokers and their relationship to subgingival microbial composition.
A cross-sectional study was carried out on 78 patients with a split-mouth design who were divided into Group I A - periodontally healthy sites and Group I B - periodontally diseased sites in nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis and Group II A - periodontally healthy sites and Group II B - periodontally diseased sites in smokers. Clinical parameters recorded included a plaque and gingival index, papillary bleeding index, pocket probing depth, and clinical attachment level. The collected GCF samples were subjected to Biovision™ Hemin Colorimetric Assay Kit and subgingival plaque samples to BANA™ test.
Increased GCF free haem concentration and positive BANA sites were seen at periodontitis sites compared to healthy sites, in both smokers and nonsmokers group. However, no difference was found in GCF free haem levels between smokers and nonsmokers, but it was statistically significant with respect to BANA-positive sites.
Thus, this study concludes that the higher concentration of GCF free haem at diseased sites indicates that it could be used as a potential biomarker to determine active periodontal sites, also smoking and BANA results did not influence the biomarker levels.
Thus, this study concludes that the higher concentration of GCF free haem at diseased sites indicates that it could be used as a potential biomarker to determine active periodontal sites, also smoking and BANA results did not influence the biomarker levels.Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is being extensively studied in the field of periodontics as a noninvasive technique to achieve better results after nonsurgical and surgical therapy. However, there is a lack of definitive guidelines for the use of LLLT to promote gingival and periodontal wound healing. The primary objective of this systematic review was to critically analyze the studies evaluating the effect of low-level diode laser on human gingival fibroblasts in vitro and to develop wavelength-specific guidelines for photobiomodulation of human gingival fibroblasts. A thorough electronic and manual search was conducted for relevant articles published until December 2019. Nine studies were included in the review after the initial screening of 1334 articles. Our data analysis revealed that LLLT with diode laser stimulates human gingival fibroblasts as there was the increase in cell viability, proliferation, migration, and protein synthesis in irradiated cells. The diode lasers in the 600-700 nm spectrum were effective in the 10 mW to 30 mW power range. Lasers in the 700-800 nm range were effective in the 25-50 mW power range and diode lasers in the 800-900 nm range were effective at a power setting of 10 mW. It was possible to ascertain a suitable power setting for a particular wavelength spectrum, but no other parameters could be defined due to a lack of reporting of details. Hence, the authors have developed guidelines for comprehensive reporting of in-vitro studies to facilitate future research and overcome existing lacunae in knowledge.Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is an alternative route of viral entry in the susceptible host cell. In this process, antiviral antibodies enhance the entry access of virus in the cells via interaction with the complement or Fc receptors leading to the worsening of infection. SARS-CoV-2 variants pose a general concern for the efficacy of neutralizing antibodies that may fail to neutralize infection, raising the possibility of a more severe form of COVID-19. Data from various studies on respiratory viruses raise the speculation that antibodies elicited against SARS-CoV-2 and during COVID-19 recovery could potentially exacerbate the infection through ADE at sub-neutralizing concentrations; this may contribute to disease pathogenesis. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to study the effectiveness of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in COVID-19-infected subjects. Theoretically, ADE remains a general concern for the efficacy of antibodies elicited during infection, most notably in convalescent plasma therapy and in response to vaccines where it could be counterproductive.Management of urolithiasis in an ectopic pelvic kidney is challenging and laparoscopic pyelolithotomy and laparoscopy-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are commonly favored options. We report a case of ultrasound-guided supine mini-PCNL in ectopic pelvic kidney in an adolescent female. Complete stone clearance was achieved with an uneventful postoperative period. Ultrasound-guided supine mini-PCNL is safe and effective treatment option for the management of calculus in the ectopic pelvic kidney. The risk of injury to surrounding structures associated with ultrasound modality of access can be avoided with proper case selection and careful technique.Urethral caruncles are seen almost exclusively in women. When these lesions are diagnosed in a male patient, he is likely to undergo unnecessary radical treatment mistaking a urethral caruncle for a malignant urethral neoplasm. Hence, a proper histopathological diagnosis is mandatory before deciding the final treatment. We report a case of fleshy masses in the penile urethra of a young male patient. Simple excision was performed and the histopathology revealed a urethral caruncle of the angiomatous variety.Pseudoaneurysm of corpora cavernosa is rare and its presentation as acute urinary retention has not been reported in the literature so far. We report a 47-year-old gentleman who presented with acute urinary retention. Doppler ultrasound revealed pseudoaneurysm of corpora cavernosa at bulbar urethra region with 2 feeder vessels with turbulent flow inside. Selective internal pudendal artery angiogram was done and two feeder arteries from bilateral pudendal arteries were confirmed. Trans perineal thrombin & fibrinogen instillation and selective coil embolization of left internal pudendal artery were done, leading to complete obliteration of pseudoaneurysm and alleviation of patient's symptoms.
Early graft function is crucial for successful kidney transplantation. Intravascular volume maintenance is paramount in ensuring reperfusion of transplanted kidney. This study was planned to compare whether the timing of fluid infusion can help to decrease amount of fluid given without altering early graft function during renal transplantation.
The present study included forty recipients, randomized into standard (Group-S) or targeted fluid therapy (Group-T). Group S received fluid according to conventional fasting deficit while Group T received at 1 ml/kg/h from the start of surgery till start of vascular anastomosis after which fluid infusion rate in both group was increased to maintain a central venous pressure of 13-15 mm of Hg till reperfusion. Primary outcome measured was serum creatinine level on first postoperative day while secondary outcomes were IV fluid given, perioperative hemodynamics, onset of diuresis, graft turgidity, urine output, and renal function during first 6 postoperative days.
Tlinical trial identifier number-CTRI/2016/07/007111.
Bladder exstrophy is an anomaly, which if not treated early in the age, poses a surgical challenge in providing an adequate abdominal wall closure. We report our experience in patients with untreated exstrophy of the bladder, who underwent cystectomy, ileal conduit, and abdominal reconstruction using the anterior rectus sheath turndown flap and paired inguinal skin flaps.
Ten previously unoperated adult patients with exstrophy with epispadias, who underwent surgery at our institute from January 2010 till January 2021, were included in this study to evaluate the adequacy of abdominal wall closure with our technique of retrograde turndown anterior rectus sheath flap with paired inguinal flap, and to document immediate and delayed complications, especially incisional hernia.
The mean follow-up period of the study was 16.5 months. We found that our technique provided adequate local tissue for a sturdy two-layered closure of the lower abdominal wall defect. Out of the ten patients, only one required an additional flap for abdominal wound closure. There were no stoma-related complications or incisional hernia.
Abdominal wall reconstruction, for skin and fascial defects, in such complex cases can be performed by local skin and fascia using a relatively simple, safe, easy, and affordable technique as we have described. Our technique avoids the use of synthetic mesh, thereby reducing the chances of infection in such chronic open wounds.
Abdominal wall reconstruction, for skin and fascial defects, in such complex cases can be performed by local skin and fascia using a relatively simple, safe, easy, and affordable technique as we have described. Our technique avoids the use of synthetic mesh, thereby reducing the chances of infection in such chronic open wounds.
We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the newly launched thulium fiber laser (TFL) with holmium laser lithotripsy in the miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (Miniperc) procedure for renal stones.
The prospective study included patients with renal stones of size >1 cm to ≤3 cm. The patients who opted for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, retrograde intrarenal surgeries, and stones >3 cm were excluded from the study. Demographics such as patient's age, sex, stone volume, and hardness were evaluated. The patients were randomized into holmium and TFL group for stone lithotripsy. Both the procedures were evaluated for stone disintegration time, operative time, hospital stay, intra- and postoperative complications, and stone-free rate.
A total of 125 patients with renal stones who underwent Miniperc were included in this study. The average size of the stone was comparable in both the groups (
= 0.053). The median stone disintegration time with holmium laser was 20 min 45 s and with TFL, it was 11 min 19 s (
< 0.001). The most common complications were Clavien grade I and II complications (
= 0.128). Prolonged postoperative hematuria was observed in the Thulium fiber laser group, which was conservatively managed. The stone-free rate with TFL (94.9%) was better than Holmium lithotripsy (90.9%).
The TFL has significant less stone disintegration time which effectively reduced the operative time of Miniperc procedure. The stone-free rate is better, but the incidence of self-limiting hematuria is higher with TFL as compared to Holmium laser.
The TFL has significant less stone disintegration time which effectively reduced the operative time of Miniperc procedure. The stone-free rate is better, but the incidence of self-limiting hematuria is higher with TFL as compared to Holmium laser.
With the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms causing urosepsis after transrectal biopsy of prostate, the need for an alternative approach has increased. We assessed the safety and feasibility of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided free-hand transperineal prostate biopsy under local anesthesia (LA) for suspected prostate cancer.
This prospective study was conducted from July 2019 to December 2020 in which patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or abnormal digital rectal examination underwent magnetic resonance imaging-TRUS cognitive fusion transperineal prostate biopsy (target and systematic) using coaxial needle. Demographic, perioperative, and outcome data of 50 consecutive patients were analyzed.
The mean age of the patients was 69.6 ± 7.61 years, median PSA 13.55 ng/mL (4.17-672) and prostate size 45cc (16-520). Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) 2, 3, 4, and 5 lesions were found in 2, 12, 12, and 24 patients, respectively. Average procedure duration was 2mplications particularly reduced urosepsis.
The messaging application 'WhatsApp' is used in clinical practice, often for communication between a medical trainee and a consultant. We designed this study to find the interrater reliability of the data transmitted through this application and validating its use in urological practice.
Clinical details and computerized tomographic (CT) images of 30 patients visiting the urology emergency were posted in a closed WhatsApp group involving three consultants (SKD, APS, and KC). The CT images were posted in the WhatsApp group as Whole Image (WI) and Image of Interest (IOI) format and rated on a scale of 1-5. The consultants formulated a provisional diagnosis and initial management strategy. The interrater reliability of these responses was analyzed in the study.
Mean WI rating ranged from 3.03 ± 0.61 to 3.73 ± 0.64 (Cronbach alfa [α]-0.494,
= 0.006). Mean IOI rating ranged from 3.4 ± 0.56 to 4.13 ± 0.73 (α-0.824,
< 0.0001). For diagnosis, the proportion of observed agreement (P
) was 83.3% for SKD and APS, 76.6% for SKD and KC, and 73.3% for APS and KC. For management, P
was 86.6% for APS and KC, 86.6% for SKD and APS, and 80% for SKD and KC.
WhatsApp Messenger serves to transmit good quality pictures of CT scan images. A reasonable diagnosis and management strategy can be formulated using this app with fair inter-rater reliability.
WhatsApp Messenger serves to transmit good quality pictures of CT scan images. A reasonable diagnosis and management strategy can be formulated using this app with fair inter-rater reliability.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >20 ng/mL in isolation is a criterion for classification as "high-risk" prostate cancer (PCa). However, among Indian men, PSA elevation is often seen even in the absence of PCa and patients with PSA as the sole criterion for the high-risk disease may have different outcomes from those categorized as high risk due to adverse pathological features. We compared the operative, oncological, and functional outcomes after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in men with high-risk PCa categorized using PSA alone versus clinical and histopathological findings.
In an Institute Review Board-approved study, men undergoing RARP with high-risk PCa with at least 2-year follow-up were categorized into those with PSA >20 ng/ml being the sole criteria for being high risk (Group A) versus those with Gleason score ≥8 or ≥T2c disease but any PSA level (Group B). The two groups were compared for perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes.
Fifty-three patients with high-ri or pathological criteria for high-risk disease.
Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is an integral part in the management of carcinoma penis. The concerns about the postoperative morbidity associated with open ILND led to modification in the template of dissection and adoption of minimally invasive techniques such as video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) and robotic-assisted VEIL (R-VEIL). In this review, we aim to describe the techniques, case selection, perioperative outcomes, and oncological outcomes of VEIL and R-VEIL and to compare it with open ILND.
Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched to identify the articles for VEIL and R-VEIL. Using PRISMA guidelines, literature search yielded 3783 articles, of which 32 full-text articles relevant to the topic were selected and reviewed, after consensus from authors.
After the first description of VEIL, various modifications in port placements and approaches were described. Several studies have shown, VEIL and R VEIL are safe and feasible in both node-negative and node-positive Ca penis patients. Compared to open ILND, VEIL had fewer wound infections and skin necrosis, minimal blood loss, shorter mean hospital stays, and reduced duration of drain kept. There is no difference in mean lymph node yield and recurrence rates between open ILND, VEIL, R-VEIL.
VEIL and R-VEIL are safe and have comparable oncological outcomes with open ILND.
VEIL and R-VEIL are safe and have comparable oncological outcomes with open ILND.Focal therapy (FT) has recently gained popularity for the treatment of localized prostate cancer (PCa). FT achieves cancer control by targeting the lesions or the regions of the cancer and avoids damage to the surrounding tissues thus minimizing side effects which are common to the radical treatment, such as urinary continence and sexual function, and bowel-related side effects. Various ablative methods are used to deliver energy to the cancerous tissue. We review the different modalities of treatment and the current state of FT for PCa.Recently the most infectious disease is the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID 19) creates a devastating effect on public health in more than 200 countries in the world. Since the detection of COVID19 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is time-consuming and error-prone, the alternative solution of detection is Computed Tomography (CT) images. In this paper, Contrast Limited Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) was applied to CT images as a preprocessing step for enhancing the quality of the images. After that, we developed a novel Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model that extracted 100 prominent features from a total of 2482 CT scan images. These extracted features were then deployed to various machine learning algorithms - Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Logistic Regression (LR), and Random Forest (RF). Finally, we proposed an ensemble model for the COVID19 CT image classification. We also showed various performance comparisons with the state-of-art methods. Our proposed model outperforms the state-of-art models and achieved an accuracy, precision, and recall score of 99.73%, 99.46%, and 100%, respectively.
Physical and mental stress as well as infection hazards of employees in child day care centers require compliance with governmental occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations. How well OHS is organized and how measures are actually implemented are not yet empirically known. This gap was closed with an epidemiological study on the status quo.
In the second half of 2020 a total of 120 managers of day care centers in Germany, mostly church-run, which are member companies of the German Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), were randomly selected and interviewed. This was done by members of the BGW prevention services using astandardized survey instrument. The surveyed aspects (mostly concerning the OHS organization) were summarized in astandardized sum index between0 and1 (worst to best occupational health and safety) and analyzed descriptively.
The requirements for the organization of OHS were fulfilled in many cases. There is still some potential left tinuously improve the actual implementation of organized measures, OHS management systems, which are still rarely used in day care centers, could have a supporting effect. Corresponding instruments are available and their use should be more strongly promoted in the future. Limitations of the study include possible bias due to responses to representatives of an institution that is also responsible for OHS inspections.This article focuses on uncertainty-ways in which scientists recognize and analyze limits in their studies and conclusions. We distinguish uncertainty from (un)trustworthiness-ways in which scientific reports can be affected by conscious deception or unconscious bias. Scientific journal articles typically include analyses and quantifications of uncertainty in both quantitative forms (e.g., error bars, ranges of predictions, statistical tests) and qualitative forms (e.g., alternate hypotheses, limitations of studies, questions for future research). These analyses of uncertainty are often incorporated into reports from scientific organizations and responsible scientific journalism. We argue that a critical goal of science education should be to help students understand how science may be employed as an uncertain and limited, yet still useful tool for informing decisions about socioscientific problems. When members of the public are insufficiently prepared to understand analyses and quantifications of uncertainty, the consequences are manifest in public skepticism about science and inadequately informed decision-making about socioscientific issues. We describe current design work in science education that includes a worthwhile emphasis on helping students to recognize and leverage uncertainty in their own data and models. Additional important work can enable students to develop proficiency in seeking out and understanding analyses of continuing uncertainty in media accounts of scientific conclusions and predictions.Favipiravir is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 in the early stages of the disease. In this work, the solubility of favipiravir was measured in supercritical CO2 at temperatures ranging from 308 to 338 K and pressures ranging from 12 to 30 MPa. The mole fraction solubility of favipiravir was in the range of 3.0 × 10-6 to 9.05 × 10-4. The solubility data were correlated with three types of methods including; (a) density-based models (Chrastil, Garlapati and Madras, Sparks et al., Sodeifian et al., K-J and Keshmiri et al.), (b) Equations of states SRK with quadratic mixing rules) and (c) expanded liquid theory (modified Wilson model). According to the results, modified Wilson and K-J models are generally capable of providing good correlation of solubility. Finally, the approximate values of total ( Δ H total ), vaporization ( Δ H vap ), and solvation ( Δ H sol ) enthalpies were computed.Research continues to emerge about the impact of COVID-19 on education; however, reports about the impact on students receiving special education services are more limited. This study examined parental views of distance learning for students with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis. Using a survey disseminated via social media, we examined parents' views (N = 153) of PK-12 education for students receiving special education services during COVID-19. Results indicated three main themes (1) special education and related service hours were decreased during virtual learning; (2) parents reported that their children were unable to participate in virtual learning without significant adult support; (3) parents often were unable to provide their children with assistance due to other commitments including work and childcare.The aim of this research is to analyse the emotional tensions experienced by PE students in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-four students participated in the study. A qualitative methodology was used in which, taking into account the safety and prevention conditions established for the COVID-19 situation, three categories of analysis were obtained a) experiences regarding the use of the face mask; b) experiences regarding physical distancing; and c) social interaction between students. The researchers' logbooks and three discussion groups were used as data collection instruments. The results show how the COVID-19 safety measures generated emotional changes in students.With the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, vaccination is an urgent need worldwide. Internet of Things (IoT) has a vital role in the smart city for vaccine manufacturing with wearable sensors. According to the advanced services in intelligent manufacturing, the fourth resolution is also changing in Industry 5.0 and utilizes high-definition connectivity sensors. Traditional manufacturing companies rely on trusted third parties, which may act as a single point of failure. Access control, big data, and scalability are also challenging issues in existing systems because of the demand response data (DRD) in advanced manufacturing. To mitigate these challenges, CoVAC A P2P Smart Contract-based Intelligent Smart City Architecture for Vaccine Manufacturing is proposed with three layers, including connection, conversion, and intelligent cloud layer. Smart contract-based blockchain is utilized at the conversion layer for resolving access control, security, and privacy issues. Deep learning is adopted in the intelligent cloud layer for big data analysis and increasing production for vaccine manufacturing in smart city environments. A case study is carried out wherein access data are collected from the various smart plants for vaccines using smart manufacturing to validate the effectiveness of the proposed architecture. Simulation of the proposed architecture is performed on the collected advanced sensor IoT plants data to address the challenges above, offering scalable production in the vaccine manufacturing for the smart city.Portable air cleaners (PACs) can remove airborne SARS-CoV-2 exhaled by COVID-19 infectors indoor. However, effectively locating PAC to reduce the infection risk is still poorly understood. Here, we propose a simple model by regressing an equation of seven similarity criteria based on CFD-modeled results of a scenario matrix of 128 cases for office rooms. The model can calculate the mean droplet nucleus concentration with very low computing costs. Combining this model with the Wells-Riley equation, we estimate the airborne infection risk when a PAC is located in different positions. The two similarity criteria, B p + and G p + , are critical for characterizing the effect of the position and airflow rate of PAC on the infection risk. An infection probability of less than 10% requires B p + to be larger than 144 and G p + to be larger than 0.001. These criteria imply that locating PAC in the center of the room is optimal under the premise that the airflow rate of PAC is greater than a certain level. The model provides an easy-to-use approach for real-time risk control strategy decisions. Furthermore, the placement strategies offer timely guidelines for precautions against the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and common infectious respiratory diseases.Optical coherence tomography (OCT) with a robust depth-resolved attenuation compensation method for a wide range of imaging applications is proposed and demonstrated. The proposed novel OCT attenuation compensation algorithm introduces an optimized axial point spread function (PSF) to modify existing depth-resolved methods and mitigates under and overestimation in biological tissues, providing a uniform resolution over the entire imaging range. The preliminary study is implemented using A-mode numerical simulation, where this method achieved stable and robust compensation results over the entire depth of samples. The experiment results using phantoms and corneal imaging exhibit agreement with the simulation result evaluated using signal-to-noise (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) metrics.This paper deals with the relationship between the CO2 emissions and the global temperatures across the various pandemic episodes that have been taken place in the last 100 years. To carry out the analysis, first we conducted unit root tests finding evidence of nonstationary I(1) behavior, which means that a shift in time causes a change in the shape of distribution. However, due to the low statistical power of unit root tests, we also used a methodology based on long memory and fractional integration. Our results indicate that the emissions display very heterogeneous behavior in relation to the degree of persistence across pandemics. The temperatures are more homogeneous, finding values for the orders of integration of the series smaller than 1 in all cases, thus showing mean reverting behavior.Densification of cities threatens the provision of public open space for people living in and around cities. The increasing evidence of the many benefits of recreational walking for physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted an urgent need for fostering the availability of public open space. In this context, urban planners need information to anticipate recreational needs and propose long-term, resilient solutions that consider the growing demand driven by increasing urban population and intensified in times of crisis such as the recent pandemic. In this paper, we harness the unique large MOBISCOVID-19 GPS travel diary data on mobility behaviour collected during a normal baseline period and during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the Canton of Zurich Switzerland. We estimate a sufficiency rate that allows to geolocate locations where the demand for public open space is higher than the available offer. In a second step, we explore if preference patterns for recreational areas have changed during the pandemic. Results indicate that the main cities and important towns in the case study area are saturated by current demand, and that the pandemic has amplified the problem. In particular, urban dwellers look for tranquil areas to recreate. Such information is crucial to guide decision-making processes for planning the cities of the future.Leveraging aerosol data from multiple airborne and surface-based field campaigns encompassing diverse environmental conditions, we calculate statistics of the oxalate-sulfate mass ratio (median 0.0217; 95% confidence interval 0.0154-0.0296; R = 0.76; N = 2,948). Ground-based measurements of the oxalate-sulfate ratio fall within our 95% confidence interval, suggesting the range is robust within the mixed layer for the submicrometer particle size range. We demonstrate that dust and biomass burning emissions can separately bias this ratio toward higher values by at least one order of magnitude. In the absence of these confounding factors, the 95% confidence interval of the ratio may be used to estimate the relative extent of aqueous processing by comparing inferred oxalate concentrations between air masses, with the assumption that sulfate primarily originates from aqueous processing.Galactorrhea in nonpregnant woman of child-bearing age is related to various pathologies including the use of psychotropic. Although common with antipsychotics, galactorrhea with antidepressants was infrequent. Previously reported cases of galactorrhea were mostly with combined antidepressants and cases of galactorrhea with paroxetine and fluvoxamine were with normal serum prolactin level. We reported three cases of galactorrhea, one with single use of paroxetine and other two with fluvoxamine with elevated serum prolactin level in all three cases.COVID-19 has adversely affected the lives of people with bipolar disorder (BD). We have reported three patients with BD, who suffered from relapse after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Patient X is a 54-year-old man who developed manic episode, while Y is a 63-year-old man and Z is a 52-year-old woman who developed severe depression after being hospitalized for COVID-19. In this case series, three patients with BD who developed manic or depressive episodes during COVID-19 infection have been described. Adequate liaison between consultation-liaison psychiatrist and primary medical team was done. Rational pharmacotherapy along with psychosocial interventions led to favorable outcomes in all three cases.
Media reporting of suicide has an essential role in the suicidal behavior of the general population.
The aim of this study is to assess the quality of online news reports of suicidal behavior in Myanmar against the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting guidelines.
We performed a content analysis of all available suicide-related news reports published in vernacular online newspapers of Myanmar.
A total of 285 reports were analyzed, consisting of 87.4% suicides and 12.6% nonfatal suicidal attempts. Potentially, harmful information reported in the text includes the methods of suicide (100%), the word or term in Burmese related to suicide (89.5%), the name of the person (56.5%), life event (50.5%), and photo or suicidal person (17.9%). Meanwhile, helpful information such as prevention programs and the contact information for suicide services to the readers have been infrequently reported.
The study found that the newspaper reporting of suicide in Myanmar is grossly nonadherent to the WHO media guidelines.
The study found that the newspaper reporting of suicide in Myanmar is grossly nonadherent to the WHO media guidelines.
Social networking sites (SNSs) have become an indispensable part of young adults in India. The content on one's profile and that of others on social media makes social comparison easier among young adults leading to poor mental health and life dissatisfaction.
To assess the relationship between the pattern of SNS use among young adults and depression, anxiety, and social comparison.
This was a cross-sectional study among medical students done using a questionnaire consisting of pattern of SNS use and scales for social comparison, depression, and anxiety.
We collected data from 220 students (mean age 20.44 years). Impression management was associated with higher social comparison, depression, and anxiety scores. Social comparison had a significant correlation between depression and anxiety scores.
A complex association exists between duration or time spent on SNS use and psychopathology.
A complex association exists between duration or time spent on SNS use and psychopathology.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of long-term use of clozapine on disability and course of illness among patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
102 participants who have been receiving clozapine for a mean duration of 5 years were evaluated on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) rating, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) severity rating, and Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale (IDEAS) and the scores were compared with the scores on the same scales at the time of starting clozapine.
There was a significant reduction in both CGI-severity scores and scores in all the four domains of IDEAS, alongside a significant reduction on all three subscales of PANSS with clozapine treatment. The CGI global improvement subscale was rated as very much improved for 80 patients. In terms of course of symptoms, at 6 months of clozapine use, three-fourth of the patients were rated as having partial recovery with no relapse of symptoms, but with passage of time, the proportion of patients in the category of "complete recovery" was found to be increasing. Higher CGI severity at the follow-up, lower CGI global improvement, and poorer efficacy index were associated with higher disability at the follow-up.
The present study suggests that clozapine has a significant beneficial impact on disability and course of illness among patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
The present study suggests that clozapine has a significant beneficial impact on disability and course of illness among patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
Despite coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) being a major health crisis in the current times, only a few studies have addressed its potential direct effect on mental health, especially among COVID-19 patients.
This study was conducted to assess the mental health of COVID-19 patients.
In cross sectional study, mental health status of 301 symptomatic and 200 asymptomatic COVID-19 participants was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-28.
Around 8.78% COVID-19 patients were found to be psychologically distressed that was predominantly higher among symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Risk of psychological distress was significantly higher in females, living in nuclear families and having a history of addiction.
COVID-19 patients suffer from psychological distress, which needs to be addressed to cope well with this pandemic situation.
COVID-19 patients suffer from psychological distress, which needs to be addressed to cope well with this pandemic situation.
Media portrayal of mental illness may influence public stigma and service utilization.
This study aims to explore the overall tone and content of the news articles on mental illnesses in India.
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on online English and Hindi news portals for articles which made reference to mental illness, published by local and national media sources between September 2019 and August 2020. The search was performed using location and news-only filters in the "Google" search engine; we used predefined search queries and selection criteria. A previously published checklist was used for the content analysis; it was done by two independent investigators.
A total of 273 news reports met inclusion criteria (Hindi
= 164, English
= 109). Results showed that more than half (54.9%) had a positive tone. Nearly a third (30.8%) of these articles were stigmatizing in tone. Persons with mental illness were portrayed as violent, unreliable, and unpredictable. Uses of blanket terms (33.3%) such as mentally ill, mentally unstable, mentally retarded, and stigmatizing photographs (36.9%) were also common. Overall, Hindi media had a significantly better quality of reporting than the English language media. National media reports had a less negative and stigmatizing tone than local articles.
There is a need for a concerted attempt to improve the quality of media reporting of mental illness in India.
There is a need for a concerted attempt to improve the quality of media reporting of mental illness in India.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is thought to have greatly impacted families of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to lockdown, given lack of access to healthcare, therapy, and day-care centers. This survey was conducted to understand the magnitude of the impact of lockdown, and its effect on the health and behavior of individuals with ASD and their families.
We conducted an anonymous online survey, disseminated to families registered with our hospital and collaborating centers. The survey questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic details, details of the patient's and parents' behavior and health during the COVID-19 lockdown, and treatment details of the patient.
A total of 153 families completed the survey. Of the 153, nearly half of the individuals with ASD had an inadequate understanding of lockdown, 54% had increased screen-time, while a third reported new-onset behavioral changes. About 40% received online therapies, of which 85% reported benefits. Of the 132 who answered the parent's section, 55% reported decreased interest and/or pleasure in doing daily activities and 43% felt depressed and/or hopeless. About 80% of families reported short-term positive changes such as improved speech, language skills, and participation in household chores.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routines, triggered behavioral issues in individuals with ASD, and impacted the coping skills of both individuals and families, along with the mental health and well-being of the family. Valuable suggestions to improve therapy services and clinical care using technology have been uncovered and need to be explored.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routines, triggered behavioral issues in individuals with ASD, and impacted the coping skills of both individuals and families, along with the mental health and well-being of the family. Valuable suggestions to improve therapy services and clinical care using technology have been uncovered and need to be explored.
The clinical picture of COVID-19 is as complex as it is psychosocial impact. The sheer subjectivity of the illness experience demands that each individual affected be heard and noticed.
To assess lived-in experiences and coping strategies of COVID-19 positive individuals.
The study was conducted at designated COVID care center of a tertiary care hospital using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach.
Interviews were collected from 13 COVID-19-positive individuals using an open-ended interview guide and were recorded, transcribed and further analyzed.
Analysis was done using Smith's Interpretative Phenomenological Approach. Themes and sub-themes were extracted and thematic schema was developed.
A total of 10 themes and 36 sub-themes were identified. The themes extracted with context to before being diagnosed with COVID-19 positive are impact of COVID-19 and preconception about hospitalization and hospitalized individuals. The themes with relation to active COVID-19 infection are psychological reactduals.
Postoperative delirium significantly delays the recovery of patients. This study sought to explore the risk factors and to prevent postoperative delirium after orthopedic surgery.
In the part of retrospective study, 456 cases over 70-year-old that underwent one of three types of orthopedic surgery were included and were defined as the retrospective group. The risk factors of postoperative delirium were analyzed by logistic regression. In the part of prospective study, 86 cases of the same age and the same surgery were included and were defined as the prospective group. Positive interventions were used by shortening the fasting time and increasing the perioperative rehydration. The differences of postoperative delirium incidence between the retrospective group and the prospective group were analyzed.
Compared with patients with normal postoperative electrolytes, postoperative creatinine <68.20 μmol/L, and fluid infusion during fasting >119.66 mL/h, postoperative electrolyte disorders (odds ratio [OR] 2.
