Education Programs for Invasive Procedures Involving Nurses: A Scoping Review

Background: Implementing invasive procedures is an important part of patient management by clinical nurses;however, there are gaps between nurses’ actual knowledge and skills and expected professional care capacity. Purpose: This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature related to recent institution-provided educational programs for invasive procedures involving clinical nurses. This study seeks to understand the contents of educational programs and the methods for assessing educational effects. Methods: This scoping review was completed using the following four databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane Library, and Emcare for the period 2000-2022. We included studies that used all forms of educational approaches (e.g., didactic lectures, hands-on training, or on-the-job training). This scoping review considered peer-reviewed publications published in English using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed approaches. A total of 83 studies underwent in the final analysis. Results and Conclusion: A combination of didactic lectures and hands-on training was provided as an educational program in most studies. Contrary to our prediction, educational interventions with advanced technologies such as VR are extremely rare, suggesting that the effectiveness of advanced technologies in learning invasive procedures should be examined to facilitate and retain educational effects more efficiently in future studies. Regarding the assessment of educational effects, nurses’ cognitive (i.e., theoretical knowledge about procedures), psychomotor (i.e., implementing procedures), and psychological aspects (e.g., confidence and self-efficacy in procedures) were evaluated using questionnaires and observational methods. While most studies used a one-group pretest-posttest design, the ratio of randomized controlled trials (RCT) was relatively low. Thus, an RCT design should be introduced in future studies to test the validity of the developed educational program more accurately.

Invasive Procedures for Prenatal Diagnosis in Salmaniya Medical Complex in Bahrain: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Background: Prenatal diagnosis is the process of evaluating the presence of disease or potential disease in the fetus, this enables families to be better prepared before the birth of the baby. There are non-invasive prenatal diagnosis procedures and invasive prenatal diagnosis procedures. The invasive prenatal diagnosis procedures are CVS (chorionic villus sampling) and amniocentesis. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that invasive diagnostic testing should be available to all women, regardless of age or risk. Objective: To determine the indications, outcome and results of diagnostic invasive prenatal procedures. Study setting: The obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Salmaniya Medical Complex in Kingdom of Bahrain. Study design: Retrospective descriptive study. Study subjects and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted on 175 pregnant women who underwent invasive prenatal procedures (CVS and amniocentesis) between January 2013 and December 2018 at SMC in Kingdom of Bahrain. All medical records of the participants were reviewed and entered the study. According to the implemented procedures, medical records were categorized into two chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and amniocentesis groups. The study subject will include indications of the procedures which are advanced maternal age, hematological disorders, genetic disorders, metabolic disorders, abnormal structural findings in fetal ultrasound and previous child with aneuploidy. In addition, the study will address the complications, outcome and results of procedures. Results: About half of our indications of the procedures were due to hematological disorders (47.6%) followed by abnormal structural findings in fetal ultrasound (30.1%) then genetic disorders (15.7%), metabolic disorders (4.8%) and advanced maternal age (1.8%). Regarding complications of the procedure;threatened miscarriage or loss of pregnancy within 3 weeks was (2.3%), amniotic fluid leakage (0.7%), abdominal cramps (0.7%) and Insufficient or contaminated sample (6.2%). Regarding outcome of the pregnancy, our results showed that the loss of pregnancy was (4.8%), intrauterine fetal death or still birth was (13.9%), live birth was (63.9%), preterm delivery was (7.8%), preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) was (1.8%), limbs reduction was (0.0%). Termination of pregnancy outside the country was (7.8%) of chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. Conclusion: CVS and amniocentesis are useful outpatient procedures to detect diagnosis or to assess whether a patient is at increased risk of having an affected fetus and that will minimize the psychological impact on the patient and to provide a proper antenatal care to the pregnant women by her obstetrician and follow up to the baby by pediatrician. In this study it was observed that most of the patients who underwent the procedure were couples either carrier or affected to sickle cell disease or Beta thalassemia.

Coordinated Mining Procedures of Open Pit Mines Based on River Management

This paper primarily concerns the effective coordination of the procedures and methods employed in open pit mining operations under the background of river management.The central objective of this study is to identify a viable approach for ensuring rational and efficient development of open pit mineral resources while simultaneously protecting and restoring the ecological environment of the river.This approach should facilitate the realization of a harmonious symbiosis between mining and river management.The intricate mutual influence relationship between river management and open pit mining is first analyzed in depth,which provides a solid foundation for the subsequent coordination strategy development.In light of the aforementioned considerations,a set of coordination procedures for open pit mining based on river management conditions is proposed.These procedures emphasize the integration of river protection into the overall layout of mining at the planning stage.The implementation of scientific mining schemes,accompanied by rigorous control of the scope and depth of mining operations,has proven to be an effective means of reducing the impact of mining activities on river environments.This approach has also facilitated the achievement of a balance and coordination between mining and river management.

Operating procedures of traditional Chinese medicine breast massage

Traditional Chinese medicine breast massage,also known as breast Tuina or manual expression of breast milk,is a technique of using certain manipulations to act on specific positions or acupoints of the breast to promote blood and lymphatic circulation of breast and facilitate the discharge of stagnant milk.This technique is widely used in China to treat breastfeeding problems such as breast engorgement,mastitis,and postpartum hypogalactia.In this article,we introduce the definition and standardization process of breast massage,elaborate the operating procedures of breast massage in detail,and summarize and discuss the current situation of its clinical application,so as to provide a reference for its wide application and in‑depth research.

Evaluation of Procedural Pain in Neonates in Cameroon

Introduction: Acute pain associated with caregiving is a major cause of pain among neonates. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term neurosensory and psychoaffective consequences. In Cameroon, this subject has been scarcely explored, thus constituting an impediment to the management of care-induced pain. Objective: Assess procedural pain in neonates in Yaoundé. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study with prospective data collection over a period of eight months (October 2022 to May 2023) in three hospitals. We included neonates who were being cared for and were not crying prior to the onset of healthcare, whose parents consented to the study. Assessments were done using the DAN scale, which is specific to care-induced pain. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software. Results: A total of 161 newborns were included. The hospital prevalence of care-induced pain in neonates was 85%. Neonatal sepsis was the main cause for admission (96.6%). The most common procedures were venous blood sampling (94.4%) and insertion of peripheral venous lines (93.8%). The pain intensity for these procedures was severe (83.9%). The most painful procedure was lumbar tap, followed by venous access procedures. Conclusion: Neonates in hospitals are subjected to many painful procedures. The pain experienced during these procedures is severe. The most nociceptive procedure is a lumbar puncture.

Is it necessary to stop glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists prior to endoscopic procedure? A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists(GLP-1 RA)are effective in diabetes and obesity,reducing hyperglycemia by increasing insulin release and delaying gastric emptying.However,they can cause gastroparesis,raising concerns about aspiration during procedures.Recent guidelines advise discontinuing GLP-1 RA before surgery to reduce the risk of pulmonary aspiration.AIM To evaluate the effect of GLP-1 RAs on gastric residual contents during endosco-pic procedures.METHODS A retrospective chart review at BronxCare Health System,New York,from January 2019 to October 2023,assessed gastric residue and aspiration in GLP-1 RA patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.Two groups were compared based on dietary status before the procedure.Data included demographics,symptoms of gastroparesis,opiate use,hemoglobin A1c,GLP-1 agonist indication,endo-scopic details,and aspiration occurrence.IBM SPSS was used for analysis,cal-culating means,standard deviations,and applying Pearson’s chi-square and t-tests for associations,with P<0.05 as being significant.RESULTS During the study,306 patients were included,with 41.2%on a clear liquid/low residue diet and 58.8%on a regular diet before endoscopy.Most patients(63.1%)were male,with a mean age of 60±12 years.The majority(85.6%)were on GLP-1 RAs for diabetes,and 10.1%reported digestive symptoms before endoscopy.Among those on a clear liquid diet,1.5%had residual food at endoscopy compared to 10%on a regular diet,which was statistically significant(P=0.03).Out of 31 patients with digestive symptoms,13%had residual food,all from the regular diet group(P=0.130).No complications were reported during or after the procedures.CONCLUSION The study reflects a significant rise in GLP-1 RA use for diabetes and obesity.A 24-hour liquid diet seems safe for endoscopic procedures without aspiration.Patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms might have a higher residual food risk,though not statistically significant.Further research is needed to assess risks based on diabetes duration,gastroparesis,and GLP-1 RA dosing,aiming to minimize interruptions in therapy during procedures.

Endoscopic clipping of gastrojejunostomy leakage following Whipple procedure: A case report

BACKGROUND Currently,perioperative complications of classic Whipple surgery occur at a rate of approximately 40%.Common complications include delayed gastric emptying,pancreatic fistula,and bile leakage,whereas gastrojejunostomy(GJ)leakage is rare.CASE SUMMARY This case report will assess the management of a GJ leak in a 71-year-old male patient following the Whipple procedure.After surgery,the patient was trans-ferred to the clinic after four days of intensive care,where vacuum therapy was used to handle a developing subcutaneous collection.The patient,who had bile in the drains and incision during follow-up,underwent endoscopic examination on the 21st day after the operation.An opening of approximately 4 mm was observed in the GJ anastomosis during endoscopy.Five titanium clips were used to close the openings.The drainage of bile decreased to less than 50 mL on the first day after the procedure,and the patient's oral intake was opened.CONCLUSION Current literature reports a GJ leakage rate of 0.54%following Whipple surgery,with clinical findings lasting on average between 4-34 days.Surgery was the main form of therapy for this case,with a success rate of 84%,and percutaneous drai-nage was also utilized as a treatment option.This case report is the first to docu-ment endoscopic treatment of GJ leaks following the classic Whipple procedure.

Hysteroscopic cervical biopsy for women with persistent human papillomavirus infection after loop electrosurgical excision procedure: A case report

BACKGROUNDAlmost all cases of cervical cancer can be attributed to human papillomavirus(HPV) infection. The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is widelyused to treat HPV-mediated disease;thus, cervical cancer is highly preventable.However, LEEP does not necessarily clear HPV rapidly and may affect theaccuracy of the results of ThinPrep cytology test (TCT) and cervical biopsy due tothe formation of cervical scars.CASE SUMMARYA 40-year-old woman underwent LEEP for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade1 approximately 10 years ago. Subsequent standard cervical cancer screeningsuggested persistent HPV-52 infection, but TCT results were negative. Cervicalbiopsy under colposcopy was performed thrice over a 10-year period, yieldingnegative pathology results. She developed abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexualactivity, persisting for approximately 1 year, and underwent hysteroscopy in ourhospital. Histopathologic evaluation confirmed adenocarcinoma in situ of theuterine cervix.CONCLUSIONPatients with long-term persistent, high-risk HPV infection and negative pathologyresults of cervical biopsy after LEEP are at risk of cervical cancer. Hysteroscopicresection of cervical canal tissue is recommended as a supplement tocervical biopsy because it helps define the lesion site and may yield a pathologicdiagnosis.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Following Cryotherapy, Thermal Ablation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treatment: A Pilot Study among Zambian Women

Background: Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatments have become essential interventions to manage cervical lesions. Majority of the recipients of these treatments are women within the reproductive age group, who according to literature may be at risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This pilot study is part of a study investigating adverse pregnancy outcomes among women who received Cryotherapy, Thermal ablation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure compared to the untreated women in Zambia. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study analyzed records of 886 (n = 443 treated and n = 443 untreated) women aged 15 - 49 years. The women were either screened with Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid or treated for Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia at the Adult Infectious Disease Centre between January 2010 and December 2020. Women meeting the criteria were identified using the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid screening records and telephone interviews to obtain the adverse pregnancy outcome experienced. Data were analysed using STATA version 16 to determine the prevalence and obtain frequency distribution of outcomes of interest. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression estimated odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes across the three treatments. Results: The respondents were aged 15 to 49 years. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed to be more prevalent in the treatment group (18.5%) compared to the untreated group (5.4%). Normal pregnancy outcomes were lower in the treated (46.3%;n = 443) than the untreated (53.7%;n = 443). The treated group accounted for the majority of abortions (85.2%), prolonged labour (85.7%) and low birth weight (80%), whereas, the untreated accounted for the majority of still births (72.7%). Women treated with cryotherapy (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.32 - 4.49, p = 0.004), thermal ablation (aOR = 6.37, 95% CI = 0.99 - 41.2, p = 0.052) and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (aOR = 9.67, 95% CI = 2.17 - 43.1, p = 0.003) had two-, six- and ten-times higher odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes respectively, relative to women who required no treatment. Conclusion: Adverse pregnancy outcomes are prevalent among women who have received treatment in Zambia. The findings indicate that treating Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia has been linked to higher chances of experiencing abortion, delivering low birth weight babies and enduring prolonged labor that may result in a caesarean section delivery. Cervical neoplasia treatments, particularly Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure, are associated with significantly increased odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is essential to include information about prior Cervical Intraepithelial neoplasia treatment outcomes in obstetric care.

Optimization of Open-cast Mining Procedure Based on RSR Method

To explore the optimal evaluation mechanism of open-cast mining procedure,this paper takes the actual operation status of Huolinhe No.1 Open-cast Mine as the research basis,and makes a deep analysis of the four representative mining procedures proposed by this mine.A detailed and comprehensive evaluation system is constructed using rank-sum ratio(RSR)method.The system covers 17 key indicators and aims to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each scheme in an all-round and multi-angle manner.Through the calculation and analysis by RSR method,the comprehensive evaluation of the four types of mining procedure schemes is carried out,and finally the secondary river improvement project is determined as the optimal mining implementation scheme,and the joint mining scheme of the south and north areas is the alternative strategy.The research results of this paper are objective,clear and definite,can not only reveal the effectiveness and feasibility of RSR method in solving the problem of open-cast mining procedure optimization,but also provide a strong technical support and decision-making basis for the future production development of Huolinhe No.1 Open-cast Mine.Thus,this study is expected to further promote the scientific and refined process of mining operations.

Clinical Study on the Treatment of Low Anal Fistula in Infants and Young Children by Anal Gland Excision and Virtual Hanging Procedure

Objective:To compare the efficacy of anal adenectomy with virtual hanging wire and anal fistulotomy in the treatment of low anal fistula in infants and children.Methods:60 children with low anal fistula who were admitted to our hospital from October 2021 to March 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups of 30 cases each;the treatment group was treated with anal adenectomy and virtual hanging wire surgery,and the control group was treated with anal fistula resection.The clinical efficacy after treatment was compared.Results:The total effective rate of both groups was 96.67%and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).The postoperative pain score of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The length of hospitalization and healing time of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).The anal function of the patients in both groups was normal,and there was no adverse reaction.Conclusion:Anal gland excision and virtual hanging surgery for the treatment of low anal fistula in infants and children have the advantages of mild pain,reduced length of hospitalization,short healing time,and better patient experience as compared to anal fistula excision.

Surgical Approaches in Primary Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Vitrectomy vs. Vitrectomy Combined with Scleral Buckling, Lens-Sparing vs. Phako Procedures

Aim: This study aimed to assess and compare the functional and anatomical results of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) alone versus PPV combined with scleral buckling (SB), and lens-sparing versus phaco-procedures for treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to retrieve comparative studies. The main objective was to assess the BCVA, while reattachment rates and ocular adverse events were considered secondary measures. Rev Manager software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The literature search identified 10 articles comprising 1518 eyes, with 682 eyes in the PPV group, 193 eyes in the lens-sparing versus phaco-procedure group, and 643 eyes in the combined PPV and SB surgery group. Quality assessment revealed a low risk of bias in most domains. The meta-analysis results revealed a significant difference in postoperative BCVA between the PPV and PPV combined with SB groups (WMD = −0.17, 95% CI [0.27, 0.07], p = 0.001). The primary reattachment rates were 82.80% for PPV alone and 87.52% for PPV combined with SB (p = 0.34). The final reattachment rates did not differ significantly between PPV and PPV combined with SB (99% vs. 99.8%;RR = 1.00, 95% CI [1.01, 0.99], p = 0.96). PPV alone demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of macular edema compared to PPV combined with scleral buckling (9.9% vs. 23%;p = 0.006). The incidences of macular hole development (p = 0.46), recurrent retinal detachment (p = 0.27), proliferative vitreoretinopathy development (p = 0.48), epiretinal membrane proliferation (p = 0.77), and limited choroidal hemorrhage (p = 0.69) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PPV alone may be a more effective treatment option in terms of visual acuity (VA) improvement, lower risk of macular edema and cataract development. However, there was no significant difference in VA improvement or complication rates between the lens-sparing and phaco-procedure groups. .

Effects of dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens supplementation on growth performance,intestinal morphology, inflammatory response, and microbiota of intra-uterine growth retarded weanling piglets

Background: The focus of recent research has been directed toward the probiotic potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens(BA) on the gut health of animals. However, little is known about BA's effects on piglets with intra-uterine growth retardation(IUGR). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of BA supplementation on the growth performance,intestinal morphology, inflammatory response, and microbiota of IUGR piglets.Methods: Eighteen litters of newborn piglets were selected at birth, with one normal birth weight(NBW) and two IUGR piglets in each litter(i.e., 18 NBW and 36 IUGR piglets in total). At weaning, the NBW piglet and one of the IUGR piglets were assigned to groups fed a control diet(i.e., the NBW-CON and IUGR-CON groups). The other IUGR piglet was assigned to a group fed the control diet supplemented with 2.0 g BA per kg of diet(i.e., IUGR-BA group). The piglets were thus distributed across three groups for a four-week period.Results: IUGR reduced the growth performance of the IUGR-CON piglets compared with the NBW-CON piglets. It was also associated with decreased vil us sizes, increased apoptosis rates, reduced goblet cel numbers, and an imbalance between pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the smal intestine. Supplementation with BA improved the average daily weight gain and the feed efficiency of the IUGR-BA group compared with the IUGR-CON group(P < 0.05). The IUGR-BA group exhibited increases in the ratio of jejunal vil us height to crypt depth, in ileal vil us height, and in ileal goblet cel density. They also exhibited decreases in the numbers of jejunal and ileal apoptotic cel s and ileal proliferative cel s(P < 0.05). Supplementation with BA increased interleukin 10 content, but it decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha level in the smal intestines of the IUGR-BA piglets(P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with the IUGR-CON piglets, the IUGR-BA piglets had less Escherichia coli in their jejunal digesta, but more Lactobacil us and Bifidobacterium in their ileal digesta(P < 0.05).Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with BA improves morphology, decreases inflammatory response, and regulates microbiota in the smal intestines of IUGR piglets, which may contribute to improved growth performance during early life.

Procedures for congenital choledochal cysts and curative effect analysis in adults

Objective: To evaluate the procedures and timing of operation as well as long-term postoperative effect of congenital choledochal cysts (CCC) in adults. Methods: The procedures and timing of operation, effective rate, re-operation rate and incidence of car- cinoma after operation for 70 adult patients with CCC from January 1980 to June 1999 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The re-operation rate of external drainage was 86% (6/7). The effective rate of internal drain- age was significantly lower than that of cyst resection (3/10 vs 45/49, X^2=20. 94, P<0.001). The re-op- eration rate and incidence of carcinoma of internal drainage were higher than those of cyst resection (5/ 10 vs 3/49, X^2=13. 64, P<0. 001 and 3/10 vs 3/49, X^2=5. 18, P<0. 025). The reoperation rate of e- mergency surgery was higher than that of selective operation (8/10 vs 6/56, X^2=24. 37, P<0.001). Conclusions: External drainage should be the first- aid measure and the therapy of choice on emergency basis. Internal drainage should never be attempted. Cyst resection with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy is recommended as the treatment of choice in selective operation.

The Procedures for Setting up an EOP Course for Nurses in Beijing Hospitals

In order to promote efficient communication between nurses in Beijing hospitals and foreign patients, EOP (English for Occupational Purposes) courses specifically for nurses are demanded. This paper introduces the main procedures for setting up an EOP course for nurses in Beijing.

Comparison of Two Procedures for Extraction and Clean-up of Organophosphorus and Pyrethroid Pesticides in Sediment

Two procedures were compared for extraction and clean-up of 20organophosphorus and 19 pyrethroid pesticides in sediment to identify the more effective procedurefor groups of pesticides or individual compounds. In Procedure I, methanol/water and n-hexane wereused for extraction, and 1:10 (v/v) dichloromethane in n-hexane and acetone were used as eluents foreluting the analyte through the cartridge, with one evaporating steps on a rotary evaporator andtwo eluting steps on the cartridge. n-hexane/acetone (2:1, v/v) was used for extraction and elutionin Procedure II with one evaporating step on a rotary evaporator and one eluting step on thecartridge. All extractions were performed under an ultrasonic bath and gas chromatography and massspectrometry were utilized for measurements. Procedure II was developed as a rapid, timesaving, lesscostly and safer substitute for Procedure I which was an old method. Procedure II was moreeffective for almost all the organophosphorus pesticides tested and 11of the 19 pyrethroidpesticides, while Procedure I was more appropriate for analysis of 5 pyrethroid pesticides. However,recoveries of most pyrethroid pesticides were fairly low. Thus, further studies should focus onadjustment and formulation of solvents for more efficient extraction and clean-up of pyrethroidpesticides from sediment samples.

Radiation exposure during image-guided endoscopic procedures: The next quality indicator for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is one of the most frequently used image-guided procedures in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Post-ERCP pancreatitis is an important concern, and prophylaxis, cannulation and other related technical procedures have been well documented by endoscopists. In addition, medical radiation exposure is of great concern in the general population because of its rapidly increasing frequency and its potential carcinogenic effects. International organizations and radiological societies have established diagnostic reference levels, which guide proper radiation use and serve as global standards for all procedures that use ionizing radiation. However, data on gastrointestinal fluoroscopic procedures are still lacking because the demand for these procedures has recently increased. In this review, we present the current status of quality indicators for ERCP and the methods for measuring radiation exposure in the clinical setting as the next quality indicator for ERCP. To reduce radiation exposure, knowledge of its adverse effects and the procedures for proper measurement and protection are essential. Additionally, further studies on the factors that affect radiation exposure, exposure management and diagnostic reference levels are necessary. Then, we can discuss how to manage medical radiation use inthese complex fluoroscopic procedures. This knowledge will help us to protect not only patients but also endoscopists and medical staff in the fluoroscopy unit.

Investigation on welding procedures for in-service pipelines

Some research results are given in this paper about burnthrough and hydrogen cracking with a flowing chamber and a loop. Many factors including plate thickness, running rate, heat input and so forth have been studied. By experiments it can be found that occurrence of hydrogen cracking can be effectively reduced by properly increasing heat input and using the tempering bead technique.

Impact of dietary L-arginine supply during early gestation on myofiber development in newborn pigs exposed to intra-uterine crowding

Background: Intra-uterine crowding(IUC) observed in hyperprolific sows impairs myofiber hyperplasia and overall fetal growth. Arginine supplementation(ARG) in gestation diets has been shown to positively affect litter and muscle development. The study objective was to assess whether the effect of ARG on offspring characteristics, with special emphasis on myofiber hyperplasia, differs under IUC conditions from these responses,because in that situation growth retardation is particularly prevalent due to reduced fetal nutrient supply.Unilateral oviduct ligation(OL) was used as a model for an uncrowded and hyperprolificacy(IN) as a model for a crowded intra-uterine environment.Methods: Five OL and five IN sows were fed a diet supplemented daily with either 43 g L-alanine(Ctrl) or 25 g L-arginine from d 14 to 28 of gestation in a cross-over design(two periods: 5^( th) and 6^( th) parity). At farrowing, two male and two female offspring, respectively, with a low and intermediate birth weight(BtW) were selected. After euthanization, the Semitendinosus muscle(STM) was removed and weighed, and the light and dark portions(STM_d and STM_l) were prepared for myofiber histochemistry using ATPase staining and the entire STM for gene expression analysis of myogenesis-related genes using RT-qPCR. In addition, various organs were removed and weighed. Data were analyzed using the MIXED model in SYSTAT.Results: No effect of either IUC or dietary treatment was found in litter characteristics. Offspring of ARG sows displayed a greater muscle area in STM(P < 0.01) as a result of the greater myofiber hyperplasia(P < 0.01). The increase was more distinct in the STM_l(P < 0.05) than in the STM_d(P = 0.131). Offspring of OL sows were heavier at birth(P < 0.01), had a heavier STM(P < 0.05), liver(P < 0.01) and kidney(P < 0.05), but when expressed relative to birth weight, these differences were absent. In addition, IUC had an effect(P < 0.05) on the expression of one of the myogenesis-related genes investigated.Conclusions: Independent from the extent of IUC, ARG improved Bt W, muscle and organ weights and myofiber hyperplasia in offspring.

Model for end-stage liver disease score versus Child score in predicting the outcome of surgical procedures in patients with cirrhosis

AIM： To determine factors affecting the outcome of patients with cirrhosis undergoing surgery and to compare the capacities of the Child-Turcotte-Pugh （CTP） and model for end-stage liver disease （MELD） score to predict that outcome. METHODS： We reviewed the charts of 195 patients with cirrhosis who underwent surgery at two teaching hospitals over a five-year period. The combined endpoint of death or hepatic decompensation was considered to be the primary endpoint. RESULTS： Patients who reached the endpoint had a higher MELD score, a higher CTP score and were more likely to have undergone an urgent procedure. Among patients undergoing elective surgical procedures, no statistically significant difference was noted in the mean MELD （12.8 ＋ 3.9 vs 12.6 ＋ 4.7, P = 0.9） or in the mean CTP （7.6 ± 1.2 vs 7.7 ± 1.7, P = 0.8） between patients who reached the endpoint and those who did not. Both mean scores were higher in the patients reaching the endpoint in the case of urgent procedures （MELD： 22.4 ± 8.7 vs 15.2 ± 6.4, P = 0.0007; CTP： 9.9 ± 1.8 vs 8.5 ± 1.8, P = 0.008）. The performances of the MELD and CTP scores in predicting the outcome of urgent surgery were only fair, without a significant difference between them （AUC = 0.755 ± 0.066 for MELD vs AUC = 0.696 ± 0.070 for CTP, P = 0.3）. CONCLUSION： The CTP and MELD scores performed equally, but only fairly in predicting the outcome of urgent surgical procedures. Larger studies are needed to better define the factors capable of predicting the outcome of elective surgical procedures in patients with cirrhosis.equally, but only fairly in predicting the outcome of urgent surgical procedures. Larger studies are needed to better define the factors capable of predicting the outcome of elective surgical procedures in patients with cirrhosis.