bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of periosteal pedicle flap in the treatment of gingival recessions for esthetic root coverage: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bhavana Parimisetti , Gottumukkala Sruthima Naga Venkata Satya , Penmetsa Gautami Subadra , Ramesh Konathala Santosh Venkata , Kumar Pasupuleti Mohan , Meghana Mani
Published: May 2024

Background:

Root coverage using subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is gold standard with few drawbacks such as requirement of second surgical site, reduced donor tissue availability, and increased surgical complications and pain. Periosteal pedicle graft (PPG) due to its rich source of pluripotent stem cells and nonrequirement of second surgical site could be a successful alternative for invasive SCTG. Therefore, current research aims to compare the amount of root coverage obtained with PPG to SCTG.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-two single gingival recessions were included in the sample, with 26 patients allocated to the SCTG (control) and PPG (test) groups at random. At baseline, 3, and 6 months after surgery, clinical measurements of probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), and width of keratinized tissue were taken.

Results:

Both procedures, i.e., SCTG and PPG, resulted in root coverage to a variable extent and a significant decrease in RD (1.69, 1.38 mm in SCTG and PPG groups, respectively) and RW, CAL gain is found in both the groups without any intergroup statistical variance. Complete root coverage (CRC) was obtained in 14 out of 26, i.e., 53.8% defects in both SCTG and PPG groups. A better comfort level is found in the group treated with PPG.

Conclusion:

Gingival recessions can be successfully treated with PPG, which has predictability comparable to SCTG and does not require a second surgical site.
Study on the Correlation between 7-joint Ultrasound Score and Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yu Xiaolong , Wang Qiang , Zhuang Lin , Cai Gaojun , Li Zun , Ren Min , Jin Zihan , Xi Jing
Published: May 2024

Background:

The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the 7-joint ultrasound score (US7) and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

Forty-four patients with active RA were assessed, and the correlation between US7 and disease activity indicators such as the disease activity score (DAS28), rheumatoid factor (RF), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) was analyzed. In addition, the proportions of US7 points accounted for by different joint regions and joint surfaces were analyzed.

Results:

RF, CRP, and ESR were significantly increased in the RA group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In the RA group, DAS28 (r = 0.0.561, P < 0.01), RF (r = 0.635, P < 0.01), ESR (r = 0.585, P < 0.01), and CRP (r = 0.492, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with US7. In terms of contributions to US7, the most susceptible joint surface is the dorsal surface, and the most susceptible joint area is the dorsal wrist.

Conclusion:

US7 is positively correlated with disease activity indicators of RA, which can objectively reflect disease activity in RA patients and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and efficacy evaluation.
Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Functionality Level among Patients
Authors: Kalyani C. Vasantha , Malhotra Priyanka , Rohilla Kusum Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background:

In recent years, there has been a greater focus on the rise of noncommunicable diseases, i.e., chronic kidney diseases (CKD) and their impact in low- and middle-income nations. Due to raised number of noncommunicable cases, functionality level of patients are affected so much. The present study aimed as exploring chronic kidney disease impact on level of functionality of patients.

Materials and Methods:

The current study used a purposive sampling strategy to survey 399 CKD patients who were visiting the dialysis unit of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, India.

Results:

The mean age of study patients was 50.4 years. Majority of patients were female (58%), married (80%), and belongs to urban community (84%). Majority of patients belonged to lower middle class (49%) socioeconomic status and were overweight (64%). Patient's functionality on Chronic Illness Scale showed that 55% patient's had a low impact of chronic illness on their life. Overall chronic kidney patients showed a medium (59%) functionality level on the Chronic Illness Scale.

Conclusion:

Chronic diseases have a negative impact on a patient's quality of life. As the patient advanced through the stages of CKD, his quality of life decreased. During the course of the disease, physical domains are severely impacted, which has an impact on mental quality of life as well.
Infectious Disease Transmission through Touch-Enabled Biometric System
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudip , Hossain Md Mahbub
Published: May 2024

We use biometrics to authenticate the identity of humans by their behavioral or physiological features. Due to the digital revolution in India, the biometric technology is penetrating its roots in the health care (in the primary, secondary, and tertiary care levels) and other industries at a rapid pace. As an example, “Aadhaar-enabled Biometric Devices” have already acquired a lot of appreciation, after the successful implementation of “Ayushman Bharat Yojana” in India. However, during the COVID-19, pandemic, many institutes banned biometric attendance of their employees, due to the fear of infection transmission. The current paper aimed to describe the potential of infection spread through touch-enabled biometric devices and discussed the control measures to limit the spread of infectious diseases. A literature search was done using “PubMed,” “Google Scholar,” and “Scopus” databases for the key terms “biometric,” “infectious diseases and biometrics,” “infection and touch enabled biometrics,” and/or “touch enabled sensors”. All the relevant articles were included to support the argument for this narrative review. Commonly biometric systems use two types of sensors one is contactless, and another system requires direct contact to authenticate human beings. To authenticate by the biometrics (touchable), the end user must make direct physical contact for some time. It may increase the possibility of contamination with contagious/infectious agents (by food and water) to its subsequent users. Later, this event raises the chances of inoculation of dangerous contagions into our airway, and this is one of the ways, how infectious disease transmission occurs. To prevent infectious disease transmission, a multimodal confirmation system having the option for added means of authentication, like a spoken codeword or token or traditional methods like written attendance can be deployed within the organizations/healthcare facilities/medical colleges. To conclude, this paper proposes the adoption of a multimodal approach to prevent transmission of infectious diseases through fingerprint scanners.
Management of Pilonidal Sinus Using Homoeopathic Medicine in Combination with Kshar Solution
Authors: Dixit Ashish Kumar , Javed Danish , Giri Nibha
Published: May 2024

Pilonidal sinus (PNS) occurs beneath the skin in the gluteal cleft just above the anus. It continues to pose a number of therapeutic challenges and its treatment is mostly surgical. A 33-year-old male shopkeeper consulted the homeopathy outpatient department of AYUSH with complaints of mild pain and bloody pus (serosanguinous) from the sinus tract and intermittent mild fever, for the past 2 years. The patient was apprehensive about the surgery and did not want it. We devised a therapy strategy for the patient. Depilation of the tract followed by the adding of a Kshar solution to spontaneously cauterize the scar tissue was performed. Finally, the homeopathic drug Silicea 200 was given for 3 months period, and the case was followed for more than 9 months. The case exhibited a marked reduction in probing of the tract (1.7–0 cm), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain (3-0), and discharge (+++ to NIL) after 3 months of treatment. The Outcome in Relation to Impact on Daily Living scale score was +4, indicating that he is back to normal in terms of both the main complaint and overall well-being. At the final visit, the Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homeopathy score was +8 on a scale of −6 to +13. Homeopathy in combination with the Kshar solution can be an effective alternative approach to the management of PNS. As a result, controlled clinical trials are warranted.
An Emerging Coinfection of Dengue and Scrub Typhus: A Hospital-based Study
Authors: Rakhecha Darshan , Patil Bharat Umakant , Joshi Mudita Nitin , Yelwatkar Samir
Published: May 2024

Background:

Dengue fever and scrub typhus are endemic diseases in India. The aim was to study and compare clinical, biochemical, and hematological parameters between the dengue and dengue-scrub study groups.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective hospital-based, cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care rural center. Various clinical, biochemical, and hematological parameters of dengue patients with random selection as the control group were compared with the dengue-scrub coinfection group (46 cases) as cases. The statistical significance was determined using an independent t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The t-test and the Mann–Whitney U-test were used.

Results:

Among the 86 cases (2.05%), scrub and dengue contributed 46 cases, followed by 27 cases of COVID-19 and dengue, four cases of malaria and scrub, three cases of malaria and dengue, and a single case of dengue with typhoid and leptospirosis with dengue. Serum albumin (P = 0.003, moderate effect size), serum globulin (P = 0.001, large effect size), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.001, moderate effect size), and serum urea (P = 0.012, moderate effect size) levels were significantly different between only dengue and dengue-scrub group. In addition, the difference in hemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, platelet count, cell variables, and ratios of those with dengue and scrub versus those with only dengue was significant (P < 0.05) with moderate-to-large effect size.

Conclusion:

Certain biochemical and hematological parameters such as albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, platelet count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet lymphocyte ratio can be used to support the diagnosis of coinfection (dengue-scrub).
Branching Pattern of Superior Mesenteric Artery and its Variations
Authors: Anaimalai Kandavadivelu Manicka Vasuki , Govindarajan Amudha , Saminathan Suganya , Hepzibah Deborah Joy
Published: May 2024

Background:

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) originates at L1 level as a ventral branch of abdominal aorta. It supplies the derivatives of midgut which extends below the opening of major duodenal papillae in the 2nd part of the duodenum till the junction between the right 2/3rd left 1/3rd of the transverse colon. After its origin, it descends obliquely inside the mesentery up to the root of right iliac fossa. It is accompanied by superior mesenteric vein to its right side and is surrounded by a plexus of autonomic nerves. The SMA gives branches to jejunum, ileum and right colic, inferior pancreaticoduodenal (IPD), ileocolic, and middle colic artery. Variations in the course and branching pattern of SMA are of significant importance in gastrointestinal surgeries.

Methodology:

A prospective study was conducted with the convenient sample size of thirty cadavers. After opening the anterior abdominal wall, peritoneum and viscera were carefully separated and cleaned. The abdominal aorta with its branches was identified. SMA was identified at its origin. The course of the artery and its branches were traced and noted. The findings were tabulated and analyzed. The relation of superior mesenteric vein with the artery was identified and noted.

Results:

Variations in the branches of SMA were observed in 14 cadavers. We observed the absence of middle colic artery in four cadavers. Higher origin of ileocolic artery was found in two cadavers. One common trunk divides into middle colic artery and accessory right colic artery and another common trunk divides into right colic artery and ileocolic artery in a cadaver. The right colic artery and middle colic artery were found to take origin from a common trunk in a cadaver. The common trunk for IPD (artery and middle colic artery was found in one cadaver. The common trunk for right colic artery and ileocolic artery was observed in four cadavers. Accessory right colic artery was observed in four cadavers. The common trunk for accessory right colic artery and middle colic artery was found in two cadavers. Accessory right colic artery, right colic artery, ileocolic artery, and ileal branches had their origins from a common trunk in a cadaver. Variations in relation between SMA and superior mesenteric vein were found in two cadavers.

Conclusion:

Awareness and knowledge regarding the variations in SMA and its relation with vein are important for surgeons and radiologists to avoid both intraoperative and postoperative complications during surgical and diagnostic procedures involving intestines.
Advancing Anatomy Teaching by Incorporating the Neurophysiological Concepts of Learning
Authors: Konuri Vijaya Kumar , Siddiqui Abu Ubaida
Published: May 2024

Gross anatomy is staring at a challenge either to transform or to disappear, if not as a science may be as a faculty, in the present era of ever-evolving medical education systems. It is a well-understood fact that retention of anatomical information is not an easy job. It is also worthwhile to mention here that technology is a great contributor in the elaborate process of teaching and learning, but a logical methodology for delivering knowledge must gain precedence over any means of technology. A scientific approach in the acquisition of knowledge shall always enhance the sensory input in the brains of the learners. The knowledge disseminated should be delivered for a larger purpose to make it useful for the humankind. The scientific methodology of knowledge acquisition implies that documented sensory input shall not be automatically converted into a repertory of facts and figures. To make the process interesting and active, the need of the hour is to develop ordered arrays of data deliverance. All modalities of scientific teaching should move ahead through interconnected phases of knowledge. The delivery of sheer facts as a description is many a times entering the brain as a mere theoretical fact with not deductive results. The accumulated facts need to be correlated with the various facts that are being thrown open by the relevant other branches to discern the underlying patterns. Each organ is to a great extent the product of the function it performs, in the present as well as in the past. We have tried to summarize the above concept, thus trying to establish the fact that “the structure is a function in space and function is a structure in time.” The neuroanatomic-physiologic approaches should play the leading role in the development of the concepts of learning of anatomy.
An Anomalous Relationship of the Maxillary Artery with the Mandibular Nerve Branches: A Rare Case Report of Two Anatomical Variations
Authors: Occhialini Annette P. , Muppirala Manasa S. , Nayak Sidharth , Nguyen Christopher T. , Nguyen Hoang H. , Nation Haley L.
Published: May 2024

The maxillary artery (MA) and mandibular nerve are important structures in the infratemporal fossa (ITF) supplying large portions of the face. During a medical dissection course, two rare anatomical variations pertaining to the MA’s relationship to the mandibular nerve branches were found in three ITF. In these cases, the MA was seen to travel medial to the mandibular nerve branches. Case 1 had bilateral, asymmetric variations. On the left, the MA traveled medial to a trunk formed by the inferior alveolar and lingual nerves and lateral to the chorda tympani nerve (CTN). On the right, the MA passed lateral to the lingual and CTNs and medial to the inferior alveolar nerve. Case 2 had a unilateral variation on the left such as the variation seen on the right in Case 1. A clear understanding of MA variations has several clinical implications. This study provides a resource that may prevent complications such as bleeding, hematoma, and injury to the mandibular nerve or its branches during clinical procedures.
Morphological Variations of the Cystic Duct and its Clinical Significance
Authors: Shanmugam Sumathi , Subbiah Kalaiyarasi , Thiagarajan Sivakami
Published: May 2024

Background:

Anatomical variations of the cystic duct (CD) are common with an incidence of 18%–23% and are commonly encountered during cholecystectomy. The prevalence of such variations in our region is recorded so as to create awareness to avoid significant ductal injury in biliary surgery.

Methodology:

This observational cross-sectional study was undertaken on one hundred specimens of liver with extrahepatic biliary apparatus available in the department of anatomy. The morphology of CD was studied with respect to its length, course, mode, and level of union. Descriptive statistical analysis was done.

Results:

The range of length of the CD varied between 0.6 and 5.5 cm. The mean length of the CD was 2.06 ± 1.142 cm. 15% were short CDs and 3% had long CDs. The CD opened into the right hepatic duct in 2% and there was a triple confluence in 1%. There was a high union of CD with common hepatic duct (CHD) in 7.2% and a low union in 3.1%. The CD joined the CHD at an acute angle in 82.47% laterally and medially in 1.03%, paralleled in 11.3% of which 9.3% had a short parallel course, and 2% had a long parallel course and spiralled either anteriorly or posteriorly in 5.2%.

Conclusion:

These variations of CD have surgical significance in order to avoid damage to the ducts during surgical procedures, especially with increasing laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Hence, an awareness to look for these variations in preoperative radiological imaging is essential for the surgeons to avoid catastrophes.
Perceived Effectiveness of Cadaveric and Three-dimensional Virtual Dissection in Learning Anatomy among First-Year MBBS Students: A Cross-sectional Study from Northeastern India
Authors: Ralte Sarah , Bhattacharyya Asima , Momin Ambath D. , Sundaram Shanthosh Priyan
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

The advent of three-dimensional (3D) virtual digital technology in the 21st century has tremendously impacted medical education worldwide. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the attitude and response of first-year MBBS students toward traditional cadaveric dissection and 3D virtual dissection in learning human anatomy through descriptive validated questionnaires.

Methodology:

The present study is a cross-sectional and observational study. Fifty students of first-year MBBS batch of a tertiary medical college in north-east region of India were taught gross anatomy of the human body by cadaveric, 3D virtual, and combined dissection methodologies in the Department of Anatomy, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Mawdiangdiang, Shillong, Meghalaya, India, over a period of 1 year. The students assessed the perceived effectiveness of different dissection methodologies through semi-structured questionnaires at the first-phase, mid-phase, and at the end-phase of the study.

Results

More than half of the respondents (60%) preferred learning the gross anatomy of the upper limb and lower limb regions by “combined 3D virtual followed by cadaveric dissection methodology.” At the completion of thorax and abdomen regions, 28 students (56%) voted for “combined cadaveric followed by 3D virtual dissection methodology.” At the completion of the study, all students preferred the combined dissection methodology with 30 (60%) students preferring the “combined cadaveric followed by 3D virtual dissection methodology” while 26 (52%) students voted for the “combined 3D virtual followed by cadaveric dissection methodology.” The feedback from the validated questionnaires at the completion of the study was statistically analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha test.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that both the combined dissection methodologies complemented each other very well in understanding, recalling, and learning human anatomy, with the highest rating coming from both the combined dissection methodologies.
High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy is equally effective to noninvasive ventilation for mild-moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with acute pancreatitis: A single-center, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Qingcheng , Zhou Wenzhen , Ling Bingyu , Wang Huihui , Tan Dingyu
Published: May 2024

Background:

The use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy is gaining popularity for the treatment of acute hypoxic respiratory failure. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of HFNC for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP).

Methods:

This retrospective analysis focused on AP patients with mild-moderate ARDS, who were treated with either HFNC or noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in the emergency medicine department, from January 2020 to December 2022. The primary endpoint was treatment failure, defined as either invasive ventilation or a switch to any other study treatment (NIV for patients in the NFNC group and vice versa).

Results:

A total of 146 patients with AP (68 in the HFNC group and 78 in the NIV group) were included in this study. The treatment failure rate in the HFNC group was 17.6% and 19.2% in the NIV group – a risk difference of -1.6% (95% CI, -11.3 to 14.0%; P = 0.806). The most common causes of failure in the HFNC group were aggravation of respiratory distress and hypoxemia. However, in the NIV group, the most common reasons for failure were treatment intolerance and exacerbation of respiratory distress. Treatment intolerance in the HFNC group was significantly lower than that in the NIV group (16.7% vs 60.0%, 95% CI -66.8 to -6.2; P = 0.023). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index (≥28), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score (≥15), partial arterial oxygen tension/fraction of inspired oxygen (≤200), and respiratory rate (≥32/min) at 1 hour were independent predictors of HFNC failure.

Conclusion:

In AP patients with mild-moderate ARDS, the usage of HFNC did not lead to a higher rate of treatment failure when compared to NIV. HFNC is an ideal choice of respiratory support for patients with NIV intolerance, but clinical application should pay attention to the influencing factors of its treatment failure.
The Saudi Gastroenterology Association consensus on the clinical care pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of GERD
Authors: Alzahrani Mohammed A. , Alqaraawi Abdullah M. , Alzubide Saeed R. , Abufarhaneh Ehab , Alkhowaiter Saad S. , Alsulaimi Mohammed , Alkhiari Resheed , AlMalki Ahmed S. , Alfadda Abdulrahman A. , Aljahdli Emad S. , Alsohaibani Fahad I. , AlLehibi Abid H. , Almadi Majid A.
Published: May 2024

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common problems encountered in outpatient general medicine and gastroenterology clinics. GERD may present with classic esophageal symptoms, extraesophageal symptoms, or mixed symptoms. The diagnosis and treatment of GERD are challenging due to the variety of symptoms and multifactorial pathophysiology. Since there is no consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of GERD in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Gastroenterology Association established an expert group to formulate a consensus on the clinical care pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of GERD to update health-care providers in Saudi Arabia. The expert group reviewed the literature including recently published international guidelines, clinical trials, and expert opinion and conducted virtual and in-person meetings. A total of 22 statements on the definition, diagnosis, and treatment of GERD were formulated, and three algorithms for the clinical care of GERD were developed with a detailed description for each step. The expert group endorsed the new definition of GERD, the practical principles of interpretation of the diagnostic GERD evaluation, and the practical guidance for GERD treatment including medical, surgical, and endoscopic therapy. The expert group recommends further studies to investigate local data on the diagnosis and treatment of GERD.
Re-emergence of a forgotten diabetes complication
Authors: Dagdeviren Murat , Akkan Tolga , Ertugrul Derun Taner
Published: May 2024

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common emergency complication of diabetes. Euglycemic DKA (EDKA), on the other hand, has been known for many years but is a rare and under-recognized condition and constitutes a very small proportion of DKA cases. However, in recent years, an increase in the incidence of EDKA has been observed with the widespread use of sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, which have proven benefits in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its cardiorenal complications, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. Unlike classical DKA, these patients without significant hyperglycemia can easily be missed in emergency departments. EDKA should be kept in mind in patients with diabetes presenting with DKA but with a blood glucose level <250 mg/dL. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach after clinical suspicion in these patients is similar to classical DKA and is briefly summarized in this review. The most important point in treatment is that these patients are normoglycemic but have a significant insulin deficiency (relative or absolute). Therefore, insulin is the mainstay of the treatment and should be given together with dextrose solutions to avoid hypoglycemia.
Role of high-dose methylprednisolone in Zargar Grade IIB corrosive esophageal burns
Authors: Sheikh Irtiqa , Jamshed Nayer , Neseem Akhil , Aggarwal Praveen , Kedia Saurabh , Khan Maroof Ahmad , Das Chandan J. , Sahu Ankit Kumar
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of the study is to test the efficacy of high-dose methylprednisolone in the prevention of esophageal stricture after corrosive ingestion.

METHODS:

This study was a single-center, randomized controlled single-blinded study. Simple randomization was done with 15 adult patients (>18 years) in each arm, who presented with a history of corrosive ingestion within the past 24 h and had esophageal injury of Zargar Grade IIB on endoscopy. Intravenous methylprednisolone 1 g/day for 3 days was given to the intervention arm while 100 mL of normal saline was given as placebo in control arm. Follow-up to diagnose esophageal stricture was done at 8 weeks.

RESULTS:

Thirty patients (15 in each arm) were recruited for the study. As per the intention to treat analysis, 33% and 46.6% developed stricture in the intervention and control arm, respectively (relative risk [RR] = 0.714; 95% confidence interval 0.29–1.75; P = 0.462). 40% patients in control group and 7.7% in intervention group had undergone feeding jejunostomy, which was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.048. Airway injury showed significant clinical improvement in the intervention arm but the difference was nonsignificant statistically (P = 0.674). There was no increased incidence of hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, or infections in intervention arm.

CONCLUSION:

Methylprednisolone does not help in the prevention of stricture formation in corrosive esophageal injury, but it significantly reduces the requirement of feeding jejunostomy and has a beneficial role in treating airway injury.
Трансляционно-инвариантные меры Гиббса для модели Изинга-Поттса на дереве Кэли второго порядка
Authors: Rahmatullaev Muzaffar Muhammadjanovich , Isakov Begzod Mukhtorjonovich
Published: May 2024

Рассматривается модель смешанного типа - модель Изинга-Поттса с тремя состояниями на дереве Кэли. Получен критерий существования предельных мер Гиббса для этой модели на дереве Кэли произвольного порядка. Изучаются трансляционно-инвариантные меры Гиббса на дереве Кэли второго порядка. Доказано существование фазового перехода, т. е. найдена область значений параметра, при которых существуют от одной до семи мер Гиббса для модели Изинга-Поттса с тремя состояниями.
Sleep, anxiety, depression, and stress in critically ill patients: a descriptive study in a Portuguese intensive care unit
Authors: Silva Rui Domingues , Teixeira Abílio Cardoso , Pinho José António , Marcos Pedro , Santos José Carlos
Published: May 2024

Background: Sleep disorders are common among patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to assess the perceptions of sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and stress reported by ICU patients and the relationships between these perceptions and patient variables.Methods: This cross-sectional study used consecutive non-probabilistic sampling to select participants. All patients admitted for more than 72 hours of ICU hospitalization at a Portuguese hospital between March and June 2020 were asked to complete the “Richard Campbell Sleep Questionnaire” and “Anxiety, depression, and Stress Assessment Questionnaire.” The resulting data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Student t-tests for independent samples, and analysis of variance. The significance level for rejecting the null hypothesis was set to α ≤0.05.Results: A total of 52 patients admitted to the ICU for at least 72 hours was recruited. The mean age of the participants was 60 years (standard deviation, 14.6); 32 (61.5%) of the participants were male. Approximately 19% had psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of self-reported poor sleep was higher in women (t[50]=2,147, P=0.037) and in participants with psychiatric problems, although this difference was not statistically significant (t[50]=–0.777, P=0.441). Those who reported having sleep disorders before hospitalization had a worse perception of their sleep. Conclusions: Sleep quality perception was worse in female ICU patients, those with psychiatric disorders, and those with sleep alterations before hospitalization. Implementing early interventions and designing nonpharmacological techniques to improve sleep quality of ICU patients is essential.
Catheter detection by transthoracic echocardiography during placement of peripherally inserted central catheters: a real-time method for eliminating misplacement
Authors: Jung Yong Chae , Shim Man-shik , Park Hee Sun , Kang Min-Woong
Published: May 2024

Background: Although guidelines and protocols are available for central venous access, existing methods lack specificity and sensitivity, especially when placing peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). We evaluated the feasibility of catheter detection in the right atrial cavity using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during PICC placement.Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent PICC placement between January 2022 and March 2023. TTE was performed to detect the arrival of the catheter in the right atrial cavity. Catheter misplacement was defined as an aberrant catheter position on chest x-ray (CXR). The primary endpoint was predicting catheter misplacement based on catheter detection in the right atrial cavity. The secondary endpoint was optimizing catheter placement and examining catheter-associated complications.Results: Of the 110 patients identified, 10 were excluded because of poor echogenicity and vein access failure. The remaining 100 patients underwent PICC placement with TTE. The catheter was visualized in the right atrial cavity in 90 patients. CXR exams revealed catheter misplacement in seven cases. Eight patients with catheter misplacement underwent the same procedure in the other arm. In two patients, PICC placement failed due to anatomical reasons. Catheter misplacement was detected using TTE with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 97% confidence interval (CI, 91.31%–99.36%), 90% CI (55.50%–99.75%), 99%, and 75%, respectively.Conclusions: TTE is a reliable tool for detecting catheter misplacement and optimizing catheter tip positioning during PICC placement.
Aphrodisiac properties of Craterispemum schweinfurthi Leaf Extract in Lead Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Saronee F. , Dan-Jumbo D. , Azosibe P.
Published: May 2024

The current study was designed to evaluate the aphrodisiac properties of Craterispemum schweinfurthi leaf extract in lead induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats using appropriate standard techniques. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups and daily treated with different concentrations of extract and phytosterol only. Compared to group 1 (Control) rats, significantly higher values of mount, intromission, ejaculatory latencies as well as post ejaculatory interval and decreased values of mount, intromission and ejaculatory frequencies were observed amongst group 2 (2.25mg/kg Lead only) rats (p<0.05), following treatment with 2.25mg/kg body weight of lead acetate; suggesting a possible anti-fertility effect of lead in male Wistar rats. However, significantly lower values of mount, intromission, ejaculatory latencies and post ejaculatory interval and higher values of mount, intromission and ejaculatory frequencies were observed following the administration of the leaf extract of Craterispermum schweinfurthi at 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 750mg/kg body weight doses amongst groups 3, 4 and 5 rats compare to group 2 (2.25mg/kg Lead only) rats (p<0.05), indicating a possible mitigating effect of the extract against lead induced toxicity in male Wistar rats. Craterispermum schweinfurthi improves appetitive and precopulatory components of sexual behavior like sexual excitement, arousal and libido; indicating intense and sustained sexual activity.
Bifidobacteria spp. As a Potential Probiotic for the Treatment of Various Diseases
Authors: Eya C. P. , Eya I. E. , Ebhodaghe F.
Published: May 2024

The objective of this review paper was to provide information on the utilization of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium as potential probiotic for the treatment of various diseases by harvesting information from secondary sources. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are known to resist gastric acid, bile salts and pancreatic enzymes, to adhere to colonic mucosa and readily colonize the intestinal tract. Other organisms like enterococci and yeasts have also been used as probiotics. Lactobacilli are Gram-positive, non-spore-forming and non-flagellated rods or coccobacilli. They are either aerotolerant or anaerobic and strictly fermentative. Probiotics are one of the fast-growing categories within food for which scientific researchers have demonstrated therapeutic evidence. They are used in prevention of urogenital diseases, alleviation of constipation, protection against diarrhoea, reduction of hypercholesterolaemia, protection against colon cancer, and prevention of osteoporosis and food allergy. Ingestion of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) has been suggested to confer a range of health benefits including immune system modulation, increased resistance to malignancy and infectious illness. It is used in terminating illness as diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Probiotics can produce antimicrobial substances including bacteriocins that have ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Bifidobacterium is an important composition of the probiotic mix with several health benefiting properties when administered at the appropriate dosage. Various types of probiotics have been found to exert various therapeutic properties including antiinfection, antiinflammation, anticancer, promoting host psychological and physical health, and regulating host immune system. Recent studies have suggested that probiotics have demonstrated beneficial effects to human and animal health. This review has highlighted the immense benefit of probiotics to human health.
Grain Yield and Seed Quality Attributes of Maize Grown Under Different Zinc Sulphate Application Techniques in Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Anjorin F. B. , Olasoji J. O.
Published: May 2024

Optimizing crop yield is a function of the effectiveness of agronomic practices, inherent crop quality in relation with favourable environmental condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the grain yield and seed quality attributes of maize (Zea mays L) grown under different zinc sulphate application techniques in Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria. The treatment consisted of two maize varieties (V); (BR9928DMR-SR-Y and ILE-1-OB), six zinc application methods (T); [seed primed in distilled water (S1), 1% (S2) and 2.0 % (S3) of ZnSO4, 1% ZnSO4 foliar spray (S4), soil placed ZnSO4 (S5) (7.0 kg ha-1) and the control (S6-farmer’s practice)].  At harvest, data were collected on grain yield (GY, Kg ha-1), germination index (GI) and seed conductivity (SC). From the result, the T and V differed significantly (P<0.01). The S1 (4.58) and S2 (4.73) plots had the highest GY but lowest in S6 (2.20), while variety BR9928DMR-SR had higher GY (4.04) than ILE-1-OB (2.77). The T and V differed significantly (P<0.05) for GI (P<0.01), for SC, T varied (P<0.01), V (P<0.05). Earliest GI of 4.42 days were observed in seeds of S2 plots than seeds of other treatments. Seed conductivity was highest in S3 (10.74), but lowest in S6. Priming maize seed in distilled water or 1% ZnSO4 significantly enhanced grain yield and seed quality of maize in this study.
Sources of Information on Climate Change among Arable Crop Farmers, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Alakpa S. O. , Ogbe V. E.
Published: May 2024

The study assessed the sources of information on climate change among arable crop farmers in Edo state, Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Result revealed that, 42.4% of the respondents were below the mean age (45 years). Majority of them (58.8%) were males and 64.0% 69% were married, Majority (58.3%) of the total population of the study have secondary education. Majority (36.7%) had farming as their source of labour. Friends, relations and fellow farmers were the most frequent sources of information on climate change among the respondents. The study showed that of all the socio-economic characteristics examined, ues of information sources is significantly related to house hold size (r = 0.000, P< 0.05) but not significant related to Age (r = 0.479, P< 0.05), level of education (r = 0.329, P< 0.05), income (r = -0.080, P< 0.05), labour (r = 0.296, P< 0.05) , sex (r = 0.353, P< 0.05) marital status (r = 0.125, P< 0.05), It is recommended that, Extension providers should intensify the provision of extension services by insuring increased interaction between arable crop farmers and extension agents to complement indigenous knowledge from fellow farmers and friends and relation.
Three-dimensional kinematics of the trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee during the single-leg squat and hip torque in subjects with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis compared to individually matched controls: Preliminary results
Authors: Carvalho Cristiano , Viadanna Serrão Fábio , Felipe Martinez Adalberto , Da Silva Serrão Paula Regina Mendes
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to compare three-dimensional kinematic of the trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee during the single-leg squat and hip torque in individuals with and without isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA).

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated trunk, pelvis, hip, and knee kinematics at 30°, 45°, and 60° knee flexion during the single-leg squat using the Vicon motion capture and analysis system, the Nexus System 2.1.1, and 3D Motion Monitor software. Sixteen individuals (8 males, 8 females; mean age: 49.3±6.2 years; range 40 to 61 years) participated in the study, of which eight were PFOA patients and eight were healthy controls. Isometric hip abductor, extensor, and external rotator torques were evaluated using a handheld dynamometer.

Results: The PFOA group exhibited greater hip adduction at 30° (p=0.008), 45° (p=0.005), and 60° (p=0.008) knee flexion in the descending phase of the single-leg squat, as well as at 60° (p=0.009) and 45° (p=0.03) knee flexion in the ascending phase. No significant differences were found between groups for other kinematic variables (p>0.05). The PFOA group exhibited lower isometric hip abductor (p=0.02), extensor (p< 0.001), and external rotator (p=0.007) torques.

Conclusion: Individuals with PFOA exhibited excessive hip adduction that could increase stress on the lateral patellofemoral joint at 30°, 45°, and 60° knee flexion during the single-leg squat and exhibited weakness of the hip abductors, extensors, and external rotators in comparison to healthy controls.
A Narrative Inquiry into the Life of a Mother for a Child with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Chang Ohsun , Hong Jaeyoung , Jeon Byungun
Published: May 2024

This study explores the life story of Jane, who has an adult child with developmental disabilities and who serves as the director of a community welfare center for people with developmental disabilities in South Korea. To this end, this study used narrative inquiry methodology. The experience of a parent was described in terms of the following themes: (i) Narrative experience as a parent in a family: The irony of life—living in a place where guilt and desire coexist, Sub theme: Building up a broader window of communication; (ii) Narrative Experience as the head of an institution: Learning betrayal and making considerations, Sub theme: Breaking free from obsession and finding genuine happiness. In South Korea, there is growing societal interest in adults with developmental disabilities and their families. In this social context, the authors of this study hope that the story of a participant like Jane will help adults with developmental disabilities, parents of children with other types of disabilities, and heads of institutions that provide care for them reflect on and have a deeper understanding of their lives, and present future visions for themselves.
STRATEGI MENGENAL WARNA MELALUI METODE EKSPERIMEN PADA KELOMPOK KB AISYIYAH BUSTANUL ATHFAL V KEC.KANIGARAN – PROBOLINGGO
Authors: Nurus Sya'adah  , Warih Windasari Indriana
Published: May 2024

The foundation of this research begins with the results of an initial review of information which shows that the ability to understand color through experimental techniques is still lacking. This shows that children are still confused when they receive information about the test combining variations. The essence of this research is to describe the training of educators, the younger generation and children's learning activists through exercises in introducing variety through research techniques. This research utilizes learning space research activities (PTK) which are planned in repeated cycles (cycle I and cycle II). Each cycle consists of 4 stages, namely: structuring, activity, perception and reflection. This research involved 18 children aged 3 to 4 years from KB AISYIYAH BUSTANUL ATHFAL V KEC. KANIGARAN - PROBOLINGGO, 9 of whom were girls and 9 of whom were boys. The information gathering method uses perception and documentation. From the test results, data was obtained about learning the ability to see diversity through preliminary procedures. Exploratory results indicate that viewing diversity through preliminary procedures can prepare the ability to perceive tone. At the pre-action stage, the average achievement level for young people was only 17.4%. The level of completion of initial reading skills in Cycle II was 78%, while the level of completion in Cycle I was 43.4%. The increase from pre-action to cycle I was 17.4% and the increase from cycle I to cycle II was 85%. Based on the data obtained, it can be reasoned that by utilizing color perception techniques through experimental strategies, it can improve the color recognition ability of children in Kb Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal V Kec.Kanigaran – Probolinggo.
Keywords: Ability to Recognize Colors, Early Childhood, Experimental Methods
THEODICY AND THE RECEPTION OF THE EMOTIONAL IN THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
Authors:   Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Croatia, DRAGUN Dragica A.
Published: May 2024

The Diary of Anne Frank, unquestionably the most renowned diary penned during the Shoah (the Holocaust), provides a profound insight into the theodicy issue, a vital layer of the Diary, which has, until now, largely been overlooked by literary-critical examination. Anne Frank herself attempts to “justify” God’s goodness, justice, and omnipotence in view of suffering, particularly the suffering of the innocent. This exploration of theodicy, confirmed by excerpts from the diary, paves the way for the research addressed in the second part of the paper, focusing on the reception of the theodicy issue; namely, identifying this layer and the predominant emotions linked to it. The results of this research indicate a significant correlation between the comprehension of the theodicy problem and the recognition of the dominant emotion, thus affirming the relevance of discussing The Diary of Anne Frank as a text that, despite suffering, speaks of universal love.
OVERCOMING THE SILENCE (ATTITUDE TOWARDS VIOLENCE IN A NOVEL MIKA BY JELENA ANGELOVSKI)
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Philosophy, Serbia, NASTASIĆ Lenka S.
Published: May 2024

The paper deals with aspects of the fight against violence and bullies in Jelena Angelovski’s book Mika (2022). Keeping in mind that not only the main character of the novel, the insecure boy Miroslav Antić, but also his friends and family come into conflict, this paper aims to look at different ways of solving crisis situations, as well as their effectiveness. Moreover, the paper will consider the relationship between silence and forming an attitude towards violence as a particularly prominent aspect of maturing and gaining self-confidence, as well as awareness of one’s own identity. The mastery of language and letters (the Serbian Cyrillic alphabet) is directed towards the acquisition of national identity, which justifies and creates the novel-alphabet form, but also includes it in the context of the fight against violence. In this regard, the work tends to portray Mika as another in a series of figures of children’s literature who grows up in challenging circumstances, which complicate the (already turbulent enough) period of childhood of a modern child. Corresponding to that, overcoming silence is also gaining one’s own voice, with which one can master saying: “No”: to bullies, aggression, and authoritarianism
INTERPRETATION OF POEMS WITH THE MOTIF OF THE DEATH OF AN ANIMAL AND THE EMPATHY DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN – BIBLIOTHERAPEUTICAL AND METHODICAL ASPECTS
Authors:   University of Belgrade, Faculty of Education, Serbia, Vukomanović Rastegorac Vladimir M.
Published: May 2024

Faced with the loss of those close to him, a child must inevitably observe the phenomenon of death – both cognitively and affectively. When this happens, literary text can help adults and children establish a conversation channel. Being that it is a well-founded assumption that it is easier to discuss with children the death of an animal than a human being, the aim of this paper is to: 1) systematize and analyze the criteria for the selection of literary works which can serve this purpose; 2) provide a list of poems for children and youth with the theme of the death of an animal; 3) provide guidelines for their interpretation, which gives an equally important role to the questions pertaining feelings, facts, attitudes, and belief regarding death. In this paper, the pathways for conversation with children have been outlined and they branch out in different directions and encompass multiple domains – from the affective to cognitive, from textual to empirical, and they have the potential to open the space for empathy toward those facing their own or someone else’s death, as well as the deeper understanding of one own’s emotions and those of others, especially among the members of the community consisting of the child and his parents, kindergarten or school teachers, and peers.