bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power Generation from Utilizing Thermal Energy of Hazardous Waste Incinerators
Authors: Hadi Ahmed H. , Fleyh Asya R. , Hussain Basim A. , Ibrahim Othman M. , Abd AL Razak Abdullah F.
Published: October 2023

A large amount of thermal energy is generated from burning hazardous chemical wastes, and the temperature of the flue gases in hazardous waste incinerators reaches up to (1200 °C). The flue gases are cooled to (40°C) and are treated before emission. This thermal energy can be utilized to produce electrical power by designing a system suitable for dangerous flue gases in the future depending on the results of much research about using a proto-type small steam power plant that uses safe fuel to study and develop the electricity generation process with water tube boiler which is manufactured experimentally with theoretical development for some of its parts which are inefficient in experimental work. The studied system generates theoretically (120 kg steam /h at 8 bars) with dry wood as fuel and preheating for the air of combustion and feed water and a diesel engine of (8 hp) four-stroke with single piston converted to steam engine coupled with the electrical generator of (3 kVA). The results are compared with practical values valid in the literature about small power plants of steam capacity (0.1-1) ton/h and operating pressure up to 10 bars. Experimentally, the generated electrical power is little and sufficient to operate a small fan and lump. The current converted steam engine is better than a conventional steam engine in auto lubrication with some operational problems. The boiler efficiency is 63.28%.
Skull Stripping Based on the Segmentation Models
Authors: Nayyef Rasha Helmi , Al-Tammi Mohammed S.H.
Published: October 2023

Skull image separation is one of the initial procedures used to detect brain abnormalities. In an MRI image of the brain, this process involves distinguishing the tissue that makes up the brain from the tissue that does not make up the brain. Even for experienced radiologists, separating the brain from the skull is a difficult task, and the accuracy of the results can vary quite a little from one individual to the next. Therefore, skull stripping in brain magnetic resonance volume has become increasingly popular due to the requirement for a dependable, accurate, and thorough method for processing brain datasets. Furthermore, skull stripping must be performed accurately for neuroimaging diagnostic systems since neither non-brain tissues nor the removal of brain sections can be addressed in the subsequent steps, resulting in an unfixed mistake during further analysis. Therefore, accurate skull stripping is necessary for neuroimaging diagnostic systems. This paper proposes a system based on deep learning and Image processing, an innovative method for converting a pre-trained model into another type of pre-trainer using pre-processing operations and the CLAHE filter as a critical phase. The global IBSR data set was used as a test and training set. For the system's efficacy, work was performed based on the principle of three dimensions and three sections of MR images and two-dimensional images, and the results were 99.9% accurate.
Transport Assessment Using Bayesian Method to Determine Ride-Hailing in Kula Lumpur: A Case Study
Authors: Al Jarah Sivan Hisham Taher
Published: October 2023

This research was designed to investigate the factors affecting the frequency of use of ride-hailing in a fast-growing metropolitan region in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur. An intercept survey was used to conduct this study in three potential locations that were acknowledged by one of the most famous ride-hailing companies in Kuala Lumpur. This study used non-parametric and machine learning techniques to analyze the data, including the Pearson chi-square test and Bayesian Network. From 38 statements (input variables), the Pearson chi-square test identified 14 variables as the most important. These variables were used as predictors in developing a BN model that predicts the probability of weekly usage frequency of ride-hailing. According to the final model, the attitude of the commuters towards the speed of ride-hailing over hailing regular taxis was the most important and presented in all probability conditions. Several related studies also identified ride-hailing speed as one of the top reasons for using this travel option. The findings of this study imply that commuters still compare the ride-hailing services with the traditional taxis in Kuala Lumpur, especially in terms of complementarity to other modes, ease of payment, ease of access, and speed. It is critical to have a sustainable strategy for keeping commuters’ satisfaction at the highest level because if the ride-hailing services cannot meet the commuters’ expectations, they may switch back to conventional transport options.
ACUTE CORONAVIRUS INFECTION AS OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE OF MEDICAL WORKERS
Authors:   FSBEI HPE «Ulyanovsk State University», Shapoval N.S. , Falina E.Yu. ,   SHI «Ulyanovsk Regional Clinical Medical Center for assistance to persons affected by radiation exposure and occupational Pathology named after Hero of the Russian Federation Maksimchuk V.M.», Demina O.V.
Published: October 2023

New coronavirus infection has led to sharp increase of medical workers occupational morbidity. During the research period of 2020‑2023, 73 expert cases related to the establishment of acute coronavirus infection as occupational disease in medical workers were considered in the Ulyanovsk region. The occupational disease acute coronavirus infection was detected in 57 cases (78.1%), of which 36 cases (63.2%) with temporary disability, 3 cases (5.2%) with permanent disability and 18 cases (31.6%) with fatal outcome. The high risk of infection of medical personnel with acute coronavirus infection requires adequate and careful observance of preventive measures, the development of comprehensive programs for the epidemiological safety of medical staff workplaces, rehabilitation and rehabilitation measures to maintain the health of medical workers.
CYTOKINE PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH OCCUPATIONAL CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE AND HEALTHY WORKERS IN CONDITIONS OF AEROSOLS CONTAINING NANOPARTICLES EXPOSURE
Authors:   FSBEI HE «Novosibirsk State Medical University», Shpagina L.A. , Logashenko E.B. ,   Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine. Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Kotova O.S.
Published: October 2023

Diagnose of the occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at early stage is difficult because of low symptoms and altered spirography results as this COPD phenotype has substantial interstitial lung fibrosis. The aim of study was to establish the promising markers of occupational COPD due to aerosols containing nanoparticles exposure based on cytokine profile. Materials and methods. Design of the study was a pilot observational comparative. Nanoparticles assessment in the workplace air of the machine-building enterprise was done. Chemical elemental composition was measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and particles size by scanning electron microscopy. Patients with occupational chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=24) and healthy workers (n‑25) who worked in the studied sites and healthy people without occupational health risks (n=50) were investigated. COPD was diagnosed according to spirography criteria. Groups were matched by sex, age, smoking status. Blood serum cytokines and fibrotic markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Groups were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test, relationships were revealed by multiply linear regression. Level of significance was less than 0.01. Results. At the investigated workplaces the maximal was the mass concentration of silica nanoparticles, which was equal of 0,035 (0,29; 0,41) μg/ml. In patients with occupational COPD in comparison with healthy workers and control group the concentrations of interleukin 1‑β, C-reactive protein, monocyte chemotactic protein‑1, fibroblast growth factor‑2 (FGF‑2) — 16,1 (10,5; 18,2) pg/m amino-terminal propeptide of type-III procollagen — (PIIINP) — 92,1 (73,6; 102,4) ng/ml, matrix metalloproteinase 9, soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule‑1 (sVCAM‑1) — 46,1 (41,5; 58,3) pg/ml. In multiple regression model nanoparticles concentration was a predictor of serum levels of PIIINP (В=0,8), FGF‑2 (В=1,9), sVCAM‑1 (В=0,7). Conclusion. PIIINP, FGF‑2, sVCAM‑1 are promising markers of occupational COPD in workers exposed to aerosols containing nanoparticles.
BIOMEDICAL ASPECTS OF THE FORMATION OF METABOLIC MALADAPTATION IN CHRONIC OCCUPATIONAL INTOXICATION WITH FLUORIDE COMPOUNDS
Authors:   FSBSI «Research Institute for Complex Problems of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases», Yadykina T.K. , Mikhailova N.N. , Zhukova A.G. ,   Kuzbass Humanitarian and Pedagogical Institute of the FSBEI HE «Kemerovo State University»
Published: October 2023

Long-term exposure to fluorides on the body of aluminum production workers is a determining factor in the development of chronic occupational intoxication with fluorine compounds, the pathogenetic mechanisms of which have not been studied enough. The systemic aspects of its course remain open. The aim — on the basis of experimental and clinical genetic data to study the medical and biological aspects of the formation of metabolic maladaptation in the dynamics of fluoride intoxication. Material and methods. The study included 370 metallurgists with occupational pathology and a comparison group, n=127, with individual signs of fluorine exposure to the skeleton. Bone mineral density was studied. Real-time PCR evaluated the association of VEGF and GST gene polymorphisms with the risk of developing intoxication, diseases of the circulatory system, liver pathology, and renal dysfunction. The experiment was simulated with 12 weeks of free access of rats, n=130, to NaF solution, 10 mg/l. Western-blot analysis in the cytosolic fraction of the liver, kidneys, heart studied the level of HIF‑1α, HSP72, HSC73, HOx‑1,2. In the blood plasma and homogenate of the studied organs, the activity of metabolic enzymes was determined: alkaline and acid phosphatases, α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenases, alanine-, aspartate aminotransferases, cholinesterases, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase lactate-, hydroxybutyratedehydrogenases. Results. A clinical and experimental study showed the development of specific metabolic changes in the dynamics of fluoride intoxication and their relationship with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the skeleton. The association of the GC VEGF, GSTT1, M1 0/0 genotype with the risk of developing comorbid pathology was determined. The experiment shows that the response to NaF develops in waves. In the early stages, the expression of protective proteins and metabolic enzymes in hepatocytes increases. Compensatory reactions are provided by increased cytochemical activity. From the 6th week, the structure of the liver and kidneys is disturbed. In the heart of rats, activation of the redox signaling system and antioxidant protection was noted, which reduces the intensity of free radical processes and preserves the structure of the myocardium up to the 3rd week. Further, the imbalance of compensatory mechanisms is determined against the background of activation of free radical oxidation, degenerative changes in cardiomyocytes, 9 weeks. Conclusions. The leading pathogenetic link in the formation of a chain of systemic pathological reactions in fluoride intoxication is maladaptive shifts in homeostasis parameters associated with individual risk.
Gender Representation on Visual Illustrations in Indonesia EFL Textbook
Authors: Liannita Devianti , Aridah Aridah , Bonganciso Ruel T.
Published: October 2023

The urge of gender equality had been going on for several decades and even though people were aware of it yet there was no significant result toward the effort. Not to neglect all the intended purposes of many studies previously, still somehow the significant differences were less shown in the practice. In order to identify such matter, hence the study was conducted. The visual illustrations in textbook were not only as the aesthetic aspect of one but also to represent matters that could easily be understood better by visualization. The gender representation was analyzed by its numbers of appearances, ratio and also the settings of each gender was situated in the illustrations. By the end of the study, it could be stated that the lack of female representation in appearance and ratio issue was still existing in the textbook. However, in most of the illustrations, both of the genders were situated in social settings in general though there were several in domestic ones. The further study was needed in order to analyze the other elements of the textbook.
Chuyện của Kingfisher
Authors: Phượng Dương Thị Minh
Published: October 2023

Hành trình kỳ diệu với trí tuệ và các giá trị nhân văn. https://vjst.vn/vn/_layouts/15/ICT.Webparts.TCKHCN/mt_poup/Intrangweb.aspx?IdNews=8302“The Kingfisher Story Collection” (tạm dịch “Tuyển tập Truyện ngụ ngôn Bói Cá”, hay “Chuyện của Kingfisher”) của tác giả Vương Quân Hoàng đã được xuất bản và phát hành trên Amazon, là một tác phẩm tuyệt vời và đáng trân quý. Cuốn sách không chỉ là một bộ sưu tập những câu chuyện ngụ ngôn thú vị mà còn là một hành trình trải nghiệm sâu sắc khi bước vào thế giới tưởng tượng của nhân vật chính, một chú chim Bói Cá - Kingfisher.(Tạp chí Khoa học & Công nghệ; ngày 21/9/2023)
Geometrical optics as U(1) local gauge theory in (3+1)-dimensional Minkowski space-time
Authors: Hadi Miftachul , Muliyono Suhadi
Published: October 2023

We treat the geometrical optics as an Abelian $U(1)$ local gauge theory and formulate the eikonal equation related to the $U(1)$ gauge potential in (3+1)-dimensional Minkowski space-time.
Pengantar manajemen "introduction management and organization"
Authors: JAYANTI RAHMAH
Published: October 2023

Pengantar manajemen "introduction management and organization"
A comparative study of 0.25% levobupivacaine and 0.25% levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine in ultrasound-guided transverse abdominis plane block for post-operative analgesia in infraumbilical surgeries
Authors: Dhanashree PJ  , Bammidi Muralikrishna  , Venkata Krishna Gollapalli  , Mahendran M
Published: October 2023

Background: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block delivers excellent analgesia with few side effects. Previous research suggests that the efficacy and duration of the block can be increased by adding adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine to the local anesthetics.
Aims and Objectives: To compare the post-operative analgesic effectiveness of 0.25% levobupivacaine and 0.25% levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg in US-guided TAP block in infraumbilical surgery patients.
Materials and Methods: Ultrasound-guided TAP block was given to sixty patients. Patients consented for infraumbilical surgery, and patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group L received 20 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine alone and Group LD received 20 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg. The efficacy of analgesia was measured in terms of degree and duration of analgesia; the post-operative pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). The Chi-square test and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Result shows that there is no statistically significant difference in gender, age group, weight, height, BMI, and type of surgery between groups, with a P=0.40, 0.83, 0.37, 0.59, and 0.93, respectively. In addition, there is no statistically significant difference in the duration of surgery between the groups (P=0.63). However, it was observed statistically significant differences in the onset of analgesia requirement, duration of effect of analgesia, and the total anesthesia consumption between the experimental groups with a P=0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively. No significant difference in VAS was observed initially but was significant in later hours.
Conclusion: Adding dexmedetomidine to 0.25% levobupivacaine enhanced the efficacy of the block and duration of post-operative analgesia compared to 0.25% levobupivacaine alone.
Comparative study between mass closure suturing technique and Hughes repair in emergency midline laparotomies
Authors: Mukesh Kumar P  , Sathyaraj P  , Jemin Bharath R  , Ramprasath S  , Renganathan M
Published: October 2023

Background: The most alarming post-operative consequences for patients and doctors are wound infection and dehiscence. Post-operative wound infection and dehiscence lengthen the hospital stay after surgery.
Aims and Objectives: The present study examined the incidence of wound infection, wound dehiscence, duration of hospital stay, and burst abdomen between conventional and Hughes repair techniques of midline laparotomy wound closure.
Materials and Methods: A 12-month prospective study was performed in the General Surgery Department at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. In total, 80 patients, divided randomly into two groups of 40 each, received emergency midline laparotomies for various reasons. The primary outcome measures the infection incidence, wound dehiscence, and burst abdomen at the end of 10 days by the assessing surgeon.
Results: In the study group, 30 (75%) were males, and females were 10 (25%). In the control group, males were 29 (72.5%), and females were 11 (27.5%). The mean age in the study and control groups was 42.4±11.927 and 41.7±13.607, respectively. There was a significant difference in surgery duration between groups. Most patients, i.e., 27 (67.5%) and 19 (47.5%), had wound infection and dehiscence in the control group, respectively. There was a significant difference in wound infection (P=0.025), wound dehiscence (P=0.002), duration of hospital stay (P<0.001), and burst abdomen (P=0.02) between groups.
Conclusion: Hughes repair is associated with less incidence of wound infection, wound dehiscence, burst abdomen, and duration of hospital stay compared to patients whose abdomen was closed using the conventional continuous technique.
A study to determine the prevalence of oxidised low-density lipoprotein in retinal venous occlusion in a population of West Bengal
Authors: Kapil Deb Lahiri  , Gupta Amit Kumar , Biswas Utpal Kumar
Published: October 2023

Background: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) has been implicated in both coronary artery disease and retinal vein occlusion (RVO) because of atherosclerosis. However, there is no study to show the prevalence of ox-LDL in RVO till date.
Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to find the prevalence of ox-LDL in RVO in a population of West Bengal.
Materials and Methods: A 2-year prospective cross-sectional study of consecutive, unrelated adult patients, with a diagnosis of RVO, attending the outpatient department in a Medical College, was taken up for study. A pilot study was done to determine the expected prevalence of ox-LDL. Sample size was calculated based on the formula n=d2z2pq(z=1.96, d=0.04, p=0.196, q=0.804, n=minimum sample size). ox-LDL was measured in a total of 512 subjects who were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: In this study, 272 males (aged 50 ± 7.2 years) and 240 females (aged 46 ± 7.7 years) with RVO were screened for ox-LDL. Elevated ox-LDL levels were found in 142 patients out of 512 participants in this study (27.7%). Moreover, 102 cases (19.9%) were found to have both raised LDL and ox-LDL, whereas 40 RVO cases (7.8%) had only elevated ox-LDL among the study participants. 71.8% of 142 RVO cases with elevated ox-LDL levels also had raised LDL levels, whereas remaining 28.2% had normal LDL cholesterol levels.
Conclusion: It is high time to look beyond the traditional lipid parameters such as ox-LDL cholesterol levels as a risk factor of RVO. This study proved that ox-LDL cholesterol is highly prevalent in RVO cases. Thereby, proper screening of ox-LDL is a must as a tool for risk reduction of RVO cases, especially in a population with normal LDL cholesterol levels.
The etiologies and outcome of convulsive status epilepticus in children at tertiary care hospital Kashmir India
Authors: Syed Muzamil Mehraj  , Suhail Ahmad Naik  , Shafat Tak
Published: October 2023

Background: Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is a common neurological emergency, where immediate supportive and specific treatment determines the outcome of the patient. Therefore, immediate management and etiological workup of CSE should be done in tandem to decrease associated morbidity and mortality.
Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to ascertain different etiologies and outcomes of CSE in children.
Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective observational hospital-based study conducted in a tertiary care hospital from October 2020 to September 2022.
Results: The most common type of seizure in CSE was GTCS, 154 cases (83.7%), followed by focal seizure 12 % (26 cases). Almost 35% of patients had CSE as a first presentation for PICU admission and the rest 65% of patients did have a previous history of seizures. The most common etiology of CSE was remote symptomatic, seen in 27.2%, followed by acute central nervous system infection in 19.5%, febrile status in 19.5%, and cryptogenic/idiopathic SD in 14.9%. Among the patients who had encephalitis, the common etiologies were enteroviruses and herpes simplex. We did not find any case of Japanese encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, cerebral malaria, or dengue case in our study. Therefore, recommending cerebrospinal fluid panels for these vectors borne viral brain diseases is a waste of resources in Kashmir, India. Furthermore, we did not find any case of neurocysticercosis in our study as a cause of CSE.
Conclusion: In our study, we had 16 cases of encephalitis, and most of them were caused by enteroviruses and herpes simplex virus. We did not find any case of Japanese encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, cerebral malaria, or dengue case in our study. Vector-borne diseases transmitted by different mosquitoes do not occur in Kashmir.
Attenuation of hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in adult patients using 75 mg and 150 mg of oral pregabalin: A dose-response study in a tertiary care hospital, Telangana, India
Authors: Srinivas Naik Bhukya  , Thati Nagendar  , Mounika Vadithya  , Sindhuja K
Published: October 2023

Background: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation can cause a significant hemodynamic response, leading to adverse events. Pregabalin is a relatively new drug used to attenuate this response.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of two different doses, 75 mg and 150 mg, of orally administered Pregabalin given 1 h before the induction of general endotracheal anesthesia in adult patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures.
Materials and Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Telangana, India. Adult patients were divided into three groups receiving 75 mg, 150 mg of oral pregabalin or placebo, 1 h before induction of anesthesia. Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before and after laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.
Results: A total of 90 patients were enrolled in the study, with 30 in each group. Both doses of pregabalin significantly attenuated the hemodynamic response compared to the placebo group. The maximum attenuation was observed in the 150 mg pregabalin group. No significant adverse effects were reported in any of the groups.
Conclusion: Both 75 mg and 150 mg of oral pregabalin attenuated the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in adult patients, with a higher dose providing greater attenuation. Pregabalin may be considered an option for attenuating the hemodynamic response during anesthesia induction. Further studies are warranted to establish the optimal dose and duration of pregabalin administration.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy complicating acute on chronic pancreatitis: A case report
Authors: Rajan Swaminathan , Amarapathi Sivasankar , Durairaj Somasekar
Published: October 2023

Acute or chronic pancreatitis as a trigger of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) has been infrequently described in the literature. Misdiagnosis of this phenomenon can often occur due to overlap in symptomology, particularly in those outside of the usual. A 50-year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse presented with epigastric and chest pain. Electrocardiography showed ischemic changes, and laboratory workup revealed elevated lipase, amylase, and troponin. He was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and managed presumptively as acute coronary syndrome, class 4 angina. Patient had no signs of chronic liver disease, his pulmomary system was stable. He was a known case of left upper limb thrombosis and had portal venous thrombosis and was on tablet Rivaraxoban 10 mg. Subsequent coronary angiography was negative for obstructive coronary artery disease, and left ventriculography demonstrated basal hyperkinesis and apical akinesis, characteristic of TCM. TCM is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis. Increased awareness of this phenomenon is required to prevent delays in diagnosis and avoid unnecessary interventions and complications.
Treating refractory wounds with necrotic tissue, using wound gel and dietary modifications
Authors: Shannon Payseur  , Warren Lesser  , Kenneth Gossett  , Shashi Manish
Published: October 2023

Background: A certified hyperbaric and wound care specialist in the South-west US evaluated three patients who presented with refractory wounds containing substantial necrotic tissue.
Aims and Objectives: The primary aim/objective of this study was for the investigator to ascertain if the wound gel, in combination with dietary changes and standard hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) when placed on refractory wounds evidentiary with necrotic tissue, would result in favorable wound healing outcomes. This study’s secondary aim/objective was to determine if this treatment approach could result in avoiding costly and deleterious, life-changing amputations, and/or surgical reconstructions.
Materials and Methods: The physician investigator conducted this qualitative method case study during her regular professional medical practice. She selected study subjects based on the exigency of patients’ needs. The three subjects selected met three inclusion criteria. The first inclusion criterion was that the patient had at least one serious refractory wound, which wound did not respond to any previous treatment regimens at any treatment center. The second inclusion criterion was that significant necrotic tissue was evidentiary in the wound(s). The third inclusion criterion was that each patient was facing traumatic surgical intervention – either amputation or excision with reconstruction. The investigator measured wound diameters and tracked the time to wound closure and wound healing. In addition, the investigator noted patient comments during the wound healing.
Results: In two cases, patients were scheduled for umbilical reconstruction; in the third, the patient was scheduled for a frontal foot amputation. In 10 weeks, the three patients experienced complete wound healing or substantial wound resolution. Case #2 patient initially only received HBOT at a different wound center and was emergently admitted to the hospital after 2 weeks of HBOT (no dietary alteration or specialized wound gel application). The patient underwent wide excisional debridement with general surgery but received the trifurcated treatment regimen after discharge, resulting in wound healing within 10 weeks.
Conclusion: These results warrant further study with more subjects to determine the replicability of findings. If the results are generalizable to this population of patients suffering from advanced refractory wounds and facing limb amputations, the health and quality-of-life benefits for these patients and the prospective cost savings on the U.S. health system could be incalculable.
A comparative study of serum cystatin C levels in Type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without microalbuminuria
Authors: Blessy Susan Luke  , Anu C John
Published: October 2023

Background: Serum Cystatin C is elevated in diabetic patients even before the appearance of microalbuminuria and hence, it can be used as an early marker for detecting diabetic nephropathy.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare serum Cystatin C levels in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with microalbuminuria and without microalbuminuria.
Materials and Methods: A hospital-based and cross-sectional study conducted among 40 patients with Type 2 diabetic mellitus attending the Endocrinology OPD Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Informed consent was obtained. Biochemical parameters like blood glucose was estimated by hexokinase method and serum creatinine by modified Jaffe’s method using fully automated analyzer. HbA1c was determined by turbidimetric immunoinhibition method. Serum Cystatin C and microalbumin was evaluated by ELISA method. Statistical analysis of data was performed using SPSS windows version 26. Statistical tests like unpaired t-test were done to compare the study subjects and Pearson correlation was done to know the correlation between variables and P<0.05 was considered as significant.
Results: In this study, all the study group had fasting blood level above 126 mg/dL with HbA1c value >6.5%. Serum creatinine value <1.4 mg/dL is considered normal. In this study group subjects, 34 (85%) had normal level of serum creatinine, while 6 (15%) 6 patients had creatinine level more than 1.4 mg/dL. Mean±SD for serum cystatin C levels in Type 2 DM patients with microalbuminuria and without microalbuminuria was 22.7±4.9 and 4.79±3.55, respectively. The serum cystatin C levels were significantly (P<0.01) higher in the microalbuminuria group than in the normoalbuminuric patients. In the present study, there was highly significant positive correlation between serum cystatin C and microalbumin (r=0.93, P<0.001. In the present study, there was highly significant positive correlation between serum cystatin C and fasting blood sugar, serum creatinine, and glycated hemoglobin in patients with microalbuminuria) than without microalbuminuria.
Conclusion: Serum cystatin C levels were found to be increased in patients with Type 2 DM with microalbuminuria and can be considered as a valuable early marker of renal damage.
Comparative evaluation of low-cost Macintosh video laryngoscope with conventional Macintosh laryngoscope: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Popli Shilpa , Kumar Amit , Manohar Manisha , Popli Riya , Popli Bhuvan Priyanshu , Anshul
Published: October 2023

Background: The prohibitive costs of commercially available video laryngoscopes often limit the adoption of this technique for routine airway management in economically weak countries. It has not yet been determined whether cost-effective adjustments improve intubation success rates to the required level of competence.
Aims and Objectives: To compare a custom-made low-cost Macintosh video laryngoscope with a standard Macintosh laryngoscope (ML). The primary objectives were to compare laryngoscopy time, intubation time, and procedure time. The secondary objectives were to compare Cormack–Lehane grading (CL), rate of successful tracheal intubation, number of attempts for successful intubation, need for backward, upward, and rightwars pressure (BURP), and perceived ease of intubation based on intubation difficulty scale (IDS).
Materials and Methods: Forty adults posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomized to Group (intubated with a standard ML) and Group (intubated with a custom-made, Macintosh video laryngoscope [CMVL]).
Results: The laryngoscopy time was 7.5±2.04 s in Group CMVL and 5.85±1.26 s in Group ML (P=0.0039). The intubation time was 7.95±1.73 s in Group CMVL and 7.75±2.35 s in Group ML (P=0.7615). The procedure time was 15.45±2.96 s in group CMVL and 13.6±2.99 s in group ML (P=0.0571). The Group CMVL had significantly lower laryngoscopy time than Group ML. In terms of IDS, CL grading, number of successful intubation, and BURP required both groups were comparable.
Conclusion: Both the laryngoscopes provide more or less similar results concerning all the intubation parameters studied in normal airway scenarios. Thus, emphasizing that the mere presence of a camera alone does not improve the intubation characteristics in normal airway patients.
A study to evaluate the significance of Mantoux test investigated for tuberculosis in a tertiary care teaching hospital of India
Authors: Saborni Dey  , Siddarath Kumar  , Vivek Tyagi  , Venkata Sai Charan
Published: October 2023

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mainly affects the lungs. The Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) is one method of determining whether a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Reliable administration and reading of the TST requires standardization of procedures, training, supervision, and practice.
Aims and Objectives: The objective was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of Mantoux test in pediatric patients for the diagnosis of TB. It also assists to study various presentations of TB in Mantoux test-positive patients.
Materials and Methods: From August 2022 to January 2023, a single tertiary care facility named Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur hosted this observational study after approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Participants in the trial included all children up to 15 years of age who has received Bacillus Calmette-Guérin at birth, were suspected of having TB and had been referred to a pediatric TB clinic. TST by 5 Tuberculin Unit Purified Protein Derivative-Standard was used to see induration of various sizes. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and other metrics were calculated during the study by statistical software.
Results: Out of 480 patients 36.87% (n=177) had TB with TST cut off≥15 mm indurations, while 169 patients had no induration. Most common age group affected was 5–10 years (48.59%) followed by 0–5 years (30.51%) and 10–15 years (20.90%) with male: female ratio = 1.2:1. Most common etiology for TST positive patients was pulmonary TB (PTB) (29.30%), extra PTB (50.10%), disseminated TB (12.90%) and latent TB (07.70%). The sensitivity of the test was 95.857% with 95% confidence interval (91.64–98.31%),specificity was 95.176% (92.16–97.29%). Its positive and negative predictive values were 91.525% and 97.689% respectively.
Conclusion: TB can be diagnosed with the Mantoux test because of its high sensitivity and specificity but it should be explained carefully to avoid inaccurate interpretations.
Comparison of Lipid Profile in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Patients with Healthy Periodontium
Authors: Pradhan Shaili , Shrestha Rejina , Shrestha Gorkhali Ranjita , Koirala Pramod Kumar , Adhikari Suchana
Published: October 2023

Introduction: A positive relationship has been established between periodontal infections and cardiovascular diseases. Among various aetiological factors of cardiovascular diseases, hyperlipidaemia is a major cause. This study aims to compare the lipid profile in patients with chronic periodontitis and healthy periodontium.
Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the lipid profile in patients with periodontitis and healthy periodontium.
Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to January 2021 among a total of 54 subjects recruited in the study who were divided into two groups: chronic periodontitis (CP) group (27 patients) and periodontally healthy group: 27 systemically healthy subjects with healthy periodontium. The periodontal parameters recorded were Plaque index (PI), Gingival index, Probing pocket depth, and Clinical attachment level. Serum levels of lipid profile were measured by enzymatic colorimetric method.
Results: The results showed that mean values of triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein were higher in CP group than periodontally healthy group with significant difference. The mean value of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein was lower in CP group than periodontally healthy group and the mean value of total cholesterol was higher in CP group than in periodontally healthy group with no significant difference.
Conclusions: Increased serum triglycerides was associated with chronic periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis may cause an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Association of Bone Loss around Mandibular Second Molar and Impacted Third Molar: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bista Soni , Ranjit Rebicca , Subedi Suraksha , Koirala Ujjwal , Subedi Sushil , Kunwar Deepa
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Third molars that fail to attain a functional position may be associated with various pathological conditions in the adjacent tooth. In such areas, the maintenance of oral hygiene is difficult causing periodontal destruction to the adjacent second molars.
Objective: To determine the association between the alveolar bone loss in mandibular second molar and impacted third molar.
Methods: A retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from 2021 Sep 2 to 2021 Nov 2 after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee of Gandaki Medical College. Convenience sampling was done for 380 orthopantomograms of patients aged 18 years or older. Information on age, gender, bone loss in mandibular second molars, and type of third molar impactions were recorded. Data were analysed using SPSS v.16.0.
Results: Among observed radiographs, mesioangular impaction (224, 58.9%) was the commonest type followed by vertical impaction that was associated with alveolar bone loss in second molars. Alveolar bone loss in second molar teeth were more prevalent in males and age group of 21-30 years (199, 52.4%). There was a significant association between mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar and horizontal bone loss in adjacent second molars (P <0.05).
Conclusions: Awareness of the association between alveolar bone loss in mandibular second molars with impacted third molar helps in prevention and management of further complication due to such teeth. Thus, periodic clinical and radiographic examination is essential for patients with impacted teeth.
Association of Chronic Periodontitis with Reduced Haemoglobin Level
Authors: Ranjit Rebicca , Acharya Pujan , Baniya Bikash Kumar , Adhikari Khushbu
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Chronic periodontitis is an infectious disease of supporting tissues of tooth due to subgingival colonisation of pathogenic bacteria. Microorganisms or their by-products can invade periodontal tissues through ulcerated pocket epithelium and gain access to systemic circulation producing proinflammatory cytokines which can downregulate erythropoiesis in bone marrow thereby decreasing blood counts. Conversely, reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood in anaemic patients cause impaired oxygen supply to periodontal tissues leading to persistent pathogenic bacterial challenge.
Objective: To observe the association of chronic periodontitis with reduced level of haemoglobin.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted from 2015 May to 2016 May at UCMS after ethical approval. Sixty systemically healthy patients (controls=30 with healthy periodontium; cases=30 with chronic periodontitis) visiting Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, were included in study. The clinical parameters (gingival index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss) and serum haemoglobin level of the participants were compared. Statistical analysis using student’s unpaired t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation and Odd’s ratio was performed.
Results: Statistically significant difference between cases and controls in haemoglobin level (11.64±1.489 g/dl and 12.85±1.360 g/dl respectively) was observed. The correlation analysis showed statistically moderate negative correlation of haemoglobin concentration with pocket depth (r=-0.424) and weak negative correlation with clinical attachment level (r=-0.307).
Conclusions: Chronic periodontitis patients had lower haemoglobin level compared to healthy controls. This suggests that chronic periodontitis like, any other long-standing conditions, may be associated with risk for anaemia. As these chronic conditions reinforce each other, meticulous management of either may assist treatment of other.
Periodontists' Knowledge, Perception, and Professional Behaviour Regarding Patients' Psychosocial Factors and Treatment Outcomes in Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Khushbu , Shrestha Sajeev , Baral Dharanidhar
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Psychosocial factors when present in patients affect their treatment decision making and prevent them from seeking dental care. It also plays an important role in predicting the severity of pain, periodontal disease, and wound healing. Periodontists can provide the best treatment plan but may fail to obtain expected outcomes as patients may not follow the recommendation made by them.
Objective: To assess knowledge, perception and professional behaviour of Periodontists’ regarding patients’ psychosocial factors and responses to periodontal treatment in Nepal.
Methods: A descriptive, online cross-sectional survey using Google Forms was conducted among the Periodontists practicing in Nepal from June 2021 to August 2021. A questionnaire developed by Kloostra et al. was modified according to our practice setup and used for the survey. A total of 48 periodontists practicing in the country responded to the questionnaire. Results were analysed using SPSS v.11.5. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval.
Results: A significant difference in response for relation with perceived pain, perception of pain, wound healing and wound integrity between stress and depression was observed in this study. There was a significant difference (P=0.001) in preparedness for communicating with patients after postgraduate training and after undergraduate training.
Conclusions: Periodontists agreed that there is role of stress, anxiety and depression in their patients’ responses to treatment. The lack of preparation at dental school to consider impact of psychosocial factors when treating patients is highlighted.
Pyoderma Gangrenosum with Neurofibromatosis: Understanding a Possible Relationship and Identifying Risk with Immunosuppressants
Authors: Noronha Mihika , Aithal Vijay
Published: October 2023

Association of Pyoderma Gangrenosum with Neurofibromatosis is extremely rare; only one case has been reported so far. We present one such patient, who also developed bone marrow suppression after treatment with Azathioprine, and reported an acute onset of Telogen Effluvium. The rare association of these two seemingly unrelated conditions and the need to be vigilant about the possibility of myelosuppression with azathioprine presenting as sudden onset, severe alopecia is highlighted.
Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia with Eosinophilia- Think Twice with Scalp Papules! A Case Report
Authors: Agarwal Pooja , Baxi Kalgi , Shah Malhar
Published: October 2023

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia is an uncommon condition characterized by multiple erythematous papules and nodules which are vascular and present over the head and neck area, predominantly around the ears. It is a benign condition but treatment is often sought for the appearance of lesions. We report a case that had a recurrence of erythematous lesions after incomplete electrocoagulation and the diagnosis of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia was confirmed on histopathological evaluation after complete excision of the lesion. In conclusion, as angiolymphoid hyperplasia can be clinically misdiagnosed, histopathological evaluation is warranted in erythematous nodules presenting over the sites of predilection.
A Methodological Review on Time Series Panel Data
Authors: Oli Mahima
Published: October 2023

It is a general methodological review on Time Series Panel Data. The paper argues that timeseries panel data can be analyzed from more general to the more specific, which is known as a hypothetico-deductive model that includes seven main stages: problem, hypothesis, research design, measurement, data collection data analysis, and generalization. For the interpretation of data, the lean six sigma method can be used to integrate the six sigma concept (focusing on reducing defect products) and the lean concept (focusing on eliminating waste) as the methodology of cycle (DMAIC: define, measure, analyse, improve and control). Multiple regression analysis may suffer from multicollinearity or heteroscedastic, or autocorrelation problem. The variance inflation factors (VIF) is used to check multicollinearity that enabled us to eliminate the problem and select the “best” predictor variable to enter when other independent variables are present. Cronbach's alpha as an index's reliability is a metric used to assess the interval consistency of a set of items from zero (no internal consistency) to unity (perfect internal consistency). The review is applicable for the researchers who want to use time series panel data for the quantitative analysis. It is a general methodological review based on secondary information. To generalize the findings of Time Series Panel Data in the process of generalization, Cronbach's alpha, Hypothetico-deductive model, Lean six sigma method, and Multiple regression analysis are the basic significant statistical attributes.
Pemanfaatan Web Bloger Untuk Penyebaran Hasil Usaha Tani di Wilayah Tangerang
Authors: Rosalika Ika , Setyawati Nur Aini , Prayudhi Risa
Published: October 2023

Banyak sektor di indonesia saat ini memiliki persaingan sangat ketat dalam hal menyampaikan informasi. Kebutuhan untuk memberikan informasi kepada publik sangat dibutuhkan untuk dikenal banyak orang. Kota Tangerang yang merupakan wilayah pemukiman memiliki sektor bisnis perdagangan dan pertanian, namun minim sekali dalam hal penyampaian informasi. Oleh karena itu diperlukan salah satu sarana media untuk bisa digunakan sebagai bahan promosi kepada publik agar bisa dikenal. Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) yang berada di wilayah Tangerang merupakan sekelompok masyarakat, khususnya kaum wanita yang bisa mengelola serta mengekspresikan berbagai pemikiran, diharapkan mampu berfikir kreatif dan mengikuti perkembangan zaman. Melalui salah satu media informasi diantaranya yaitu blog bisa digunakan sebagai wadah informasi. Blog dapat memberikan manfaat kepada para klompok wanita tani sebagai media yang bisa menyampaikan atau mempromosikan hasil usahanya untuk bisa dikenal publik. Melalui pengabdian masyarakat ini, blog dikenalkan sebagai platform sederhana yang bisa digunakan oleh para Kelompok Wanita Tani agar produk, usaha serta kegiatan di wilayah tersebut mampu diperkenalkan ke publik.
 
Many sectors in Indonesia currently have very tight competition in terms of conveying information. The need to provide information to the public is very necessary for many people to know. Tangerang City, which is a residential area, has trade and agricultural business sectors, but there is very little in terms of providing information. Therefore, we need a media tool that can be used as promotional material to the public so that it can be known. The Women Farmers Group (KWT) in the Tangerang area is a group of people, especially women who can manage and express various thoughts, are expected to be able to think creatively and keep up with the times. Through one of the information media, namely blog, it can be used as a forum for information. Blog can provide benefits to groups of women farmers as media that can convey or promote the results of their business so that they can be known to the public. Through this community service, blog are introduced as a simple platform that can be used by Women Farmer Groups so that products, businesses and activities in the area can be introduced to the public.