Beetles (Coleoptera) of Peru, a survey of the families: Sphindidae Jacquelin du Val, 1860, Corylophidae LeConte, 1852, and Latridiidae Erichson, 1842

Three beetle families, Sphindidae Jacquelin du Val, Corylophidae LeConte and Latridiidae Erichson, are documented as part of the "Beetles of Peru" project. The checklists are based on fieldwork in Peru, museum specimens, and published literature. Three sphindid genera are indicated as new country records.

Tres familias de escarabajos, Sphindidae Jacquelin du Val, Corylophidae LeConte y Latridiidae Erichson, estan documentado como parte del proyecto "Escarabajos del Perú". Los checklists se basan en trabajo de campo en Perú, especimenes en museos, y literatura publicada. Se indican tres géneros de Sphindidae registros nuevos para el país.

The lived experience of UERMMMCI student nurses: The untold stories of home confinement during the first 3 months of COVID-19 lockdown / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#The COVID-19 pandemic has forced countries to impose lockdowns. The aim of the study was to explore lived experiences of student nurses during their home confinement and acquire the shared meaning of the phenomenon among the participants. In this study, the researchers explored the impact of home confinement on student nurses to gain a thorough understanding of their perceived experiences, including their personal feelings, responses to the pandemic and learnings. @*METHODS@#The researchers used a descriptive phenomenological approach, wherein student nurses from all levels were selected through purposive sampling and were interviewed one on one through Zoom using a semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. The researchers utilized Colaizzi’s method of analysis to extract their lived experiences during their home confinement during the first three months of COVID-19 lockdown. @*RESULTS@#The results resulted in eight themes: Delighted, Attitude Towards the Disease, Home Isolation, Situational Awareness, Stronger Connection, Adaptation to Change, Role Function, Psychological Development and Outlook.@*CONCLUSION@#Based on Sister Callista Roy’s Adaptation Model Theory, there is a direct relationship between the stimuli, coping and behavior of the participants.

Evaluation of in vitro lipid-lowering properties of ‘Saba’ banana [Musa acuminata x balbisiana (BBB group) ‘Saba’] peel pectin from different extraction methods

@#Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate the in-vitro lipid-lowering properties of ‘Saba’ banana peel pectin (SBP) extracted using three methods for its possible use as a dietary fibre ingredient. Methods: Pectin from ‘Saba’ banana peels were extracted using acid extraction (citric acid), enzymatic extraction (cellulase), and microwave-assisted extraction. In-vitro lipid-lowering assays were performed using spectrophotometry for pancreatic lipase inhibition and cholesterol binding, while liquid chromatography was used for bile acid-binding capacity. Results: Results revealed that all SBPs were not able to inhibit pancreatic lipase activity. However, all SBPs can notably bind to cholesterol and bile acids, taurocholate, and glycocholate. Acid-extracted pectin had the highest binding capacity to cholesterol (51.36%–55.07%) and glycocholate (27.37%), whereas all SBPs were similarly bound to taurocholate. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that acidextracted SBPs can significantly bind to cholesterol and bile acids, glycocholate and taurocholate, thereby indicating a possible reduction in lipid metabolism.

Determination of the antimicrobial property of oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.) crude aqueous leaf extract against throat pathogens using broth and checkerboard dilution methods

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial property of oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) crude leaf extract against pathogens that infect the throat, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes and Candida albicans using the broth and checkerboard dilution methods.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study employed an experimental study design using broth dilution method for the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Candida albicans ATCC 14053 of P. amboinicus crude extract (PA extract). Checkerboard dilution method was then used for determination of the synergy between PA extract and the standard antimicrobials.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> In vitro growth inhibition of S. pyogenes (MIC 0.13 g/mL) and C. albicans (MIC 0.03 g/mL) was exhibited by the PA extract. The highest concentration of PA extract used in this study was not sufficient to demonstrate bactericidal and fungicidal activity (MBC >0.25 g/mL, MFC >0.25 g/mL). Results of checkerboard dilution method revealed that PA extract when combined with either penicillin (for S. pyogenes) or nystatin (for C. albicans) demonstrated indifference.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The crude extract of Plectranthus amboinicus has the capability to inhibit the growth of both S. pyogenes and C. albicans. This demonstrates its potential use in the treatment of throat infections caused by these organisms.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key Words:</strong> Plectranthus amboinicus, oregano, antimicrobial, throat infections, herbal medicine</p>

Effect of personality, power, and emotion on developing the 2017-2022 Philippine health research agenda: A case study

@#<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Social dynamics, specifically personalities, power dynamics, and emotions, have been shown to influence the methods, outputs, and quality of multi-stakeholder processes, especially the development of a national health research agenda.</p><p><strong>OBJECTIVE AND METHODS:</strong> Using a case analysis approach utilizing related conceptual frameworks, the paper determined how personalities, power dynamics, and emotions affected the research priority-setting exercise, identified lessons learned, and recommended how to effectively manage these social dynamics in consultations. Data gathering methods were participant observation and process documentation, results of which were codified and analyzed.</p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Dominant personalities, stakeholders with power, and stakeholders that openly expressed dissatisfaction were most likely to attempt to change the methods and final outputs of the consultation, with varying level of success. Other dominant personalities used their power constructively for a smooth flow of generating and agreeing on ideas.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> In this case, social dynamics was shown to heavily influence the decision-making process, thus underlining its importance in organizing multisectoral representation. Effectively managing social dynamics may thus have to consider building trust and respect between participants, mediating discussions, reaching a mutually beneficial solution, and establishing and implementing mutually agreed house rules. The significant role of facilitators in developing a climate for truly inclusive participation must also be recognized.</p>

Applying knowledge management in generating and using evidence in health research priority setting (HRPS)

@#<p><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Current international recommendations in generating and using evidence in Health Research Priority Setting (HRPS) include the use of systematic reviews, and systematic or scientific situational analysis. In the Philippines, the Philippine National Health Research System's (PNHRS) National Guidelines for Health Research Prioritization recommends the use of either a Combined Approach Matrix (CAM) or situational analysis in generating and using evidence for HRPS. At present, there is a lack of a gold standard in generating and utilizing evidence in HRPS.</p><p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>The primary objective of this paper is to document a practical yet alternative/innovative approach on how evidence was generated and utilized in the process of HRPS as observed in the development of the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) in the Philippines. Specifically, it identifies the types of knowledge products produced and their role in the process of health research agenda setting; how evidence was used and managed in the course of NUHRA development; and, the lessons learned from the experience.</p><p><strong>METHODS:</strong> This case study is descriptive of the experience of generating and utilizing evidence for HRPS in the Philippines. The study utilized primary and secondary data. Knowledge Management (KM) was used as a lens to describe the process of generating and managing information for the NUHRA. Document analysis was used in comparing and aligning data with the integrated KM framework.</p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Pre-selected data were captured and created; shared and disseminated; and subsequently acquired and applied voluntarily by stakeholders during the process of HRPS. Relevant data was presented into various information products designed with a specific stakeholder in mind. Technical papers were developed to cater to national level stakeholders and focused on broad, nationally-relevant issues. Regional situational analysis reports focused on regional and local data and were designed for regional stakeholders to use during the development of Regional Unified Health Research Agenda (RUHRA). Infographics were developed to present the findings of the technical papers creatively and concisely and the NUHRA methodology and were presented to both national and regional stakeholders. The RUHRAs and the NUHRA were the outputs of the health research prioritization activities and will be made available through local and national channels of the PNHRS.</p><p><strong>RECOMMENDATIONS:</strong> Opportunities for formalization and institutionalization of knowledge management for generating and using evidence in HRPS may be explored to address health information fragmentation across the health research system.</p>

Good clinical practice guide for opioids in pain management: the three Ts - titration (trial), tweaking (tailoring), transition (tapering) / Orientação para boa prática clínica para opioides no tratamento da dor: os três "Ts" - titulação (teste), ajustes (individualização), transição (redução gradual)

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Achieving good clinical practice in the use of opioids as part of a comprehensive pain management regimen can face significant challenges. Despite guidelines from governmental and pain society/organization sources, there are still significant hurdles. A review of some basic tenets of opioid analgesia based on current published knowledge and experiences about this important healthcare imperative is warranted. CONTENT: Consistent with guidelines, the literature supports using the lowest total opioid dose that provides adequate pain control with the fewest adverse effects. Titration (or trial) during opioid initiation is a way of starting low and going slow (and assessing the appropriateness of a specific opioid and formulation). Recognizing that multiple factors contribute to an individual's personal experience of pain, the physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, pharmacogenomic, and behavioral factors of the individual patient should be taken into account (tweaking, or tailoring). Finally, for those patients for whom transition (tapering) from opioid is desired, doing so too rapidly can have negative consequences and minimization of problems during this step can be achieved by proper tapering. CONCLUSION: We conclude that a simultaneously aggressive, yet conservative, approach is advocated in the literature in which opioid therapy is divided into three key steps (the 3 T's): titration (or trial), tweaking (or tailoring), and transition (or tapering). Establishment of the 3 T's along with the application of other appropriate good medical practice and clinical experience/judgment, including non-pharmacologic approaches, can assist healthcare providers in the effort to achieve optimal management of pain.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Uma boa prática clínica com o uso de opioides como parte de um regime abrangente de tratamento da dor pode enfrentar desafios significativos. Apesar das diretrizes provenientes de sociedades/organizações não governamentais para o manejo da dor, ainda existem obstáculos significativos. A revisão de alguns princípios básicos da analgesia com opioide com base na experiência e no conhecimento das publicações atuais sobre esse cuidado importante da saúde é justificável. CONTEÚDO: De acordo com as diretrizes, a literatura apoia o uso da dose total mais baixa de opioides que forneça o controle adequado da dor com menos efeitos adversos. A titulação (teste), ao iniciar a administração de um opioide, é uma maneira de começar com uma concentração baixa e ir devagar (avaliar a adequação da fórmula específica de um opioide). O ajuste (individualização) é reconhecer que vários fatores contribuem para a experiência pessoal da dor de um indivíduo, tais como fatores físicos, psicológicos, sociais, culturais, espirituais, farmacogenômicos e comportamentais. Finalmente, para aqueles pacientes nos quais a transição (redução gradual) do opioide é desejada, fazer essa transição muito rapidamente pode ter consequências negativas e é possível minimizar os problemas durante essa etapa por meio de uma redução gradual. CONCLUSÃO: Uma abordagem simultânea, agressiva, porém conservadora, é defendida na literatura em que a terapia com opioides é dividida em três etapas principais (os 3 Ts - em inglês: titration, tailoring, tapering): titulação (teste), ajuste (individualização) e transição (redução gradual). Estabelecer os três Ts, juntamente com a aplicação de outra boa prática médica e experiência/julgamento clínico, incluindo abordagens não farmacológicas, pode ajudar os profissionais de saúde no esforço para alcançar o tratamento ideal da dor.

Is Antegrade Transmalleolar Drilling Method for Osteochondral Lesion of Talus Necessary? Iatrogenic Cystic Formation at the Tibia: A Report of Five Cases

Antegrade transmalleolar drilling method is one of the options for the treatment of osteochondral lesion of talus (OLT). We present five patients who underwent tibial drilling for treatment of OLT and later developed distal tibial cystic formation induced by cartilage opening or heat necrosis during drilling. Antegrade transmalleolar drilling can be a possible option for the treatment of OLT if the lesion is not easily reachable; however, other viable treatment should be considered due to its possibility of distal tibial pathologic change.

Non-genomic effect of L-triiodothyronine on calmodulin-dependent synaptosomal protein phosphorylation in adult rat cerebral cortex.

The present study was undertaken to examine calmodulin-dependent effect of thyroid hormones (THs) on synaptosomal protein phosphorylation in mature rat brain. Effect of L-triiodothyronine (L-T3) on in vitro protein phosphorylation was measured in a hypotonic lysate of synaptosomes prepared from adult male rat cerebral cortex, incubated in presence and absence of calcium ion (Ca2+) and calmodulin. L-T3 significantly enhanced incorporation of 32P into synaptosomal proteins as compared to basal level of phosphorylation in the presence of Ca2+ and calmodulin. Under these conditions, increase in protein phosphorylation was 47, 74 and 52% for 10 nM, 100 nM and 1 M L-T3, respectively. Chelation of Ca2+ using ethylene glycol-bis (2‑aminoethylether)-N, N, N’, N’-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) inhibited the effects of Ca2+/calmodulin on TH-stimulated protein phosphorylation levels. This study suggests that a high proportion of L-T3-stimulated protein phosphorylation involves Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent pathways in adult rat cerebrocortical synaptosomes.

Fatal cerebral abscess caused by Cladophialophora bantiana.

Primary cerebral phaeohyphomycosis is caused by pigmented fungi that exhibit distinct neurotropism often in immunocompetent individuals. A 20-yr-old male presented with multiple brain abscess which was subsequently proven microbiologically to be due to Cladophialophora Bantiana. In spite of near total excision and appropriate antifungal agents succumbed to his illness. We report this case to highlight its rarity and high mortality in an immunocompetent host. There is no initial clinical or laboratory feature that makes a preoperative diagnosis possible and relies on microbiological confirmation.