bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Stress-Response Gene REDD1 Controls Oxazolone-Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Mirzoeva Salida , Yang Yuchen , Klopot Anna , Budunova Irina , Brown Melissa A
Published: August 2021

REDD1 is an energy sensor and stress-induced mTOR inhibitor. Recently, its novel role in linking metabolism and inflammation/immune responses has emerged. In this study, we assessed the role of REDD1 in murine oxazolone-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a T cell–dependent model with features of human ACD. A variety of immune indices, including edema, cellular infiltration, inflammatory gene expression, and glucocorticoid response, were compared in Redd1 knockout (KO) and isogenic (C57BL/6 × 129)F1 wild-type mice after sensitization and subsequent ear challenge with oxazolone. Despite relatively normal thymic profiles and similar T cell populations in the lymph nodes of naive Redd1 KO mice, early T cell expansion and cytokine production were profoundly impaired after sensitization. Surprisingly, higher steady-state populations of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as macrophages (CD45+/Ly-6G−/CD11b+), dendritic cells (CD45+/Ly-6G−/CD11c+), neutrophils (CD45+/Ly-6G+/CD11b+), and innate lymphoid cells (CD45+/Lineage−/IL-7Ra+/ST2+/c-Kit+), were observed in the ears of naive Redd1 KO mice. Upon challenge, ear edema, T cell, macrophage, neutrophil, and dendritic cell infiltration into the ear was significantly reduced in Redd1 KO animals. Accordingly, we observed significantly lower induction of IFN-γ, IL-4, and other cytokines as well as proinflammatory factors, including TSLP, IL-33, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, in challenged ears of Redd1 KO mice. The response to glucocorticoid treatment was also diminished. Taken together, these data establish REDD1 as an essential immune modulator that influences both the initiation of ACD disease, by driving naive T cell activation, and the effector phase, by promoting immune cell trafficking in T cell–mediated skin inflammation.
Proximal A1 segment aneurysm presenting with visual symptoms
Authors: Krishnan Shyam Sundar , Nigam Pulak , Menon Girish R. , Vasudevan Madabushi Chakravarthy
Published: August 2021

Proximal A1 segment aneurysms are technically challenging aneurysms that require careful and meticulous adherence to surgical principles for optimising the outcomes. They usually present with rupture and headache and visual symptoms are uncommon due to the optic nerve not being in proximity to the aneurysm. Important, delicate perforators arise from the segment and their preservation is the key to a good surgical outcome.
Surgical nuances of clip reconstruction of recurrent middle cerebral artery aneurysms
Authors: Sabesan Aravind , Kato Yoko , Kawase Tsukasa , Yamada Yasuhiro , Tanaka Riki
Published: August 2021

Recurrence of an aneurysm is not frequently seen after microsurgical clipping. The exact incidence is varied among studies related to recurrent aneurysms from 0.02% to 0.52%. A 68-year-old male, diagnosed with unruptured left middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm 8 years back, was treated by microsurgical clipping then. He was on periodic follow-up since. On yearly follow-up, in 2015, magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography showed small recurrent aneurysm. This was followed up with serial imaging, and the aneurysm slowly grew in size. 2 years after, he was found to have a recurrent aneurysm; in 2017, he was operated for the recurrent aneurysm with microsurgical clipping. Here, we report the technical difficulties and strategies to approach recurrent MCA aneurysm.
Is foetal variant of posterior cerebral artery a risk factor for ischemic stroke?
Authors: Kannan Karthik Thamarai , Karri Madhavi , Ramasamy Balakrishnan , Ummer Aleesha
Published: August 2021

Context:

Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) derives its blood supply from the vertebrobasilar system. However, in 10% of the population, they get blood supply from the internal carotid artery via a posterior communicating artery. This variant is called as fetal type of PCA (fPCA). Whether fPCA is an anatomical variant or a predisposing factor for a cerebrovascular event remains an enigma.

Aims:

The aim is to assess if fPCA is associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke or other vascular anomalies.

Settings and Design:

It is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study.

Subjects and Methods:

Patients who underwent MR or CT angiography, over 5 years for various neurological illnesses were screened for fPCA. Those patients were assessed for vascular anomalies and ischaemic stroke.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Chi-square in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v23.

Results:

On analysis of 250 patients, five had aneurysms; three had AV malformation, one with Fenestration and one with vascular loop. And 51% were found to have an ischaemic stroke, in which 34% had large vessel disease, 41% had lacunar infarct, 7% had a cardioembolic stroke and 18% had an embolic stroke of unknown source with predominantly middle cerebral artery territory infarct (55%). Among 127 patients with ischaemic stroke, 45% had infarcts ipsilateral to fPCA vs 28% on the opposite side of fPCA.

Conclusions:

We conclude that patients with fPCA had increased risk of MCA infarct probably due to poor collaterals from posterior circulation and fPCA is not associated with increased risk of aneurysms or AV malformations.
Colposcopic evaluation of cervix in symptomatic women and its correlation with Pap smear. A prospective study at a tertiary care centre
Authors: Prasad Dipali , Sinha Archana , Mishra Urvashi , Parween Sadia , Raman Ravi Bhushan , Goel Neeru
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Back in India, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women (aged 15–45 years) following breast cancer, accounting for nearly 14% of all female cancer cases. The aim of this study is to yell the findings of pap smear with colposcopy and directed biopsy (if needed) and to evaluate the usefulness of colposcopy in discovering the premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix.

Methods:

This is a prospective observational analysis of 150 symptomatic women attending the gynecology OPD of Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, for a period of one year from 2019 to 2020. Assessment of symptomatic women was completed with a pap smear, colposcopy, and biopsy in selected instances.

Statistical Analysis Used:

MS Excel spreadsheet application, SPSS v23 (IBM Corp.), was used for data analysis.

Results:

The expression age (years) has been 34.68 ± 8.05. The sensitivity and specificity of pap smear were 91.7% and 45.45%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of colposcopy were 83.3% and 72.72%, respectively, in the present study.

Conclusions:

Pap smear had low specificity as compared to colposcopy. Hence simultaneous use of colposcopy has shown to rise in the rate of carcinoma cervix discovery in symptomatic women.
Effect of habits, traditions, and beliefs on seizure diagnosis and provide first aid in Taif city, KSA
Authors: Alshareef Abdulrahman H. , Alnofaiey Yasser H. , Milibary Ali A. , Sibyani Afnan K. , Alotaibi Ghaida H. , Alshehri Raghad A. , Althobaiti Albatoul F. , Alkhawtani Rehab A. , Alaynayn Faris K.
Published: August 2021

Aim:

To determine the effect of habits, traditions, and beliefs on seizure diagnosis and provide first aid in Taif city, KSA.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 297 participants from Taif, KSA. An Arabic self-administrated electronic questionnaire was used that included different parts to collect the information from participants; characters, previous history of seizures, habits, beliefs and traditions about the seizures and first aid.

Results:

Most of the participants had an average level of knowledge by 20.88, 47.14 and 31.99% of the participants had a poor, average and good level of knowledge about seizures and epilepsy. 70.0% of our participants knew that seizure is a symptom associated with many diseases; 40.7% knew that hypoglycemia can cause a seizure, while 37 and 32.3% did not know seizure treatment and whether Hijama and Cupping therapy were enough to treat seizure; 26.9 and 35.4% of the participants responded by neither putting something hard on the patient's mouth nor opening the patient's mouth by force to protect him from swallowing his tongue, respectively. Only 17.2% agreed on not calling the ambulance for all seizure cases. Participants aged between 20 and 29 and single had a significant higher percent of good knowledge with no significant association between gender, income and educational level and the participant's level of knowledge.

Conclusion:

There is a lack of knowledge and misconceptions about aspects related to seizures among the studied participants. It is recommended to raise awareness and correct false misconceptions about providing first aid to seizure patients.
Parenting style in a rapidly developing country
Authors: Hendaus Mohamed A. , Alozeib Rihab , Saied Lama , Shehzad Saira , Abdulmajeed Mohammed , Arab Khuloud , Hadid Faisal K. , Alhammadi Ahmed H.
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To investigate the different styles of parenting in the State of Qatar, a country that is considered a cosmopolitan hub with rapid development.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sidra Medicine, the only tertiary pediatric hospital in Qatar. Parents of children 3–14 years old were offered a questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 114 questionnaires were completed (response rate = 95%). Approximately 65% of parents were between 30 and 39 years of age. Almost 90% of parents state that they are confident of their parenting ability. More than 90% of the participating parents stated that they are responsive to their child's feeling and needs, give comfort and understanding when their child is upset, praise their child when well-behaved, give reasons why rules should be followed, help children understand the impact of their behavior, explain consequences of bad behavior, take into account their child's desire before asking him/her to do something, encourage their child to freely express him/herself when disagreeing with his/her parents, and show respect to their child's opinion. However, 60% of parents sometimes scold, yell, and criticize their child when he/she misbehaves but less than 50% of them use threats as a consequence with little or no justification. Furthermore, two-thirds of parents give consequences by putting their child off somewhere with little or no explanation. Moreover, one in four participants gives in to their child when he/she causes a commotion about something, threatens their child with consequences more often than actually giving them, and states consequences to their child and do not actually do them.

Conclusion:

Residents in Qatar have a mixed type of parental style (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive). This study will guide us to raise the awareness about the types of parenting style in Qatar, in order to provide professional parenting counseling taking into consideration the cultural background.
Immediate effects of positional release therapy and manual trigger point release on neck pain and range of motion in computer users with upper trapezitis
Authors: Pathan Nawaj Mehtab , Thakur Snehal , Kadam Kajal , Lohade Sayali , Chandak Neelam
Published: August 2021

Background/Objective:

The intent of the current study was to compare the immediate effects of positional release therapy (PRT) and manual trigger point release (MTpR) on neck range of motion and pain in upper trapezitis.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty participants with upper trapezius myofascial trigger points (MTrPs)’ participated in this study. Subjects were randomly classified into two groups (30 in each group): the subjects in Group A received PRT in a shortened position while those in Group B received MTpR in the neutral position for the upper trapezius muscle. They received four therapy sessions every day for four days. The pain intensity and range of motion were measured using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and cervical range of motion (CROM), respectively, before treatment sessions and repeated immediately after the first and fourth treatment sessions in each group till the last day of their interventions.

Results:

Paired and unpaired t-Test was used for the data analysis. Pre- and postinterventional effects measured on each day and between groups, revealed that CROM and NPRS values were significantly improved in (MTpR) group (CROM, and NPRS P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Both groups (PRT and MTpR) showed an increase in range of motion on CROM and a decrease in pain intensity on the NPRS during four sessions of therapy, but MTpR showed to be more effectual in these participants.
Call for departments of public health at all medical colleges in India
Authors: Kumar Raman
Published: August 2021

Public Health has always been important for the general public, governments, and governance as it deals with the objective of improving population health through prevention, promotion, and health education. Public Health is defined as “the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society” (Acheson, 1988; WHO). The COVID 19 pandemic has brought a focus on the concept of public health more than ever. Independent departments of Public Health do not exist at medical colleges in India. Public health is a multidisciplinary domain. The body of knowledge is cross-cutting and multidimensional in nature. Public health education is optimal only with the contribution of the participating faculty from different educational and professional backgrounds. Lack of strong public health academics may adversely impact the capacity to formulate indigenous public health policy. In many parts of the developing world, public health policies are heavily influenced by the knowledge developed by the western universities within the domain of global health. Global health policies and goals become synonymous with national health goals. For the democratic republic of India, there is an urgent need to strengthen the public health education system so that the future challenges of health, safety, economy, security can be met The National Medical Commission (NMC) has invited comments on the draft postgraduate medical education regulations 2021. It is an apt opportunity to fundamentally reform public health education in India.
Quality of life among type II diabetic patients attending the primary health centers of King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsuwayt Saleh , Almesned Mohammed , Alhajri Shahad , Alomari Naif , Alhadlaq Razan , Alotaibi Abdullah
Published: August 2021

Background/Aim:

Type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) have lower quality of life (QoL) compared to the general population. This study was conducted to determine QoL of T2DM patients and analyze factors that affect patients' QoL.

Methods:

We conducted this cross-sectional study in January to February of 2019 at several primary care health centers (PCHC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All adult T2DM patients were invited to participate in the study. We used the EQ-5D-3L and EQ VAS tools to determine the patients' health state and their self-rated overall health.

Results:

A total of 274 T2DM patients were surveyed, 149 (54.4%) were males. The mean age was 59.7 ± 10.4 years. Of the five EQ-5D-5L domains, self-care had the highest proportion that reported no problem (n = 183, 66.8%). The mobility domain had the highest proportion of reported severe problems (n = 37, 13.5%) and extreme problems (n = 7, 2.6%). Nineteen (6.9%) patients reported with a full state of health. The mean EQVAS was 65.9 ± 22.1, with only 24.1% reported as between 81–100%. Females, patients above 75 years old, those who are in the low socioeconomic income, unemployed, widow had lower EQ VAS.

Conclusion:

Males, with higher socioeconomic status, employed, married and younger patients experience better QoL compared to their counterparts. The overall health related QoL among our diabetic patients is low. These findings suggest improvement of health-related QoL, and more efforts should be invested in patient education particularly among patients who are in the low socioeconomic status, the elderly, females and the unemployed.
Medicine or martyrdom? A peek into the rising violence against doctors during times of COVID 19
Authors: Patil Poorvaprabha , Taneja Sanjana
Published: August 2021

One would think, at a time where healthcare workers are the frontline warriors against the COVID 19 pandemic, the violence against them would subside; however, this is far from the truth. This commentary article addresses the underlying causes and implications of such acts of violence against health professionals, particularly those involved in primary healthcare, in India, and barriers to implementation of laws protecting these professionals from violence. Recommendations for administrative and on ground interventions, with a proposed collaboration with government and private medical establishments, have been discussed, as a probable solution to the problem of violence at hand.
Stroke-like lesions in mitochondrial disease may resemble ischemic stroke
Authors: Finsterer Josef
Published: August 2021

The patient is a 73-y-male who was referred after a fall without losing consciousness or secessus. Clinical exam revealed disorientation, ophthalmoparesis, hemianopia to the left, left hemineglect, hypoacusis, quadruparesis, general wasting, generally reduced tendon reflexes, mild rigor, occasional myoclonic jerks of the right lower limb, and ataxia of the left lower limb. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a stroke-like lesion (SLL), generalized atrophy, white matter lesions, and ponsgliosis. The previous history was positive for diabetes, hypoacusis, arterial hypertension, hyperlipidemia, vitamin-D deficiency, cataract, esophageal adenocarcinoma, histiocytoma, Barrett esophagus, hiatal hernia, colonic polyps, and lactic acidosis. Based upon this phenotypic spectrum, lactic acidosis, and the cerebral MRI, a mitochondrial disorder (MID) was diagnosed. This case shows that a MID may be missed for years, that an SLL may be easily mixed up with ischemic stroke; and that the initial manifestation of an SLL may be a fall.
Knowledge and practice of family medicine and internal medicine residents toward the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Fahad , Al Turki Yousef
Published: August 2021

Background:

Accurate diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remain a challenge in the primary care setting. The objective was to assess GERD management's knowledge and practice and its association with the family and internal medicine residents.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study between January 2019 and September 2020 among the family and internal medicine residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Residents answered a self-administrated questionnaire about knowledge and practices of GERD management.

Results:

A total of 596 residents were included in the current study. The average age was 26.8 ± 2.1 years, and 54.5% of the residents were males. The median knowledge score was 62.5%. The majority (89.8%) of the residents were using acid suppression drugs empirically, mainly proton-pump inhibitors (75.8%), for <8-week durations (69.7%) being taken before meals (84.7%). Frequent diagnostic testing for GERD included urea breath test (50.7%), 24-hour pH-metry/24-hour pH probe (47.3%), and upper endoscopy with biopsy (40.7%). Frequent causes for referral included gastrointestinal bleeding (82.6%), weight loss/appetite loss (82.2%), and failure of therapy (78.7%). Better knowledge was associated with older age, family medicine training, better referral practices, frequent reporting of atypical symptoms, and reading recent guidelines.

Conclusions:

We are reporting a moderate knowledge level among a group of family and internal medicine residents trained in Riyadh hospitals. Practices were generally good with some areas that need improvement, especially diagnostic testing. There is an urgent need for educational programs that target family and internal medicine residents, such as education courses that include lectures and clinical discussions with the senior staff. Also, we suggest health care organizations in Saudi Arabia establish well-structured Saudi National GERD Guidelines.
Intimate partner violence in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Al Ubaidi Basem , Tawfeeq Fatema , Ayed Huda , Hasan Sara , Alahmed Fawzeya
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives:

Women can experience physical abuse, mental, sexual abuse, or even controlling behavior throughout their partnership lifecycle, which must be prevented and curtailed at the early stages. Therefore, this study explores intimate partner violence (IPV) prevalence among Bahraini women, predictors of IPV, and reliability of the Women Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) questionnaire in IPV against women.

Methods:

The current prospective cross-sectional study included 810 Bahraini women meeting the inclusion criteria, who were asked to share any IPV experience witnessed during their marriage. A questionnaire comprising of 25 questions, including those of WAST-short and WAST-long, was used. The reliability of the screening tools was determined using Cronbach's alpha test.

Results:

The prevalence of IPV among Bahraini was found to be 71.11%. During pregnancy, husbands' violent behavior towards family members, relatives or friends; escalation of violence; substance abuse; general antisocial behavior; criminality and mental health issues were significantly associated with IPV (P < 0.001). Relationship problems with the husband, individual behavior of women supporting violence, and history of violence from other family members were significantly associated with abuse (P < 0.05). WAST-short was shown to have a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 18.8%. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the full questionnaire, WAST-short and WAST-long were 0.82, 0.76, and 0.84, respectively.

Conclusion:

Determination of IPV is an outcome of the victim and abuser's psychosocial behaviors, and WAST-short must be complemented with WAST-long for accurate findings. Concerted efforts towards anger management and rehabilitation of the victim and abuser are imperative to end the IPV cycle.
Awareness about brain death and attitude towards organ donation in a rural area of Haryana, India
Authors: Misra Puneet , Malhotra Sumit , Sharma Nitika , Misra M.C. , Vij Arti , Pandav C.S.
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Awareness about brain death influences organ donation behaviour of community. There is huge gap in the demand and availability of organs in India. This study was carried out with the objective of assessing awareness about brain death and attitude towards organ donation in a rural community.

Material and Methods:

A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 1050 adults in a rural area of district Faridabad, Haryana. Data were collected through a pre-tested interview schedule and analysed using SPSS v17.

Results:

80% of the study participants had heard about organ donation. Among them, about 40% were aware of brain death. Majority of the study participants (71.5%) were willing to donate organ irrespective of circumstances. Totally, 94.6% participants had the perspective that special facility should be there for organ donors and their families. Awareness was significantly more among men and among those educated above primary level.

Conclusion:

Knowledge about brain death is crucial in convincing people into organ donation. Hence more efforts should be made to educate and make people aware about brain death and its implications for organ donation.
Empowering in-service nurses in management of viral hepatitis through Programmed Approach to Knowledge and Sensitization on Hepatitis (PRAKASH)
Authors: Bansal Akanksha , Rastogi Aayushi , Chauhan Sapna , Varshney Mohit , Prakash Arun , Kumar Ashish , Syed Sabin
Published: August 2021

Background:

Nursing fraternity are at an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections mainly attributable to occupational risk and close contact with the patients while treatment. However, unawareness and negligence about the severity, mode of transmission and preventive measures about the disease can further predispose the nursing fraternity to a higher risk of infection. To overcome these lacunae in knowledge, a training program named Project PRAKASH was initiated for in-service nurses across the country. The objective of the program was to impart up-to-date knowledge to the nursing professionals in the management of viral hepatitis and to assess the effectiveness of the training program through pre-post-knowledge assessment survey.

Methodology:

One-day training program titled 'Hepatitis Induction Program' was conducted for a period of 2 years (2018-2020) among nursing professionals. It was accompanied by administration of 54-item knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire with four sections: demographic details, knowledge (30 items), attitude (11 items) and practice (13 items), followed by post-knowledge assessment. An Impact Assessment Survey (IAS) was also administered to assess the change in attitude and practice among 10% of the attendees, at least 6 months post training.

Result:

A total of 32 one-day training programmes were organised which witnessed the training of 5,253 nursing professionals from 292 institutions across 12 states. A data of 4,474 participants were included in the final analysis: improvement in the knowledge score was significant (P-value < 0.001) with mean knowledge score of 19.3 ± 4.4 in pre-test and 25.7 ± 3.9 in the post-test.

Conclusion:

The one-day training resulted in improvement of knowledge and significant changes in the attitude and practices of the nursing professionals.
Characterization of potentially inappropriate medication prescriptions for the elderly in primary care and hospital settings
Authors: Yasky Adel F. , Zawawi Alia H.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Polypharmacy cannot be defined numerically due to its varied definitions, and inclusion of comorbidities aggravates the dilemma, creating challenges for the healthcare system and the patients' course of treatment. The introduction of the potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) list developed by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) (AGS Beers Criteria®; updated in 2019) was deemed a solution. However, several risk factors are associated with PIMs, including increased emergency room visits, hospitalization and mortality, and a decline in daily activity. Differences in PIM prescription rates have been reported; however, with the recent Beers criteria update, the number of patients exposed to PIMs is expected to increase significantly due to the addition of new medications to the list.

Objectives:

This study aimed to describe the characteristics of PIM prescriptions for the elderly in primary care and hospital settings.

Methods:

Medications for elderly patients prescribed in our hospital between 2016 and 2019 were reviewed and sorted based on Beers criteria to identify patients with the most PIMs. Correlations were made between gender and facility.

Results:

This study included 40,168 patients (51% males). The total and average numbers of PIM per elderly patient were 260,753 and 6.5, respectively. Proton pump inhibitors were prescribed the most, followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Conclusions:

We found that increasing numbers of PIMs are prescribed to the elderly in our healthcare facilities. Therefore, further recommendations from local geriatric communities and the implementation of reminders for physicians through electronic prescription systems are needed to decrease the rate of prescribed PIMs.
Diagnostic Efficacy of BRAFV600E Immunocytochemistry in Thyroid Aspirates in Bethesda Category IV and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Anand Nidhi , Agrawal Tushar , Gupta Anurag , Shukla Saumya , Pradhan Roma , Husain Nuzhat
Published: August 2021

Background:

In papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), BRAFV600E is a common mutation and is associated with aggressive clinical behaviour. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) and molecular testing are recommended in the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology 2017 (TBSRTC) category III, IV and V.

Aims:

The current study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of conventional FNAC versus FNAC with BRAFV600E immunostaining in cases of TBSRTC category IV, cases of suspicious for PTC and cases of PTC.

Methods and Material:

The study included a prospective case series of 45 patients with clinically palpable thyroid nodules with TBSRTC category IV, category V (suspicious for PTC) and PTC. The corresponding histology specimens of all the 45 cases were also analyzed. Immunostaining for BRAFV600E was performed on FNAC cell blocks and their corresponding histology sections using anti-BRAF (VE1) clone (Ventana). The diagnostic efficacy of the BRAFV600E immunostaining was compared on cytological specimens with histological specimens

Results:

BRAFV600E immunostaining helped to improve the sensitivity of the cytology to confirm the PTC as a diagnostic aid for thyroid FNAs. Cytology alone had a sensitivity of 62.96% and a lower specificity of 60.70%. The combination of both the tests together provided 84.62% sensitivity and much higher specificity of 100%. PPV was also increased to 100% and NPV was raised 94.12%.

Conclusions:

The performance of BRAFV600E immunostaining on the cytological specimen is a rapid, simple and cost-effective test and could be considered in TBSRTC category IV and suspicious and malignant cases of PTC.
Categorization of Breast Fine Needle Aspirates Using the International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System Along with Assessment of Risk of Malignancy and Diagnostic Accuracy in a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Ahuja Sana , Malviya Avneesh
Published: August 2021

Context:

The International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System has developed a standardized system of reporting breast cytology by classifying them into five categories – insufficient, benign, atypical, suspicious, and malignant. Numerous studies conducted at different centers are required to confirm the risk of malignancy of the different categories.

Aims:

The main objectives of our study were to classify breast fine needle aspirates according to the IAC Yokohama system and assess the risk of malignancy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy.

Settings and Design:

It was a retrospective study done over a period of 2 years from January 2018 to December 2020.

Materials and Methods:

All breast FNAs done in the above period were retrieved and classified into five categories according to the Yokohama system. Histopathological diagnosis was also retrieved wherever available.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Using a histopathological diagnosis as the gold standard, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated. For each of the five categories, the risk of malignancy was also assessed.

Results:

Out of the 554 breast fine needle aspirates, 242 had histopathological correlation. The risk of malignancy for insufficient, benign, atypical, suspicious, and malignant categories were 5%, 1.5%, 17.4%, 81.8%, and 100%, respectively. Maximum sensitivity (97.2%) was achieved when atypical, suspicious, and malignant cases were considered as positive test results. The highest specificity (100%) was observed when only malignant cases were considered as positive test results, whereas maximum diagnostic accuracy (96.4%) was noted when the malignant and suspicious category was included in positive test results.

Conclusion:

The IAC Yokohama system is an excellent system for accurately diagnosing breast fine needle aspirates with greater reproducibility of reports and better communication between the pathologist and clinician.
Групповой анализ одномерного уравнения Больцмана. Инварианты и проблема замыкания моментной системы
Authors: Platonova Kseniya Sergeevna , Borovskikh Aleksey Vladislavovich
Published: August 2021

Завершено исследование вопроса о принципиальной возможности замыкания моментной системы кинетического уравнения посредством инвариантных соотношений, полученных методами группового анализа. Для одномерного уравнения получен положительный ответ, найдено инвариантное замыкание моментной системы и обнаружен ряд новых феноменов.
COVID-19 Lockdown and Visiting Friends and Relatives Travellers: Impact and opportunities
Authors: Dube-Xaba Zanele
Published: August 2021

Tourism is regarded as a powerful force in the rise of pandemic diseases as the movement of people is seen as a pathway for the spread of such diseases. The sector is thus susceptible to measures to prevent the spread of pandemics. In the wake of COVID-19, unprecedented lockdown regulations relating to travel restrictions and social distancing have had a direct and indirect impact on the tourism industry and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel in particular. More than half of the domestic tourism market comprises tourists who visit friends and relatives in all corners of South Africa. With the restrictions on public gatherings and travel in the country, inter/intra provincial travel largely ceased on 26 March 2020. This paper draws on existing literature, as well as current media sources to review the literature on the legacy of VFR travel; assess the impact of COVID-19 on VFR travel; and finally, to examine the opportunity that might be created by COVID-19 for such travel. It argues that, in the wake of COVID-19, VRF has the potential to fuel the resurgence of the tourism industry in South Africa, especially domestic tourism. Thus, destination marketing organisations might consider a coordinated effort to market this form of travel.
Sustainability of Wildlife Tourism: Tourist Perceptions on Threats to Wildlife Tourism in Two State Protected Areas in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutanga Chiedza , Gandiwa Edson , Muboko Never , Chikuta Oliver
Published: August 2021

The study sought to determine tourist perceptions on the threats to the sustainability of wildlife tourism using a case study of two state protected areas in Zimbabwe. Using close-ended questionnaires, we collected data from 128 tourists in December 2015. Results show respondents generally perceived all the seven tested threats as serious, i.e., illegal hunting, destruction of wildlife habitats, human-wildlife conflict, lack of involvement of local people in national park tourism, lack of benefits from the national park to local communities, negative attitudes towards tourism by local residents, and poor local community and national park relationships. Moreover, respondents generally had similar perceptions on the impacts of the threats on the sustainability of wildlife tourism regardless of their gender, age, level of education and income. We conclude tourists are more environmentally conscious and well informed of the threats to wildlife tourism in Zimbabwe, which may indicate willingness to support conservation. It is thus necessary for park management to promote local people participation in ecotourism, enhance innovative law enforcement measures as well as motivate tourists to participate in conservation. Results could help broaden policy decision-makers' knowledge base in response to sustainable wildlife tourism development challenges.
Innovative Teaching Technologies as a Way to Increase Students’ Competitiveness
Authors: Galynska O. M. , Shkoliar N. V. , Dziubata Z. I. , Kravets S. V. , Levchyk N. S.
Published: August 2021

The article presents an analysis of innovative teaching technologies as a way to increase students’ competitiveness. The author found that innovative technologies in education are information and communication technologies relying on computer-based learning. The structure, content of educational software, organization of Web-space are important when using innovative teaching technologies in English classes. We conducted the study in several stages: comparative analysis, synthesis, classification and systematization of the results of psychological and pedagogical, educational and methodological research; study of legislative acts, periodicals in order to identify the state of the research issue, and determining the directions of its solution, as well as subject, goal and objectives of the study. We used modelling to create situations of foreign language professional communication of future IT specialists. Empirical methods involved questionnaires used for identifying the motives of professional development and determining the features of the educational activities of future IT specialists in the process of training. The methods of mathematical statistics allowed to scientifically describe and systematize the obtained data, to identify the quantitative relationship between the studied phenomena, to analyse and summarize the results. We conducted a socio-psychological study during 2016 - 2019. It involved 255 first- and fourth-year students of National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.” Innovative information and communication technologies that improve the educational and cognitive activity of students, as well as increase the level of their knowledge have become important in teaching a foreign language in higher educational institutions. These technologies include MOODLE — Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment, business game, integrated pedagogical technology, case study technology. Thus, the information-rich learning process in combination with the use of innovative technologies, well-organized e-learning, interactive training courses, multimedia tools improves the program of teaching and learning foreign languages in general, and English in particular, improves the level of knowledge of future IT specialists and motivation to study and learn foreign languages, allows students to use a variety of authentic materials. We state that all these factors influence the process of individualization of learning and contribute to the successful mastery of a foreign language.
Gıdalarda pH Ölçümünün Önemi
Authors: AKSOY Aslı
Published: August 2021

Gıda güvenliği ve kalitesinin sağlanması için gerek hammadde gerekse son ürün üzerinde çeşitli analizler yapılmaktadır. Asitlik, gıdalardaki önemli kalite kriterlerinden biridir. Asitlik ölçümü için kullanılan en genel ve pratik tekniklerden biri pH ölçümüdür. pH; hammadde, yarı mamul ya da son ürün kalite kontrolü ve ürün mikrobiyal güvenliğin incelenmesi sırasında kullanılan parametrelerden biridir. Her gıdanın sahip olduğu farklı pH değerleri mevcuttur. Bu pH değerlerinden sapma olduğunda, ürünle ya da prosesle ilgili bir sorun olduğu kabul edilmektedir. Bu derlemede bazı gıdaların pH değerleri verilmiş; mevzuat ve standartlar açısından, kalite kriteri olarak pH ölçümü yapılması gereken ürünler listelenmiştir. Gıdalara uygulanan fermantasyon, konserveleme, muhafaza ve marinasyon gibi işlem aşamalarında gerçekleştirilen pH ölçüm sonuçlarının, ortaya çıkacak son ürünün çeşitli özellikleri hakkında ip ucu verebileceği hususuna değinilmiştir. Ayrıca et, süt, sebze, meyve ve bunların çeşitli ürünleri, fırıncılık ürünleri, balık yetiştiriciliği suları ve gıda dezenfektanları gibi ürünlerin, kalite ve gıda güvenliği açısından; bozulma, tazelik, doku, renk, aroma, olgunlaşma gibi özellikleri ile pH değerleri arasındaki ilişki açıklanarak, gıdalarda pH ölçümünün öneminden bahsedilmiştir.
EXAMINATION OF THERMAL STRESSES OCCURRING IN CIRCULAR DISCS BY FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: KAYIRAN Hüseyin Fırat
Published: August 2021

In this study, thermal stress analysis on discs consisting of two different materials was analyzed analytically. Disc materials were selected SiC/6061 Al Alloy composite and Al-7075 respectively. Assuming that the elasticity module does not change with temperature, thermal stress analysis was performed under constant temperature distributions in the area from the inner surface of the disc to the outer surface. Thermal stress analysis was performed under constant temperature distribution. A computer program was developed for the calculation and the ANSYS finite element program was used. The values obtained from the analysis are presented in tables and graphs. There have been differences in radial and tangential stresses that occur because the elasticity modules and thermal expansion coefficients of the materials that make up the discs are different. The radial stress value has always been determined as zero on the innermost and outermost surfaces of the discs. Tangential stresses under constant temperature distribution from the inner surface to the outer surface occurred as pressure on the inner part of the disc and tensile stress on the outer part. It is concluded that the stresses occurring in the SiC /6061 Al alloy composite material are greater than those of AL-7075.
CAHE Outcomes Calculator: An Allied Health Initiative to Improve Practice
Authors: Grimmer Karen , Bialocerkowski Andrea , Milanese Steven , Kumar Saravana , Mulley Barrie , Deenadayalan Yamini , Neumann Patricia , Dryden Lauren , Maddison Trisha , Hiller Susan
Published: August 2021

This paper reports on the process of developing a low-cost initiative for therapists to assist in the collection and evaluation of information on outcome of care, using a selection of standard health outcome measures. An episode of care approach has been taken, in which repeated measures of outcome can be collected whenever the patient presents for treatment for a specific condition. The MS Access-based software is available for download free of charge on the website of the Centre for Allied Health Evidence, University of South Australia (CAHE Outcomes Calculator). The calculator currently incorporates common measures of outcome for musculoskeletal problems, focusing mainly on spinal conditions. These measures have well established psychometric properties, readily understood metrics, available baselines and community norms, and established clinical and research utility. Change in outcome is reported graphically, and also using raw scores and percentage change from baseline. An accompanying manual provides background reference material, the formulae used in the calculator for determining change, and an example of each instrument for use in the clinical setting. Feedback from therapists around the world who have downloaded the calculator to date indicate that it is practical, simple and has assisted them to evaluate their practice.
Impact of the College of Allied Health Professions on the Local Economy
Authors: Chang Semoon
Published: August 2021

Contributions made by allied health programs to the local community extend beyond quality health care. Estimated in this paper are the economic contributions that the College of Allied Health Professions at the University of South Alabama makes to the economy of Mobile County, Alabama, in which the College is located. Economic impact is defined as only those expenditures that are brought to the local economy from outside by the existence of the College, excluding any expenditures that simply change hands in the local economy. Expenditures generated by the existence of the College have the following three groups: expenditures made by out-of-town students, expenditures generated by the College for its operation as well as salaries of its employees who reside in the local area, and external grants generated by the College faculty. In addition to these direct expenditures impact, an estimate is also made for the long-term economic impact of the College on the local economy through the supply of educated health care workers. Total impact is obtained on the basis of RIMS II regional input-output multipliers estimated specifically for Mobile County by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total amount of the annual direct expenditures impact of the College of Allied Health Professions on the local economy is $29,852,490.43. Including the multiplier effect, the amount of total expenditures generated by the College of Allied Health Professions for the local economy is $60,290,089.67 per year. The total number of jobs that are created or maintained in Mobile County by the College-generated expenditures is 1,248. In addition to the direct and indirect economic impact from new expenditures, the College also contributes to the local economy through education and training of its workers. The College of Allied Health Professions contributes $4,424,398.39 in increased earnings annually to the state of Alabama of which $2,145,335.30 is to Mobile County through its education and training.
Accelerometry as an Estimate Of Energy Expenditure in Healthy Children and Children with Cerebral Palsy During Self-Paced Ambulation
Authors: Norman Joseph
Published: August 2021

Oxygen consumption (VO2) is the criterion standard for determining energy expenditure during activity. Newer technologies have resulted in the development of portable metabolic gas analyzers capable of measuring VO2 during a wide range of physical activities in the field. Unfortunately, use of these devices is still limited due to the cost, availability and skill level required to utilize this newer technology. However, there is an instrument which may be utilized. Accelerometers are a type of physical activity monitor that provide estimates of energy expenditure and may potentially be of more practical use in the clinical setting. Purpose: This study was designed to compare estimates of energy expenditure using two different accelerometers to VO2 during self-paced walking speeds in children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy (CP) and in healthy children (HLT). Methods: Ten HLT children and five children with spastic diplegia CP participated in this pilot study (age range: 7.5-17.5 years). Subjects ambulated at self-paced speeds on a level surface wearing a Caltrac accelerometer and a BioTrainer-Pro accelerometer, while VO2 was measured simultaneously with an AeroSport KB1-C portable metabolic gas analyzer. Results: Both accelerometers overestimated caloric expenditure in HLT children. In the children with spastic diplegia CP, we found no significant differences in the mean caloric expenditure estimated by the accelerometers and VO2 (p= 0.62). Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest accelerometers may have potential as a means of estimating energy expenditure during ambulation in children with spastic diplegia CP, which could be useful to clinicians evaluating therapeutic interventions. Further research is indicated.
Amaurosis Fugax- A Clinical Review
Authors: Bacigalupi Michael
Published: August 2021

Amaurosis fugax is a transient visual disturbance that is typically caused by a circulatory, ocular, or neurological underlying condition. Patients with amaurosis fugax are at risk for stroke, myocardial infarction, vision loss and other serious consequences. A thorough case history, careful clinical and ocular examination and appropriate systemic testing will lead to the best possible outcome for these at-risk patients.
Reference Values and Relationship of the Six Minute Walk Test and Body Mass Index in Healthy Third Grade School Children
Authors: Roush James , Guy Jennifer , Purvis Melissa
Published: August 2021

Purpose: This study attempted to establish reference values of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) for children (38 males; 38 females; age 90-108 months) and to determine the relationship between BMI and walking distance. Method: Subjects walked at a normal, self-selected, walking speed on a grassy field for six minutes, after which distance was measured. Results: Mean BMI was 15.50 (sd=2.00) for males and 16.30 (sd=2.90) for females. Mean walking distance was 581.70 m (sd=58.10) for males and 532.20 m (sd=52.60) for females. The partial correlation between BMI and distanced walked with the influence of gender removed was .10 (p > .05). The partial correlation between BMI and distanced walked with the influence of age removed was .02 (p > .05). There was no relationship between distance walked and BMI. Conclusions: Reference values of the six-minute walk test for healthy, third-grade school children were calculated and reported.walk test, pediatric BMI, body mass index, six minute walk test