Mass rearing of the larvae of Chironomus riparius (Dip.: Chironomidae)

Aquatic larvae of chironomid midge, Chironomus riparius Meigen, are one of the richest diets in fish rearing systems. The quantity and quality of food used to rearing these larvae, affect this developmental stage. This study was conducted to determine the effect of different diets (chicken manure, rice bran and soybean meal) with different weights (1, 3 and 5 gr) on larval development, the best time of harvesting at different constant temperatures (16-20, 22 ± 1, 24 ± 1, 26 ± 1, 28 ± 1 and 30 ± 1 oC) and the yield (larval live weight (gr) m-2 per week) based on the number of reared egg masses with the favorable diet. Results indicated that the highest weight of harvested larvae obtained when they fed on 5 gr of chicken manure (3.53 ï± 0.4, p < 0.01). The last larval instars were harvested at the shortest time (on 13th days), when reared at 24 ± 1 or 26 ± 1 oC feeding on chicken manure (compared to other temperatures). Mean yield of 131.38 ï± 13.99 gr m-2 per week obtained, when five egg masses were reared at 26 ± 1 oC on the chicken manure

Influence of three diets on development and oviposition of the predatory mite, Amblyseius herbicolus (Acari: Phytoseiidae) under laboratory conditions

The predatory phytoseiid mite, Amblyseius herbicolus Chant has been collected from mulberry trees infested with two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch and mulberry thrips, Pseudodendrothrips mori (Niwa) in Guilan province. Development and oviposition of this predatory mite was studied on two-spotted spider mite, mulberry thrips and date palm pollen as an alternative food in laboratory using the citrus excised leaf method in Petri dishes at 26 ± 1°C, 14L: 10D photoperiod and 70-80% RH. The results indicated that, mean duration of immature stages (day) of female predatory mite was the lowest on P. mori (4.86 ï± 0.19) and T. urticae (5.26 ï± 0.15) and the highest on date palm pollen (7.46 ï± 0.21). Fecundity (eggs/female) was the highest on P. mori (48.2 ï± 1.85) then on T. urticae (36.2 ï± 1.9) and the lowest on date palm pollen (19.13 ï± 1.72). Oviposition period (day) was the highest on P. mori (20.86 ï± 051) and T. urticae (20.33 ï± 1.19) and the lowest on date palm pollen (16.06 ï± .97). Lowest post-oviposition period (day) was on T. urticae (3.13 ï± 0.19) followed by date palm pollen (4.37 ï± 0.28) and then on P. mori (5.6 ï± 0.27). The mean generation time (day) of predatory mite was the longest on palm pollen (9.86 ï± 0.21), followed by mulberry thrips (7.13 ï± 0.21) and then two-spotted spider mite (6.86 ï± 0.16). Based on these results, A. herbicolus is a general predator. The date palm pollen may variously be used as an alternative food in absence of main food

The impact of phosphodiesterase inhibition on neurobehavioral outcomes in preclinical models of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Study designSystematic review.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors on neurobehavioral outcomes in preclinical models of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsA systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019150639). Searches were performed in MEDLINE and Embase. Studies were included if they evaluated the impact of PDE inhibitors on neurobehavioral outcomes in preclinical models of traumatic or non-traumatic SCI. Data were extracted from relevant studies, including sample characteristics, injury model, and neurobehavioral assessment and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE checklist.ResultsThe search yielded a total of 1,679 studies, of which 22 met inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 144 animals. PDE inhibitors used include rolipram (n = 16), cilostazol (n = 4), roflumilast (n = 1), and PDE4-I (n = 1). The injury models used were traumatic SCI (n = 18), spinal cord ischemia (n = 3), and degenerative cervical myelopathy (n = 1). The most commonly assessed outcome measures were Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor score (n = 13), and grid walking (n = 7). Of the 22 papers that met the final inclusion criteria, 12 showed a significant improvement in neurobehavioral outcomes following the use of PDE inhibitors, four papers had mixed findings and six found PDE inhibitors to be ineffective in improving neurobehavioral recovery following an SCI. Notably, these findings were broadly consistent across different PDE inhibitors and spinal cord injury models.ConclusionIn preclinical models of traumatic and non-traumatic SCI, the administration of PDE inhibitors appeared to be associated with statistically significant improvements in neurobehavioral outcomes in a majority of included studies. However, the evidence was inconsistent with a high risk of bias. This review provides a foundation to aid the interpretation of subsequent clinical trials of PDE inhibitors in spinal cord injury.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=150639, identifier: CRD42019150639

The Effect of Weight-Bearing Exercise on the Strength of Femur Bone in Ovariectomized Rats

Introduction & Objective: Fractures due to osteoporosis after menopause in women is widespread. Osteoporosis may occur in case of inadequate lack of physical activity .The aim of this study was to determine the effect of running training on femur bone strength in ovariectomized rats. Materials & Methods Forty matured Sprague Dawley rats were chosen for this study. A group of 10 were killed randomly to measure their initial femur strength. The remaining rats had ovarian surgery. After three months, in order to reach menopause period, they were randomly divided into 3 groups, including pre test, running training and control groups. The running training program was carried out for one hour a day, five days a week, for eight weeks. Femur bone strength was measured by HOUNSFIELD system. Data was analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance and dependent T- tests by the SPSS software. Results: Results of this study showed that ovariectomy leads to significant decrease of femur bone strength. On the other hand the eight weeks running training lead to significant increase of femur bone strength. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that life style is important factors in preventing of osteoporosis and running training program had an inhibitory or reversal effect on decrease of menopause-induced femur bone strength

Effects of Flexibility Exercise and Supplement Vitamin B6 on Primary Dysmenorrhea in Female Non-Athletes

Background & aim: Primary dysmenorrhea or painful menses in women's medicine is one of the most common complaints that are associated with physical and psychological symptoms. The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of an eight week flexibility exercise and use of vitamin B6 on physical and psychological symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea in non-athlete females. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 non-athlete females, were randomly divided into 4 groups control, exercise, vitamins and exercise plus vitamin. They engaged in an 8-week exercise program that includes flexibility training, stretching the abdominal muscles, lower back, hamstrings and pelvis and hip stretches. Eight movements, each movement with 3 times repetition and each repetition lasting 10 seconds during 4 days per week was performed. The vitamins group used 2 tablets of 40 miligaram B6 vitamin daily during the 8 week program starting 2 weeks before menstruation to 3 days after menstruation. In the exercise with vitamin group, during the 8 weeks of flexibility traininig program females used from 2 weeks before menstruation to 3 days after menstruation 2 tablets of 40 miligaram B6 vitamin daily. The control group had no intervention. Before and after eight weeks, participants completed the menstrual disorders’ questionnaire. Data were analyzed. Results: Significant decreases in average of physical symptoms(exercise from 28/4 to 6/7,vitamin from 25 to 9/35,training with vitamin from 27/66 to 4/40) and psychological symptoms (exercise 25/86 to 5/93,vitamin 24/99 to 3/53,training whith vitamin 27/73 to 3/36) was observed. But physical and psychological symptoms in post-test of exercise group with vitamin had a significant decrease as compared wih other groups (p≤0/05). Conculusion: 8 weeks of flexibility and vitamin B6 usage may reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of dysmenorrhea. Keywords: Dysmenorrhea primory, Flexibility exercise, Vitamin B6, Non-athlete girls *Corresponding Auther: Motesharee E, Department of Physical Education, Science and Rsearch Branch, Islamic Azad University Fars,Shiraz, Iran Email:[email protected]

Determinants of effective nurse-patient communication based on the health action process approach in Yazd hospitals

Nurse-patient communication is one of the most important care relationships that affects the treatment process. The health action process approach (HAPA) has been used to explain a number of behaviors. However, this approach has not been used to explain nurse-patient communication. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate effective nurse-patient communication using this approach. In this cross-sectional study, 300 nurses from public hospitals in the center of Iran were enrolled in the study. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to measure the HAPA constructs. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance with least significant difference (LSD) post hoc tests in SPSS as well as structural equation modeling using AMOUS software. In the motivation phase, risk perception, outcome expectancies and task self-efficacy predicted 19% of variance in intention to communicate effectively. In the volitional phase, planning and action self-efficacy predicted 22% of variance in effective communication. The scores of HAPA constructs were different depending on the levels of effective communication. The model can serve as a reference framework to promote effective nurse-patient communication

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Awareness in Primary Care: UK National Cross-Sectional Survey of General Practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive neurological condition, characterized by spinal cord injury secondary to degenerative changes in the spine. Misdiagnosis in primary care forms part of a complex picture leading to an average diagnostic delay of 2 years. This leads to potentially preventable and permanent disability. A lack of awareness secondary to deficits in postgraduate education may contribute to these delays. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the awareness of DCM in the setting of general practice. METHODS: General practitioners completed a quantitative web-based cross-sectional questionnaire. The 17-item questionnaire captured data regarding demographics, subjective awareness, and objective knowledge. The questionnaire was disseminated via professional networks, including via practice managers and senior practice partners. Incentivization was provided via a bespoke DCM fact sheet for those that completed the survey. RESULTS: A total of 54 general practitioners representing all 4 UK nations responded to the survey. General practitioners most commonly self-assessed that they had "limited awareness" of DCM (n=24, 51%). General practitioners felt most commonly "moderately able" to recognize a case of DCM (n=21, 46%). In total, 13% (n=6) of respondents reported that they would not be at all able to recognize a patient with DCM. Respondents most commonly reported that they were "moderately confident" in their ability to triage a patient with DCM (n=19, 41%). A quarter of respondents reported no prior introduction to DCM throughout their medical training (n=13, 25%). The mean score for knowledge-based questions was 42.6% (SD 3.96%) with the lowest performance observed in patient demographic and clinical recognition items. CONCLUSIONS: General practitioners lack confidence in the recognition and management of DCM. These findings are consistent with the diagnostic delays previously described in the literature at the primary care level. Further work to develop and implement educational interventions to general practitioner practices is a crucial step to improving patient outcomes in DCM

The significance of metabolic disease in degenerative cervical myelopathy: a systematic review.

Peer reviewed: TrueINTRODUCTION: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a form of chronic spinal cord injury, with a natural history of potential for progression over time. Whilst driven by mechanical stress on the spinal cord from degenerative and congenital pathology, the neurological phenotype of DCM is likely to be modified by multiple systemic factors. The role of metabolic factors is therefore of interest, particularly given that ischaemia is considered a key pathological mechanism of spinal cord injury. The objective was therefore to synthesise current evidence on the effect of metabolism on DCM susceptibility, severity, and surgical outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review in MEDLINE and Embase was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Full-text papers in English, with a focus on DCM and metabolism, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, anaemia, and lipid profile, were eligible for inclusion. Risk of methodological bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical assessment tools. Quality assessments were performed using the GRADE assessment tool. Patient demographics, metabolic factors and the relationships between metabolism and spinal cord disease, spinal column disease and post-operative outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 8,523 papers were identified, of which 57 met criteria for inclusion in the final analysis. A total of 91% (52/57) of included papers assessed the effects of diabetes in relation to DCM, of which 85% (44/52) reported an association with poor surgical outcomes; 42% of papers (24/57) discussed the association between cardiovascular health and DCM, of which 88% (21/24) reported a significant association. Overall, DCM patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease experienced greater perioperative morbidity and poorer neurological recovery. They were also more likely to have comorbidities such as obesity and hyperlipidaemia. CONCLUSION: Metabolic factors appear to be associated with surgical outcomes in DCM. However, evidence for a more specific role in DCM susceptibility and severity is uncertain. The pathophysiology and natural history of DCM are critical research priorities; the role of metabolism is therefore a key area for future research focus. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021268814.BMD is supported by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship. ODM is supported by an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship. Research in the MRK’s laboratory is supported by a core support grant from the Wellcome Trust and MRC to the Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute. MRNK is supported by a NIHR Clinician Scientist Award, CS-2015-15-023

The impact of phosphodiesterase inhibition on neurobehavioral outcomes in preclinical models of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury: a systematic review

Peer reviewed: TrueAcknowledgements: We gratefully acknowledge support from the Cambridge NIHR Brain Injury MedTech Cooperative.Study designSystematic review.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors on neurobehavioral outcomes in preclinical models of traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsA systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019150639). Searches were performed in MEDLINE and Embase. Studies were included if they evaluated the impact of PDE inhibitors on neurobehavioral outcomes in preclinical models of traumatic or non-traumatic SCI. Data were extracted from relevant studies, including sample characteristics, injury model, and neurobehavioral assessment and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE checklist.ResultsThe search yielded a total of 1,679 studies, of which 22 met inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 11 to 144 animals. PDE inhibitors used include rolipram (n = 16), cilostazol (n = 4), roflumilast (n = 1), and PDE4-I (n = 1). The injury models used were traumatic SCI (n = 18), spinal cord ischemia (n = 3), and degenerative cervical myelopathy (n = 1). The most commonly assessed outcome measures were Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor score (n = 13), and grid walking (n = 7). Of the 22 papers that met the final inclusion criteria, 12 showed a significant improvement in neurobehavioral outcomes following the use of PDE inhibitors, four papers had mixed findings and six found PDE inhibitors to be ineffective in improving neurobehavioral recovery following an SCI. Notably, these findings were broadly consistent across different PDE inhibitors and spinal cord injury models.ConclusionIn preclinical models of traumatic and non-traumatic SCI, the administration of PDE inhibitors appeared to be associated with statistically significant improvements in neurobehavioral outcomes in a majority of included studies. However, the evidence was inconsistent with a high risk of bias. This review provides a foundation to aid the interpretation of subsequent clinical trials of PDE inhibitors in spinal cord injury.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=150639, identifier: CRD42019150639.</jats:sec