bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kimura's disease of periocular region: Report of two cases and review of literature
Authors: Singh Manpreet , Sharma Manjula , Vaiphei Kim , Kaur Manpreet , Gupta Pankaj
Published: October 2023

We report two patients with periocular Kimura's disease (KD). The clinical features and management of two histopathologically proven KD patients who underwent near-total mass excisions are discussed. Both were males (74 years and 55 years), having painless masses in the lacrimal sac region and upper eyelid, respectively. The masses were firm and adherent to surrounding tissues. Near-total mass excisions and histopathology showed dense germinal center hyperplasia with lympho-mononuclear infiltrates and skeletal muscle infiltration. Additional features of increased eosinophils and thin vessel vasculitis were suggestive of KD. Both were managed with oral steroids, and one recurrence with intralesional steroid injection, a novel treatment strategy for local recurrences in KD.
Salvaging the sight of a 6-year-old keratoconic kid with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Chatterjee Sumana , Kochgaway Lav , Kuila Jayanta , Ganguly Purban , Sinharay Angana
Published: October 2023

A 6-year-old boy presented with hand-movement vision in the right eye and counting finger 2 m vision in the left eye. Clinical examination revealed hydrops in the right eye, apical scar in the left eye, and pseudogerontoxon in both eyes. Descemetopexy was planned for the right eye, but after 4 days, he came with severe pain and perception of light vision in that eye. Clinical examination, scraping, and culture revealed Pseudomonas corneal ulcer. After scarring, optical penetrating keratoplasty was done for the right eye, resulting in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 6/12. The left eye also developed hydrops, which scarred with topical steroid only, resulting in best-corrected visual acuity 6/9 with miniscleral lenses.
Zoledronic acid-induced sclerokeratouveitis in a patient with metastatic breast carcinoma
Authors: Joji Annie , Thomas Rwituja , Gupta Roshmi
Published: October 2023

A 63-year-old woman received zoledronic acid for the treatment of skeletal metastases from medullary carcinoma of the breast. A day later, she developed pain and swelling in the left eye. The diagnosis of left eye sclerokeratouveitis was made by external examination, slit lamp, and fundus examination, supported by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and B-scan findings. Zoledronic acid was discontinued. The patient was treated with oral steroids and topical steroids. On follow-up, there was complete resolution of sclerokeratouveitis in the left eye. The periocular and ocular inflammation caused by bisphosphonates can be successfully treated with systemic and topical steroids along with the discontinuation of the inciting drug. This is the first reported case of zoledronate-induced ocular inflammation with intraocular imaging findings. Oncologists and ophthalmologists should be aware of this side effect of zoledronic acid.
Focal laser photocoagulation for central serous chorioretinopathy in a patient receiving tamoxifen for breast cancer
Authors: Chiu Wei-Chun , Sheu Shwu-Jiuan
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females in Taiwan. Tamoxifen is an important adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Although tamoxifen maculopathy has been reported in case series, typical central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) was reported only in one case. Here, we present a 67-year-old postmenopausal female with left triple-positive breast cancer who received an adjuvant low-dose tamoxifen regimen with 10 mg twice daily for 7 years. She developed presumed tamoxifen-related CSCR and was successfully treated by focal laser.
Case report: Double implantation of the iStent inject in a high myope
Authors: Ang Bryan C H , Oo Hnin H , Sim Ralene Z H , Yip Leonard W L
Published: October 2023

The iStent inject is an ab-interno trabecular microbypass stent used in the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma. Intraoperative complications are uncommon. However, we present the first reported case of simultaneous double-stent implantation, occurring in a 62-year-old Chinese male with high myopia and normal-tension glaucoma. Following an initial implantation failure, upon a single activation of the injector, simultaneous penetration of both stents into the trabecular meshwork occurred. Surgeons should be aware of the risk of double-implantation in myopic eyes with altered scleral rigidity, particularly when the first device is already located distally in the hub of the injector.
Role of contact lenses in the management of traumatic aniridia—A case report
Authors: Subramanian Karpagavalli
Published: October 2023

Ocular trauma often resulted in corneal scar, aniridia, and aphakia, which causes decreased vision and photophobia. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are widely used for therapeutic applications in case of irregular corneal conditions to restore vision. It can be combined with soft prosthetic contact lenses (CL) to reduce photophobia. The development of highly oxygen permeable soft and rigid materials has extended the suitability of CL for such applications. This case report describes the management of traumatic aniridia with piggyback contact lenses.
Peripheral ulcerative keratitis in a child – An unusual presentation
Authors: Gaur Sandhya , Yadav Mrinalini A , Singh Deependra V , Asif Mohamed I
Published: October 2023

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is an inflammatory disorder of the cornea characterized by crescent-shaped destructive inflammation of the juxtalimbal corneal stroma with the associated epithelial defect. It leads to progressive necrosis of corneal stroma leading to perforation and blindness. Since PUK is more common in people with collagen vascular disorders, it is more common in middle-aged females. We discuss a unique case of a 6-year-old male child who presented as a unilateral PUK. Systemic investigations were inconclusive of any cause. The child was treated with medical therapy in the form of topical steroids and an immunomodulator, to which he responded well.
Post-traumatic Leuconostoc mesenteroides scleral infection: A rare case scenario
Authors: Nanda Ridham , Behera Himansu S , Padhy Srikanta K , Kelgaonkar Anup
Published: October 2023

We herein report a case of Leuconostoc mesenteroides scleral infection after trauma. A young male developed pain and redness following trauma to the right eye with a wooden stick. A mildly elevated scleral abscess was noted, which was surgically drained, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides were isolated. There was a favorable anatomical outcome after topical and oral antibiotics therapy guided by culture and sensitivity. Post-trauma scleral infection with Leuconostoc mesenteroides is a rare possibility, which can be managed with topical and oral antibiotics therapy with favorable outcomes.
Simultaneous tubercular meningitis and ethmoidal sinus tuberculoma mimicking as Foster Kennedy syndrome
Authors: Panigrahi Pradeep K , Das Suprava , Minj Anita , Satapathy Jasmita
Published: October 2023

A 35-year-old male presented with gradual-onset progressive loss of vision in the left eye of 2 months duration. There was history of fever, weight loss, and headache. Comprehensive ocular examination revealed disc edema in the right eye and optic atrophy in the left eye. Further radiologic, histopathologic, and cerebrospinal fluid study led to a diagnosis of tubercular meningitis and ethmoidal sinus tuberculoma compressing the left optic nerve. The clinical picture mimicked Foster Kennedy syndrome. This case highlights the importance of ancillary investigations in the form of radiologic and histopathologic studies in arriving at the final correct diagnosis.
Be wary of anti-VEGF in eyes with bleb
Authors: Todi Ravina , Murthy Gowri J , Murthy Praveen R , Shah Dhwani , Sudhakar Priyanka
Published: October 2023

We report a case of a 74 years old patient with both eye angle-closure glaucoma, and central retinal vein occlusion with macular edema in the right eye. She underwent intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) (aflibercept) followed by trabeculectomy with adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC) and a second dose of aflibercept, after which she developed a bleb leak and superior conjunctivial melting. She underwent surgical excision of necrosed conjunctiva followed by conjunctiva autograft. Intravitreal anti-VEGF could potentiate the effect of antimetabolites like MMC. One needs to factor this when managing patients post trabeculectomy who need intravitreal anti-VEGF for management of retinal pathology.
Successful outcome with injection bleomycin in primary lymphangioma of the conjunctiva – Clinical and anterior segment optical coherence tomography-based approach
Authors: Rajagopal Rama , Giridhar Divya , Koka Kirthi , Jayavel Karthick
Published: October 2023

Primary conjunctival lymphangioma is characterized by abnormal enlargement of the lymphatic vessels and usually presents as a diffuse or localized conjunctival swelling. We present a case of a conjunctival lymphangioma managed successfully with intralesional bleomycin. There was no recurrence of the lesion both clinically and on anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) at 1-year follow-up. We are unaware of any case in literature like ours which highlights the role of AS-OCT both to complement clinical findings and as an adjuvant in understanding response to treatment in primary conjunctival lymphangioma.
A Rare Case of Exophiala Werneckii Retinochoroiditis
Authors: Shah Vineet , Gopalakrishnan Mahesh , Anantharaman Giridhar
Published: October 2023

Exophiala is a rare fungal organism causing a variety of ophthalmic manifestations, including keratitis, scleritis, and endophthalmitis. In this report, we present a rare case of a 51-year-old female who presented as retinochoroiditis. A pigmented, dimorphic fungus known as Exophiala werneckii was isolated from the aqueous and vitreous samples of the patient. The patient underwent multiple injections of intravitreal voriconazole, following which she improved clinically. This case report demonstrates a unique presentation of this rare causative organism.
Successful surgery of a huge dissecting filtering bleb oriented by preoperative anterior segment OCT: A case report
Authors: Chen Lanlan , Xie Hainan , Zhu Zhihong , Huang Houbin
Published: October 2023

Dissecting filtering bleb is an uncommon complication of trabeculectomy. Documented surgeries eliminated the dissecting corneal portion without damaging the original filtering bleb. We report an 83-year-old man who presented with an unusual huge dissecting glaucoma filtering bleb encroaching the inferior margin of pupil for 7 years. Preoperative anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) revealed an encapsulated and thin-walled bleb bulk, whose lower boundary lied below the corneoscleral limbus. Total excision of the dissecting bleb and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were performed. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure were satisfactory. As a high-resolution and noninvasive approach, preoperative AS-OCT can provide critical information in surgical decision-making.
Orbital panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma and review of literature
Authors: Margines Jack Benjamin , Singh Pallavi , Pirakitikulr Nathan , Chia Jennifer J , Roelofs Kelsey , Rootman Daniel B
Published: October 2023

A 27-year-old patient without a pertinent past medical history presented with chronic orbital inflammation and compressive optic neuropathy. Orbital biopsy with adequate histological and immunohistochemical staining was necessary to identify the disease as subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, a rare entity which has only been published as presenting in the orbit on four previous occasions. Immunohistochemical staining is necessary to differentiate the disease from a more benign condition, lupus erythematosus panniculitis, and a more malignant condition, primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphoma. The former can be managed with immunosuppression, while the latter may require more aggressive chemotherapy.
A 4-ball hypopyon—How to approach?
Authors: Eswaran Bhuvaneshwaran Vedapuri , Bhargava Mona , Kumar Amitabh
Published: October 2023

The masquerade syndrome comprises of a group of disorders that mimic an ocular inflammatory disease, but require specific treatment. Endophthalmitis is ocular inflammation of intraocular fluids and tissues, which can be either infectious or sterile. In our case report, we discuss the management of a unique case of a pigmented hypopyon in a 45-year-old female.
Corneal opacity due to infantile capillary hemangioma: A rare presentation
Authors: Doctor Mariya B , Ramappa Muralidhar , Dave Tarjani Vivek , Kalki Swathi
Published: October 2023

Capillary hemangioma of the eyelid has a natural tendency to resolve with time; hence, it usually does not require any treatment. We report a case of unilateral nebular–macular grade corneal opacification related to capillary hemangioma in a previously healthy 11-month-old child. Although no case of lower eyelid capillary hemangioma resulting in corneal opacity has been previously reported, the findings are consistent with corneal opacity's causal association.
A rare case of Bardet–Biedl syndrome with BBS12 gene
Authors: Jain Gunjan , Kumari Sarswati , Jain Vaibhav K
Published: October 2023

We report a case of a 7-year-old girl who presented to us with diminution of vision in her both eyes since childhood. On ophthalmic evaluation, she was found to have the characteristic “sino pigmento” variety of pigmentary changes in retina. The other associated features were central obesity, polydactyly of hands and foot, syndactyly of foot, reduced hearing, and genital abnormalities. Based on these clinical features, a diagnosis of Bardet–Biedl syndrome was made. Her genetic analysis revealed the heterozygous variant for BBS12 gene. A refractive correction was done with explanation of disease. A multidisciplinary approach is required to enable them lead an improved quality of life.
Bilateral keratoglobus in Down's syndrome
Authors: Doshi Aashna , Paul Anujeet , Sainath Dipika , Islam Farhad
Published: October 2023

Keratoglobus is a rare noninflammatory corneal thinning disorder categorized by progressive diminution of vision resulting from irregular corneal topography and increased corneal fragility due to extreme thinning. It is associated with blue sclera, hyperextensibility of the joints, or auditory problems. Down's syndrome is usually not associated with much visual disturbance. We report an unusual incidence of an adult male with Down's syndrome presenting with bilateral keratoglobus.
Religious Beliefs and Indeterminate Boundaries of Psychiatry
Authors: Singh Shipra
Published: October 2023

Defining normalcy in psychiatry is difficult. It depends on numerous factors such as social and cultural and may even vary for the same individual at different points in time. The dilemma arises when the behavior of person changes, but could not be classified as a disorder. Here, we describe the case of a young male, who became excessively inclined to religion. He presented with social withdrawal and frequent absenteeism from college. No clear affective or psychotic symptoms could be elicited. In consequent visits, he mentioned a recent interest in watching videos of religious leaders to understand “Allah” better. He started reading Quraan and following practices, unlike earlier. No psychiatric diagnosis could be made, thus appeared the issue of management. An eclectic model of therapy was used, with some success. To conclude, psychiatry is an enigmatic branch with obscure boundaries and gray areas. The involvement of religion is one such instance, which makes diagnosis and management challenging for the therapist. There is a need for adequate training pertaining to cultural knowledge and religious or spiritual context to psychiatry trainees, helping to attain confidence in better handling such issues.
The mediating role of body image concern in the relationship between immature defense mechanisms and postpartum depression in Iranian women
Authors: Shakib Haji Agha Rana , Kachooei Mohsen
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Postpartum depression leaves irredeemable impacts on a mother's mental health and her child. Little is known about the relationship between immature defense mechanisms and body image concerns or postpartum depression. The present study examines the mediating role of body image concerns in the relationship between immature defense mechanisms and postpartum depression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In a correlational study, 227 women were selected through a convenience sampling method from all women in the postpartum period in medical centers in 2021 in Tehran, Iran. The participants were asked to fill out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Defense Style Questionnaire-40 (DSQ-40) by Andrews et al., and the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI). The collected data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS Amos 24 and SPSS 21 software.

RESULTS:

There was a positive correlation between body image concern, immature defense mechanisms, and postpartum depression. Furthermore, body image concern was a mediator in the relationship between immature defense mechanisms and postpartum depression. The immature defense mechanisms had an indirect positive impact on depression due to the concerns over one's body image after giving birth (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Immature defense mechanisms and body image concerns can increase the risk of postpartum depression. Therefore, providing mental health and psychiatric services to expecting mothers is an effective tool to decrease the activation of immature defense mechanisms, which would reduce their body image concerns and prevent them from falling into postpartum depression.
Development and validation of the clinical information literacy questionnaire
Authors: Maleki Elahe , Soleymani Mohammad R. , Ashrafi-Rizi Hasan , Heidari Zahra , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Clinical Information Literacy (CIL) seems to be a prerequisite for physicians to implement Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) effectively. This study endeavors to develop and validate a CIL questionnaire for medical residents of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study employs sequential-exploratory mixed methods in 2019. The participants were 200 medical residents in different specialties; they are selected through the convenience sampling method. In the first (qualitative) phase, an early CIL questionnaire was designed by reviewing literature and performing complementary interviews with health professionals. In the second (validation) phase, the questionnaire's face validity and content validity were confirmed. In the third (quantitative) phase, the construct validity was examined via Item-Response Theory (IRT) model, and the factor loading was computed. The gathered data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, two-way ANOVA, as well as two-parameter IRT model in R software.

RESULTS:

In the qualitative phase, the concept of CIL is initially described in seven main categories and 22 subcategories, and the items were formulated. An initial 125-item questionnaire was analyzed by the research team, leading to a 43-item. Through the content validity and face validity examination, we removed 11 and 4 items in the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI), respectively. Throughout the face validity analysis, none of the items were removed. According to the construct validity results, difficulty coefficient, discriminant coefficient, and factor loading were confirmed, most of the other questions achieved a proper factor loading value that is higher than 0.30, and a value of 0.66 was achieved for the reliability via the Kuder–Richardson method. Ultimately, the real-assessment 28-item CIL questionnaire was developed with four components.

CONCLUSIONS:

The CIL questionnaire could be employed to examine the actual CIL basic knowledge. Because of using the real-assessment approach rather than self-assessment in the design, it can be claimed that this instrument can provide a more accurate assessment of the information literacy status of medical residents. This valid questionnaire is used to measure and train the skills needed by healthcare professionals in the effective implementation of EBM.
Compensation based on work relative value unit for cardiovascular surgeons in Iran: A mixed method study
Authors: Forootan Sara , Danaei Saeed , Hajebrahimi Sakineh , Najafi Behzad , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad , Janati Ali
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Work relative value unit (wRVU) is a tool for assessing surgeons' performance, compensation, and productivity. It appears that wRVU for cardiovascular procedures does not consider complexity and its value for lengthy operations is low. The aim of the study is to determine wRVU for cardiovascular procedures in Iran according to the proposed approach.

MATTERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted as a mixed method in teaching hospitals in Tabriz in the period of September 2020 to December 2021. According to Hospital Information System and expert opinions, six procedures in cardiovascular surgery were included in the study. They were compared with 18 procedures in neurosurgery, orthopedics, and otorhinolaryngology in terms of the operation time and wRVU/min. Then, we calculated new wRVUs for the selected procedures based on surgeons' opinions, time measurements, and anesthetists' points of view by content analysis in qualitative and statistical analysis in quantitative parts.

RESULTS:

Among the six cardiac procedures, the wRVU for five was under-estimated. The wRVU/min value ranged from 0/28 to 1/15 in the studied procedures. Findings demonstrate no significant relationship between the length of operations and the wRVU announced by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (P value >0/05). Compared to studied procedures in four specialties, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair has the longest surgery time at 417 minutes. According to anesthesiologists, cardiovascular; orthopedics; ear, nose, and tongue; and neurosurgery specialties obtained 4/2, 2/9, 2/8, and 4, respectively, in terms of surgery duration, complexity, risk, and physical effort.

CONCLUSION:

Despite policymakers' attempts to bring justice to payments, it seems that there has been little progress in paying cardiovascular surgeons. Improper payment to cardiovascular surgeons will affect the future of the workforce in this specialty. Today, the need to reconsider the wRVUs in heart specialty is felt more than before.
Mindful self-care and mental well-being of university health educators and professionals in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Dando Lea L. , Velitario Anamarie M. , Mallillin Leovigildo Lito D. , Celdran Ma. Christina B. , Alcantara Jerold C.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Psychological stress is a familiar occurrence as it is linked with a sense of lack of control when up fronted with uncertainty. The study examines the mindful self-care practices of health educators and professionals in various domains and determines their relationship to the self-perceived level of mental well-being.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study employs the quantitative descriptive approach. It was conducted in the Hail region in the academic year 2020–2021 and was participated by 91 respondents from various colleges. Self-care practices and mental well-being of health educators and professionals were determined using the Mindful Self-Care Scale and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Pearson correlation (2-tailed) was performed to assess the significant relationship between self-care behavior and mental well-being. Post-hoc test for correlation was conducted between the mean rating for each variable for self-care behavior and the mean rating for mental well-being. This was tested at an appropriate probability value of 0.01 and 0.05.

RESULTS:

The overall mean for self-care behaviors of the respondents was 3.96 (SD 0.81) while the overall mental well-being score was 51.90 (SD 8.0). This was considered as average mental well-being, not indicative of possible/clinical depression. A significant relationship exists between the overall rating for self-care behavior and the overall rating for mental well-being (r = 0.661, P value < 0.001). Furthermore, with a correlation score of 0.661, the two variables have a moderately strong and significant positive relationship.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study affirmed the relationship between mindful self-care behaviors and mental well-being. Engaging in self-care practices regularly and frequently can develop one's well-being.
Sputnik V vaccine perception and hesitancy in a tertiary health care centre transformed to Covid-19 vaccine centre: A case study
Authors: Priyadharshini A , Begum Jarina , Ali Syed I. , Pattnaik Satyajit , Sharma Dhananjaya , Lalitha D Lakshmi
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Sputnik V vaccine was approved in India in April 2021 to tackle the pandemic situation. However, there was lack of information on the effects, side effects, and peoples' perception toward it. The present case study aims to evaluate the vaccine coverage, the awareness, and perception toward it and compare the adverse effects after each dose.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A unique case study was conducted in a sample of 200 participants comparing 2 groups of population who took first and second dose of Sputnik V vaccine during June to November 2021. The data were collected by a prevalidated questionnaire, follow-up telephonic interviews focused on knowledge, awareness, side effects of vaccine, and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation.

RESULTS:

The vaccine coverage for first and second doses were 98.3% and 96.5%, respectively. The mean age of the participant was 29 + 9.5 years and majority 68.5% were males. Seventeen percent experienced the S/E for the vaccine with 9.5% from second dose. There were usual side effects; however, it was more after second dose of vaccination. Friends and healthcare workers were the main source of information (33.5%) and motivation (43%). Majority (73.5%) were aware of the side effects. Forty three point five percent took vaccine attributed to its protective role, availability, and peer pressure. There was no significant association between type of doses and side effects of the respective doses of vaccine.

CONCLUSION:

The vaccine coverage was >90%. Participants were well aware of the vaccine and side effects which were more in second dose. However, there was no significant difference between the two doses of vaccine.
Comparison of the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with metacognitive therapy (MCT) in objective cognitive information processing style of obsessive–compulsive patients (OCD)
Authors: Saeidi Lida , Afsharinia Karim , Kakabraee Keivan , Arefi Mokhtar
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

In recent studies, the deficit in the cognitive process has been investigated as one of the etiological hypotheses in a wide range of obsessive–compulsive disorders (OCD). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and metacognitive therapy (MCT) on objective cognitive information processing style in obsessive–compulsive patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test plan and a control group was conducted on 45 patients with OCD, matched with gender, age, and educational and marital status. The samples in three groups were selected using the convenience sampling method. Finally, the study participants were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group and assessed using Pacini and Epstein's rational experimental Inventory (REI) in two stages, pre-test, and post-test. The experimental groups received ACT and MCT weekly during eight and seven sessions and in a group.

RESULTS:

The results showed that ACT and MCT are effective at a significant level in the objective cognitive information processing style of obsessive–compulsive patients (P < 0.05). The post-test results showed that the effect of ACT in changing rational processing style is more effective than MCT treatment. Also, the effect of ACT on intuitive processing style changes was greater than on MCT treatment.

CONCLUSION:

The findings of this study indicate that ACT and MCT cause a significant change in intuitive style to rationalism in the thematic processing of cognitive information of obsessive–compulsive patients. According to the results, both methods of treatment improve the research variables in these patients.
Enhanced knowledge inversed attitude of oral cancer risk habit associated with sociocultural: A quantitative and qualitative pilot study
Authors: Nathaniel Fransiskus Arnold , Amtha Rahmi , Gunardi Indrayadi , Hartanto Firstine Kelsi , Sari Elizabeth Fitriana
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Aim:

In 2023, the global incidence of oral cancer reached 54,540 new cases, with risk factors including smoking (S), alcohol consumption (A), and betel quid chewing (BQC). The knowledge and attitudes about these risk factors impact this practice, particularly in communities that follow local traditions. The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and attitude regarding risk factors for oral cancer on Flores Island, East Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:

This was an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Structured questionnaires and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the community, local government, and dentists to obtain data; quantitative analysis was performed using regression; and qualitative analysis was performed using themes.

Results:

Of 542 participants (men 66.42 %; women 33.57 %), 64.4% had a high level of knowledge and a low level of attitude for S = 62.5%, A = 66.7%, and BQC = 50.0%. There was a correlation between knowledge and attitudes about S (P = 0.009) and BQC (P = 0.011). The FGDs yielded 14 subjects (five men and nine women) with three themes of knowledge (betel nut ingredients, causes of cancer, and impacts of habits) and three themes of attitude (type of habit, desire to stop, and oral cancer prevention programs). On the basis of FGDs, most of the subjects already knew the causes of oral cancer, but the desire to stop and prevent oral cancer was difficult.

Conclusion:

The population on Flores Island has a high level of knowledge but a low level of attitude. Nevertheless, it is difficult to minimize or eliminate oral cancer-risk behaviors due to their cultural and socioeconomic conditions.
Family Factors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in a Rural Primary Care Environment in Eastern Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Iloh Gabriel Uche , Chukwuonye Miracle Erinma
Published: October 2023

Background:

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH) is a context-specific phenomenon that varies across families around the world. Although factors that are responsible for VH are myriads and differ in times, places, persons, and types of vaccine, family factors may contribute to the variability with the pattern of VH, especially in sociocentric family setting. The aim of the study was to determine family sociomedical factors associated with COVID-19 VH and reasons for VH in a cross-section of adults in rural Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out from March to April 2021 on 400 adults in eastern Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, and researcher-administered questionnaire which elicited information on family factors and reasons for COVID-19 VH.

Results:

The study participants were aged 18–86 with a mean age of 51 ± 14.2 years. There were 227 (56.8%) females. Three hundred and twelve (78.0%) of the study participants were COVID-19 vaccine hesitant. The most common reason for VH was safety of COVID-19 vaccines (100.0%). Family factors associated with VH were young age <50 years (P = 0.002), family nonbelief in COVID-19 infection (P < 0.00001), and family communication on COVID-19 vaccines (P < 0.00026). The independent predictors of VH were age < 50 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.461; 95%CI, 1.043–5.260; P = 0.010), family nonbelief in COVID-19 infection (OR = 3.752; 95%CI, 1.770–5.011; P = 0.003), and family communication on COVID-19 infection (OR = 2.624; 95%CI, 1.026–7.900; P = 0.029).

Conclusion:

This study has shown the pattern of VH, with the most common reason for VH being safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Independent predictors of VH were age <50 years, family nonbelief in COVID-19 infection, and family communication on COVID-19 vaccines. Widespread family-directed COVID-19 infection and vaccine-related health information and education targeted against these factors that promote VH are recommended in order to improve vaccine acceptance, and avoid vaccine resistance in the family.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices toward First Aid against Occupational Injuries and their Determinants among Agricultural Workers: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kumar Tamminana Sai , Chivukula Satya Kishore
Published: October 2023

Background:

The hazards faced by agricultural workers are many and varied as the tasks performed by them are likewise diverse. Knowledge of basic first aid (FA) helps in preserving life, preventing the condition from worsening, and promoting recovery. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the knowledge about and attitude toward basic FA practices against occupational injuries and identify the determinants that promote good FA practices among agricultural workers.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge about and attitude toward basic FA practices against occupational injuries and identify the determinants that promote good FA practices among agricultural workers. A predesigned pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used which include sociodemographic profile, personal history, knowledge, and attitude regarding basic FA for wounds, fractures, burns, bites, and poisoning. The questionnaire also includes the practices that the workers adopt against occupational injuries.

Results:

In the present study, 15.5% were observed to have good knowledge about the precautions to be taken to prevent occupational injuries. About 27.7% of the study population were showing good FA practice in the event of an occupational injury. Determinants that promote good FA practices observed in the study are literacy (odds ratio [OR] = 160.16, 05% confidence interval [CI] = 9.73–2635.45, P = 0.0004*), participants with >6 km distance from workplace to hospital (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.19–4.03, P = 0.01*). Participants who received FA treatment in the past (OR = 2.95, 95% CI = 1.30–6.67, P = 0.009*).

Conclusion:

Awareness of FA is a low-cost measure through which stakeholders at village, state and national levels, policymakers, and researchers can implement appropriate strategies to reduce injuries among farmers and address their occupational health needs. Because there is little literature on FA awareness among agricultural workers, there is a need to promote FA as a primary preventive measure in preventing the majority of work-related injuries.
Effect of Simulated Gastric Acid on Aesthetical Restorative CAD-CAM Materials’ Microhardness and Flexural Strength
Authors: Gülakar TL , Comert GN , Karaman E , Cakan U , Ozel GS , Ahmet SO
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Gastric acid, which is among erosive substances, gradually rises to the mouth in individuals with reflux and bulimia nervosa disorders, and this causes various effects on dental restorations.

Aim:

The objective of this study is in vitro investigation of gastric acid’s effect on flexural strength and hardness on aesthetic restorative computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) materials.

Materials and Methods:

For this study, four materials have been used, namely Enamic (Vita), Superfect Zir (Aidite) Zirconia, IPS e.max CAD (Ivoclar Vivadent), and Mark II (Vita). From these four different materials, 24 samples with 14 × 4 × 1 dimensions in rectangular prism form are used, which makes a total of 96 samples. One group was separated as the control group, while the rest was allowed to wait at 37°C, 5 ml gastric acid for 96 hours. Hardness value and flexural strengths were measured as pre-exposure and post-exposure to gastric acid.

Results:

There is a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the amount of decrease in the mean hardness after exposure to gastric acid compared to pre-exposure values (p: 0,000; P < 0,05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the amount of decrease in the post-exposure average flexural strength compared to the pre-exposure value (p: 0.063; P > 0.05). There is a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the average flexural strength after exposure to the acid.

Conclusions:

According to the data obtained, it was concluded that exposure to gastric acid affects the hardness and flexural strength properties of dental restorative ceramic materials.
Is the BNT162b2 Vaccine Still Effective against the Latest Variant: XBB.1.5?
Authors: Erdag Emine , Sultanoglu Nazife , Ozverel Cenk S.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

The XBB.1.5 sub-variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron now continues to spread rapidly due to the increased transmission rate as a result of increased affinity of the virus binding over the ACE-2 receptor – a gained property due to the mutation that occurred in spike protein.

Aim:

The protectivity of BNT162b2 antibodies produced in the serum of patients is an important parameter for preventing transmission. However, the affinity of the antibodies of patients vaccinated with BNT162b2 over the latest SARS-CoV-2 variant, XBB.1.5, is not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine-induced antibody on XBB.1.5 by comparing the X-ray crystallographic structures and spike protein mutations of BA.5 and XBB.1.5 usingin silicomethods.

Materials and Methods:

Binding points and binding affinity values of the BNT162b2 antibody with BA.5 and XBB.1.5 spike protein were calculated using ClusPro 2.0 protein–protein docking and Discovery Studio 2021 Client software. Mutations in the genetic code of the spike protein for SARS-CoV-2 BA.5 and XBB.1.5 sub-variants were screened using the GISAID database.

Results:

Binding affinity values showed that BNT162b2 had higher negative values in the XBB.1.5 sub-variant than BA.5 at the mutation sites at the binding region. The results suggested that BNT162b2 may retain its activity despite mutations and conformational changes in the binding site of the XBB.1.5.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study shed light on the importance and usability of the current BNT162b2 vaccine for XBB.1.5 and future variants of concern.
Cases of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Buluş AD , Yaşartekin Y , Ceylan AC , Dirican O , Husseını AA
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Delayed puberty (DP) affects approximately 2% of adolescents. In most patients of both genders, delayed puberty is due to constitutional delay in growth and puberty (CDGP); it is a self-limiting condition starting later than usual during puberty but progressing normally. Other causes of DP include permanent hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, functional hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and gonadal insufficiency.

Methods:

Nine patients admitted to the Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Endocrinology Department with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism between January 2012 and December 2022 were analyzed.

Results:

Nine patients who applied to our pediatric endocrinology clinic with delayed puberty were analyzed. These nine patients were diagnosed and reported as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with molecular methods. We aimed to determine the status of these cases from a molecular point of view, to emphasize the importance of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in patients with delayed puberty, and to reveal the rarely encountered delayed puberty together with the clinical and laboratory data set of the patients.

Conclusions:

To emphasize the importance of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which is a rare cause of delayed puberty, the molecular predispositions of our patients followed in our clinic are reviewed, and the data we have provided will contribute to the accumulation of data in this area.
The Relationship between Oral Health and Sleep Quality in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Safak E Deniz , Celik F , Mazicioglu MM , Akin S , Manav TY , Kesim S , Ozturk A
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The assessment of the sleep status of older adults and its relationship to oral health can help determine their well-being and quality of life. In accordance with this purpose, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between oral health and sleep quality in community-dwelling older adults in an urban area.

Materials and Methods:

The data of this study were taken from the Kayseri Elderly Health Study. The study group was administered a questionnaire form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A specialist dentist examined the oral health conditions (dentures use; caries; deficient, filled, natural teeth numbers; periodontal health) using the Community Periodontal Index and the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14-TR).

Results:

One hundred forty (38.1%) of the study group were female, and 227 (61.9%) were male. When evaluated in terms of oral hygiene, there was a statistically significant difference between those with good sleep quality and poor sleep quality in terms of mechanical interventions such as using toothpaste and an inter-dental brush, and also, OHIP-14-TR was significant. In the binary logistic regression analysis, OHIP-14-TR was found to be a significant risk factor, reflecting only the subjective interpretation of the older adults in terms of oral health-related quality of life (odds ratio: 1.069, 95.0% confidence interval: 1.043–1.096).

Conclusion:

This is the first epidemiologic study to examine the relationship between oral health status and sleep quality, in which many oral health indicators are evaluated together in Turkish community-dwelling older adults. OHIP-14-TR may be a useful tool to employ in sleep disorder clinics for older people.
Clinical trial trends over the last 5 years among the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations
Authors: Manoharan Kaviya , Jinson Juanna , Ramesh Kalaivani , George Melvin
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

Although the Americas and Europe have historically dominated the global research landscape, emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) have significantly increased their contributions in recent years. This article studies clinical trial trends in the BRICS nations between 2018 and 2022 and compares it with trends in the G7 nations (comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, the USA, and the European Union). This will help stakeholders in planning drug development strategies.

Materials and Methods:

Data were collected from the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) and the World Bank database. An electronic search was done for the total number of trials registered between January 1, 2018, and March 15, 2023. Information was analyzed based on the year of registration, therapeutic area, type of intervention, sponsorship, and type of special population. The trial density indices (TDIs) were calculated based on population (Xi) and gross domestic product (GDP) (Yi) using author-derived formulae.

Results:

Altogether 2, 77, 536 trials from the BRICS and G7 were registered. China and the US had the most trials among the BRICS and G7, respectively. Between 2018 and 2022, the gap between the BRICS and G7 steadily reduced. The most common indication for clinical trials among the BRICS was cancer. Based on population, the TDI was the highest in China and the lowest in Russia. In proportion to the GDP, the TDI was maximum in Russia and minimum in India.

Conclusion:

There is a remarkable reduction in the gap in clinical trial trends between the BRICS and G7 nations. Among the BRICS, India and China are at the forefront in drug development. There is scope for improvement in trial density based on India’s population and GDP. Stakeholders are likely to utilize the strengths of the BRICS as an attractive destination for investment in this area.
Implementation of Bio-inspired Algorithms in Designing Optimized PID controller for Cuk Converter for Enhanced Performance: A Software based Approach
Authors: Shagor Rafid Kaysar , Faisal Fahim , Nishat Mirza Muntasir , Mim Sayka Afreen , Akter Hafsa
Published: October 2023

This paper represents the idea of implementing bio-inspired algorithms in designing an optimized PID controller to investigate the stability and improve the performance of the closed-loop CUK converter. Bio-inspired algorithms (BIA) such as Firefly Algorithm (FA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and, Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) are stochastic optimization techniques and have been increasingly applied to attain optimal solution for designing and optimizing power converters in current times. The closed-loop transfer function of the CUK converter has been developed by the State Space Average (SSA) technique. This paper assesses both the cases of converter stability when it is integrated with the conventional PID controller and the BIA-PID controllers (FA-PID, PSO-PID, ABC-PID) and eventually compares the outcomes from all the controllers. For examining the stability of the system, three objective functions (IAE, ITAE, and ISE) and various performance specifications such as percentage of overshoot, rise time, settling time, and peak amplitude are tabulated. MATLAB and Simulink are used to carry out the simulations meticulously. Hence, a comparative analysis is illustrated in this paper to state a clear-sighted evaluation of the performances.
A Tits alternative for endomorphisms of the projective line
Authors: Bell Jason P. , Huang Keping , Peng Wayne , Tucker Thomas J.
Published: October 2023

We prove an analog of the Tits alternative for endomorphisms of

\mathbb{P}^1

. In particular, we show that if

S

is a finitely generated semigroup of endomorphisms of

\mathbb{P}^1

over

\mathbb{C}

, then either

S

has polynomially bounded growth or

S

contains a nonabelian free semigroup. We also show that if

f

and

g

are polarizable maps over any field of any characteristic and

\operatorname{Prep}(f) \not= \operatorname{Prep}(g)

, then for all sufficiently large

j

, the semigroup

\langle f^j, g^j \rangle

is a free semigroup on two generators.