bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of curcumin and fish oil on motor behavior and biochemical parameters in mice exposed to rotenone
Authors: Alves Barbara da Silva , Cunha André Brito da , Barros Paula Alice Bezerra , Monteiro Linda Karolynne Seregni , Abrão Lían da Costa , Araújo Gabriela de Moraes Soares , Miranda Fernanda Barros de , Ramires Júnior Osmar Vieira , Silva Dennis Guilherme da Costa , Arbo Bruno Dutra , Dora Cristiana Lima , Hort Mariana Appel
Published: August 2024

Parkinson's disease is characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss, mainly in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Currently, pharmacological treatment reduces the symptoms of the disease, however it does not affect its progression, and often leads to significant adverse effects. In this context, natural products have been explored as a potential source of neuroprotective substances. In this study, the neuroprotective potential of curcumin (CUR) and fish oil (FO) was evaluated against rotenone, which serves as a chemically induced experimental PD model. Male Swiss mice were treated with CUR, FO, CUR + FO or vehicle for seven days. On the eighth day, the animals began receiving rotenone in addition to the treatments for 30 days. At the end of the treatment, locomotor function, oxidative stress and toxicological markers were evaluated. Regarding motor parameters, CUR was able to reduce the number of slippages and bradykinesia in animals treated with rotenone. FO also improved motor coordination, but no additional benefits were observed when FO and CUR were associated. Interestingly, FO increased brain lipid peroxidation, which was attenuated when mice were treated with CUR, suggesting a beneficial effect of the association. In conclusion, CUR and FO possess protective properties against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity.  However, the potential benefits of their combined use in relation to PD still require further studies. For example, investigating different doses and treatment durations, as well as evaluating parameters that assess neurodegeneration.
In silico evaluation of rotenoids extracted from Clitoria fairchildiana against the Aedes aegypti virus
Authors: Sousa Damião Sampaio de , Belarmino Anthony Barbosa , Oliveira Victor Moreira de , Mendes Francisco Rogenio da Silva , Marinho Márcia Machado , Marinho Gabrielle Silva
Published: August 2024

Dengue is an arbovirus that has become a serious public health problem in Brazil, as well as in other tropical regions of the world due to population, economic, political, and social factors that contribute to the proliferation, circulation, and introduction of viral strains in its vectors, the mosquitoes of the genus Aedes. Thus, the objective of this work is to identify molecules extracted from the plant Clitoria fairchildiana that are potentially active against dengue viruses (DENV) enabling the development of a new therapeutic system made possible through an in silico model. The methodological strategy was based on molecular docking that aims the prediction of interaction characteristics between chemical compounds (ligands) and their macromolecular targets when the structures of both (ligand and receptor) considering as validation parameters: calculations of RMSD - Root Mean Square Deviation, the free energy of binding and biochemical interactions formed between the complexes. From this, among the compounds evaluated in this study, it can be inferred that all compounds have inhibitory potential against dengue protein (NS5MTaseDV), especially compounds 9-demethylclitoriacetal and 11-deoxyclitoriacetal, presenting in the analyses two interactions with the protein reference residues. The present study plays an initial character in the screening of new antiviral compounds and the expansion in vitro and in vivo research to effect these compounds.
The administration of sea hare gonad and moringa leaf formula increases body weight hemoglobin in female Wistar rats
Authors: Wiralis Wiralis , Suwarni Suwarni , Hariani Hariani , Askrening Askrening , Nadimin Nadimin
Published: August 2024

Sea hare gonad and moringa leaf contain essential nutrients for growth and tissue formation and have physiological effects on the body. The research was to study the effects of sea hare gonad flour and moringa leaf flour formula on body weight and Hemoglobin (Hb) levels in female Wistar anemic rats. This research was conducted in a laboratory using a randomized control pretest-posttest design. The study sample consisted of 30 female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) aged 5-7 months and weighing 100-150 g, all of which were anemic. The rats were divided into five treatment groups: K+ received 1.1 mg/week of iron supplementation, K- received no treatment, F1 received 3 g of sea hare gonad formula, F2 received 3 g of sea hare gonad formula and 1 g of moringa leaf flour, and F3 received 3 g of sea hare gonad formula and 2 g of moringa leaf flour. The intervention lasted for 24 days, and measurements of body weight and Hb levels were taken before and after the intervention. The change in body weight before and after the intervention in each group was as follows: K-=51.5±17.1 g, K+=-41.2±2.6 g, F1=14.3±5.7 g, F2=30.4±8.6 g, and F3=55.1±16.2 g. There was a significant difference in the increase in body weight among the groups (p=0.002). Hb levels also increased after the intervention, with changes as follows: K-=-2.56±0.95 g, K+=9.10±1.87 g, F1=7.10±1.2 g, F2=8.68±0.22 g, and F3=8.98±2.7 g. There was a significant difference in the increase in Hb levels among the intervention groups (p=0.000). The administration of sea hare gonad formula and moringa leaf flour can increase body weight and Hb levels in female anemic rats. This finding suggests the potential use of these ingredients as beneficial nutritional supplements to improve nutritional status in individuals with anemia.
Study of Language Function in Bengali-Speaking Population with Motor Neuron Disease
Authors: Das Siladitya , Laha Debal , Sengupta Prasenjit
Published: August 2024

Background:

Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) have been traditionally considered to spare cognition. But recent findings show that multiple domains of cognition including language can be involved in MND patients. Most studies on language patterns of MND patients were conducted in Western nations, but data on Indian population is limited. This study is an attempt to explore the language functions of Bengali-speaking MND patients from this part of eastern India.

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and nature of language dysfunction in MND patients.

Materials and Methods:

A single-center, hospital-based, observational, cross-sectional study. The Bengali adaptation of the Western Aphasia Battery was administered to 50 cases diagnosed with MND, attending a tertiary care hospital consecutively over a 1-year period, and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for expressing results.

Results:

Eighteen percent of cases showed impairments in spontaneous speech. Fluency was impaired in 72%, and 22% cases showed impaired naming. Moreover, 20% and 26% of cases were impaired in repetition and comprehension, respectively. Reading and writing was impaired in 16% and 26% of cases, respectively. Significant difference was found in the primary language skill scores and aphasia quotient across age groups, while no significant difference was found in these scores across education status.

Conclusions:

This study describes the language profiles of Bengali-speaking MND patients from eastern India, and the findings are similar to previous research works, which have shown morpho-syntactic, lexical-semantic, and phonological errors in language function.
Comparison of the effect of zirconia and titanium abutments on peri-implant hard and soft tissues
Authors: Luthra Sahil , Sirana Pallavi , Pasricha Neeta , Issar Gaurav , Singla Neha
Published: August 2024

Aim:

The primary objective of this research was to assess and compare the impact of customized zirconia (Zr) and titanium (Ti) abutments, placed on early loaded dental implants, on both hard tissue (as measured crestal bone level) and soft tissue (as assessed by sulcular bleeding index [SBI], probing depth [PD], and Pink Esthetic Score [PES]), through clinical and radiographic evaluation.

Settings and Design:

This research involved a sample of 15 patients who had partially dentulous mandibular arch. Within this group, a total of 30 implants were surgically placed. Specifically, each patient received two implants in the posterior region of the mandible, and the bone density in this area was classified as D2 type. In each patient, one implant was loaded with Zr abutment and the other was loaded with Ti abutment. The bone quality in the area of implant placement was Type D2. Two groups were created for this research. Each group consisted of 15 early loaded dental implants with customized Zr abutments and customized Ti abutments respectively.

Materials and Methods:

Hard- and soft-tissue changes were evaluated in both the groups. Evaluation of crestal bone loss (CBL) with cone beam computed tomography and SBI, PD and PESs were evaluated by various indices at 2, 4, and 6 months postloading.

Statistical Analysis Used:

After obtaining the readings, data were subjected to statistical analysis and comparison of quantitative data was done, paired t-test was used.

Results:

The mean CBL in the Ti abutment is higher; the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. SBI and PD for Zr were higher, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Zr had a higher PES than Ti abutment and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. In the literature till date, the PES of Zr abutments were proven better for provisional restorations in implant prosthesis, but very few literatures support the same for the final implant restorations.

Conclusion:

The study did not reveal a clear advantage of either Ti or Zr abutments over the other. Nevertheless, Zr abutments tended to produce a more favorable color response in the peri-implant mucosa and led to superior esthetic outcomes as measured by the PES.
A novel technique to detect cover screw location at stage two uncovery surgery over conventional technique - A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deshmukh Madhura , Venugopalan Suresh , Maiti Subhabrata , Wadhwani Varun
Published: August 2024

Aim:

The conventional technique of implant uncovery using a blade and scalpel is associated with various drawbacks, including profuse bleeding, soft-tissue trauma, delayed healing, and patient noncompliance. Therefore, there is a need to explore the alternative approaches that offer improved accuracy and time efficiency during the cover screw location at the second stage of recovery. This study aims to assess the accuracy and time efficiency of a novel technique that utilizes an apex locator in comparison to conventional locating techniques for implant uncovery.

Settings and Design:

The study employed a simple randomized controlled trial with a sample size of 161.

Materials and Methods:

The study employed apex locator (Woodpecker Woodpex III Gold 5th generation) in conjunction with a K-file (Mani k-file #10, 21 mm) for detecting the implant location. The accuracy of the novel technique was determined based on the values measured on the apex locator, with positive values indicating soft-tissue response and negative values indicating the cover screw (metal). The accuracy was cross-verified using radiovisiography (RVG). The clinician-based scoring was also done, considering RVG evaluation, amount of incision given, and ease of the procedure. The time required to locate the cover screw was recorded using a timer for both the novel technique and the conventional method.

Statistical Analysis Used:

All the recorded values were statistically analyzed using the independent t-test (P < 0.005) with the SPSS software (version 23).

Results:

The results revealed a significant difference in terms of incision given, ease of treatment, and time taken for the procedure (P < 0.05), while the accuracy of the novel technique was not disturbed (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Based on the findings of this in vivo study, the use of an apex locator as an alternative to conventional methods for detecting cover screw location at the second stage of recovery is recommended. The novel technique demonstrated faster uncovering of implants without posing any risks to the surrounding tissues or implants.
Effect of a centric stabilization splint on masticatory muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorders: An electromyographic study
Authors: Gupta Abhishek Kumar , Gupta Rekha , Tiwari Bhawana , Verma Kirti
Published: August 2024

Aim:

Occlusal splint treatment is commonly used to treat a variety of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), with efficacy ranging between 70% and 90%. Centric splints are effective in relieving muscular soreness in individuals with TMD. Electromyography (EMG) quantifies muscle activity and can be used as an accessory diagnostic tool to evaluate the efficiency of the splint on the masticatory complex. Electromyography is used for assessing patients with TMD and observing muscle electromyography. TMD patients have altered electromyographic (EMG) masticatory muscle activity because of its change in electrical activity index or because of the compensatory mechanism for the disorder. Therefore, this study serves to evaluate the efficacy of the centric stabilization splint on TMD using EMG.

Settings and Design:

This cross-sectional study enrolled Ten TMD Patients with TMD, who underwent treatment with centric stabilization splint.

Materials and Methods:

The study involved ten young adults with TMD aged 18–45 years who were recruited without regard to sex, religion, caste, or socioeconomic background. The participants were randomized to receive a flat-contact upper stabilization splint and pregelled EMG electrodes to assess the immediate impact of centric splints on TMDs. After 3 months of follow-up, muscle activity and muscle symmetrical activity were measured to assess improvement in the symptoms of TMD.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to assess the normality of the variables' distribution using SPSS 26.0. Symmetrical activity and treatment response were investigated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

It showed an improvement in the temporalis, masseter, and sternocleidomastoid muscles' resting EMG activity. A statistically significant improvement was seen in the EMG activity of the bilateral temporalis, right masseter, right sternocleidomastoid, and left digastric muscles while clenching. The masseter, sternocleidomastoid, and digastric muscles all displayed significantly enhanced symmetrical activity (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

This research concludes that a centric stabilizing splint assists in relieving TMD symptoms. There was enhanced masticatory muscle activity both at rest and during function. Furthermore, there was an improvement in symmetrical activity of the masticatory muscles, which improved balance and enhanced the effective functioning of the masticatory complex.
Molecular identification and genetic diversity of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the tropical environment on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Lu Yaj , Su Jie , Cheng Shi , Hu Yax , Xia Qianf
Published: August 2024

Background & objectives:

Biting midges are hematophagous arthropods responsible for zoonotic infectious diseases and have a wide distribution in temperate and tropical latitudes of the world.

Methods:

The genomic DNA of midge samples was extracted using the Chelex method and the ITS1gene was amplified by PCR to identify the midge species via BLAST. The sequence characteristics and the genetic diversity were analyzed using ClustalOmega, DnaSP, Arlequin, PopART, and TCS software tool. The validity of the ITS1 gene as a DNA barcode marker was evaluated using DAMBE. The phylogenetic relationship was established in the MEGA software. The ABGD web determined the species boundary and the SDT software visualized the pairwise sequence comparisons.

Results:

A total of 39 midge samples possessed the range from 364 to 429 bp of the ITS1 sequences. The midge samples were identified as Culicoides imicola, Culicoides oxystoma, Culicoides peregrinus, Culicoides jacobsoni, Forcipomyia peregrinator, and Culicoides fulvus, respectively. The ITS1 sequences had 288 conserved sites (60.25%), 167 variable sites (34.94%), 141 parsimony-informative sites (29.50%), and 26 singleton sites (5.44%), with a considerable sequence variation with a high haplotype diversity. Populations in Lingao, Haikou, Tunchang were relatively independent, with a low level of gene flow. A separate population of Forcipomyia genus in Danzhou was observed.

Interpretation & conclusion:

The biting midges in Hainan, a tropical island, had abundant genetic diversity. Timely surveillance is a crucial control measure for the spread of midge-borne diseases.
Molecular characterization of Armigeres Subalbatus from Hyderabad region of Telangana state, India
Authors: Madpathi Siddaiah , Daravath Samba Shiva , Bannoth Reddya Naik
Published: August 2024

Background & objectives:

The mosquito Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett, 1898) is a significant vector for Japanese encephalitis infection, and breeds in high organic polluted water. Understanding mosquito diversity and there abundance in relation to mosquito-borne diseases is an important component for public health managers. Though the conventional methods for systematic position of mosquito species by using morphological characteristics is a classical method, but it requires perfect expertise and well preserved specimen. Conversely, the molecular analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) serves as a gene-centric DNA barcoding approach and offers a promising alternative method for mosquito species identification.

Methods:

The study at hand delves into the morphological characteristics of Armigeres subalbatus were compared with COI- gene to ensure a more dependable verification for identification of mosquito species found in Hyderabad region of Telangana.

Results:

The 489 base pair amplicons were acquired and deposited into the NCBI Gene Bank nucleotide database under the accession number MG686500. The maximum likelihood tree infers that, the Hyderabad species was diverged from USA and Japan species but had ancestral relationship with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharastra, Kerala and Goa species.

Interpretation & conclusion:

Mitochondrial gene (COI) based DNA barcoding is the most reliable and potential alternative technique to identify the mosquito species.
Predominance of DENV-3 among patients in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouattara Abdoul Karim , Toyin Bello Shoukrat Ohuwa , Ouédraogo Alphonsine , Traoré Lassina , Djigma Florencia Wendkuuni , Simporé Jacques
Published: August 2024

Background & objectives:

Dengue is an emerging vector-borne viral disease in tropical and subtropical areas such as Burkina Faso that experienced dengue outbreak in, 2013, 2016, 2017 and more recently in 2023. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and dengue serotype in suspected patients in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Methods:

The study was conducted during October and November 2023 and included suspected febrile patients seen at HOSCO and CERBA. Plasma or serum samples were used for the detection of non-structural proteins (NS1) and IgM and IgG antibodies against the dengue virus using SD Bioline Dengue Duo rapid detection kit. Viral RNA was extracted using the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit and dengue serotypes were determined by real-time RT-PCR using the Dengue Real-TM Genotype kit.

Results:

The study population consisted of 896 patients, including 397 (44.3%) men and 499 (55.7%) women. Dengue seroprevalence was 16.5% (148/896) with 14.1% (126/896) of patients positive for the NS1 antigen, 1.3% (12/896) positive for IgM, and 2.7% (24/896) positive for IgG. Serotyping among 40 out of 45 positive patients revealed 77.5% (31/40) DENV-3, 17.5% (7/40) DENV-1, and 5.0% (2/40) DENV-2.

Interpretation & conclusion:

The present study report a high seroprevalence of dengue virus infection among patients during the months considered as the peak of infection in Burkina Faso. The results revealed a predominance of DENV-3. Continuous surveillance of dengue virus serotypes circulating in Burkina Faso is crucial.
Demographic trend in dengue infection
Authors: Rajeswari Raja , Raman Radhika , Nivek N P , Rasheed R Syed , Raajasri R D Niranjhana
Published: August 2024

Background & objectives:

Dengue fever is one of the most common causes of undifferentiated tropical fevers in hospitalized children across India with the highest recorded morbidity and mortality in children less than 15 years. Although common, there is still a knowledge gap regarding epidemiological factors. The aim was to study the clinical profile and demographic trend over the past 5 years in children with confirmed dengue infection.

Methods:

Observational study of children admitted as inpatients over the past 5 years and diagnosed with dengue infection by serology. Categorical data were presented as percentages. Data regarding rainfall was collected from rainfall statistics from the Indian Meteorological website and correlated based on the T-test. The incidence of dengue infection in COVID-19 predominant years was analyzed using the correlation plot and trend of severe dengue infection over the years was noted by Line plot.

Results:

The study showed a positive correlation between rainfall and an increase in the incidence of cases. There were relatively reduced number of cases during COVID-19 which was interpreted from the correlation plot. The Line plot determined the trend of severity of presentation and more severe cases presented in the years 2019, 2021 and 2022.

Interpretation & conclusion:

Other than the pathophysiology, studies to understand the change in the severity of clinical presentation each year could help in augmenting the vector control measures accordingly.
Profile of gastroduodenal perforation patients admitted in a rural tertiary care hospital: An observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Bose Gourab , Ray Amit , Ali Shah Nawaz , Ishore Kaushik
Published: August 2024

Background:

Gastro-duodenal perforation is a common surgical emergency that remains a formidable health burden worldwide with significant morbidity and mortality. Ulcer disease remains the most common cause of gastro-duodenal perforation. Diagnosing the presence of H. pylori can help eradicate the infection from the community at large and thereby reduce the chances of gastro-duodenal perforation.

Aims:

To assess the clinical presentation of gastro-duodenal perforation patients and to evaluate the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection by available investigations.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive observational study was conducted among 80 patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of gastro-duodenal perforation and confirmed by clinical, radiological basis and operative findings admitted at a rural tertiary care hospital during 2019-2020. Detailed history was taken from the patient/party, clinically examined, and blood/tissue samples were investigated. The patients were managed with standard treatment modality in the studied institute. Data were collected, compiled, and entered MS Excel and analyzed using appropriate software. Descriptive analysis was done in the form of proportion for categorical variables, mean or median for continuous variables.

Result:

Cases of gastro-duodenal perforations were more among middle to later age of life, mostly affecting married male patients hailed from rural area and unskilled workers. History of intake of spicy food, prolonged starvation, history of NSAID use were common among them. Majority of the patients had history of pain abdomen in the past suggesting of PUD and history of taking variety group of acid reducing agents. Most of them presented with epigastric pain, vomiting, abdominal distension along with other signs of peritonitis. Obliteration of liver dullness and free gas under right dome of diaphragm was also noted in large proportion among them. Majority of cases were found positive for H. pylori on Histology (85%), followed by rapid urease test (RUT) (80%) and a positivity of 72.5% and 68.8% on serum IgG and IgA antibody respectively. Rapid Urease Test was more sensitive as well as specific in diagnosing of H. pylori than antibody detection test.

Conclusion:

Early detection of H. pylori infection and treatment with potent anti H. pylori therapy postoperatively has been found to be adequate.
Attitude and concerns on antenatal pelvic floor exercises among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Oluwatimilehin Azeezat , Lawal Olatunji Okikiola , Obajimi Gbolahan Oladele , Ughagwu Kelechukwu Peter , Owoeye Iseoluwa Philip , Alebiosu Boluwaduro Ogooluwa , Moradeyo Victoria Oyindamola , Babalola David Oluwasayo , Bianca Offorbuike Chiamaka , Bello Yusuf Olatunji , Lawal Temitayo Victor , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Morhason-Bello Imran Oludare
Published: August 2024

Aim:

Several studies had investigated the importance and benefit of pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) to the pregnant women and their unborn babies, however, the concerns of antenatal women on the exercise have been sparsely investigated. This study examined the attitude and concerns of pregnant women towards engaging in PFEs in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This was cross-sectional study of pregnant women aged ≥15 years. Participants were recruited at primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a structured questionnaire with open and close-ended questions for data collection. Bivariate analysis was performed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact test to investigate the association between categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was performed with log-binomial and multinomial regressions to select significant variables that affect the attitude of pregnant women.

Results:

Of the 373 pregnant women recruited, 118 had ever practiced PFEs. A little below average (43%) performed PFE for less than 3 days a week. Ability to have easy childbirth was the most common motivator for practicing PFE. Participants were most concerned about abdominal pain. No association between any of the factors and participants’ attitudes.

Conclusion:

Though there was a positive attitude of pregnant women towards the PFE but the practice was low. This might be due to inadequate availability of information. We recommend health promotional messages to encourage pregnant women to engage in PFE as part of antenatal messages for healthy living.
Evaluation of the proximal femur using the digital photographs: Does change in proximal femur position due to anteversion affect the measurement of the size of the femoral head diameter?
Authors: Akinmokun Olasode Israel , Edem Utibeabasi Ime , Adeoye Olanrewaju Matthew
Published: August 2024

Background:

A plain pelvic radiograph is usually conducted with the lower limbs in internal rotation. This is to correct the anteversion of the femur. However, in the fracture neck of the femur, internal rotation of the fractured limb is avoided, because it would be painful. We examined the effect of correction of anteversion or otherwise on the diameter of the head of the femur using imaging.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine if there was a significant difference between the femoral head diameter at two different positions, at the normal anatomical position (without correcting the anteversion) and at the corrected anteversion position. It also aimed to document the correlation and the statistical significance between the differences in the size of the diameter at these two different positions with the anteversion angles of the femoral bone.

Materials and Methods:

Two sets of digital photographs of the proximal part of 55 non-sexed, non-paired femoral bones were taken. Images obtained were at two positions: normal anatomical (with anteversion uncorrected) and anteversion corrected positions. The diameters of the head of the femur were documented at these two different positions. The anteversion angles and actual femoral head (AFH) diameters were also measured and documented.

Results:

The femoral head diameters at anatomical positions were persistently larger than those measured after the anteversion was corrected, except in three femoral bones (5%) where no differences were observed. The difference in the two measurements was statistically significant to the anteversion angle of the femoral bone. (P = 0.0005). The means of the two sets of measurements were statistically different from each other. Pairwise correlation showed that both were strongly associated with the AFH diameter but the measurements from images with corrected anteversion had a higher value (0.8166) than the measurements from normal anatomical position (0.7526).

Conclusion:

The correction of femoral anteversion produced femoral head size measurements that were closer to AFH diameters compared to those without the correction of the femoral anteversion. Femoral anteversion should always be corrected as per protocol.
Emergency department visits following transurethral resection of prostate in the elderly: Does duration of postoperative catheterization count?
Authors: Oyelowo Nasir , Sudi Abdullahi , Awaisu Mudi , Tolani Musliu Adetola , Lawal Ahmad Tijani , Ahmed Muhammed , Bello Ahmad , Maitama Hussaini Yusuf
Published: August 2024

Abstracts

Background:

Elderly patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia are increasingly having minimally invasive surgeries due to their safety. There is also a drive to minimize the duration of postoperative catheterization following transurethral resection of the prostate to reduce hospital stay and encourage early ambulation. These are desirable in the elderly to improve outcomes. Can early catheter removal be done safely in the geriatrics without an increase in presentation to the emergency department with complications? We compare the emergency presentation of elderly patients who had early and delayed catheter removal following transurethral resection of the prostate.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective review of transurethral resection of the prostate in the elderly (≥70 years) within 2 years in a single hospital. All the patients had monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate and were categorized based on the duration of postoperative catheterization as either early (third postoperative day) or delayed (> third postoperative day). The duration of catheterization was based on surgeon preference. Patients with intraoperative complications were excluded. Data on clinical presentation, comorbidities, and presentation at the emergency department were retrieved and analysed.

Results:

Forty-one patients were studied with the mean age of patients being 76 ± 4 years. Twenty patients had early catheter removal and 21 had delayed catheter removal. A total of nine patients presented to the emergency department within the 30-day postoperative period with either bleeding urinary retention or incontinence requiring re-catheterization, six had early catheter removal, and three had delayed catheter removal. The catheter duration, preoperative ASA status prostate volume, and preoperative indwelling catheter were not statistically significant determinants of presentation to the emergency department in these elderly men. The presence of comorbidities assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index was a statistically significant variable to presentation at the emergency department after surgeryP= 0.006.

Conclusion:

Early catheter removal is safe in elderly patients following transurethral resection of the prostate, however, there is a risk of presentation to the emergency department with complications, especially in patients with comorbidities.
Reconstruction of gap non-union tibia with composite use of extramedullary fixation and bone transport by monorail fixator: a prospective case series
Authors: Kunwar Bom Bahadur , Maheshwari Vikas , Dhingra Mohit , Bhagat Saroj , Sah Saroj , Yadav Robin
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Non-union is a complex, multifactorial orthopaedic problem that requires multiple treatment modalities for its management. It can result from infection, segmental bone loss, soft-tissue loss, and associated host factors. External fixators as management of gap non-union are bulky and give rise to a number of complications In our study, we have described a technique where we have used extramedullary fixation in the form of a tibial locking plate and transportation of part of the tibial bone after corticotomy by a monorail fixator.

Materials and Methods:

The procedure was done in two stages where internal and external fixation was done after creating a gap at the non-union site. The bone was transported after corticotomy and fixed to the internal fixation device in the second stage. The external fixator was removed in the second stage and the patient was then followed up till the bony union. The evaluation was done by functional and radiological assessment along with the complications noted with the described procedure.

Results:

Ten patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 33 years. The mean age of the patients was 33.7 ± 11.32 years with a mean size of the defect was 4.8 ± 1.7 cm. At 30 weeks out of nine patients, three patients had excellent and six had good functional results on the Association of Surgeons for Application and Methodology of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scale. The composite Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 76.66 % at the end of 30 weeks of follow-up. The mean time of consolidation was 134.4 days, whereas the mean union time was 145 days from index surgery. Ankle stiffness was the most common complication affecting 50% of the patients. Following closely was pin tract infection, which was present in 40% of the patients. According to Paley’s classification, there were 11 obstacles, two problems and none were true complications.

Conclusion:

The integrated fixation is both safe and effective and has the advantage of early removal of the external fixator and a low complication rate as compared to use of a bulky conventional fixator alone. Moreover, it gives protection to the regenerated bone for a long period. So, this technique can be recommended for the management of segmental tibial defects.
Sociodemographic patterns of spinal tuberculosis patients from a tertiary care teaching hospital: A 5-year cross-sectional study
Authors: Ifthekar Syed , Ahuja Kaustubh , Yadav Gagandeep , Mittal Samarth , Trivedi Vaibhav , Kandwal Pankaj
Published: August 2024

Background:

The distribution of spinal tuberculosis (STB) differs due to variations in lifestyles, socio-economic conditions, geographical locations, available medical services, and other factors. In the literature, very few studies have been done on demographic profile and morphological distribution of tuberculosis (TB) spine. We conducted this study to identify the disease distribution and various parameters affecting the disease in our area which caters to populations from both plains and hills.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study using 5-year retrospective data retrieved from medical records, Department of Orthopaedics of a tertiary care teaching hospital, from April 2015 to October 2020. The patient distribution was studied according to the different variables.

Results:

A total of 286 patients were enrolled in the study. Females amounted to 54.96% (n = 159) of the total and 46.1% (n = 127) were males. The mean age of the demographic group was 36.9 years (2.5–80 years) (±SD = 17.63). The majority (46.5%) of the patients were young adults in the age group (21–40 years). The majority of deficits were seen in the dorsal spine (n = 27) followed by multifocal contiguous lesions (n = 22). Among the patients having single-segment disease, 33.9% (n = 61) involved the lumbar spine and 28.7% (n = 52) involved the dorsolumbar spine. Multifocal Potts disease amounted to 36.25% (n = 105) of the total patients.

Conclusions:

Female preponderance was observed in our study. Involvement of the lumbar spine was the most common form involving single-segment disease followed by dorsolumbar, dorsal, and cervical spine. The multifocal contiguous type of affection of STB was found to be the most common type of STB.
Comparison of post-decompressive haematuria in rapid versus gradual bladder decompression in patients with chronic urinary retention
Authors: Odeyemi Peter Olalekan , Idowu Najeem Adedamola
Published: August 2024

Background:

Chronic urinary retention (CUR) is a common urological emergency. Initial management involves the drainage of the bladder by urethral catheterisation. Relief of CUR may be associated with post-decompressive haematuria. The two primary methods of emptying the obstructed bladder are rapid and gradual emptying. The method of relief of CUR to reduce this complication has been debated for decades.

Objective:

To compare the risk of post-decompressive haematuria following rapid versus gradual urinary bladder decompression in patients with CUR.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective, randomised study in which patients with CUR were randomised into two groups: group A and group B. Group A had rapid urinary decompression with an 18 Fr urethral catheter attached to a urine bag, whereas group B had gradual decompression using a urethral catheter attached to an intravenous fluid-giving set, which was then attached to the urine bag. Post-decompressive haematuria in each group was assessed at designated times and documented based on a research protocol.

Data Analysis and Result Presentation:

Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM) SPSS version 21. Data were summarised by descriptive statistics. The two arms were compared for similarities in demographic variables. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Student’s t test and Pearson’s chi-square test, respectively. The results of the analysis were presented with the aid of bar charts and tables for clarity. Significant P value was ≤0.05.

Result:

Sixty patients were recruited into the study and randomised into groups A (rapid urinary decompression) and B (gradual urinary decompression) with 30 patients in each arm of the study. The mean age was 70.92 ± 13.98 years (range 20–96 years). The mean age of the patients recruited into group A was 68.50 ± 14.77 years, whereas that of group B was 73.33 ± 13.19 years. The P value was 0.187. Fifteen patients (50%) developed gross haematuria in group A compared with 7 patients (23.3%) in group B with a statistically significant p value of 0.032. Four (26.7%) of the patients with gross haematuria had blood transfusions in group A, whereas only 1 (16.7%) of the patients with gross haematuria in group B had a blood transfusion. The P value was 0.920.

Conclusion:

The rate of haematuria is significantly higher in group A with a higher rate of blood transfusion than that of group B. Though gradual urinary decompression is cumbersome, it is recommended to reduce the rate of haematuria and blood transfusion with its associated complications.
The representation theory of Brauer categories II: Curried algebra
Authors: Sam Steven V , Snowden Andrew
Published: August 2024

A representation of

\mathfrak{gl}(V)=V \otimes V^{\ast}

is a linear map

\mu \colon \mathfrak{gl}(V) \otimes M \rightarrow M

satisfying a certain identity. By currying, giving a linear map

\mu

is equivalent to giving a linear map

a \colon V \otimes M \rightarrow V \otimes M

, and one can translate the condition for

\mu

to be a representation into a condition on

a

. This alternate formulation does not use the dual of

V

and makes sense for any object

V

in a tensor category

\mathcal{C}

. We call such objects representations of the
curried general linear algebra
on

V

. The currying process can be carried out for many algebras built out of a vector space and its dual, and we examine several cases in detail. We show that many well-known combinatorial categories are equivalent to the curried forms of familiar Lie algebras in the tensor category of linear species; for example, the titular Brauer category is the curried form of the symplectic Lie algebra. This perspective puts these categories in a new light, has some technical applications, and suggests new directions to explore.
An Electric Analogy for Modeling the Aerodynamics of Engineered and
Biological Flight
Authors: Burgers Phillip
Published: August 2024

There are examples in aerodynamics that take advantage of electric-to-aerodynamic
analogies, like the law of Biot–Savart, which is used in aerodynamic theory to
calculate the velocity induced by a vortex line. This article introduces an
electric-to-aerodynamic analogy that models the lift, drag, and thrust of an
airplane, a helicopter, a propeller, and a flapping bird. This model is intended
to complement the recently published aerodynamic equation of state for
lift, drag, and thrust of an
engineered or a biological flyer by means of an analogy between this equation
and Ohm’s law. This model, as well as the aerodynamic equation of state, are
both intended to include the familiar and time-proven parameters of
pressure, work, and
energy, analytical tools that are ubiquitous in all fields
of science but absent in an aerodynamicists’ day-to-day tasks. Illustrated by
various examples, this modeling approach, as treated in this article, is limited
to subsonic flight.
Assessment of Plantar Arch Index and the prevalence of foot deformity among athletes and non-athletes students at the University of Uyo, Nigeria
Authors: Ekanem, Akpan Udo, Ph.D.  , Edem, Gabriel Donatus  , Okon, Kingsley Akaninyene  , Victor, Esther Queen
Published: August 2024

The plantar arch index establishes a concrete relationship between the central and posterior parts of the footprint. The Cavanagh and Rodgers Arch Index (PAI) is a standard mathematical value used as an important determinant in the identification of foot physiology and potential pathology. Cavanagh and Rodgers Arch Index was developed by Cavanagh and Rodgers in 1987 representing the ratio of middle third of a footprint relative to the total area. Foot deformities are a category of acquired and congenital conditions that affect foot functions. Deformed feet can cause individuals to experience mobility problems resulting to weakness, obesity and cardiovascular conditions. Currently, there is no reported research on the prevalence of foot deformities among athletes and non-athletes at University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and this forms the rationale behind this study. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of foot deformities among University of Uyo students using simple random sampling method. Asum total of 800 students (including 500 males and 300 females) aged between 17-40 years. Both male and female athletes as well as non-athletes participated in this study. Endorsing ink, plain tile and white paper were used to obtain the footprints of each participant. The plantar arch index was determined and calculated using the Cavanagh and Rodgers Arch Index. GraphPad Prism software (version 8.0.2) was used to analyzed data obtained from the study. Results obtained from this study showed that athletic males had the plantar arch index of 0.20±0.001 when compared to non-athletic males. Similarly, athletic females had PAI of 0.20±0.003 and 0.19±0.002 for right and left foot respectively when compared to non- athletic females with PAI of 0.23±0.008 and 0.22±0.009 for right and left foot respectively. These values correspond with the Cavanagh and Rodgers arch index for high arch (pes cavus) which is one of the foot pathologies. Our study indicated the presence of pes cavus among athletic students for both male and female and standards of foot normality among non-athletic students (male and female) of the University of Uyo, Nigeria.
Perceived effect of soil erosion on maize production in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Okoroh Juochi P. , Irebuisi Daniella C.
Published: August 2024

This study analyzed the perceived effects of soil erosion on maize production in Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study ascertained the  causes of soil erosion as perceived by maize farmers; ascertained the perceived effects of soil erosion on maize farmers’ production; identified the control measure used by maize farmers in coping with the effects of soil erosion on their production and identified  constraints to the use of soil erosion control measures. A multistage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 180 maize farmers.  Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and Ordinary Least Square (OLS)  regression analysis. Results showed that maize farmers perceived causes of soil erosion to include: excessive/heavy rainfall and flooding  (x̄ = 3.107), overgrazing ((x̄ = 2.96), deforestation/ destruction of vegetation ( x̄ = 2.80), blocked or poor drainage system ( x̄ = 2.77 among  others. Farmers perceived the effects of soil erosion as decline in maize yield when soil erodes (x̄ = 3.46); food insecurity and poverty (x̄ =  3.22); reduction in land for agricultural activities (x̄ = 3.32) among others. Maize farmers identified soil erosion control measure as filling  the affected area with farm residue (86.67%), raising ridges to prevent water from running through to the farm (76.11%), building and  structures should not obstruct water ways (68.33%), implementing cover crops, mulching, and cover crop (61.67%). Maize farmers were  constrained to the use of soil control measure such as inadequate funding (78.89%), high cost of some erosion measures control  (73.33%), lack of incentive from governments (70.00%), difficulty in acquiring land for forest establishment (68.89%). The result shows that  age, marital status, level of education, household size, monthly farm income and extension contact influenced the maize farmers  perceived effects of soil erosion on their maize production, these were significant at 1% probability level. The study concludes that there  was prevalence of soil erosion in Imo and maize farmers were experiencing constrains in reducing soil erosion effects on their maize  production. The study recommends among others that maize farmers should judiciously use their cooperative association by sharing  relevant information in minimizing the effects of soil erosion on their farm land.
Strategies for Conflict Resolution in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
Authors: Nwuzor Chidi , Njoku Chimee
Published: August 2024

The study examines strategy for conflict resolution in Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. The research was anchored on Power Parity Theory of Industrial Relations propounded by Dubin in 1960. Descriptive survey design was adopted to study a sample of 660 Management and Employees of the University. Data for the study were collected from primary and secondary sources. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire. The research applied Statistical tables and Mean Deviation in data analysis. Findings revealed that negotiation has significantly helped in reducing industrial dispute in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; Mediation has significantly helped in curtailing the tide of employer-employee face-off in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki; and conciliation has significantly reduced industrial disharmony between Management and Staff of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. The implication of the findings is that staff productivity would continue to elude the University if the principles of collective bargaining (conflict resolution strategies) were not adequately applied in resolving any industrial dispute. Hence, it was recommended among others that, there was the need for Management and Staff Members of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, to always engage in negotiation in order to ensure job commitment among staff of the University; there is need for Management and staff of Ebonyi State University to always engage in mediation in order to ensure efficient job performance among staff of the University; and there is need for Management and staff to always engage in conciliation in order to prevent industrial dispute among staff of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.