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Validation of the Dysgraphia Disability Scale (DDS); An assessment tool for writing difficulty
No full textDysgraphia is defined as the difficulty in the production of written language. This study was carried out on 50 subjects aged 6-12 years who suffered from writing disabilities. This methodological study was designed to measure the possible breakdown mechanisms causing dysgraphia. A scale was created to cover most of the weak points in dysgraphia especially the fine motor and proprioceptive aspects. Reliability and validity of this scale were performed to allow its application. Findings were dealt with statistically and it was found that three types of dysgraphia have been known as Dyslexic, Motoric, and Spatial Dysgraphia. The scale diagnoses dysgraphia in an objective way and the severity of the condition can be determined in addition. This helps better understand the patients’ needs when a trainer designs the remediation program. </p
Analysis of secondary data: Considerations revisited
No full textIn a recent publication, we discussed the benefits and cautions of using secondary data analyses in research on lifestyle and health behavior [1]. We provided some guidelines about the use of secondary data in terms of the contributions that can be made and at the same time considerations necessary in using data that are collected by someone else. The use of secondary data to explore social and health issues results in being able to provide information about important issues in a timely fashion. Secondary data can answer two types of questions: descriptive and analytical [2]. Hence, the information can be used to describe events or trends or it can be used to examine relationships among variables cross-sectionally or longitudinally. </p
Role of plant-derived natural compounds in macrophage polarization
No full textMacrophages are important cells of the immune system and are sufficiently plastic to polarize either an M1 state or M2 state. Depending on the signals received from different intrinsic or extrinsic factors, the macrophage polarity is determined. These cells are distributed in every tissue of the body and are also found as circulating cells in the bloodstream called ‘monocytes’. Natural products may be one extrinsic factor to modulate macrophage polarization. It is important to understand the mechanism by which natural products drive the polarization of macrophages. Based on recent advancements in the understanding of immunology, macrophages are classified as classically activated and alternatively activated, also designated as M1 and M2 macrophages respectively. The resident brain macrophages (microglia) get activated under stress and attain the M1 macrophage phenotype which is related to inflammatory mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration while treatment with plant-derived natural compounds drives the M1 microglia towards the M2 type which prevents the inflammatory response and protects the neurons. Understanding the mechanism of polarization of macrophages by natural compounds will be useful in treating different types of inflammatory diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of macrophage polarization using plant-derived natural compounds and their ability to regulate the pathophysiology of the tissues.</p
Proposing a sustainable strategy for the fabrication of robust anti-soiling coatings with enhanced antibacterial attributes for non-absorbent substrates
No full textIn this paper, we propose a convenient methodology for fabricating a generic structure toward developing a robust, easy-to-clean transparent coating with inherent antibacterial properties for smooth, non-absorbent surfaces, such as glass and plastics. A two-step coating comprising an organopolysilazane primer and an alkoxysilane topcoat, based on positively charged quaternary ammonium silanes, is proposed. The topcoat is co-condensed with the primer to provide a hybrid structure with high wear strength even on surfaces that lack surface hydroxyl groups. Surfaces examined included glass and PMMA. The coated samples were studied in terms of abrasion resistance as well as anti-soiling and antimicrobial performance. It was found that the quaternary silane compound could covalently graft onto the primer acting both as an antibacterial, anti fungicidal, and hydrophobizing agent. The utility of amphoteric surfactants within the coating’s solution was also examined. The resulting structure was transparent and exhibited pronounced self-disinfecting properties with remarkable sustainability. These attributes suggested a dual functionality of the coating, i.e., both anti-soiling and antimicrobial, thus rendering it a potential candidate for numerous industrial and commercial applications.</p
Addressing the treatment of macrophage activation syndrome: A challenging balance between immune suppression and infectious risk
No full textHemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and potentially life-threatening syndrome related to a dysregulation of cytolytic function of Natural Killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), which in turns leads to an inappropriate immune stimulation and hyperinflammatory state, resulting in hypercytokinemia, accumulation of activated lymphocytes and macrophages [1,2].</p
The nutrition and life-style of mothers from industrial and nonindustrial regions related to their economic situation
No full textAim: The study analyzed the nutrition and lifestyle of mothers related to air pollution in industrial and non-industrial regions, taking into account the economic situation of households.Methods: The respondents were a deliberate sample of mothers from two regions of the Czech Republic – districts of Ceske Budejovice (CB, N=376) and Karvina (KA, N=449). Selected districts were chosen for their difference in the air pollution, with CB being one of the least polluted and KA one of the most polluted regions/districts in the Czech Republic. Data were collected in maternity hospitals in the years 2019 and 2020.Results: The majority of respondents (98.5%) described their economic situation at least as average. They also consumed daily at least one hot meal. In Karvina mothers more often eat fish, poultry, legumes and also sweet meals and fried food than in Ceske Budejovice, where are more often consumed dairy products. Information about health risk are important for change of their habits.Conclusion: Most mothers in our study subjectively evaluated their economic situation as moderately good in both regions. Better economic situation was correlated with healthy nutrition, including higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, wholegrain bread, beef and fish and lower consumption of sweet drinks and produced meats. Notably the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the industrial region has risen in comparison with previous data, which is an improvement promising a better starting position for the new generation.</p
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
Potential health risk estimation of naturally occurring radionuclides intake due to the consumption of seafood around Coastal zone
No full textAs part of a regional baseline study, the distribution of naturally occurring radioactive materials in the marine fish diversity consumed by different age group representatives living in the Kalpakkam coastal zone was studied. The average activity of natural radionuclide in 238U, 232Th, and 40K (n = 40) was 28.51, 239.58, and 118.95 Bq kg-1, respectively. The annual dose of ingestion, lifetime carcinogenic risk assessment and cancer risk assessment due to 238U, 232Th, and 40K were estimated by marine fish diversity in children aged 1-4,5-9,10-14,15-17 years, adults, pregnant women, and the fishing community. The Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) compares to the coastal zone. Statistical studies such as Pearson correlation analysis, Principle component analysis, and Cluster analysis report check that the current levels of natural radionuclide do not pose a significant radioactivity threat to the residents based on the activity of the radionuclide.</p
Perineal herniorrhaphy along with anal sacculectomy in dog: Case report
No full textA perineal hernia may occur unilateral or bilateral to the perineum. This may be due to the weakening and disassembly of the pelvic floor muscles, leading to abdominal visceral herniation to the perineal region and needing surgical reconstruction of the pelvic floor. The purpose of this case report is to describe the surgical correction of unilateral perineal hernia along with anal sacculectomy using transposition of internal obturator muscle. After aseptic preparation of the surgical site, an elliptical skin incision over the hernia swelling was performed. From there, the presence of the sac, contents, and adhesion were evaluated, the contents were relocated and the opening was closed with a layer. In the same manner, the anal gland was excised by surgical means. Clinical outcomes including postoperative complications and recur are assessed. Upon regular follow-up, for two months the case didn’t recur and suddenly died later for unrelated reasons.</p
Adopting proactive results by developing the Shrewd model of pandemic COVID-19
Get PDFThe unavoidable pandemic situation seems uncontrolled over the past two years. In this aggravated situation, it seems crucial to take inescapable measures to deal with such a defiant disease and it is only possible if the actual pandemic propagation ratio is to be acquainted. Therefore, a shrewd pandemic model is being developed that will generate real-time infection statistics on an hourly, weekly, and monthly basis. This shrewd model utilizes the well-known dataset and when this dataset will be applied to determine the status of three types of infection the number of infected people, the time when the pandemic begins, and the time when the pandemic disappears. The time-based results are generated by conducting simulation in python Simpy framework and the generated results are the hallmark of real-time infection spreading ratio it shows that when the extraordinary measures for infection ratio are indispensable and when it becomes plausible.</p