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1.
Sensors (Basel) ; 22(3)2022 Jan 21.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35161556

RESUMEN

The immune system of human beings plays a pivotal role in guarding against different types of diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people with weak immune systems were more likely to die. Regular physical activities and healthy food intake can significantly improve the immune system; however, people with a sedentary lifestyle and a busy job schedule find it challenging and tedious to maintain regularity. Different approaches have been used over the years to engage people in various physical activities and improve their mental and physical health. The concept of employing serious games (games whose primary purpose is not fun or entertainment, but a serious goal) to effectuate better results has become one of the popular choices among healthcare professionals and research communities. Internet of things (IoT) has enabled digital transformation with smart cities, smart infrastructure, and the fourth industrial revolution. There have been some relevant studies on the encouragement of serious games in healthcare in the past few years. However, few research studies encourage IoT-enabled serious games played with IoT devices (sensors and actuators) by making the game experience more ubiquitous and pervasive. Consequently, the adaptation of the IoT in serious games for healthcare applications is a massive gap despite its growing need in an era significantly affected by COVID-19. This paper discusses the possibilities of integrating serious games with IoT and discusses the standard architecture, core technologies, and possible challenges. Finally, we present a prototype architecture and its various components and a qualitative analysis with recent studies.


Asunto(s)
COVID-19 , Internet de las Cosas , Atención a la Salud , Humanos , Pandemias , SARS-CoV-2
2.
Pak J Med Sci ; 38(3Part-I): 766-769, 2022.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35480498

RESUMEN

Thoracic Splenosis (TS) is a rare medical condition, where there is auto-transplantation of the splenic tissue in the thoracic cavity, often leading to pleural based nodules. Our patient is the first ever case of this condition in Pakistan, and underwent extensive diagnostic procedures as well as medical treatments, before receiving the diagnosis of TS. He underwent HRCT for chronic cough that revealed pleural and mediastinal nodules. This coupled with a vague mass in the testes led to the provisional diagnosis of metastasized testicular tumour, and later a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was made. However, eventually a 99mTc denatured red blood cell scan confirmed the diagnosis of TS. TS is a benign condition, whereas other causes of pleural nodules are relatively malignant, hence its diagnosis is essential in ruling out malignancies. Among the multiple invasive and non-invasive diagnostic modalities, the gold standard remains 99mTc denatured red blood cell scan, which is a sensitive test that provides an accurate diagnosis and bars the need of multiple invasive procedures.

3.
Langmuir ; 37(18): 5447-5456, 2021 May 11.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33929862

RESUMEN

Precise tailoring of two-dimensional nanosheets with organic molecules is critical to passivate the surface and control the reactivity, which is essential for a wide range of applications. Herein, we introduce catechols to functionalize exfoliated MXenes (Ti3C2Tx) in a colloidal suspension. Catechols react spontaneously with Ti3C2Tx surfaces, where binding is initiated from a charge-transfer complex as confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) and UV-vis. Ti3C2Tx sheet interlayer spacing is increased by catechol functionalization, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while Raman and atomic force microscopy-infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) measurements indicate binding of catechols at the Ti3C2Tx surface occurs through metal-oxygen bonds, which is supported by DFT calculations. Finally, we demonstrate immobilization of a fluorescent dye on the surface of MXene. Our results establish a strategy for tailoring MXene surfaces via aqueous functionalization with catechols, whereby colloidal stability can be modified and further functionality can be introduced, which could provide excellent anchoring points to grow polymer brushes and tune specific properties.

4.
Appl Opt ; 60(25): G232-G242, 2021 Sep 01.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34613214

RESUMEN

Although there has been progress in studying the electronic and optical properties of monolayer and near-monolayer (two-dimensional, 2D) MoS2 upon adatom adsorption and intercalation, understanding the underlying atomic-level behavior is lacking, particularly as related to the optical response. Alkali atom intercalation in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is relevant to chemical exfoliation methods that are expected to enable large scale production. In this work, focusing on prototypical 2D MoS2, the adsorption and intercalation of Li, Na, K, and Ca adatoms were investigated for the 2H, 1T, and 1T' phases of the TMD by the first principles density functional theory in comparison to experimental characterization of 2H and 1T 2D MoS2 films. Our electronic structure calculations demonstrate significant charge transfer, influencing work function reductions of 1-1.5 eV. Furthermore, electrical conductivity calculations confirm the semiconducting versus metallic behavior. Calculations of the optical spectra, including excitonic effects using a many-body theoretical approach, indicate enhancement of the optical transmission upon phase change. Encouragingly, this is corroborated, in part, by the experimental measurements for the 2H and 1T phases having semiconducting and metallic behavior, respectively, thus motivating further experimental exploration. Overall, our calculations emphasize the potential impact of synthesis-relevant adatom incorporation in 2D MoS2 on the electronic and optical responses that comprise important considerations toward the development of devices such as photodetectors or the miniaturization of electroabsorption modulator components.

5.
J Nurs Manag ; 29(4): 785-793, 2021 May.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33249656

RESUMEN

AIMS: To explore the nurse managers' perspectives about the role and application of self-awareness in managerial practice. BACKGROUND: Effectively accomplishing complex roles and maintaining a healthy work environment requires nurse managers to be resilient and sustain positive relationships with nurses and interdisciplinary teams. Self-awareness is an essential attribute for building relationships and creating a healthier work environment. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative design was used. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of ten managers working in two tertiary hospitals. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were generated: "maximizing potential for overseeing complex management issues; becoming a conscientious and thoughtful manager; using experiential learning for nurturing managerial capabilities; and utilizing self and others' appraisal for discerning practical managerial approaches". CONCLUSIONS: Implementing self-awareness in complex situations is beneficial for nurse managers. It allows them to overcome negative emotions and factors and incorporate ethical and moral reasoning, thereby preventing them from ineffectual management. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nurse managers should focus on assessing their temperaments and managerial abilities in each complex situation. They should use experiential learning from past experiences for discerning effective actions for managing complex situations.


Asunto(s)
Enfermeras Administradoras , Humanos , Investigación Cualitativa , Lugar de Trabajo
6.
BMC Plant Biol ; 20(1): 434, 2020 Sep 21.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32957907

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Application of exogenous glycine betaine (GB) and exogenous salicylic acid (SA) mitigates the adverse effects of salinity. Foliar spraying with exogenous GB or SA alleviates salt stress in plants by increasing leaf gas exchange and stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity. The effects of foliar application of exogenous GB and SA on the physiology and biochemistry of cotton seedlings subjected to salt stress remain unclear. RESULTS: Results showed that salt stress of 150 mM NaCl significantly reduced leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence and decreased photosynthetic pigment quantities and leaf relative water content. Foliar spray concentrations of 5.0 mM exogenous GB and 1.0 mM exogenous SA promoted gas exchange and fluorescence in cotton seedlings, increased quantities of chlorophyll pigments, and stimulated the antioxidant enzyme activity. The foliar spray also increased leaf relative water content and endogenous GB and SA content in comparison with the salt-stressed only control. Despite the salt-induced increase in antioxidant enzyme content, exogenous GB and SA in experimental concentrations significantly increased the activity of glutathione reductase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase, and decreased malondialdehyde content under salt stress. Across all experimental foliar spray GB and SA concentrations, the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (FV/FM) reached a peak at a concentration of 5.0 mM GB. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and FV/FM were positively correlated with chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b content in response to foliar spraying of exogenous GB and SA under salt stress. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded, from our results, that concentrations of 5.0 mM GB or 1.0 mM SA are optimal choices for mitigating NaCl-induced damage in cotton seedlings because they promote leaf photosynthesis, increase quantities of photosynthetic pigments, and stimulate antioxidant enzyme activity. Among, 5.0 mM GB and 1.0 mM SA, the best performance in enhancing endogenous GB and SA concentrations was obtained with the foliar application of 1.0 mM SA under salt stress.


Asunto(s)
Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Betaína/farmacología , Gossypium/metabolismo , Fotosíntesis , Hojas de la Planta/metabolismo , Transpiración de Plantas , Ácido Salicílico/farmacología , Gossypium/efectos de los fármacos , Gossypium/fisiología , Fotosíntesis/efectos de los fármacos , Hojas de la Planta/efectos de los fármacos , Hojas de la Planta/fisiología , Transpiración de Plantas/efectos de los fármacos , Transpiración de Plantas/fisiología , Estrés Salino , Plantones/efectos de los fármacos , Plantones/metabolismo , Plantones/fisiología
7.
Plant Physiol Biochem ; 206: 108244, 2024 Jan.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38071802

RESUMEN

Nanotechnology offers many potential solutions for sustainable agroecosystem, including improvement in nutrient use efficiency, efficacy of pest management, and minimizing the adverse environmental effects of agricultural production. Herein, we first highlighted the integrated application of nanotechnology and precision agriculture for sustainable productivity. Application of nanoparticle mediated material and advanced biosensors in precision agriculture is only possible by nanochips or nanosensors. Nanosensors offers the measurement of various stresses, soil quality parameters and detection of heavy metals along with the enhanced data collection, enabling precise decision-making and resource management in agricultural systems. Nanoencapsulation of conventional chemical fertilizers (known as nanofertilizers), and pesticides (known as nanopesticides) helps in sustained and slow release of chemicals to soils and results in precise dosage to plants. Further, nano-based disease detection kits are popular tools for early and speedy detection of viral diseases. Many other innovative approaches including biosynthesized nanoparticles have been evaluated and proposed at various scales, but in fact there are some barriers for practical application of nanotechnology in soil-plant system, including safety and regulatory concerns, efficient delivery at field levels, and consumer acceptance. Finally, we outlined the policy options and actions required for sustainable agricultural productivity, and proposed various research pathways that may help to overcome the upcoming challenges regarding practical implications of nanotechnology.


Asunto(s)
Agricultura , Plaguicidas , Agricultura/métodos , Nanotecnología/métodos , Producción de Cultivos/métodos , Fertilizantes/análisis , Plantas , Suelo
8.
Microsc Res Tech ; 2024 May 06.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38706433

RESUMEN

Traditional medicinal plants play an important role in primary health care worldwide. The phytochemical screening and activities of Geranium pusillum were investigated in this research. The dried plant leaves were extracted with ethanol, n-hexane, chloroform, dichloromethane, methanol, acetone, and aqueous solvents. These extracts were qualitatively analyzed, GC-MS, antimicrobial activities by using the disc diffusion method, antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging, and cytotoxic activity was analyzed by the hemolytic activity of human red blood cells. The results showed phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides were detected in plant leaves. The ethanol extract at a concentration of 10 mg/mL showed a maximum inhibition zone 17.5 ± 0.09, 15.6 ± 0.11, 14.2 ± 0.17, 18.4 ± 0.11, 16.6 ± 0.15, 12.5 ± 0.13, 15.9 ± 0.10, and 13.1 ± 0.11 mm, and at 15 mg/mL showed 24.5 ± 0.09, 27.2 ± 0.12, 26.3 ± 0.17, 28.4 ± 0.10, 27.9 ± 0.16, 22.5 ± 0.13, 27.1 ± 0.10, and 24.1 ± 0.16 mm against Escherichia coli, Pasturella multocida (gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilus (gram-positive), Rhizopus solani, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternate (fungal strain), respectively, and dichloromethane showed a minimum inhibition zone as compared to other extracts against bacterial as well as fungal strains. Chloroform extract had maximum antioxidant activity (45.00 ± 0.08%) and minimum in dichloromethane (12.20 ± 0.04%). Cytotoxic activity was found maximum in acetone extract (19.83 ± 0.07%) and minimum in ethanol extract (4.72 ± 0.04%). It is concluded that phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, and others may be responsible for these activities, which is why this plant is used for traditional medicine. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Geranium pusillum has therapeutic properties that exhibit various biological activities beneficial for human health. G. pusillum has significant inhibitory effects against bacterial and fungal strains. Chloroform solvent extract indicates potential free radical scavenging abilities. Acetone extract exhibits notable effects on human red blood cells and demonstrates significant cytotoxic activity.

9.
Heliyon ; 10(6): e27724, 2024 Mar 30.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38500979

RESUMEN

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic contaminant that is ubiquitously present in the ecosystem and poses severe environmental issues, including hazards to soil-plant systems. This review focuses on the uptake, accumulation, and translocation of Pb metallic ions and their toxicological effects on plant morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes. We highlight that the uptake of Pb metal is controlled by cation exchange capacity, pH, size of soil particles, root nature, and other physio-chemical limitations. Pb toxicity obstructs seed germination, root/shoot length, plant growth, and final crop-yield. Pb disrupts the nutrient uptake through roots, alters plasma membrane permeability, and disturbs chloroplast ultrastructure that triggers changes in respiration as well as transpiration activities, creates the reactive oxygen species (ROS), and activates some enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Pb also impairs photosynthesis, disrupts water balance and mineral nutrients, changes hormonal status, and alters membrane structure and permeability. This review provides consolidated information concentrating on the current studies associated with Pb-induced oxidative stress and toxic conditions in various plants, highlighting the roles of different antioxidants in plants mitigating Pb-stress. Additionally, we discussed detoxification and tolerance responses in plants by regulating different gene expressions, protein, and glutathione metabolisms to resist Pb-induced phytotoxicity. Overall, various approaches to tackle Pb toxicity have been addressed; the phytoremediation techniques and biochar amendments are economical and eco-friendly remedies for improving Pb-contaminated soils.

10.
PLoS One ; 18(10): e0292803, 2023.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37844100

RESUMEN

People with communication difficulties encounter several challenges in their daily online interactions, such as a limited right to talk (RoT), insufficient social support (SS), and a low sense of being attended to (SoBA). Computer-mediated technologies are limited in addressing such problems owing to their limited capacity in transferring verbal and nonverbal cues between users. In this study, to address the limited RoT, low SS, and low SoBA challenges, we proposed a robotic video conference system with two teleoperated robot avatars. The proposed system was compared with another robotic video conference system that adopts only one teleoperated robot avatar. In the field experiment, 37 participants took part in two discussion sessions using each system type, where RoT, SS, and SoBA were adopted as the measured indices. The proposed system significantly increased the users' RoT and SS compared with other robotic video conference systems. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the effect exerted by the type of robotic video conference adopted on users' feelings about RoT, SS, and SoBA.


Asunto(s)
Emociones , Robótica , Humanos , Apoyo Social , Comunicación , Computadores
11.
Front Plant Sci ; 14: 1231294, 2023.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37636111

RESUMEN

Introduction: Agricultural activities in the North China Plain are often challenged by inadequate irrigation and nutrient supply. Inadequate and improper resource utilization may impose negative impacts on agricultural sustainability. To counteract the negative impacts, a deeper understanding of the different resource management strategies is an essential prerequisite to assess the resource saving potential of crops. Methods: We explored plausible adaptation strategies including drip irrigation lateral spacings of 40 and 80 cm (hereafter referred to as LS40 and LS80, respectively), irrigating winter wheat after soil water consumption of 20 and 35 mm (hereafter represented as IS20 and IS35, respectively), and nitrogen fertilization scheme of a) applying 50% nitrogen as a basal dose and 50% as a top-dressing dose (NS50:50), b) 25% nitrogen as a basal dose and 75% as a topdressing dose (NS25:75), and c) no nitrogen application as a basal dose and 100% application as a top-dressing dose (NS0:100). Results and discussion: The consecutive 2 years (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) of field study results show that growing winter wheat under LS40 enhanced the water use efficiency (WUE), grain yield, 1,000-grain weight, and number of grains per spike by 15.04%, 6.95%, 5.67%, and 21.59% during the 2017-2018 season, respectively. Additionally, the corresponding values during the 2018-2019 season were 12.70%, 7.17%, 2.66%, and 19.25%, respectively. Irrigation scheduling of IS35 treatment improved all the growth-related and yield parameters of winter wheat. Further, treating 25% nitrogen as a basal dose and application of 75% as a top-dressing dose positively influenced the winter wheat yield. While NS0:100 increased the plant height, leaf area index (LAI), and aboveground biomass as compared to the other application strategies, but high nitrogen was observed in deeper soil layers. Regarding soil environment, the lowest soil moisture and nitrate nitrogen contents were observed in LS80 during both growing seasons. Overall, coupling the IS35 with NS25:75 under 40-cm lateral spacing is a suitable choice for sustainable winter wheat production in theNorth China Plain. The results of our study may be helpful in advancing the knowledge of the farmer community for winter wheat production. The findings can also aid in advancing new insights among scientists working on soil water and nitrogen distribution in drip irrigation for better productivity.

12.
Front Chem ; 11: 1175114, 2023.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37601905

RESUMEN

Synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) for many different uses requires the development of environmentally friendly synthesis protocols. In this article, we present a simple and environmentally friendly method to synthesize lead oxide (PbO) NPs from the plant material of the Mangifera indica. Analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and microscopy were used to characterize the synthesized PbO NPs, and their photo-electrocatalytic and antifungal properties were also evaluated. H2O2 was used to investigate the efficacy of removing methylene blue dye. At a range of pH values, H2O2 was used to study the role of hydroxyl radicals in the breakdown of methylene blue dye. Methylene blue dyes are more easily eliminated due to increased generation of the *OH radical during removal. Dye degradation was also significantly affected by the aqueous medium's pH. Additionally, the electrocatalytic properties of the PbO NPs adapted electrode were studied in CH3COONa aqueous solution using cyclic voltammetry. Excellent electrocatalytic properties of the PbO NPs are shown by the unity of the anodic and cathodic peaks of the modified electrode in comparison to the stranded electrode. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Candida glabrata were some fungi tested with the PbO NPs. Against A. flavus (40%) and A. niger (50%), and C. glabrata (75%), the PbO NPs display an excellent inhibition zone. Finally, PbO NPs were used in antioxidant studies with the powerful antioxidant 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). This study presents a simple and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing PbO NPs with multiple uses, including photo-electrocatalytic and antimicrobial activity.

13.
Radiol Case Rep ; 18(12): 4489-4494, 2023 Dec.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37868003

RESUMEN

The case report describes a patient with stage IV breast cancer which metastasized to the lungs. The patient's initial computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a malignant lesion in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast and multiple pulmonary nodules, suggesting pulmonary metastasis. After starting palliative chemotherapy with intravenous paclitaxel and subcutaneous injections of Herceptin, a follow-up CT scan 3 months after the initiation of treatment showed the disappearance of metastasis, and her cancer regressed to stage II breast cancer that could be surgically resected. This case report highlights the importance of timely and appropriate palliative treatment measures, which can lead to unexpected outcomes, such as the regression of metastatic lesions and the possibility of curative treatment in such advanced cancer.

14.
Phys Chem Chem Phys ; 14(24): 8644-52, 2012 Jun 28.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22588638

RESUMEN

A combination of first principles Density Functional Theory calculations and thermochemical scaling relationships are employed to estimate the thermochemistry and kinetics of methanol decomposition on unsupported subnanometer metal clusters. The approach uses binding energies of various atomic and molecular species, determined on the pure metal clusters, to develop scaling relationships that are then further used to estimate the methanol decomposition thermodynamics for a series of pure and bimetallic clusters with four atoms per cluster. Additionally, activation energy barriers are estimated from Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi plots relating transition and final state energies on these clusters. The energetic results are combined with a simple, microkinetically-inspired rate expression to estimate reaction rates as a function of important catalytic descriptors, including the carbon and atomic oxygen binding energies to the clusters. Based on these analyses, several alloy clusters are identified as promising candidates for the methanol decomposition reaction.

15.
Cureus ; 14(4): e24511, 2022 Apr.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35651378

RESUMEN

Gastric glomus tumors (GGTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms that arise from cells of the glomus body. These occur in the submucosa of the gastric wall and are usually benign in nature. However, it is difficult to predict tumor behavior due to the lack of reliable histological features. Diagnosis can be challenging due to the lack of specific clinical features, and radiologic and endoscopic findings. Computed tomography (CT) scan, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are key diagnostic modalities. However, the final diagnosis depends on the postoperative immunohistochemical and pathological analysis. Most GGTs can be cured by surgical or endoscopic resection. We report a case of GGT in a middle-aged woman who presented with new-onset anemia and was found to have a gastric mass that was later diagnosed as GGT after immunohistochemical staining.

16.
Cureus ; 14(3): e23399, 2022 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35481310

RESUMEN

Biloma is an intrahepatic or extrahepatic collection of bile within the abdominal cavity. It can occur spontaneously, or as a result of trauma to the biliary tree. The clinical presentation can be variable and non-specific. Early diagnosis is crucial given the high mortality rate. Diagnostic modalities include abdominal ultrasound, hepatobiliary scintigraphy, computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Treatment options include interventional radiology (IR)-guided drainage, endoscopic drainage, or surgical drainage with a bile leak repair. We report a case of a middle-aged non-cirrhotic patient who presented with abdominal pain and was noted to have extensive portal vein thrombosis. She underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) with thrombectomy and the hospital course was complicated by elevated liver enzymes and found to have intrahepatic biloma requiring IR-guided drainage.

17.
Cureus ; 14(3): e23472, 2022 Mar.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35475075

RESUMEN

It is rare for patients to have hemorrhagic complications after abdominal paracentesis. Abdominal wall hematomas and hemoperitoneum are the most common hemorrhagic complications of paracentesis. The incidence rate of hemorrhage-related complications is unknown. The risk of hemorrhage-related complications can be elevated in patients with underlying kidney disease and those who are thrombocytopenic or coagulopathic. However, there is no correlation between the degree of thrombocytopenia or coagulopathy and the risk of bleeding. It is important to identify the high-risk patients to prevent these hemorrhage-related complications. In rare instances, secondary complications can develop from hemoperitoneum. We present a case of a cirrhotic patient who underwent a diagnostic paracentesis leading to subsequent intra-abdominal hematoma followed by small bowel obstruction (SBO) due to large abdominal hematoma compressing small bowel loops.

18.
Cureus ; 13(6): e15478, 2021 Jun.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34262816

RESUMEN

Colonic ischemia is the most common form of gastrointestinal ischemia, which frequently affects the elderly population. The diagnosis and treatment can be challenging since it is prevalent in patients who are debilitated and have multiple comorbidities. However, most cases remain undetected until further complications emerge. Some of these patients will develop prolonged complications like chronic ischemic colitis or stricture requiring surgical intervention. Here we present a case of a colonic stricture secondary to recurrent ischemic colitis in an elderly female patient with multiple medical problems.

19.
Front Robot AI ; 8: 758177, 2021.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34805293

RESUMEN

Communication apprehension (CA), defined as anxiety in oral communication, and anxiety in eye contact (AEC), defined as the discomfort felt in communication while being stared at by others, limit communication effectiveness. In this study, we examined whether using a teleoperated robot avatar in a video teleconference provides communication support to people with CA and AEC. We propose a robotic telecommunication system in which a user has two options to produce utterance for own responses in online interaction with interviewer i.e., either by a robot avatar that faces the interviewer, or by self. Two imagination-based experiments were conducted, in which a total of 400 participants were asked to watch videos for interview scenes with or without the proposed system; 200 participants for each experiment. The participants then evaluated their impressions by imagining that they were the interviewee. In the first experiment, a video conference with the proposed system was compared with an ordinary video conference, where the interviewer and interviewee faced each other. In the second experiment, it was compared with an ordinary video conference where the interviewer's attentional focus was directed away from the interviewee. A significant decrease in the expected CA and AEC of participants with the proposed system was observed in both experiments, whereas a significant increase in the expected sense of being attended (SoBA) was observed in the second experiment. This study contributes to the literature in terms of examining the expected impact of using a teleoperated robot avatar for better video conferences, especially for supporting individuals with CA and AEC.

20.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 1958, 2021 01 21.
Artículo en Inglés | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33479268

RESUMEN

Silicon (Si), as a quasi-essential element, has a vital role in alleviating the damaging effects of various environmental stresses on plants. Cadmium (Cd) stress is severe abiotic stress, especially in acidic ecological conditions, and Si can demolish the toxicity induced by Cd as well as acidic pH on plants. Based on these hypotheses, we demonstrated 2-repeated experiments to unfold the effects of Si as silica gel on the root morphology and physiology of wheat seedling under Cd as well as acidic stresses. For this purpose, we used nine treatments with three levels of Si nanoparticles (0, 1, and 3 mmol L-1) derived from sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) against three concentrations of Cd (0, 50, and 200 µmol L-1) in the form of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) with three replications were arranged in a complete randomized design. The pH of the nutrient solution was adjusted at 5. The averages of three random replications showed that the mutual impacts of Si and Cd in acidic pH on wheat roots depend on the concentrations of Si and Cd. The collective or particular influence of low or high levels of Si (1 or 3 mM) and acidic pH (5) improved the development of wheat roots, and the collective influence was more significant than that of a single parallel treatment. The combined effects of low or high concentrations of Cd (50 or 200 µM) and acidic pH significantly reduced root growth and biomass while increased antioxidants, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents. The incorporation of Si (1 or 3 mmol L-1) in Cd-contaminated acidic nutrient solution promoted the wheat root growth, decreased ROS contents, and further increased the antioxidants in the wheat roots compared with Cd single treatments in acidic pH. The demolishing effects were better with a high level of Si (3 mM) than the low level of Si (1 Mm). In conclusion, we could suggest Si as an effective beneficial nutrient that could participate actively in several morphological and physiological activities of roots in wheat plants grown under Cd and acidic pH stresses.

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