Breast Engorgement among Women with Caesarean Section: Impact of Nursing Intervention

Background: Breast engorgement is defined as enlarged & filling of breast with milk. It is one of the most significant problems confronting nursing women, especially primiparous, in the first week of motherhood. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of nursing intervention on relieve of breast engorgement among women with caesarean section. Design and setting an interventional study was conducted in postnatal unit of Beni-Suef University hospital. Sample was simple random sample comprised a total of 90 Primiparae’s cesarean section mothers; 45 in the interventional group & 45 in the control group. Tools of Data Collection were interview questionnaire sheet, knowledge assessment sheet and observational & Engorgement assessment scale. The study revealed that, the nursing intervention was more effective and contributed rapid recovery from breast engorgement especially among the older, educated, housewives, high social class's women and those who were rural dwellers. The study recommended that Prevention is a key element in reducing breast engorgement potentially among nursing mothers. So, primiparous mothers should learn about preventive measures for breast engorgement. Teaching mother how to express both breasts simultaneously to yield the most volume and to decrease time spend pumping each consecutively is the responsibility of health care providers

Breast Feeding Knowledge and Practices Among Primiparous Women with Caesarean Section: Impact on Breast Engorgement in Upper Egypt

Background: The benefits of breast milk are greatly enhanced if breastfeeding starts within one hour after birth. Hunan milk contains a host of dynamic and unique feeding properties. Breast engorgement is one of the most common minor discomforts confronting nursing women after delivery, especially Primiparous. The aim of the study was to investigate the breastfeeding knowledge and practices among primiparous women with a cesarean section and its impact on breast engorgement in Upper Egypt. The study was conducted in the postnatal unit of Beni-Suef University Hospital. The study design was a descriptive study. The type of sample was a simple random sample. The study comprised 90 Primiparous cesarean section mothers; suffer from breast engorgement. Tools of Data Collection were interview questionnaire sheet, knowledge assessment sheet, observational checklist, and engorgement assessment scale. The study revealed that the studied women’s knowledge and technique of breastfeeding were not adequate among the whole study sample. Breast engorgement was more prevalent among the younger, less educated, housewives, low social class's women and those who were rural dwellers. Recommendation: Providing the mother with guidance and support on positioning and latching and modification of hospital practices are effective in reducing breast problems

Jednonukleotidni polimorfizmi gena za β-laktoglobulin, k-kazein i DGAT1 kao kandidati za stroge selekcijske kriterije holštajnskih krava s obzirom na sastav i proizvodnost mlijeka

The aim of this study was to investigate β-Lactoglobulin, k-casein and DGAT1 gene polymorphism and to associate this polymorphism with milk composition and performance traits in Holstein cattle using the PCR-DNA sequencing approach. On the basis of farm records, accurate phenotypic data for milk composition and performance traits were obtained for seventy Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were collected from each animal into tubes containing disodium EDTA as an anticoagulant for DNA extraction. PCR was carried out for amplification of fragments of exon 4 (301-bp) of β-Lactoglobulin, exon 4 (373-bp) of k-casein, and exon 7 (321-bp) of DGAT1 genes. DNA sequencing assessment elaborated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the investigated genes amongst the enrolled dairy cows. On the basis of the dairy cows that harbored identified SNPs in each gene, the animals were allocated into different groups. The least square means of the groups revealed a significant association (P ≤ 0.05) between SNPs and milk production and performance traits. Logistic regression model confirmed a highly significant effect of the identified SNPs on the studied traits, where a moderate to strong relationship was detected between the predictor (SNPs) and the grouping variable (Milk composition and performance traits). Consequently, the identified SNPs in β-Lactoglobulin, k-casein and DGAT1 genes could be used as candidates for developing marker assisted selection (MAS) for milk composition and performance traits in Holstein dairy cattle.Cilj rada bio je, primjenom PCR-DNA metode i analize sljedova, istražiti polimorfizme gena za β-Lactoglobulin, k-kazein i DGAT1 te procijeniti njihovu povezati sa sastavom mlijeka i svojstvima proizvodnosti goveda holštajnske pasmine. Na temelju evidencija s farmi dobiveni su točni fenotipski podaci o sastavu mlijeka i proizvodnosti 70 muznih krava. Za ekstrakciju DNK prikupljeni su uzorci krvi pojedinačnih krava u epruvete koje su sadržavale dinatrijev EDTA kao antikoagulans. PCR je proveden za amplifikaciju fragmenata egzona 4 (301-bp) β-laktoglobulina, egzona 4 (373-bp) k-kazeina i egzona 7 (321-bp) gena DGAT1. Analiza sljedova DNK prikazala je jednonukleotidne polimorfizme (SNPs) u istraženim genima. Uzevši u obzir krave kod kojih su utvrđeni SNP-ove u svakom genu, životinje su raspoređene u različite skupine. Srednje vrijednosti (LSM) skupina pokazale su znakovitu povezanost (P<0,05) između SNP-ova i svojstava proizvodnosti mlijeka. Model logističke regresije potvrdio je visoko znakovit učinak identificiranih SNP-ova na istraživana svojstva, pri čemu je ustanovljena umjerena do jaka povezanost između prediktora (SNP-ovi) i varijabli grupiranja (sastav mlijeka i proizvodnost mlijeka). Posljedično, identificirani SNP-ovi u genima β-Lactoglobulina, k-kazeina i DGAT1 mogli bi se koristiti kao kandidatni pri razvoju postupaka selekcije uz pomoć markera (MAS) za sastav mlijeka i svojstva proizvodnosti u mliječnih goveda pasmine holštajn

The mechanism of action of Spirulina as antidiabetic: a narrative review

Spirulina happens to be a special type of blue-green algae that originally emerged 3.5 billion years ago and was used as a source of nutrition. Spirulina gets its name from the filaments’ spiral or helical structure, but its true name is taxonomically Genus Arthrospira which encompasses several species. The most common species are S. fusiformis, S. maxima, and S. platensis. It is rich in various nutrients and chemical components including protein, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, pigments, chlorophyll, and enzymes. Spirulina’s active molecules and rich nutrients make it have several pharmacological activities and uses including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, immune system booster, anticancer, antiviral activity, and neuroprotective properties. It is also utilized as a nutritional supplement and for weight loss. Moreover, several studies confirm that Spirulina improves insulin sensitivity and reduces blood glucose levels in rat models as well as diabetic patients. The reason behind this unique behavior could be credited to the presence of several active components in it, but the action’s fundamental mechanism is still a matter of debate. Several studies have suggested different mechanisms including anti-inflammatory activity, increased insulin sensitivity, inhibition of gluconeogenesis, antioxidant activity, modulating gut microbiota composition, improved glucose homeostasis, and insulin receptor activation. Therefore, it became clear that Spirulina is a mine of active substances used as a nutritional supplement and reduces blood glucose levels or used in conjunction with other treatments to tackle type 2 diabetes. Further exploration is required to fully explain its effects on human physiology and determine optimal dosages for treatment

BM-MSCs alleviate diabetic nephropathy in male rats by regulating ER stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathways

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a chronic kidney disease, is a major cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a promising option to mitigate several diabetic complications.Methods: In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in a rat model of STZ-induced DN. After the confirmation of diabetes, rats were treated with BM-MSCs and sacrificed at week 12 after treatment.Results: Our results showed that STZ-induced DN rats had extensive histopathological changes, significant upregulation in mRNA expression of renal apoptotic markers, ER stress markers, inflammatory markers, fibronectin, and intermediate filament proteins, and reduction of positive immunostaining of PCNA and elevated P53 in kidney tissue compared to the control group. BM-MSC therapy significantly improved renal histopathological changes, reduced renal apoptosis, ER stress, inflammation, and intermediate filament proteins, as well as increased positive immunostaining of PCNA and reduced P53 in renal tissue compared to the STZ-induced DN group.Conclusion: In conclusion, our study indicates that BM-MSCs may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of DN and provide important insights into their potential use as a novel therapeutic approach for DN

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat