bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postural Control in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bhatt Urvi , Mehta Megha , Kumar G Palani
Published: April 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease of chronic hyperglycaemia which leads to neurological complications such as Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). When compared to healthy persons, those with DPN are more likely to fall, especially in geriatric population. Present review aims to provide an insight to the pathophysiology, outcome measures, and physiotherapy treatment of impaired postural control in DPN. Searches for relevant articles were conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Ovid, Springerlink, Science Direct (SD), Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE), Elton B. Stephens Company (EBSCO) Discovery Service and Web of Science. Keywords used were diabetes, DPN, diabetic foot, postural control, balance, postural sway, physiotherapy intervention. Irrespective of their year of publication, studies and reports published in English, that provide data of postural control in individuals with DPN and its physiotherapy management were included in the study. The included publications were reviewed and a narrative review was formulated. A total of 35 studies were included in this review. All studies suggest that there is postural instability in people with DPN which increases with age and duration of diabetes. Multidirectional postural sway was observed in most of the studies with medio-lateral instability encountered in more cases. Significant improvement in timed up and go test, single leg stance test, Berg balance scale, and other outcome measures post physiotherapy intervention were reported. Literature suggests that multidirectional postural instability is present in DPN patients. Physiotherapy, offloading devices and diabetic foot care education improve postural stability in individuals with DPN.
Tobacco Smoking and Alcohol Drinking among Youth in Duhok, Iraq: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hajee Bakhtiyar Ahmed Rasheed Baba , Agha Saad Younis
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking are among the high risk health behaviours that determine individual and community health, increasing risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and of early mortality. Aim: To determine the prevalence and pattern of tobacco and alcohol use among youths in Duhok Province, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from September 2020-January 2021 in Duhok Province, Iraq. Systematic random sampling was used to interview 729 youths (15-24 years) (366 males and 363 females), who visited the Premarital Screening and Counselling Health Clinic in Duhok city, Iraq. Data collection was done using questionnaire based on the WHO STEPwise approach to Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) surveillance. Data were analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, and association between variables was calculated using the Chi-squared test and logistic regression. Results: Prevalence of tobacco smoking among youth was 20.3%, (25.4% in males and 15.2% in females). Males were 2.2 times more likely to smoke tobacco (OR: 2.2). Nargila/ waterpipes was the most commonly used tobacco product (19.5%) followed by cigarettes (14.1%). Prevalence of alcohol drinking was 4.0%, (7.1% in males and 0.8% in females). Conclusion: Tobacco smoking among youth in Duhok was high, especially among females, with more use of Nargila/ waterpipes. Exposure to second hand smoking was very high. Alcohol drinking was higher than WHO estimate for Iraq.
Forgotten Needs of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Qualitative Study in Iran
Authors: Dianati Mansour , Taghadosi Mohsen , Zamani Batol , Mazhariazad Fereshteh
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects different body systems and different aspects of health. It has an irreversible course. Identifying the needs of SLE afflicted patients is the first step to help them manage and cope with their illness. Qualitative research among patients with SLE can identify aspects of the disease relevant to clinical research and practice. Aim: To explore the forgotten needs of patients with SLE. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Iran from April 2020 to March 2021 using conventional content analysis. All participants were patients with definite diagnosis of SLE purposefully selected from Iranian Lupus Association and Rheumatology Clinics in Kashan, Kerman and Bandarabbas, Iran. Data were collected with deep, semi-structured, and faceto-face interviews, which are focused on patients’ experiences of needs. Data collection continued until saturation was reached. Finally, 17 patients with SLE participated in this study. Data collection and data analysis were conducted concurrently. Data were analyzed with conventional content analysis, and managed with the MAXQDA software 2020. Results: The forgotten needs of patients with SLE came into three main categories, namely social needs (with three subcategories), economic needs (with two subcategories), and need for self-control (with two subcategories). The seven subcategories of these three categories were the need for family support, the need for professional support by healthcare providers, the need for social support, the need for financial support by family members, the need for financial support by the government, the need for gaining autonomy, and the need for effective role performance. Conclusion: Patients with SLE have many forgotten psychological and socio-economic needs. Patient education, referrals to mental health professionals, and support organizations are important supplements to medical treatment. The findings can be used to develop strategies for providing quality care to patients with SLE and other chronic disabling conditions.
Efficacy of Biosilicate Glass-Ceramic and Gluma in the Treatment of Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity: An Interim Results of Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Santana Maria Luiza Lima , Cesário Ana Isis , Dias Danilo Rocha , Zanotto Edgar Dutra , Filho Oscar Peitl , Estrela Carlos , Roriz VirgÃ­lio Moreira
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Dentin Hypersensitivity (DH) is known to be a relatively common condition that affects a considerable portion of the population, and manifests itself in the form of acute pain, due to the exposure of dentin and open dentinal tubules, after the removal of enamel or root cement. It has a multifactorial aetiology. Aim: To compare the efficacy in DH treatment using Biosilicate and Gluma Desensitiser. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical trial pilot study with a split-mouth design included seven participants. Two teeth presenting Gingival Recession (GR)-related DH were selected in each participant and allocated to treatment groups by simple randomisation. Gluma® desensitiser (GD) and Biosilicate® (BIO) were applied once a week for four weeks. The pain intensity under a volatile stimulus was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline and after treatment, at 15 days and 6 months follow-up. Data analysis were performed by means of descriptive statistics, Paired t-test for inter-group comparison and Friedman test for intra-group comparison (p-value <0.05). Results: The mean age of seven participants were 19.9 years, from which five were women (71.4%). The GD and BIO groups presented initial mean VAS values of 4.86±2.55 and 6.14±1.57, respectively. Fifteen days after treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement (GD group p-value=0.03 and BIO group p-value=0.02, Wilcoxon test) in pain intensity, with 71.4% teeth without sensitivity (VAS=0). Conclusion: Both treatments resulted in a reduction in painful sensitivity under volatile stimuli 15 days after treatment. BIO group presented a better outcome regarding reduction in DH, without recurrence at the 6th month evaluation, when compared to GD group.
Predictors of Mortality in Spontaneous Intracerebral Haemorrhage: A Prospective Interventional Study from a Tertiary Care Centre, Kerala, India
Authors: Vayalipath Shameej Koloth , Mandakaparambil Rajeev , Kannoth Prakasan , Padinhareyiel Jaleel , Vattaparambil Shinihas , Areekal Binu
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Spontaneous Intracerebral Haemorrhage (SICH) is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with a high mortality and morbidity. Early assessment of outcome is important to optimise the therapeutic efforts. This study helps in the prediction of outcomes in SICH based on clinical and radiological predictors, so as to effectively utilise the treatment resources. Aim: To assess clinical and radiological predictors of mortality and morbidity in patients with SICH at a Tertiary Care Centre, Kerala, India. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study included 100 patients admitted with SICH at Government Medical college, Kozhikode, Kerala, India, from 1st May 2019 to 30th January 2020. The assessed variables include age, sex, mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, Intracerebral Haemorrhage (ICH) volume, ICH site, ICH score and treatment provided (conservative/surgery). The dependent variable was 30 day mortality. Univariate analysis was performed to determine the association between the mortality and independent variables. A binary logistic regression was also performed. Statistical analysis performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among the total of 100 SICH patients, males were 52% and females were 48%; the mean age was 67±11 years. The medical history of SICH patients predominantly showed hypertension (90%), diabetes (45%) and alcohol abuse (33%). Out of total, 70% cases were managed conservatively, and 30% cases were managed surgically. The short-term outcome of 30 day mortality was 40% and the survival rate was 60%. Univariate analysis inferred that the location of bleed (p-value=0.0002), volume of ICH (p-value <0.001), ICH score (p-value 0.003) and type of management (p-value <0.001) were statistically significant predictors for 30 day mortality in SICH patients. Conclusion: The 30 day mortality in patients with SICH was 40%. The location of bleed, volume of ICH, ICH score and type of management were statistically significant predictors for 30 day mortality in SICH patients
Fixation Versus No Fixation of Prolene Mesh in Lichtenstein Mesh Hernioplasty for Inguinal Hernia: A Short-term Follow-up Study
Authors: Amlani Heet Jitendra , Mangtani Jitendra Kumar , Gupta Neelkamal
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Lichtenstein tension free repair is the most commonly used anterior technique in which mesh is used for inguinal hernia. Aim: To compare fixation vs no fixation of prolene mesh in Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty for inguinal hernia. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, between December 2019 and May 2021. Patient of either sex aged 18 to 70 years who had reducible inguinal hernia were divided into two groups (group A: no mesh fixation and group B: mesh fixation by Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty). Operative procedure time, postoperative pain (using visual analogue pain scale), postoperative haematoma/seroma, wound infection and rate of early recurrence were assessed. Operative procedure time and postoperative pain in both group was compared in both group using student’s unpaired t-test with unequal variance while postoperative haematoma, postoperative recurrence and mesh migration were compared in both group using Fischer’s-Exact Test. Results: A total of 89 patients were enrolled (group A has 48 patients and group B has 41 patient). Operative procedure time was less in group A in comparison to group B which was statistically significant (p-value= 0.00221). Postoperative mean pain score was lower in group A at 12 (5.85 vs 6.97), and 24 hours (5.79 vs 7.19), and at day 2 (5.12 vs 6.61), day 4 (4.33 vs 5.1), day 7 (3.67 vs 4.56) and at 1 month (3.1vs 3.58). Postoperative haematoma/seroma was found less in group A but was not significant. Recurrence and mesh migration were seen in one patient in group A. Conclusion: No prolene mesh fixation technique in Lichtenstein mesh hernioplasty had decreased postoperative pain with an added benefit of lesser in operative time.
Pyroptosis- What We Know and the Road Ahead!
Authors: Pandarathodiyil Anitha Krishnan , Vijayan Srinivas Prasad , Rao Roopa S , Sukumaran Anil
Published: April 2022

Pyroptosis, a type of cell death, initiated by proinflammatory signals, is classically associated with inflammation. It was thought to occur mainly in macrophages and leukocytes during inflammatory conditions and involves the activation of caspase 1 {Interleukin1beta (IL-1β)-converting enzyme} followed by the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β. The process takes place within dendritic cells and macrophages, although there have been few reports of caspase-1 activity within other cells. Induction of pyroptosis involves the caspase-1 activity, however, how its downstream substrates bring about cell death is not well understood. And recently, there has been an addition to the gasdermin family, namely, Gasdermin-D (GSDMD) protein, which plays an important role during pyroptosis. Pyroptosis has been found to have a significant role in tumourigenesis, as it extrudes inflammatory mediators which are vital for tumour development. It is also well known that the activity of proto-oncogenes and anti-oncogenes, the microenvironment of the immune system, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, could determine tumourigenesis and hence the link to pyroptosis.
Periodontal Status and Glycaemic Control among Type 2 Diabetic Patients- a Comparable Study between 2 Teaching Hospitals in 2 Geographical Zones in Nigeria
Authors: Soroye Modupeoluwa Omotunde , Onigbinde Olubunmi Omotunde , Korubo Ibitrokoemi Faye , Umanah Ayamma Udo
Published: April 2022

Background: There is clinical evidence that periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are interconnected. Thus, periodontitis can promote systemic chronic inflammation that can exacerbate type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methodology: Data was collected with self-administered questionnaire. Glycaemic control and periodontal status were evaluated by glycated Hb values and CPI respectively. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics Armonk New York). Association of glycaemic index with periodontal status was explored by the χ2 test and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: One hundred and eighty-five participants with type 2 diabetes were recruited with a female predominance in both centers. Majority of participants were above the fifth decade. The mean duration of diabetes was 8.97±7.14. 73.3% of participants in UPTH and 84.7% in LASUTH were out of (p=0.001). One-fourth of participants in LASUTH and 14.2% of participants from UPTH had poor oral hygiene. Twice participants in LASUTH had good glycaemic control compared to those in UPTH (p=0.001). The periodontal status of majority of the participants in the two centers was between CPI score 2 and 4 (p=0.02). The association between good glycaemic control and gender and between good glycaemic control and age were statistically significant (p=0.014; p=0.001).

Conclusion: The periodontal status of participants did not worsen with poor glycaemic control. However, education was significantly associated with extent of control. Periodontal care should be incorporated into the management of the diabetics for improved quality of life.
Isolation, Identification and Characterization of Potential Probiotics from Fermented Food Products
Authors: Wejinya Adenike O. , Giami Sunday Y. , Barber Lucretia I. , Obinna-Echem Patience C.
Published: April 2022

Potential probiotics were isolated, identified and characterised from ogi, fufu, nunu, palmwine and fermented tigernut milk. Pour plate method was used for the isolation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on De Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) media. Three (3) pure colonies were distinctly obtained from each of the fermented food sources with microbial mean counts ranging from 8.13 - 8.25 Log10 Cfu/ml. Isolated strains were identified and characterized using morphological, API-50 CHL (Bio-merieux, France) and Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Ten (10) of the isolated microorganisms were identified as Lactobacilli, two (2) Micrococci and a Lactococcus. The Lactobacilli were catalase negative and oxidase negative rod-shaped bacteria. The identification accuracy of the isolates based on similarities from the computer-aided API and PCR GenBank databases ranged from 49.00 - 99.90% and 79.00 - 99.00% respectively. The amplification pattern of the 16S regions of the sequenced isolates showed DNA fragments with 500 - 1000 base pairs. The LAB strains identified are Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC 15885, Leuconostoc mesenteroides LM, Lactobacillus plantarum CIP 10315.1, Lactobacillus plantarum NBRC 15891, Lactobacillus parabuchneri LMG 11457, Lactobacillus pentosus 124-3 and Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869. These strains had high correlation in both the API and PCR identification techniques that was used in this study. Potential probiotic lactic acid bacteria can be isolated and identified from ogi, fufu, nunu, paimwine and fermented tigernut milk.
Economics of Women Involvement in Pineapple Production in Moulvibazar District, Bangladesh: Household Income and Decision Making Perspective
Authors: Marium Bibi , Ahmed Jasim Uddin , Begum Maimuna , Pia Modhumita Bhattachirjee
Published: April 2022

Aims: The research was aimed to assess the economic involvement of female workers in pineapple production and their perception of household income and decision-making perspective in some selected areas of Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh.

Study Design: This article is about determining the female workers contribution to household income and is placed on empirical analysis. It estimated the income and decision-making power of female pineapple workers at the household level.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Sreemangal Upazila of Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh including three villages i.e. Mohajirabad, Doulochora, and Radhanagar as the female participation in pineapple work is comparatively high. The study period was the production period of pineapple from June to September 2020.

Methodology: In this study, simple random sampling was used to choose 200 respondents. Face-to-face interviews with pineapple female workers generated primary data, which was obtained using structured questionnaires. The socio-economic profile of the sampled respondent was determined using descriptive methods. To estimate the female workers contribution to family income and their perception of household decision-making, the Income-Expenditure model and 5-point Likert Scale were applied.

Results: The outcome of the research appeared that most of the respondents were belonging to middle age group which is considered an active working group and the average age of the sample respondents was approximately 40 years while the average family size was 6.37. The findings of the study showed that 82.50% were married and 56.50% had no formal education and almost 80.50% of sample respondents were only engaged in pineapple production. The sources of annual family income indicating that 35.76% of income came from female members of the households in which 26.64% where came from only the pineapple sector and the average annual contribution of female pineapple workers in household income was Tk. 23,373.00.

Conclusion: It has been concluded that in the study area female workers had a significant role in the participation of household income and also the perception of female workers was largely accepted in the case of household expenditure, buying and selling of family wealth, education of children, saving money, and receiving medical treatment.
Effect of Different Manures on Growth, Yield and Profitability of Small Scale Brinjal (Egg-Plant) Cultivation in Gunny Bag
Authors: Sultana N. , Mannan M. A. , Khan S. A. K. U. , Gomasta Joydeb , Roy Tapati
Published: April 2022

Brinjal, being a long duration vegetable crop, requires appropriate supply of proper nutrition for sustainable and quality yield. Besides, adverse climatic and inadequate cultivable land add a problem for commercial or even subsistence farming with eggplant especially in the ecologically vulnerable southern region of Bangladesh. Therefore, an experiment on small scale brinjal cultivation in gunny bags (60 cm × 50 cm) was undertaken. The study on variation in growth and yield parameters in brinjal (cv. Muktokeshi) under different organic manures, fertilizers and their combinations was carried out during October 2017 to June 2018 at the Germplasm Center of Agrotechnology Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna. The experiment consisted of seven treatments and was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with seven replications. The treatments were T0 (Control), T1 (100% Cowdung), T2 (100% FYM), T3 (50% Soil+50% Recommended Fertilizers), T4 (50% Soil+ 50% WH), T5 (50% Soil+50% CD), T6 (50% Soil+50% FYM), T7 (50% WH+50% CD), T8 (50% WH+50% FYM), T9 (50% FYM+50% CD). Healthy and disease free 30 days old seedlings were transplanted at 15 days after bag preparation. Statistically significant differences among the treatments were noted in respect of all the growth parameters including yield and yield attributing characters. Maximum plant height (60.04 cm) was recorded in treatment T6 (50% Soil+50% FYM) followed by (50.04 cm) in T5 (50% Soil + 50% CD) at 90 days after transplanting (DAT). Superiority was also showed by the treatment T6 (50% Soil+50% FYM) in terms of producing the highest number of branches (15.21 branches/plant) and leaves (40.21 leaves/plant) at 90 DAT. Manures had marked influence on flowering behavior on brinjal. The earliest flowering was occurred in T6 (50% Soil+50% FYM) treatment (23.49 days) followed by T5 (50% Soil + 50% CD) treatment (31.07 days). While control plants and plants treated with 50% Soil+50% RD required longer period for flowering (44.0 days and 45.07 days, respectively). Again, significantly maximum number of fruits per plant, the heaviest fruit and the highest fruit yield per bag were registered in plants under T6 (50% Soil+50% FYM) treatment (42.0, 104.6 g and 4.39 kg, respectively) which was statistically followed by T5 (50% Soil + 50% CD) treatment. In addition an increase in yield of 164.68 % and 169.02 % over control was also noticed in treatment T5 and T6, respectively. Though maximum net return per bag (BDT 89.68 Tk.) was incurred in the treatment T6, statistically similar but with the highest BCR value was observed in T5 due to the higher purchase cost of FYM than others (a BCR of 3.18, 3.57 and 3.13 in T4, T5 and T6, respectively). So, Cowdung, Farm yard manure and Water hyacinth can be mixed with soil for small scale and profitable brinjal cultivation in bag.
Tree Species Diversity in a Semi-Conserved Beach Forest in Southern Philippines
Authors: Cañeda Jopy D. , Peralta-nebran Atty. Emma , JR Cornelio M. Ramirez, , Gloria Elionda E. , Kamad Merry Chrisse C.
Published: April 2022

Beach forest is a unique type of ecosystem, a mixed group of littoral creepers, shrubs, and trees above the high tide level. In Sarangani Province, beach forest is not well studied even though it experienced various environmental threats due to the increase of coastal development and tourism. This study aimed to determine the composition and diversity of beach forest species in Barangay Kling, Kiamba, Sarangani Province and relate it to the whole coastal area of the municipality by producing a profile. Specifically, the study sought to determine the species composition of beach forest in the sampling areas; assess the beach forest diversity of at least three sampling areas in Barangay Kling. Using transect-quadrat method, species were identified through identification guides. Data analysis includes relative density, relative frequency, relative dominance, species diversity index and species importance value. Results of the assessment of species composition and community structure showed that a total of 39 beach forest species distributed among 23 families are present on the site, and another ten (10) species were observed outside of the transects. Milletia pinnata has the highest importance value with a rating of 79.04, followed by Terminalia catappa (65.54) and Barringtonia asiatica (44.04). The results show that the area has a huge potential for development into a beach forest park considering the diversity and maturity of the stand. In addition, management, protection, and rehabilitation of beach forest are also highly recommended to maximize their potential as climate change mitigators and their role in coastal protection.
Abundance, Species Diversity, and Conservation Status of Reef Fishes in Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga, Philippines
Authors: Magallanes Sagrado , Plasus Maria Mojena , Rasad Achmed , Tomlob Jeric , Gonzales Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Zamboanga is one of the significant fishing grounds in the Mindanao Region, but little is known about the conservation status of reef fishes, particularly in Dumanquillas Bay, Zamboanga. Thus, this study assessed the abundance, species diversity, and conservation status of reef fishes in the bay. The assessment was conducted within eight sampling stations from May 6 to May 16, 2014. Reef fishes were censused using a line-intercept method. Fourteen thousand fifty individuals and 140 fish species belonging to 30 families were recorded―dominated by the family Pomacentridae. The number of fish individuals was significantly more abundant in Triton Island Station than in other sampling stations, while Muyong Island has the most diverse reef fishes. Almost all species are classified as the least concern category, except for Plectropomus areolatus of Cabog Island, which is under the vulnerable (VU) category. The number of less-valued species was higher than the commercially high-valued species. Therefore, it may indicate the overharvest of the latter group of species. This comprehensive study on reef fishes in Dumangquillas Bay may serve as a reference for fisheries resource management planning or for drafting fisheries policies in the bay.
Knowledge, Acceptance and Perception on COVID-19 Vaccine among Sudanese People in Khartoum State, 2020-2021
Authors: Hammad Almoeiz Y. , Mohamed Imam B. , Abdulkareem Abdulkareem H. , Alsaid Haifa S. , Fadol Wael B. , Ahmed Rawha Y. , Abdalrhman Abdalla A.
Published: April 2022

Aim: This a descriptive cross sectional community based study aimed to find out the extent of information and acceptance of Corona vaccines by Sudanese citizens.

Background:  Coronaviruses are enveloped positive sense RNA virus with spike like projection on it is surface. Four coronaviruses namely HKU1, NL63, 229E and OC43 have been in circulation in human and generally cause mild respiratory disease.

Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to 150 participants after obtaining their consent to participate. The participants were divided into three groups: Khartoum, Omdurman and Khartoum North. It was ensured that the questionnaires were filled out correctly, Data had been entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics in term of frequency tables with percentages and graphs.

Result: The majority of the participants had information about the disease in the majority of the khartoum north city (88%), Although most of those who were affected were residents of Khartoum (37%). Information about Corona vaccines was similar in the three cities. Opinions differed about the safety of vaccines in the cites khartoum (20%), omdurman 13% and khartoum north 47%.

Conclusion: This study realized that the information of the participants in the study was weak, and the majority of them showed their dissatisfaction with the procedures of the health authorities, as well as their lack of confidence in the authority of vaccines. In conclusion, it is necessary to increase the dose of awareness among the citizens, as it is necessary to find research on a larger scale.
Reduction of Defect Rate in Biscuit Production using Statistical Quality Control Process
Authors: Kirubaharan D. R. , Bose S. Chandra
Published: April 2022

A business setting requires the practice of quality control to develop reliability, increase productivity and consumer consummation. The level of a lower control limit and an upper control limit in biscuit manufacturing and packing are considered. A total of 58000 biscuit packets are produced. Each week, 725 packets are inspected. Out of that number, 455 packets are defective. An inspection of certain randomly selected completed products will be conducted every week in this study.
The use of Waste Marble Dust as Partial Replacement for Cement in Concrete
Authors: Yunusa Alhassan , Onugba Michael Attah , Austyns Austyns Oteikwu , Ojih Christian Unojo , Oni Ayodele Ezekiel
Published: April 2022

An experimental study was carried out to investigate the strength properties of concrete produced with waste marble dust (WMD) as partial replacement for cement. Concrete specimens (cubes, cylinders and prisms) were cast and tested for compressive, split-tensile and flexural strengths at 0% (control mix), 10%, 20% and 30% replacement of cement by weight with WMD after curing in water for 28 days. The results obtained reveal that the replacement of cement with WMD had appreciable impact on the compressive, split-tensile and flexural strength of concrete. An optimum of 20% replacement of cement with WMD is therefore recommended for concrete production.
Extensive Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection Extending to the Left Common Femoral Artery a Rare Case Report
Authors: Taweel Muneera Al , Alhajji Ahmad , Almukhaylid Sarah , Alnaim Naimah
Published: April 2022

Background: Aortic dissection is a potentially fatal condition, defined as an injury in the innermost layer of the aortic wall leading to high-pressure blood flow between the layers of the aorta, creating a false lumen. CT aortogram is the gold standard for diagnosing AD due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Treatment of acute type a aortic dissection (TAAD) is by surgery while acute type B aortic dissection (TBAD) is managed by medical therapy.

Aim: Recognition of aortic dissection and its different clinical presentations.

Methods: Herein we report a 47-year-old man presenting repeatedly for years to the Emergency Department of various hospitals in Saudi Arabia with symptoms of chest pain that were thought to be from Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but later diagnosed as aortic dissection type B.

Conclusion and Results: The incidence of TBAD is under-reported and might be misdiagnosed for years.
Accuracy of Fetal Transcerebellar Diameter in Estimation of Gestational Age in Small for Gestational Age Fetus
Authors: Hatata Esraa Mohamed Maher , Omar Mona Khaled , Aglaan Diaa Moner , Ghareb Ashraf El Mohamdy
Published: April 2022

Background: Transcerebellar diameter (TCD) is a novel unique measure that is well established in the ultrasound literature as a dependable criterion for estimating gestation length, and it is steadily predominant in predicting GA in singleton and twin gestation, as well as at the fetal growth extremes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the value of use of TCD as a reliable predictor in singleton gestations of GA in SGA pregnancies. Methods: This cross-sectional research enrolled 40 pregnant w
Efficacy of Titrating Positive End Expiratory Pressure Recruitment Versus Extended Sigh Recruitment by Volumetric Capnography in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Taha Ahmed Kamal , Abdallah Mohammad Ali , Elbaradey Ghada Fouad , Soliman Sohair Mostafa
Published: April 2022

Background: The rationale for recruitment maneuvers is to open the atelectatic alveoli, thus increasing end expiratory lung volume, improving gas exchange, and attenuating ventilator induced lung injury. The study aimed to assess the efficacy of titrating positive end expiratory pressure recruitment versus extended sigh recruitment by volumetric capnography in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Methods: Seventy patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups according to plan for ventilator management of ARDS by protective lung strategy according to ARDS network. Group I (n= 35) titrating PEEP recruitment, and Group II (n= 35) extended sigh recruitment. The primary outcome measure was mortality in the first 28 days wheras the secondary outcome measures were changes in static compliance, dead space to tidal volume ratio, ventilation / perfusion ratio, duration of mechanical ventilation, weaning outcomes, oxygenation and hemodynamic data.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference in 28th day mortality in both groups in group 1, 10 patients were died (28.57%), In group II, 12 patients were died (34.28%) (p value =0.607), wheras there was significant increase regarding static compliance ml/cm H2O, ventilation / perfusion ratio (p value =0.003. 0.001 respectively) and significant decrease regarding dead space to tidal volume ratio in group I compared to group II, 15 minutes after recruitment and significant decrease in duration of mechanical ventilation (days) in group I compared with group II (p value = 0.014, 0.04 respectively). There was a significant difference in weaning categories between both groups with better outcomes in favor of group I (p value = 0.034). The findings of this study presented that there were no significant difference regarding other measurements.

Conclusion: Titrating PEEP recruitment was better than extended sigh recruitment as regard weaning outcomes and duration of mechanical ventilation, which may be due to improvement in aerated lung volume, reflected on decreased dead space to tidal volume ratio, better ventilation perfusion ratio and static compliance.
Effect of Hot Fomentation on Plasma HSP70 Levels and Body Temperature
Authors: Nagai Masayo , Kaji Hidesuke
Published: April 2022

Objective: Our previous study reported that thermal stimulation on thigh muscle in vivo and skeletal muscle-derived cell (SMDC) in vitro favorably changed plasma proteins and several gene expression, respectively, to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In our previous in vitro experiment using transcriptome, hot stimulation caused a slight decrease in SMDC density, associated with higher gene expression of apoptosis-related factors as well as HSP70. In the present study, plasma HSP70 was compared before and after hot fomentation methods as a marker of heat stress. Furthermore, skin temperature was measured to assess whether the hot effect was local or systemic.

Method:  Subjects were volunteers of 3 men and 7 women aged 21.8 ± 1.31 (mean ± SD). Hot fomentation consisted of four types: hot towels, hot packs, red bean bags, and thermal sheets. Plasma HSP70 concentration was determined by ELISA. Skin temperature was measured by an infrared thermometer.

Results: Plasma HSP70 concentration was significantly reduced by thermal loading using hot towels (pre: 18.46 ± 6.55 vs. post: 14.7 ± 6.66 ng / ml, p = 0.011), but not by those using the other 3 types. Thermal stimulated thigh skin temperature in the opposite side of the hot fomentation was significantly increased by hot towels, hot packs and red bean bags. There was no significant change in axillary temperature.

Conclusion: These results suggest that thermal sheets might not cause heat stress at least in this condition. Hot towels, hot packs and red bean bags provide systemic thermal effect. Further evaluation is required for safe and effective application of hot fomentation to ASCVD prevention.
BMI Index and ABO Blood Grouping Influence on Pain Perception: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tanvi A. , Deepak R. , Amit D.
Published: April 2022

Establishment on The stream exact review considered investigation dispersed inside the 10 years going before June 2020, dealing with the subject of obesity and pain and abo blood groups. Inside the setting of the perplexing natural and social interrelationships among these marvels, we hoped to perceive openings in the composition and to include key concentrations for future transdisciplinary research. The overall thought norms were that the included examinations could directly add to our understanding of these perplexing research.

We glanced through PubMed/Medline/Cochrane/science direct/Embase informational indexes returning 10 years, using the fundamental chase terms "weight" and "pain,abo blood grouping," and for a discretionary request we used the pursuit terms "pain" and "abo blood,obesity."

Results Included assessments (n= 90) are in a general sense human; regardless, some animal considers were joined to further develop appreciation of related fundamental natural wonders or possibly where human data were missing or inside and out limited.
Biliary Atresia: GGT vs Histopathology as Diagnostic Tool
Authors: Bhand Sikandar Ali , Ahmed Imran , Fazlani Shahjahan , Khuhro Asif Ali , Khan Momna , Hussain Khadim
Published: April 2022

Background: Biliary Atresia (BA) also known as "progressive obliterative cholangiopathy" is one of the most common conditions requiring pediatric liver transplant and the most common surgically treatable cause of neonatal cholestasis. Associated malformations are present in 25% of cases and it is most common in East Asia, with incidence reported as high as one in 5,000. BA presents with cholestatic Jaundice, initially indistinguishable from physiological jaundice. Symptoms include progressive cholestasis, causing yellowing of the skin, pruritis, pale stools, dark urine.

Methods: This study is a Cross sectional study conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, The Children’s Hospital & Institute of Child’s Health, Lahore in the duration of 6 months (2018-2019), after approval from the Institution’s Review Board. All patients of age ≤ 14 months, presenting in pediatric emergency with cholestatic jaundice and fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in this study.

Results: In our study a total of 150 cases were enrolled. The mean age of patients in months was 7.13 ± 3.81. The male to female ratio of the patients was 1.3:1, 86(57.33%) males and 64(42.67%) females. The results showed that the mean initial observation of jaundice was 8.54 ± 3.89 days with minimum and maximum duration of 2 & 15 days, respectively. In our study the mean GGT level of the patients was 303.13 ± 58.53. In our study, on the basis of GGT level BA was diagnosed positive in 83 cases and negative in 67 cases, which was exceptionally consistent with the gold standard i.e. histopathology  which diagnosed 82 cases as positive for BA and labelled 68 cases negative.

Conclusion: Serum GGT elevated levels are suggestive of biliary atresia.
Pediatric Anthropometrics: An Observational Study from Indus Medical College, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Bhand Sikandar Ali , Ahmed Imran , Fazlani Shahjahan , Khuhro Asif Ali , Khan Momna , Hussain Khadim
Published: April 2022

Background: Children constitute a big proportion of human population and they are the future of any nation so their health is of prime importance. Child health care has the special focus in the health care policy of any system. .

Study Place, Duration and Design: The current research was an observation study conducted during July to December 2021 in Pediatric outpatient department at Indus Medical College Hospital Tando Muhammad Khan.

Methods: Consent was taken from parents and demographic data and anthropometric measurements were carried out and recorded on prepared proforma, frequency and percentage was calculated for various parameters

Results: There were 956 children evaluated for anthropometric parameters out of which male were 637(66.63%) and females were 319(43.37%). The weight was normal in 603(63.10%), Low in 332(34.73%) and above normal in 21(2.20%) children. The height was seen normal 713(74.5%), short stature was seen in 201(21%) and 42(4.5%) children were taller.

Conclusion: Various abnormalities in weight and height of study children were observed.
Predisposing Factors Leading to Warfarin Toxicity
Authors: Mujtaba Mustajab , Khanzada Muhammad Faisal , Aman Saba , Ahmed Khalil , Ahmed Naveed , Haider Muhammad Usama , Achakai Abdul Samad , Memon Sajjan Iqbal , Ahmed Moiz
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Warfarin is a commonly utilized anticoagulant in the management of thrombosis, either prevention or treatment, with bleeding problems as one of the major adverse effect because of its narrow therapeutic index.

Objective: To determine the frequency of various factors leading to warfarin toxicity which was defined as patients presented with International Normalized Ratio (INR) greater than five.

Setting: Department of Adult Cardiology at National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology: The study type is descriptive, cross sectional. All patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and visited Department of Adult Cardiology at NICVD, Karachi, Pakistan were included. After ethical approval and informed and written consent. The collected data was entered using IBM SPSS - 21, for variables that were continuous mean Standard Deviation was calculated and for variables that were categorical frequency percentage were calculated.

Results: Total of 87 patients with warfarin toxicity were included. 52 patients (60%) were males & 35 (40%) were females with the mean age of 48.5287 ± 13.1386 years. The factors leading to warfarin toxicity were dietary non-compliance 19 patients (21.83%), drug non-compliance in 18 (20.68%), drug-drug interactions in 12 (13.79%), irregular follow up in 23 (26.39%) and deranged liver functions in 26 (29.88%) patients.

Conclusion: Warfarin toxicity has multifactorial causes. Deranged liver functions and irregular follow up of patients accounted for the most prominent factors leading to warfarin toxicity.
Effects of Whitening Cream: A Cross-sectional Study in Tertiary Care Setting
Authors: Bano Shazia , Meraj Munazzah , Ahmed Hafiz Bashir , Taqi Tabinda , Laghari Mubeena , Mir Farhan
Published: April 2022

Aim: To determine the side effects of skin whitening creams in a tertiary care facility.

Methodology: The current cross-sectional study was conducted at the department of dermatology, Peoples University of Medical & Health Science for Women Nawabshah (PUMHSW), Sindh, Pakistan from January 2019 to July 2019. A total of 140 consecutive patients were included in the study matching the inclusion criteria. All the demographic clinical variables and follow-up data were recorded on a proforma designed for the study, the data collected were statistically analyzed and the results were tabulated.

Results: In this study we observed various side effects in patients who used whiting creams. Redness showed in 81 patients (57.85%), flushing in 86 patients (61.42%), sensitivity in 99 patients (7.14%), acne in 52 patients (37.14%), thinning of skin in 77 patients (55%), pigmentation in 67 patients (47.85%),telangiectasiain 43 patients (30.71%), wrinkles in 33 patients (23.57%), and hirsutism in 44patients (31.43%).

Conclusion: We concluded that whitening creams used in our facilityare strongly associated with several cutaneous side effects.
Molecular Docking Analysis of Bacoside A with Selected Signalling Factors Involved in Glioblastoma
Authors: Vishnupriya Pooparambil , Saikia Surovi , Kumar Ganesan Suresh , Viswanadha Vijaya Padma
Published: April 2022

Glioblastoma is the malignant tumor affecting the central nervous system. Despite the advancement in treatment modalities, presence of blood-brain barrier, recurrence after surgical removal, resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy remain the major obstacles for long term survival of the patients. In this context, finding suitable therapeutics which have anticancer potential and are nontoxic might be useful to improve the overall survival of GBM. Plant products are safer, nontoxic and cheaper when compared to the chemotherapeutic drugs in trend which are expensive and highly toxic, owing to their systemic effects. Bacoside A (BA) is one such plant constituent isolated from Bacopa monnieri which offers neuroprotection and possesses anticancer potential. The present investigation elucidates the specific interaction of BA with various cell surface receptors, signal transduction proteins, effector proteins and transcription factors involved in glioblastoma signalling such as EGFR/Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway, Notch signalling and Wnt-beta catenin signalling through molecular docking studies. The interaction between BA and the target proteins of glioblastoma were analysed through the Glide module (Version 6.5) of Schrodinger Suite (2015) software. According to the results of molecular docking, jagged-1 ligands interact with BA with stronger affinity and Frizzled receptors interact with least affinity in terms of glide score. The results indicate that BA interacts well with the polar amino acids such as Asn, Trp, Arg, Ser, Thr, Tyr, Gln, Asp, Lys and Glu. The ligand also showed interactions with specific hydrophobic amino acids such as Val, Ala and Leu in all the protein targets studied. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies reveal the cytotoxic potential of BA on the U87MG glioblastoma cell line. This study warrants further investigation to elucidate modulations on cell signalling pathways resulting from the specific BA-target interactions in glioblastoma.
The cytological Aspect of Clinically Concerned Supraclavicular lymphadenopathy- a Prospective Study
Authors: Rashmi Rakesh Kumar , Chandanwale S. S. , Gore C. R. , Mishra Pratyush , Kumar Harsh
Published: April 2022

Aims: The purpose of the study was to find out the distribution of various diseases in supraclavicular lymphadenopathy by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and to study cytomorphological findings in detail.

Study Design: The present study was a prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, Dr. DY Patil medical college and research centre, DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India. The study was conducted over a period of 2 years (i.e., September 2019 to August 2021).

Methodology: Fine needle aspirations (FNA) were performed in 50 cases of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy after obtaining written consent. The cytomorphological features of stained smears were studied in detail.

Results: A total of 50 aspirates were studied. The male to female ratio found was 2:3. The age of the patients ranged from 9 yrs to 81 yrs. The maximum number of cases were found in the elderly (>60 yrs). A predominance of right-sided lymphadenopathy was seen. Diagnosis based on FNAC findings were categorized as metastatic deposits (34% cases), tubercular lymphadenitis (16% cases), reactive lymphadenitis (14% cases), granulomatous lymphadenitis (14% cases), acute suppurative lymphadenitis (12% cases), necrotizing lymphadenitis (8% cases) and one NHL (2% case).

Squamous cell carcinoma (14% cases) was the most commonest metastatic lesion followed by adenocarcinoma (10% cases). Common primary sites were the breast, lung, and gall bladder for adenocarcinoma, whereas the oesophagus and tongue for squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion: Supraclavicular node was well known for metastasis but non-malignant cause like tuberculosis is frequently found in developing countries. Enlarged supraclavicular nodes suggest some underlying pathology and chances of malignancy increase with the age of the patient. FNAC can be used as a first-line investigation for diagnosis because of its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and efficacy to rule out metastasis.