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Linguistic integration improves refugee physical and mental health
Optimizing the Treatment of Critically Ill Patients Utilizing Beta-D-glucan: The Time is Now
Diversity in trap color and height increases species richness of bark and woodboring beetles detected in multiple funnel traps
Early detection of non-native, potentially invasive bark beetles and woodboring beetles (BBWB) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Disteniidae; Curculionidae: Scolytinae) inadvertently introduced to new habitats via global trade is a critical issue for regulatory agencies in numerous countries. We conducted trapping experiments to evaluate the effects of trap color (black vs. green vs. purple) and trap height (canopy vs. understory) on detection of BBWB in Canada, Poland, USA, and China, using Fluon-treated 12-unit multiple-funnel traps. Each trap was baited with the same pheromone and ethanol lures known to attract several species of BBWB. We predicted BBWB species composition would differ between vertical strata and among trap colors, and that the number of BBWB species detected would increase with greater diversity of trapping methods, i.e., by using more than one color of trap and by placing traps in both the canopy and understory. Our prediction was partially supported, i.e., placing one color of trap in the understory and a different colored trap in the canopy detected more species than did a single trap color placed in either the understory or canopy. However, the combinations of trap height and colors that detected the most species varied among sites. The community of BBWB species captured in traps was significantly affected by trap height and trap color at all sites, with the strongest patterns in the data from Poland and the USA. Black and purple traps caught similar communities of BBWB species in the canopy and understory, but green traps caught a different species assemblage in the canopy in Poland and the USA. Effects of trap height and color on species richness were consistent across all four sites within the subfamilies Agrilinae (more species captured in green canopy traps than any other trap height-color combination), Chrysochroinae (more species captured in purple canopy traps than any trap height-color combination) and Scolytinae (more species captured in the understory than the canopy and no effect of trap color), but varied significantly among sites within Cerambycidae subfamilies. None of the species accumulation curves reached an asymptote for any trap color-height combination at any site, indicating that 8–9 traps per site were not sufficient to detect all BBWB species present. Thus, increasing the number of traps deployed per site will increase the BBWB species richness captured and the chances of detecting non-native species that may be present.
Vonoprazan-based therapy versus standard regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection management in Egypt: an open-label randomized controlled trial
Abstract As antibiotic resistance continues to rise, the development of novel H. pylori treatment regimens, combined with regular assessment of existing treatment regimens, is imperative. The study evaluates the efficacy, safety, and compliance of vonoprazan dual and triple therapy (VDT and VTT) both consisting of vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily and amoxicillin/clavulanate 875 mg/125 three times daily plus clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily added in VTT versus standard triple therapy (STT), in which vonoprazan 20 mg in VTT is replaced by PPI standard or double dose all for 14 days, along with investigating factors influencing compliance, treatment response, and symptoms severity. By per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates of the STT, VDT, and VTT groups were 70%, 76.2%, and 79.2%, respectively (p = 0.777) indicating suboptimal efficacy of the three treatment regimens. This necessitates the optimization of dosage and frequency of available treatment regimens as well as the development of new regimens with higher eradication rates. Interestingly, the VDT group demonstrated a better safety profile but with no statistically significant difference in cure rate. No difference in compliance with treatment was found between the groups. Gender, frequency of COVID-19 vaccination, height, and BMI were the only factors assessed influencing infection symptoms severity. ClinicalTrial.gov ID identifier: NCT05614934, first posted date (07/11/2022).
Postoperative Recovery from a Cardiac Anesthesiologists’ Perspective
Author Correction: Structure of the human dopamine transporter in complex with cocaine
Is laccase from medicinal mushroom Cerrena unicolor cytotoxic to colon cancer cell line CT-26?
Introduction and objective Colorectal cancer takes an increasing toll every year. Despite the dynamic development of pharmacology, there is still no drug that would be strong enough to cause apoptosis of cancer cells, but at the same time would be free from numerous side effects. Taking traditional Eastern medicine into account, studies were carried out using an extract - laccase (LAC) from a medical mushroom called Cerrena unicolor- on CT-26 colon cancer cells. Preliminary cytotoxicity tests have already confirmed that the examined extract affects cancer cells and at the same time has no significant effect on L929 cells. The Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing system (ECIS) and standard methods were used in this work. ECIS used in this study is an advanced in vitro impedance measuring system. Materials and methods The CT-26 and L929 cells were treated by five different concentrations of the LAC preparation ranging from 0.025 to 250 μg/mL. Concentrations selected for the ECIS system assay were: 0.25;2.5 and 250 μg/mL. The default optimal frequencies in the ECIS system for Resistance (R) 4000Hz, Impedance (Z) 16000Hz, Capacitance (C) 64000Hz were used. Resluts ECIS results demonstrate the potential anti-cancer activity of the laccase preparation against CT-26 cancer cells, and affect theL929 cells in to a lesser extent. Thanks to the use of the ECIS research technique, it was possible to monitor live changes in cell morphology and physiology, which translates into accurate conclusions about the action of the tested preparation.
Application of aqueous biphasic systems based on pluronic copolymer and deep eutectic solvent to achieve purified C phycocyanin
Author Response: 5’-Nucleotidase for Predicting Snakebite Outcomes—A Biomarker Breakthrough?
Cost savings of outpatient versus inpatient hip and knee arthroplasty in Ontario, Canada
Introduction Hip and knee replacement surgery is one of the most commonly performed elective procedures, accounting for significant healthcare costs and resource utilization. In recent years, the proportion of hip and knee arthroplasties performed in outpatient settings has grown rapidly. Although the safety and effectiveness of outpatient vs. inpatient hip and knee arthroplasty have been documented in the literature, estimates of health system cost-savings in Canada are limited. Methods We employed a population-based retrospective cohort study design. We obtained data on patients aged 18–105 years who underwent hip or knee replacement surgery in both inpatient and outpatient settings in Ontario, Canada between 2018/19 and 2022/23. Patients who underwent outpatient hip and knee arthroplasty were matched to inpatient cases using a propensity score based on age, sex, comorbidity, area-level sociodemographic factors, total/partial replacement, and surgery date. We analyzed cost data that included hospitalization and ambulatory care visits, physician billing, home care, and oral medications. We utilized generalized linear models to identify the best fit regression model and estimated the average cost-savings associated with outpatient versus inpatient arthroplasty during the preoperative (30-days before surgery), perioperative (surgery + 30 days), 1–6-month postoperative, 6–12-month postoperative, 12–24-month postoperative, and 24–36-month postoperative periods. The costs were reported in 2023 Canadian dollars. Results A total of 35,894 hip arthroplasty patients and 49,597 knee arthroplasty patients were included in our analysis. During the perioperative period, outpatient arthroplasty was less costly than inpatient arthroplasty for hip replacement by $3,859 (95% CI -$4045, -$3745) and for knee replacement by $3,966 ($-4080, $-3851). Over 3 years of follow-up, outpatient arthroplasty was less costly than inpatient arthroplasty for hip replacement by $7058 (-$8086, -$6031) and for knee replacement by $7043 (-$7842, -$6243). Conclusion Outpatient hip and knee arthroplasty is cost-saving both during and beyond the perioperative period in comparison with similar patients who undergo inpatient arthroplasty in Ontario. Policies should be put in place to incentivize continued uptake of outpatient arthroplasty, which we estimate could save the Ontario healthcare system up to $98 million per year.
Promethazine for nausea and vomiting prevention after gynaecological laparoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Serum Uric Acid in Sepsis: A Hidden Prognostic Clue or Just Another Red Herring?
Prevalence of Post-intensive care syndrome among intensive care unit-survivors and its association with intensive care unit length of stay: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Post-intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) is defined as various physical, psychological, and cognitive, impairments that can arise during an ICU stay, continue after leaving the ICU, or even persist following hospital discharge. It impacts both patients and their family’s quality of life. Various primary studies worldwide have reported prevalence of PICS among ICU survivors. However, these studies exhibit inconsistency and wide variations. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of post intensive care syndrome among intensive care unit survivors along with its association with ICU length of stay. Methods We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 checklist for this review. We searched PubMed/Medline, CINHAL, Embase, and Google scholar to retrieve articles. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used for quality assessment of articles. The random effects model with I-squared test was used to estimate the prevalence of PICS and its association with ICU length of stay. To identify the source of heterogeneity within the included studies, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used. We employed Egger’s regression test and funnel plots for assessing publication bias. STATA version 17.0 software was used for all statistical analyses. A p-value of < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval was used declare statistically significant. Results A total of 19 articles with a population of 10179 ICU-survivors were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of PICS was found to be 54.35% (95% CI = 45.54, 63.15). In sub-group analysis by region, the highest prevalence was observed in studies done in south and north America with overall prevalence of 61.95% (95% CI = 28.33, 95.62). Among the three domains of PICS (physical, cognitive and mental domains), the highest prevalence score was observed in the physical domain with overall prevalence of 45.99% (95% CI = 34.66, 57.31). In this meta-analysis, those patients who stayed more than four days in the ICU were 1.207 [95% CI = 1.119, 1.295] times more likely to develop at least one among the three domains of PICS in the post-intensive care period than their counterparts. Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate a high prevalence of PICS among ICU survivors, and highlight the significant association between ICU length of stay and the development of PICS. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the long-term effects of critical illness, particularly for patients with prolonged ICU stays.
Association between urinary cadmium levels and increased gallstone disease in US adults
The Prognostic Significance of Serum Uric Acid in Sepsis: A Comparative Study on Adult Patients
ESG and corporate performance: The moderating role of government subsidies and mediating effect of analyst coverage in Chinese A-share listed companies
In recent years, the heightened emphasis on sustainable and high-quality economic development has garnered substantial investor interest in corporate ESG performance, significantly influencing the long-term operational stability of firms. This study, based on data from A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2022, explores the relationship between corporate ESG performance and corporate financial performance. This research employed regression analysis to examine this relationship and found that improved ESG performance significantly enhances financial performance, especially in state-owned enterprises and the manufacturing sector. Additional analysis shows that government subsidies positively influence the relationship between ESG performance and corporate financial performance, suggesting that subsidies amplify the positive effects of ESG initiatives on performance. Mechanism tests suggest that increased analyst coverage is a key pathway through which ESG performance boosts corporate financial performance. These findings underscore the importance of ESG initiatives for companies and provide empirical evidence supporting the role of government subsidies and analyst coverage in amplifying the positive impact of ESG performance on financial outcomes.
Loneliness among family medicine providers and its impact on clinical and teaching practice
Abstract Social isolation and loneliness (SIL) are increasingly recognized as health risks. This study examines family medicine providers’ personal experiences with SIL, their perspectives on its importance in clinical practice, and their readiness to incorporate it into medical education. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by the Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA) among members of major U.S. academic family medicine organizations between October and November 2024. Responses on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale and items assessing attitudes toward SIL in clinical practice and medical education were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics. Among 1,004 respondents (response rate 20.7%), 27.8% had sum scores ≥ 6 on the UCLA-3 item scale indicating considerable loneliness. SIL was particularly prevalent among women (31.1%), underrepresented minorities (36.1%), and Black/African American respondents (40.3%). While 54.1% rated SIL as important in family medicine and 68.2% supported regular screening, only 32.5% agreed that managing SIL falls within clinicians’ responsibility. Providers experiencing SIL themselves reported less frequent patient discussions about loneliness (23.7% vs. 32.0%, p = 0.023) and fewer community partnerships. Most respondents (71.0%) reported inadequate resources in their clinics to address SIL. Family medicine educators experience substantial rates of loneliness, particularly among minority groups, at levels exceeding those of their patients and the general population. Personal experiences with SIL appear to influence clinical practices and teaching. Before implementing widespread screening initiatives, the profession must address both providers’ own social connectedness needs and the development of practical clinical resources.
Serum Ferritin Level in Children with Severe Dengue Infection and Its Association with Outcome: A Single-center Prospective Cohort Study
Prevalence and risk factors of burnout among employees at COVID-19 vaccination centers: A cross-sectional study
Background Health care workers working in Covid-19 vacciantion centers due to their exponential demand experience burnout and stress. Burnout, a psychological syndrome is characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). It can adversely affect professional and personal well being of an individual. Aim of this study was to check prevalence of burnout among health care workers, to identify personal and work-related factors, and to compare the risk factors associated with the different dimensions of burnout (EE, DP, and PA). Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among 180 employees of various COVID-19 vaccination centers. Three dimensions of burnout (EE, DP, and PA) were evaluated usinge Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and association between burnout and other factors were assessed using logistic regression analysis with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Prevalence rate of burnout among health care workers was 73.3%. Emotional exhaustion being the highest dimension (38.4%) followed by Depersonalization (30.8%) and personal accomplishment (33.1%). Young employees (<30 years) had significantly higher prevalence of burnout compared to old employees (82.4% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.033). Additionally, employees working more than 8 hours/day (OR = 9.98, p = 0.032) and employess with less than 6 hours of sleep/night (OR = 0.39, p = 0.042) had more likely to experience burnout. Conclusion There was an increase prevalence rate of burnout observedamong employees at COVID-19 vaccination centers. There was a significant association between personal and work-related factors such as age, working hours, and sleep patterns. Addressing these factors, particularly by promoting better work-life balance and mental health support, is essential to mitigate burnout and improve employee well-being.