Efficacy of audiovisual neurofeedback training for attention enhancement: a multimodal approach.

Attention is a cognitive process that involves focusing mental resources on specific stimuli and plays a fundamental role in perception, learning, memory, and decision-making. Neurofeedback (NF) is a useful technique for improving attention, providing real-time feedback on brain activity in the form of visual or auditory cues, and allowing users to learn to self-regulate their cognitive processes. This study compares the effectiveness of different cues in NF training for attention enhancement through a multimodal approach. We conducted neurological (Quantitative Electroencephalography), neuropsychological (Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale-15), and behavioral (Stroop test) assessments before and after NF training on 36 healthy participants, divided into audiovisual (G1) and visual (G2) groups. Twelve NF training sessions were conducted on alternate days, each consisting of five subsessions, with pre- and post-NF baseline electroencephalographic evaluations using power spectral density. The pre-NF baseline was used for thresholding the NF session using the beta frequency band power. Two-way analysis of variance revealed a significant long-term effect of group (G1/G2) and state (before/after NF) on the behavioral and neuropsychological assessments, with G1 showing significantly higher Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale-15 scores, higher Stroop scores, and lower Stroop reaction times for interaction effects. Moreover, unpaired t-tests to compare voxel-wise standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography images revealed higher activity of G1 in Brodmann area 40 due to NF training. Neurological assessments show that G1 had better improvement in immediate, short-, and long-term attention. The findings of this study offer a guide for the development of NF training protocols aimed at enhancing attention effectively.

Garlic bioactive substances and their therapeutic applications for improving human health: a comprehensive review.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely abundant spice, known for its aroma and pungent flavor. It contains several bioactive compounds and offers a wide range of health benefits to humans, including those pertaining to nutrition, physiology, and medicine. Therefore, garlic is considered as one of the most effective disease-preventive diets. Many in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the sulfur-containing compounds, allicin and ajoene, for their effective anticancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and cardioprotective properties. As a rich natural source of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, saponins, tannins, linalool, geraniol, phellandrene, ß-phellandrene, ajoene, alliin, S-allyl-mercapto cysteine, and ß-phellandrene, garlic has many therapeutic applications and may play a role in drug development against various human diseases. In the current review, garlic and its major bioactive components along with their biological function and mechanisms of action for their role in disease prevention and therapy are discussed.

Comparative Neurological and Behavioral Assessment of Central and Peripheral Stimulation Technologies for Induced Pain and Cognitive Tasks.

Pain is a multifaceted, multisystem disorder that adversely affects neuro-psychological processes. This study compares the effectiveness of central stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation-tDCS over F3/F4) and peripheral stimulation (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation-TENS over the median nerve) in pain inhibition during a cognitive task in healthy volunteers and to observe potential neuro-cognitive improvements. Eighty healthy participants underwent a comprehensive experimental protocol, including cognitive assessments, the Cold Pressor Test (CPT) for pain induction, and tDCS/TENS administration. EEG recordings were conducted pre- and post-intervention across all conditions. The protocol for this study was categorized into four groups: G1 (control), G2 (TENS), G3 (anodal-tDCS), and G4 (cathodal-tDCS). Paired t-tests (p < 0.05) were conducted to compare Pre-Stage, Post-Stage, and neuromodulation conditions, with t-values providing insights into effect magnitudes. The result showed a reduction in pain intensity with TENS (p = 0.002, t-value = -5.34) and cathodal-tDCS (p = 0.023, t-value = -5.08) and increased pain tolerance with TENS (p = 0.009, t-value = 4.98) and cathodal-tDCS (p = 0.001, t-value = 5.78). Anodal-tDCS (p = 0.041, t-value = 4.86) improved cognitive performance. The EEG analysis revealed distinct neural oscillatory patterns across the groups. Specifically, G2 and G4 showed delta-power reductions, while G3 observed an increase. Moreover, G2 exhibited increased theta-power in the occipital region during CPT and Post-Stages. In the alpha-band, G2, G3, and G4 had reductions Post-Stage, while G1 and G3 increased. Additionally, beta-power increased in the frontal region for G2 and G3, contrasting with a reduction in G4. Furthermore, gamma-power globally increased during CPT1, with G1, G2, and G3 showing reductions Post-Stage, while G4 displayed a global decrease. The findings confirm the efficacy of TENS and tDCS as possible non-drug therapeutic alternatives for cognition with alleviation from pain.

Multilevel analysis on prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive uptake in Somaliland: based on The Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Contraception is the deliberate prevention of unwanted pregnancy through various contraceptive methods. Its uptake is low in Sub-Saharan African countries, particularly in east Africa. This might be linked to the high prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and the high fertility rate in the area. Although studies reporting the prevalence and associated factors of modern contraceptive uptake are available in other African countries, no study has been conducted in Somaliland. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess its prevalence and associated factors in Somaliland using Somaliland Health and Demographic Survey (SLHDS) data. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study used Somaliland Demographic Health Survey (SLDHS) 2020 data. The survey was a national-level survey using a cross-sectional study design. A total of 3656 reproductive-age women were included in the current study. To determine independent predictors of modern contraceptive uptake, a multi-level multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. Random effect analysis, standard error (SE) and intra-cluster correlation (ICC) were computed. RESULTS: The proportion of modern contraceptive uptake among reproductive age groups in Somaliland is 1%. Modern contraceptive uptake is significantly associated with the residence, educational level and wealth index of participants. Women from nomadic communities had lower odds (AOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.66) of modern contraceptive uptake compared to those from urban areas. Being in the highest wealth quintiles (AOR: 17.22; 95% CI: 1.99, 155.92) and having a tertiary educational level (AOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.29, 9.11) had higher odds of using the modern contractive method compared to those with the lowest wealth quintiles and non-formal education, respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of modern contraceptive uptake in Somaliland was very low. It is associated with the level of education, wealth index and residence of the women.

Factors associated with pregnancy termination in six sub-Saharan African countries.

Pregnancy termination continues to be a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality among young women in Africa. The sub-Saharan Africa region has the highest rate of abortion-related deaths in the world, at 185 maternal deaths per 100,000 abortions. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors associated with pregnancy termination among women aged 15 to 29 years in six sub-Saharan African countries. We used secondary data from the most recent Demographic and Health Survey of six sub-Saharan African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Burundi, Nigeria, and Rwanda. A total weighted sample of 74,652 women aged 15-29 were analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with pregnancy termination at a p-value < 0.05. Results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence interval. The study showed that 6.3% of women aged 15-29 reported pregnancy termination with a higher prevalence rate in Tanzania (8.8%) and lowest in Ethiopia (4%). Highest odds of pregnancy termination occurred among women aged 20-24 as compared to women aged 15-19 in Rwanda (AOR: 4.04, 95%CI 2.05, 7.97) followed by Nigeria (AOR: 2.62, 95% CI 1.99, 3.43), Kenya (AOR: 2.33, 95%CI 1.48, 3.66), Burundi (AOR: 1.99 95%CI 1.48, 2.85), Tanzania (AOR: 1.71 95%CI 1.29, 2.27), and Ethiopia (AOR: 1.69, 95% CI 1.19, 2.42). Women with no education had 4 times higher odds of pregnancy termination compared to women with higher education in Tanzania (AOR: 4.03 95%CI 1.00, 16.13) while women with no education and primary level education were 1.58 times (AOR: 1.58 95% CI 1.17, 2.13) and 1.78 times (AOR: 1.78 95% CI 1.34, 2.37) as likely to terminate pregnancy in Ethiopia. In Tanzania, the likelihood of a pregnancy termination was associated with a relationship to the household head; head (AOR: 3.66, 95% CI (2.32, 5.78), wife (AOR: 3.68, 95% CI 2.60, 5.12), and in-law (AOR:2.62, 1.71, 4.03). This study revealed that a significant number of women had pregnancy termination. Being in the age group of 20-24 & 25-29, having a lower level of education, being a domestic employee and professional, being single/never-in-union, being in the poorest and richer wealth quantile category, and being head, wife, daughter, and in-law to the household head were the significantly associated with pregnancy termination. Taking these socio-economic factors into consideration by stakeholders and specific sexual education targeted to women aged 15 to 29 would help tackle the problem.

Dietary diversity and other predictors of low birth weight in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: Prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Low birth weight (LBW) is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Dietary diversity is a key indicator of maternal dietary adequacy that may affect birth weight but little is known about their relationship. Hence, this study aimed to assess the association of suboptimal maternal dietary diversity during pregnancy and low birth weight in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted among 1062 pregnant women enrolled consecutively in between 16 to 20 gestational weeks and followed until delivery. The baseline data were collected at recruitment and dietary diversity was assessed using the minimum dietary diversity score for women (MDD-W) tool in three different rounds. The average of three scores was considered to categorize women into optimal (consumed ≥ 5 food groups) and suboptimal (consumed < 5 food groups) dietary diversity groups. The risk of low birth weight among suboptimal dietary diversity was assessed using modified Poisson regression with robust standard error. RESULTS: Of the 1062 pregnant women recruited, 959 (90.4%) women completed follow-up. Among them, 302 (31.5%) women are having optimal and the rest, 657 (68.5%) women are having suboptimal dietary diversity. The risk of low birth weight was significantly higher among women with sub-optimal dietary diversity than among those with optimal diversity (ARR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.25, 2.84). Other factors such as rural residence (ARR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.43, 1.87), age > = 35 years (AAR = 3.94, 95% CI: 2.41, 6.46), being underweight (ARR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.86), height < 150cm (ARR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.52, 8.59), unwanted pregnancy (ARR = 3.35, 95% CI: 2.23, 5.02), preterm delivery (3.65, 95% CI: 2.27, 5.84) and lack of nutritional counseling (ARR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.67) significantly increased the risk of low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Suboptimal dietary diversity associated low birth weight. Promoting dietary diversity by strengthening nutritional education and avoiding unwanted pregnancy particularly among rural residents may help to reduce the incidence of low birth weight.

Mixed Methods EvAluation of the high-volume low-complexity Surgical hUb pRogrammE (MEASURE): a mixed methods study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: The waiting list for elective surgery in England recently reached over 7.8 million people and waiting time targets have been missed since 2010. The high-volume low complexity (HVLC) surgical hubs programme aims to tackle the backlog of patients awaiting elective surgery treatment in England. This study will evaluate the impact of HVLC surgical hubs on productivity, patient care and the workforce. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This 4-year project consists of six interlinked work packages (WPs) and is informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. WP1: Mapping current and future HVLC provision in England through document analysis, quantitative data sets (eg, Hospital Episodes Statistics) and interviews with national service leaders. WP2: Exploring the effects of HVLC hubs on key performance outcomes, primarily the volume of low-complexity patients treated, using quasi-experimental methods. WP3: Exploring the impact and implementation of HVLC hubs on patients, health professionals and the local NHS through approximately nine longitudinal, multimethod qualitative case studies. WP4: Assessing the productivity of HVLC surgical hubs using the Centre for Health Economics NHS productivity measure and Lord Carter's operational productivity measure. WP5: Conducting a mixed-methods appraisal will assess the influence of HVLC surgical hubs on the workforce using: qualitative data (WP3) and quantitative data (eg, National Health Service (NHS) England's workforce statistics and intelligence from WP2). WP6: Analysing the costs and consequences of HVLC surgical hubs will assess their achievements in relation to their resource use to establish value for money. A patient and public involvement group will contribute to the study design and materials. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the East Midlands-Nottingham Research Ethics Committee 23/EM/0231. Participants will provide informed consent for qualitative study components. Dissemination plans include multiple academic and non-academic outputs (eg, Peer-reviewed journals, conferences, social media) and a continuous, feedback-loop of findings to key stakeholders (eg, NHS England) to influence policy development. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Research registry: Researchregistry9364 (https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry%23home/registrationdetails/64cb6c795cbef8002a46f115/).

Exploiting the role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in reducing heavy metal toxicity of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.).

Microorganisms are cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative methods for removing heavy metals (HM) from contaminated agricultural soils. Therefore, this study aims to identify and characterize HM-tolerant (HMT) plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from industry-contaminated soils to determine their impact as bioremediators on HM-stressed pepper plants. Four isolates [Pseudomonas azotoformans (Pa), Serratia rubidaea (Sr), Paenibacillus pabuli (Pp) and Bacillus velezensis (Bv)] were identified based on their remarkable levels of HM tolerance in vitro. Field studies were conducted to evaluate the growth promotion and tolerance to HM toxicity of pepper plants grown in HM-polluted soils. Plants exposed to HM stress showed improved growth, physio-biochemistry, and antioxidant defense system components when treated with any of the individual isolates, in contrast to the control group that did not receive PGPR. The combined treatment of the tested HMT PGPR was, however, relatively superior to other treatments. Compared to no or single PGPR treatment, the consortia (Pa+Sr+Pp+Bv) increased the photosynthetic pigment contents, relative water content, and membrane stability index but lowered the electrolyte leakage and contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide by suppressing the (non) enzymatic antioxidants in plant tissues. In pepper, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Ni contents decreased by 88.0-88.5, 63.8-66.5, 66.2-67.0, and 90.2-90.9% in leaves, and 87.2-88.1, 69.4-70.0%, 80.0-81.3, and 92.3%% in fruits, respectively. Thus, these PGPR are highly effective at immobilizing HM and reducing translocation in planta. These findings indicate that the application of HMT PGPR could be a promising "bioremediation" strategy to enhance growth and productivity of crops cultivated in soils contaminated with HM for sustainable agricultural practices.

Comparative analysis of radiation exposure in robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty using popular robotic systems.

Robotic-assisted TKA (RATKA) is a rapidly emerging technique that has been shown to improve precision and accuracy in implant alignment in TKA. Robotic-assisted TKA (RATKA) uses computer software to create a three-dimensional model of the patient's knee. Different types of preoperative imaging, including radiographs and CT scans, are used to create these models, each with varying levels of radiation exposure. This study aims to determine the radiation dose associated with each type of imaging used in RATKA, to inform patients of the potential risks. A retrospective search of our clinical radiology and arthroplasty database was conducted to identify 140 knees. The patients were divided into three groups based on the type of preoperative imaging they received: (1) CT image-based MAKO Protocol, (2) Antero-posterior long leg alignment films (LLAF), (3) standard AP, lateral, and skyline knee radiographs. The dose of CT imaging technique for each knee was measured using the dose-length product (DLP) with units of mGycm2, whereas the measurement for XRAY images was with the dose area product (DAP) with units of Gycm2. The mean radiation dose for patients in the CT (MAKO protocol) image-based group was 1135 mGy.cm2. The mean radiation dose for patients in the LLAF group was 3081 Gycm2. The mean radiation dose for patients undergoing knee AP/lateral and skyline radiographs was the lowest of the groups, averaging 4.43 Gycm2. Through an ANOVA and post hoc analysis, the results between groups was statistically significant. In this study, we found a significant difference in radiation exposure between standard knee radiographs, LLAF and CT imaging. Nonetheless, the radiation dose for all groups is still within acceptable safety limits.

Quality-by-design ecofriendly potentiometric sensor for rapid monitoring of hydroxychloroquine purity in the presence of toxic impurities.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is prescribed to treat malaria and certain autoimmune diseases. Recent studies questioned its efficiency in relieving COVID-19 symptoms and improving clinical outcomes. This work presents a quality-by-design approach to develop, optimize, and validate a potentiometric sensor for the selective analysis of HCQ in the presence of its toxic impurities (key starting materials), namely 4,7-Dichloroquinoline (DCQ) and hydroxynovaldiamine (HND). The study employed a custom experimental design of 16 sensors with different ion exchangers, plasticizers, and ionophores. We observed the Nernstian slopes, correlation coefficients, quantification limit, response time, and selectivity coefficient for DCQ and HND. The computer software constructed a prediction model for each response. The predicted responses strongly correlate to the experimental ones, indicating model fitness. The optimized sensor achieved 93.8% desirability. It proved a slope of 30.57 mV/decade, a correlation coefficient of 0.9931, a quantification limit of 1.07 × 10-6 M, a detection limit of 2.18 × 10-7 M, and a fast response of 6.5 s within the pH range of 2.5-8.5. The sensor was successfully used to determine HCQ purity in its raw material. The sensor represents a potential tool for rapid, sensitive, and selective monitoring of HCQ purity during industrial production from its starting materials.

Usage of Dermal Regeneration Templates (Pelnac) for Coverage of Exposed Hand Tendons in Acute Setting.

Background: The loss of soft tissue coverage of tendons is a challenging reconstructive problem after acute hand trauma. Subsequent tendon adhesions and the loss of range of movement in addition to the poor aesthetic outcome and donor site scarring should be avoided when deciding the plan of management. Pelnac is one of the commonly used skin substitutes in reconstructive surgery that can be used for coverage of exposed tendons, but the postoperative functional outcome needs to be addressed in detail. Methods: Twenty-six patients with acute isolated tendon injuries distal to the wrist joint were included. Two-stage reconstructive procedures were performed; the first one was the application of Pelnac. The second stage was carried out after the complete integration of Pelnac via the application of a split-thickness graft. The function outcome assesses the return of the normal range of motion to the affected hand and the QuickDASH score questionnaire. The aesthetic outcome was assessed using the Vancouver scar scale. Results: The Pelnac was integrated in 100% of cases, with complete grafts taken in 22 of 26 patients. The mean QuickDASH score was 20.5 ±â€…15.7, and mean Vancouver scar scale was 3.53 ±â€…3.2. The full range of motion returned in 22 of 26 patients. Conclusions: Using Pelnac to cover the exposed hand tendons in an acute setting is a convenient and efficient procedure with minimal morbidity. It can offer a good option for their coverage with preservation of hand function and acceptable aesthetic outcome.

Refractive results of photorefractive keratectomy comparing trans-PRK and PTK-PRK for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To compare refractive outcomes after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (tPRK) and combined phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK-PRK) procedure using two different excimer laser platforms for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, we compared the results of two different PRK methods. The first group received a tPRK treatment with the Amaris750 excimer laser (Schwind eye-tech solutions). The second group received a combined PTK-PRK treatment with the MEL90 excimer laser (Carl Zeiss). Only healthy eyes with no previous surgery and a spherical equivalent (SE) of -1 to -8 diopters (D) were included. Preoperative spherical equivalent (SE), age, and sex were matched among the two groups. All treatments were performed by the same surgeon in different clinics. This study was approved by the local Ethics Committee (No. 2022-1980). RESULTS: We included 154 eyes of 86 patients in our study. There was no difference in predictability of SE between the two groups. Efficacy and safety indices were equally high in both groups. Similarly, no significant differences were seen in change of higher order aberrations (HOA) between the two groups (p > 0.05). No complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Both investigated methods provide safe and effective refractive results. The combination of PTK with PRK may be a suitable option to the already used one-step tPRK for the correction of myopia.

Exploring the potential of ChatGPT in the peer review process: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Peer review is the established method for evaluating the quality and validity of research manuscripts in scholarly publishing. However, scientific peer review faces challenges as the volume of submitted research has steadily increased in recent years. Time constraints and peer review quality assurance can place burdens on reviewers, potentially discouraging their participation. Some artificial intelligence (AI) tools might assist in relieving these pressures. This study explores the efficiency and effectiveness of one of the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), in the peer review process. METHODS: Twenty-one peer-reviewed research articles were anonymised to ensure unbiased evaluation. Each article was reviewed by two humans and by versions 3.5 and 4.0 of ChatGPT. The AI was instructed to provide three positive and three negative comments on the articles and recommend whether they should be accepted or rejected. The human and AI results were compared using a 5-point Likert scale to determine the level of agreement. The correlation between ChatGPT responses and the acceptance or rejection of the papers was also examined. RESULTS: Subjective review similarity between human reviewers and ChatGPT showed a mean score of 3.6/5 for ChatGPT 3.5 and 3.76/5 for ChatGPT 4.0. The correlation between human and AI review scores was statistically significant for ChatGPT 3.5, but not for ChatGPT 4.0. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT can complement human scientific peer review, enhancing efficiency and promptness in the editorial process. However, a fully automated AI review process is currently not advisable, and ChatGPT's role should be regarded as highly constrained for the present and near future.

Paediatric syndromic scoliosis: proceedings of the half-day course at the 57th annual meeting of the Scoliosis Research Society.

There are some syndromes that present with unique manifestations pertaining to the spinal column. A good working understanding of these common syndromes is useful for the spinal deformity surgeons and related healthcare providers. This review attempts to encompass these unique features and discuss them in three broad groups: hypermobility syndromes, muscle pathology-related syndromes, and syndromes related to poor bone quality. This review explores the features of these syndromes underpinning the aspects of surgical and medical management. This review represents the proceedings of the Paediatric Half-Day Course at the 57th Annual Meeting of the Scoliosis Research Society.

The potential of Spirulina platensis to substitute antibiotics in Japanese quail diets: impacts on growth, carcass traits, antioxidant status, blood biochemical parameters, and cecal microorganisms.

The development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms prompted the investigation of possible antibiotic substitutes. As a result, the purpose of the current study is to assess the effect of dietary Spirulina platensis extract as an antibiotic alternative on Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) growth, antioxidant status, blood parameters, and cecal microorganisms. There was a total of 150 Japanese quails used in this study, divided equally among 5 experimental groups (10 birds per group with 3 replicates): group 1 (G1) received a basal diet without any S. platensis extract, group 2 (G2) received a basal diet supplemented with 1 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 3 (G3) received a basal diet supplemented with 2 mL S. platensis extract/kg, group 4 (G4) received a basal diet supplemented with 3 mL S. platensis extract/kg, and group 5 (G5) received a basal diet supplemented with 4 mL S. platensis extract/kg from d 7 until d 35. The results showed that compared to the control birds in G1, Japanese quail supplemented with 4 mL of S. platensis extract/kg of diet (G5) had significantly better live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, digestive enzymes, blood parameters, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, antioxidant profile, immunological parameters, and cecal microorganism's count. There were no significant changes in the percentage of carcasses, liver, and total giblets among all the 5 groups. Only gizzard percentage showed a significant increase in G2 compared to birds in G1. In addition, intestinal pH showed a significant drop in G2 and G5 compared to birds in G1. After cooking the quail meat, the juiciness and tenderness increased as S. platensis extract levels increased, whereas aroma and taste declined slightly as S. platensis extract levels increased. Furthermore, when a high concentration of S. platensis extract was used, the lightness of the meat reduced while its redness and yellowness increased. The disk diffusion assay showed that S. platensis extract had significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella typhi, with inhibition zones ranging from 16 to 42 mm. This activity may be attributable to the volatile chemicals in S. platensis extract, of which Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol are the primary components. In the diet of Japanese quails, it is possible to draw the conclusion that the extract of S. platensis can be utilized as a feed additive and as an alternative to antibiotics.

An evaluation of factors influencing the adoption and usage of robotic surgery in lower limb arthroplasty amongst orthopaedic trainees: a clinical survey.

BACKGROUND: The rise of robotics in orthopaedic training, driven by the demand for better training outcomes and patient care, presents specific challenges for junior trainees due to its novelty and steep learning curve. This paper explores how orthopaedic trainees perceive and adopt robotic-assisted lower limb arthroplasty. METHODS: The study utilised the UTUAT model questionnaire as the primary data collection tool, employing targeted questions on a five-point Likert scale to efficiently gather responses from a large number of participants. Data analysis was conducted using partial least squares (PLS), a well-established method in previous technology acceptance research. RESULT: The findings indicate a favourable attitude amongst trainees towards adopting robotic technology in orthopaedic training. They acknowledge the potential advantages of improved surgical precision and patient outcomes through roboticassisted procedures. Social factors, including the views of peers and mentors, notably influence trainees' decision-making. However, the availability of resources and expert mentors did not appear to have a significant impact on trainees' intention to use robotic technology. CONCLUSION: The study contributes to the understanding of factors influencing trainees' interest in robotic surgery and emphasises the importance of creating a supportive environment for its adoption.

Dietary Paenibacillus polymyxa AM20 as a new probiotic: Improving effects on IR broiler growth performance, hepatosomatic index, thyroid hormones, lipid profile, immune response, antioxidant parameters, and caecal microorganisms.

The search for a natural antimicrobial agent is ongoing and critical because of the rise and rapid proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. The current study aims to examine the effect of Paenibacillus polymyxa AM20 as an alternative antibiotic and feed additive on Indian river broiler performance, digestive enzymes, thyroid hormones, lipid profile, hepatosomatic index, immunological response, gut bacteria, and antioxidant parameters. The bacterial isolate AM20 was identified at the gene level by isolating DNA and using PCR to detect genes. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the bacterial isolate was identified as Paenibacillus polymyxa. One hundred twenty Indian river broilers (1-day old) were randomly divided into 4 groups of 10 chicks each, with 3 replicates. The control group was fed a basal diet only, while the other 3 were administered control diets supplemented with P. polymyxa at 3 concentrations: 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/kg. The findings revealed that all groups that received graded amounts of P. polymyxa increased all growth parameters throughout the study. P. polymyxa treatment at 1.5 mg/kg increased body gain by 9% compared to the control due to increased feed intake (P = 0.0001), growth rate (P = 0.0001), and decreased feed conversion ratio. Compared to the control group, P. polymyxa (1.5 mg/kg) enhanced kidney functions in chickens by reducing uric acid and creatinine levels (P = 0.0451). Compared to the control group, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels in the liver were significantly reduced at all P. polymyxa doses. Liver function values were highest for P. polymyxa at 1.5 mg/kg. Compared to the control group, those whose diets included P. polymyxa had significantly better blood cholesterol levels, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, immunological response, thyroid function, and gut microbiota. In general, broiler chickens' economic efficiency was improved by including P. polymyxa in their diet, which also improved their growth performance, carcass dressing, specific blood biochemical levels and enzymes, and the composition of the gut microbiota.

Periostitis Ossificans: Largest Case Series with Review of Literature.

Background Periostitis ossificans (PO) are rare, benign ossifying surface lesions characterized by the centripetal ossification with osseous and soft-tissue edema. Their clinicoradiological appearances can easily mimic those of more sinister or infective surface lesion. Objective This study aimed to explore the various anatomical locations and muscle attachment at the site of PO, and evaluate the role of complementary image findings in patients presenting at our tertiary orthopaedic referral center. Patients and Methods A retrospective review of our oncology and radiology databases was undertaken to identify patients with PO reported on radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) over the past 13 years (2007-2020). Patient demographics, sites of PO, muscle attachment at the site of PO, findings on complementary imaging, and clinical management outcome were documented. Results We identified 38 patients with PO with a mean age of 24 years (range: 4-66 years). Muscle attachment was seen at the site of PO in the majority of cases (89%). The majority of PO were in the lower limb and commonly seen around the attachment of quadriceps. Deltoid attachment was commonly involved in the upper limb. Conclusion Muscle attachment is commonly seen at the site of PO, which results in stripping of the periosteum resulting in soft-tissue and osseous edema and centripetal ossification.

Is Forced Coughing Effective in Reducing Pain During Cervical Biopsy?: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review aimed to compare the potential analgesic effect of forced coughing (FC) with that of local anaesthetics (LA) or placebo during cervical biopsy. A total of 5 electronic databases-Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar-were systematically searched from inception till March 2021. Data were extracted from 6 randomised controlled trials and analysed. During cervical biopsy, the overall effect favoured LA over FC (mean difference [MD] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58 to 1.54; P <0.0001). Compared to no pain management, pooled data were comparable between the two groups (MD = -1.2, 95% CI: -3.35 to 0.94; P = 0.27). Procedure duration was significantly longer in the LA group than in the FC group (MD = -1.94, 95% CI: -2.47 to -1.41; P <0.00001). FC and LA are both useful pain-lowering modalities during cervical biopsy, depending on the setting and their availability.

Intussusception in Incisional Hernia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Intussusception in adults is a rare condition. Most frequently, intussusception involves the small intestine and, very rarely, the large intestine. In this report, we present the case of a 79-year-old male who was admitted with symptoms and signs of bowel obstruction due to an incarcerated incisional hernia (a tender irreducible incisional hernia associated with nausea and vomiting). His CT scan confirmed intussusception in his incisional hernia, showing the target sign. An emergency laparotomy, small bowel resection, and anastomosis were done. The histopathology report revealed the cause of intussusception to be a polypoid small bowel B cell lymphoma. It is necessary to excise the affected bowel segment in order to treat adult intussusception because it is commonly associated with malignant organic lesions. Computed tomography is the most sensitive imaging modality for intussusception; thus, we must consider a low threshold for a scan for patients presenting with abdominal pain.