Does change in cervical dilation after anesthesia impact latency after cerclage placement?
Published on: 24th April, 2023
Background: Pregnant individuals with early cervical dilation have a high risk for preterm birth. The authors encountered cases where cervical dilation increased after anesthesia administration for a cerclage. Objective: The primary objective was to assess if a change in cervical dilation after anesthesia administration for a cerclage was associated with a shorter latency to delivery. Study design: This was a retrospective chart review of pregnancies from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2021, who had a cerclage and delivered at our institution. Maternal demographics, obstetrical history, operative details, and delivery information were collected. Multi-fetal gestations, un-indicated cerclages, and abdominal cerclages were excluded. The primary outcome was the difference in cervical dilation between the office and the operating room after spinal anesthesia administration. A multivariable regression was performed. Results: A total of 183 pregnancies were included. The mean gestational age at cerclage placement was 18 weeks (STDEV 3.6). Twenty-nine percent of patients (53/183) were more dilated in the operating room compared to the office The latency between cerclage and delivery was not different if there was a cervical change between these settings (p = 0.655). There was an increased risk for preterm delivery with dilation in the office (OR 1.01, CI 1.01 to 2.5), but not with dilation in the operating room (OR 1.4, CI 0.9 to 2.0). Conclusion: Cervical dilation between the office and the operating room is different. Pregnancies with more dilation delivered at earlier gestations. However, a change in dilation between the office and the operating room was not associated with a shorter latency.
The lateralization pattern has an influence on the severity of ankle sprains
Published on: 28th April, 2023
Study design: Descriptive study.Background: Many risk factors contributing to ankle sprains have been studied in medical literature with coordination and balance being two of the major endogenous factors described. These are influenced by lateralization – a developmental and adaptive ability determined by the asymmetrical construction of the human brain, with cross-laterality referring to mixed limb dominance.Objectives: To determine whether cross lateralization is a risk factor for the severity of ligamentous injuries in ankle sprains since no data is yet available on such correlation. Methods: Two hundred forty-four patients with acute ankle sprains (136 men and 108 women) were prospectively evaluated between April 2006 and March 2009. The mean age was 30 (ranging from 18 to 76). Clinical and ultrasonographic examinations were performed on the study subjects. Laterality was then assessed by the Coren questionnaire and the AOFAS score was calculated. Patients with syndesmotic injuries and fractures were excluded from the study. Those qualified were divided into straight and crossed groups, according to their laterality type. Results: One hundred forty-four patients displayed straight lateralization, while cross-laterality was found in 100 subjects. Patients in the crossed group experienced more multi-ligamentous injuries than those in the straight group (p = 0.02). Following trauma, a higher AOFAS score was attributed to subjects that displayed a straight lateralization pattern, in comparison to subjects presenting with crossed laterality (p = 0.04).Conclusion: Crossed lateralization is associated with higher severity of ligament injuries in ankle sprains and may be considered a risk factor for calcaneofibular ligament injuries.
The universal impossibility of photonic quantum nonlocality
Published on: 24th April, 2023
The theoretical concept of photonic quantum nonlocality cannot be implemented physically because of the quantum Rayleigh scattering of single photons. Physical scrutiny of landmark experiments (December 2015, M. Giustina, et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 250401, and L. K. Shalm, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 115, 250402) is undertaken. These articles reported that measured outcomes were fitted with quantum states possessing a dominant component of non-entangled photons, thereby contradicting their own claim of quantum nonlocality. With probabilities of photon detections lower than 0.1%, the alleged quantum nonlocality cannot be classified as a resource for developing quantum computing devices, despite recent publicity. Experimental evidence of a feasible process for quantum-strong correlations has been identified (M. Iannuzzi, et al., Phys. Lett. A, 384 (9), 126200, 2020) in terms of correlations between independent and multi-photon states evaluated as Stokes vectors on the Poincaré sphere. As single-photon sources are not needed, the design and implementation of quantum computing operations and other devices will be significantly streamlined.
Association between the victim’s menstrual cycle phase and genital injuries following sexual assault
Published on: 2nd May, 2023
Background: It is unknown what effect the menstrual cycle can have on the susceptibility to trauma following sexual assault. Objectives: To compare the incidence of genital injuries following sexual assault in women with relationship to the three phases of the menstrual cycleMethods: The design was a retrospective, cohort analysis set in a community-based nurse examiner program over a five-year study period. Sexual assault victims were between the ages of 13 - 40 years and agreed to a forensic examination. The menstrual cycle was divided into three phases: follicular, luteal and menses phase. The primary outcomes were the frequency and type of genital injuries documented in relation to the different phases of the menstrual cycle.Results: Case files of 1376 cases of sexual assault were reviewed; 682 (49.6%) met the inclusion criteria. A total of 220 victims (32.3%) were in the follicular phase, 361 (52.9%) were in the luteal phase and 101 (14.8%) were in the menses phase. The three groups were comparable in terms of demographics, assault characteristics, and overall frequency of non-genital injuries. Assault victims in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle had significantly more documented genital injuries (72.3%; 95% CI 66.4 - 78.2) compared to the luteal phase (64.0%; 95% CI 59.0 - 68.9) and the menses phase (58.4%; 95% CI 48.8 - 68.0). Conclusion: Forensic examiners documented more genital injuries in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Sex hormones may have confounding effects through influences on vaginal epithelial and mucosal integrity.
Design and construction of solar-powered smart garbage disposal unit
Published on: 9th June, 2023
Cities with developing economies experience exhausted waste collection services, and inadequately managed and uncontrolled dumpsites; which is an ongoing challenge and many struggles due to weak institutions and rapid urbanization. The purpose of the research is to design and construct a smart garbage disposal system using a two-way power supply unit (that is, the electrical power supply unit and solar power supply unit) based on Arduino Nano that utilizes ATMEGA 328p microcontroller. Two pairs of ultrasonic sensors, the pair that faced upward detects the presence of garbage disposal agent at a close distance of (5 - 50) cm and then opens the lid while the other pair faced the inside of the container senses when the container is filled up and then closes the container until it is emptied are used.
Perceptions of Adolescent Mothers on Feeding and Nutrition of their Children aged 0-3 Years in Rural Bangladesh
Published on: 16th June, 2023
Proper feeding practices at an early age are the key to improving a child’s overall health and achieving developmental milestones. In Bangladesh, a large portion of rural girls become mothers before the age of 18. Past records show that most interventions are designed to improve infant and young child feeding practices targeting older mothers. That is why, this study has been designed with an aim to explore the perceptions and practices of infant and young children feeding among rural Bangladeshi mothers aged <19 years old. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and group discussions with a total of 40 adolescent mothers who have children aged 0-3 years. Data has revealed that the majority of the mothers hold very limited knowledge of nutrition and child nutrition but those who are educationally a bit ahead hold a little better knowledge. Participants are aware of breastfeeding but they all misinterpret the term ‘exclusive breastfeeding’ with other liquid food. It has also emerged that most of the mothers know the ideal timing of starting complementary feeding but very few of them actually understand what to feed children. In spite of having misconceptions and superstation rural adolescent mothers practice responsive feeding instead of force-feeding. No gender discrimination has been found regarding child feeding. The findings of the study pinpointed that mothers are unable to practice proper infant and child feeding due to a lack of knowledge and limited affordability. Educating girls & young mothers and improving financial security could be an effective way to promote improved infant feeding practices.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Early and Evolution of Alzheimer’s Disease Detections and Enhancing Senior Mental Health through Innovative Art-Singing Therapies: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Published on: 28th June, 2023
The well-documented therapeutic potential of group singing for patients living with Alzheimer’s disease (PLAD) has been hindered by COVID-19 restrictions, exacerbating loneliness and cognitive decline among seniors in residential and long-term care centers (CHSLDs). Addressing this challenge, the multidisciplinary study aims to develop a patient-oriented virtual reality (XR) interaction system facilitating group singing for mental health support during confinement and enhancing the understanding of the links between Alzheimer’s disease, social interaction, and singing. The researchers also propose to establish an early AD detection system using voice, facial, and non-invasive biometric measurements and validate the efficacy of selected intervention practices. The methodology involves co-designing an intelligent environment with caregivers to support PLAD mental health through online group singing, addressing existing constraints in CHSLDs. The researchers will engage volunteers in remote singing interactions and validate the impact of voice stimulation for PLADs using a control group. The primary expected outcome is the development of an “Intelligent Learning Health Environment,” fostering interactions while adapting to individual PLAD situations and incrementally accumulating knowledge on AD signs. This environment will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technologies to promote non-verbal interactions via singing, enabling intervention at the first symptoms. Additionally, the research will contribute to transforming CHSLDs’ living environments, informed by neuroscience insights, and potentially extend the “collaborative self-care” approach to support seniors in aging safely and healthily at home.
Neonatal Mortality Rate among Twin and Singleton Births with the Gestational Age of 34-37 Weeks: A Population-Based Study
Published on: 28th June, 2023
Introduction: Twin pregnancy, compared to a singleton pregnancy, is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth and other neonatal complications. This study aimed to compare neonatal mortality rates and risk factors among births with the gestational age of 34 weeks - 37 weeks in twin and singleton pregnancies.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and population-based. We extracted the data from the birth information registry in Iran. Mothers' and neonates' information was removed from the registry systems between 2018 and 2020. We used Statistical R software to compare neonatal mortality rate, demographic variables, and risk factors between two groups of twin and singleton neonates.Results: Out of 579,873 live births with a gestational age of 34 weeks - 37 weeks, 729 (1.4/1000) singleton and 54(0.77/1000) twins (one out of two) neonates died in the delivery room in the first hour of life. Of the neonates who left the delivery room alive, 3129 (4.9 per 1000) neonates had died (5.7/1000 singleton and 3.04/1000 twin). The neonatal mortality rate in hospitalized singleton neonates (1.85%) was higher than twin group (1.06%). After adjustment of other variables, the mortality rate in twin pregnancy was significantly lower than in singletons (p value < 1/1000), with an odds ratio of 0.47 (CI: 0.39 - 0.55). Antenatal corticosteroid treatment in the twin group was significantly higher than in singletons.Conclusion: Twin neonatal mortality rate was lower than singletons in the neonates with gestational age 34 weeks - 37 weeks. Clinicians could consider these results for delivery timing in uncomplicated twin pregnancies. Antenatal corticosteroid therapy can be considered to reduce the mortality rate of late preterm neonates in resource-limited countries.
High Magnification in Dentistry; Postural Benefits using Magnification Loupes to Improve Dental Work Performance
Published on: 17th August, 2023
Stress, pain, injuries, and errors in dental procedures are situations highly linked to dentistry derived from multiple factors making this profession a profession with high physical and mental demand to achieve quality treatment without deteriorating the health of those who perform it, in this case, the dentist, the assistant, and hygienist.The effects of wrong postures, but above all, the lack of knowledge of the proper postures, the modeling of bad habits acquired during the training stage in dental school, and the lack of work guidelines that not only take into account the dentist but also to all the work staff and the methodological organization of dental tasks can be found in the scientific literature.Magnification devices are known to improve vision, precision, and ergonomics in dentistry; advances in the area of high magnification in dentistry are taking place by leaps and bounds. In recent years, a new magnification loupes design has appeared on the market, called ergonomic magnification loupes appeared that stands out from conventional Galilean and Keplerian through the lens (TTL) Flip-up loupes in terms of their postural benefits and is part of the arsenal of magnification loupes to consider in the market.The postural approach of high magnification equipment is necessary for professional practice, where the design of Ergonomic magnification loupes with consideration not only for magnification but also for the operator’s postural health which can have a significant impact on the performance and overall health of the dentist and hygienist, more if incorporated from the beginning of dental school education and training.
Environmental Modeling for Radiation Safety
Published on: 28th August, 2023
The newly launched IAEA project MEREIA (MEthods for Radiological and Environmental Impact Assessment; 2021- 2025), MEREIA continues some activities of previous IAEA exercises in the field of radioecological modelling and focuses on areas where the probabilistic approach determines the predictive capability of environmental models. The program offered the opportunity to set up well-designed and verified scenarios to collect and compare exposures predicted by particular models based on this scenario and then perform a validation study of contributing models. It consists of the comparison of model prediction with observed data or in the case where there is a lack of measurement data to perform a comparison within model prognoses. The previous international works have brought significant improvement in environmental modeling in terms of better understanding and mathematical description of complex physical and chemical phenomena that occur in various environmental media and also have promoted new areas for experimental investigations. The new experimental results yielded updated handbooks of a large number of environmental parameters for less-known elements. Moreover, the principal objective of the activities in environmental modelling was an integrated risk assessment of the reference group of population and biota associated with radionuclides releases from various kinds of nuclear facilities as from different types and power nuclear reactors, radioactive waste disposal and more complex nuclear research facility. This reflects recent international recommendations to extend protection against radiation hazards of humans to wildlife flora and fauna. However, the statistics supported knowledge on some essential environmental parameters still remain small. Therefore, one could be aware of some limitations of the probabilistic approach that required advanced methods of probabilistic prognosis Monte Carlo.
Impact of Biofertilizers & Different doses of NPK on Growth and Photosynthetic Pigments of Okra Plant (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench)
Published on: 1st September, 2023
Okra is an herbaceous hairy annual plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions around the world. The present work was carried out to study the effect of biofertilizers (Azotobacter + Bacillus) and different concentrations of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium i.e.NPK on growth and photosynthetic pigments of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). Okra can be named a multipurpose crop as its various parts such as leaves, buds, flowers, pods, stems and seeds can be used for different purposes [1]. Okra is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, oils, etc. Application of hazardous fertilizers causes a nutrient imbalance in soil, With respect to reducing the causes due to chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers are suited best to maintain higher productivity and yield of crops. Random block design (RBD) was selected as an experimental design. The treatments combination taken are T0- Control, T1- Azotobacter + 50% NPK, T2- Azotobacter (2.5 kg/ha) + 100% NPK, T3- Bacillus (2.5 kg/ha) + 50% NPK, T4- Bacillus (2.5 kg/ha) + 100% NPK, and T5 with NPK 100%. The final result revealed, that the treatment combination with Azotobacter + 100% NPK (T2) showed the highest value of plant height (65.60 cm), number of leaves per plant(62.36), number of flowers per plant (27.40), and also carotenoid content (2.82 mg/g), chlorophyll a(2.47 mg/g) and chlorophyll b(3.25 mg/g) were observed maximum. So, it can be concluded through this paper that the combination of Azotobacter 2.5 kg/ha + 100% NPK (T2) is suitable for the okra plant for better growth and enhancement of photosynthetic potential in-field practices.
Microbial Conversion and Utilization of CO2
Published on: 4th September, 2023
Rising greenhouse gas emissions have contributed to unprecedented levels of climate change, while microbial conversion and utilization of CO2 is a practical way to reduce emissions and promote green manufacturing. This article mainly summarizes several natural CO2 pathways that have been discovered, including the Calvin cycle, the reduced tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle, the Wood–Ljungdahl (WL) pathway, the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate (HP/HB) cycle, the dicarboxylate/4-hydroxybutyrate (DC/HB) cycle, the 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP) cycle, the reductive glycine (rGly) pathway, and artificially designed carbon fixation pathways includes the CETCH cycle, the MOG pathway, the acetyl-CoA bicycle, and the POAP cycle. We also discussed applications of different carbon fixation enzymes, notably ribulose-1, 5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase, pyruvate carboxylase, carbonic anhydrase, as well as formate dehydrogenase. This paper further addressed the development of photosynthetic autotrophs, chemergic autotrophs and model bacteria Escherichia coli or yeast produced main products for CO2 fixation through metabolic engineering, such as alcohols, organic acids, fatty acids and lipids, bioplastics, terpenoids, hydrocarbons, and biomass. Future studies on CO2 microbial conversion should focus on improving the efficiency of carbon fixation enzymes, metabolic modules of the carbon sequestration pathway, and intracellular energy utilization. Coupled microbial and electrochemical methods for CO2 fixation, in addition to biological fixation, show considerable promise.
Potential Use of Essential Oils and Their Individual Components in Cosmeceuticals: A Review
Published on: 7th September, 2023
The cosmetic industry is searching for new active ingredients from renewable natural sources to make more environmentally friendly and safe products. Botanical extract is a nearly limitless source of these new actives due to the current consumer demands as well as international regulations. Due to both their fragrant nature for the creation of fragrances and perfumes and the numerous advantageous properties of their individual components (EOCs), such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, essential oils (EOs) emerge as a very common natural ingredient in cosmetics and toiletries. Additionally, nowadays, the cosmetic industry includes EOs or different mixtures of their individual components (EOCs), either as active ingredients or as preservatives, in various product ranges (e.g., moisturizers, lotions, and cleansers in skin care cosmetics; conditioners, masks or anti-dandruff products in hair care products; lipsticks, or fragrances in perfumery). However, because each essential oil’s distinct chemical profile is linked to a different set of advantages, it is challenging to generalize about how they might be used in cosmetics and toiletries. Formulators frequently spend time looking for appropriate combinations of EOs or EOCs to achieve particular advantages in the finished products. The literature on the most recent developments in the use of EOs and EOCs in the production of cosmetic products is updated in this work’s review of the literature. Additionally, certain particular issues pertaining to the security of EOs and EOCs in cosmetics will be covered. It is expected that the information contained in this comprehensive review can be exploited by formulators in the design and optimization of cosmetic formulations containing EOs.
Effect of Balance Exercises with Smart Phone Based Virtual Reality Programme on Balance in Stroke Patients
Published on: 28th September, 2023
Background and objectives: A stroke is a neurological deficit, caused due to vascular changes. Impaired postural control and balance impairments in post-stroke patients are associated with a high risk of falls among stroke patients. The perturbation-based balance training is mainly used in older adults and balance impairment. Virtual reality (VR) as a novel technology is rapidly becoming a popular intervention for improving balance. VR can visualize computer-generated environments with a full field of view through Head-mounted displays (HMD-VR). This study was conducted to assess and investigate the effect of balance exercises with smartphone-based virtual reality programs on balance in stroke patients.Methods: This was a randomized single-group pre and post-test study design. 30 subjects met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled, assigned, and received intervention. Subjects were given perturbation-based balance exercises and smartphone-based virtual reality along with conventional physiotherapy. The intervention protocol was for 6 days/week for 4 weeks period. Results: Following 4 weeks of intervention showed improvement in postural control and balance which was assessed using BBS, TUG, VR BESS, BESTest, and SIS 3.0. Paired t-test was used to differentiate the mean significance. The mean pre to post-intervention difference is 12.6 with a p - value < 0.05. TUG score improved from pre to post-intervention difference is 1.443 with a p - value < 0.05. VR BESS score improved from pre to post-intervention difference is 10.266 with a p value < 0.05. The mean BESTest pre to post-intervention difference is 11.467 with a p - value < 0.05. SIS 3.0 score improved from a pre to post-intervention difference is 20.33 with p - value < 0.05. The result of this study showed a highly significant difference in pre and post-treatment.Conclusion: The study concludes that perturbation-based balance exercises with smartphone-based virtual reality programs are a useful adjunct to improving balance in stroke patients along with conventional physiotherapy.
Circulating Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Selective for C-Terminal (FGF23-CT) in Hemodialysis Patients
Published on: 13th October, 2023
Background: In hemodialysis patients, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has reportedly been associated with the development of cardiovascular complications and a high risk of mortality. Our objective here was to study the cleavage characteristics of FGF23 in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study design is a cross-sectional observational investigation of three facilities without intervention. To assess FGF23 concentrations, we obtained plasma samples from 97 hemodialysis patients before the hemodialysis session and from 16 healthy volunteers. We measured the FGF23 C-terminal fragment and intact FGF23 concentrations by using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Serum levels of the FGF23 C-terminal fragment were 189 ± 121 ng/mL in healthy volunteers and 306 ± 206 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients. The ratios of intact FGF23 to total FGF23 were 0.03 ± 0.03 in healthy volunteers and 0.44 ± 0.28 in hemodialysis patients. The ratios were positively correlated with levels of inorganic phosphate in hemodialysis patients (p < 0.001, r = 0.52). Conclusion: We measured actual levels of the serum FGF23 C-terminal fragment in hemodialysis patients by using a new commercial kit for the first time. The ratio of intact FGF23 to total FGF23 was lower in healthy controls than the ratio in hemodialysis patients. The cleavage percentage of FGF23 was considerably higher in both groups of subjects than previously thought. We suggest that hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis patients was associated with impaired cleavage of FGF23.
Production of L-Asparaginase by Yemeni Filamentous Fungi
Published on: 23rd October, 2023
Yemen with its diverse climatic regions represents a rich resource for bioactive compounds obtained from microorganisms. This study was designed to screen fungal isolates obtained from the Microbiology branch, Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Sana’a University for their ability to produce L-asparaginase enzyme. In preliminary screening for L-asparaginase, among 77 fungal isolates about 29 fungal isolates representing 37.66% were high producers of L-asparaginase. These fungal isolates belonged to the genera Aspergillus, Eupenicillium, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Stachyobotrys. These 29 fungal isolates were screened for their ability to produce L-asparaginase using the agar well diffusion method. 12 fungal isolates out of 29 showed the ability to produce extracellular L-asparaginase. These isolates belonged to 8 species which were: A. sulphurs, A. ustus, F. sacchari, P. chrysogenum, P. citrinum, P. corylophilum, P. melinii, and P. subturcoseum. Only 5 isolates were obtained for the determination of enzymatic activity, among them P. chrysogenum showed the highest activity (279.8696U ml-1) followed by A. ustus (170.9435U ml-1). This finding is the first report on the L-asparaginase production from filamentous fungi in Yemen.
Design and Development of a Dual-Volume Ionization Chamber for an Accident Monitor to Detect Gamma Radiation During Emergency Conditions in a Nuclear Reactor
Published on: 30th October, 2023
A Gamma Ionization Chamber was developed for the purpose of high gamma radiation detection during accident conditions in a Light Water reactor. The pre-eminence of the detector is that it was designed and developed to monitor gamma exposure rates in the wide range of 100 mR/hr to 107 R/hr. The detector has an overall diameter of 90 mm with a length of 400 mm. The response of the detector is accurate and the sensitivity is within ± 6% over gamma energies ranging from 660 KeV to 1.25 MeV. The detector operates with a DC voltage of 500V. The V0.9 voltage is about 250V for 107 R/hr. The estimated operation life of the detector is about 20 years.
Challenges of Novice Nurse Educators’ Transition from Clinical Practice to Academia in Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Published on: 27th November, 2023
Background: The recruitment of experienced clinical nurses into vacant faculty positions is a global strategy for preparing, employing, and retaining competent nurse educators. As clinical nurses transition to academia, many struggle with unique challenges that affect their adaptation to the academic setting. Thus, understanding novice nurse educators’ transitional challenges is critical to addressing this threat. Aim: This study aimed to explore the challenges of novice nurse educators’ transition from clinical practice to academia in Ghana. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study design was employed for this study. A purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 12 novice nurse educators from three health training institutions in the Upper East Region of Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data through in-depth individual interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed.Results: Four themes emerged: poor administrative support, poor preparation, increased workload and stress, and role ambiguity. Novice nurse educators lacked formal orientation, formal mentorship, formal education in teaching, and post-graduate education. Novices were also challenged by increased workload and role ambiguity. Conclusion: Supporting novice nurse educators' transition from clinical practice would be better served by college administrators’ creation and implementation of formal orientation and mentorship programs.
A Gecko-eye View of Naturalistic Enclosures
Published on: 1st December, 2023
Naturalistic enclosures have become a popular exhibition technique for zoos, and reptiles and amphibians are regularly housed in these exhibits. While a considerable sum of research indicates that visitors prefer naturalistic exhibits, there are fewer studies documenting the behaviour and welfare of animals housed under these conditions. This study investigated the impact of a naturalistic enclosure on the behaviour of the turquoise dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi), and the welfare perceptions of visitors. When kept under naturalistic enclosures, dwarf geckos were seen to bask (p = 0.022), and engage in inactive behaviours (p = 0.001) significantly less frequently. A non-significant decrease was also seen in locomotion | (p = 0.074). While time spent hidden remains a confounding factor for behavioural analysis, the study indicates that when provided with hiding opportunities, L. williamsi may spend a considerable amount of time hidden from the public. Questionnaire analysis revealed that 84.6% of individuals believed that naturalistic enclosures demonstrated better welfare. Additionally, individuals who had previously owned a reptile were more likely to identify that areas to hide, enrich, and mimic the natural environment were important aspects of enclosure design. While the actual benefits of naturalistic enclosure design cannot be fully addressed by this study, this work suggests that visitors tend to inherently believe that naturalistic enclosures facilitate better welfare, even if they are not aware of the natural environment of the species being housed. This requires keepers to consider both aspects of functionality and enclosure relevance when designing exhibits for herptiles.
Natural Rubber Latex on Medical Applications
Published on: 6th December, 2023
In this review, latex from the Hevea Brasiliensis tree is presented as a material originating from nature, used to produce natural rubber, raw material for countless products for industry, as well as the manufacture of preservatives, and gloves, among others. Nowadays, its potential is expanding into various technological areas, one of which is biomedical, as described in this article. Latex has the possibility of being preserved using ammonium, which is a chemical of high health risk, but nowadays it is being substituted by acid systems excluding traditional chemicals. With these new preservation processes, the prospective use of latex for the design of biosensor scaffolds for drug release, and as membranes that can replace synthetic latex in patches for bioremediation in soft and bone tissues, synthetic muscles, membranes for biological micro laboratories, among others, is being studied to optimize its possibilities.
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