Browse publications by year: 2024

Alfentanil versus fentanyl for emergency department rapid sequence induction with ketamine: Some concerns

Barik AK, Mohanty CR, Magoon R, Radhakrishnan RV, Suresh V

Am J Emerg Med, 2024 Aug 15.
PMID: 39168796 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.08.015
Fulltext Author Correction: A streamlined approach for intelligent ship object detection using EL-YOLO algorithm

Yang D, Solihin MI, Ardiyanto I, Zhao Y, Li W, Cai B, et al.

Sci Rep, 2024 Aug 21;14(1):19408.
PMID: 39169065 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70017-1
Fulltext Research hotspots and trends in healthcare workers' resilience: A bibliometric and visualized analysis

Yang L, Li Z, Lei Y, Liu J, Zhang R, Lei W, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35107.
PMID: 39170181 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35107

BACKGROUND: The resilience of healthcare workers has gained increasing attention, yet comprehensive studies focusing on recent trends and developments are scarce. We conducted an extensive bibliometric analysis from inception to 2023 to address this gap.
METHODS: Publications on healthcare workers' resilience were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Bibliometric analysis was conducted with CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Scimago Graphica, focusing on annual publications, country/region, institution, journal, author, keyword analysis, and reference co-citation analysis related to resilience in healthcare workers.
RESULTS: The analysis included 750 documents, revealing a general upward trend in publications across 67 countries/regions, 1,251 institutions, and 3,166 authors. The USA and China emerged as the top contributors, with 192 and 168 publications, respectively. Based on keyword analysis and reference co-citation analysis, the focus areas include the Resilience Scale, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCWs and their resilience, and nurse resilience.
CONCLUSION: This study highlights the growing interest in healthcare workers' resilience by using bibliometric and visualization techniques for effective analysis. This paper will enhance scholars' understanding of the dynamic evolution of healthcare workers' resilience and identify emerging research topics.
Fulltext Nonlinear impacts of climate anomalies on oil palm productivity

Kamil NN, Xiao S, Syed Salleh SN, Xu H, Zhuang CC

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35798.
PMID: 39170218 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35798

Oil palm contributes to various global needs as one of the most productive oil crops, but there exist ongoing concerns regarding its yield reductions and associated environmental impacts resulting from land conversion. This is the first detailed report investigating the nonlinear threats to estate-level oil palm yields posed by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, a major driver of climate variability. Using the Malaysian Palm Oil Board administrative records on monthly performances reported by oil palm estates through the e-submissions portal spanning from January 2015 to June 2023, we focused on elucidating the impacts of ENSO on fresh fruit bunch yield, oil extraction rate, and oil yield. We found that both El Niño and La Niña conditions, characterized by extreme levels of ENSO indices cumulated over lags of 0-23 months prior to harvest, were associated with statistically significant reductions in yields. Lag association patterns unveiled that production risks were linked to pre-harvest exposure to extreme ENSO indices in various time windows. Subgroup analyses further revealed that the effects were pronounced in labor-intensive estates and those lacking fertilizer investments. This study underscores the necessity for adaptation strategies in response to future climate anomalies.
Fulltext How environment and technology affect the regional manufacturing industry development

Sun Y, Tang S, Dou Z, Wang T

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35321.
PMID: 39170233 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35321

To help the manufacturing industry achieve high-quality development, it is urgent to identify the factors that affect the development of regional manufacturing. Compared to previous regression models, this article attempts to discover the nonlinear effects of different factors on regional manufacturing industry development (RMID) and their future impact trends. Based on the theory of new structural economics, we used order parameter analysis to examine the impact of environmental pollution and technology on RMID. The results indicate that: (1) The half of the cities promote industrial growth, but there are still three other situations: development slow down (3/21), a slight downward trend (5/21), and recession (2/21). (2) The two-thirds of cities adopt green development to promote industrial growth, while the development of other cities slows down (3/21), and some cities have a slight downward trend (4/21). The conclusion is as follows: (1) Through comparison, it is found that the impact of environment and technology on the RMID remains roughly synchronous, but currently the environmental promotion effect is greater. (2) We have found four technological development paths and can extend three green development models, effectively promoting RMID's green technology development. These suggestions will lay the foundation for promoting RMID.
Fulltext The application of fractional calculus in economic growth modelling: An approach based on regression analysis

Cheow YH, Ng KH, Phang C, Ng KH

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35379.
PMID: 39170258 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35379

This paper establishes a fractional-order economic growth model to model the gross domestic product (GDP). The fractional-order model consists of a differential equation of integer and fractional orders, where the GDP is a function of several exploratory variables. An empirical application is adopted using Malaysia's GDP data from 1956 to 2018, incorporating exploratory variables such as total population, crude death rate, production of logs, gross fixed capital formation, exports of goods and services, general government final consumption expenditure, private final consumption expenditure, and the impact of investment. Extensive comparisons were carried out to evaluate the modelling performance of the full and reduced fractional-order multiple linear regression models with the benchmark models, namely full and reduced integer-order multiple linear regression models. Results indicate that the reduced fractional-order model with six exploratory variables, excluding the crude death rate and production of logs, predominates other models for the in-sample model fitting based on the Akaike information criterion, coefficient of determination and other criteria. Furthermore, the fractional-order model offers the best-of-sample forecasts evaluated based on the root mean square forecast error and mean absolute forecast error. The application of the Diebold-Mariano test also serves to confirm the superior performance of the suggested fractional-order model, revealing a significant difference in forecasting ability between the fractional-order and integer-order models.
Fulltext Exploring the antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of Lavandula officinalis essential oil: In vitro and in silico insights

Assaggaf H, El Hachlafi N, Elbouzidi A, Taibi M, Alnasser SM, Bendaif H, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e34135.
PMID: 39170293 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34135

Medicinal plants have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide, providing a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. Lavandula officinalis, a member of the Lamiaceae family, has been recognized for its multifaceted pharmacological activities. In this current investigation, our primary objective was to scrutinize the in vitro inhibitory potential of L. officinalis essential oil (LOEO) against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, with the aim of understanding its antidiabetic effects. Additionally, the assay encompassed tyrosinase and lipoxygenase (LOX) to assess its anti-inflammatory attributes. Unraveling the underlying molecular mechanisms of these activities prompted an in-silico study. The purpose was to establish correlations between in-vitro observations and computational insights derived from molecular docking, which forecasts the interaction of LOEO molecules with their respective targets, alongside ADMET prediction. The Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis allow to identify eighteen compounds, with the dominance of L-camphor (43.12 %), 1,8-cineole (34.27 %) and borneol (8.60 %) in LOEO. The antidiabetic evaluation revealed that LOEO exhibited noteworthy inhibitory activity against both α-amylase and α-glucosidase, displaying IC50 values of 3.14 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 2.07 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. The subsequent in-silico study highlighted the particularly strong binding affinity of (E)-Farnesene, with a binding score of -7.4 kcal/mol for alpha-glucosidase, while Germacrene D displayed the highest affinity among the ligands (-7.9 kcal/mol) for the alpha-amylase target. Furthermore, the investigation into in vitro anti-inflammatory activity unveiled LOEO efficacy against tyrosinase (IC50 = 42.74 μg/mL) and LOX (IC50 = 11.58 ± 0.07 μg/mL). The in-silico analysis echoed these findings, indicating α-Cadinene's notable binding affinity of 6 kcal/mol with tyrosinase and α-Cedrene's binding score of -6.5 kcal/mol for LOX. Impressively, for both COX-1 and COX-2, α-Cedrene exhibited significant binding affinities of -7.6 and -7.3 kcal/mol, respectively. The convergence between the in vitro and in silico outcomes underscores the potential of LOEO and its constituent compounds as potent inhibitors targeting both diabetes and the inflammatory processes.
Fulltext The integration of 21st century skills in the curriculum of education

Herlinawati H, Marwa M, Ismail N, Junaidi, Liza LO, Situmorang DDB

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35148.
PMID: 39170322 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35148

The premise of this study, utilizing content analysis and descriptive qualitative designs, posited that teachers' comprehension of 21st-century/4Cs skills' could define the caliber of educational materials in higher education institutions. The study aimed to ascertain how 21st-century skills were incorporated in teachers' term evaluations and instructional plans, and to explore teachers' understanding of these skills. From 2022 to 2023, this research was carried out at the Faculty of Education in one university in Indonesia. There were 54 documents collected, which included 27 teachers' term evaluations and 27 instructional plans. Four teachers were interviewed to collect information related to their 4Cs competencies' familiarity, opinions, and the challenges of the 4Cs competencies integration. To evaluate the collected documents, this study utilized the Career Technical Education (CTE) Career Ready Practices checklist, a 21st-Century Skills/4Cs rubric encompassing "Communication," "Creativity," "Critical Thinking," and "Collaboration." The research indicated that teachers' term evaluations and instructional plans have incorporated 4C skills in the categories of "Not yet reached competency" and "Approaching competency." The research suggests that teachers' understanding of 4Cs competencies can be initially assessed through their instructional materials, 4Cs competencies, familiarity, positive opinions, and challenges. Teachers must have familiarity with 4Cs competencies in order to provide these skills in their instructional materials/plans and develop teaching with the 4Cs competencies. A multifaceted strategy is needed for the next research, including focused professional development, collaboration among educators, institutional leaders' support, and alignment with larger educational priorities and goals.
Fulltext Sustainable design: Circular innovation design method under process reengineering

Wang P, Wen Y, Zhou Y, Li S, Zhang X

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35251.
PMID: 39170366 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35251

The theory of sustainable business process reengineering has been widely applied in various disciplines and has achieved outstanding results. The theory is used to the research of product innovation design method in this work, and the entire process of product innovation design method is reshaped, bringing new development and new direction for product innovation design. Redesign processes in line with societal trends and in a sustainable direction. Furthermore, it may effectively address the inadequacies of conventional design methodologies during the application process. Then, increase corporate efficiency in order to accomplish significant improvements in enterprise cost, quality, service, and speed. The study applies the systematic induction method, research analysis method, and other comprehensive research methods to analyze and study the existing design process and method, as well as excavate the shortcomings and limitations that exist in the process's application of the existing design method. Based on the BPR theory, the sustainable innovation design method for full chain products is divided into five design processes: scenario implantation, requirement extraction, functional determination, structural optimization, formal innovation, and material selection. In addition, the feasibility and accuracy of this method are verified through lifesaving equipment cases. Secondly, three principles for sustainable product innovation design were proposed. On the one hand, products made by designers and college students can truly meet customer needs, generate disruptive innovative designs, and improve the market competitiveness of industrial products. On the other hand, design is no longer a single stage, but a complete, systematic, and comprehensive set of design processes aimed at improving design efficiency and achieving sustainable product development.
Fulltext Amidine containing compounds: Antimicrobial activity and its potential in combating antimicrobial resistance

Zainal Abidin A, Norrrahim MNF, Mohamed Shakrin NNS, Ibrahim B, Abdullah N, Abdul Rashid JI, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e32010.
PMID: 39170404 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32010

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing and concerning threat to global public health, necessitating innovative strategies to combat this crisis. Amidine-containing compounds have emerged as promising agents in the battle against AMR. This review gives a summary of recent advances from the past decade in studies of antimicrobial amidine-containing compounds with the aim to feature their structural diversity and the pharmacological relevance of the moiety to antimicrobial activity and their potential use in combating antimicrobial resistance, to the greatest extent possible. Highlighting is put on chemical structure of such compounds in relation to antimicrobial activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities. Researchers commonly modify molecules containing amidine or incorporate amidine into existing antimicrobial agents to enhance their pharmacological attributes and combat antimicrobial resistance. This comprehensive review consolidates the current knowledge on amidine-containing compounds, elucidating their antimicrobial mechanisms and highlighting their promise in addressing the global AMR crisis. By offering a multidisciplinary perspective, we aim to inspire further research and innovation in this critical area of antimicrobial research.
Fulltext Geographic information systems adoption model: A partial least square-structural equation modeling analysis approach

Alzahrani NA, Sheikh Abdullah SNH, Adnan N, Zainol Ariffin KA, Mukred M, Mohamed I, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35039.
PMID: 39170420 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35039

The ability of Geographic Information System (GIS) to organize, analyze, visualize and integrate spatial data has been at the top of its primary uses among professional industries. However, considering the extensive adoption of Information System (IS) throughout history for government organizations' or citizens' disaster response, the implementation of geographical elements is still minimal. Previous GIS models and framework studies, particularly in developing countries, were affected by pandemic pressure, competitiveness pressure, change management, and security factors. Thus, this study aims to develop a model for the successful adoption of GIS using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and De Lone and Mc Lean Information Success Model and analyze the applicability of the existing factors to enhance the performance of Public Sector Organizations (PSOs). From the study, a new conceptual framework was proposed to examine the effects of factors on GIS adoption that impact performance among PSOs from the perspective of Saudi Arabia. Quantitative methods were used to collect data through a questionnaire distributed to 350 respondents from PSO, and only 272 were found to be valid. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) validated the GIS model. The finding revealed that system quality, service quality, change management, competitiveness pressure, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and security factors significantly and positively affected GIS adoption. The study also showed that GIS adoption substantially affected PSO performance. The proposed model provides insight into how GIS adoption can eventually enhance performance among PSOs. In essence, the study contributes to the running of PSO and the decisions taken by policymakers.
Fulltext Utilizing regression model to characterize the impact of urban green space features on the subjective well-being of older adults

Xu T, Aini AM, Nordin NA

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35567.
PMID: 39170473 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35567

Based on the background of rapid global ageing, research exploring urban green spaces and the subjective well-being of urban residents has become one of the key research interests. However, the evidence for assessing the real benefits of urban green spaces on the subjective well-being of older adults by comprehensively examining the features of urban green spaces is limited. We surveyed older urban green space users (n = 536) aged 60 years and older in Nanjing, China, and evaluated the impacts of spatial, green, and grey features of urban green spaces on older people's overall satisfaction with urban green spaces and subjective well-being. The results of the multiple linear regression model showed a strong association between the three types of urban green space features, overall satisfaction with urban green space, and subjective well-being of older adults. The study results indicated that the grey feature of urban green spaces emerged as the most influential factor (p = 0.004) among the three features of urban green spaces in relation to their effect on the subjective well-being of older adults. This implies that it is essential to focus on the importance of grey s of urban green spaces in the planning and design of urban green spaces for older adults' use of different urban green spaces and their sense of well-being. These results contribute to the development of healthy ageing policies and age-friendly urban green space management strategies in rapid ageing countries around the world.
Fulltext The mediating role of electronic word-of-mouth in the relationship between CSR initiative and consumer satisfaction

Hua X, Mohd Hasan NA, De Costa F, Qiao W

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35027.
PMID: 39170476 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35027

The importance of CSR in today's business environment cannot be ignored, especially more and more enterprises realize that when consumers perceive CSR, it will affect consumer behavior and then affect corporate efficiency and reputation. With the widespread application of social media, corporate social responsibility behaviors are easy to be participated and discussed by consumers on the Internet, forming electronic word-of-mouth. Therefore, this paper discusses the influence of electronic word-of-mouth between CSR and consumer satisfaction, taking China's largest Internet enterprise Tencent and its consumers and users as the research object. The overall purpose of this study is to explore the mediating role of electronic word-of-mouth in CSR and consumer satisfaction. This study uses Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory as the theoretical framework to explain the relationship between CSR initiatives, eWOM and consumer satisfaction. Using the quantitative method of questionnaire survey, taking China's enterprise Tencent as an example, a total of 490 valid questionnaires from Tencent WeChat users from four different levels of cities were received. The PLS-SEM model was used to deeply study the impact of CSR on consumer satisfaction and electronic word-of-mouth. The study found that philanthropic responsibility has a significant impact on consumer satisfaction, but environmental responsibility has no significant impact on satisfaction. At the same time, electronic word-of-mouth plays a key mediating role between the dimension of charitable responsibility and consumer satisfaction, but there is no mediating relationship between the dimension of environmental responsibility and consumer satisfaction. This study is beneficial to other enterprises in the formulation and planning of social responsibility, helps enterprises better understand consumer demands under different CSR dimensions, and provides a useful reference for the formulation of more accurate CSR strategies.
Fulltext Study of factors affecting the magnetic sensing capability of shape memory alloys for non-destructive evaluation of cracks in concrete: Using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approaches

Khurshid H, Mohammed BS, Bheel N, Cahyadi WA, Mukhtar H

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35772.
PMID: 39170505 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35772

Currently, the field of structural health monitoring (SHM) is focused on investigating non-destructive evaluation techniques for the identification of damages in concrete structures. Magnetic sensing has particularly gained attention among the innovative non-destructive evaluation techniques. Recently, the embedded magnetic shape memory alloy (MSMA) wire has been introduced for the evaluation of cracks in concrete components through magnetic sensing techniques while providing reinforcement as well. However, the available research in this regard is very scarce. This study has focused on the analyses of parameters affecting the magnetic sensing capability of embedded MSMA wire for crack detection in concrete beams. The response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models have been used to analyse the magnetic sensing parameters for the first time. The models were trained using the experimental data obtained through literature. The models aimed to predict the alteration in magnetic flux created by a concrete beam that has a 1 mm wide embedded MSMA wire after experiencing a fracture or crack. The results showed that the change in magnetic flux was affected by the position of the wire and the position of the crack with respect to the position of the magnet in the concrete beam. RSM optimisation results showed that maximum change in magnetic flux was obtained when the wire was placed at a depth of 17.5 mm from the top surface of the concrete beam, and a crack was present at an axial distance of 8.50 mm from the permanent magnet. The change in magnetic flux was 9.50 % considering the aforementioned parameters. However, the ANN prediction results showed that the optimal wire and crack position were 10 mm and 1.1 mm, respectively. The results suggested that a larger beam requires a larger diameter of MSMA wire or multiple sensors and magnets for crack detection in concrete beams.
Fulltext Innovative approaches for augmenting dielectric properties in cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE): A review

Nazrin A, Kuan TM, Mansour DA, Farade RA, Ariffin AM, Rahman MSA, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e34737.
PMID: 39170543 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34737

Throughout the history of power systems, power cables have been used to securely and efficiently distribute electrical energy to the destined locations. Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), a commonly used insulator in high-voltage cables, have several desirable properties, such as low dielectric loss, high dielectric constant, high thermal conductivity, enhanced thermal stability, and superior resistance against electrical stress. However, further improvements of XLPE's performance are needed. The incorporation of large specific surface area nanoparticles, such as boron nitride nanosheets and graphene oxide, exhibited a great potential in enhancing XLPE's properties. These nanoparticles create numerous trapping sites, even at small loading levels, due to their large interfacial regions. In addition, voltage stabilisers with polar groups can scavenge high-energy electrons generated by local electric fields, thereby inhibiting the electrical tree growth. Another important aspect of enhancing XLPE's dielectric performance is the inclusion of antioxidants with phenolic groups. These antioxidants react with peroxyl radicals, mitigating their harmful effects. This review summarises the effects of nanoparticles, voltage stabilisers, antioxidants, and polymer amalgamation on dielectric performance of XLPE as an insulation material. The major challenges in dielectric insulation such as breakdown voltage strength, electrical tree growth, structural defect, space charge accumulation, and thermal aging are addressed.
Fulltext Inhibition of nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells and cytokines IL-1β in osteoarthritis rat models of 70 % ethanol extract of Arcangelisia flava (L.) merr stems

Pratama RR, Sari RA, Sholikhah I, Mansor H, Chang HI, Sukardiman, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e35730.
PMID: 39170555 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35730

INTRODUCTION: One of the most frequent types of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also referred to as a degenerative joint disease. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) are essential factors in the pain response; IL-1β and NO are responsible for increasing the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMS) in chondrocytes. Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr. Has been traditionally used to treat jaundice, liver disease, diarrhea, fever, and inflammation.
METHODS: This study used in vitro and in vivo models to determine the effect of a 70 % ethanol extract of Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr. stems on the inhibition of NO production in RAW 264.7 cells induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and IL-1β in osteoarthritis rats induced with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). The NO inhibition test was determined by the NO colorimetric assay using Griess reagent and measured by the ELISA plate reader. The measurement of joint diameter and hyperalgesia in osteoarthritis rats was carried out once a week for 7 weeks, and then the IL-1β levels were measured at weeks 3 and 7.
RESULT: The viability of cell line this extract was greater than 80 %, and the extract at 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL significantly inhibited NO production (p
Fulltext Influence of IoT implementation on Resource management in construction

Althoey F, Waqar A, Hamed Alsulamy S, Khan AM, Alshehri A, Idris Falqi I, et al.

Heliyon, 2024 Aug 15;10(15):e32193.
PMID: 39170580 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32193

The desire to increase resource management efficacy in the construction sector is expanding because of measures to reduce costs, boost productivity, and minimize environmental impact. The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to alter resource management in the construction sector by delivering real-time data and insights that may assist decision-makers in optimizing resource allocation and usage. Incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) technology into the construction sector will be investigated in this study to discover how resource management is affected. The aim of the study is to identify the essential aspects that promote optimal IoT integration and to investigate how IoT may influence resource management. The relations between variables and their fundamental elements are investigated using structural equation modelling (SEM). In the context of building projects, the study analyses how IoT integration influences resource allocation and utilization, real-time monitoring, and proactive maintenance. The building sector in Malaysia provides concepts on IoT in resource management. Based on this research's outcomes, there is a distinct association between the utilization of IoT technology and effective resource management in the construction sector. IoT adoption is affected by a multiplicity of issues, including data analytics, data security and privacy, integration and interoperability, scalability, and flexibility. This study contributes to addressing considerable gaps in the corpus of information on IoT technology integration in the construction sector. It analyses how IoT may effect resource management, emphasizing how IoT technology may enhance the efficacy of human, mechanical, and material resources.
Ilizarov External Fixator Versus Orthofix LRS in Management of Femoral Osteomyelitis: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

Saleh AK, Yusof NM, Attallah AA, Elshal EA, Khames AAA, Ibrahim MNA, et al.

Indian J Orthop, 2024 Sep;58(9):1272-1277.
PMID: 39170658 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-024-01208-1

PURPOSE: Treatment of osteomyelitis (OM) is challenging. Ilizarov bone transport is a commonly used technique for management of OM. The recently introduced limb reconstruction system (LRS) has been effectively used for management of OM. It was suggested to be easier in use and less invasive. The present retrospective study aimed to compare LRS and Ilizarov bone transport in management of femoral OM using a propensity score matched analysis.
METHODS: The present retrospective study included 80 consecutive patients with femoral OM. The studied patients were managed either using Ilizarov external fixator (n = 40) or Orthofix LRS (n = 40). The clinical outcome measurements included union time, limb length discrepancy, additional operative procedures, refracture and infection.
RESULTS: Patients in the LRS group were exposed to significantly higher frequency of bone transport (30.0 versus 15.0%) and lower frequency of acute compression and lengthening (10.0 versus 32.5%). Patients in Ilizarov group had significantly higher frequency of tobramycin pellets as compared to their counterparts. The studied groups were comparable regarding the operative complications including pin-tract infection, non-union at docking site and refracture. Patients in the Ilizarov had significantly shorter time to union (8.2 ± 3.2 versus 11.0 ± 5.6 months, p = 0.012). No statistically significant differences were found between the studied groups regarding the quality-of-life domains.
CONCLUSIONS: Use of Ilizarov external fixator and Orthofix LRS devices proved to be effective and reliable. Their influences on patients' quality appear to be comparable.
Fulltext Bacterial Persister Cells and Development of Antibiotic Resistance in Chronic Infections: An Update

Kunnath AP, Suodha Suoodh M, Chellappan DK, Chellian J, Palaniveloo K

Br J Biomed Sci, 2024;81:12958.
PMID: 39170669 DOI: 10.3389/bjbs.2024.12958

The global issue of antimicrobial resistance poses significant challenges to public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted it as a major global health threat, causing an estimated 700,000 deaths worldwide. Understanding the multifaceted nature of antibiotic resistance is crucial for developing effective strategies. Several physiological and biochemical mechanisms are involved in the development of antibiotic resistance. Bacterial cells may escape the bactericidal actions of the drugs by entering a physiologically dormant state known as bacterial persistence. Recent findings in this field suggest that bacterial persistence can be one of the main sources of chronic infections. The antibiotic tolerance developed by the persister cells could tolerate high levels of antibiotics and may give rise to persister offspring. These persister offspring could be attributed to antibiotic resistance mechanisms, especially in chronic infections. This review attempts to shed light on persister-induced antibiotic resistance and the current therapeutic strategies.

MeSH terms: Chronic Disease; Humans; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
Fulltext Editorial: Common pathways in neurodevelopmental conditions and neurodegenerative disorders

Long I

Front Neurosci, 2024;18:1454384.
PMID: 39170686 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1454384

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