Background: Platelet concentrates (PCs) are one of the most used blood components in blood banks due to their essential role in treating thrombocytopenia, and while viral transmission has been largely addressed, bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs) are still regarded as a crucial safety concern. Objective: This short review aimed to consolidate current knowledge on the strategies followed in blood banks to maximize the quality and shelf life of platelet concentrates (PCs). Different methods of each strategy were considered, focusing on outcomes related to approved and effective outcomes. Methods: The current study is based on PubMed, Wiley, and Web of Science databases to assess donor selection, bacterial screening, and pathogen reduction technologies utilized for PCs quality. All articles were collected until April 2024. Studies utilizing approved interventions and relevant hospital outcomes were inclusive. However, repetitive data and unapproved methods were among the exclusive criteria. Collected published manuscripts were reviewed. Results: The studies reviewed and referenced in this article consensus that pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) utilizing Ultraviolet rays (UV) was found to be effective in eliminating various bacterial contamination. Furthermore, the need for donor and bacterial screening is still essential and could not be overlooked. Pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) remain important and valid despite studies suggesting the reduced platelet concentrates (PCs) quality and the need for frequent transmission of PCs. Some studies even foresee pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) as replacing the cultural bacterial detection methods. Conclusion:We conclude that preventing bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates (PCs) requires a multifaceted approach. However, future research should focus on optimizing these strategies while minimizing their potential adverse effects on platelet function and safet
Background: The assistance provided in Intensive Care Units is focused on specialized care for patients in critical condition. Considering critical patients admitted to Intensive Care Units, multidisciplinary care consists of complex and special care. In this context, the question arises about the role of multidisciplinary team assistance in implementing adequate care centered on the patient as a whole and not just focusing on the disease. Objective: The study aimed to investigate in national publications the challenges and perspectives of the multidisciplinary team's performance in the Intensive Care Unit. Methodology: This is a bibliographic review article in which an exploratory research was carried out, with a qualitative approach. The search took place in the LILLACS and SCIELO databases from February to May 2023. 22 scientific articles were analyzed using as inclusion criteria articles published in Portuguese; complete, published and indexed in the aforementioned databases in the last ten years. Results: As a result, it became clear that the know-how of different categories of health professionals working together plays a fundamental role in the care of critical patients in the Intensive Care Unit and this requires these professionals to have scientific knowledge and technical skills in care services. Furthermore, they must seek to provide qualified, comprehensive, multidisciplinary care based on scientific evidence. It was concluded that assistance to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit is highly relevant and essential. Conclusion: It was observed that is essential for those professionals to carry out their activity in an ethical, holistic manner, aiming at physical, biological, psychological and social care in order to guarantee patient safety at all moments of care through the use of effective communication and noise free
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are common and linked to an increased risk of developing a disability. Although physical therapy is recommended for several musculoskeletal conditions, research shows the rate of patients’ access to physical therapy clinics appears unchanged. Objective: We aimed to identify predictive factors to improve overall health status, better compliance, and better management of patients' conditions within physiotherapy services. We used electronic data for a retrospective cohort in Prince Sultan Military Medical City from 30 March 2022 to 22 May 2022. Considering gender, age, and the co-existence of other medical conditions, we compared users and non-users of physical therapy services after referral. Patients were grouped using their diagnosis from their index visit to the Spine, Lower extremity, and Upper extremity. We compared differences in patient factors between users and non-users of physical therapy using chi-square and t-tests. We estimated the minimum sample size to be 385, using 50% of the population portion. Results: We found a significant number of non-users were males and were from the orthopedic department. The association analysis revealed significant relationships between users and gender, user and clinic, and user and diagnosis. Conclusion: The high prevalence of non-users in OPD clinics, could be driven by: the lack of time and an understanding of the importance of the physical therapy course. The study guides healthcare professionals to highlight individuals at particular risk of not accessing physical therapy and indicates the benefit of accessing physical treatment in their case. Further, it encourages to design and implement a policy for people with OPD/Spinal disorder to ensure the continuity of care and to prevent any longterm impact on their health
For the supply of drinking water to the population, we have set up a surface water treatment system: horizontal sand filtration. This process is based on the principle of bank filtration; it is a natural rustic treatment, based on slow biological filtration, which does not require any reagent. The objective of this work is to propose a tool to describe the groundwater flow on a complete water filtration system with the MODFLOW model in order to follow the evolution of the hydrodynamic parameters on the one hand and to determine the transit time of the water in the pilot. The calibration with a chemical tracer, fluorescein, allowing to optimise the defined parameters (hydraulic conductivities, recharge) of the aquifer in order to obtain calculated loads as close as possible to those measured in given observation points, and the reading and saving of the imposed hydraulic loads were carried out with the "results extractor" module. The variation of the slope of the 2nd compartment from 5% to 20% significantly reduces the transit time of the tracer from 6.3 h to 5.2 h in the device. It was also found that the transit time increased as the sand grain size decreased, but this did not indicate a malfunction of the device. The results obtained showed that it is possible to perform a hydrodynamic modelling of the system in order to reproduce the experiments performed on the physical device. The steady-state modelling shows that the curves calculated at each piezometer are close to the experimental curves, except for the variation in sand grain size (piezometer 3), probably due to the preferred path. The differences in concentration between the calculated and experimental values at piezometers 3 and 4 are due to a dilution and/or adsorption effect by the fine sand. The calibration of the model allows an appropriate sizing according to each problem
Biomass quantification in the Atlantic Forest is difficult due to a scarcity of destructive tree sampling data for this biome.Many studies have used general pantropical models to quantify their biomass stocks. However, doubts still need to be raised about the ability of these models to accurately estimate the biomass of trees in the Atlantic Forest biome. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate and test the performance of allometric equations with different input variables to estimate biomass and accumulated carbon in dominant species in an Atlantic Forest fragment in northeastern Brazil. A recent study in the area, with 1,324 inventoried trees, was used to obtain the phytosociological and dendrometric data needed to analyze forest biomass. We selected five pantropical allometric equations with good reproducibility for humid tropical forests and a local equation (Atlantic Forest) to calculate above-ground biomass (AGB). The input variables used were tree diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height (H), wood density (p), and bioclimatic variables (E) (water stress and rainfall). The findings support the conclusion that there is a significant difference between the six equations tested to estimate biomass and carbon in the forest fragment.Therefore, if H, DBH, and density data are available after the forest inventory of the area, the pantropical equation can be used to quantify the AGB. Otherwise, the local equation is a viable alternative. These results can help elaborate environmental projects targeting the carbon market and enabling the forest for REDD+ projects
This research examined the audio-visual simple reaction times in the hands and legs of basketball, handball, and volleyball players. A total of thirty-six (N=36) male athletes randomly participated in this study, among them (n=12) basketball players, (n=12) handball players, and (n=12) volleyball players. The players’ average ages were 22.33±1.15; 22.00±1.41; 21.75±1.22, and they competed at the university level in their respective sports. The timer for Audio-Visual Reaction was used to measure the auditory and visual simple reaction times of the hands and legs in milliseconds. The mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used, and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. The F-value of auditory reaction time was 0.21 (> 0.05) in basketball, handball, and volleyball players' strong hand, 0.05 (> 0.05) in weak hand, 1.02 (> 0.05) in strong leg, and 2.23 (> 0.05) in weak leg. Whereas, the strong hand had a visual reaction time of 1.37 (> 0.05), the weak hand had a reaction time of 0.51 (> 0.05), the strong leg had a reaction time of 2.31 (> 0.05), and the weak leg had a reaction time of 0.65 (> 0.05). According to the statistical examination, no significant difference was obtained in auditory and visual reaction times among basketball, handball, and volleyball players with their strong and weak hands and strong and weak legs. Since there was no significant difference in the ANOVA analysis, the reaction times of the limbs (auditory and visual) were compared between each of the two games. The weak leg auditory reaction time was significantly different between basketball and handball players in an independent t-test (t (22) = 2.17, sig. = 0.041 at p 0.05). This study concluded that the auditory and visual simple reaction ability of hands and legs was closer for the three different court games, and a difference was obtained between basketball and handball players concerning weak leg auditory reaction time
To point out the neuroanatomic repercussions that the Post-COVID Syndrome triggers in individuals and address the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Literature review: COVID-19 is an acute viral respiratory disease. Post-COVID-19 Syndrome gets its name because it is a set of clinical manifestations that persist for longer than two or three weeks after the onset of symptoms. Among the related disorders, neuroanatomical sequelae stand out, such as injuries with the ability to generate significant morbidity and mortality. Final considerations: It is concluded that this syndrome is associated with relevant sequelae, such as in the Central Nervous System. There were descriptions of different neurological manifestations such as stroke, ageusia, headache, Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalopathy, anosmia, and dizziness. It is essential to further studies to support patient management with the best evidence to reduce morbidities
Currently, Eucalyptus spp.has been no longer an alternative raw material for the timber industry.It has become a reality for the industrial sector of solid timber products (Liebl et al., 2017).Thus, the processing of Eucalyptus sawn timber needs to be adapted and improved both in the mechanical processing and drying phases, since this genus is characterized by the rapid development of forest stands.However, caution on the production of sawn timber is necessary, mainly due to the manifestation of internal growth stresses, which are responsible for the formation of checking and warping in boards during the processes of breakdown and drying (Yang and Waugh, 2001;Murphy et al., 2005).Improving the quality of boards and optimizing the wood processing industry are fundamental for the productive and financial success of these companies.These improvements generate subsidies, such as new breakdown and drying techniques, especially with regards to the drying of refractory woods, as the Eucalyptus genus.Due to its low permeability, along with its anatomical constitution, which hinders the drive of moisture out of its interior, Eucalyptus can be considered as a species of severe drying (Oliveira and Carvalho, 2001;Rezende et al., 2018;Zen et al., 2019).The reactions of the anatomical constitution are very expressive in drying, presenting small diameters (Oliveira and Carvalho, 2001), high cell wall fraction (Zanuncio et al., 2016), which hinders the water movement by capillarity or in liquid form in the
As a future project, it is intended to verify the effect of the extract applied in vivo, this way comparing the obtained results.
Various authors have studied the background behind the anatomical abnormalities of duodenum such as atresia, stenosis, and the difference in shape, but the studies concerning the presence of Duodenojejunal junction (DJJ) are rare.Few authors described this junction in detail i.e., the Duodenojejunal junction (DJJ) pressure got reduced on duodenal muscular activity whereas it got augmented on jejunal muscular activity.These results suggested possible reality and the presence of anatomical sphincter at DJJ. Methods: DJJ was studied through direct dissection of 20 cadavers whereas the specimens were histologically examined and stained with H&E stain.While the radiological examination was performed for another 10 cadaveric specimens using plain X-ray technique.Barium was injected into the pyloric canal and a tie was applied into the jejunum so that it allows only the barium is present in the duodenum, DJJ and at a few centimetres of jejenum.Transverse and longitudinal sections through DJJ were incised and stained by H&E stains.Results: DJJ was narrower and more contracted than duodenum or jejunum.It also possessed one or two depressions and covered by arterial branch that originated from superior mesenteric artery termed as 'duodenojejunal junction artery'.DJJ was felt by touching and found to be thicker and tough than duodenum or jejunum.Its mucous membrane lining was packed into 'DJJ rosette'.The length of DJJ among adults is in the range of 0.6-1.2cm.The circular muscle layer was found to be clearly thickened at the junction when examined using microscope.Further, the longitudinal muscle coat was also very thick at the junction when compared with the same coat in duodenum or jejunum radiologically.DJJ was found to be narrower and constricted whereas duodenum was wide.Jejunum was similar to duodenum. Conclusion:The thickened tough circular muscle, mucosal rosette packing and narrowing and contraction at DJJ refer to the possible presence of anatomical real sphincter at DJJ which got augmented when high-pressure is applied in this area.So, the corresponding results suggest and support the study hypothesis.
Galaxies are not randomly scattered in the universe, but they tend to gather in groups, either huge groups (clusters), large groups (loose groups) or small groups (compact groups).Nearly half of the galaxies in the universe belongs in groups (Humason et al. 1956, de Vaucoulaurs 1965, Holmberg 1969, Materne 1979, Tully 1987a).Groups of the galaxy are essential for understanding the development of galaxy clustering and evolution of galaxies.They provide an excellent laboratory for studying the interaction between group's members and their environments (Dressler 1980; McGlyne and Ostriker 1980;Geller and Postman 1983; Mezzetti et la 1983).Groups usually selected based on close values of redshift and enhanced frequencies of galaxies relative to that of the background.There are many different catalogues and studies of groups of galaxies.The earliest studies, identification of group members was based on qualitative criteria (deVaucouleurs1965, Sandage and Tamman 1975).Several catalogues with different selection criteria and techniques were published (
Rice is one of the most important cereal crops and one of the major food in the world (Wang et al., 2010;Chou, Yen & Li, 2014).More than 50% of the world's population depends on rice as their primary caloric source (Wu et al., 2010).Rice products are stapled foods, especially in Asian countries, where most of them are made from rice flour.Bishwajit et al. (2013) remind that rice provides around 60 to 70% of calories and 50 to 55% of protein intake for the South Asian population.Though this dependence on rice as a primary nutrition source is undesirable, it is also true that rice is still the most affordable way for these people to maintain sustainable calorie intake.According to Bishwajit et al. (2013), food security is a multifaceted issue influenced by national and international policymaking, as well as social, economic, environmental and demographic variables.Rice is not only the staple crop of the world, but it is also a political crop.Large rice stocks are maintained by countries and remain untraded until market prices rise abnormally high, and consequently, food scarcity remains a common scenario across many poor areas.On the other hand, agriculture is the mainstay of many economies, especially in South Asia, where the ratio of rice land to arable land is high in the subcontinent, there remains an opportunity to expand domestic rice production by creating employment and income-generating opportunities in the face of ever-increasing demand for rice.Moreover, Virmani, Mao & Hardy (2003) quotes that hybrid rice technology was successfully developed in China from 1964 to 75.Since then, it has been used on 50% of
Parkinson's disease is a brain ailment that results in unintentional or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, rigidity, and problems with balance and coordination. The objective of this report to review of the clinical outcomes of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease dementia patients, and discuss if deep brain stimulation could be a treatment alternative in these people. After surgery, all patients' motor symptoms improved significantly, as did some non-motor symptoms. However, in four patients, the motor gains lasted only 2 or 3 years before the patients deteriorated with the appearance of end-stage difficulties, despite the fact that there were more continuous benefits that could not have been attained with medical treatment. The surviving patient had a great response till the final follow-up, 7 years following surgery.
Kaolin has been used as an alternative cheap raw material for the synthesis of zeolite NaY.The objective of this study is to synthesize a zeolite NaY from a natural clay (kaolin) from M'Batra.Two steps are involved in the reaction: (1) dehydroxylation of kaolin at 550°C to form an amorphous material called metakaolin; (2) hydrothermal treatment of metakaolin with aqueous alkali to form the zeolite.SEM, BJH and BET techniques were used respectively to study the morphology, pore size distribution and adsorption-desorption isotherms of N2 at 77 K. Structural and compositional studies were conducted using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance of 27 Al and 29 Si.XRF analysis showed an increase in the Si/Al ratio of 1.91 to 2.95 compared to natural clay.The SEM of the zeolite NaY gave a homogeneous and porous material.The specific surface area of the zeolite NaY increased by 5.03 times compared to the natural clay.The XRD of the zeolite NaY showed a well crystallized material.The MAS NMR spectrum of 27 Al revealed a single Al environment.In conclusion, the results of the different characterizations show us that the material obtained by modification of the natural clay (kaolin) of M'Batra has a zeolithic structure.
Y doped zinc oxide thin films with 2 and 3 at.% concentrations were synthesized by sol-gel spin-coating method.As starting materials, zinc acetate dihydrate (Zn (CH 3 COO) 2 •2H 2 O), and Yttrium nitrate hexahydrate (Y(NO 3 ) 3 .6H 2 O) were used.For each case, zinc acetate dihydrate as a metal precursor was first dissolved in 5 ml of isopropanol and then it was mixed with the doping precursor which was separately dissolved in 5 ml of ethanol with desired AbstractIn this work, we have prepared yttrium (Y) doped ZnO thin films on glass substrates by sol-gel spin-coating technique.Yttrium was incorporated with different concentrations of 2 and 3 at.%.X-ray diffraction analysis shows that all the films are polycrystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite structure and a preferred orientation along the (002) plane.The highest transparency in the visible region was 88%, the largest band gap was 3.23 eV, the lowest electronic disorder was 154.42 meV, and the lowest electrical resistivity was 2.62×10 -3 .These results were obtained for Y content of 2 at.%.
