bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which kinesiotaping technique is effective? Comparision of two different techniques in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Kirac Unal Zeynep , Bahtiyarca Zeynep Tuba , Altintas Yildiz , Arslan İrem , Karaahmet Ozgur Zeliha , Unlu Akyuz Ece
Published: October 2024

Background & Objective: Although different kinesiotaping (KT) techniques can be applied in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), to our knowledge, there is no study in the literature showing the superiority of these techniques over each other. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of KT techniques applied to the dorsal surface and palmar surface of the forearm in patients with CTS.
Methods: Forty six patients (70 wrists) diagnosed with CTS were randomized into 3 groups. Fabricated night splint was applied to the first group, KT was applied to the palmar surface of the wrist to the second group, and KT was applied to the dorsal surface of the wrist to the third group. Clinical, electrophysiological and ultrasonographic evaluations before treatment and at the end of 3-week treatment were compared.
Results: In the comparison pre- and post-treatment, the changes in pain evaluated with Visual Analog Scale, and median motor nerve distal latency were significant in all groups, the change in median nerve sensory conduction velocity was significant in Groups 1 and 2, the change in median motor nerve conduction velocity was significant in only Group 2, the change in The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ)-Symptom Severity Status was significant in Group 1 and Group 3, the change in BCTQ-Functional Severity Scale and median nerve cross-sectional area was significant in only group 1. When the changes in treatment between the groups were compared, no statistically significant difference was found in any of the parameters.
Conclusion: While splinting and different KT methods provided various benefits in CTS patients, they were not statistically superior to each other.
The importance of medial plantar nerve conduction study in detectıon of polyneuropathy in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: SURMELI Reyhan , OZDIL Kamil , YALCIN Ayse Destina
Published: October 2024

Background & Objective: Peripheral neuropathy is the most frequent neurologic complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of medial plantar nerve conduction study (NCS) in the detection of distal sensory polyneuropathy in IBD patients.
Methods: The study was performed with 21 Crohn’s disease (Group 1) patients, 24 Ulcerative Colitis (Group 2) patients without clinical peripheral neuropathy and 28 healthy participants (Group 3). Each patient group underwent electrophysiological conduction studies. The findings were analyzed statistically.
Results: Abnormal medial plantar nerve conduction was present on both sides in 11 (24.4 %) patients with IBD; 5 (11.1 %) patients had low sural nerve amplitude, and 5 (11.1 %) had low superficial peroneal nerve amplitude bilaterally. There were significant differences between the IBD groups (Group 1 and 2) and Group 3 in the mean sensory nerve action potential amplitude of the right medial plantar nerve (p<0.024), and in the mean sensory nerve action potential amplitude of the left medial plantar nerve (p<0.025). The polyneuropathy pattern was mostly of the sensory axonal type in patients with IBD.
Conclusions: These electrophysiologic findings indicate that peripheral neuropathy is more prevalent in IBD. In IBD patients the amplitudes of the medial plantar nerve were abnormal more than in the sural and superficial peroneal nerves.
Predictors of caregiver burden in Alzheimer’s disease: Caregiver stress, life satisfaction and quality of life levels
Authors: Selçuk Tosun Alime , Lök Neslihan , Bademli Kerime
Published: October 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of socio-demographic and health characteristics, caregiving stress, life satisfaction, and quality of life on the caregiving burden in caregivers of Alzheimer’s patient.
Methods: This study is a descriptive-correlational type study. A total of 146 individuals who are caregivers of Alzheimer’s patient constitute the sampling of the study. The Zarit Burden Interview, Caregiver Strain Index, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and SF-36 Quality of Life.
Results: The care burden mean score of caregivers was 61.29±10.3. It was determined that age (β=0.648), caring duration (β=0.429), gender(β=0.672), marital status(β=0.936), educational status(β=0.863), the affinity of the caregiver with the patient(β=0.734), working status(β=0.524), perceived income adequacy(β=0.926), perceived health condition(β=0.682), presence of chronic disease(β=0.529), caregiving stress(β=0.633), life satisfaction score(β=-0.775), physical subscale score (β=-0.824) and mental subscale score(β=-0.489) quality of life had an influence on the caregiving burden (p<0.001). It was determined that the effective determining factors account for 76.4% of the variation in the caregiving burden.
Conclusions: The caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease patients have a high caring burden. In addition to the socio-demographic and health characteristics of caregivers, caregiving stress, life satisfaction, and quality of life are important determinants of the caring burden.
The effect of different surgical methods and timing of surgery on the clinical efficacy in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage in basal ganglia
Authors: Han Boxiang , Guo Zheng , Li Jiwen , Teng Xukun , Jing Nianliang
Published: October 2024

Objective: To explore the effect of different surgical methods and timing on the clinical efficacy of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) in basal ganglia.
Methods: A total of 200 patients with HICH in basal ganglia were divided into traditional craniotomy (TC) group, small bone window craniotomy (SBWC) group and neuroendoscopic minimally invasive surgery (NMIS) group. And they were also divided into ultra-early group, early group and delayed group, depending on the timing of surgery. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hematoma clearance rate and incidence of complications among different groups were recorded and analyzed. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) were used to evaluate the neurological function and prognosis.
Results: The NMIS group was superior to the TC group and SBWC group in terms of operation time, and intraoperative blood loss, hematoma clearance rate, complication 6-months NIHSS scores and the GOS scores (P<0.05). There was no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hematoma clearance rate and complication among the ultra-early group, the early group and the delayed group (P>0.05). While the ultra-early group was superior to the early group and the delayed group in terms of 6-month NIHSS scores and the GOS scores.
Conclusion: NMIS could reduce the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications, and improve the hematoma clearance rate and prognosis of patients with HICH in basal ganglia. And the ultra-early surgical treatment improved the prognosis of patients with IHCH in basal ganglia.
Iatrogenic botulism after botulinum toxin type A: Five cases
Authors: Totuk özlem , Ebru Kaya  , Esra Nur Sancar  , Sena Ayşe Emre  , Serkan Demir
Published: October 2024

Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) is frequently used for spasticity, focal dystonia, hemifacial spasm, hyperhidrosis, strabismus, chronic migraine and cosmetic purposes. Therapeutic use is generally safe. It is important to consider the risk of iatrogenic botulism, especially in high dose approved or with unapproved formulations and indications. Five patients with iatrogenic botulism were described. All patient developed systemic symtomps of Botulism following botulinum toxin injection for various reason. Clinical presentatiton, treatment and outcome were explained in this report.
Conclusion: Based on the case series reported, we would like to emphasize the important of adhering to recommended dose of approved formulations approved or unapproved indication of BTX-A.
Exploring the experience of multiple sclerosis patients in Turkey: Insights from a national survey
Authors: Tütüncü Melih , Demir Serkan , Gündüz Tuncay , Mavi Kamil , Ölmez Çağcan , İğde Fatih , Uzunköprü Cihat , Sıvacı Ali Özhan , Usar İncirli Sıla , Çetinkaya Tezer Damla , Gümüş Haluk , Güngör Doğan İpek , Piri Çınar Bilge , Destan Bünül Sena , Seferoğlu Meral , Sağduyu Kocaman Ayşe , Siva Aksel
Published: October 2024

Objective: To evaluate sociodemographic profile, clinical characteristics, disability and treatment status of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Turkey with respect to patient perspectives and expectations.
Methods: A total of 2,176 MS patients participated in this cross-sectional questionnaire survey including items on sociodemographic, disease and treatment characteristics, daily life and perspectives and expectations.
Results: Mean (SD) patient age was 36.4(9.4) years and 76.3% of patients were females. The numbness/weakness in the extremities (57.3%) was the most common presenting symptom. Overall, 56.8% reported treatment switch (due to attacks in 47.3%), while 22.2% reported physical disability and 39.7% reported work-related problems. Males had higher rate of MS-related physical disability (33.0% vs. 19.0%, p<0.001) than females. Use of an assistive device was a more common in patients with longer disease duration (≥15 years; 39.0%) and in those under IV treatment (64.0%). Nearly half of patients reported significant concerns related to uncertainty of the future and impaired quality of life as well as lack of hope for future improvement. The majority of patients reported that they would prefer less frequent SC injection dosing and 43.3% reported preference for monthly high- efficacy SC injection.
Conclusion: This nationwide questionnaire-based study in Turkish MS patients revealed the altered disability status with respect to sociodemographic profile, and altered treatment expectations specific to the route of administration, in addition to significant concerns regarding the uncertainty of the future, impaired quality of life and lack of hope for future improvement in nearly half of patients.
Effective management of hip adductor spasticity: A case report on diagnostic obturator nerve block and botulinum toxin injection
Authors: Teo Richard Soon Kiat , John Yee Cheong  , Mazlan Mazlina , Chung Tze Yang
Published: October 2024

It is important to distinguish spasticity from contracture in patients presenting with upper motor neuron (UMN) syndrome and restricted range of movement (ROM) because treatment strategies differ. We demonstrate how we perform ultrasound-guided obturator nerve (ON) block to distinguish spasticity from contracture in a patient with bilateral hip adductor spasticity secondary to a non-traumatic spinal cord injury. We report here a 26-year-old gentleman with a history of Mycobacterium tuberculosis thoracic spondylodiscitis with spinal cord compression. His neurological status was T6 ASIA impairment scale C and his impairments were spastic paraparesis, neurogenic bowel and neurogenic bladder. He had difficulty with wheelchair transfer and positioning, perineal care as well as intermittent self- catheterization due to severe spasticity of bilateral hip adductors with significantly restricted ROM. Bilateral ON block resulted in clinically significant improvement in spasticity and ROM of the right lower limb but not the left. The effects were similar following intramuscular BTX-A injection of bilateral hip adductors. Ultrasound-guided diagnostic ON block via the distal approach is inexpensive, safe and can be readily performed in clinic setting without the need for sedation or prolonged monitoring. Improvement in MAS score of at least 1 point and ROM of at least 15° following ON block should be used to distinguish hip adductor spasticity from contracture in patients with UMN syndrome and reduced ROM. Diagnostic nerve block allows for greater physician certainty when discussing various treatment options including expedited referral for surgical consult. The findings of this report offer insights into the decision-making process in managing complex presentations of UMN syndrome.
Individualized surgical management of acute intracranial infection-associated hydrocephalus
Authors: Xie Dajiang , Guo Hongbin
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study aims to discuss and summarize surgical treatments for acute intracranial infections with hydrocephalus as a supplement to antibiotic treatment.
Methods: A total of 29 patients diagnosed with acute intracranial infection associated with hydrocephalus were divided into three groups for comparison and analysis of surgical interventions and outcomes.
Results: In this study, 29 patients in one group underwent surgical treatment, while 28 received various forms of external cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage, with a maximum of 5 drainage procedures. Additionally, 6 patients had Ommaya reservoir implantation, 6 had debridement, and 11 had a hydrocephalus shunt. Among the five patients in Group 1, all underwent shunt device extubation. The statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in surgical modes between the groups, but the outcomes did show a statistically significant difference (χ2 = 6.433, P = 0.040).
Conclusion: Individualized and multiple surgeries are needed for acute intracranial infection associated with hydrocephalus. In cases where the infection is secondary to a shunt, the primary surgical approach involves removing the shunt device. In situations where the infection is linked to hydrocephalus following different craniotomies, addressing scalp infection, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and skull defects is essential. In instances of community-acquired intracranial infection associated with hydrocephalus, continuing drainage of cerebrospinal fluid is imperative.
Excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults: A bibliometric and visualization analysis
Authors: Feng Ziqian , Li Zhuangzhuang , Qin Xiaolong , Wan Jie , Zhao Hong , Huang Xue
Published: October 2024

Background: To analyse the bibliometric results of a study on the research trends in excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among older adults to provide clinicians and researchers with a better understanding of the current status and to identify potential new research directions.
Methods: We searched the Web of Science Core Collection for articles on immunotherapy for EDS in older adults. We used three software packages (VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Tableau) to analyze the articles in terms of journals, keywords, citations, co-citations, and research areas and identify research hotspots as well as promising future trends in this field.
Results: Our findings showed an annual increase in the number of articles on EDS that were published. Among them, authors from the USA had the highest number of publications globally in this field, while in terms of institutions, the highest number of articles came from Stanford University (n = 26, 2.73%). The articles covered diverse research areas and included clinical neurology, neuroscience, and the respiratory system. As expected, journal-wise, the majority of articles were published in “Sleep” and “Sleep Medicine”. Keywords indicating research areas in recent years were ‘important difference,’ ‘obstructive sleep apnea,’ and ‘shift work.’ These were also reflected in the results of the co-citation analysis.
Conclusions: Overall, EDS is an area of increasing interest and offers excellent research opportunities for the future.
Sural sparing reversible sensorimotor abnormalities in hypokalemia: A close mimic of GBS
Authors: Patel Pratik , Panda Samhita
Published: October 2024

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) in hypokalemic paralysis usually show decreased compound muscle action potential (CMAP) which improves with correction of hypokalemia and normalizes in between the attacks. Inactivity of Na+ K+ ATPase pump due to hypokalemia results in decreased excitability of muscle fibers resulting in reduced CMAP on NCS. Sensory symptoms, as well as abnormalities in sensory NCS is a rare phenomenon. Here we describe a 40-year-old male who presented with acute onset rapidly progressive ascending quadriparesis with type 2 respiratory failure due to hypokalemia following hepatorenal dysfunction. NCS done before hypokalemia correction, suggested sural sparing with generalized reduced CMAPs, nonrecordable median and ulnar nerves sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) and abnormal F waves. After hypokalemia correction there was improvement in CMAPs as well as SNAPs. Thus, hypokalemia can present as an axonal sensorimotor involvement with sural sparing on NCS study similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome subtype.
Prognosis of the post COVID-19 stroke based on D-dimer and inflammatory markers: A mixed model meta-regression analysis
Authors: Nourmohammadi Mohammad Javad , Hatami Amirali , Ahmadi Seyyed Amir Yasin
Published: October 2024

Background & Objective: With regard to the importance of inflammatory biomarker and stroke in COVID-19 prognosis, this study aims to compare the mortality of stroke in COVID-19 patients based on the level of inflammatory biomarkers, considering the temporality of stroke occurrence after COVID-19 infection.
Methods: As a secondary study, aggregate data were collected by a systematic review. Mixed model meta-regression analyses were conducted to study the effects of stroke, inflammatory biomarkers and D-dimer on mortality of patient with COVID-19 as main effects and interactions. The effect measure was death rate. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023383065.
Results: A total of 2,725 COVID-19 patients, consisting of 96 patients with stroke with a temporal precedence of COVID-19 were investigated from three studies. Among the inflammatory biomarkers, only CRP found eligible for pooled analysis. In the interaction model of CRP, significant positive interactions with CRP were found for both groups of stroke and non-stroke (P <0.001), in which the interaction with stroke group was more severe. In the interaction model of D-dimer, a significant positive interaction with D-dimer was found for the stroke group (P <0.001), while the interaction with the non-stroke group was not statistically significant (P =0.158).
Conclusion: The present study found the role CRP and D-dimer in prognosis of stroke in patients with COVID-19 as both main effect and interaction modeling. The evidence obtained from these mixed model meta-regression analyses was of moderate quality.
Risk factors and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke complicated with cerebral microbleeds
Authors: Hou Yangbo , Xiao Qian , Chen Zhen , Cheng Jiwei , Shi Zhizhen , Zhu Qiaoyan , Liu Chong
Published: October 2024

Objective: To observe the risk factors and prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke complicated with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) to provide a theoretical basis for better prevention and treatment of acute ischemic stroke and reduction of bleeding risk.
Methods: The clinical data of 200 patients with acute ischemic stroke who completed susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into a CMB group and a non CMB group. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke.
Results: Univariate analysis showed that systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, free triiodothyronine (FT3), infarct site in the cerebral lobe and total anterior circulation infarct (TACI) (using the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification) were correlated with acute ischemic stroke complicated with CMBs (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.009–1.032), fasting blood glucose (OR: 1.174, 95% CI: 1.082–1.274) and infarct site in the cerebral lobe (OR: 12.925, 95% CI: 7.412–22.540) were independent risk factors for acute ischemic stroke complicated with CMBs (P < 0.05). TACI (OR: 0.004, 95% CI: 0.002–0.007) may not be an independent risk factor (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and infarct site in the cerebral lobe, but likely not TACI, were independent risk factors for acute ischemic stroke complicated with CMBs. The presence or absence of CMBs did not affect the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke.
Characteristics and prognosis of LGI1 antibody encephalitis
Authors: Zhang Ruixue , Bao Lei , Shi Hongjuan , Li Qingjie
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To investigate clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients with LGI1 autoimmune encephalitis.
Methods: A total of 12 patients who were diagnosed with LGI1 autoimmune encephalitis were retrospectively analyzed between 2018 and 2022 at the Department of Neurology of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. Clinical characteristics, laboratory examinations, electroencephalograms, brain magnetic resonance images and prognosis were assessed. The clinical data were collected by searching through electronic medical records.
Results: Among 12 patients, 8 were male and 4 were female. The average age at disease onset was 61.8 years (24–83). The most common clinical symptoms were seizures (n=10), cognitive dysfunction (n=8), and mental behavioral disorders (n=8). A total of 9 cases had hyponatremia. Brain MRI and electroencephalographic were abnormal in 7 patients each. All patients were treated with first line immunotherapy. Most patients responded well and 3 patients relapsed on follow-up.
Conclusion: Characteristic features of LGI1 antibody encephalitis include subacute onset cognitive impairment, seizures, faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS), and mental and behavioral abnormalities. Especially, FBDS and hyponatremia suggest LGI1-antibody encephalitis. Therefore, early identification and immunotherapy may prevent cognitive impairment and improve prognosis.
Correlation of MRI brain findings with executive dysfunction and vascular risk factors in elderly patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Sharma Bhawna , Kasundra Mitul
Published: October 2024

Objectives: The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between gray matter changes, white matter changes and executive function among older Indian adults with vascular risk factors.
Methods: This hospital based observational analytical study was conducted in a tertiary care health facility located in the north-western region of India for a duration of one year between October 2021 and September 2022 among patients between 60 and 90 years of age presenting to the outpatient sections of Department of Neurology with executive dysfunction. We assessed the vascular risk factors, evaluated executive function, and then the patients underwent brain MRI on a 1.5T MRI scanner.
Results: The proportion of patients with dorsolateral atrophy was significantly higher (p<0.001) among patients with executive dysfunction (83.10%). Hypertension significantly contributed to predict the atrophy of temporal lobe and parietal lobe (p<0.05). Hyperintensity of periventricular area was found significantly higher among executive dysfunction patients (85.92%). Elevated HbA1c levels and smoking significantly contributed to predict the white matter hyperintensity of basal ganglia (p<0.05). The present study also found that hypertension and alcohol use significantly predicted white matter hyperintensity in the frontal area (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Specific white matter hyperintensity loci and grey matter volume loss were closely associated with executive dysfunction in elderly. It is understood that modifying and treating vascular risk factors can prevent progression of executive dysfunction and these findings emphasize the complex nature of the relationship between vascular risk factors, cognitive impairment, and brain structure.
Narrativas de professores (as) negros (as) sobre o trabalho com relações étnico-raciais no cotidiano escolar na educação fundamental
Authors: Dias Aline de Freitas , Thiengo Edmar Reis , Barbosa Hudson José Cacau , Silva Jaques José da , Madeira Laureanny , Fontana Lediana Sedano , Fontana Valderedo Sedano , Cereza Valquiria Cruz
Published: October 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma pesquisa qualitativa e quantitativa que investigou as narrativas de professores (as) negros (as) em relação ao trabalho com relações étnico-raciais no cotidiano escolar da Educação Fundamental. Através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas, o estudo procurou compreender as experiências e desafios enfrentados por esses educadores nas escolas de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, utilizando a metodologia indiciária para análise dos dados. O estudo envolveu a participação de docentes de duas instituições — Escola Alpha e Escola Beta — e analisou estatisticamente as diferenças e semelhanças nas percepções desses professores. Os resultados mostraram que, apesar de enfrentarem contextos desafiadores para desenvolver práticas docentes inclusivas, os professores (as) negros (as) buscam constantemente formas inovadoras de engajar seus alunos, mesmo lidando com a resistência em relação a temas que abordam a diversidade cultural e racial. Além disso, a pesquisa evidenciou a importância de uma educação que não apenas reconheça, mas que também valorize a diversidade étnico-racial. As narrativas revelaram a urgência de integrar discussões sobre raça no currículo escolar, transformando a matemática em um espaço de reflexão e crítica social. O estudo, portanto, visa contribuir para a formação de uma educação matemática mais inclusiva e antirracista, ressaltando a importância de valorizar as experiências dos professores negros no processo educativo.
Impactos climáticos extremos na produção leiteira e turismo gastronômico de queijo no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Machado Annaelise Fritz , Silva Flávia Ventura , Fialho Sara , Reis Janderson Damaceno dos , Bastos Gabriel Gomes , Chevitarese Leonardo , Reis Rodrigo Drumond , Silva Tibério Alfredo , Faria André Luiz Lopes de
Published: October 2024

As mudanças climáticas têm causado eventos extremos que afetam profundamente setores relevantes para a economia local e as tradições culturais de uma região. No Rio Grande do Sul, a produção leiteira e o turismo gastronômico enfrentam desafios significativos devido às alterações nas condições climáticas, impactando a qualidade dos produtos e a experiência dos visitantes. Tem-se como objetivo geral, analisar os impactos das mudanças climáticas na produção leiteira e no turismo gastronômico de queijo no Rio Grande do Sul, destacando a vulnerabilidade desses setores às variações climáticas. A questão problema que guia esta pesquisa é: Como os eventos climáticos extremos influenciam a produção de leite e o turismo gastronômico de queijo no Rio Grande do Sul? Os métodos utilizados para esta pesquisa, são a abordagem qualitativa secundária e expositiva, baseadas na análise de dados bibliográficos e documentais com revisão da literatura especializada. Os resultados destacam os sérios impactos do estresse térmico nas vacas leiteiras, reduzindo a produtividade do leite e comprometendo a qualidade do queijo artesanal. Além disso, as enchentes resultaram na destruição de pastagens e infraestruturas turísticas, afetando negativamente o turismo gastronômico de queijo. Como considerações finais sugere-se medidas de adaptação e resiliência são essenciais para mitigar esses impactos e garantir a sustentabilidade econômica e cultural das comunidades locais.
ESTUDO DA COMPOSIÇÃO INORGÂNICA ELEMENTAR DE AMOSTRAS DE FOLHAS DE Aniba rosaeodora, PROVENIENTES DE DUAS LOCALIDADES DISTINTAS
Authors: Silva Cláudia Cândida , Sampaio Paulo de Tarso Barbosa , Lara Caroline Schmaedeck , Ruiz Glória Cecilia Macia , Oliveira Lucas Alves de , Saldanha Caio Vinicius Menezes
Published: October 2024

Dentre as plantas do Amazonas, destaca-se a espécie Aniba rosaeodora, conhecida como pau-rosa. Esta é muito utilizada na indústria de perfumes e cosméticos. Há um conjunto de elementos inorgânicos com importantes papéis no tecido vegetal, obtidos na forma de íons inorgânicos do solo. Alguns metais encontrados em plantas, como Cu, Zn, Mg e Se, apresentam propriedades antioxidantes. Dessa forma, este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar a composição inorgânica das folhas desta espécie, provenientes de duas localidades do estado do Amazonas (AM), através da técnica de Fluorescência de raios-X por Dispersão de Comprimento de Onda. Foram analisadas 24 amostras da Reserva Ducke (RD) e 16 amostras da Fazenda Maués (FM). Foram submetidas à análise qualitativa e quantitativa. Identificaram-se 21 elementos (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Nb, Sn, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K e Ca) nas amostras da Reserva Ducke e 20 nas amostras da Fazenda Maués, sendo o elemento Rb presente apenas nas da RD. Tais elementos são retirados essencialmente do meio em que a planta vive. Foram observados ainda metais com propriedade antioxidante (Zn, Cu e Mn). Dessa forma, concluiu-se que a distribuição dos elementos nas amostras não foi uniforme, com espécies químicas exclusivas de cada localidade, evidenciando assim diferenças na composição das folhas relacionadas às diferenças dos solos.
FAST FASHION, SUSTAINABILITY AND TOURISM
Authors: Esposti Renato José Degli , Paula Pedro Lucas dos Santos , Braga Solano de Souza , Burkowski Rodrigo
Published: October 2024

This paper addresses the complex relationship between fast fashion, sustainability, and tourism, aiming to raise awareness of the impacts of fast fashion and the prospects for a more sustainable model. The methodology adopted was based on a literature review using academic sources, specialized websites, and articles from digital newspapers and magazines. The results highlight the main criticisms of fast fashion, including its environmental impacts, human rights violations, consumer culture, and cultural appropriation. Furthermore, the need for authenticity in using sustainability as a marketing tool by fast fashion companies is emphasized, highlighting the importance of transparency and the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the production chain. Despite the challenges, there is a growing awareness of the urgency to transform the fashion industry towards a more ethical and sustainable model, which has driven interest in sustainable and ethical alternatives in fashion. This study contributes to understanding the impacts of fast fashion and reflects on the possibilities of promoting more responsible and sustainable practices in the fashion sector.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND CHILDREN GROWTH UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE IN LAKHODAIR COMMUNITY, LAHORE, PAKISTAN
Authors: BIBI N , IFTIKHAR K , FATIMA A , AKMAL A , AKBAR T , ZAFAR M , FIRDOUS U
Published: October 2024

Nutrition knowledge is essential for the prevention of nutrition-related problems. Knowledge is a familiarity, awareness, or understanding of someone or something, such as facts, information, descriptions, or skills, which is acquired through experience or education by perceiving, discovering, or learning.  Objective: To determine the relationship between maternal nutritional knowledge and children's growth under 5 years of age in the Lakhodair community, Lahore Pakistan.  Methods: A quantitative correlational study design was used to conduct this study. The study duration was 4 months after IRB approval. This study was conducted in the Lakhodair community in Lahore, Pakistan. Study Population females (mothers) living in the Lakhodair community in Lahore, Punjab Pakistan. A simple random sampling technique was used for the selection of sample size. Results: Results revealed that all participants had breastfed their child. The majority (90%) of the participants didn’t rate their knowledge so it was compromised by their attitude problems and lack of awareness regarding maternal nutritional guidelines. More than 72% have no access to the resources.68% responded that child eating habits are not average depicting mal-nutrition. P value was less than 0.05 showing the significant relation of maternal knowledge with children's growth. Conclusion: It was concluded that maternal nutritional knowledge has a positive and direct relation with the child's growth. As the mother’s knowledge increases ultimately practices will be better and consequently, maternal nutritional knowledge and childcare practices will significantly impact the child's growth.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PROTEASE FROM WISTERIA SINENSIS AND CHLORIS BARBATA
Authors: QADIR N , ALI A
Published: October 2024

Enzymes, as biocatalysts, have extensive industrial applications. Protease enzymes, in particular, are widely used in industries such as leather, detergents, food, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. Alkaline proteases, which require a neutral to alkaline pH for activity, are notably sourced from plants. Objective: This study aimed to isolate and partially purify protease enzymes from the leaves of Wisteria sinensis and Chloris barbata, and to characterize their enzymatic properties, particularly their caseinolytic activity in alkaline conditions. Methods: Proteases were isolated and partially purified from the leaves of Wisteria sinensis and Chloris barbata. Enzyme kinetics were assessed to determine the optimal caseinolytic activity of the proteases. The study focused on evaluating the enzymes' stability at specific pH levels and temperatures. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the enzymatic activities and to validate the findings. Results: The isolated proteases from both Wisteria sinensis and Chloris barbata demonstrated optimal caseinolytic activity in alkaline pH. The enzymes exhibited significant stability across specific pH levels and temperatures, confirming their alkaline nature. These findings highlight the potential industrial applications of these proteases. Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the isolation and characterization of proteases from Wisteria sinensis and Chloris barbata. The identified alkaline proteases show promise as industrial biocatalysts due to their stability and significant protease activity. Further research is warranted to purify these enzymes fully and explore their specific industrial applications, emphasizing the biotechnological potential of diverse plant sources.
ROLE OF PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF INFECTION PREVENTION PROGRAMS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: HUSSAIN F , IRUM S , HAIDER DA , DIN SU , MUBASHIR M , NAQVI M
Published: October 2024

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant risk in hospital settings. Performance improvement measures can enhance the quality of infection prevention programs, leading to better outcomes for patients. Objective: To assess the impact of performance improvement measures on enhancing the quality of infection prevention programs in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with healthcare workers (HCWs), including doctors, nurses, infection prevention officers, and support staff, at a tertiary care hospital. The intervention included comprehensive performance improvement measures: rigorous training, educational initiatives, regular audits with feedback, adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, monitoring tools, and hand hygiene promotion. Quantitative data on infection rates, infection control compliance, hand hygiene adherence, and antibiotic usage were collected at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Qualitative data were gathered from semi-structured interviews and focus groups to explore barriers and facilitators to infection prevention. Results: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in HAIs per 1,000 patient days compared to the control group (3.06 ± 1.09 vs. 8.23 ± 5.18; p = 0.00). Compliance with infection control practices (71.0% vs. 61.0%; p = 0.13) and hand hygiene adherence (64.0% vs. 48.0%; p = 0.02) were also higher in the intervention group. However, no statistically significant difference in antibiotic usage was observed between the two groups (59.0% vs. 49.0%; p = 0.1). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that performance improvement measures significantly reduce HAIs and improve compliance with infection control protocols. These targeted strategies are essential for enhancing infection prevention in healthcare settings and improving overall patient safety.
Imaging studies in urinary tract infection in Libyan children
Authors: Almurabet Fathia A. , Altruki Mohamed A. , Almamouri Kheria O.
Published: October 2024

Acute pylonephritis is a common occurrence and results in irreversible renal damage  which may lead later in life to arterial hypertension and renal insufficiency. This article is to review  of the current role and controversies in imaging revealed VUR in 27.4% (14 of 51) patient with  normal RUS. RUS has 22% sensitivity and 68% specificity in detecting VUR and 67% sensitivity  and 47.7% specificity in detecting renal the kidneys to evaluate patients with acute pylonephritis.  Patients and methods: retrospective study including 180 patients with acute pylonephritis (132 girls  and 48 boys) mean age four years were uroradiologicalimages had been performed for them. Renal  ultrasound and RUS were obtained at the time of diagnosis, voiding cysto urethrography (VCUG)  was performed for 178 patients 4 - 6 weeks later, 99m technetiumdimer-captosuccuinic acid scan  (DMSA) was performed for 155 patients 4 - 6 months after the infection. Results: RUS was  abnormal in 190 renal units (51%) renal scaring was detected only in 9 (2.5%) kidneys by RUS, 37%  (66 of 178) patients who underwent voidingcystourethrogram had abnormal VCUG. VCUG showed  vesicoureteral reflux in 63 patients (35%), VCUG abnormalities whatever it is with positive  predictive value of 79.8% and negative predictive value of 32%. VUR was bilateral in 53%, right  side in 22%, left side in 25% of patients. Regarding the grade of VUR, it was grade I - II in 11%,  grade III in 22%, and grade V - IV in (67%), 30% of patient with VUR were older than 5 years.  DMSA revealed renal scarring in 74% (115 of 155) of patients. Renal scarring was seen in 86% of  refluxing kidneys (risk factor 1.3, p = 0.005) and seen in 95% of kidneys with grade (IV - V)  vesicoureteral reflux. Conclusion: renal ultrasound remains necessary in order to detect urinary tract  abnormalities although it is not reliable to confirm the presence or absence of VUR. Significant  incidence of VUR in children with UTI, VCUG is the golden standard in detecting VUR. Renal  scarring is commonly seen and it was significantly correlated with the presence of VUR and the risk  of scarring greatly increased with severe reflux.
Lipid profile of diabetic patients at Murzuk general hospital, southern Libya
Authors: Alaleem Annour M. , Nouh Ali M. , Aloifah Abd elHakim A.
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of lipids in diabetic patients and its relation to age and sex. The samples included were 149 diabetic patients comprising of 89 males and 60 females with age range between 14 - 76 years old. Blood samples were collected from these patients who regularly come to Murzuk general hospital. The blood sample was analyzed for the levels of TC, TG, LDL and HDL by a spectrum analysis, spectrophotometer. The results showed that the percentage value of samples with normal result for TC, TG, LDL and HDL are 100 (67.1%), 121 (81.2%), 127 (85.2%), 73 (males & female) {41 (53.3%), 32 (46.1%)} as well as the percentage value of samples with abnormal results, 49 (32.99%), 28 (18.8%), 22 (14.8%), 76 (M & F) {28 (46.7%), 48 (53.9%)}, respectively. The mean values for male samples with normal result of TC, TG, LDL and HDL are {(156.4 ± 27.3), (118.9 ± 42.2), (79.0 ± 23.5), (45.7 ± 10.7, 48.0 ± 3.5) mg/dl} for female, respectively. The mean values for male samples with abnormal results {(239.6 ± 24.2), (285.2 ± 59.2), (173.5 ± 35.3) and (25.1 ± 8.1, 27.0 ± 10.0) mg/dl} for females. This study shows that the prevalence of high levels of lipids in female diabetic patients at middle-aged, and at elderly age among male patients. The study further suggests that age has an effect on blood lipid disorders in diabetic patients.
Hypocalcaemia among children up to two years old in children Tripoli hospital
Authors: Yedder Fatma , Ben Rajab Faten , Sebai Laila T.
Published: October 2024

Hypocalcaemia is a state when serum calcium levels are < 7 mg/dl in preterm neonates and < 8 mg/dl in term neonates and < 8.5 mg/dl in older children. Prospective analytical study was performed in children, < 2 years, who admitted in Hospital with hypocalcaemia or discovered hypocalcaemia during admission. Biochemical serum investigations from the patients (S. Ca, Ph, alk ph, Mg, Hb, PTH, Urea and S. Cr) and X. ray of left hand wrist. 63 children (44 boys, 19 girls) the difference was statistically significant and age ranging from one day to 2 years with mean age of 5 ± 5.6 months, 46% of the patients are exclusive breast feeding and 41.4% of them are symptomatic at age between 6 to 12 months of age and most of bottle feeding babies (90%) are symptomatic early below 6 months of age. Most of the patients presented with abnormal movement (85.7%) and 12.7% are asymptomatic. 1.6% of the patients presented with bow legs, 14% of the patients were preterm, all of preterm patients are significantly presented early than term patients and 16% of the patients are IUGR, and they are significantly presented early and about 6% of the patients are infant of diabetic mother and significantly presented early, 73% of the mothers are multipara and 27% of the mothers are primigravida, 93.8% of primigravida mothers had normal. Serum calcium was compared with 80.5% of multiparty mothers; the difference was statistically not significant. All the patients had low serum calcium levels but serum phosphorous levels varied and about alkaline phosphatase, 62.7% of patients have high and 37.3% have normal serum alkaline phosphates, about 61% have high serum PTH. 37% have normal serum PTH and 2% have low serum PTH, 66.7% of breast feeding and 6.1% of bottle feeding patients have ricketic x-ray changes, this is not significant. 88.9% of babies of hypocalcemic mothers have ricketic bone changes; most of the babies of hypocalcemic mothers are presented early 77.8% less than 6 months of age. Thus, infants under 2 years of age are liable to have vitamin D deficiency rickets particularly if they are exclusively breastfed with reduced exposure to sunlight, seizures are the most important presented symptom of hypocalcaemia.
Critical analysis of risk factors and outcome of placenta previa
Authors: Almaksoud Turaia A.
Published: October 2024

Placenta previa is the pathology of placenta in which the placenta lies completely or partially within the lower uterine segment. According to its relationship with internal os it is divided into four grades 1, 2, 3, 4. The objective of this study was to explore the risk factors and pregnancy outcome of patient with placenta. A case control study was done on 382 subjects in which 82 were included in the cases, and 300 were included in controls who presented at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Tripoli medical center during 2011. Diagnosed patients of placenta previa were included in case group and other healthy subjects were included in the control group and statistical significance was also calculated. In conclusion, previous history of cesarean section, previous history of D + C, previous history of placenta previa is independent risk factors for placenta previa. An increase in the incidence of these risk factors probably contributes to a rise in the number of pregnancies complicated with placenta previa and its association with adverse maternal and prenatal outcome. Carful surveillance of these risk factors is recommended with timely delivery in order to reduce the associated complication.
The Reading of William Blake’s (1757-1827) “London”: A Discourse Analysis Approach
Authors: Ngitsi Barnabé Katsuva
Published: October 2024

This study has attempted to investigate the problem faced by children in an aristocratic or well-to-do society. Through the narrator’s language, it has been proven that the pretenders do not care of the low class. The former are Londoners together with the leaders who have marginalized the proletarians or the working class: women, soldiers, artists, teachers, sweepers, and so on. These people are considered not only as children but they are also not seen because they are mere faces, i.e. the invisible people who have nothing to say in decision making. In addition, the Church leaders in London seem to preach what they are not able to live, for they are, instead of preaching the gospel, involved in murder (hearse) and in insanity. As they are also involved in politics, they pass laws and make charters for useless matters such as rivers and streets ignoring children and other vulnerable people.
Preparation of Panchromatic Silver Halide Emulsion to Fabricate High Efficiency Multiplexed Volume Phase Holograms for Solar Concentration Application
Authors: Ravi Pratheep Haalan , Bellan Chandar Shekar , Varadarajan Vadivelan , R Subramaniyan@Raja
Published: October 2024

Volume Phase Gratings (VPG) are often recorded using holographic emulsions such as photopolymer, Dichromated Gelatin (DCG), and silver halide. We employed silver halide emulsion to record the VPG in monochromatic red wavelength for solar concentration purposes. According to the Braggs condition, the recorded VPG's diffraction efficiency reaches its peak at the recorded angle and wavelength. For solar applications, we needed high diffraction efficiency over a wide angle and wavelength range. So, we captured multiplexed single VPG in our own panchromatic silver halide emulsion. The procedure of making panchromatic silver halide emulsion is described in depth. This technique is unique in that it achieves peak diffraction efficiency at broad wavelength and wide angle in a single multiplexed VPG. The panchromatic multiplexed VPG produced a high diffraction efficiency in wide-angle response with overall visible wavelengths. This study describes the high diffraction efficiency multiplexed VPG in its own manufactured panchromatic silver halide emulsion for solar concentrating applications.
Assessment of Moringa Seed Oil: Fatty Acid Profile, Oxidative Stability and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Hammad Ul , Shahbaz Muhammad , Ahamad Shabbir , Khan Muzaffar Ali , Farooq Umar , Naeem Hammad , Momal Ushna , Mujtaba Ahmed , Qaisrani Tahira Batool
Published: October 2024

Moringa oleiferais called the “miracle tree” and it has more vitamins than even some fruits and vegetables like oranges, carrots etc. Objective: To assess functional groups and compare oxidative stability, fatty acid profile, free fatty acid concentration, and antioxidant activity to commercial vegetable oil. Methods: The moringa seed oil was extracted by cold press extraction and solvent extraction by n-hexane and petroleum ether. Functional group, lipid peroxidation, fatty acid profile, antioxidant activity, and FFAs % were analyzed by FTIR, TBARS, GC-MS, DPPH, and titration respectively. Results: The FTIR spectra of prepared samples showed common functional groups of triglycerides, including a sharp peak at 2984 cm-1 for aliphatic C-H stretching. The maximum TBARS value was 0.234 ± 0.03% in T0 at 30 days of storage, whereas the lowest was 0.167 ± 0.04% in T1 at 0 day. The GC-MS analysis of screw press moringa oil showed a high percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids, with 71.38 ± 0.01% oleic acid, 7.01 ± 0.01% palmitic acid, and 1.92 ± 0.01% linoleic acid. At 15 days of storage, FFAs were 2.28 ± 0.06%, showing low hydrolytic rancidity. The Antioxidant Activity in DPPH analysis was 44.46 ± 0.02%, showing high antioxidant properties. Conclusion: The characteristics of moringa seed oil indicate that it could be an effective edible oil and suitable for the production of food items and other edible products in the food and nutraceutical sectors.