Prevalence of poor sleep quality among physicians and nurses in a tertiary health care center.

Objectives: Sleep quality among tertiary healthcare professionals in KSA has not been well studied. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess sleep quality among physicians and nurses in a tertiary care center in Jeddah City and to identify the associated factors. Methods: In this quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study, an online, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all physicians and nurses working at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). A total of 395 healthcare professionals participated in this study. The questionnaire included the participants' demographic characteristics and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) values. Results: The mean age and body mass index of the participating healthcare professionals were 37.74 ± 10.35 years and 26.32 ± 4.97 kg/m2, respectively. Most participants were women (70.4%) and expatriates (55.4%). The prevalence of poor sleep quality was high: 70.4% of the participants had a PSQI score >5. Several factors, such as female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-3.74), shift work (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.01-3.45), physical inactivity (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.01-5.85), and current smoking (AOR = 4.64; 95% CI = 1.68-12.80), were associated with poor sleep quality among healthcare professionals. Conclusions: Our findings are consistent with those from previous studies indicating high prevalence of poor sleep quality among healthcare professionals. Furthermore, female sex, shift work, smoking, and physical inactivity were identified as risk factors for poor sleep quality.

The Impact of Using Carbohydrate Counting on Managing Diabetic Patients: A Review.

Carbohydrate counting (CC) is a meal planning practice for diabetic patients, focusing on tracking the amount of carbohydrates in grams consumed at meals to manage blood glucose (BG) levels. The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate the impact of CC in helping people with diabetes manage their condition. It reveals that CC offers superior glycemic control and flexibility compared to other food planning techniques. Specifically, when applied to children and teenage patients diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), CC demonstrates the potential for substantial improvements in metabolic control without any adverse effects on weight or increased insulin requirements. In the context of T1DM, the combination of CC and the use of automated bolus calculators (ABCs) contributes to lowering glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Furthermore, the study highlights that CC also holds promise in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In T2DM patients, adhering to a low glycemic index (GI) diet has proven to be more effective in controlling HbA1c and fasting BG levels compared to a higher GI diet or standard dietary control. This research underscores the evolving significance of CC as a pivotal component in diabetes management, attributed to increased awareness and education among patients. CC emerges as a versatile tool that can benefit individuals with various forms of diabetes by enhancing their glycemic control and overall quality of life. The findings affirm the impact of CC in improving patient outcomes, solidifying its status as a vital strategy in the multifaceted landscape of diabetes care.

Concurrence of Adenomyoepithelioma of the Breast and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of the Stomach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Adenomyoepithelioma (AME) of the breast and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare benign (primarily) tumors observed in the breast and gastrointestinal tract, respectively. The coexistence of both of these rare tumors is extremely rare; therefore, the author describes the clinical presentation and pathophysiological findings of such a unique case in this study. A 56-year-old female patient with no medical history presented with a substantial right breast lump, severe nausea, and vomiting, and suffered from iron deficiency anemia. Radiological observation and a right breast excisional biopsy diagnosed the patient with AME associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Endoscopy and a CT scan of the stomach revealed the existence of GIST. This is the first reported case of concurrence of a huge mass of AME and GIST in a patient. Histological and immunohistochemistry tests using p63, SMA, calponin, and Ki67 markers for the breast tumor and DOG-1, CD34, and CD117 markers for the gastric tumor revealed the non-invasive benign state. The patient had a right breast mastectomy with a negative resection margin. AME of the breast and GIST pose diagnostic challenges due to their erratic morphological characteristics and can cause misinterpretation drawn solely from radiological tests. Effective and accurate diagnostics require assessing the histological and immunohistochemistry findings of the tumor to identify the invasiveness of the neoplasm and the associated risk levels. This report, thus, creates awareness among clinicians and pathologists for the consideration of such possibilities and, therefore, conducts the necessary diagnostics and prophylactic treatments.

Correlating the Role of Nanofillers with Active Layer Properties and Performance of Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membranes.

Thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes are emerging water-purification membranes that could provide enhanced water permeance with similar solute removal over traditional thin-film composite (TFC) membranes. However, the effects of nanofiller incorporation on active layer physico-chemical properties have not been comprehensively studied. Accordingly, we aimed to understand the correlation between nanofillers, active layer physico-chemical properties, and membrane performance by investigating whether observed performance differences between TFN and control TFC membranes correlated with observed differences in physico-chemical properties. The effects of nanofiller loading, surface area, and size on membrane performance, along with active layer physico-chemical properties, were characterized in TFN membranes incorporated with Linde Type A (LTA) zeolite and zeolitic imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8). Results show that nanofiller incorporation up to ~0.15 wt% resulted in higher water permeance and unchanged salt rejection, above which salt rejection decreased 0.9-25.6% and 26.1-48.3% for LTA-TFN and ZIF-8-TFN membranes, respectively. Observed changes in active layer physico-chemical properties were generally unsubstantial and did not explain observed changes in TFN membrane performance. Therefore, increased water permeance in TFN membranes could be due to preferential water transport through porous structures of nanofillers or along polymer-nanofiller interfaces. These findings offer new insights into the development of high-performance TFN membranes for water/ion separations.

Partitioning of Alkali Metal Salts and Boric Acid from Aqueous Phase into the Polyamide Active Layers of Reverse Osmosis Membranes.

The partition coefficient of solutes into the polyamide active layer of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is one of the three membrane properties (together with solute diffusion coefficient and active layer thickness) that determine solute permeation. However, no well-established method exists to measure solute partition coefficients into polyamide active layers. Further, the few studies that measured partition coefficients for inorganic salts report values significantly higher than one (∼3-8), which is contrary to expectations from Donnan theory and the observed high rejection of salts. As such, we developed a benchtop method to determine solute partition coefficients into the polyamide active layers of RO membranes. The method uses a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to measure the change in the mass of the active layer caused by the uptake of the partitioned solutes. The method was evaluated using several inorganic salts (alkali metal salts of chloride) and a weak acid of common concern in water desalination (boric acid). All partition coefficients were found to be lower than 1, in general agreement with expectations from Donnan theory. Results reported in this study advance the fundamental understanding of contaminant transport through RO membranes, and can be used in future studies to decouple the contributions of contaminant partitioning and diffusion to contaminant permeation.

El extracto acuoso de Phyllanthus orbicularis K protege al ADN plasmídico del daño inducido por las radiaciones ultravioletas / Phyllanthus orbicularis K aqueous extract protect plasmid DNA against the damage induced by ultraviolet radiation

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto protector del extracto acuoso de Phyllanthus orbicularis, K ante el daño inducido por las radiaciones UVB y UVC. Material y métodos: Se empleó el ensayo con ADN plasmídico (pBluescript SK II) libre de célula. Se evaluó la capacidad del extracto acuoso de P. orbicularis de inducir roturas de cadenas en el plásmido, a las concentraciones 0,0001-2,0 mg/ml. Se realizaron estudios de protección del extracto frente a las radiaciones UVB y UVC a las concentraciones de 0,1-2,0 mg/ml. Se cuantificó la transmitancia del extracto frente ambos tipos de radiaciones. Resultados: Ninguna de las concentraciones evaluadas resultó genotóxica en 30 min de exposición. Las concentraciones ≥ 1 mg/ml de P. Obicularis sí indujeron roturas de cadenas a tiempos mayores de evaluación. El extracto de P. Orbicularis protegió al ADN frente a las radiaciones UVB y UVC a concentraciones ≥ 0,1 mg/ml y 0,5 mg/ml respectivamente. Conclusiones: En nuestras condiciones experimentales, el extracto acuoso de P. Orbicularis proteg eal ADN frente al daño inducido por las radiaciones UV (AU)

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus Orbicularis, K from the damage induced by UV radiation. Material and methods: The plasmid-based non cellular system was used. The extract capacity to induce DNA strand breaks was evaluated at 0.0001- 2.0 mg/ml concentrations. The protective effect of extract against UVB and UVC radiation was evaluated at 0.1- 2.0 mg/ml concentrations. The transmittance of extract was measured for both UV radiations. Results: The P. orbicularis aqueous extract was not genotoxic even after 30 min of exposure. Concentrations ≥ 1 mg/ml of extract induced strand breaks at major times of exposition. P. Orbicularis extract protected DNA against UVB and UVC radiation at concentrations ≥ 0.1 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml respectively. Conclusions: In our experimental conditions, P. Orbicularis aqueous extract protects DNA from damage induced by UV radiation (AU)

Evaluaciones toxicológicas de un extracto acuoso del alga marina Bryothamnion triquetrum (Gmelin) M. A. Howe en estudios in vitro y modelos animales / Toxicological assessments of aqueous extracts from seaweeds Bryothamnion triquetrum (Gmelin) M. A. Howe in vitro and models animal studies

Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la toxicidad de un extracto acuoso del alga marina Bryothamnion triquetrum. Métodos: El ensayo de Ames se desarrolló con las cepas de S. typhimurium TA 1535, TA 1537 y TA 1538 con y sin activación metabólica. El estudio de citotoxicidad se realizó con células intestinales Caco-2 durante 24 y 48 horas de exposición al extracto y la viabilidad fue evaluada con la técnica de yoduro de propidio. El Estudio de Toxicidad Aguda se realizó con ratones Balc/c machos por vía oral e intraperitoneal y el Ensayo de Toxicidad por Dosis Repetidas se desarrolló con ratas Wistar de ambos sexos, durante 3 meses por vía oral con dosis de 8 y 32 mg/kg. Resultados: En el estudio de citotoxicidad con células Caco-2 se obtuvieron CL50 de 9,3 y 4,5 mg/mL con exposiciones de 24 y 48 horas respectivamente. El ensayo de Ames evidencia que no es mutágeno directo ni promutágeno hasta 1000 microg. La DL50 del extracto por vía intraperitoneal fue de 1205 mg/kg y por vía oral no se observó mortalidad en dosis de 2000 mg/kg. En el estudio de Toxicidad por Dosis Repetidas no se observó toxicidad. Conclusiones: A partir de estos resultados se puede postular que el extracto acuoso del alga marina B. triquetrum es inocuo, consideración necesaria, entre otras, para su posible uso como nutracéutico y/o fitofármaco(AU)

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the toxicity of an aqueous extract from seaweed Bryothamnion triquetrum. Materials and Methods: Ames assay was developed with S. typhimurium TA 1535, TA 1537 and TA 1538 with and without metabolic activation. Citotoxicity study was carried out with intestinal cells Caco-2 during 24 and 48 hours of exhibition to the extract and the viability was evaluated with the technique of Propidium iodide. Acute Toxicity was carried out with mice Balc/c males for via oral and intraperitoneal and the Toxicity for Repeated Dose was developed with rats Wistar of both sexes, during 3 months for via oral with dose of 8 and 32 mg/kg. Results: Results of Ames assays showed that this extract is not direct mutagen or promutagen in quantity until 1000 microg. The cytotoxic effect (LC50) of Caco-2 cells after 24 and 48 h of exposition were 9,3 and 4,5 mg/mL respectively. The LD50 of the extract, with intraperitoneal administration was 1205 mg/kg and by oral via not produce mortality in doses until 2000 mg/kg. At the doses of 8 and 32 mg/kg of extract, the repeated oral administration produced no toxic effects. Conclusions: In summary, this paper adds convincing evidences in support of innocuous of the aqueous extract of B.triquetrum. Altogether; these results represent another step towards the use of this natural product as phytotherapeutical agent(AU)

Incidence of transfusion reactions and retention of procoagulant and anticoagulant factor activities in equine plasma.

BACKGROUND: The extent of preservation of clotting factors and incidence of transfusion reactions to noncommercial equine plasma is not documented. HYPOTHESIS: Equine frozen plasma would retain its coagulation factor activity within the reference range and the incidence of transfusion reactions would be low. ANIMALS: Ten plasma donor horses. Fifty clinically ill hospitalized horses receiving plasma were reviewed to determine the incidence of reactions. METHODS: In vitro study and retrospective case review. Plasma was prepared by gravity sedimentation from whole blood refrigerated for 48 hours. The activities of factors VII through XII, antithrombin (AT), and Protein C were measured. Factor activities were compared for plasma samples obtained before blood collection (S0), after 48 hours of gravity sedimentation at 5 degrees C and after plasma separation (S1), and after 90 days of storage at -20 degrees C (S90). The medical records of 50 consecutive clinically ill horses receiving frozen plasma were reviewed to determine the incidence of transfusion reactions. RESULTS: The combined effect of plasma harvest, gravity sedimentation, decantation, and freezing caused significant reductions in factors IX, (43%P= .0013), X, (33%P= .0001), XI, (48%P= .0008), AT, (10%P= .02), and Protein C (26%P= .0001). Activities for all factors analyzed, except factor X, remained within the reference ranges. Transfusion reactions were recorded for 5/50 horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clotting factors, AT, and Protein C were well preserved. The incidence of reactions to frozen plasma was 10%.

Tannins from barks of Pinus caribaea protect Escherichia coli cells against DNA damage induced by gamma-rays.

This work was aimed to evaluate genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity activity against gamma-rays of a tannin fraction obtained from barks of Pinus caribaea, as well as to elucidate the antigenotoxic mechanisms involved in radioprotection by using different approaches as pre-, co- and post-irradiation cell treatments with plant extract. The tannin fraction was not genotoxic to Escherichia coli cells in experiments using different exposure times. This extract was antigenotoxic against gamma-rays when the cells were pre- or co-treated with this extracts, but not during post-irradiation treatments, suggesting a possibly antigenotoxic action through free radical scavenging mechanisms. The results are discussed in relation to the chemopreventive and therapeutic potential of the studied plant species.

Studies on the antimutagenesis of Phyllanthus orbicularis: mechanisms involved against aromatic amines.

Phyllanthus orbicularis is a medicinal plant, endemic to Cuba, whose aqueous extract has proven antiviral properties. This plant extract is being studied for treatment of viral diseases in animals and humans. Antimutagenic activities of this plant aqueous extract have been investigated as an additional and possible valuable property. Antimutagenesis was assayed against the mutagenic activity of m-phenylenediamine (m-PDA), 2-aminofluorene (2-AF), 1-aminopyrene (1-AP), 2-aminoanthracene (2-AA) and 9-aminophenantrene (9-AP) in Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) YG1024, in different co-treatment approaches. This plant extract produced a significant decrease of the mutagenesis mediated by these aromatic amines (AA) in the following order: m-PDA>2-AA>2-AF>9-AP>1-AP. Interactions with S9 enzymes and transformation of promutagenic amines and their mutagenic metabolites by chemical reactions to non-mutagenic compounds are proposed as possible mechanisms of antimutagenesis. Mutagenesis mediated by m-PDA was almost completely abolished when S9 mixture was co-incubated with the plant extract during 40 min, previous to the addition of the m-PDA and bacterial cells to the assay. Similar results were found with 2-AA and 1-AP, but the reduction of the mutation rate was not so dramatic. In contrast, the most significant antimutagenic effect against 2-AF and 9-AP was seen when these chemicals were co-incubated with the plant extract, before addition of the S9 mixture and bacterial cells to the assay. Therefore, inhibition or competition for S9 enzymes seems to be the main antimutagenic mechanism of this plant extract against m-PDA, 2-AA and 1-AP, whilst a chemical modification of 2-AF and 9-AP into non-promutagenic derivatives is likely to be the main mechanism of antimutagenesis against both compounds.

Phyllanthus orbicularis aqueous extract: cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antimutagenic effects in the CHO cell line.

The present work evaluates the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antimutagenic effects of Phyllanthus orbicularis (plant of genus Phyllantus) aqueous extract in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. P. orbicularis aqueous extracts are used in Cuban traditional medicine for their antiviral activity against Hepatitis B virus and A and B flu virus. The cytotoxicity of the extract was tested by means of colony-forming ability and growth-inhibition assays as well as by measuring the mitotic index. Apoptosis induction and cell-cycle kinetics were analyzed by cytofluorimetric methods. Chromosome aberration assays were performed to study the genotoxic and antimutagenic activity of the extract. Results show that doses of up to 100 microg/ml of the extract did not induce any cytotoxic effects. Cell survival and mitotic index decreased significantly at doses higher than 100 microg/ml as a function of dose as well as of treatment time. Moreover, continuous treatments of up to 18 h induced the appearance of a significant number of apoptotic cells. Following a 3-h exposure to a dose of 750 microg/ml, cells accumulated significantly in G(2)-M phase and remained blocked in G(1-) and G(2)-M phases after several posttreatments in fresh growth medium. The aqueous extract alone did not induce chromosome aberrations but, in combined treatment with H(2)O(2), significantly reduced H(2)O(2)-induced chromosome aberrations. Flow cytometric analysis of DCFH intracellular oxidation showed that the extract decreased the oxidizing power of H(2)O(2.) This ability could possibly explain the extract's antigenotoxic activity. Absence of cytotoxicity at the lower tested doses and the antimutagenic properties of the extract stimulate the interest in studying possible new pharmaceutical uses of P. orbicularis.

Warfarin anticoagulation in the horse.

The hematologic and clinical effects of anticoagulation with warfarin were documented in 4 horses. All of the animals had thrombophlebitis (external jugular vein). Measures of coagulation were monitored, with a prothrombin time of 1.5 to 2.5 x base-line value being used as the effective range of anticoagulation. Recanalization was achieved in 2 of 4 cases. Hemorrhage, both subcutaneous and through a surgical incision, was a complication. Vitamin K1, an antidote to warfarin toxicosis, was administered intravenously to reverse anticoagulation and to control hemorrhage.

Effect of pneumatic tourniquet application to the distal extremities of the horse: blood gas, serum electrolyte, osmolality, and hematologic alterations.

With 120 minutes of pneumatic tourniquet application to the distal extremity in the horse, the following effects were noted in the tourniqueted limb vein (TLV): (i) local venous acidemia, (ii) increase in serum K+ concentrations, (iii) minimal changes in plasma total solids, Na+, or osmolality, and (iv) apparent reduction in hematocrit values when compared with the same measurements in the control leg. Tourniquet release after 120 minutes produced a prompt return to base line for PCV and PO2 in the TLV; however, pH, PCO2 and K+ values in the TLV required 10 to 15 minutes to reach base line (TLV or control leg vein).