Assessing the effect of Dexmedetomidine Dosages on Short-Term Cognitive Function in Geriatric Patients undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

Background: Geriatric patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery often face cognitive challenges postoperatively. The study aims to assess the impact of varying dosages of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on short-term cognitive function in this vulnerable population. Methods: A prospective study was conducted, and patients were divided into two groups based on DEX infusion rates. Inclusion criteria encompassed specified surgical regions, while exclusion criteria ensured study population homogeneity. Data on demographics, medical history, surgical details, and DEX infusion were collected. Short-term cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) on postoperative Day 2. Results: Ninety participants were enrolled, with Group A (lower DEX rates, n=40) and Group B (higher DEX rates, n=50). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Mean MMSE scores were significantly higher in Group A (27.5, 95% CI: 26.8-28.2) compared to Group B (26.0, 95% CI: 25.3-26.7) (p < 0.05). Incidence of postoperative delirium was lower in Group A (10%) than Group B (20%) (p = 0.12). Hemodynamic stability and pain scores were similar between groups. Conclusion: Lower DEX infusion rates were associated with better short-term cognitive function in geriatric patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore potential mechanisms underlying cognitive effects. Recommendations: Based on these findings, clinicians may consider adjusting DEX infusion rates to optimize cognitive outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing similar surgical procedures

Comparative Evaluation of Oral Aprepitant vs. Injection Palonosetron for Preventing Post-operative Nausea and Vomiting in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients under General Anaesthesia: A Randomized Trial

Background: Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are common and distressing complications in individuals undergoing surgical procedures, particularly laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Effective management of PONV is crucial for patient comfort, quicker recovery, and reduced healthcare costs. This study focused to compare the efficacy of oral aprepitant and injection palonosetron in preventing PONV in such surgical settings. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 120 participants undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Individuals were divided into three groups: Group A (oral aprepitant), Group P (injection palonosetron), and Group C (placebo). The occurrence of nausea and vomiting was monitored at various intervals post-surgery, and statistical analysis was performed to estimate the efficacy of the treatments. Results: While all groups demonstrated some effectiveness in preventing nausea, with no significant statistical differences, Group A (Aprepitant) showed a significantly higher efficacy in preventing vomiting compared to Groups P and C. Aprepitant was notably more effective, suggesting its superiority as an antiemetic in this surgical context. Conclusion: Aprepitant emerges as a potentially more effective antiemetic agent for preventing vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, compared to palonosetron and placebo. Recommendations: Future research should focus on optimizing antiemetic regimens tailored to individual patient needs and specific surgical procedures. Further studies are also recommended to explore the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of using aprepitant in perioperative care

ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE DOSAGES ON SHORT-TERM COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEAD AND NECK CANCER SURGERY: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background. Geriatric patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery often face cognitive challenges postoperatively. The study aims to evaluate the impact of varying dosages of Dexmedetomidine (DEX) on short-term cognitive function in this vulnerable population. Methods. A prospective study was carried out, and patients were divided into two groups based on DEX infusion rates. Inclusion criteria encompassed specified surgical regions, while exclusion criteria ensured study population homogeneity. Data on demographics, medical history, surgical details, and DEX infusion were collected. Short-term cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) on postoperative Day 2.  Results. Ninety participants were enrolled, with Group A (lower DEX rates, n=40) and Group B (higher DEX rates, n=50). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Mean MMSE scores were considerably higher in Group A (27.5, 95% CI: 26.8-28.2) compared to Group B (26.0, 95% CI: 25.3-26.7) (p < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative delirium was lower in Group A (10%) than in Group B (20%) (p = 0.12). Hemodynamic stability and pain scores were similar between groups.  Conclusion. Lower DEX infusion rates were associated with better short-term cognitive function in geriatric patients undertaking head and neck cancer surgery. However, further research is needed to validate these findings and explore potential mechanisms underlying cognitive effects.  Recommendations. Based on these findings, clinicians may consider adjusting DEX infusion rates to optimize cognitive outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing similar surgical procedures

Prevalence of overt and subclinical thyroid dysfunction among women and its effects on maternal and fetal outcome

Background: Objective of present study was to determine the current prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in normal pregnant women and to study the impact of thyroid dysfunction on maternal and fetal outcome.Methods: 400 pregnant women between 13 and 26 weeks of gestation were registered for the study. Apart from routine obstetrical investigations, TSH tests were done. Free T4 and anti-TPO antibody tests were done in patients with deranged TSH. Patients were followed up till delivery. Their obstetrical and perinatal outcomes were noted.Results: The prevalence of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism was and 1.25%, respectively. Adverse maternal effects in overt hypothyroidism included preeclampsia (16.6 vs. 7.8%) and placental abruption (16.6 vs. 0.8%). Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with preeclampsia (22.3 vs. 7.8%) as compared to the euthyroid patients. Adverse fetal outcome in overt hypothyroidism  included spontaneous abortion (16.6 vs. 2.39%), preterm birth (33.3 vs. 5.8%), low birth weight (50 vs. 12.11%), intrauterine growth retardation (25 vs. 4.9%), and fetal death (16.6 vs.7%) as compared to the euthyroid women. Adverse fetal outcomes in subclinical hypothyroidism included spontaneous abortion (5.5 vs. 2.39%), preterm delivery (11.2 vs. 5.8%), low birth weight (25 vs. 12.11%), and intrauterine growth retardation (8.4 vs. 4.9%) as compared to the euthyroid women.Conclusions: The prevalence of thyroid disorders was high in our study with associated adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Routine screening of thyroid dysfunction is recommended to prevent adverse fetal and maternal outcome

Zrównoważone źródła utrzymania Fundacji Rozwoju Obszarów Wiejskich jako droga do zrównoważonego rozwoju

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate and analyse the significance of the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) and its application to rural development projects and policies. A literature review is conducted, with the primary focus being on the primary components of the SLA. The researchers noted that the SLA effectively interrogates the livelihoods of the poor and the various mechanisms in the approach. These mechanisms include all forms of capital, the vulnerability aspect, livelihood strategies, and outcomes, as well as the different laws and regulations governing the access and use of resources. The research also noted that the SLA effectively addresses the poor’s vulnerabilities. Scholarly heavy hitters like Chambers and Scoones (1992) have pointed out that this method is all-encompassing and hierarchical. The methodology has demonstrated in a theoretical sense that it is beneficial in understanding the livelihoods problem of the less fortunate in rural communities. It is strongly suggested that the government and its development partners adopt and incorporate the SLA into their policies to ensure sustainable livelihoods leading to sustainable development.Głównym celem tego badania jest ocena i analiza znaczenia zrównoważonych źródeł utrzymania (SLA) i ich zastosowania w projektach i politykach rozwoju obszarów wiejskich. Przegląd literatury skupia się przede wszystkim na głównych składnikach umowy SLA. Zauważono, że SLA skutecznie bada źródła utrzymania ubogich i różne mechanizmy w tym podejściu. Mechanizmy te obejmują wszystkie formy kapitału, aspekt podatności na zagrożenia, strategie utrzymania i wyniki, a także różne prawa i regulacje regulujące dostęp do zasobów i korzystanie z nich. W badaniu zauważono również, że umowa SLA skutecznie eliminuje słabe punkty biednych. Badacze, tacy jak Chambers i Scoones (1992), zwrócili uwagę, że ta metoda obejmuje całość problematyki i jest hierarchiczna. Od strony teoretycznej wykazano, że jest ona korzystna dla zrozumienia problemu środków do życia osób mniej szczęśliwych w społecznościach wiejskich. Stanowczo zaleca się, aby rząd i jego partnerzy rozwojowi przyjęli i włączyli umowę SLA do swoich polityk w celu zapewnienia zrównoważonych źródeł utrzymania prowadzących do zrównoważonego rozwoju

Development of Virtual Resistance Meters using LabVIEW

This paper presents the development of three virtual resistance meters using LabVIEW. The unknown resistance is measured in terms of a known resistance of high accuracy by employing (a) a real dc voltage source, (b) a real dc current source, and (c) a virtual dc voltage source. In each case, ratio of two voltage signals is acquired by a single-ADC based multichannel data acquisition card. Therefore error of the ADC gets cancelled, when ratio of two voltages is used in the final calculation of the value of unknown resistance. The first two VRMs use a real excitation source and are thus semi-virtual instruments, whereas the third one is fully-virtual as the excitation source is also implemented in the LabVIEW software along with DAC section of the data acquisition card. The three virtual resistance meters have been successfully implemented. The principle of ratio-metric measurement used makes the accuracy (uncertainty) of final measurement free from the uncertainties of the ADC, the DAC and the excitation source. Standard deviations of the readings taken with the three VRMs have been evaluated and compared. It is concluded that the fully-virtual instrument has the lowest and excellent value of standard deviation

Cellular and Molecular Impact of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Toxicity and biocompatibility of silver nanoparticles are of a major concern due to their extensive production regardless of their application in current industries. Information about toxicology or biocompatibility is crucial regarding their proper utilization and application in clinical as well as environmental aspect. This chapter describes in detail about the different techniques and technology of synthesis of silver nanoparticles and explains their different physiochemical properties in context of the current research scenario. Further, it also explains the biocompatibility and toxicity of silver nanoparticles at cellular and molecular aspects. The mechanism of their toxicity has been described keeping in view of the recent research done. In brief, it reveals detail knowledge of the cellular and molecular impact of silver nanoparticles

Nitrogen Deprivation-Induced Production of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Arachidonic-Acid-Accumulating Microalga Lobosphaera incisa Underpins Their Role as ROS Scavengers and Chemical Messengers

Funding Information: PK and AC acknowledged the Blaustein Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Blaustein Center for Scientific Cooperation (BGU). We are grateful to Noga Sikron Peres for her help with the GC-MS analysis. VT was the chair of Sonnenfeldt-Goldman Career Development in Desert Research. Funding. This work was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Space, Israel (grant number 3-12422).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Heat-Stress Responses Differ among Species from Different ‘Bangia’ Clades of Bangiales (Rhodophyta)

Acknowledgments: We are grateful to Hiromi Nakao from Betsukai Fishery Cooperative, Shyoichi Itakura from the Hiyama Fisheries Extension Office, Yoshitomo Hamaya from the Esashi Branch of the Fisheries Co-operative Association of Hiyama, and Hidehiko Sasaki from the Main Branch of the Fisheries Co-operative Association of Hiyama for permission and support in collecting seaweed on Kamomejima Island in Esasi. We also thank Ryunosuke Irie for technical assistance in phylogenetic analysis, Chengze Li for the maintenance of ‘Bangia’ sp. ESS2, and Yuji Hiwatashi for technical assistance in microscopic observation. Ho Viet Khoa was supported by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. Puja Kumari is an International Research Fellow supported by JSPS with Postdoctoral Fellowship for Research in Japan (Standard). We also thank Hiroyuki Mizuta for permission of Ho Viet Khoa to study in the Miyagi UniversityPeer reviewedPublisher PD