Oxygen therapy is the main supportive treatment in hypoxemic respiratory failure and has traditionally been delivered using low and high flow devices. However, the maximal flow rates that these devices can deliver are limited because of the insufficient heat and humidity provided to the gas administered. Low flow devices such as the nasal cannula, conventional face mask and reservoir bag deliver a flow rate of up to 15 L/min by administering more variable oxygen fractions (FiO2), depending on the patient’s respiratory pattern, peak inspiratory flow and characteristics of the devices. Conventional high flow devices, such as venturi type masks, utilize a constant flow of oxygen through precisely sized ports, entraining the ambient air, using the Bernoulli principle, providing a more constant inspired oxygen fraction. However, they are less tolerated than nasal cannulas because they are less comfortable and the insufficient humidification and heating of the gas delivered [1].
In the last two decades, new devices have been developed to administer high humidified and heated flow through a nasal cannula (HFNC) that also allows the delivery of oxygen with a known FiO2 up to 100%. In the literature, this technique has also been called mini CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), transnasal insufflation, high nasal flow ventilation, high flow oxygen therapy, and high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy [2].
It is considered that high flow nasal cannula has certain benefits compared to those of oxygen therapy previously detailed. HFNC manages a flow of more than 30 L/min, which is able to surpass the peak inspiratory flow of the patient, being able to reach values between 60-80 L/min depending on the flow used. The gas source, which may be delivered by an air/oxygen blender, fans, or a flow generating turbine, is connected by an active humidifier to a nasal cannula and the FiO2 can be adjusted independently of the flow.
From a clinical point of view, there is some confusion between venturi and high flow nasal cannula devices. In the literature, both have been considered as high flow oxygen therapy devices. In our opinion this is not appropriate because the high nasal cannula flow is much more than a simple system for administering oxygen therapy [3]. Venturi-type masks provide the patient with a gas mixture with a controlled FiO2, but do not exert additional benefits on the ventilator mechanics of the patient. Nevertheless, HFNC allows the delivery of a high flow, which can also add oxygen therapy, providing a series of physiological effects that imply an active treatment to respiratory failure.
Effects related to HFNC include the following:
1. Delivery of higher and more stable FiO2 values, because the flow delivered is greater than the patient’s inspiratory demand.
2. The anatomical dead space decreases by washing the nasopharynx, consequently increases alveolar ventilation. This improves the thoracoabdominal synchrony.
3. Respiratory work decreases because it acts as a mechanical stent in the airway and markedly attenuates inspiratory resistance.
4. The gas administered is warmed and humidified, improving mucociliar clearance, reducing the risk of atelectasis, improving ventilation perfusion and oxygenation ratio.
5. There is a CPAP-like effect. The dynamic positive espiratory airway pressure generated by HFNC reaches a value between 6-8cmH2o depending on the flow and the size of the cannula. This positive pressure distends the lungs and ensures their recruitment.
6. Pulmonary end-expiratory volume is higher with HFCN than with conventional high-flow oxygen therapy.
7. In addition, the technique is considered easy and simple for the medical staff and nurses, and can be used in different areas (emergency, hospitalization, critical care unit, weaning centers) and even at home [4].
Currently available evidence has demonstrated that HFNC therapy is an alternative for the treatment of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, hypercapnic respiratory failure, acute heart failure, as rescue therapy preventive therapy in post-extubation respiratory failure and in specific conditions such as bronchoscopy [5].
We believe that high-flow nasal cannula treatment should not be confused with high flow oxygen therapy of venturi masks. According to detailed mechanisms of action, HFNC is not limited to being only an oxygen therapy system but also behaves as a true treatment that can be used in different clinical scenarios, generating physiological benefits that result in the reduction of respiratory work. In addition, in venturi type masks, the air is not humidified and complications such as dryness and nasal pain are common, generating a poor tolerance to oxygen therapy. The benefits of proper humidification and heating of the gas delivered with HFNC therapy allow better comfort and tolerance of the patient with easy adherence to the treatment. All this contributes to making HFNC be considered a technique of choice in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. The growth in its use associated with easy acceptance for patients and the expansion in its application show us that HFNC is a promising therapy.
Since December 2019, an outbreak of novel corona virus disease was reported in Wuhan, which has subsequently affected more than 160 countries worldwide. The ongoing outbreak has been declared as a pandemic by WHO, a global public health emergency. Several countries are successfully fighting with the pandemic by taking strict measures like nationwide lockdown or by sequestering the areas that were suspected of having risk of community spread. The corona virus pandemic has upended our educational system worldwide [1-3].
The academic calendar all over the world has been disturbed as a result of lockdown. Even after lockdown it would take probably many more months for universities, colleges and schools to reinstate. Caught in the turmoil, some parts of urban Indian education system have turned towards delivery of education via internet or online education. The NCAER skills report 2018 discussed the immense potential of online learning, conversely as complementary to more traditional methods. Centuries old, lecture based approaches, institutional biases, and outmoded classrooms changed. Covid 19 has become an impetus for educational institutions worldwide to search for innovative solutions in a relatively short duration. In the prevailing situation, online education is turning out as an alternative to traditional modes [2,4,5].
Contemporary/E-learning prepares students across all curriculum and learning stages with skills and potential to flourish in a rapidly changing and interlinked world. It connects students and engages their sense of inquisitiveness. E-teachers know and understand the needs and talents of their students. They are trained, flexible and select from a wide range of effective teaching strategies based on need. The new learning environment and resources galvanize students to be leaders of their independent learning. Thus students collaborate and use critical and creative thinking to solve complex problems and become apprehensive and sentient global citizens [4-6]. In physiotherapy, apart from traditional institution based learning, there implies a need for technological inputs and E-learning as a need to develop critical, creative thinking and reasoning. These technological arrays do provide better concepts and understanding regarding academics and practice [6]. As physiotherapy is advancing and growing in academics, research and practice, the need for an interlinking platform through which learning becomes unconditional and globally accessible was never addressed. Covid- 19 lockdown and strategies imposed us to think apart from institutional mode, ostensibly got a worldwide acceptance.
Research suggests that online learning has been shown to increase retention of information, and take less time. On average, students retain 25% - 60% more information when learning online compared to only 8% - 10% in a classroom. E-learning requires 40-60% less time to learn and understand than in a traditional setting, because students can learn at their own pace, re-reading, skipping or accelerating through concepts as they choose. Contemporary learning or E-learning at present situation is intended to have the desired effect such as physical distancing, schedule flexibility, cost effective, fast learning, course variety, boost memory, reasoning and innovative teaching [2,4].
Adoption of online learning will continue to persist post pandemic, and how such a shift would impact the worldwide education market should be studied. Some believe that the unplanned and rapid move to online learning with no training, insufficient bandwidth, and inadequate preparation will result in a poor user experience that is deleterious to sustained growth [5,8]. The current crisis has acted as a thwack to encourage digital education among physiotherapy institutions. However, to achieve its prospective in the long run, physiotherapy institutions and universities should implement a digital platform, training as well as a curriculum regulation. “We believe that, the integration of information technology, E-learning in education will be further accelerated and eventually transpire to an integral component of physiotherapy education and practice”.
Nuclear Medicine is an integral part of modern healthcare. The use of radioactive nuclides tagged biomolecules, evaluating their distribution in human bodies by SPECT or PET systems, provides longitudinal sets of volumetric and quantitative images that can be used to diagnose a wide range of disease and/or assess response to disease specific treatments [1].
The infectivity and pathogenesis: SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19, involves Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors on type II alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells in lungs. Apart from, the upper and lower respiratory tracts, the disease affects the gastrointestinal system prominently, as evidenced by the significant GI symptoms, early in the course of the disease. In addition, the virus infects ACE2-bearing cells in other organs including the heart and blood vessels, brain, and kidneys.
Clinical features and morbidity: The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 varies from asymptomatic or pauci-symptomatic presentation to moderate to severe states characterized by respiratory failure necessitating mechanical ventilation and ICU support and those manifesting critical clinical condition with complications like sepsis, septic shock, and multiple organ dysfunction failure. The CT chest is an important tool for early identification of COVID-19 pneumonia as well as for prognostic purposes.
The recovery and residual damage: The recovery and other outcomes vary depending on age and other aspects including sex, comorbidities, and genetic factors. The outlook for older adults, who account for a disproportionate share of critical disease, is unfavorable, and most of those who survive are unlikely to return to their previous level of functioning. The disease affects their long-term health and quality of life as well as brings in propensity for truncated post-disease survival.
COVID-19 aftermath and follow up: The patients discharged from hospital following severe COVID-19, continue to suffer with lingering impact of the disease as well as that of the emergency treatments that saved their life. The post-infection reduced exercise tolerance and other subtle factors, like post viral fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, impaired concentration, delirium, and disturbed sleep-wake cycle often underly the functional impairment. In fact, there is need of step-down care and later a multidisciplinary support involving regular clinical assessment, respiratory review, physiotherapy, nutritional advice, and psychiatric support.
Conclusion: The life after COVID-19: After recovery from the disease, the virus SARS-CoV-2, may persist for uncertain period. In addition, the chance of reinfection cannot be ruled out. The vitamin D supplementation may be helpful. In general, the quality of life (QOL) in ICU survivors improves but remains lower than general population levels, but most of the patients adapt well to their level of self-sufficiency and QOL. Also, the debility due to co-morbidities may further compromise the activity of daily living and QOL issues. The Age and severity of illness appear to be the major predictors of post-discharge physical functioning.
This paper examines the effects of globalization on nations, focusing on economic, social, and cultural dimensions. It analyzes the roles of protectionism and globalization in shaping consumer welfare and producer earnings through qualitative methods and the Customs Union theory framework. The study discusses the benefits and drawbacks of globalization in the context of World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations.
The findings indicate that globalization has intensified financial flows between countries, which can exacerbate economic crises. Countries with abundant human resources can capitalize on the international division of labor to specialize in high-value sectors, while those with limited resources risk falling behind in the digital landscape. This division of labor fosters specialization and improves production efficiency through targeted education.
However, multinational corporations often impede cost-effective production in developing nations, underscoring the necessity to restructure research and development to facilitate technology adoption in underdeveloped areas. This restructuring can help close the technological gap and encourage equitable participation in the global economy.
Jel code Classification: D6: Welfare economics, Fo1 Global outlook, F40: General F4: Macroeconomics aspects of international trade and finance
In the actual COVID-19 emergency, as pandemic disease, in many countries at the same time there was the rapid need to use preventive and therapeutic measures to control the diffusion of infection.
In PC AREA (Italy north) in the period between March and May 2020, in fact, were observed about 1000 deaths related to COVID-19 (in march 2020 + 271% death vs 2019). Between all the measure submitted by public international institution like WHO, OMS, CDC and many other, the deeply use of disinfectants product became a crucial fact in safety procedure and protocols. The high amount of this disinfectants and antiseptic was needed especially in hospital settings or assimilates structure (named as COVID-19 hospital) but also for territorial healthcare need. So it was needed to buy from industries this product but also to start an internal production in galenic laboratories. This because pharmaceutical industries not provided in some cases the request amount of this “”safe life products. In this work is reported a practical experience in a public hospital, Pc AREA related GALENIC extra -ORDINARY PRODUCTION of disinfectants and antispetics. The result of this local experience experience can be easily translated to other countries in the world (advanced or also not advanced).
Tobias R Overbeck*, Stefan HP Wenleder*, Bernhard C Danner, Wolfgang Körber, Karin Toepelt, Bernhard Hemmerlein, Christina Perske, Markus Falk, Markus Tiemann, Claudia Tomala, Elke Stitz and Frank Griesinger
Background: In 2004 we started a phase II trial in non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), stage III, with erlotinib followed by a combination with a platinum-based doublet in unselected patients to identify molecular subgroups benefitting from an EGFR targeting approach.
Patients and methods: Induction with erlotinib (E, 150 mg, d1-42) was followed by three cycles of gemcitabine (G, 1250 mg/m², d1+d8, q3w) and cisplatin (P, 80 mg/m², d1, q3w). Patients with at least stable disease after E were treated with a GP + E combination. Induction was followed by surgery and radiation. The trial was conducted as a prospective, multi-center, open label, exploratory phase II study to determine pathological response rate (pRR), as well as secondary endpoints disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results: Of 38 prescreened patients 16 were included in the main study. Due to slow recruitment the study had to be terminated early. Combination of E and GP was well tolerated, surgery was feasible after induction therapy in 12 of 16 patients, 7/12 (58%) patients had a major pathological response (MPR). Median overall survival for patients with MPR was 57.7 months (confidence interval (CI), 37.4 to 78.0; n = 7) and for patients without MPR 11.9 months (CI, 6.4 to 17.4; n = 5). 2/16 patients had an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation.
Conclusion: Before discovery of distinct molecular mechanisms in NSCLC our study was an attempt to identify clinical and pathological subgroups that would benefit from E induction. Two patients with an EGFR mutation were identified. MPR was a predictor of long term disease free and overall survival.
It’s a 24 years old female patient who presented with rhinological burning pain evolving since 1 year. She didn’t consult until a blistering lesion filled half of the oral cavity. The initial biopsy of the tumor was interpreted as a round cell tumor process.
Background: Hepatitis B is a major public health issue worldwide. Immunization of infants against this disease has been effective in Morocco since 1999. However, evaluation of post-vaccination response is rarely performed in our setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate immunity against HBV in fully vaccinated children in the city of Marrakech in Morocco and to investigate the factors influencing the level of post-vaccination immunity. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on fully vaccinated children who have medical and vaccination records, from three primary healthcare centers in Marrakech. Children with anti-HBs antibody levels between 10 and 100 IU/L were considered moderately immune, and those with antibody levels above 100 IU/L as highly immune, while those with antibody levels below 10 IU/L were considered non-immune. Results: Of the 123 children recruited, 114 (92.7%) had protective anti-HBs antibody titers, of which 37 (30%) were moderately immunized and 77 (62.7%) were highly immunized, and nine (7.3%) were non-immune. Age, birth weight, vaccine type, and time since the previous dose have all been significantly associated with the degree of post-vaccination immunity. Anti-HBs antibody levels were not significantly related to factors potentially linked to post-vaccination non-response, such as chronic disease, immunosuppressive medication and others.Conclusion: Our findings denote that the HBV vaccine used in The Moroccan Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) is effective against HBV. Nevertheless, in non-responders, corrective actions such as re-vaccination and monitoring of post-vaccination anti-HBs antibody levels should be implemented.
R Gnanasekaran#, A Petchiammal, BD Subhashree, M Anubha and Yuvaraj Dinakarkumar*
Published on: 13th September, 2022
Fungus belonging to the genus Aspergillus is considered highly important in the production of various types of enzymes and organic acids. Aspergillus species produce organic acids such as citric acid, itaconic acid, and malic acid, which are one of the most important alternate techniques for chemical processes. Citric acid is an important component in the manufacturing process of food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, toiletries, detergents, and other industries. In this work, A.niveus was isolated from the agricultural waste collected in Kotagiri, The Nilgiris, India. Submerged batch fermentation with a range of low-cost substrates, such as wheat flour, corn starch, and sweet potato, was used to successfully synthesize citric acid by the isolated fungus. In addition, production-related factors such as substrate concentration and incubation time were optimized. The maximum yield of citric acid was produced using A. niveus from corn starch at a concentration 7of 120 g/L after 168 hours at pH 3.2. Furthermore, with a degree of extraction of 91.96, citric acid was extracted from fermentation.
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