Search

This research mainly sought to evaluate the sediments of the Urmia lake bed to prevent their erosion and the possibility of improving the problematic saline fine soils in the region by the geo-polymerisation process. For this purpose, perlite and pumice materials, with pozzolanic properties and weight percentages of 3, 5, and 7, were separately mixed with soil, along with the calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution as a catalyst with 2%, 5%, and 7%. Then, the samples were cured for one day. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), direct shear, and consolidation tests were performed to assess the geotechnical properties of improved soil compaction. The results revealed that, compared to pumice, perlite could improve the behavioural properties of the studied soil. The inclusion of perlite and pumice, along with calcium hydroxide, increased the flexibility of the stabilised soil, as indicated by the brittleness index. Similarly, combining 3% perlite with 2% Ca(OH)2 could increase UCS at failure by 3.27 times. In addition, the mixture of 5% perlite with 7% Ca(OH)2 could enhance the shear strength by 3.3 times. Finally, combining 3% perlite with 5% calcium hydroxide reduced the swelling of the improved soil by 82%, and the consolidation settlement was decreased by 64% on average. Highlights: Sodium saline silty soil can cause many problems, such as settlement and swelling in ground and underground structures. The present research investigated the effects of perlite and pumice materials and calcium hydroxide as a catalyst on improving saline silty soil. The results revealed that perlite is more effective than pumice because of its pozzolanic properties. As a result of mixing perlite with saline silty soil along with calcium hydroxide, after curing, the skeleton of the soil particles changed from fine to coarse grains, modifying the characteristics of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of indigenous diazotrophic bacteria from saline paddy fields of The Northern Coastal of Pemalang in increasing N and K nutrient uptake in rice plants. This research was conducted at the Experimental Farm and Agronomy & Horticulture Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto. This study was designed using a completely randomized block design with nitrogen fixing bacteria as the treatment and repeated three times. The treatment that was tried was a type of N2-fixing bacteria consisting of control without inoculation of bacteria (P0), Acinetobacter junii (P1), Bacillus tropicus (P2), Acinetobacter schindleri (P3), Pseudomonas stutzeri (P4), Bacillus altitudinis (P5), Bacillus cereus (P6), and Bacillus subtilis (P7). The study used the culture solution method with the source of nutrition from AB Mixtm nutrient with EC set at 5.5 dSm-1, and pH 5.5-6.5. Observation variables including N uptake by rice plants were analyzed at the maximum vegetative phase using the Kjedahl method, Na and K absorption of rice plants were analyzed by diacidic extraction method and the results were measured using a flame photometer. The research data were analyzed using ANOVA, and if they were significantly different, they continued with DMRT 5%. The result showed that inoculation of rice plants with Bacillus subtilis significantly increased plant biomass, N uptake, and K uptake. Diazotrophic bacteria inoculation was able to increase the N uptake of rice plants by an average of 0.341 g/plant (104.36%), while in the control treatment it was only 0.167 g/plant. Inoculation of diazotrophic bacteria in plants under salinity stress tends to reduce Na uptake in rice plants. Inoculation of diazotropic bacteria was able to increase the average K/Na ratio of 113.31%, and this indicated that inoculation of halotolerant diazotrophic bacteria was able to increase the tolerance of rice plants to salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Extubation is associated with hemodynamic changes and emergence phenomena leading to cough, sore throat, dysphonia, and dysphagia in the postoperative period. The aim of our study was to compare intracuff 2% alkalinized lignocaine with 1% alkalinized lignocaine and saline in reducing endotracheal tube induced emergence phenomena and haemodynamic changes at extubation in neurosurgical patients. Materials and Methods In this randomized controlled study, 90 adult patients of either sex, scheduled to undergo neurosurgical procedures were randomly divided into three groups of 30 each to receive either 1% alkalinized lignocaine (AL1), 2% alkalinized lignocaine (AL2), or saline as cuff inflation media. Intracuff pressures and haemodynamic variables were noted intraoperatively and during emergence. The presence of postextubation cough, sore throat, dysphonia, and dysphagia were monitored until 24 hours postoperatively. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and ANOVA. A p -value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results The intracuff pressures were significantly less with alkalinized lignocaine as compared to saline, after 3 hours of induction. Post extubation, hemodynamic parameters and incidence of coughing and bucking at extubation were significantly less in Groups AL1 (p = 0.024) and AL2 (p = 0.02) as compared to saline. On assessment of laryngotracheal morbidity, the incidence of coughing was found to be significantly less with 2% alkalinized lignocaine as compared to saline (p = 0.021) at 1 hour after extubation. Sore throat was significantly less in Groups AL1 and AL2 as compared with saline at 1 hour (p = 0.008, 0.002 respectively) and 8 hours (p = 0.01 in both groups), and in Group AL2 versus saline at 24 hours (p = 0.044) after extubation. The incidence of dysphonia was significantly less in Groups AL1 and AL2 as compared with saline at 1 hour (p = 0.016, p = 0.002) and 24 hours (p = 0.012 in both groups) and in Group AL2 versus saline at 8 hours (p = 0.03) postoperatively. No significant differences were noted between 1% alkalinized lignocaine and 2% alkalinized lignocaine. Conclusion Intracuff alkalinized lignocaine 1% and 2% were significantly better than saline in reducing coughing and bucking at extubation, post extubation haemodynamic changes and incidence of postoperative cough, sore throat, and dysphonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization leads to a reduction in arable land area, which seriously endangers food security. Developing saline-alkali land has become a key measure to address the contradiction between population growth and limited arable land. Rice is the most important global food crop, feeding half of the world's population and making it a suitable choice for planting on saline-alkali lands. The traditional salt–alkali improvement method has several drawbacks. Currently, non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology is being increasingly applied in agriculture. However, there are few reports on the cultivation of salt/alkali-tolerant rice. Under alkaline stress, argon NTP treatment significantly increased the germination rate of Longdao 5 (LD5) rice seeds. In addition, at 15 kV and 120 s, NTP treatment significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and SOD. NTP treatment induced changes in genes related to salt-alkali stress in rice seedlings, such as chitinase and xylanase inhibitor proteins, which increased the tolerance of the seeds to salt-alkali stress. This experiment has expanded the application scope of NTP in agriculture, providing a more cost-effective, less harmful, and faster method for developing salt-alkali-tolerant rice and laying a theoretical foundation for cultivating NTP-enhanced salt-alkali-tolerant rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Although low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with disinfectants has been shown to effectively eliminate portions of biofilm in vitro, its efficacy in vivo remains uncertain. Our objective was to assess the antibiofilm potential and safety of LIPUS combined with 0.35% povidone-iodine (PI) in a rat debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) model of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods: A total of 56 male Sprague-Dawley rats were established in acute PJI models by intra-articular injection of bacteria. The rats were divided into four groups: a Control group, a 0.35% PI group, a LIPUS and saline group, and a LIPUS and 0.35% PI group. All rats underwent DAIR, except for Control, which underwent a sham procedure. General status, serum biochemical markers, weightbearing analysis, radiographs, micro-CT analysis, scanning electron microscopy of the prostheses, microbiological analysis, macroscope, and histopathology evaluation were performed 14 days after DAIR. Results: The group with LIPUS and 0.35% PI exhibited decreased levels of serum biochemical markers, improved weightbearing scores, reduced reactive bone changes, absence of viable bacteria, and decreased inflammation compared to the Control group. Despite the greater antibiofilm activity observed in the PI group compared to the LIPUS and saline group, none of the monotherapies were successful in preventing reactive bone changes or eliminating the infection. Conclusion: In the rat model of PJI treated with DAIR, LIPUS combined with 0.35% PI demonstrated stronger antibiofilm potential than monotherapy, without impairing any local soft-tissue. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(7):332–341.

Abstract Valve control for patients feeding saline is a sensitive issue. Such a valve is used to control the amount of important fluid entering the body. In this paper, we present an intelligent method based on fuzzy logic (FL) to deliver drugs and nutrients to patients through intravenous catheters. The proposed method is called intelligent saline controlling valve (ISCV) and relies on three inputs and two outputs. Specifically, the fluid’s drip, pressure, and the number of available bubbles are the three-valve inputs that control the two outputs which are the opening and closing. In other words, the ISCV controls the feeding saline for medical purposes. The obtained results show the success of the proposed method.

Nonclinical studies of test articles (TAs) in nonhuman primates are often designed to assess both biodistribution and toxicity. For this purpose, studies commonly use intravenous perfusion of ice-cold (2°C-8°C) saline to facilitate measurements of TA-associated nucleic acids and proteins, after which tissues undergo later fixation by immersion for histological processing and microscopic evaluation. Intriguingly, minimal apoptosis/single cell necrosis (A/SCN) of randomly distributed neural cells is evident in the cerebral cortex and less often the hippocampus in animals from all groups, including vehicle-treated controls. Affected cells exhibit end-stage features such as cytoplasmic hypereosinophilia, nuclear condensation or fragmentation, and shape distortions, so their lineage(s) generally cannot be defined; classical apoptotic bodies are exceedingly rare. In addition, A/SCN is not accompanied by glial reactions, leukocyte infiltration/inflammation, or other parenchymal changes. The severity is minimal in controls but may be slightly exacerbated (to mild) by TA that accumulate in neural cells. One plausible hypothesis explaining this A/SCN exacerbation is that cold shock (perhaps complicated by concurrent tissue acidity and hypoxia) drives still-viable but TA-stressed cells to launch a self-directed death program. Taken together, these observations indicate that A/SCN in brain processed by cold saline perfusion with delayed immersion fixation represents a procedural artifact and not a TA-related lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-titanium rotary endodontic files have been commercially available for decades, but more recent innovations have introduced heat-treated and surface-treated files. This study investigated the corrosion properties of various nickel-titanium files in normal saline and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Ten different file brands of size 40 with a 0.04 taper were subjected to electrochemical testing in 0.9% NaCl (saline) and 5.25% NaOCl at room temperature. The Open Circuit Potential (OCP) was observed for 1 hour followed by a cyclic polarization test from −300 to 700 mV and back to −300 mV (vs OCP). Nonparametric ANOVA and a pairwise comparison (P <.05) were used for statistical analysis of the OCP at 1 hour and the corrosion current (Icorr) obtained via the cyclic polarization test. Significant differences (P <.05) were found between files with respect to OCP and Icorr in both solutions. Nine files exhibited significantly greater (P <.05) Icorrs in NaOCl than in saline. Conversely, pitting corrosion was observed in the saline solution but not NaOCl. Weak and/or moderate correlations existed between OCP and Icorr measures in the 2 solutions. Significant differences in electrochemical properties were observed among the 10 brands of files. Overall, there was not a clear trend between conventional, heat-treated, or surface-treated files among OCP or Icorr in either solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valve control for patients feeding saline is a sensitive issue. Such a valve is used to control the amount of important fluid entering the body. In this paper, we present an intelligent method based on fuzzy logic (FL) to deliver drugs and nutrients to patients through intravenous catheters. The proposed method is called intelligent saline controlling valve (ISCV) and relies on three inputs and two outputs. Specifically, the fluid's drip, pressure, and the number of available bubbles are the three-valve inputs that control the two outputs which are the opening and closing. In other words, the ISCV controls the feeding saline for medical purposes. The obtained results show the success of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Saline nasal sprays are frequently used in the management of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) for the cleansing and clearing of aeroallergens from the nasal cavity. Also using a drug‐free approach, AM‐301 nasal spray is forming a thin film barrier on the nasal mucosa to prevent contact with allergens, trap them, and facilitate their discharge. A clinical trial compared the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of AM‐301 and saline spray in SAR. Methods: A total of 100 patients were randomized 1:1 to self‐administer AM‐301 or saline 3 × daily for 2 weeks. Primary efficacy endpoint: reduction in mean daily reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS). Secondary efficacy endpoints: reduction in mean instantaneous TNSS and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ), global impression of efficacy. Safety and tolerability: adverse events, relief medication use, symptom‐free days, global impression of tolerability. Results: AM‐301‐treated patients achieved a significantly lower rTNSS than the saline group (LS square means difference −1.1, 95% CI −1.959 to −0.241, p =.013) with improvement observed across all individual nasal symptoms. Likewise, all secondary endpoints showed statistical significance in favor of AM‐301; for example, quality of life was significantly improved overall (p <.001) as well as for each individual RQLQ domain. Both treatments showed similarly good safety and tolerability. With AM‐301, fewer patients used relief medication and more enjoyed symptom‐free days compared to saline treatment. Conclusions: AM‐301 was more effective than saline in improving SAR nasal symptoms and related quality of life while offering similar tolerability, demonstrating the benefits of a barrier approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background There has been a greater focus in recent literature proposing air to be a superior medium to saline in tissue expanders. This study aims to review the literature and assess the quality of data on the efficacy and safety of air as an alternative medium to saline in tissue expanders, in the setting of postmastectomy two-stage reconstruction. Methods A systematic review regarding air inflation of tissue expanders was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The methods followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Three reviewers separately performed data extraction and comprehensive synthesis. Results A total of 427 articles were identified in our search query, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. Three pertained to inflation with room air, and eight pertained to inflation with CO 2 using the AeroForm device. They were comparable to decreased overall complication rates in the room air/CO 2 cohort compared to saline, although statistical significance was only observed in one of five two-arm studies. Investigating specific complications in the five two-arm studies, significantly lower rates of skin flap necrosis were only observed in two CO 2 -based studies. Studies rarely discussed other safety profile concerns, such as the impacts of air travel, radiation planning, and air extravasation beyond descriptions of select patients within the cohort. Conclusion There is insufficient evidence to suggest improved outcomes with room air inflation of tissue expanders. Further work is needed to fully characterize the benefits and safety profiles of air insufflation before being adopted into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, considerable research has been conducted on extracting energy from superhot geothermal reservoirs, where temperatures are higher than at the critical point of water. A major challenge when operating wells under such conditions is managing scaling in an effective manner. In this study, the thermodynamics of the precipitation and scaling of crystalline NaCl (halite) under superhot conditions is explored using the H 2 O – NaCl system as a proxy. Phase diagrams in pressure–enthalpy and pressure–entropy coordinates are used to illustrate how scaling occurs in idealized processes, such as the isenthalpic expansion of geothermal fluid to the wellhead or the isentropic power generation of a steam turbine. Particular emphasis is placed on explaining the non-trivial graphical composition of these phase diagrams in an accessible manner. A wellhead sample and an estimate of the downhole conditions are used as points of reference in the discussion of scaling. All thermodynamic properties, including the solubility of NaCl in water vapor, are calculated using a newly developed equation of state by the same authors as in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kratai Cham (Adenosma indianum (Lour.) Merr.), similar to the camphor tree, produces fragrant essential oils rich in limonene found in glandular trichomes. These oils are renowned for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic properties in traditional medicine, particularly for neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, Kratai Cham has thrived in saline soils, prompting our investigation in Kalasin Province, Thailand, from 2019 to 2022. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of salinity on Kratai Cham, with particular relevance to its essential oils. The observation revealed that the life cycle of Kratai Cham spanned from July to February, and this cycle correlated with soil salinity, which ranged from 13.10 to 34.70 mmol Na/kg and 3.33 to 25.33 mmol Cl/kg. Salinity led to reduced stomatal size but increased numbers and indices of stomata and trichomes, notably the two glandular trichomes, capitate and peltate, on the lower epidermis. FTIR analysis revealed rising essential oil concentrations, particularly d-limonene, in response to salinity. Kratai Cham’s saline adaptations offer medical promise, underscoring the significance of this research for unlocking its potential.

Purpose: Illumination characteristics of flexible ureteroscopes have been evaluated in air, but not in saline, the native operative medium for endourology. The aim was to evaluate light properties of contemporary ureteroscopes in air versus saline, light distribution analysis, and color temperature. Methods: We evaluated the Storz Flex-Xc and Flex-X2s, Olympus V3 and P7, Pusen 7.5F and 9.2F, and OTU WiScope using a 3D printed black target board in-vitro model submerged in saline. A spectrometer was used for lux and color temperature measurements at different opening locations. Results: Illuminance was higher in saline compared to air (5679 vs. 5205 lx with Flex-Xc, p = 0.02). Illuminance in saline differed between ureteroscopes (ANOVA p < 0.001), with highest for the Flex-Xc at 100% brightness setting (5679 lx), followed by Pusen 9.2F (5280 lx), Flex-X2s (4613 lx), P7 (4371 lx), V3 (2374 lx), WiScope (582 lx) and finally Pusen 7.5F (255 lx). The same ranking was found at 50% brightness setting, with the highest ureteroscope illuminance value 34 times that of the scope with lowest illuminance. Most scopes had maximum illuminance off center, with skewness. Three scopes had two light sources, with one light source for all other scopes. Inter-scope comparisons revealed significant differences of color temperature (ANOVA p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study demonstrates the presence of inhomogeneous light spread as well as large differences in illumination properties of ureteroscopes, possibly impacting on the performance of individual scopes in vivo. Additionally, the study suggests that future studies on illumination characteristics of flexible ureteroscopes should ideally be done in saline, and no longer in air. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate illumination properties in an in-vitro kidney calyx model in saline. Design and methods: We evaluated a series of contemporary flexible ureteroscopes including the Storz Flex-Xc and Flex-X2s, Olympus V3 and P7, Pusen 7.5F and 9.2F, as well as OTU WiScope using a 3D-printed closed pink kidney calyx model, submerged in saline. A spectrometer was used for illuminance and color temperature measurements at different openings located at center (direct light), 45° (direct and indirect light) and 90°(indirect light) to the axis of the scope. Results: Maximum illuminance was at the center opening for all scopes (range: 284 to 12,058 lx at 50% brightness and 454 to 11,871 lx at 100% brightness settings). The scope with the highest center illuminance (Flex-Xc) was 26 times superior to the scope with the lowest illuminance (Pusen 7.5Fr) at 100% brightness setting. For each scope, there was a peripheral illuminance drop ranging from − 43 to − 92% at 50% brightness and − 43% to − 88% at 100% brightness settings, respectively (all p < 0.01). Highest drop was for the P7 and the Pusen 9.2F. All scopes had illuminance skew, except the V3. All scopes had a warm color temperature. Conclusion: Illumination properties vary between ureteroscopes in an enclosed cavity in saline, and differs at center vs 45° and 90° positions within scopes. Peripheral illuminance drop can be as high as − 92%, which is undesirable. This may affect the choice of ureteroscope and light brightness settings used in surgery by urologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND This Study was conducted and all patients were admitted with Diabetic foot ulcer and was about 40 patients and were Randomized into two groups of 20 each. Subjects of one group received treatment with Nitric oxide dressings, which was revised every alternative day and was observed for a period of three weeks. Subjects of other group received treatment with standard saline dressing and their healing outcome was also observed for a period of three weeks. Wound healing was assessed using Wound assessment tool (Bates - Jensen wound assessment tool) scoring from 1 - 65. Serum levels MMP-9 levels were measured in each group before and after dressing. Efficacy of Nitric oxide dressing over standard saline dressing was recorded. METHODS This was a hospital-based Interventional Study, Randomized (Comparative Study) group conducted among 40 patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcer at the Department of General Surgery, PSG Hospitals, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, India, and the duration period was from January 2021 to December 2022 after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee and written informed consent from the study participants. RESULTS When the results of the study were analysed, it became clear that participants who received nitric oxide dressings fared better in terms of healing than those who received regular saline dressings. According to our findings, diabetic ulcers treated with nitric oxide had significantly less ulcer area than ulcers treated with saline after 3 weeks. While the control group exhibited a reduction of 50.5%, the group that had nitric oxide dressing showed a reduction of 66.9% (p value<0.05) CONCLUSION The study summarizes that chronic diabetic foot ulcers lack nitric oxide which impairs wound healing. Administration of exogenous nitric oxide facilitated angiogenesis and vasodilation, thereby promoting would healing. Nitric oxide dressings increase the area of wound healing and showed reduced levels of serum MMP levels when compared to standard saline dressings. Hence, nitric oxide dressing which is cost effective and also reduces the frequency of dressings can be used in regular clinical practice for the management of diabetic foot ulcer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the modern era of dentistry, natural and herbal alternatives are favored since they are renewable, have fewer adverse effects, and are cost-effective. Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of different intracanal medications in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: In total, 50 single-rooted extracted teeth were decoronated at the cemento-enamel junction followed by the preparation of the canal. Then, in each of the presterilized samples, inoculum containing the E. faecalis was transferred and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Samples were allocated into 5 groups of 10 each: Group A (saline), Group B (calcium hydroxide), Group C (Curcuma longa), Group D (honey), and Group E (nitrofurantoin group). The medicaments were injected into the canals respectively, the antibacterial assessment was done on the 1st and 7th day. Dentinal shavings are incubated and streaked on Mueller–Hinton agar plates and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C and the colony forming units (CFUs) were assessed. Results: Among all the groups, there was a significant change in the number of colonies from Day 1 to Day 7, except in Group A (saline). Comparison between the groups revealed significant differences, with better efficacy by Group D (honey) followed by Group E (nitrofurantoin) and Group C (C. longa). The least antimicrobial efficacy was observed with calcium hydroxide and no activity with saline. Conclusion: Honey has the greatest antimicrobial efficacy among all the tested intra-canal medicament groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Perioperative stress increases cortisol levels, which in turn elevates glucose production. Thus, regular monitoring of glucose during the perioperative period can predict intraoperative stress and the depth of anaesthesia. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is used as an adjunct during anaesthesia to attenuate the pressor response during tracheal intubation. Aim: To assess sequential blood sugar values in Dex-mediated attenuation of the perioperative neuroendocrine stress response. Materials and Methods: A randomised, controlled, double-blinded study was conducted at the Department of Anaesthesiology, M.K.C.G Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, Odisha, India on 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, divided into two groups (n=40). Group-I was administered 50 mL of Normal saline i.v. over 10 minutes, whereas Group-II received Dex 1 mcg/kg in 0.9% normal saline diluted to 50 mL over 10 minutes i.v.. Blood glucose levels and haemodynamic parameters such as Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and Heart Rate (HR) were evaluated in the preoperative room, 30 minutes after surgical incision, after extubation, one hour after surgery, and 2.5 hours following surgery. Unpaired Student’s t-test was used to compare the variables at different time points. Results: There was no significant difference in age (48.58±5.89 and 46.25±6.51 years; p>0.05), weight (57.07±7.84 and 56.8±7.4 kg; p>0.05), and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) status among the Group-I and Group-II patients. Female preponderance was observed, but it was not significant between Group-I and Group-II patients (27 vs 31; p>0.05). In Group-II, Dex-administered patients, the mean blood sugar levels at 30 minutes past surgical incision, after extubation, one hour, and 2.5 hours following surgery were 104.35±13.58, 97.15±5.86, 98.4±7.45, 94.08±7.37 mg/dL, respectively. This was lower when compared to Group-I saline-treated patients, 135.95±14.4, 137.38±7.93, 138.08±8.84, and 137.70±15.13 mg/dL, and was found to be significant (p

Introduction: Pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity or a physiological microbiome imbalance can cause or maintain disease. Thus, this work examined a novel betadine–saline combination for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Materials and Methods: This study was in vitro. Betadine, saline, and their mixtures were tested for Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger (gram-negative). Pour plate and disc diffusion methods were used to test CFUs, DZI, and RZI for various agent combinations. Results: For Lactobacillus acidophilus, Betadine 90% + saline 10% had the greatest DZI and RZI at 24 and 12 mm, respectively. For E. coli, Betadine 50% + saline 50% had the highest at 16 and 8 mm. Betadine 60% + saline 40% had 14 mm RZI and the highest antifungal activity. Conclusion: The novel betadine–saline antibacterial and antifungal combination performed well. In vivo research should confirm the existing findings.

Aims: To investigate the efficacy of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-normal saline (EDTA-NS) in dispersing biofilms and reducing bacterial infections. Methods: EDTA-NS solutions were irrigated at different durations (1, 5, 10, and 30 minutes) and concentrations (1, 2, 5, 10, and 50 mM) to disrupt Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on Matrigel-coated glass and two materials widely used in orthopaedic implants (Ti-6Al-4V and highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE)). To assess the efficacy of biofilm dispersion, crystal violet staining biofilm assay and colony counting after sonification and culturing were performed. The results were further confirmed and visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We then investigated the efficacies of EDTA-NS irrigation in vivo in rat and pig models of biofilm-associated infection. Results: When 10 mM or higher EDTA-NS concentrations were used for ten minutes, over 99% of S. aureus biofilm formed on all three types of materials was eradicated in terms of absorbance measured at 595 nm and colony-forming units (CFUs) after culturing. Consistently, SEM and CSLM scanning demonstrated that less adherence of S. aureus could be observed on all three types of materials after 10 mM EDTA-NS irrigation for ten minutes. In the rat model, compared with NS irrigation combined with rifampin (Ti-6Al-4V wire-implanted rats: 60% bacteria survived; HXLPE particle-implanted rats: 63.3% bacteria survived), EDTA-NS irrigation combined with rifampin produced the highest removal rate (Ti-6Al-4V wire-implanted rats: 3.33% bacteria survived; HXLPE particle-implanted rats: 6.67% bacteria survived). In the pig model, compared with NS irrigation combined with rifampin (Ti-6Al-4V plates: 75% bacteria survived; HXLPE bearings: 87.5% bacteria survived), we observed a similar level of biofilm disruption on Ti-6Al-4V plates (25% bacteria survived) and HXLPE bearings (37.5% bacteria survived) after EDTA-NS irrigation combined with rifampin. The in vivo study revealed that the biomass of S. aureus biofilm was significantly reduced when treated with rifampin following irrigation and debridement, as indicated by both the biofilm bacterial burden and crystal violet staining. EDTA-NS irrigation (10 mM/10 min) combined with rifampin effectively removes S. aureus biofilm-associated infections both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: EDTA-NS irrigation with or without antibiotics is effective in eradicating S. aureus biofilm-associated infection both ex and in vivo. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2024;13(1):40–51.

For the first time, a physicochemical model of the formation of poorly soluble compounds in the kidney nephron was developed on the basis of a mathematical description of the ideal displacement reactor. As a result of mathematical modeling, it was found that under normal physiological conditions, the formation of a solid phase is not the dominant process, which explains the absence of crystalline formations in the kidneys in healthy people. An increase in the concentration of precipitate-forming ions, corresponding to certain conditions of the human body, leads to the occurrence of local high supersaturations in certain areas of the nephron, which can lead to the formation of solid phase nuclei, their fixation and further growth. It is shown that the calculations of material balances, flow movements, as well as the concentration profiles of components in the nephron determine the possibility of predicting the behavior of the model system with variations in the parameters and conditions that affect the course of the crystallization process (concentration, fluid flow, hydrodynamic regime, etc.), which will allow developing effective methods for the prevention and treatment of urolithiasis, including the dissolution of already formed aggregates.

Introduction: Pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity or a physiological microbiome imbalance can cause or maintain disease. Thus, this work examined a novel betadine–saline combination for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Materials and Methods: This study was in vitro. Betadine, saline, and their mixtures were tested for Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger (gram-negative). Pour plate and disc diffusion methods were used to test CFUs, DZI, and RZI for various agent combinations. Results: For Lactobacillus acidophilus, Betadine 90% + saline 10% had the greatest DZI and RZI at 24 and 12 mm, respectively. For E. coli, Betadine 50% + saline 50% had the highest at 16 and 8 mm. Betadine 60% + saline 40% had 14 mm RZI and the highest antifungal activity. Conclusion: The novel betadine–saline antibacterial and antifungal combination performed well. In vivo research should confirm the existing findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Przegląd Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny 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.)

Simple Summary: In this study, we explored the impact of saline–alkaline environments on the diversity and functional traits of benthic organisms. In environments with varying levels of salt, we noticed changes in living organisms, like improved swimming abilities and better adaptation to breathing in high-salinity conditions. These findings offer crucial insights to understand and manage ecosystems in saline–alkaline environments, particularly in the face of climate change. This study provides a practical foundation for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the unique roles of benthic organisms across varying salinity levels. By revealing adaptive strategies and their ecological significance, our research contributes to global initiatives that address environmental challenges and promote enhanced ecosystem resilience. In this study, we investigated how changes in salinity affect biodiversity and function in 11 typical water bodies in the Altai region. The salinity of the freshwater bodies ranged from 0 to 5, the brackish water salinities ranged from 5 to 20, and the hypersaline environments had salinities > 20. We identified 11 orders, 34 families, and 55 genera in 3061 benthic samples and classified them into 10 traits and 32 categories. Subsequently, we conducted Mantel tests and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and calculated biodiversity and functional diversity indices for each sampling site. The results indicated that biodiversity and the proportion of functional traits were greater in freshwater environments than in saline environments and decreased gradually with increasing salinity. Noticeable shifts in species distribution were observed in high-salinity environments and were accompanied by specific functional traits such as swimming ability, smaller body sizes, and air-breathing adaptations. The diversity indices revealed that the species were more evenly distributed in high-diversity environments under the influence of salinity. In contrast, in high-salinity environments, only a few species dominated. The results suggested that increasing salinity accelerated the evolution of benthic communities, leading to reduced species diversity and functional homogenization. We recommend enhancing the monitoring of saline water resources and implementing sustainable water resource management to mitigate the impact of salinity stress on aquatic communities in response to climate-induced soil and water salinization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No studies to date have investigated the ability of sympathetic nerve entrapment point saline (SNEP) injections to achieve long-term pain relief in patients with migraine. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the safety and long-term efficacy of repeat splenius capitis (SC) SNEP injections in patients with migraine (with/without tension-type headache). This retrospective, single-arm study included 12 patients with migraine. Isotonic saline was injected into their SC approximately six times for 3 months. Headache frequency, duration (hour/week), intensity (using the visual analog scale), and quality of life (using the Headache Impact Test-6) were assessed during the follow-up visits for up to 24 months after the first injection. Changes before and after treatment were assessed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Significant reductions in headache frequency, duration, and intensity were observed at all assessment points after SNEP injections when compared with the baseline values (p < 0.05), while the patients' headache-related quality of life also improved. Treatment was continued for up to 3 months to maintain these improvements, and no worsening of status or adverse effects were observed in any of the patients over the following 24 months. Our results show that SNEP injections may offer persistent, substantial, and clinically relevant benefits in patients with migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An on-going question in plant hydraulic research is whether there is intra-specific variability and/or plasticity in xylem traits. Plasticity could be important in taxa that colonize diverse habitats. We used Tamarix, a non-native woody plant, to investigate population differences in hydraulic conductivity (Ks), vulnerability-to-embolism curves and vessel anatomy. We also conducted a season-long drought experiment to determine water potentials associated with crown dieback of field-grown plants. We measured vessel length and diameter, and compared visual (micro-computed tomography; microCT) and hydraulic methods to quantify percentage loss in hydraulic conductivity (PLC). Among plants grown in a common environment, we did not find differences in our measured traits between two populations of Tamarix that differ in salinity at their source habitats. This taxon is relatively vulnerable to embolism. Within samples, large diameter vessels displayed increased vulnerability to embolism. We found that the microCT method overestimated theoretical conductivity and underestimated PLC compared with the hydraulic method. We found agreement for water potentials leading to crown dieback and results from the hydraulic method. Saplings, grown under common conditions in the present study, did not differ in their xylem traits, but prior research has found difference among source-site grown adults. This suggests that plasticity may be key in the success of Tamarix occurring across a range of habits in the arid southwest USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Artifacts from poor ureteroscopes’ light design with shadowing and dark areas in the field of view have been reported. The aim was to quantify effects of light obstruction in a kidney calyx model. Methods: We evaluated a series of contemporary flexible ureteroscopes including the Storz Flex-Xc and Flex-X2s, Olympus V3 and P7, Pusen 7.5F and 9.2F, as well as OTU Wiscope using an enclosed 3D-printed pink in vitro kidney calyx model submerged in saline, where the field of light was intentionally partially obstructed alternatively at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. A color spectrometer was used for illuminance measurements at a 45° opening position in the background of the model. Results: Overall and mean background illuminance for each obstructive situation were significantly different between scopes for both 50% and 100% brightness settings (ANOVA p < 0.001). At 50% brightness setting, almost all scopes had their highest and lowest background illuminance with the 6 o’clock and 3 o’clock obstructive situation, respectively. At 100% brightness setting, these became 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock obstructive situations. Considering each obstructive situation individually, the Flex-Xc was consistently the scope with highest background illuminance and the Pusen 7.5F the lowest. Background illuminance for each obstructive situation varied significantly for each scope individually, with the greatest range of variability for Pusen 7.5F and V3. Conclusions: Illuminance performance of ureteroscopes within an obstructed calyx model differ significantly for various obstructive situations. Urologists should be aware of this to help guide their choice of ureteroscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with saline infusion into tissue is a promising technique to ablate larger tumours. Nevertheless, the application of saline-infused RFA remains at clinical trials due to the contradictory findings as a result of the inconsistencies in experimental procedures. These inconsistencies not only magnify the number of factors to consider during the treatment, but also obscure the understanding of the role of saline in enlarging the coagulation zone. Consequently, this can result in major complications, which includes unwanted thermal damages to adjacent tissues and also incomplete ablation of the tumour. This review aims to identify the key factors of saline responsible for enlarging the coagulation zone during saline-infused RFA, and provide a proper understanding on their effects that is supported with findings from computational studies to ensure a safe and reliable cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Increase in cuff pressure is seen during nitrous oxide anaesthesia if air is used to inflate the cuff of LMA. This can lead to post-operative complications like sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia. The aim of this study was to compare changes in the intracuff pressure in disposable LMA filled with Air, Saline or 2% Lignocaine in the cuff while using nitrous oxide anaesthesia and to assess postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized comparative study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka. 120 patients were randomized into three groups containing 40 patients each using computer generated random numbers and sealed envelope method. For subjects in Group A, air was injected into disposable LMA. For the subjects in Group S, Saline was injected, and for subjects in Group L, 2% Lignocaine was injected. Results: The groups were comparable for demographic data, type of surgery, size of LMA, duration of anaesthesia, cuff volume and seal pressure. The mean cuff pressures at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes and at the end of surgery were significantly higher in group A and S as compared to group L (p<0.05). The cuff pressure increased from 70.42±8.3 cm H2O to 98.31±4.66 cm H2 O at 120 minutes in group A, whereas there was no significant increase in cuff pressure from baseline in group S and group L. Conclusion: Intracuff pressure increases significantly within 15 minutes of nitrous oxide anaesthesia when air is used to inflate the cuff than saline or 2% Lignocaine. Pharyngeal complications like sore throat, dysphagia were seen only in air and saline group when compared to Lignocaine group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Warts are the most prevalent clinical manifestation of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which vary in morphological pattern depending on the site of the body affected. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional quadrivalent HPV vaccine versus candida antigen in treatment of multiple recalcitrant non-genital warts. Materials and methods: A randomized- control clinical trial included 60 cases with multiple recalcitrant warts who were randomly distributed into three groups; Group I included 20 patients who received intralesional candida antigen at a dose of 0.3 mL of 1/1000 solution, Group II included 20 patients who received intralesional quadrivalent HPV vaccine at a dose of 0.3ml and Group III included 20 patients who received intralesional injection 0.3 ml of normal saline 0.9% as a control group). Each agent was injected at the base of the largest wart every three weeks until it was completely cleared, or for a total of four sessions. Results: the highest response rate was detected in the quadrivalent HPV vaccine group (75% complete response) followed by the candida vaccine group (40% complete response and 15% partial response). Also, regarding the distant response rate, the highest response rate was detected in the quadrivalent HPV vaccine group (72.7% complete response and 27.3 % partial response) followed by the candida vaccine group (33.3 % complete response and 50 % partial response). Conclusion: Intralesional immunotherapy appears to be effective and safe in treating multiple recalcitrant non-genital warts, with intralesional quadrivalent HPV vaccine outperforming intralesional candida antigen.

Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive technique used in treating various temporomandibular disorders. There are various lavaging agents and intra-articular injections used in arthrocentesis viz., Normal Saline (NS), Ringer’s Lactate (RL), Sodium Hyaluronate (SH), Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP), Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) etc. The present review was conducted to compare the published literature about the efficacy of various lavaging agents and intra-articular injections used in arthrocentesis. It was found that NS and RL are currently the best proven agents for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) lavage. It has been observed that lavage combined with intra-articular injections produces better outcomes than lavage alone. Patients who received treatment with arthrocentesis in conjunction with Hylauronic Acid (HA) injection, displayed faster and more noticeable improvement in their perception of pain and maximal mouth opening.

Aims: Orthopaedic surgery uses many varied instruments with high-speed, high-impact, thermal energy and sometimes heavy instruments, all of which potentially result in aerosolization of contaminated blood, tissue, and bone, raising concerns for clinicians’ health. This study quantifies the aerosol exposure by measuring the number and size distribution of the particles reaching the lead surgeon during key orthopaedic operations. Methods: The aerosol yield from 17 orthopaedic open surgeries (on the knee, hip, and shoulder) was recorded at the position of the lead surgeon using an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS; 0.5 to 20 μm diameter particles) sampling at 1 s time resolution. Through timestamping, detected aerosol was attributed to specific procedures. Results: Diathermy (electrocautery) and oscillating bone saw use had a high aerosol yield (> 100 particles detected per s) consistent with high exposure to aerosol in the respirable range (< 5 µm) for the lead surgeon. Pulsed lavage, reaming, osteotome use, and jig application/removal were medium aerosol yield (10 to 100 particles s-1). However, pulsed lavage aerosol was largely attributed to the saline jet, osteotome use was always brief, and jig application/removal had a large variability in the associated aerosol yield. Suctioning (with/without saline irrigation) had a low aerosol yield (< 10 particles s-1). Most surprisingly, other high-speed procedures, such as drilling and screwing, had low aerosol yields. Conclusion: This work suggests that additional precautions should be recommended for diathermy and bone sawing, such as enhanced personal protective equipment or the use of suction devices to reduce exposure. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2023;12(10):636–643.

Introduction: Passive Microvolume Irrigation (PMI) with Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) has been proposed as a new method for root canal disinfection. It is based on the concept that irregular surface characteristics of endodontic instruments can carry NaOCl into the canal space with controlled fluid volume, without applying any pressure. Aim: To compare and evaluate the efficacy of 3% and 5% NaOCl PMI, Saline PMI, and 3% NaOCl Standard Irrigation (SI) in removing the Smear Layer (SL) from the root canal walls at the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of single-rooted teeth. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at Vishnu Dental College, Andhra Pradesh, India. The study was conducted in February 2018. Forty maxillary central incisors with a single canal, extracted within three months of the study, were collected. The teeth were divided into four groups (n=10) based on the irrigation method: Group-1 (3.0% NaOCl SI), Group-2 (3.0% NaOCl PMI), Group-3 (5.0% NaOCl PMI), and Group-4 (Saline PMI). All samples were instrumented upto F4 size with Protaper rotary files, and a final rinse of 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) was used. SL removal was evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0. Statistical tests used were Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests. A p-value of 0.05) in SL removal between 3.0% NaOCl SI, 3.0% NaOCl PMI, and 5.0% NaOCl PMI in the middle and apical thirds of the root canals. However, 5.0% NaOCl PMI showed significantly higher efficiency in SL removal at the cervical third compared to the other groups (p

Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury has a crippling impact on sufferers’ quality of life, and numerous therapy techniques are being researched to address this problem. In this study, we compared the superiority of HS against mannitol as one such element of treating TBI patients. Objective To compare the efficacy of hypertonic saline and mannitol and demonstrate superiority of one group over the other. Method Our meta-analysis included only randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of mannitol and hypertonic saline in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. The literature search was done using a variety of databases, like Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. From each of the included RCTs, accurate data extraction, bias risk assessment, and statistical analysis were carried out. Result There are 748 patients among the 15 RCTs. Our primary outcomes are mortality and functional outcomes, and our secondary outcomes include treatment failure, osmolality, intracerebral pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), serum sodium (Na), partial pressure of oxygen in brain tissue (PBTO2), duration of elevated ICP, mean arterial pressure, hematocrit level, and central venous pressure. The comparison showed non-significant results for mortality (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.49–1.08; p = 0.12) and functional outcome (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.74–1.80; p = 0.53). HS is linked to higher Na levels (RR = 4.55, 95% CI 1.34–7.76, P = 0.005, I2 = 96%). Despite performing a sensitivity analysis due to the heterogeneities in our various outcomes, the findings were still unreliable. Conclusion Our study revealed inconsequential trends for HS and mannitol, and no conclusion was made. We believe the two medications to be equally effective, but there is still opportunity for improvement as more studies are carried out. Eventually, a conclusive decision can be reached in the future.

Background/aimsDespite evidence that preferential use of balanced/buffered fluids may improve outcomes compared with chloride-rich 0.9% saline, saline remains the most commonly used fluid for children with septic shock. We aim to determine if resuscitation with balanced/buffered fluids as part of usual care will improve outcomes, in part through reduced kidney injury and without an increase in adverse effects, compared to 0.9% saline for children with septic shock.MethodsThe Pragmatic Pediatric Trial of Balanced versus Normal Saline Fluid in Sepsis (PRoMPT BOLUS) study is an international, open-label pragmatic interventional trial being conducted at > 40 sites in the USA, Canada, and Australia/New Zealand starting on August 25, 2020, and continuing for 5 years. Children > 6 months to

Over the past decades, considerable research has been conducted on extracting energy from superhot geothermal reservoirs, where temperatures are higher than at the critical point of water. A major challenge when operating wells under such conditions is managing scaling in an effective manner. In this study, the thermodynamics of the precipitation and scaling of crystalline NaCl (halite) under superhot conditions is explored using the H2O–NaCl system as a proxy. Phase diagrams in pressure–enthalpy and pressure–entropy coordinates are used to illustrate how scaling occurs in idealized processes, such as the isenthalpic expansion of geothermal fluid to the wellhead or the isentropic power generation of a steam turbine. Particular emphasis is placed on explaining the non-trivial graphical composition of these phase diagrams in an accessible manner. A wellhead sample and an estimate of the downhole conditions are used as points of reference in the discussion of scaling. All thermodynamic properties, including the solubility of NaCl in water vapor, are calculated using a newly developed equation of state by the same authors as in this article.

The sweet herb or ka'a he'ẽ in the Guarani language ( Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a native plant of Paraguay, which produces a natural sweetener, 300 times sweeter than sucrose. The consumption of stevia has spread to numerous countries due to its beneficial properties for health. To meet the global demand for stevia, the production must be optimized through the use of improved varieties cultivated in different environmental conditions. This is an important fact, given the challenges related to climate change, such as salinity, opting for varieties that adapt to these conditions generates a positive impact on the dissemination of the crop. This research was aimed to determine the response of the Eirete variety of S. rebaudiana to saline stress conditions by evaluating selected biochemical and growth parameters. Vitroplants propagated in Murashige and Skoog culture medium (MS) supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 mM NaCl were used in the study to identify the concentration that reduced growth by 50% (GR50) and with 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl to determine the concentration that caused the death of 50% of the individuals (LD50). After the evaluation of biochemical and growth parameters carried out at the dose corresponding to GR50, a significant decrease in the height, fresh and dry weight of the aerial parts, and fresh weight of the roots was found. Substantial increases in the proline concentration and the root/shoot ratio were also observed. There was no significant alteration of the dry weight of the roots and the content of soluble sugars or chlorophylls. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the development of vitroplants of S. rebaudiana var. Eirete is reduced by increasing concentrations of NaCl in the culture medium; however, our results suggest that stevia plants can be cultivated in moderate saline conditions.

Background: To assess perioperative effect of oral ketorolac and acetaminophen in children undergoing bilateral myringotomy (BMT). Methods: Seventy five paediatric patients of ASA physical status I or II scheduled to undergo elective bilateral myringotomy (BMT) of both genders were divided into three groups of 25 each. Group I received saline (placebo), Group II acetaminophen (10 mg/kg) and Group III ketorolac (1 mg/kg). No other preanaesthetic medications were administered. Results: Group I had 15 males and 10 females, Group II had 12 males and 13 females and Group III had 11 males and 14 females. Duration of surgery was 8.4 minutes in Group I, 8.0 minutes in Group II and 7.4 minutes in group III. Duration of anaesthesia was 14.7 minutes in Group I, 14.3 minutes in Group II and 13.9 minutes in Group III. Oxygen saturation on arrival in PACU was 96.4% in Group I, 96.3% in Group II and 96.1% in Group III. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean eye opening (mins) was 11, 13 and 14, response to commands (mins) was 14, 20 and 21, first oral intake (mins) was 31.5, 29.4 and 30.2, ambulation (mins) was 52.3, 75.4 and 54.0, discharge home (mins) was 72.6, 77.8 and 78.5, behaviour score in PACU before meeting parent(mins) was 2.3, 2.2 and 1.3, after meeting parent (mins) was 1.2, 1.1 and 1.0 and postoperative emesis was 13%, 15% and 22%. A non- significant difference was observed (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Both oral ketorolac and acetaminophen are safe and effective analgesics for perioperative pain management in children undergoing bilateral myringotomy. They can be used alone or in combination with other analgesics to provide multimodal pain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Great Salt Lake in Utah is the largest saline lake in the Western hemisphere and one of the largest terminal lakes in the world. Situated at the eastern edge of the Great Basin, it is a remnant of the freshwater Lake Bonneville whose water level precipitously lowered about 12,000 years ago due to a natural break in Red Rock pass to the north. It contains a diverse assemblage of cyanobacteria which vary spatially dependent on salinity. In 1984, the waters of the Great Salt Lake occupied 8500 km2. Nearly four decades later, the waters occupy 2500 km2—a reduction in surface area of 71%. With predominantly westerly winds, there is a potential for the adjacent metropolitan residents to the east to be exposed to airborne cyanobacteria- and cyanotoxin-containing dust. During the summer and fall months of 2022, air and dried sediment samples were collected and assessed for the presence of BMAA which has been identified as a risk factor for ALS. Collection of air samples equivalent to a person breathing for 1 h resulted in BMAA and isomers being found in some air samples, along with their presence in exposed lakebed samples. There was no clear relationship between the presence of these toxins in airborne and adjacent lakebed samples, suggesting that airborne toxins may originate from diffuse rather than point sources. These findings confirm that continued low water levels in the Great Salt Lake may constitute an increasing health hazard for the 2.5 million inhabitants of communities along the Wasatch Front. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine if initial fluid resuscitation with balanced crystalloid (e.g., multiple electrolytes solution [MES]) or 0.9% saline adversely affects kidney function in children with septic shock. DESIGN: Parallel-group, blinded multicenter trial. SETTING: PICUs of four tertiary care centers in India from 2017 to 2020. PATIENTS: Children up to 15 years of age with septic shock. METHODS: Children were randomized to receive fluid boluses of either MES (PlasmaLyte A) or 0.9% saline at the time of identification of shock. All children were managed as per standard protocols and monitored until discharge/death. The primary outcome was new and/or progressive acute kidney injury (AKI), at any time within the first 7 days of fluid resuscitation. Key secondary outcomes included hyperchloremia, any adverse event (AE), at 24, 48, and 72 hours, and all-cause ICU mortality. INTERVENTIONS: MES solution (n = 351) versus 0.9% saline (n = 357) for bolus fluid resuscitation during the first 7 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The median age was 5 years (interquartile range, 1.3-9); 302 (43%) were girls. The relative risk (RR) for meeting the criteria for new and/or progressive AKI was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.49-0.80; p < 0.001), favoring the MES (21%) versus the saline (33%) group. The proportions of children with hyperchloremia were lower in the MES versus the saline group at 24, 48, and 72 hours. There was no difference in the ICU mortality (33% in the MES vs 34% in the saline group). There was no difference with regard to infusionrelated AEs such as fever, thrombophlebitis, or fluid overload between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among children presenting with septic shock, fluid resuscitation with MES (balanced crystalloid) as compared with 0.9% saline resulted in a significantly lower incidence of new and/or progressive AKI during the first 7 days of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic brain injury has a crippling impact on sufferers' quality of life, and numerous therapy techniques are being researched to address this problem. In this study, we compared the superiority of HS against mannitol as one such element of treating TBI patients. Objective: To compare the efficacy of hypertonic saline and mannitol and demonstrate superiority of one group over the other. Method: Our meta-analysis included only randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of mannitol and hypertonic saline in the treatment of traumatic brain injury. The literature search was done using a variety of databases, like Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. From each of the included RCTs, accurate data extraction, bias risk assessment, and statistical analysis were carried out. Result: There are 748 patients among the 15 RCTs. Our primary outcomes are mortality and functional outcomes, and our secondary outcomes include treatment failure, osmolality, intracerebral pressure (ICP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), serum sodium (Na), partial pressure of oxygen in brain tissue (PBTO2), duration of elevated ICP, mean arterial pressure, hematocrit level, and central venous pressure. The comparison showed non-significant results for mortality (RR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.49–1.08; p = 0.12) and functional outcome (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.74–1.80; p = 0.53). HS is linked to higher Na levels (RR = 4.55, 95% CI 1.34–7.76, P = 0.005, I2 = 96%). Despite performing a sensitivity analysis due to the heterogeneities in our various outcomes, the findings were still unreliable. Conclusion: Our study revealed inconsequential trends for HS and mannitol, and no conclusion was made. We believe the two medications to be equally effective, but there is still opportunity for improvement as more studies are carried out. Eventually, a conclusive decision can be reached in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Regenerative therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) knee with Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) Grades I–III. We compared the safety, efficacy, functional, and clinical outcomes of intra-articular implantation of autologous adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) isolated using direct ultrasonic cavitation (Sahaj therapy–Cell Innovation Patented Technology) and saline injection in knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: The present prospective observational study was conducted over 3 years. We enrolled 120 patients in our study, where four patients got excluded as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining 116 patients were randomized into two groups, one with autologous adipose tissue-derived SVF and the other group with saline injection. A comparison of mean KOOS and VAS scores at different follow-ups was done using Paired 't' test. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The results show that the SVF group had significantly higher KOOS scores (78.49 ± 6.54 in the SVF group vs 59.19 ± 5.14 in the saline group), respectively (p < 0.001). Similarly, the SVF group had significantly lesser VAS scores (3.17 ± 0.94 in the SVF group vs 3.89 ± 1.04 in the saline group), respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Autologous adipose tissue-derived SVF is a better choice for treating knee osteoarthritis. For individuals with degenerative osteoarthritis, autologous SVF grafting in the same surgical procedure is an innovative and promising treatment modality. Even after 3 years of follow-up, the study participants with OA knee have shown a good clinical and functional outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthrocentesis is a minimally invasive technique used in treating various temporomandibular disorders. There are various lavaging agents and intra-articular injections used in arthrocentesis viz., Normal Saline (NS), Ringer's Lactate (RL), Sodium Hyaluronate (SH), Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP), Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) etc. The present review was conducted to compare the published literature about the efficacy of various lavaging agents and intra-articular injections used in arthrocentesis. It was found that NS and RL are currently the best proven agents for Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) lavage. It has been observed that lavage combined with intra-articular injections produces better outcomes than lavage alone. Patients who received treatment with arthrocentesis in conjunction with Hylauronic Acid (HA) injection, displayed faster and more noticeable improvement in their perception of pain and maximal mouth opening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]