Rajesh Varma
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5017 research outputs found
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Psychological wellbeing and mental health outcomes in Australian Nurses and Midwives
No full textAim: To examine the intrapersonal and organizational factors that contribute to pathogenic and salutogenic psychological outcomes in Australian nurses and midwives. Design: The conceptual framework Factors associated with Salutogenic and Pathogenic Outcomes in Australian Midwives and Nurses was used as a guide for this exploratory, cross-sectional study.Method: Participants were recruited from public, private, and community settings throughout Australia. Six hundred and fifteen participants completed an online survey assessing job satisfaction, professional quality of life, ways of coping, resilience, psychological distress, and the impact of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic on psychological health and well-being.Results: Analyses showed that workplace environmental factors were strong predictors of Secondary Traumatic Stress, and Burnout. Results also showed that workplace factors and adaptive coping were predictive of the salutogenic outcomes of compassion satisfaction and resilience.Conclusion: Adopting a salutogenic approach, focused on maximizing individual and organizational contributors to psychological health and wellbeing, provides a new way for organizations to develop strategies to decrease adverse psychological outcomes, promote well-being and better equip nurses and midwives to cope with the challenges of the healthcare environment.Impact: The findings will be of interest to Chief Nurses, Midwifery Officers, healthcare organizations, and universities to target workplace, individual and interpersonal factors that promote health and wellbeing amongst nurses and midwives. </p
A review of microfluidic impedance sensors for pathogen detection
No full textThe development of rapid, sensitive and specific methods for the detection of foodborne pathogens is important to ensure food safety. Currently, detection methods such as counting methods, immunoassays, and biosensors have been developed for detecting foodborne pathogenic bacteria, and impedance sensors combined with microfluidic technology have received extensive attention. This paper outlines the advances and applications of microfluidic impedance biosensors for the detection of foodborne pathogens. And reviews the current advances in microfluidic impedance sensors based on transducer materials and detection techniques, including detection technology based on interdigitated microarrays electrode, electrophoresis technology, nanotechnology, etc. Finally, the challenges and development trends of current microfluidic impedance sensors are discussed.</p
Sleep quality of inpatients with a positive diagnosis of COVID-19
No full textBackground: Low sleep quality and sleep disturbances are reported to be higher during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This study aimed to evaluate the sleep quality of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and the factors that affect their sleep quality.Materials and methods: Patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at the pandemic clinic of a University Training and Training Hospital between 15 May-15 September 2020 were included. The study included 150 patients who agreed to participate in the study, who were hospitalized in the COVID-19 clinics in a Training and Research Hospital. Adult patients over the age of 18 who had been accepted to participate in were enrolled in the study. The patients who had any diagnosed sleep-related disorders or neurological and psychiatric diseases were excluded. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.Results: The patient’s PSQI score average was significantly higher in females, illiterate, married, and individuals with the first three days of diagnosis of disease. During their 75.2% hospitalization time, sleep patterns deteriorated and 90.0% of those patients also deteriorated 1-3 days after hospitalization. Given the conditions that caused sleep disorders during the time hospitalized, there were causes such as respiratory distress (41.3%), hospital environment (36.1%) and pain (32.0%). The requirements that patients need most to improve their sleep quality during the hospital period may be said to be good management of disease symptoms (36.4%), increased social support systems (33.3%), and communication with health staff (20.0%).Conclusion: For sleep disorders in hospitalized patients with a positive (+) diagnosis of COVID-19, it can be said that 71.3% of the patients have poor sleep quality.</p
Aflatoxin contamination in dairy feed during wet and dry seasons in selected rural areas of Sidama zone in Southern Ethiopia
No full textThis study was conducted in the southern region of Ethiopia. The objectives were to assess the occurrence and level of aflatoxin B1 contamination in dairy cow feeds. The analytical technique used was Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze +the season and location interaction effect. Laboratory analysis showed that 81.2% of the feed samples had a detectable level of AFB1 within the range of 0.067-29.69 µg/kg and with an average of 7.91±5.83 µg/kg. From the positive samples, 52.5 and 4.58% of the feed sample were above EU (5 µg/kg) and USA (20 µg/kg) limits for dairy cattle feed respectively. Average AFB1 concentration during the dry season (8.74± 5.6 µg/kg) is significantly higher (P<0.05) than wet season (7.02± 5.86 µg/kg). This result implies that sustainable good practices should be maintained for all feed harvesting, storage, and feeding practices by feed producers and dairy farmers regarding aflatoxin contamination.</p
Characterization and optimization of Casimiroa (Casimiroa Edulis) fruit juice using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
No full textBackground: Casimiroa edulis fruit is an underutilized seasonal fruit of Ethiopia, and is a rich source of many medicinal and nutritional properties. Casimiroa edulis is a fruit with good sources of different nutrients (minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, and energy). The fruit is found in different parts of the country, Ethiopia. However, there are no clear research shreds of evidence of the fruits on post-harvest handling, preservation, processing, and value addition. Purpose of the study: The present study is aimed at the characterization and optimization of the enzyme-assisted casimiroa fruit juice clarification process based on selected quality parameters of the final product. Methodology: D-optimal Mixture Design and RSM were used to investigate the level of ingredients and the effects of independent variables on physicochemical composition, functional properties, mineral values, and acceptability tests of casimiroa fruit juice. Graphical and numerical optimization was conducted to find the best variables conditions. Casimiroa fruit was treated at various enzyme concentrations (0.01-0.2 %), incubation temperature (30-55 oC), and incubation time (30-100 min.) of treatment. A second-order Central composite (CCD) was employed to identify the effect of independent variables on the final product. Results: In this study, a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was observed within the process variables on nutritional profiles of casimiroa fruit juice. Furthermore, the enzyme treatment reduced the cloudy appearance of casimiroa fruit juice and improved its clarity of juice. The coefficient of determination and R2 values for the dependent variables were almost greater than 0.8. This study revealed that clarity, viscosity, TSS, TA, pH, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, P, and overall acceptability were significantly (p<0.05) correlated to incubation temperature, incubation time and enzyme concentration. Incubation time and enzyme concentration were the most important factors affecting the characteristics of the casimiroa fruit juice as they exerted a highly significant influence (p<0.05) on the dependent variables. Conclusion: In conclusion, enzyme treatment improves qualities of fruit juice and the overall optimization suggests that enzymatic-treated juice made with 75% fruit pure, 21.25% water, 2.63 % sugar, and 1.13 % citric acid with process variables of incubation temperature (44.01 0C), incubation time (62.74 min.) and enzyme concentration (0.2 %), respectively achieved the best formulation for this combination of variables with a desirable of 0.9029. </p
The protection of reinforced concrete structures: Active and passive systems
No full textThe conservation state, maintenance, repair, and complete restoration of reinforced concrete structures are recurring actions necessary to preserve the built infrastructure. A big issue related to enormous costs aimed at extending the service life of construction systems and addressed to sustainability. In the investigated cases of buildings and civil engineering structures, active and passive protection methods are presented. Both exhibit advantages and disadvantages that need to be accurately studied in order to make a correct and durable choice. Generally, active systems are often used in harsh environmental conditions, where more forms of localized corrosion take place, while passive methods are often utilized where the degradation and the structures are less adversely affected by intense degradation phenomena.</p
Screening pediatric testicular cancer: A literature review
No full textIntroduction: Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death in patients aged 5-19 years. Testicular tumors (TT) comprise 1 to 2% of all pediatric solid tumors. Although rare, TTs are often misdiagnosed. Screening improves clinical practice and decision-making for early diagnosis. Objective: To analyze the screening methods for detection of pediatric testicular cancer and contribute to the management of suspected cases.Methods: We conducted an integrative systematic review of the PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS databases limited to records published between January/2013 and August/2018. Results: Sixty articles were initially selected based on the presence of specific search terms on the article body, title, and abstract. Of those, nineteen articles were selected for a full review. Clinical signs were not evident in most studies, but 12 (63%) reported the presence of scrotal masses. Cryptorchidism, family history, and the presence of contralateral TT were identified as risk factors. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was elevated in 73% of studies, but normal levels do not rule out a suspected diagnosis. Scrotal ultrasound (US) was instrumental in 73% of studies and Doppler US (32%) was able to detect nearly 100% of cases at diagnosis. Computed tomography (abdomen/chest) was required in 12 studies (63%) for confirmation of metastasis of testicular germ cell tumors. In 73% of studies, stages were subdivided based on the levels of serum tumor markers and the presence of metastasis. The inguinal-scrotal approach is suggested as the preferred method as it does not affect prognosis or require adjuvant therapy. There are minimum requirements for therapeutic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. In 14 studies (73%), advanced stages showed a good prognosis with surgery in combination with chemotherapy. TT histology and treatment are different for prepubertal and postpubertal patients. In the same 14 studies (73%), relapsed patients received chemotherapy. In eight studies (42%) the overall survival increased by five years and, in three of them, it increased 2 by 100% post-combination therapy. Conclusion: Few studies have evaluated the prognosis, disease recurrence, and survival rates of children with testicular cancer. AFP, US and an appropriate surgical approach provide optimal personalized treatment and minimize the adverse effects. </p
North Carolina’s Community Health Worker Initiative
No full textCommunity Health Workers support frontline public health professionals during times of public health pandemics by providing communities with trusted messengers that are a support system and liaison to medical and social services. North Carolina deployed Community Health Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic using funding under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with success. We offer recommendations for a more robust program going forward using what was learned during the pandemic. </p
Histopathologically atypical astroblastoma with MN1-CXXC5 fusion transcript diagnosed by methylation classifier
No full textAdult astroblastoma is an exceedingly rare primary brain tumor. Previous reports have suggested various radiographic and histological features typical for these tumors, but the diagnosis can be challenging. We present a unique case of astroblastoma diagnosed after 13 years of treatment as a CNS embryonal neoplasm. Histologically, this tumor lacked previously identified astroblastic features such as pseudorosettes, trabeculated patterns, and hyalinized vessels. The tumor was synaptophysin positive which further confounded the diagnosis in this case. Methylation classification was performed with a high confidence match to a high-grade neuroepithelial neoplasm with a CXXC5-MN1 fusion. Molecular characterization confirmed a CXX5-MN1 fusion transcript which has been seen in at least one other instance. Though known to be involved in tumorigenesis, the roles of CXXC5 and MN1, in this case, remain unclear. We discuss the unusual histopathological features of this tumor and the value of recent updates to the WHO molecular diagnosis scheme for central nervous system tumors. We also briefly review the literature related to astroblastoma. The current case highlights our evolving recognition of atypical histological patterns for astroblastoma and the importance of new molecular profiles which can aid in the diagnosis.</p
Staged feminizing genitoplasty with total urogenital sinus mobilization
No full textBackground: The diagnosis and treatment of individuals with Disorders of Sexual Development is a complex process and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Each individual should be evaluated objectively and the treatment process of each individual has its own unique differences. The aim of this study is to discuss the effectiveness of staged feminizing genitoplasty operations using the total urogenital mobilization technique.Material and methods: Hospital records of patients who underwent vaginoplasty using the TUM technique between 2014 and 2019 by a single surgeon in a pediatric surgery center of a tertiary pediatric hospital were retrospectively reviewed.Results: All ten patients who underwent TUM had 46 XX chromosomes. The TUM procedure for vaginoplasty was performed in all patients by the author. A clitorolabioplasty had been previously performed in six patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The follow-up period of the patients was 1-6 years. No serious complications developed in any of the patients. Neither infection nor tissue necrosis occurred. A second surgical procedure was not required for urinary fistula, vaginal stenosis, urinary incontinence, or early suture dehiscence.Conclusion: This study shows that vaginoplasty can be performed in a single session in infancy for patients with low confluence and a short Urogenital Sinus (UGS). Apart from this, postponing vaginoplasty surgeries to the adolescence period and performing UGS mobilization surgery seem to carry successful results.</p