Search

Studying drug utilization helps to develop twin concepts for therapeutic formulation and essential drug lists. The main preference of using Antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy is that patients can be seizure-free for their lifetime. Treating children with epilepsy remains a major challenge, despite having several AEDs. Hence, we aimed to study drug utilization patterns among pediatric patients with epilepsy. This prospective study was conducted on 150 patients lesser than 18 years of age, receiving antiepileptic drugs. A specially designed case record form was used to collect the data on socioeconomic status, disease data, and treatment details. The majority of the children were females (60.6%), ages ranged from day 1 to 4 years (56.6%). About 35.33% were skilled laborers followed by 32.23% semi-skilled. Around 49.3% of patients belonged to the lower-middle-class family and 41.33% were diagnosed to have generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS). The majority of the children were on monotherapy (81.33%) while 18.66% were on dual therapy or polytherapy. Regarding the usage of antiepileptic drugs, we found that 70.66% of children were on older AEDs like sodium valproate (27.33%) followed by clobazam (31.33%). Levetiracetam was the only new antiepileptic drug that was prescribed in 10% of patients. Monotherapy is considered as best modality, due to its low cost, safety profile, and lesser drug interactions. It can also improve drug treatment compliance and adherence. Along with older AEDs, there has been an increase in the utilization of newer AEDs, which help to broaden the therapeutic option towards the management of childhood epilepsy with a better safety profile.

Background Food provision interventions (eg, produce/food prescriptions, food pharmacies, food voucher programs) that bridge clinic and community settings for improved nutritional health outcomes of at-risk patients have gained momentum. Little is known about the role of nutrition education and potential augmented impact on patient outcomes. Objective To describe intervention designs and outcomes of direct food provision clinic–community programs aimed at improving diabetes-related outcomes (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] levels) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or prediabetes and food insecurity, and to compare nutrition education components across interventions. Methods The PubMed and Academic Search Complete databases were systematically searched for original peer-reviewed articles (published during 2011–2022) that described the impact of clinic–community food provision programs (ie, produce/food prescriptions, food pharmacies, and food voucher programs) onHbA1c values among adults diagnosed with T2DM or prediabetes and who screened positive for food insecurity or low income. Study designs, intervention approaches, program implementation, and intervention outcomes were described. Results Ten studies representing 8 distinct programs were identified. There was a high degree of variation in the studies' design, implementation, and evaluation. Across the 8 programs, 6 included nutrition education; of these, 1 used a theoretical framework, and 3 incorporated goal setting. Nutrition education covered multiple topical contents, including general nutrition knowledge, fruit and vegetable consumption, and accessing resources (eg, enrolling in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Furthermore, the education was delivered through various formats (from 1-on-1 to group-based sessions), educators (community health workers, registered dietitians, physicians), and durations (from a single session to biweekly). All programs with a nutrition education component reported reduced participant HbA1c, and 4 demonstrated an increase in fruit and vegetable purchases or improved dietary quality. The remaining 2 programs that did not include nutrition education yielded mixed results. Conclusion The majority of programs included a nutrition education component; however, there was a high degree of heterogeneity in terms of content, educator, and duration. Patients who participated in programs that included nutrition education had consistent reductions in HbA1c. These observational trends warrant further exploration to conclusively determine the impact of nutrition education on patient outcomes participating in clinic–community food provision programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Patients with progressive neurologic illness still lack access to quality palliative care services. Barriers to the comprehensive provision of neuropalliative care include gaps in palliative care education. To address this barrier, a novel international model of neuropalliative care education e-learning program was launched in 2022. Methods: This is a qualitative study on the self-reported learning outcomes and educational gains of participants of a neuropalliative care e-learning course. Results: Thematic analysis shows changes in the participants' perceptions of neuropalliative care and several specific educational gains. After attending the course, participants recognized neuropalliative care as a multiprofessional and interdisciplinary effort requiring more than medical knowledge and disease-specific treatment skills. They gained understanding of the complexity of prognosis in neurological diseases, as well as ethical concepts as the basis to approach difficult decisions. Valuing the needs of patients and caregivers, as well as honest and open communication were recognized as key components of the caring process. In particular, providing emotional support and building relationships to enhance the spiritual component of care were avidly discussed as essential nonmedical treatment options. Significance of results: E-learning courses are helping to close the gaps in healthcare professionals' knowledge and skills about neuropalliative care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following injury and refractive surgery, corneal wound healing can initiate a protracted fibrotic response that interferes with ocular function. This fibrosis is related, in part, to the myofibroblast differentiation of corneal keratocytes in response to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Previous studies have shown that changes in the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can regulate this process, but the mechanotransductive pathways that govern stiffness-dependent changes in keratocyte differentiation remain unclear. Here, we used a polyacrylamide (PA) gel system to investigate how mechanosensing via focal adhesions (FAs) regulates the stiffness-dependent myofibroblast differentiation of primary corneal keratocytes treated with TGF-β1. Soft (1 kPa) and stiff (10 kPa) PA substrata were fabricated on glass coverslips, plated with corneal keratocytes, and cultured in defined serum free media with or without exogenous TGF-β1. In some experiments, an inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation was also added to the media. Cells were fixed and stained for F-actin, as well as markers for myofibroblast differentiation (α-SMA), actomyosin contractility phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC), focal adhesions (vinculin), or Smad activity (pSmad3). We also used traction force microscopy (TFM) to quantify cellular traction stresses. Treatment with TGF-β1 elicited stiffness-dependent differences in the number, size, and subcellular distribution of FAs, but not in the nuclear localization of pSmad3. On stiff substrata, cells exhibited large FAs distributed throughout the entire cell body, while on soft gels, the FAs were smaller, fewer in number, and localized primarily to the distal tips of thin cellular extensions. Larger and increased numbers of FAs correlated with elevated traction stresses, increased levels of α-SMA immunofluorescence, and more prominent and broadly distributed pMLC staining. Inhibition of FAK disrupted stiffness-dependent differences in keratocyte contractility, FA patterning, and myofibroblast differentiation in the presence of TGF-β1. Taken together, these data suggest that signaling downstream of FAs has important implications for the stiffness-dependent myofibroblast differentiation of corneal keratocytes.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) are receptor tyrosine kinase agonists that promote cell survival after tissue injury and angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration during tissue repair and regeneration. Both ligands have potential as systemic treatments for ischemia-reperfusion injury, however clinical use of HGF and FGF2 has been limited by poor pharmacokinetic profiles, i.e., their susceptibility to serum proteases, rapid clearance and short half-lives. Previously, we reported vaso- and cardioprotective protein complexes formed between HGF and polyclonal, non-specific immunoglobulin (IgG) with therapeutic efficacy in a rat model of myocardial ischemia with reperfusion (MI/R). Here, using a pre-clinical porcine MI/R model, we demonstrate human HGF/IgG complexes provide significant myocardial salvage, reduce infarct size, and are detectable in myocardial tissue 24 h after intracoronary injection. Furthermore, we show that multiple daily infusions of HGF/IgG complexes after MI do not lead to production of HGF-specific auto-antibodies, an important concern for administered biologic drugs. In experiments to identify other growth factors that non-covalently interact with IgG, we found that human FGF2 associates with IgG. Similar to human HGF/IgG complexes, FGF2/IgG complexes protected primary human cardiac endothelial cells under simulated ischemia (1% oxygen and nutrient deprivation) for 48–72 h. Molecular modeling studies suggested that FGF2 and HGF both interact with the Fc domain of IgG. Also, we tested whether an Fc-fusion protein would bind FGF2 to form complexes. By native gel electrophoretic assays and biochemical pulldowns, we found that Jagged1, a Notch1 ligand that controls stem cell self-renewal and tissue regeneration, bound FGF2 when presented as a Jagged1- Fc fusion protein. Our results suggest that human growth factor/IgG and FGF2/Fc- fusion complexes have potential to provide a biologics platform to treat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion and other forms of tissue injury.

This article discusses the testing of lubrication properties of CAc treated and non-treated denim fabric samples. It explains that denim jeans are typically made from cotton serge fabric and are 14.5 oz in weight. The article explores the friction factor of denim and its impact on the quality and appearance of denim products. It also discusses the health issues related to fabric friction, such as low sperm count, urinary tract infections, and fungal infections. The article concludes by presenting optimized finishing conditions for denim fabrics based on antibacterial and antifungal activity. Additionally, the article mentions the development of a fabric-based touch sensor by NC State University, which has the potential to replace buttons on clothing and control electronic devices through touch. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (EEM) spectrum is a generalized form of epilepsy characterized by eyelid myoclonia with or without absences, eye closure‐induced seizures with electroencephalographic paroxysms, and photosensitivity. Based on the specific clinical features, age at onset, and familial occurrence, a genetic cause has been postulated. Pathogenic variants in CHD2, SYNGAP1, NEXMIF, RORB, and GABRA1 have been reported in individuals with photosensitivity and eyelid myoclonia, but whether other genes are also involved, or a single gene is uniquely linked with EEM, or its subtypes, is not yet known. We aimed to dissect the genetic etiology of EEM. Methods: We studied a cohort of 105 individuals by using whole exome sequencing. Individuals were divided into two groups: EEM− (isolated EEM) and EEM+ (EEM accompanied by intellectual disability [ID] or any other neurodevelopmental/psychiatric disorder). Results: We identified nine variants classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic in the entire cohort (8.57%); among these, eight (five in CHD2, one in NEXMIF, one in SYNGAP1, and one in TRIM8) were found in the EEM+ subcohort (28.57%). Only one variant (IFIH1) was found in the EEM− subcohort (1.29%); however, because the phenotype of the proband did not fit with published data, additional evidence is needed before considering IFIH1 variants and EEM− an established association. Burden analysis did not identify any single burdened gene or gene set. Significance: Our results suggest that for EEM, as for many other epilepsies, the identification of a genetic cause is more likely with comorbid ID and/or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Pathogenic variants were mostly found in CHD2, and the association of CHD2 with EEM+ can now be considered a reasonable gene–disease association. We provide further evidence to strengthen the association of EEM+ with NEXMIF and SYNGAP1. Possible new associations between EEM+ and TRIM8, and EEM− and IFIH1, are also reported. Although we provide robust evidence for gene variants associated with EEM+, the core genetic etiology of EEM− remains to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloe vera, Adhathoda vasica, Agele marmelos, Calendula officinalis, and Solanum trilobatum herbal extracts have been used to treat cotton fabric using the pad-dry cure technique. Three distinct herbal treatments have been used on the fabrics, each of which has its unique therapeutic properties which is more suited to older individuals. The study focuses on developing herbal finished fabrics for old age people to prevent them from microbes and UV rays, and to increase the comfort property. Air permeability, wickability, absorbency, thermal conductivity, tensile strength anti-microbial and UV repellence properties have been studied. It is found that the finished fabrics show moderately good UV repellent protection and has antimicrobial creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal comfort characteristics of polyester and cotton fibres blends (100:0, 50:50 and 0:100) having in four different structures, such as single jersey, cross tuck, cross miss and twill, at two different loop lengths (0.29 cm and 0.32 cm) have been studied. The results evidently prove that the knitted fabrics made from 100% polyester show better thermal comfort properties, possessing an appreciable comfort level; hence they are applicable for active sportswear textiles. The structure and the loop length of the fabric influence the thermal property to a greater extent. The fabric knitted from 100% polyester with a cross-miss structure on a loop length of 0.32 cm shows an excellent thermal comfort characteristic as compared to other samples due to its suitable thermal conduction behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By enhancing the knitted materials' thermal comfort behavior, fabric comfort is produced. In this study, the thermal comfort properties of organic cotton and microdenier polyester blended in ratios of 100:0, 50:50, and 0:100 in four different structures (single jersey, cross tuck, cross miss, and twill) and at two different loop lengths (0.32 cm and 0.35 cm) were examined. The thermal comfort characteristics of several knitted fabrics were examined by objective fabric testing. The findings evidently showed that knitted fabrics comprising 100 % microdenier polyester exhibit excellent thermal comfort qualities and feature a commendable level of comfort, making them suitable for active sporting textiles. The fabric's structure and the size of its loops have a great impact on the fabric's thermal property. The knitted fabric manufactured from 100 % microdenier polyester with a cross-miss structure on a loop length of 0.35 cm exhibits a superior thermal comfort characteristic in comparison with the other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comfortability of a fabric is achieved by improving the moisture management behavior of the knitwear. In our study, the moisture management behavior of polyester and cotton fibers blended in 100:0, 50:50, and 0:100 ratios in four different structures such as single jersey, cross tuck, cross miss, and twill at two different loop lengths, 0.29 and 0.32 cm, were studied. Objective fabric tests were conducted to analyze the thermal properties of various knitwear. The results clearly proved that the knit fabric made of 100 % polyester has better moisture management behavior and a considerable level of comfort. Therefore, polyester can be applied to active sportswear fabrics. The structure of the fabric and the length of the loops in the fabric further affect the moisture management behavior. The cross-stitch 100 % polyester knit fabric with a loop length of 0.32 has excellent moisture management behavior, which provides excellent moisture management property compared with all other samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microwave assisted method is adopted to synthesize MoS2/PANI/MnO2(M/P/M) nanocomposites using various concentration (M/P/M-1, M/P/M-2, M/P/M-3, M/P/M-4 and M/P/M-5) of manganese sulphate monohydrate for the design of supercapacitors. The homogeneity, functional groups and phase purity present in the synthesized M/P/M nanocomposites are determined by X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) analysis. XRD results revealed that the crystallite size of the M/P/M nanocompositesas 19–21 nm.HR-TEM images exhibited that the synthesized MoS2/PANI/MnO2 nanocomposites are nanosheet stacked with the spherical shaped particles. The electrochemical behaviour of the M/P/M nanocomposites are studied in aqueous-based electrolytes to determine its superior performances. M/P/M -2 revealed a maximum specific capacitance of 619 F/g in 3 M KOH at 0.5 mA cm− 2 and retained 93.84% of its initial specific capacitance even after 5000 cycles. As a result, M/P/M nanocomposites represent an exciting potential for high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a life-limiting illness that leads to significant health-related suffering for the patients and their caregivers. Moreover, disease-directed options such as dialysis and renal transplant might not be universally accessible. Inadequate assessment and management of symptoms often lead to diminished quality of life. For evaluating symptoms and their associated distress, various tools have been identified. However, these are not available for the native Kannada-speaking population for assessing ESKD symptom burden. In this study, we determined the reliability and validity of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised Renal (ESAS-r: Renal) in Kannada-speaking ESKD patients. Materials and Methods: ESAS-r: Renal English version was translated into Kannada using the forward and backward method. The translated version was endorsed by Nephrology, Palliative care, Dialysis technology and Nursing experts. As a pilot study, 12 ESKD patients evaluated the content of the questionnaires for appropriateness and relevance. The ESAS-r: Renal Kannada version was validated by administering this tool to 45 patients twice a fortnight. Result: The translated ESAS-r: Renal Kannada version questionnaire had an acceptable face and content validity. Experts' opinion was assessed by content validity ratio (CVR), and the value of CVR of ESAS-r: Renal Kannada version was-'1'-. Internal consistency of the tool was assessed among Kannada-speaking ESKD patients; its Cronbach's α was 0.785, and test-retest validity was 0.896. Conclusion: The validated Kannada version of ESAS-r: Renal was reliable and valid for assessing symptom burden in ESKD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Moisture management properties of six samples of bi-layer fabrics have been determined after optimised finish and their statistical analysis is done. It is found that the finished fabrics show better properties than those of unfinished fabrics. The bi-layer fabric structure along with the application of optimized moisture management finish makes the fabric more suitable for sportswear, exhibiting excellent moisture management properties in terms of wetting radius, absorption rate, wetting time and spreading speed of sweat. The results indicate that, the inner and outer microdenier polyester fabrics show better moisture management property, offering high levels of comfort, and hence are preferred during summer for active and sportswear due to the appreciable wetting radius, as well as good absorption rate, wetting time and well spreading speed of sweat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Palliative care (PC) referral in serious and critical COVID-19 improves decision-making, health resource utilisation, end-of-life symptom management and family support. In this study, we explored developing a systematic decision-making matrix for PC referral in COVID-19 and audited its outcomes. Materials and Methods: A team of interdisciplinary experts developed a hospital COVID-19 PC plan. PC referral and outcomes of PC referral in hospitalised COVID-19 patients were audited. Results: Out of 1575 inpatients, 1066 (67.7%) had mild and 509 (32.3%) had serious and critical COVID-19 illness. Among 50 (3.1%) referred to PC, 5 (0.4%) had mild and 45 (8.8%) had serious and critical COVID-19 illness. Out of 45 serious and critical COVID-19 patients referred to PC, 38 (84%) received end-of-life care (EOLC), 4 (9%) self-discharged against medical advice and 3 (7%) recovered. Forty-seven (94%) were referred for goals-ofcare discussion. About 78% received opioids, 70% benzodiazepines and 42% haloperidol for symptom management. Among 45 serious and critical COVID-19 patients referred to PC, foregoing life-sustaining treatment was documented in 43 (96%) but implemented only in 23 (53%). Out of 38 who received EOLC, ICU was the place of death in 31 (82%) and ward in 7 (18%). Conclusion: Despite interdisciplinary experts developing a hospital COVID-19 PC, low referral of serious and critical COVID-19 patients to PC was observed. PC referral enabled access to management of end-of-life symptoms and facilitated limitation of life-sustaining treatment in some COVID-19 patients with serious illness. Educating critical care physicians about the scope of PC in the COVID-19 setting might improve PC referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six samples of bi-layer knitted fabrics have been given the moisture management finish, with the formulation containing amino silicone polyether copolymer, along with the hydrophilic polymer and wetting agent in the ratio of 1:2 with pH 5.5 at 60o-70o C. It is found that the chemical combination of wetting and finishing agents, and the experimental conditions are proved to be the best possible options taken in this study. The fabrics are tested for various thermal comfort properties, such as air permeability, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and water vapour permeability. The bi-layer fabric structure along with the application of the optimized moisture management finish makes the fabric more suitable for sportswear, exhibiting good comfort properties, like water vapor permeability, air permeability, thermal resistance, thermal conductivity, and moisture management properties. The results of the air permeability, water vapour permeability, thermal conductivity and moisture management tests indicate that, the microdenier polyester (inner)- microdenier polyester (outer) fabric treated with suitable optimized moisture management agent shows better thermal comfort property, providing high levels of comfort. Hence, these fabrics are preferred during summer, active and sportswear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]