bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How a Smart, Green, Balanced Scorecard System Enhances Digital, Environmental, Social, and Governance Performance
Authors: Pham Huy Quang , Vu Phuc Kien
Published: October 2023

This research aims at exploring the interconnection between smart green balanced scorecard system (SGBSC) and digital environment, society, and governance performance (DESGP). Alternatively, it investigates how the effectiveness of sustainability accounting information system (ESAIS) induces a mediating impact on SGBSC and DESGP. The empirical portion of this study is based on statistical information gathered from a survey given to a cross-sectional sample of 883 SMEs in developing country. The findings from the structural equation modeling approach demonstrate that greater SGBSC implementation can result in higher DESGP. This interconnection is also partially mediated by ESAIS concurrently. The observations may provide practitioners and policymakers with fresher perspectives to develop focused strategies for SGBSC application and sustainability accounting information system implementation, which can ultimately result in beneficial outcomes in DESG establishment and operationalization.
How Human Resource Managers Can Utilize AI to Promote Employee Well-Being
Authors: Chaudhary Meena , Sharma Dipanker , Dhiman Mohinder Chand , Chaudhary Ankita
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers both opportunities and difficulties. In addition to significantly enhancing industrial efficiency, these technologies also have mixed or adverse influences on employee well-being. Understanding the influence of AI on employee well-being is essential given the increasing use of these technologies across HRM domains. This study raises a crucial question: Does artificial intelligence influence employee well-being? Job satisfaction, stress, overall health, and job security are considered essential dimensions of well-being. This study suggests that, even though AI can improve employee well-being, caution can be taken to address concerns and ensure a positive work atmosphere in organizations. Managers and leaders can utilize their agency significantly by influencing working conditions, technological adoptions, and AI in the interest of employee welfare. Organizational support and training programs can be relevant in reducing the negative effects of AI on employee well-being.
Creating Transformative Travel Unveiling the Link Between Meaningful Experiences and Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Basheer Shakeel , Walia Sandeep , Mehraj Danish , Reshi Murtaza
Published: October 2023

Transformative travel promotes meaningful experiences for travelers and positive social and environmental impacts. This chapter explores the link between such experiences and sustainable tourism. It discusses elements like cultural interactions, personal growth, and environmental consciousness that contribute to transformative travel. The chapter emphasizes the role of destination communities and tourism operators in facilitating these experiences. Positive outcomes, such as increased empathy and cultural understanding, and support for sustainable practices, are also examined. Understanding the connection between meaningful experiences and sustainable tourism helps stakeholders develop strategies to promote transformative travel and enhance destination sustainability. This chapter offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in fostering transformative travel for sustainable tourism development.
Analysis of Ultrasound Images in Kidney Failure Diagnosis Using Deep Learning
Authors: Tiwari Naresh , Ghadi Yazeed , Omar Marwan
Published: October 2023

Ultrasonic imaging has proven to be a valuable tool in kidney diagnosis, providing essential information about kidney size, shape, position, and function; and detecting structural abnormalities like cysts, stones, and infections. However, its effectiveness in kidney diagnostics is subject to operator expertise, leading to potential variations in image interpretation and diagnostic outcomes. It is crucial to explore automated approaches and computer-assisted diagnosis systems to address these challenges and enhance kidney diagnostics. Regrettably, the integration of such systems into kidney diagnostics has not been extensively investigated. Therefore, this study confirms the proposal of using a random forest classifier to detect kidney Nephrolithiasis. Notably, the classifier achieved an impressive accuracy of 96.33% compared to other machine learning classifiers, utilizing a test dataset of 100 kidney images.
Leadership Learning and Leadership Coaching in U.S. Governmental Cybersecurity Organizations and Departments
Authors: Aridi Amalisha Sabie
Published: October 2023

The cyberattack called SolarWinds carried out against the United States government has been characterized as a collective leadership failure. The United States Federal Government is confronted with the brutal reality of an understaffed or under-skilled cybersecurity workforce and a need for more competent leaders. The focus of federal organizations is increasingly shifting toward management and organizational efficiency. As a result, more and more of these companies are turning to executive coaching to strengthen the leadership abilities of government supervisors. Executive coaching has emerged as a prominent trend in recent years, becoming increasingly popular in pursuing organizational performance, business capacity, and leadership development. This study uses a qualitative research approach to explore the value and benefit of executive leadership coaching as a tool for developing technical managers.
Evaluating Onsite and Online Internship Mode Using Consumptive Metrics
Authors: Nicho Mathew , Parkar Tarannum , Girija Shini
Published: October 2023

The paper aims to assess the effectiveness between onsite and online internship mode by measuring the critical components of learning through the Kirkpatrick's ‘consumptive metrics' model. The primary goal of internship is to assist university students in their progression from the academic to a professional work environment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted this process where it temporarily moved to online mode. Hence, the authors use Kirkpatrick's ‘consumptive metrics' (CM) for evaluating the learning resources consumed using two constructs namely ‘reaction' and ‘learning'. Using 21 onsite and 20 online intern reports, researchers objectively measured the difference in alignment of theory with practice between onsite and online mode. The research revealed that while the CM components namely ‘course satisfaction' and ‘training relevance' on the interns are similar for both modes, there is a considerable reduction in the effectiveness of internship in terms of the CM components namely the ‘training environment', ‘knowledge gained', and ‘career advancement' in an online mode.
The Transplant Bellwether: Endothelial Cells in Antibody-Mediated Rejection
Authors: Franco-Acevedo Adriana , Pathoulas Christopher L , Murphy Patrick A , Valenzuela Nicole M
Published: October 2023

Ab-mediated rejection of organ transplants remains a stubborn, frequent problem affecting patient quality of life, graft function, and grant survival, and for which few efficacious therapies currently exist. Although the field has gained considerable knowledge over the last two decades on how anti-HLA Abs cause acute tissue injury and promote inflammation, there has been a gap in linking these effects with the chronic inflammation, vascular remodeling, and persistent alloimmunity that leads to deterioration of graft function over the long term. This review will discuss new data emerging over the last 5 y that provide clues into how ongoing Ab–endothelial cell interactions may shape vascular fate and propagate alloimmunity in organ transplants.
Cellular pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: progressive myofibre degeneration, chronic inflammation, reactive myofibrosis and satellite cell dysfunction
Authors: Dowling Paul , Swandulla Dieter , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: October 2023

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive muscle wasting disease of early childhood and characterized by complex pathophysiological and histopathological changes in the voluntary contractile system, including myonecrosis, chronic inflammation, fat substitution and reactive myofibrosis. The continued loss of functional myofibres and replacement with non-contractile cells, as well as extensive tissue scarring and decline in tissue elasticity, leads to severe skeletal muscle weakness. In addition, dystrophic muscles exhibit a greatly diminished regenerative capacity to counteract the ongoing process of fibre degeneration. In normal muscle tissues, an abundant stem cell pool consisting of satellite cells that are localized between the sarcolemma and basal lamina, provides a rich source for the production of activated myogenic progenitor cells that are involved in efficient myofibre repair and tissue regeneration. Interestingly, the self-renewal of satellite cells for maintaining an essential pool of stem cells in matured skeletal muscles is increased in dystrophin-deficient fibres. However, satellite cell hyperplasia does not result in efficient recovery of dystrophic muscles due to impaired asymmetric cell divisions. The lack of expression of the full-length dystrophin isoform Dp427-M, which is due to primary defects in the DMD gene,  appears to affect key regulators of satellite cell polarity causing a reduced differentiation of myogenic progenitors, which are essential for myofibre regeneration. This review outlines the complexity of dystrophinopathy and describes the importance of the pathophysiological role of satellite cell dysfunction. A brief discussion of the bioanalytical usefulness of single cell proteomics for future studies of satellite cell biology is provided.
Malaria outbreak along the India-Bhutan border town of Saralpara, Assam, India
Authors: Barman Keshab , Tobgyel  , Dawa Natasha , Islam Baharul , Narain Jai Prakash
Published: October 2023

Background & objectives:

A remarkable progress is being made in the South-East Asia region in reducing the burden of malaria. While all countries are committed to malaria elimination, continued transmission at and across international borders poses a threat to achieving this goal.

Methods:

We investigated an outbreak of malaria in the India-Bhutan border area in a district of Assam state, India. A line listing of cases occurring during the outbreak period was made and a house-to-house survey was carried out to identify additional cases in the community. Entomological investigation consisted of light trap collection of vectors. Patients and health workers were interviewed to obtain information on the possible mode of transmission and ongoing inter-country collaboration across the border.

Results:

Between October 21 to November 18 2022, 37 cases of malaria (all Plasmodium vivax), were diagnosed in Saralpara area of Kokrajhar district of Assam, bordering Bhutan. Of these four were diagnosed in Sarpang hospital, Bhutan. Median age was 20 years (range 3 to 70 years). Male to female ratio was 1:1.2. In addition, 6 individuals with asymptomatic malaria were detected in the community through an active case finding campaign. No cases were however reported on Bhutan side of the border. Anopheles culicifacies and An. annularis were identified from light trap collection. Saralpara is a remote and forested area where most of the residents are poor and engaged predominantly in farming activities. Being a harvesting season, they tend to stay overnight to protect their harvest from elephants. The health authorities in India and Bhutan exchanged information regularly at district-to-district level on the outbreak including through available and easy modes such as WhatsApp, telephone as well as electronic mail and collaborated in coherently implementing preventive measures on both sides and in managing the cases.

Interpretation & conclusion:

The outbreak of malaria in Saralpara demonstrates the risk of malaria outbreak in remote and forested areas, with possibility of spill over to the other side of the border. The fact that two countries had excellent inter-country cross-border collaboration and prior commitment thereby preventing further transmission of malaria to Bhutan can serve as a best practice for cross-border control of malaria and other communicable diseases.
Evaluation of the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Triphala in high fat diet fed rats
Authors: Rana Suman , Palatty Princy Louis , Benson Ruby , Kochikuzhyil Benson Mathai , Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath
Published: October 2023

Background:

Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke. Triphala, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation made from dried fruits of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica Roxb.), and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica Gaertn.) has been suggested to be useful in mitigating hyperlipidemia. In the Ayurveda texts, depending on the patient’s condition and body type, Triphala is formulated and used in one of the two combination (1:1:1 and 1:2:4 of individual constituents) forms.

Aims:

The present study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of two combinations (1:1:1 and 1:2:4 of individual constituents) of Triphala against high fat diet induced-hyperlipidemia in rats.

Materials and method:

Hyperlipidemia was induced in Spraque−Dawley albino rats by feeding them with high fat diet. The animals were concomitantly administered with graded dose of one of the two combination (combination of Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki in ratio of 1:1:1 or 1:2:4, respectively) of Triphala (250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg body wt.) or atorvastatin. The animals were sacrificed on day 22 and serum was processed for lipid profile and the liver for lipid peroxidation. The statistical analysis was performed by the mean analysis of variance followed by Dunnet’s test.

Results:

The results indicated that when compared to placebo group, levels of serum total cholesterol, and triglyceride were significantly lower, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in both the Triphala combination and atorvastatin groups. Of the two groups of Triphala, the formulation having 1:2:4 ratio was better than the 1:1:1. The group having highest drug dose (1000 mg/kg body wt.) of 1:2:4 formulation was better than atorvastatin in rectifying high fat diet-induced dyslipidemia and the atherogenic index was equal to that of atorvastatin.

Conclusions:

The results of the study indicate that of the two Triphala formulations, the 1:2:4 ratio was better than the 1:1:1 ratio for anti-hyper-lipidemic effects.
Ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block versus femoral nerve block for positioning during spinal anaesthesia in proximal femur fractures: A randomised comparative study
Authors: Chaudhary Kinjal , Bose Neeta , Tanna Dhara , Chandnani Anup
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims:

Femoral nerve block is a widely used analgesia technique for positioning before spinal anaesthesia for proximal femur fracture surgeries. Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a newer technique with motor-sparing characteristics. We compared the analgesic efficacy of these blocks for patient positioning for spinal anaesthesia.

Methods:

In this study, 60 patients were randomised to either the PENG group (n = 30) or the femoral group (n = 30). After performing the block, the pain was assessed every 10 min using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for 30 min. The primary objective was the median [interquartile range (IQR)] reduction in pain (dynamic VAS with 15-degree passive limb elevation) at 30 min. Secondary objectives were ease of spinal position score (EOSP), angle obtained during positioning, duration of postoperative analgesia and quadriceps weakness.

Results:

The demographics were comparable in both groups. After 30 min, the median (IQR) VAS was 6 (5–7) in the PENG group and 5 (5–6) in the femoral group (P = 0.004). Secondary outcomes such as EOSP score and angle obtained by patients were comparable. In the postoperative period, patients had significantly lower pain in the PENG group compared to the femoral group. The duration of analgesia was prolonged with PENG block. Quadriceps weakness was significantly low with PENG block (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

PENG block provides better analgesia than a femoral block before spinal anaesthesia for proximal femur fracture surgery. The postoperative duration of analgesia was also longer.
Ectopic, inverted, and impacted mandibular third molar: A case report with review of literature
Authors: Jain Nikil Kumar , Dutta Abhishek , Nishant N
Published: October 2023

Ectopic and inverted impaction of a tooth together is a rare occurrence. It is commonly associated with pathologic lesions. The common symptoms of the clinical examination were pain, trismus, swelling, and temporomandibular joint syndrome. Asymptomatic impactions go undetected. The associated lesions, if any, can grow to a considerable size and cause significant morbidity. Since few cases have been detected and reported, the etiology of such impactions remains unclear. Here, we are presenting a case that was impacted, inverted, and presented at the ascending ramus of the mandible.
A survey to assess utilization and effectiveness of digital smile design techniques in prosthodontics
Authors: Chhabra Supreet Kaur , Kaur Kirandeep , Arora Akshita , Dugar Preksha
Published: October 2023

Background:

This study aimed to explore the utilization and effectiveness of digital smile design (DSD) techniques in prosthodontics, based on responses from 250 licensed prosthodontists. The investigation provides insights into DSD adoption, its impact on clinical practice, and perceived benefits and challenges.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional survey collected data on DSD utilization, familiarity, training, benefits, challenges, and clinical outcomes. The questionnaire covered demographics, familiarity, utilization frequency, case types, benefits, challenges, and clinical case examples.

Results:

Results indicated that 56% of prosthodontists frequently integrated DSD techniques into treatment planning, indicating growing digital technology adoption. Notably, 82% utilized DSD primarily for aesthetic and complex cases, enhancing precision, and patient satisfaction. High DSD utilization aligns with patient-centered care trends and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for aesthetics. Familiarity with DSD was notable (44.8%) and positively correlated with formal training (66%). Education’s role in enabling effective DSD use was underscored. Higher familiarity with training suggests education’s importance in promoting DSD adoption. Continued professional development and tailored training can enhance DSD utilization. DSD benefits aligned with digital dentistry potential. Improved treatment predictability (72%), enhanced communication (65%), and precise aesthetic planning (53%) were primary advantages. Challenges included the initial learning curve, software complexity, necessitating user-friendly interfaces, and structured education. Participant case examples highlighted DSD’s positive clinical impact. Improved aesthetics (78%), functional outcomes (63%), and patient satisfaction (71%) demonstrated DSD’s bridging role between expertise and patient expectations.

Conclusions:

Findings highlight DSD’s adoption and effectiveness in prosthodontics. DSD’s significance in treatment planning, patient-centered care, and outcomes is evident. Addressing challenges through education and user-friendly tools can enhance DSD integration, contributing to treatment success, and patient satisfaction.
The International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology: An Institutional Experience on its Implication and Assessment of Risk of Malignancy in Effusion Cytology
Authors: Kala Chayanika , Kala Sanjay , Singh Anurag , Jauhari R. K. , Bajpai Ashutosh , Khan Lubna
Published: October 2023

Background:

The “international system for reporting serous fluid cytopathology”(TIS) consists of five diagnostic categories: nondiagnostic (ND), negative for malignancy (NFM), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), suspicious for malignancy (SFM), and malignant (MAL). The study was conducted to reclassify effusion cytology samples according to the newly proposed TIS to calculate the risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category and to conduct performance analysis.

Materials and Methods:

The study was a retrospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care institution in North India. Clinical data of the cases from June 2013 to July 2021 were retrieved and the cases were reviewed by two cytopathologists. All cases were reclassified according to the proposed TIS system into five categories.

Results:

A total of 2318 patients were included in the study over a time span of 8 years, and 1614 (69.6%) cases of pleural effusion cytology, 612 (26.4%) cases of peritoneal effusion cytology, and 92 (3.9%) cases of pericardial effusion cytology were included. All effusion cytology smears were recategorized as per TIS guidelines into ND, NFM, AUS, SFM, and MAL with 4 (0.17%), 1756 (75.75%), 12 (0.51%), 57 (2.46%), and 489 (21.11%) cases, respectively, and ROM was 25%, 17.9%, 66.7%, 75.4%, and 96.5%, respectively, for the categories.

Conclusion:

Besides being a simple, easy, and user-friendly system, TIS has the benefit of risk stratification and ROM for each category. The TIS system proposed a tiered scheme, which places the effusion cytology into well-defined categories, and therefore has lesser chances of false-positive and false-negative cases.
Determination of Autophagy in Human Cervicovaginal Smears by Cytological and İmmunocytochemical Methods
Authors: Özcan Türkmen Merve , Demirezen Sayeste , Beksaç Mehmet Sinan
Published: October 2023

Background:

Autophagy is a catabolic process whereby organelles and long-lived proteins are recycled through lysosomes to maintain cellular homeostasis. This process is being widely studied using culture techniques and animal models; however, cervicovaginal smears have not been used to detect autophagy.

Aims:

Our study aims to detect and evaluate autophagy in normal, malignant, infectious, and atypical cells in cervicovaginal smears by using cytological and immunocytochemical methods.

Materials and Methods:

Papanicolaou-stained 200 cervicovaginal smears were examined and 55 of 200 (27.5%) smears containing negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) with identifiable infections and/or reactive/reparative changes (INF); briefly, NILM-INF (n = 31, 56.4%), atypical (n = 4, 7.3%), and malignant cells (n = 20, 36.3%) were evaluated as a study group. One hundred forty-five of 200 (72.5%) normal smears were accepted as the NILM without any identifiable infections (control group). The autophagy marker protein Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 A (MAP1LC3A) was used for immunocytochemical examination.

Results:

The staining intensity of the MAP1LC3A protein and autophagy positivity were lower in the malignant cells; however, they were higher in the NILM-INF and atypical cells. A statistically significant correlation between the malignant and normal cells was obtained for the autophagy positivity (P = 0.012). In view of the staining intensity of MAP1LC3A protein by the H-score method, a significant correlation was found between the NILM-INF and the normal cells (P = 0.015).

Conclusions:

Autophagy was detected in various cervicovaginal smears for the first time in this study. Our findings indicate that an autophagy process is essential in infectious cells as well as in the transformation of atypical cells into malignant cells in carcinogenesis.
Diagnostic Performance Comparison of Liquid-Based Preparation Methods in Thyroid FNAs
Authors: Erdoğan Bahattin , Karabağ Aral , Kasap H. Ahmet , Çivi Çetin Kısmet , Bal Cengiz , Şimşek Gülay
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is recognized worldwide as the primary diagnostic method for evaluating thyroid nodules. Samples collected by FNA can be spread directly onto slides, prepared for cell blocks, or processed as liquid-based cytology. Advocates of the traditional smear technique emphasize that background material such as colloid, cell sequencing characteristics in cell clusters, and cellularity is important in cytological diagnosis. They state that these properties are not observed in liquid-based liquids. Liquid-based cytology techniques aim to provide standardized slides of homogeneous cellular smears with well-preserved cell morphology, producing more precise visualization, shorter interpretation time, and more reproducible results. This study aimed to investigate and compare the diagnostic performance of liquid-based thyroid FNA samples prepared with SurePath and Cytospin over the last 6 years.

Methods:

Patients who underwent ultrasound-guided FNA between January 2015 and December 2021 were included in the study. Cytology reports, pathology reports, and demographic information of the patients were collected from the Hospital Information Management System. The programs “SPSS for Windows 21” and “MedCalc Diagnostic Test Evaluation Calculator” were used for data analysis. Chi-square tests were used in crosstab analysis. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov two-sample test, two proportions test, and the confidence interval tests were used to analyze the variables of the methods. P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The study population comprised 4,855 patients, 83.8% female and 16.2% male. There were no statistical differences in age and gender distribution in the population of both methods. Nondiagnostic outcome rates were 11.2% for SurePath and 12.8% for Cytospin. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values for SurePath and Cytospin methods were determined as 58.57%, 98.28%, and 91.12% and 79.07%, 96.88%, and 94.03%, respectively.

Conclusion:

In our study, although the qualitative analytical results were slightly in favor of the cytospin method, we think both ways can be used safely, especially in hospitals where the clinics performing sampling activities are variable and many, as well as in pathology laboratories where the workload is intense.
MASC Gets UNMASKED: Visiting a Rare Tumor with Emphasis on Cytomorphological Features
Authors: Anthony Michael L. , Kumari Neha , Jeladharan Reshma , Gowda Vinay N. , Joshi Prashant Pranesh , Durgapal Prashant , Kumar Arvind , Singh Ashok
Published: October 2023

Background:

Secretory carcinoma (SC) is a newly described entity which has been often misdiagnosed earlier as acinic cell carcinoma on cytology. Diagnosing SC was initially based upon identifying the ETV6:NTRK3 fusion gene with the help of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Lately, with more knowledge of the reliable histomorphology, cytology, and immunohistochemistry features, definitive diagnosis can be confidently made without the help of FISH in almost every case.

Materials and Methods:

Six histologically confirmed cases of SC were studied. The cytology slides of all the six cases were retrieved and reviewed to identify the characteristic features which could have helped in raising the possibility of SC on fine needle aspiration cytology itself. Cell blocks were also studied, wherever available.

Results:

Patients were all male with average age of 35.2 years. The six cases in the current study demonstrated at least focal cytoplasmic vacuolization of varying sizes, papillae formations, and bland nuclear features on fine needle aspirate smears. It was also seen that S-100 and mammaglobin immunohistochemistry (IHC) are very helpful in confirming the diagnosis.

Conclusions:

The results of the current study highlight the cytomorphological features which may help in clinching the diagnosis SC on cytology itself. They also highlight certain cytological features which help to rule out the other differential diagnoses.
Endometrial Secrets Unmasked through Cytology Analysis
Authors: Shinde Sweety V. , Jashnani Kusum D. , Haldankar Padmashree K. , Dodake Kallappa D.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Endometrial aspiration (EA) is an economic, painless technique on an outpatient basis. Present study aimed at cytological evaluation of EA for (a) cellular yield and morphology and (b) utility of cell block (CB) and cytocentrifuge (CC) techniques.

Materials and Methods:

EA samples were divided into two aliquots. Colorless samples were processed (1000 rpm × 6 min) for conventional smear (CS) and CC, both stained by Papanicolaou. Hemorrhagic samples were processed for CS and CB (paraffin embedding, hematoxylin–eosin stain).

Results:

Endometrial aspirates from January 2021 to January 2022 were included. Indications comprised abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB; 87), prolapse (eight), and infertility (two). Among 77 hemorrhagic aspirates, the yield was 85.7% by CS and 90.9% by CB. Among 20 colorless aspirates, the yield was 55% by CS and 65% by CC. The yield was 85.7%, 84.4%, and 83.3% with endometrial thickness 1–5, 6–10, and 11–15 mm, respectively. The yield was 83.9%, 50%, and 0% in AUB, prolapse, and infertility, respectively. CS morphology showed the categories of benign (93.5%) and atypia (6.5%). All cases with benign morphology correlated with CB and CC. CB offered architectural evaluation, while CC had a shorter turnaround time.

Conclusion:

Focusing on menorrhagia cases in secretory phase, nondilution of EA samples, and simultaneous endometrial biopsy can enhance cytology evaluation. In an era where “less should convey more,” EA shows potential as a screening technique vis-à-vis invasive “dilatation–curettage” technique.
Liver Metastasis from Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosed on Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Mahendru Ria , Kakkar Aanchal , Jana Manisha , Seth Rachna
Published: October 2023

A 12-year-old boy presented with abdominal distention for 1 year. On examination, he had massive hepatomegaly. Facial swelling in the maxillary region, palpable left cervical lymph nodes, and a nasal twang to his voice were detected. Imaging showed multiple hypodense liver lesions, necrotic mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes, multiple lytic–sclerotic skeletal lesions, and lesions in the nasopharynx and maxilla. Fine needle aspirate (FNA) from the cervical lymph node yielded blood. FNA from the liver showed singly dispersed and cohesive clusters of tumor cells, with interspersed neutrophils and tingible body macrophages. Cells had scant to moderate fragile cytoplasm, enlarged vesicular nuclei, and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemistry on cell block revealed positivity for cytokeratin and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-Latent Membrane Protein-1 (LMP1). A diagnosis of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma was made, and was confirmed on a subsequent biopsy from the femur.
Knowledge of adequate diet among nursing students at Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria
Authors: Olorunfemi Olaolorunpo , Ijadeyila Adedamola , Fadipe Omolayo Ololade , Osunde Ngozi Rosemary , Oahimijie Florence Onyemaechi , Adebiyi Joseph Adekunle , Akindipe Adewole Peter
Published: October 2023

Context:

A well-rounded and nutritionally balanced diet forms a foundational pillar of a healthy lifestyle, underscoring the pivotal role of sound nutrition. Studies have indicated a prevalence of malnutrition among student nurses, yet the underlying factors contributing to this prevalent issue remain to be fully elucidated.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the depth of knowledge concerning an appropriate diet among nursing students enrolled at Achievers University, situated in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

From August 2022 to September 2022, a descriptive cross-sectional investigation was conducted, employing a Purposive sampling technique to ascertain a representative sample size of 307 participants. A carefully crafted and validated questionnaire was used for data collection, and tables, percentages, and Chi-square analysis were all used in the analysis to assess the level of statistical significance. A P-value of less than 0.05 was designated as indicative of statistical significance.

Results:

The study’s findings indicated that a significant proportion of participants (96.4%) agreed regarding the beneficial effects of consuming more than three meals daily for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, all participants clearly understood the significance of maintaining a healthy diet. Notably, a considerable majority (89.6%) exhibited a commendable grasp of proper nutritional principles, while 3.6% demonstrated lower levels of understanding. Regarding participants’ weight status, the distribution was as follows: 50.8% were categorized as having an average weight, 36.2% fell into the overweight category, 10.1% were classified as obese, and 2.9% were underweight. The analysis of collected data yielded a noteworthy observation. Such as, it shows that there is no statistically significant correlation was found between the participants’ knowledge of sufficient nutrition and the practical implementation of this knowledge (χ
2 = 11.550, P = 0.072).

Conclusion:

In this study, nursing students who took part deeply understood a balanced diet, but this did not translate into the practice of an adequate diet. As a result, it is necessary to use other methods to encourage student nurses to practice good nutrition.
A prospective study to analyze the functional outcome of the femoral neck system in femoral neck fractures
Authors: Kale Sachin , Mishra Ronak , Singh Sushmit , Chalak Ajit , Vatkar Arvind , Ghodke Rahul , Das Sonali , Issacs Nikhil , Doshi Suraj
Published: October 2023

Background:

In 2017, a new fixation device called the femoral neck system (FNS), manufactured by DePuy Synthes orthopedics company of Johnson & Johnson, was introduced to manage femoral neck fractures. The primary objective of this study was to present our firsthand experience with this device in treating femoral neck fractures and to evaluate its clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

With ethical committee approval, we conducted a prospective study involving patients aged 18 years or older but no more than 60 years. The study included a final sample size of 30 participants, selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patient records were reviewed to collect data on blood loss, fracture type, internal fixation methods, and the duration of clinical follow-up. Continuous variables were analyzed, and their mean values, standard deviations, and ranges were reported. The clinical assessment of patients was carried out using the Harris hip score and postoperative X-rays at regular intervals.

Results:

In our study, the gender distribution among the patients showed that 60% were females and 40% were males. The patient’s average age was 44.12 years, with a standard deviation of 2 years. The functional outcomes of patients treated with FNS using the hospital for special surgery (HSS) method were compared at different postoperative time points: 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months. The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in functional outcomes at these time intervals. During the study, two cases of postoperative complications were observed among the patients. These complications were addressed through specific interventions, namely bipolar hemiarthroplasty and shoe raise to correct limb shortening.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated that FNS yielded positive outcomes, significantly improving the HSS scores. Additionally, we observed that FNS was associated with minimal intraoperative blood loss in the cases we examined.
Association of sleep quality and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bhagat Sweta , Khadkikar Rita , Rai Sandeep
Published: October 2023

Background:

Sleep is a modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Poor quality of sleep leads to poor management of diabetes, adversely affecting sleep. The vicious cycle can be curtailed by good quality of sleep. Our study observed the association of glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1C]) with sleep quality.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Diabetic Clinic of MGM Hospital, Kamothe, Navi Mumbai, India. Type 2 diabetes patients in the age group of 30–60 years were assessed for sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, and their HbA1C was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results:

A total of 101 type 2 diabetes patients aged 30–60 were assessed. A total of 25% were good sleepers, and 75% were poor sleepers. The mean ± standard deviation of HbA1C in good sleepers was 7.14 ± 1.30, and in poor sleepers was 8.9 ± 2.44. The correlation between sleep quality and glycemic control gave an r value of 0.36, and the P value was 0.002, which shows a highly significant correlation between poor sleep and glycemic control.

Conclusion:

The study shows poor sleep quality leads to poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with higher HbA1c levels. Creating awareness among diabetic patients about the good quality and duration of sleep for better management of diabetes is essential.
Incision and drainage and ultrasound-guided suction drainage for the management of breast abscess: A prospective randomized comparative study
Authors: Soni Mukesh , Chhabra Maninder K , Deshpande Preety , Ranjan Nikita , Nagwani Akshay
Published: October 2023

Background:

Breast abscesses commonly arise during lactation, with the conventional treatment method involving incision and drainage. Nevertheless, a promising, less invasive alternative for managing extensive and multilocular abscesses involves employing ultrasound-guided suction drainage and a fistulotomy probe.

Aims and Objectives:

This study evaluates and contrasts the results of two approaches in treating breast abscesses: ultrasound-guided suction drainage and the conventional incision and drainage method. The comparison will be centered around various parameters, such as procedural duration, patient-reported pain levels, breastfeeding capability, incidence of complications, overall hospitalization duration, and cosmetic results.

Materials and Methods:

In this research, we enrolled a total of 60 patients who had been diagnosed with breast abscesses. These patients were randomly assigned to two groups of 30 individuals. The control group underwent the conventional incision and drainage procedure under general anesthesia. In contrast, the study group received an innovative treatment method involving ultrasound-guided suction drainage using a fistulotomy probe to address the abscess’s compartments. This intervention was carried out under local anesthesia. The process involved the percutaneous insertion of an 18Fr suction catheter connected to the fistula probe. The catheter was carefully guided into the abscess cavity with the assistance of ultrasound imaging, following its longest axis. In multilocular abscesses, the catheter was threaded through all the compartments. Subsequently, the fistulotomy probe was detached from the drain within the abscess cavity to disrupt the compartments.

Results:

Using ultrasound-guided suction drainage showcased numerous benefits compared to the conventional method. It led to a shorter procedure duration, decreased patient discomfort, no interference with breastfeeding, accelerated healing, reduced hospitalization periods, enhanced cosmetic results, and a lower incidence of complications compared to the traditional approach.

Conclusion:

Using ultrasound-guided suction drainage for breast abscesses provides all the benefits associated with a minimally invasive strategy. Furthermore, using a fistulotomy probe demonstrates the equal effectiveness of this technique in addressing both large and multilocular abscesses compared to the traditional incision and drainage method.
Seroprevalence of Echinococcus IgG antibodies in a tertiary care center: a 5-year study and literature review
Authors: Sinha Soni , Raj Nikhil , Yadav Harshita , Sen Manodeep , Agarwal Jyotsna
Published: October 2023

Background:

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), also known as hydatid disease, is a global zoonotic infection resulting from the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworms. This condition manifests as single or multiple cystic growths in various bodily organs such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, etc.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted on all sample records within the microbiology laboratory register or microbiology database of the parasitology section, spanning from January 2017 to December 2021. The objective was to ascertain the seroprevalence of echinococcosis. Through enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay, 200 samples were examined to detect the presence of anti-hydatid immunoglobulin G (IgG).

Results:

Among the individuals tested for CE IgG antibodies, a greater seroprevalence was evident in female patients (42.7%) compared to males (32.5%). In 2017, the observed seroprevalence stood at 36%; in 2021, it escalated to 55.5%. It signifies a noteworthy surge of 20% in seropositivity over the last 5 years.

Conclusion:

The study’s findings highlight a substantial correlation between age, gender, and the prevalence of CE in northern India. Furthermore, the research revealed a progressive incline in seropositivity rates among patients from North India.
Human Resources for Health in Haryana, India: What can be Done Better?
Authors: Sharma Atul , Prinja Shankar , Rao Krishna Dipankar , Aggarwal Arun Kumar
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Health systems in developing countries suffers from both input and productivity issues. We examined the status of three domains of human resources for health, i.e., availability and distribution, capacity and productivity, and motivation and job-satisfaction, of the health-care workforce employed in the public health system of Haryana, a North Indian state.

Methodology:

The primary data were collected from 377 public health facilities and 1749 healthcare providers across 21 districts. The secondary data were obtained from government reports in the public domain. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques were used for evaluating district performances, making inter-district comparisons and identifying determinants of motivation and job-satisfaction of the clinical cadres.

Results:

We found 3.6 core health-care workers (doctors, staff nurses, and auxiliary nurses-midwives) employed in the public health-care system per 10,000 population, ranging from 1.35 in Faridabad district to 6.57 in Panchkula district. Around 78% of the sanctioned positions were occupied. A number of inpatient hospitalizations per doctor/nurses per month were 17 at the community health center level and 29 at the district hospital level; however, significant differences were observed among districts. Motivation levels of community health workers (85%) were higher than clinical workforce (78%), while health system administrators had lowest motivation and job satisfaction levels. Posting at primary healthcare facility, contractual employment, and co-habitation with family at the place of posting were found to be the significant motivating factors.

Conclusions:

A revamp of governance strategies is required to improve health-care worker availability and equitable distribution in the public health system to address the observed geographic variations. Efforts are also needed to improve the motivation levels of health system administrators, especially in poorly performing districts and reduce the wide gap with better-off districts.
Lessons and Best Practices on Risk Communication and Infodemic Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bhutan
Authors: Dendup Tandin , Tshering Ugyen , Yangzom Deki , Wangda Sonam
Published: October 2023

During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) were instrumental in inducing behavior change in tandem with the evolving evidence and phases of the pandemic. Infodemic management also became one of the areas where much emphasis was laid in Bhutan’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic along with other critical response strategies such as surveillance, contact tracing, quarantine, isolation, and testing. Over the past 3 years of the pandemic, much has been learnt about the significance and impact of RCCE. In this article, the authors will highlight some of the methods and practices that were implemented to manage public information and also share experiences with regard to RCCE over the course of Bhutan’s response to the pandemic. Furthermore, it will also outline some of the media and risk communication mechanisms that were in place before Bhutan’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spectral representation of one-dimensional Liouville Brownian motion and Liouville Brownian excursion
Authors: Jin Xiong
Published: October 2023

In this paper we apply Krein's spectral theory of linear diffusions to study the one-dimensional Liouville Brownian motion and Liouville Brownian excursions from a given point. As an application we estimate the fractal dimensions of level sets of one-dimensional Liouville Brownian motion as well as various probabilistic asymptotic behaviours of Liouville Brownian motion and Liouville Brownian excursions.
Case Report: Late Reactivation of Herpes B Virus After a Monkey Bite: A Case of Severe Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Ponzetto Ester , Delhez Quentin , Hoppenbrouwers Maarten , De Schryver Nicolas , Serck Nicolas , Dugernier Thierry , Duray Marie-Céline , Gressens Benjamin , Vinetti Marco , Sips Gregorius J. , van Kampen Jeroen , GeurtsvanKessel Corine H. , van Boheemen Sander
Published: October 2023

Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1, also known as herpes B virus (BV), is an alphaherpesvirus endemic to several macaque species, capable of causing zoonotic infections in humans, with high mortality rates. Evidence of reactivation in humans has rarely been reported. Here we depict a case of BV reactivation after 54 years, leading to severe meningoencephalitis. This case supports the use of antiviral prophylaxis in patients surviving a confirmed BV central nervous system infection. We sequenced DNA from BV obtained from the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid. Phylogenetic analysis showed significant divergence in the clustering of this particular BV strain compared with other known BVs. Therefore, additional efforts are needed to obtain a broader sequence landscape from BVs circulating in monkeys.
Improvement in Near Surface NWP Model Output using Kalman Filtering Technique: A Case Study for Trombay Site
Authors: Shrivastava Roopashree , Iyer Indumathi Srinivasan , Oza Rajendrakumar Balkrishna
Published: October 2023

Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models exhibit systematic errors in the forecast of near surface atmospheric parameters due to various factors like grid resolution, parameterization schemes, treatment of sub-grid scale phenomena, data for initial and boundary conditions and interpolation techniques. One of the methods for reduction in model errors is the use of Kalman filter algorithm which recursively combines model output and observations such that the systematic errors are minimized. In the present study, the Kalman filter algorithm is utilized for correction of model output from The Air Pollution Model (TAPM) for the year 2013. The variables corrected are 2-m air temperature, 2-m relative humidity and zonal and meridional wind components at 10-m. Hourly observations of the same variables available at Trombay site are used in the study. In the present study, it is seen that, both wind speed and wind direction are better reproduced after Kalman filtering, in addition to near surface air temperature and relative humidity. Also, on an annual basis, biases in all the variables are eliminated. The standard statistical indices of model performance computed after Kalman filtering are superior to those computed using only model output. Time series plots of bias and RMSE in model after Kalman filtering indicate the advantage of Kalman filtering.