End-group effects on the properties of PEG-co-PGA hydrogels

A series of resorbable poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(glycolic acid) (PEG-co-PGA, 4KG5) macromonomers have been synthesized with the chemistries from three different photopolymerizable end-groups (acrylates, methacrylates and urethane methacrylates). The aim of the study is to examine the effects of the chemistry of the cross-linker group on the properties of photocross-linked hydrogels. 4KG5 hydrogels were prepared by photopolymerization with high vinyl group conversion as confirmed by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry using a 1D diffusion-ordered spectrometry pulse sequence. Our study reveals that the nature of end-groups in a moderately amphiphilic polymer can adjust the distribution and size of the micellar configuration in water, leading to changes in the macroscopic structure of hydrogels. By varying the chemistry of the cross-linker group (diacrylates (DA), dimethacrylates (DM) and urethane dimethacrylates (UDM)), we determined that the hydrophobicity of a single core polymer consisting of poly(glycolic acid) could be fine-tuned, leading to significant variations in the mechanical, swelling and degradation properties of the gels. In addition, the effects of cross-linker chemistry on cytotoxicity and proliferation were examined. Cytotoxicity assays showed that the three types of hydrogels (4KG5 DA, DM and UDM) were biocompatible and the introduction of RGD ligand enhanced cell adhesion. However, differences in gel properties and stability differentially affected the spreading and proliferation of myoblast C2C12 cells.     

Comparative assessment of dentition status among poliomyelitis children in Udaipur,India

To determine and compare the dental caries experience and treatment needs of children with Poliomyelitis at Udaipur, India. Total sample comprised of 344 children with Poliomyelitis (upper limb disability: 33.4%; lower limb disability: 33.7%; both upper and lower limb disability: 32.8%) in the age group of 12–15 years. Clinical examination included recording Dentition Status and Treatment Needs. Chi‐square test, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple logistic and stepwise linear regressions were used for statistical analysis. The mean decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) score (4.47 ± 3.09) was found to be highest among children with Poliomyelitis having both upper and lower limb impairment (p < .05). Stepwise and logistic regression analysis showed that the best predictors for dental caries were disability, socioeconomic status and snacks in between meals. A significant relationship of dental caries with limb involved in impairment draws immediate attention for a planned approach in improving the oral health.     

Mental health impact of the Middle East respiratory syndrome,SARS, and COVID-19: A comparative systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUNDOver the last few decades, 3 pathogenic pandemics have impacted the global population; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. The global disease burden has attributed to millions of deaths and morbidities, with the majority being attributed to SARS-CoV-2. As such, the evaluation of the mental health (MH) impact across healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients and the general public would be an important facet to evaluate to better understand short, medium and long-term exposures. AIMTo identify and report: (1) MH conditions commonly observed across all 3 pandemics; (2) Impact of MH outcomes across HCPs, patients and the general public associated with all 3 pandemics; and (3) The prevalence of the MH impact and clinical epidemiological significance.METHODSA systematic methodology was developed and published on PROSPERO (CRD42021228697). The databases PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used as part of the data extraction process, and publications from January 1, 1990 to August 1, 2021 were searched. MeSH terms and keywords used included Mood disorders, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Psychological stress, Psychosis, Bipolar, Mental Health, Unipolar, Self-harm, BAME, Psychiatry disorders and Psychological distress. The terms were expanded with a ‘snowballing’ method. Cox-regression and the Monte-Carlo simulation method was used in addition to I² and Egger’s tests to determine heterogeneity and publication bias. RESULTSIn comparison to MERS and SARS-CoV, it is evident SAR-CoV-2 has an ongoing MH impact, with emphasis on depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSIONIt was evident MH studies during MERS and SARS-CoV was limited in comparison to SARS-CoV-2, with much emphasis on reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and sleep disturbances. The lack of comprehensive studies conducted during previous pandemics have introduced limitations to the “know-how” for clinicians and researchers to better support patients and deliver care with limited healthcare resources.     

Glaucoma and optical coherence tomography changes in migraine: A comparative cross-sectional study

Purpose:To study the prevalence of glaucoma among adults with migraine and the effect of migraine on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and central macular thickness (CMT) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) compared to those without migraine headache, i.e. in tension-type headache (TTH) and normal group.Methods:One hundred and eleven patients (222 eyes) were recruited in three groups. migraine, TTH, and normal subjects visiting hospital outpatient services. After noting demographic details and pertinent history, ophthalmological evaluation including optic disc for glaucomatous changes along with computerized visual field testing and OCT for pRNFL thickness and CMT was performed in all eyes. Continuous variables were compared using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test, while categorical variables including the association of glaucoma with migraine were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test.Results:Prevalence of glaucoma in migraine group (12.2%) was more than in comparison groups (6.8% in TTH, 4.1% in normal) which was however not significant (Fisher’s exact P = 0.207). Average pRNFL thickness (103.59 ± 12.82 μm) and thickness in nasal (90.49 ± 19.19 μm) and temporal quadrants (70.58 ± 16.13 μm) and CMT (213.78 ± 19.81 μm) were significantly reduced (ANOVA P < 0.05) in migraine patients when compared to the other groups and this was independent of the presence of glaucoma.Conclusion:Prevalence of glaucoma is not significantly higher in migraine patients. However, migraine causes thinning of retinal layers on OCT that is statistically significant.     

Modified formulation of CPDA for storage of whole blood, and of SAGM for storage of red blood cells, to maintain the concentration of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A dramatic decrease in the level of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) takes place during the storage of whole blood (WB) in CPDA (citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine) and a similar decrease occurs during the storage of red blood cells (RBCs) in SAGM (saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol). The aim of the present study was to prevent this decrease by modifying CPDA and SAGM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pH of WB anticoagulant or RBC preservative solution was maintained at 7.6 by autoclaving the dextrose solution separately, by incorporating ascorbic acid and nicotinic acid into both CPDA and SAGM (to produce modified CPDA and SAGM solutions), and by reducing the concentration of adenine and adding citrate to the modified SAGM solution. The concentration of 2,3-DPG in WB after 28 days of storage in modified CPDA, and in RBCs stored in modified SAGM, was compared with that in WB or RBCs stored in unmodified solutions. RESULTS: The initial 2,3-DPG levels were maintained after 28 days in the modified formulations [10.63 +/- 2.58 microM/g of haemoglobin (Hb) in the case of modified CPDA and 12.07 +/- 1.47 microM/g of Hb in the case of modified SAGM], whereas in standard CPDA and SAGM solutions, the concentration of 2,3-DPG decreased to very low levels (0.86 +/- 0.97 microM/g Hb for CPDA and 0.12 +/- 0.008 for SAGM). CONCLUSIONS: Our modification in the formulation of CPDA or SAGM is effective in arresting the dramatic decrease in the level of 2,3-DPG that occurs during storage of WB and RBCs in unmodified solutions.