bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate exerts antihypertensive effects and improves endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Khor Yucinda YY , Lee Siew-Keah , Dharmani Devi M , Ling Wei Chih
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Methods:

Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR were divided into four groups; WKY control, SHR control and SHR treated with EGCG (50 mg/kg/day) or losartan (10 mg/kg/day). The treatment was given daily for 4 weeks by oral gavage and the blood pressure was monitored by tail-cuff method every 3 days. Acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxations were assessed in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings at the end of treatment. The vascular levels of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, tetrahydrobiopterin, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate were also measured. Moreover, the expression of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor protein was determined.

Results:

The systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased in SHR treated with EGCG. The impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly improved in aortic ring isolated from the EGCG-treated SHR group. EGCG also significantly increased the levels of nitric oxide, tetrahydrobiopterin, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, while decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species and the protein expression of AT1 receptor in SHR.

Conclusions:

EGCG attenuates endothelial dysfunction in SHR by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing vascular nitric oxide bioavailability, which may be modulated partly by inhibition of vascular AT1 receptors. An increase in endothelium-dependent relaxation may contribute to a decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive animals.
The identification of AMZ2 as a candidate causative gene in a severe teratozoospermia patient characterized by vacuolated spermatozoa
Authors: Liu Liu , Yang Jing , Zhang Wen-Jing , Zhou Yi-Ling , Zhao Gui-Jun , Huang Ya , Tang Shu-Yan
Published: July 2023

Teratozoospermia with cephalic defects is one of the most severe types of sperm defects known to date. While several monogenic factors are linked to cephalic abnormalities, such as globozoospermia and macrozoospermia, the genetic cause of vacuolated spermatozoa remains inadequately described. Here, we analyzed whole-exome sequencing (WES) data for an individual from a consanguineous family with severely vacuolated spermatozoa. The analysis revealed a novel homozygous c.520A>G (p.Thr174Ala) variant in the archaelysin family metallopeptidase 2 (AMZ2), a gene that encodes a zinc metalloprotease previously shown to be highly expressed in the testes and sperm. Multiple algorithms predicted this variant to be a damaging mutation. Consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance, this variant was inherited from heterozygous parental carriers. To investigate the potential pathogenicity of the identified variant, we compared the AMZ2 expression in sperm cells from the patient with the AMZ2 variant and from a healthy control. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the homozygous missense variant in AMZ2 abolished AMZ2 expression in the spermatozoa. Our findings reveal a candidate causative gene for vacuolated spermatozoa.
Diagnostic Dilemma of Vanishing Bone Disease - A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Saxena Vivek , Gopalakrishnan V. , Rangarajan H. , Sharma Pragya , Choube Amolika
Published: July 2023

Rationale:

Vanishing bone disease (VBD) is a rare bone disorder in which progressive osteolysis may lead to complete disappearance of involved bones. The diagnosis of this disease requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. We present a case of progressive osteolysis of mandible in a patient.

Patient Concerns:

The patient had been without definitive diagnosis and treatment for over a year.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis was made by exclusion of genetic, traumatic, inflammatory, infective, endocrine and neoplastic aetiologies and by carefully correlating clinical, imaging and histopathological findings of the patient.

Treatment:

Segmental resection of the advancing edge of the lesion was carried out.

Outcome:

The patient is disease free, with no evidence of further osteolysis, after six months of follow-up.

Take-Away Lessons:

This article describes the exclusion-based approach adopted to diagnose a case of VBD, aiming to standardise a workup for the diagnosis.
An Anatomical Study of Dry Mandibles to Determine the Important Surgical Reference Points in Ramus Osteotomy - An Evaluative Study
Authors: Asha K.R , Thejeshwari H.G , Jagadish Archana Belavadi , Alghamdi Mansour A. , Vidya H.K , Muguregowda Honnegowda Thittamaranahalli
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

The variable relation and clinical significance of mandibular foramen (MF) and Lingula with inferior alveolar neurovascular bundle (IANB) is important for dental surgeons. Knowing the landmarks on the ramus of the mandible is of paramount importance to perform the surgery without causing damage to the neurovascular bundle.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted on 85 dry adult mandibles of unknown sex and age. The distances were measured from the anatomical reference points (anti-Lingula, Lingula and MF) using digital callipers.

Results:

The distance from the anti-Lingula to the anterior border of the ramus (A) was significantly longer on the right side (14.91 mm) than on the left side (14.5 mm). There was a significant difference in mean distances between the anti-Lingula and MF of both the sides (P ≤ 0.005). No significant difference was noted in the distances between the Lingula and the Anti-Lingula, observed for the posterior (B, P = 0.75) and the inferior margin of the mandible (D, P = 0.54). However we found correlation of vertical distances of anti-Lingula with Lingula and MF exhibited moderate positive correlation.

Discussion:

The IANB is prone to damage during mandibular surgery. Using anti-Lingula alone as a reference point is not guaranteed, but it is still an important anatomical landmark for the surgeon to operate.
A Rare Case of Oral Cavity Eumycetoma
Authors: Wadde Kavita Ramesh , Khaire Samir Dashrath , Joy Tabita , Sardar Manisha Ahire , Kri Mrimingsi , Venkatakrishnan Lakshmi
Published: July 2023

Rationale:

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous infection that involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue which presents as an abscess with multiple draining sinuses. It is common in the tropical and subtropical regions where the conditions favour the growth of the soil saprophytes – fungi and bacteria.

Patient Concerns:

We report the rare case of a 62-year-old patient who presented with a soft-tissue overgrowth in the mandibular posterior ridge area for eight months.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed with eumycetoma, with foreign-body reaction based on clinical and histopathological examination which revealed characteristic brown-coloured amorphous grains.

Treatment:

The lesion was surgically excised under local anaesthesia.

Outcomes:

On the seventh day post-operative follow-up, the patient was relieved of pre-operative symptoms and the surgical site had healed well.

Take-Away Lessons:

This particular case of eumycetoma had an unusual site and appearance, making the clinical diagnosis confusing with other reactionary lesions of the oral cavity.
Efficacy of implantoplasty in management of peri-implantitis: A systematic review
Authors: Dasgupta Dolanchanpa , Banerjee Saurav , Parasrampuria Nikita , Pal Dipankar
Published: July 2023

Aim:

Peri-implantitis causes progressive loss of the supporting bony structure around the dental implant. Implantoplasty mechanically removes contaminated threads to achieve smoother implant surface thus reducing the bacterial load enabling fibroblastic growth to stimulate the healing effect. This Systematic review is done to appraise the outcome of implantoplasty on surface quality of Implant (roughness), biocompatibility of implants in peri-implantitis cases.

Settings and Design:

The Settings of the studies are major online databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane online library. The design of the current study is systematic review of published qualitative studies.

Materials and Method:

37 articles were identified for the present review and systematic electronic literature search was done from August 2022 to January 2023, via PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and The Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases [PRISMA guidelines]. In vitro studies on implantoplasty for peri-implantitis were included for the review. 2 examiners independently selected based on the inclusion criteria and recorded the necessary data.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Risk of bias assessment tool was evaluated with Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) and screened based on Selection, Comparability, and Outcome with the following categories: - maximum of 4, 2 and 4 points respectively. The observations were tabulated and analysed.

Results:

Among the 8 selected studies, two studies reported no statistical difference between implantoplasty and control, one study proposed carbide burs were better than diamond burs, another study also suggested multilaminar burs were better than diamond and carbide. The Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) score for the quality of the included studies ranged from 6 to 8. Two of the studies had score of 6 points, eight had 7 points and one had 8 points.

Conclusion:

Implantoplasty has been recommended as an efficacious treatment protocol for peri-implantitis that helps to diminish the inflammation and accompanied by a high success rate.
Prevalence and severity of temporomandibular joint disorder in partially versus completely edentulous patients: A systematic review
Authors: Rawat Pragati , Saxena Deepesh , Srivastava Pratiksha A. , Sharma Abhinav , Swarnakar Arka , Sharma Aditya
Published: July 2023

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) following tooth loss may or may not be prevalent, but the risk of developing these disorders is always there due to changes in occlusion and vertical dimension, leading to changes in the disc-fossa relationship. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder in partially versus completely edentulous patients. An elaborated literature search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases including all articles about varied effects of partial and complete edentulism on the TMJ published from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2022. After the meticulous screening, only publications which fulfilled the inclusion parameters were ultimately selected for full-text evaluation and tested for bias using the Joana Briggs Institute Appraisal tools for cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort studies. A total of 547 articles from various electronic databases and manual searches were found. After eliminating the duplicates and thorough screening, 13 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. Most of the studies demonstrated at least one or two signs of the presence of TMDs following tooth loss, the intensity/frequency of which increased in proportion to the number of missing teeth.
Correlation of “K” plane to occlusal plane and three different ala-tragal lines in dentulous subjects with different skeletal forms: A cephalometric study
Authors: Shetty Rajesh , Hussain Murtaza Shabbir , Shetty Sanath K. , Mohammad Fahad , Shetty Mallika S. , Saha Snigdha
Published: July 2023

Aim:

Orientation of the occlusal plane is an important clinical procedure for complete denture fabrication. An attempt had been made to reconstruct the occlusal plane using a different reference plane. The aim of this study was to find the correlation of the “K” plane to the occlusal plane and to assess the angular deviation between the K-plane to the occlusal plane (KO) with different skeletal forms.

Settings and Design:

An in vivo observational study was conducted on dentulous subjects having Class I dental occlusion with different skeletal forms undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted on 54 subjects aged 18–30 years. Metallic balls (3 mm in diameter) were attached to the desired landmarks, and a lateral cephalogram was taken for each subject. Cephalometric analysis was done using the Dolphin Imaging software, and the values obtained were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The values obtained were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis using simple descriptive analysis, Shapiro–Wilk test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Pearson’s correlation.

Results:

A positive correlation was found between KO with a mean angular deviation of 8.59° ± 3.05°. The angle was found to be steeper in skeletal Class II subjects.

Conclusions:

Clinical application of the K-plane to use as a reference plane to orient the posterior occlusal plane can enhance the treatment outcome for a removable prosthesis. The results of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the practical restoration of the occlusal plane in different skeletal forms.
To determine the effect of plasma nitriding treatment 56 on screw loosening and surface topography of different 78 implant–abutment screw systems with and without thermocycling: An in vitro study
Authors: Haokip Nengpichong , Tewary Shivsagar , Sanyal Pronob , Kamnoor Shubha
Published: July 2023

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of plasma nitride-treated abutment screws of two different implant systems on screw loosening and surface topography with and without thermocycling.

Settings and Design:

This was an in-vitro experimental study.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-two abutment screws (Group A: 26 Genesis and Group B: 26 Bredent) underwent plasma nitride treatment and were subdivided into two groups, one without thermocycling and one with thermocycling. Dynamic load was applied and detorque values were evaluated for determining the screw loosening using “independent t-test” with the help of IBM SPSS Statistics 20 and scanning electron microscopy was done to check for surface topography.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Inter- and intragroup comparisons were done using independent t-test (SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20).

Results:

Plasma nitriding treatment genesis implant system abutment screw showed more screw loosening (P < 0.05) and surface roughness as compared to bredent with and without thermocycling.

Conclusion:

From the present study, it was shown that plasma nitride-treated abutment screws decreased the occurrence of screw loosening favoring the bredent implant–abutment system more than the genesis implant–abutment system.
Influence of wearing complete denture on the glycemic control, serum lipid, and proteins in patients with diabetes
Authors: Gupte Rishabh , Shetty Manoj , Hegde Chethan
Published: July 2023

Aims:

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of prosthodontic rehabilitation on glycemic and lipid control in functionally and completely edentulous patients with diabetes.

Setting and Design:

An in vivo study conducted with the intention of studying the potential link between edentulism and impaired masticatory efficiency with the nutritional status in diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 20 diabetic patients based on the inclusion criteria were selected. They were rehabilitated using a removable prosthesis, and observations were made across three parameters – glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), serum cholesterol (S col), and serum protein (SP) at three stages – baseline, 3 months, and 6 months posttreatment. This was done to gauge the impact of the prosthetic rehabilitation on their health due to an increased masticatory efficiency potentially causing changes in dietary patterns.

Statistical Analysis Used:

•Inter group comparison (>2 groups) was done using one way ANOVA followed by pair wise comparison using post hoc test. •Intra group comparison was done using repeated measures ANOVA (for>2 observations) followed by post Hoc test. For all the statistical tests, P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant, keeping α error at 5% and β error ati20%, thus giving a power to the study as 80%.

Results:

Hba1c at the baseline had a mean value of 8.04%, which reduced to 7.87% at the 3-month stage and 7.38% at the 6-month stage. S col at the baseline had a mean of 151.6 mg/dL; at the 3-month follow-up, it was 166.5 mg/dL, and at the 6-month follow-up, it was 173.95 mg/dL. SP had a mean baseline value of 6.38 mg/dL, which progressed to 6.67 mg/dL at the 3-month stage and 6.97 at the 6-month stage.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that after 6 months of prosthetic rehabilitation in edentulous/functionally edentulous patients:

There was a reduction in HbA1c (8.04%-7.38%); however, it was found to be statistically insignificant at that stage

There was an increase in S col (151.6 mg/dL–173.95 mg/dL); it was found to be statistically significant

There was an increase in SP (6.38 mg/dL–6.97 mg/dL); however, it was found to be statistically insignificant at that stage.
Computer-aided design software-enabled preclinical prosthodontic training: A digital education technique
Authors: Kurian Nirmal , Varghese Vinaya Susan , Varghese Kevin George , Abraham George
Published: July 2023

The prosthodontics preclinical training modules involve textbook-based two-dimensional (2D) ideal images and practicing on manikin models to emulate ideal tooth preparations and teeth arrangements. Relying solely on 2D images as objectives for preclinical exercises limits the trainee’s creative skills to instructions of textbooks and clinical instructions received. With advancements in digital dentistry, dental trainees should have early exposure to the three-dimensional (3D) rendering of ideal preclinical objectives. A dental education technique using computer-aided design software and smartphones is described that will allow 3D rendering of ideal prosthodontic training assignments allowing early exposure to digital dentistry for dental training students.
The Effect of Rocuronium Priming Dose Based on Actual Versus Corrected Body Weight in Modified Rapid Sequence Intubation
Authors: Postaci A , Ozcan NN , Aydin- Guzey N , Ersoy UC
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a technique that allows patients to be quickly intubated and have the airway secured.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rocuronium priming and intubation dose calculated according to actual body weight (ABW) or corrected body weight (CBW) on the neuromuscular block and intubation quality in rapid sequence induction and intubation (RSII).

Patients and Methods:

This prospective randomized, double-blind study was conducted on a total of 60 patients randomized into two groups using the closed-envelope method between January 2021 and December 2021, with 30 individuals in each group. In group 1, CBW was used with the formula to calculate the neuromuscular blocking drug (NMBD) dose. The ABW of patients was used to calculate the NMBD dose in group 2.

Results:

The data of 50 female patients who underwent group 1 (CBW, n = 25) and group 2 (ABW, n = 25) were analyzed. Age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), quality of laryngoscopy, post-priming side effects, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) values did not differ across the groups. When train-of-four (TOF) values, priming and intubation dose, and laryngoscopy time were compared, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups of TOF count (TOF C) 1 (the duration of action).

Conclusion:

This study suggests that the application of rocuronium priming and intubation dose according to CBW in RSII, especially during the pandemic, provided similar intubation conditions as the application according to ABW, while its shorter duration of action shows that it can be preferred, especially in short-term surgical cases.
Low Immunization Completion among Under-Five Children: Are Underserved Nomadic and Farming Communities in a North Central State of Nigeria doing Better?
Authors: Nwachukwu BC , Alatishe-Muhammad BW , Ibizugbe S , Alake DI , Bolarinwa OA
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

The recent drop in immunization coverage in Nigeria has left more than 3.25 million children unimmunized and has risen concern over immunization completion among the under-five children. More so among underserved communities of pastoralist nomads and farmers that were isolated from immunization services because of operational and sociocultural factors.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional analytical (comparative analysis) study was carried out among 550 eligible caregivers of under-five children in nomadic and farming communities in Niger State, Nigeria. The mothers and caregivers paired with under-five children were recruited into the study using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed with the statistical software package (version 23).

Results:

More than half of the under-five children studied were males in both the nomadic (57.5%) and farming (52.0%) communities. The aggregated score of immunization knowledge was significantly (P < 0.001) better (Good 44.4%; Fair 49.8%) among farmers compared to their nomads’ counterpart (Good 21.1%; Fair 43.6%). Conversely, almost all the respondents (98.2%) in nomadic community significantly had a good overall perception of childhood immunization compared to 77.1% in the farming community. More farmers’ children (99.6%) had received immunization compared to 92.4% of the nomads’ children. About 87.3% of farmers compared to 76% of the nomads’ (76.0%) children reported immunization completion. About 50.5% of the farmers’ and 41.4% of the nomads’ children have achieved immunization on card inspection.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that average immunization completion reported among under-five children in both farming and nomadic communities is higher than the national average. It is recommended that more strategies are needed to intensify immunization campaigns targeted at populations in Nigeria.
In Vitro Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation of Polyether Ether Ketone and Zirconia Copings
Authors: Chouksey P , Yadav NS , Hazari P , Saxena V , Mahajan H , Narwani S , Somkuwar K , Alzahrani AH , Alqahtani SM , Robaian A , Alamoudi Ahmed , Zidane B , Albar N , Baeshen HA , Patil S
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has emerged as a new thermoplastic material with potential applications as a restorative material. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the marginal adaptation of PEEK copings compared to zirconia copings using field emission scanning electron microscopy.

Materials and Methods:

A freshly extracted maxillary central incisor was prepared for a full-coverage restoration following standard principles of tooth preparation. The tooth was sent to a laboratory for fabrication of samples using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Twenty samples of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) copings (group A) and 20 of zirconia copings were fabricated (group B). The copings were scanned under a field emission scanning electron microscope and measurements were taken at four distinct points. The marginal adaptation over the buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal margins for both groups was evaluated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t test were applied.

Results:

Our findings indicate that PEEK showed better marginal adaptation than zirconia at all measurement points. The mean marginal gap value of the PEEK group was 33.99 ± 8.81 μm and of the zirconia group was 56.21 ± 15.07 μm. On comparing marginal adaptation among the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual aspects, PEEK showed better adaptation on all four margins, with the best adaptation on the buccal margin that had the lowest mean gap value of 29.27 ± 6.07 μm. The zirconia group adapted best at the distal margin, with a lowest mean gap value of 53.58 ± 15.25 mm (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

PEEK copings had better marginal adaptation and fit compared to zirconia copings. It may have applications as a restorative material in fixed prostheses.
Breakage and Disappearance of a Part of the Midline Catheter Tip During Insertion
Authors: Oh J , Jin SY , Lee J , Shim S
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Midline catheters have been proposed as alternatives to central venous catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters. Midline catheters reduce the incidence of overall needle stick injuries during hospitalization, have lower complication rates than central venous catheters or peripherally inserted central catheters, and provide potential cost benefits for hospitals. Complications with midline catheters are similar to those of other intravenous catheters, and intravenous catheter breakage is very rare and invasive. We report a case wherein a midline catheter tip was broken during insertion and removed by open surgery. For the safe use of midline catheters, accurate and delicate insertion techniques should be practiced. More case studies are warranted to verify the usefulness and convenience of various types of midline catheters for their universal use.
Evaluation Fetal Heart in the First and Second Trimester: Results and Limitations
Authors: Dilek TUK , Oktay A , Aygun EG , Ünsal G , Pata Ö
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Cardiac heart defects affect nearly 6–12 per 1000 live births in the general population and are more frequent than common trisomies.

Aim:

To assess the efficacy and technical limitations of first-trimester fetal heart evaluation in the 11–14th-weeks’ scan and comparison with the second-trimester anatomical exam by ultrasound.

Material and Method:

Between April 2015 and July 2020, medical records and ultrasound data of 3295 pregnancies who underwent first-trimester fetal anatomy exams by ultrasound were reviewed retrospectively. All ultrasound exams were performed by the same two operators (TUKD, OP) with transabdominal transducers. Fetal situs, four-chamber view, outflow tracts, and three-vessel trachea view are the cornerstones of first-trimester fetal heart examination. Conventional grayscale mode and high-definition power Doppler mode were utilized. The same operators re-examined all cases between the 18 and 23 weeks of gestation by ISUOG guidelines.

Results:

We performed a combined transvaginal and transabdominal approach for only 101 cases (3.06%). The mean maternal age was 31.28 ± 4.43, the median gestational age at the first-trimester ultrasound exam was 12.4 weeks, and the median CRL was 61.87 mm (range was 45.1–84 mm). Even combined approach situs, cardiac axis, and four-chamber view could not be visualized optimally in 28 cases (0.7%). Outflow tracts were visualized separately in 80% (2636 in 3295) cases. Three vessel-trachea views were obtained in 85.4% (2814 in 3295) cases by high-definition Doppler mode. There were 47 fetuses with cardiac defects in 3295 pregnancies with the known pregnancy outcome. Ten cases had abnormal karyotype results. Thirty-two fetuses with cardiac anomalies (9.7 in 1000 pregnancies) were detected in the first-trimester examination, and the remaining 15 (4.55 in 1000 pregnancies) cases were diagnosed in the second-trimester examination. The prevalence of congenital cardiac anomalies was 14.25 in 1000 pregnancies. Fifteen cases were missed in the first-trimester exam. Also, ten fetuses which had abnormal cardiac findings in the first-trimester exam were not confirmed in the second-trimester exam. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were calculated as 65.3%, 99.7%, 66.8%, and 99.67%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Late first-trimester examination of the fetus is feasible and allows earlier detection of many structural abnormalities of the fetus, including congenital heart defects. Suspicious and isolated cardiac abnormal findings should be re-examined and confirmed in the second-trimester exam. Previous abdominal surgery, high BMI, and subtle cardiac defects can cause missed cardiac abnormalities.
Splenomegaly and Splenic Pseudocyst in a Female Teenage Patient with Sickle Cell Anemia–A Case Report
Authors: Orolu AK , Ahmad SF , Oluwaseun OT
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Splenomegaly is one of the complications of sickle cell disease (SCD) occurring in early childhood. This risk is reduced by the age of five years as the spleen undergoes auto splenectomy as a consequence of recurrent vasooclusion and splenic infarction. However, in some variants of SCD, the persistence of the spleen occurs. This can be complicated rarely by the formation of a splenic pseudocyst. We report a 17-year-old teenager with sickle cell anemia who presented with an 8-year history of gradually increasing left-sided abdominal swelling and a 2-month history of recurrent left upper abdominal pain. A computerized tomography scan revealed splenomegaly and multiple splenic cysts, not responsive to opioid analgesics which necessitated a total splenectomy. The histology report found an absence of epithelial lining confirming splenic pseudocysts. SCD patients with splenomegaly have underlying splenic infarction, which is a predisposition to splenic pseudocyst formation, though a rare occurrence. Many patients with splenic pseudocyst are usually asymptomatic and do not need intervention. However, the index patient developed serious symptoms indicating a need for a total splenectomy. A splenic pseudocyst is rare and found in <1% of splenectomies.
Seroprevalence, knowledge, fear of contagion, and uncertainty of coronavirus disease Covid 19 pandemic among undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy students
Authors: Verma Chhaya Vijaykumar , Shastri Jayanthi S , Agrawal Sachee , Someshwar Hitav Pankaj , Bharmal Ramesh N
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION:

An exponential rise in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases has affected education in 220 countries globally. Schools and Colleges have been functioning virtually and more recently in person in limited numbers. Physiotherapy is a hands-on field requiring adequate skill acquisition and practice. The fear of contagion is preventing them from attending regular colleges hence we decided to conduct serological tests to reduce the fear and resume In-person College.

METHODOLOGY:

We conducted a quasi-experimental study in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology on physiotherapy students of Physiotherapy School and Center, Topiwala National Medical College, and BYL Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai, during the start of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic in India when the students were apprehensive about attending regular postings and lectures. They were assessed for their knowledge of COVID-19, fear of contagion, and uncertainty of the future after which 10 mL of their venous blood was drawn. The blood was tested for S1RBD immunoglobulin G 2 antibodies and neutralizing antibodies test. Once the reports of the serosurveillance were received the fear scale was administered again.

RESULTS:

A total of 54 students participated in the study. The mean age of the students was 21.66 ± 2.33 years. The majority of students had not been previously infected by COVID-19 virus (91.4%). The mean COVID-19 knowledge score was 10.24 ± 1.83 and the overall accuracy rate for the knowledge test was 85.33%. About 38.4% had a higher level of fear and 36.1% had a higher level of tolerance of uncertainty before the serological tests were done. The serological tests showed S1RBD antibodies present in 48 students and GenScript antibodies in 50 students. The higher level of fear was reduced from 38.4% to 12.4%. The fear was significantly reduced due to the presence of antibodies against COVID-19.

CONCLUSION:

Developing strategies during the pandemic to respond positively to student's worries and fears helps in opening up on in-person education across the countries. Following proper safety guidelines to prevent, the spread of COVID-19 and following proper vaccination schedules will help in reducing fear and also help in bringing back normalcy in the field of education, especially among physiotherapist.
Re-imagining an African ethical value-based social contract: in the context of using “Ubuntugogy” as an African framework
Authors: Lephoto Mokone (Bruno)
Published: July 2023

South Africa is a democratic country. However, some missiology scholars, citizens, and leaders see it as one of the countries that are very violent by comparison to others. On one hand, others see it as a country that does not abide by its laws. On the other hand, others see it as a morally depraved country. What causes this negative situation? One of the answers could be political freedom and political transformation, which basically came after a long period of struggle against the unfair conditions of the past apartheid era. As a result, issues around social imbalance are exacerbated by an influx of refugees and a resultant increase in population. Creating a more tangible rationale for social contracts that South African citizens and other neighboring countries would be attracted to commit to, is indeed a huge task. A missiological examination uncovers, however, that despite of all the cultural differences and frictions prevalent in societies, some people are genuinely able to share a set of basic values that arguably could form the core of the sought-for moral direction needed in South Africa. Thus, combining the missiological trends (Mangayi & Baron, 2020) and the ideas of Ubuntugogy (Bangura, 2005) could be functional in bringing home to the next generation the notion of henceforth living by the precepts of such a moral direction and social contract. It is therefore this articles intention to use missiological, philosophical, theological, and African knowledge systems anchored on Ubuntugogy (Bangura, 2005) to illuminate social contract theories for decent social change. Writing from a southern African context, I propose Ubuntugogy, because its deep commitment to community, character and hospitality, has much to contribute to interculturality in the important missiological mandate.
Sistemas Informáticos: Los factores para mejorar los resultados de las empresas y organizaciones
Authors: Interiano Osorio Danny Alejandro
Published: July 2023

Problema: Existe un desafío por las empresas de mantenerse actualizadas en el área de la informática, automatizando procesos y adaptándose a los cambios de la tecnología esto permite identificar los factores que puedan generar el éxito de las empresas u organizaciones. Objetivo: Determinar los factores y la relevancia que generan los sistemas informáticos para alcanzar el éxito en una empresa u organización. Método: Es un método principalmente histórico, descriptivo, cuantitativo y reflexivo que permite identificar los avances de los sistemas informáticos y como las empresas deben de adaptarse a los avances tecnológicos así poder alcanzar el éxito en la organización. Resultado: Muestra como las empresas u organizaciones utilizar los recursos informáticos, para aumentar la automatización de los procesos y generar mejores resultados dentro de las empresas. Así también, ser más eficientes, donde se busca mejorar los resultados de las empresas. Conclusión: Las empresas deben de usar las tecnologías enfatizar en la importancia de adaptarse a los cambios tecnológicos y promover el desarrollo de los empleados y así generar personas plenamente competitivas que pueda adaptase al cambio y mejora que las empresas proponen, con el fin de aumentar la competitiva empresarial. Se pretende identificar cuáles son las ventajas de utilizar los sistemas informáticos, en las medianas empresas las características que engloban los sistemas informáticos. También, hay que hacer mención al factor asociado al conocimiento de las personas pertenecientes a cada organización, porque un alto nivel de conocimiento teórico y práctico de las TIC aporta sustantivamente al desarrollo de la empresa.
OGRANIČENjE PRAVA NA POVLASTICE PROIZAŠLOG IZ STATUSA STUDENTA
Authors:   University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Law, Matić Dejan
Published: July 2023

The paper examines the issue of the limitation of the right to privileges arising from the status of users of services in the higher education sector. Higher education represents one of the main means of general social development, creation and development of a democratic environment, and therefore the powers and obligations arising from the status of users of services in this activity are quite carefully regulated by numerous legal acts in our legal system. Despite this, in practice we witness that the effectiveness of the norms in these acts has a more than questionable character, all due to their inexplicable and unusual inconsistency. The work is dedicated to a critical analysis of controversial solutions that can be encountered when considering these acts, as well as indicating possible directions for overcoming the given problems in an adequate way.
KAŽNjIVO PONAŠANjE I PRAVNI OKVIR ZAŠTITE PRAVA DETETA SA OSVRTOM NA USAGLAŠENOST SA EVROPSKIM STANDARDIMA
Authors:   Faculty of Law for Commerce and Judiciary, University of Business Academy of Novi Sad, serbia, Pavlović Zoran , Petrović Ivan ,   Deputy Local Ombudsman, Kraljevo, Serbia
Published: July 2023

In the paper, the authors deal with the international and domestic legal framework for the protection of children's rights, with a special focus on the legal consequences of punishable behavior. In this regard, the authors first point to the historical development of the child's rights in international documents, especially addressing the child's right to undertake legal affairs and the child's right to free expression of opinion. In addition to this, the paper also deals with the issue of the position of minors in criminal proceedings, as well as the issue of the imposition and execution of criminal sanctions against minors according to the current criminal legislation of the Republic of Serbia. Special emphasis was given to considering the application of the provisions of the Law on Juvenile Offenders, as well as the position of minors in misdemeanor proceedings. In the final part of the paper, an overview of the legal frameworks of individual European Union countries regarding the position of minors in criminal legislation is presented.
Leveraging Carbon Markets for Cost-Efficient Emissions Reductions in India: Practical Recommendations for the Design and Implementation of an Effective Carbon Market
Authors: Hingne Ashwini , Agarwal Varun , Gupta Shubhangi , Nath Megha , Kulkarni Tejaswini
Published: July 2023

A well-designed and well-integrated carbon market can reduce emissions reduction costs for the industry and help India meet its climate goals along with its economic aspirations. This report provides practical design and implementation recommendations for an effective carbon market in India, bringing together learnings from international carbon markets, India’s experience with market-based mechanisms over the two decades, and insights and industry feedback from a carbon market simulation.
Developing Creative Writing: From Paragraph to Essay
Authors: Ohanyan Marianna , Ohanyan Anna
Published: July 2023

“Developing Creative Writing: From Paragraph to Essay” Textbook, M. Ohanyan, A. Ohanyan. The text-book aims to develop students’ creative thinking and English writing skills. It is intended for students of professional Departments of RA universities as well as for those who take post-graduate and international examinations.
Generalized Topological Operator Theory in Generalized Topological Spaces: Part II. Generalized Interior and Generalized Closure
Authors: KHODABOCUS Mohammad Irshad , SOOKIA Noor-ul-hacq
Published: July 2023

In a recent paper (Cf. [19]), we have presented the definitions and the essential properties of the generalized topological operators

g-Int_g, g-Cl_g : P (Ω) −→ P (Ω) (g-T_g-interior and g-T_g-closure operators) in a generalized topological space T_g = (Ω, T_g) (T_g-space). Principally, we have

shown that (g-Int_g , g-Cl_g) : P (Ω) × P (Ω) −→ P (Ω) × P (Ω) is (Ω, ∅)-grounded, (expansive, non-expansive), (idempotent, idempotent) and (∩, ∪)-additive. We have also shown that g-Int_g : P (Ω) −→ P (Ω) is finer (or, larger, stronger) than int_g : P (Ω) −→ P (Ω) and g-Cl_g : P (Ω) −→ P (Ω) is coarser (or, smaller, weaker) than

cl_g : P (Ω) −→ P (Ω). In this paper, we study the commutativity of g-Int_g , g-Cl_g : P (Ω) −→ P (Ω) and T_g-sets having some (g-Int_g, g-Cl_g)-based properties

(g-P_g, g-Q_g-properties) in T_g-spaces. The main results of the study are: The g-T_g-operators g-Int_g, g-Cl_g : P (Ω) −→ P (Ω) are duals and g-P_g-property is preserved under their g-T_g-operations. A T_g-set having g-P_g-property is equivalent to the T_g-set or its complement having g-Q_g-property.

The g-Q_g-property is preserved under the set-theoretic ∪-operation and g-P_g-property is preserved under the set-theoretic {∪, ∩, C}-operations. Finally, a T_g-set having {g-P_g , g-Q_g}-property also has {P_g , Q_g }-property.
Speed for Safety: The Establishment of Bankruptcy Courts and Bank Credit Risk in China
Authors: Zhang Yue
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We investigate the effect of bankruptcy court establishment on the credit risk of municipal commercial banks in China from 2013 to 2020. Establishing bankruptcy courts reduces the non-performing loan ratio of municipal commercial banks. The effect is more pronounced in cities with low fiscal transparency and market fragmentation, and a strong rule of law. Furthermore, we argue that the bank’s loan provision and provision coverage ratio is the crucial intermediate variable in the relationship between bankruptcy court establishment and credit risk management. Our findings demonstrate the critical role of judicial system reform in promoting financial stability in China.

JEL classification numbers: G21, G32, G33.
Keywords: Bankruptcy court, Credit risk, Judicial reform.
ELUCIDATE THE ROLE OF GLUCANASE GENE AGAINST FUNGAL PATHOGENS
Authors: Nadeem Mawra
Published: July 2023

Fungal pathogens are one of the serious devastating agents limiting crop yield to a great extent. Premier management practices to tackle these diseases are the development of disease resistant varieties, application of appropriate fungicides, use of biocontrol agents, plant-based extracts and induction of innate host resistance. These management practices are of great value but have certain limitations i.e., side effects, high cost and decreased efficiency. Resistance development against the fungal pathogens inspired the scientists to explore modern techniques and produce plants with broad spectrum resistance against fungal pathogens. Transgenic technology holds a great potential in this regard. The advancements in molecular biotechnology have enabled the scientists to identify, isolate and characterize the plant stress responsive genes for plant transformation and also explained their role to combat stresses. Trichoderma harzianum is a potential biocontrol agent successfully employed for the control of many economically important pathogens. The biocontrol activity of Trichoderma spp. is majorly attributed to chitinolytic and glucanolytic enzymes having ability to degrade chitins and glucans. Glucanases are therefore one of the key groups of enzymes involved in mycoparasitism. They are classified on the basis of glucosidic linkage, they cleave i.e. α-1, 3-glucanases, β-1, 3-glucanases, α-1, 4-glucanases, β-1, 6-glucanases. The present review aims to explain the role of glucanase genes in the plant defense system and elaborate how glucanase genes protect plants from pathogens.
Transesterification of Palm Oil Catalyzed by CaO/SiO2 Prepared from Limestone and Rice Husk Silica
Authors: Elfina Sri , Pandiangan Kamisah Delilawati , Jamarun Novesar , Subriadi Fejri , Hafnimardiyanti Hafnimardiyanti , Roswita Roswita
Published: July 2023

In this study, CaO/SiO2 composites were prepared from rice husk silica (RH-SiO2) and limestone from a local company. The composites with different mass ratios of CaO to SiO2 (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:5, and 1:10) were synthesized using the sol-gel technique and characterized using XRF, XRD, and SEM. The composites were then used as catalysts for the transesterification of palm oil, with the main purpose to investigate the effect of catalyst compositions on the percentage of conversion of the oil.  The results of XRD and SEM confirm the existence of RH-SiO2 as an amorphous material, and CaO as crystalline material, while the composites are a mixture of amorphous and crystalline phases. The catalysts were then used in transesterification experiments and the percentage of oil conversion was calculated.  To confirm the successful conversion of palm oil into fatty acid methyl esters, the products of the reactions were analyzed using GC-MS. The experimental results demonstrated that the composites prepared exhibit catalytic activity, with the highest conversion (60%) achieved using the catalyst with the CaO to SiO2 ratio of 1:3.
ASSESSMENT OF THE ATTITUDE OF INTENSIVE CARE UNITS NURSES OF THE DIMENSIONS OF A SAFETY CULTURE
Authors: Mamčenkovaitė Evelina , Spirgienė Lina
Published: July 2023

To assess intensive care unit nurse’s attitude towards patient safety dimensions.

Methods. The study was conducted at two hospitals, from 2022 April till June in Intensive Care Units. 156 nurses participated in the study. The questionnaire was made by authors according to the „Manchester Patient Safety Framework. Acute” literature.

Results. Nurses with a university education agreed more often than those with a non-university education that their department takes a responsible approach to patient safety issues (respectively, n=52; 96.3% and n=93; 95.9%), p=0.05, that departments have a correct understanding of why it is necessary to report adverse patient safety events (respectively, n=51; 80.0% and n=80; 51.0%), p=0.04.

Non-university-educated nurses indicated more often than university-educated nurses that their department constantly assesses risks related to patient safety and looks for ways to improve quality (respectively, n=92; 93.9% n=43; 79.6%), p=0.02 that adverse patient safety events are not seen as an opportunity to blame the nurse or other staff (respectively, n=62; 64.6% and n=25; 46.3%,), p=0.04. Nurses with a non-university education more often agreed that there is no prevailing culture of blame in the department (respectively, n=65; 67.7% n=25; 46.3%), p=0.02, more often report potential adverse events (respectively, n =26; 48.1% and n=58, 61.1%), p=0.01, than nurses with university education.

Conclusions. Critical care and intensive care nurses pay sufficient attention to patient safety, system error and individual responsibility, and adverse event recording and best practice dimensions. However, in the opinion of university-educated nurses, risks related to patient safety are still not sufficiently assessed in the workplace and ways to improve quality are sought, there is a lack of safety culture.