bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caminos vecinales a imitar. Experiencias y conocimientos extranjeros como modelo para los proyectos viales, 1950-1970
Authors: Salomón Alejandra Laura
Published: August 2023

Entre mediados de las décadas de 1950 y 1970, una confluencia de cambios en la Argentina impulsó una acción pública más definida y sistemática sobre los caminos vecinales, los cuales se convirtieron en una cuestión socialmente problematizada. ¿Cuáles fueron las referencias y tópicos internacionales que sirvieron como sustento para promocionar las iniciativas tendientes a resolver sus problemas de financiamiento y transitabilidad? La incorporación de la dimensión transnacional permite recuperar experiencias y conocimientos que circularon entre los técnicos locales para mejorar el estado de una red que planteaba enormes desafíos por su extensión, su relevancia socio-económica y el desarrollo del transporte automotor. Con fuentes oficiales, informes técnicos, ponencias y publicaciones periódicas, demostraremos la emergencia de un incipiente –aunque marginal– nicho de espacios e ideas para diseñar y debatir soluciones para los retos específicos de los caminos vecinales.
3D- ABAQUS Modelling of Prestressed Concrete Hunched Beams with Multi-Openings of Different Shapes
Authors: Al-Hilali Amjad Majeed , Izzet Amer Farouk
Published: August 2023

A long-span Prestressed Concrete Hunched Beam with Multi-Opening has been developed as an alternative to steel structural elements. The commercial finite element package ABAQUS/CAE version 2019 has been utilized. This article has presented the results of three-dimensional numerical simulations investigating the flexural behaviour of existing experimental work of supported Prestressed Concrete Hunched Beams with multiple openings of varying shapes under static monotonic loads. Insertion openings in such a beam lead to concentrate stresses at the corners of these openings; as a result, extensive cracking would appear. Correlation between numerical models and empirical work has also been discussed regarding load displacement and crack development, and the obtained outcomes demonstrate a good agreement with the experiments. The ratio of ultimate loads and deflection of the beams tested in the investigation to those of numerical models was 0.98 and 0.97, respectively. So, finite element analysis can be regarded as a behaviour-trustworthy technique for simulating the non-linear behaviour of prestressed concrete rafters with multi-openings from the point of view of complexity, hardly, time-keeping, human effort, and cost.
Desorganização social e criminalidade violenta
Authors: Carneiro Leonardo de Andrade , Rodrigues Waldecy , Sobrinho Orimar Souza Santana , Prata David Nadler , Cançado Airton Cardoso
Published: August 2023

Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a criminalidade violenta em Palmas, capital do Tocantins. Parte-se do escopo da “Teoria da Desorganização Social” para refletir sobre as relações entre o crescimento urbano e a concentração da criminalidade violenta no espaço urbano dessa cidade. Metodologicamente, este subsídio teórico e conceitual orientou o levantamento de dados secundários, com prioridade para as bases de dados e bases cartográficas digitais disponibilizadas pelo IBGE, pelo Sistema Integrado de Operações da Polícia Militar do Tocantins e pelo Fórum Brasileiro de Segurança Pública. Utilizou-se técnicas estatísticas e a construção de banco de dados para elaboração dos documentos cartográficos para analisar as relações entre criminalidade violenta e indicadores socioeconômicos e atributos urbanos. Neste sentido, o estudo evidenciou que as variáveis renda, alfabetização, raça, serviços urbanos básicos, em especial a presença da iluminação pública, são fatores contributivos para a concentração dos crimes violentos em determinadas regiões de Palmas. Particularmente, os crimes de roubo estão relacionados com segregação espacial e com os vazios urbanos existentes. Nesta perspectiva, a criminalidade violenta em Palmas é determinada principalmente por ausência de políticas públicas, de renda e de controle social formal.
Razoável quantidade de dor
Authors: Sardinha da Motta Matheus
Published: August 2023

O presente trabalho parte das reflexões de Nils Christie, buscando compreender como a dor orienta o funcionamento do sistema penal no Brasil. Partindo de uma desconstrução das categorias fundamentais do sistema penal, como as noções de crime, criminoso e pena, este estudo discorre sobre algumas das manifestações mais claras da produção de dor pelas agências do poder punitivo, salientando o papel desempenhado pelo Poder Legislativo, que atendendo as demandas punitivas, ignora todos esses problemas e propõe maneiras de elevar os níveis de inflição de dor. Ao final, buscou-se apresentar propostas para limitar e superar a produção de dor e morte pelo sistema penal.
Rapport como técnica para obtenção de informações em Entrevistas Investigativas
Authors: Lino Denis , Bernardes Mônica , Cecconello William Weber , Sierota dos Santos Natália
Published: August 2023

Em uma investigação criminal, as oitivas de vítimas, testemunhas e suspeitos possuem papel central na elucidação do caso. Estudos empíricos das últimas décadas apontam que estabelecer o rapport, um relacionamento positivo e livre de julgamento entre entrevistado e entrevistador, é uma técnica que aumenta a quantidade e a qualidade das informações coletadas de vítimas, testemunhas e suspeitos. Neste artigo, apresentamos uma revisão do estado da arte da literatura científica no que tange à utilização do rapport no contexto investigativo. São apresentados os diferentes componentes do rapport (atenção mútua, positividade e coordenação), para então discutir, por meio de evidências de estudos empíricos, como a entrevista com testemunhas, vítimas e suspeitos pode ser mais efetiva. Por fim, é exposto como o rapporté utilizado nos principais protocolos internacionais de entrevistas investigativas, assim como recomendações para aplicação na prática policial brasileira.
NOD2 influences cell death through CFLAR.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: August 2023

We provide evidence here from loss-of-function studies in mice and gain-of-function studies in human cells (1, 2) that demonstrate NOD2 can control the expression of the caspase-8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator CFLAR, also known as c-FLIP, together implying NOD2 influences cell death decisions.
Securing Cloud-Based DevOps: Integration of Security into Continuous Delivery
Authors: Khan Danial
Published: August 2023

Securing Cloud-Based DevOps: Integration of Security intoContinuous Delivery
Exploring Identity Theories in British and American Gothic War Fiction
Authors: Ali Saad
Published: August 2023

This research explores the representation and exploration of identity theories in British andAmerican Gothic war fiction. Through a comprehensive analysis of selected works from bothliterary traditions, the study delves into how war experiences shape characters' identities and howauthors employ Gothic elements to explore themes of self-identity, collective identity, and thecomplexities of the human psyche amidst the horrors of conflict. By considering the psychological,sociological, and philosophical dimensions of identity, this interdisciplinary study aims to shedlight on the enduring power of literature in portraying the intricacies of human identity and itsresilience in times of war.
Proyeksi Penduduk dan Proyeksi Fasilitas Umum
Authors: Asrul
Published: August 2023

Proyeksi penduduk di perlukan pemerintah untuk memproyeksikan penduduk yang sesuai dengan tanggung jawabnya untuk memperbaiki kondisi sosial ekonomi rakyat khususnya untuk Kabupaten Wajo melalui pembangunan yang terencana. Proyeksi penduduk dapat di gunakan untuk perencanaan yang tujuan nya untuk menyediakan jasa sebagai respon terhadap penduduk yang sudah di proyeksikan, perencanaan yang tujuannya untuk merubah trend penduduk menuju ke perkembangan demografi sosial dan Ekonomi. Untuk memproyeksikan jumlah penduduk pada waktu yang akan datang dalam jangka waktu yang relatif pendek dapat di lakukan baik dengan menggunakan metode matematik maupun metode komponen karena hasil secara total hampir tak ada perbedaan.
A three-dimensional brane universe in a four-dimensional spacetime with a Big Bang.
Authors: Sharipov Ruslan Abdulovich
Published: August 2023

Arguments for the universe being a 3D brane in a 4D bulk are given. Einstein's gravity equations are rewritten as dynamical equations for a 3D metric on a 3D brane travelling in a 4D spacetime with a Big Bang.
Generative Adversarial Networks for Enhanced Learning Experiences
Authors: Geowani Gausconti , Conri Mauro
Published: August 2023

Generative Adversarial Networks for Enhanced Learning Experiences
NOD2 restricts cell cycle behavior by controlling expression of AURKB, BUB1 and ASPM.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: August 2023

We provide evidence here from loss-of-function studies in mice and gain-of-function studies in human cells (1, 2) which demonstrate regulation of two mitotic kinases and a mitotic spindle protein by the NLR (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor) family protein NOD2, implying Nod2 can exert some level of influence over cell cycle dynamics.
SLAMF7 is differentially expressed in central nervous system metastasis.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: August 2023

Metastasis to the brain occurs in a significant fraction of patients with breast cancer and lung cancer (1-3). We mined published RNA-sequencing and multiplexed gene expression data (4, 5), comparing primary and brain metastatic tumor transcriptomes for the discovery of genes associated with metastasis to the CNS. We found that SLAM family member 7, encoded by SLAMF7, was among the genes whose expression was most different in the brain metastases of patients with metastatic breast cancer as compared to primary tumors of the breast. Multiplexed gene expression data (5) revealed conserved differential expression of SLAMF7 in CNS metastasis in patients with lung cancer. SLAMF7 mRNA was present at decreased quantities in metastasis to the brain in humans with lung cancer. Primary tumor expression of SLAMF7 correlated with overall survival. Modulation of SLAMF7 expression may be relevant to the biology by which tumor cells metastasize from the primary organ site to the brain in humans with lung cancer and breast cancer.
A Probe into Absurdism in Edward Albee’s Play The Zoo Story
Authors: Hassan Ali
Published: August 2023

As an American playwright who established his fame in 1960s, Albee finds his name and plays widely listed amongcritics’ hails and attacks. Liked or disliked, praised or condemned, original or posturing, he has played an undoubtedly essentialrole in the development of American play. This paper attempts to study Edward Albee’s style of Theatre of the Absurd withspecial focus on his play The Zoo Story (1959). It first explores the distinguishing characteristics that mark the playwrightEdward Albee out from other writers, that is, the description of violence in his plays, his standing on the borderline betweenabsurdism and realism, and the attack upon the optimism of the American Dream. Then by seeking recourse to literary theorieslike the Theatre of the Absurd, and the Theatre of Cruelty, and philosophical terms such as Existentialism, the latter part of thepaper deals with the specific discussion of Albee’s play The Zoo Story, commenting on its devaluation of language, the existentialchoice and violence in action, and simulation in characterization. The paper intends to draw the conclusion that absurdism ispermeated in the play, which indicates that Albee enriches the philosophy and practice of the Absurd theatre and continues itstradition through transplanting it in the soil of American theatre.
Mindful attention to alcohol can reduce cravings in the moment and consumption in daily life
Authors: Cosme Danielle , Helion Chelsea , Kang Yoona , Lydon-Staley David M. , Dore Bruce P , Stanoi Ovidia , Ahn Jeesung , Jovanova Mia , McGowan Amanda L. , Boyd Zachary M. , Mucha Peter , Bassett Danielle S , Ochsner Kevin , Falk Emily B.
Published: August 2023

It is critical to support healthy development of alcohol-related habits, particularly in contexts with heightened risk such as college campuses. Mindfulness-based strategies are frequently used in interventions to reduce substance use in clinical populations, but their utility as a preventative strategy among emerging adults is less clear. Combining multivariate neuroimaging, intervention, and experience sampling methodologies, we tested the degree to which mindful attention reduces alcohol cravings in the laboratory and consumption in daily life in a sample of college students. Students completed a mindful attention task towards alcohol in an fMRI scanner followed by a 28-day, smartphone-based, experience sampling intervention. We leveraged functional neuroimaging and machine learning to develop a neural measure (signature) of mindful attention that enabled us to examine moment-to-moment fluctuations and individual differences in effective implementation of mindful attention. In the laboratory, mindfully attending to alcohol decreased craving, particularly among people who more strongly expressed the mindful attention signature. In daily life, the mindful attention intervention increased mindful responses to alcohol and decreased lagged alcohol consumption through two distinct pathways: mindful responses directly influenced alcohol consumption and indirectly influenced it by reducing cravings for alcohol. Moreover, individuals who more strongly expressed the mindful attention signature benefitted the most from the intervention. Broadly, our study highlights how mindful attention can reduce alcohol consumption among emerging adults in college via a scalable smartphone-based intervention.
Innovative Deception Across Cultures
Authors: Kapoor Hansika , Henderson Simon
Published: August 2023

Abstract In general, creativity is associated with originality and usefulness, and innovation can be considered as the monetization of creativity through enterprise. More recently, research has explored the dark side of creativity, where original thinking is used to meet negative or malicious goals, with or without the intent to hurt others. Behaviors and traits related to deception and misrepresentation feature prominently as correlates of such dark creativity. Research has also found robust differences in the manner in which deception is perceived and conveyed across cultures as well as in the preferences for truth-telling. Further, culture shapes perceptions and attitudes not only toward creative endeavors and accomplishments, but also toward the means of attaining them. The present work ties together these strands of research, presenting an anecdotal account of the use of innovative deception in diverse cultures across contexts. We discuss examples of financial fraud and other unlawful activities to illustrate cases of innovative deception. Drawing from research in creativity, innovation, and morality across cultures, an integrative description of innovative deception is presented. Existing and emerging consequences of the same are discussed (e.g., fake news as innovative deception in political propaganda).
A Socioecological Examination of School, Family and Community Factors Associated with Civic Motivation among Trinidadian Adolescents
Authors: Jessop Nadia
Published: August 2023

Adolescent’s motivation to participate in civic life is in part affected by their experiences and resources in and outside of school. The present study examined associations among Trinidadian adolescents’ (N = 623; Mage = 13.9 years; 65.3% female) civic motivation and socioecological factors. Specifically, hierarchical linear regression models were used to examine the extent to which school-based factors (school type, school engagement, and social studies achievement) and non-school factors (SES, family cohesion, neighborhood conditions and peer delinquency) were associated with civic competence and civic value. Results suggest that adolescents who attend prestigious schools, and who find school engaging, and perform well in social studies, tend to report greater civic competence and civic value. Additionally, adolescents from higher SES, cohesive families, and well-resourced neighborhoods, also report greater civic competence and value. Meanwhile, peer delinquency was negatively associated with civic value specifically, but only for those students from higher SES backgrounds. The models provided very little information about the potential risk and protective factors for civic motivation among students from lower SES backgrounds. The implications of these results for promoting adolescent civic motivation in and outside of school, as well as the potential for social inequity in civic outcomes are further discussed.
Counselor Education in the Era of ChatGPT and Other Artificial Intelligence Based Chatbots
Authors: Maurya Rakesh K. , Cavanaugh Terence
Published: August 2023

Conversation AI such as ChatGPT is a disruptive technology which will change the educational landscape. The present article evaluates commonly used curriculum-based assessments (CBAs) by counselor educators in the light of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence based chatbots. The authors propose that these assessments should be modified to better support student learning in the context of ChatGPT technology. Moreover, the authors provide recommendations for counselor educators on how to integrate ChatGPT into their teaching practices to improve counselors-in-training classroom engagement and learning outcomes. The authors have also discussed the current limitations of ChatGPT and other AI-based chatbots.
Virtual / Augmented Reality for Joint Attention Skills Improvement in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yazdanian Hassan , Vakili AmirMohammad , Soltani Ariana , Rekhne Zohre Bagheri , Zareii Sajjad , Zarifian Talieh
Published: August 2023

Deficit in joint attention (JA) is among the earliest signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and it is targeted in early intervention programs. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging technologies that have widely drawn the interest of scientists to conduct research in the ASD field in recent years. Despite the critical role of JA skills in the development of social-communication skills, they have been targeted by VR/AR-based interventions for autistic individuals in only a few studies. On this ground, this systematic literature review aims to present the state of the art in the clinical applications of interventions based on VR/AR for improving the JA skills of individuals with ASD. Seven peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to clarify the experimental effect of VR/AR applications on JA skills and consequently on social-communications skills. According to the analysis, positive results have been reported in all studies except one. Moreover, it was revealed that there was no consensus on JA measures employed in the studies. Therefore, it was difficult to compare results and draw a definite conclusion about the clinical benefits of VR/AR. Due to the importance of JA, it is highly recommended to conduct further clinical trials on the use of VR/AR-based intervention to enrich the literature on the subject.
The Mindfulness Internal Attention (MIA) Framework: Looking In to Understand Attentional Mechanisms of Mindfulness Training
Authors: Hadash Yuval , Dar Omer , Amir Iftach , Bernstein Amit
Published: August 2023

Although attention is thought to have a definitive role in mindfulness and its salutary outcomes, extant empirical findings from more than two decades of research on the effects on mindfulness training on attention are mixed and provide only partial support for this central theoretical premise. To account for these findings, as well as to advance field-wide understanding of mindfulness mechanisms of action, we propose the Mindfulness Internal Attention (MIA) framework. We theorize that mindfulness training primarily targets internal attentional processes that operate on internally generated- or stored- experiences and mental representations (e.g., bodily sensations, thoughts). Moreover, we theorize that the effects of mindfulness training on internal attention generalize to late-stage external attentional processes that operate on abstracted representations of external information and share cognitive resources with internal attention (e.g., inhibitory control, shifting, and updating working memory). In contrast, we theorize that mindfulness training will not likely impact early-stage external attentional processes that operate on sensory-perceptual information (e.g., alerting and exogenous orienting to visual stimuli). Finally, we propose that internal attentional processes subserve central salutary mechanisms of mindfulness (e.g., decentering, acceptance) and thereby are essential for the salutary effects of mindfulness training. We report a critical review of empirical findings that examines and provides support for the MIA framework. Finally, we propose future directions related to the integration of emerging measures of internal attention into mindfulness research, study of the shared resources between external and internal attention in mindfulness training, and study of internal attentional processes as mechanisms of mindfulness training.
Keeping track of reality: Embedding visual memory in natural behavior
Authors: Martarelli Corinna , Chiquet Sandra , Ertl Matthias
Published: August 2023

Since immersive virtual reality (IVR) emerged as a research method in the 1980s, the focus has been on the similarities between IVR and actual reality. In this vein, it has been suggested that IVR methodology might fill the gap between laboratory studies and real life. IVR allows for high internal validity (i.e., a high degree of experimental control and experimental replicability), as well as high external validity by letting participants engage with the environment in an almost natural manner. Despite internal validity being crucial to experimental designs, external validity also matters in terms of the generalizability of results. In this paper, we first highlight and summarize the similarities and differences between IVR, desktop situations (both non-immersive VR and computer experiments), and reality. In the second step, we propose that IVR is a promising tool for visual memory research in terms of investigating the representation of visual information embedded in natural behavior. We encourage researchers to carry out experiments on both two-dimensional computer screens and in immersive virtual environments to investigate visual memory and validate and replicate the findings. IVR is valuable because of its potential to improve theoretical understanding and increase the psychological relevance of the findings.
Impact of Family Dysfunction on The Psychological Wellbeing of Pupils in Inclusive Schools in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Badamas Omoshalewa Lasbat , Uyanne Elizabeth O , O Ifinju I
Published: August 2023

Family plays a significant role on how children develop and a steady family that is steady (responsibility and functionality) is extremely important to the development of a child. A child's home environment should offer a favourable framework for healthy psychological wellbeing. Thus, this study investigated the impact of family dysfunction on the psychological wellbeing of pupils in inclusive schools in Lagos State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and simple random sampling technique was used to select 216 respondents from 12 inclusive schools in Lagos State. Two questionnaires titled Family Dysfunction and Psychological Wellbeing Scales (PWBS) were used. Percentage analysis was used to answer the research questions and PPMC was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 alpha level. The study revealed that the level of family dysfunction among pupils in inclusive school in Lagos was relatively high, the state of psychological wellbeing of pupils in inclusive schools in Lagos was relatively low and there was significant negative impact of family dysfunction on psychological wellbeing of pupils in inclusive schools in Lagos State. The study concluded that social support (emotional support) should be highly encouraged by the school authorities to emotional support struggling pupils and their counterparts.
Needs Analysis of The Development STEM-PjBL Based LKPD To Train Students' Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Sirait Jeliana Veronika , Maulida Rizki
Published: August 2023

Critical thinking skills is very important in the science learning process. Teaching materials are needed to encourage critical thinking skills. This research was conducted to analyze the needs of teachers and students for the development of STEM-PjBL based LKPD to train students’ critical thinking skills. The research method used was descriptive to investigate the initial conditions. The research data was collected using an interview sheets and distributing needs analysis questionnaires through google form. The subjects of this study were physics teacher and 25 students of class XI IPA SMA in Tebing Tinggi. The datas were analysis using qualitative analysis techniques. The results showed that: (1) teachers had never used STEM-PjBL based LKPD before, (2) students were not familiar with learning activities that require critical thinking skills and they have difficulty in understanding the use of physics formulas, (3) students and teachers agree with the development of STEM-PjBL based LKPD to train critical thinking skills.
The Influence of Emotional Intelligence, Industrial Work Practices, Soft Skills, and Self-Efficacy on Students Work Readiness
Authors: Febriyana Nora , Indrawati Henny , Makhdalena Makhdalena
Published: August 2023

Vocational High School is one of the institutions that prepare the workforce, Students from Vocational High School should have good work readiness to work immediately. However, based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia has the highest open unemployment rate for SMK graduates compared to other levels of education. This study aims to determine the effect of emotional intelligence, industrial work practices, soft skills, and self-efficacy on students' work readiness. This study uses a descriptive method with a quantitative approach. The research subjects were class XII students majoring in Accounting at SMKN 1 and SMKN 6 Pekanbaru City. The population in this study totalled 233 students and a sample of 147 students. The sampling technique used is Proportional Random Sampling. The data analysis technique uses descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression equations with the help of SPSS. The results showed that work readiness as a variable (Y) was simultaneously influenced by emotional intelligence (X1), industrial work practices (X2), soft skills (X3) and self-efficacy (X4) in Pekanbaru City Vocational High School students.
Impact of lag time on lung function impairment in pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae patients – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sreekaanth S  , Ragulan Rajalingam  , Jereen Varghese  , V Viswambhar , Vidhya Priya
Published: August 2023

Background: Treatment completed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients are often left with permanent pulmonary function impairment. Lag time remains a major factor in determining the severity of the sequelae.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of lag time on PTB sequelae.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during July 2019–December 2020. A total of 85 patients presenting with clinicoradiological features of PTB sequelae were recruited for the study and spirometry and diffusion capacity of lungs (DLCO) were done. They were divided into study groups based on lag time. The lag time (in days) was considered as primary explanatory variable. One-way ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used. coGuide V.1.0 was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The mean lag time was 52.94 days in the study population. The mean duration of after treatment was 15.45 years in the study population. There was a statistically significant difference across study groups (classified based on the lag time) in lung function such as FVC%, FEV1, FEVI/FVC, MEF, DLCO, and duration of after treatment (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The lag time from the development of symptom to the diagnosis of the disease has a significant impact on lung function impairment in PTB sequelae patients since the increase in lag time increases the severity of lung function impairment. Early identification and treatment may help in reducing the progression of lung function impairment.
Comparative study of analgesic efficacy of levobupivacaine alone and levobupivacaine plus dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Neha Pareek  , Nikita Badmaliya  , Sweta Bharadiya  , Pramila Soni
Published: August 2023

Background: Instillation of intraperitoneal lignocaine, bupivacaine, levobupivacaine, and ropivacaine has been used, following laparoscopic gynecological and general surgical procedures, to reduce postoperative pain through randomized trials for many years.
Aims and Objectives: Intraperitoneal instillation of 0.25% levobupivacaine provides effective analgesia, and we have added dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg to compare the analgesic efficacy of levobupivacaine alone and levobupivacaine plus dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patients of either sex were included in the study. The age range of the included patients was 25–70 years. All the included patients had the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II and had to undergo LC surgeries. All patients were randomly divided into two groups of 60 patients each.
Results: The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score readings at 4 and 8 h in group A were 21.48±1.80 and 25.41±2.50, respectively, and in group B were 18.14±0.90 and 20.95±1.78, respectively. At 4, 8, and 12 h postoperatively, the mean VAS readings for group B were statistically significantly lower in comparison to the mean VAS readings for group A (P<0.05). Among the A group and B group, the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia was lower in group B in comparison to group A (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It was concluded that intraperitoneal instillation of local anesthetic is an easy, cheap, and noninvasive method, which provides good analgesia in the immediate postoperative period after laparoscopic surgery. Adding dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg to intraperitoneal levobupivacaine 0.25% in LC decreases the postoperative analgesic needs in the postoperative period compared to levobupivacaine 0.25% alone and improves the quality and duration of analgesia.
Childhood Grave’s-an experience from a tertiary care center
Authors: Vikrant Ghatnatti  , Nilakshi Deka  , Neeta PN
Published: August 2023

Background: Graves’ disease (GD) attributes for important cause for childhood hyperthyroidism with a prevalence of 0.02%. Initial treatment for GD is the use of antithyroid drugs (ATDs), which is well accepted. The remission rate is around about 30% of children treated with ATD.
Aims and Objective: (1) To assess the predictors of relapse and remission after ATD in children with Grave’s disease. (2) To study the clinical profile at presentation and treatment outcome of children with Grave’s disease.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of children diagnosed for GD (n=27) and treated with either carbimazole (0.6–0.8 mg/kg), methimazole (0.2–1 mg/kg), or (propylthiouracil, 5–10 mg/kg) and continued till euthyroid state was achieved. The dose was titrated every 2 months once till the achievement of the euthyroid state. Assessment of remission and relapse was done within a year of stopping the drug.
Results: The overall estimated relapse rate for hyperthyroidism was 54.1% (13 patients), within a year of stopping ATD with a mean duration treatment of 24.23±7.44 months. Multivariate survival analysis showed that the risk of relapse (87.5%) was higher for patients of a body mass index SD score <0.5 and a large goiter. Pre-pubertal patients had higher relapse rate than pubertal patients (OR- 3.24, P=0.04). No other clinical variables such as age, gender, and Wayne Index were significantly associated with relapse, though patients in the relapse group were younger, and had a male predominance with higher Wayne index scores.
Conclusion: GD in children has a high relapse rate. Severity of the disease as measured by various clinical methods is important in predicting relapse.
Prognostic value of plasma interleukin 6 levels in severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Afeefah Jamsheed  , Suhail Sidiq  , Abdul Qayoom Lone  , Zaffar Amin
Published: August 2023

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in a significant morbidity and mortality. Several inflammatory mediators are released after TBI. Some studies have shown inconclusive association between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and outcome following TBI.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of plasma IL-6 levels as a possible prognostic marker in patients with severe TBI.
Materials and Methods: A total of 47 male patients with isolated severe TBI were included in a prospective observational study. Plasma IL-6 levels was measured at admission, 24 h and 48 h. Association of IL-6 levels with mortality and functional outcome were studied. The Glasgow outcome scale was used to assess functional outcomes.
Results: Mean age was 44.4 years. Overall mortality of 42.6% was noted. Higher mortality was noted for patients beyond 50 years of age. Mean IL-6 levels at the time of admission was 306.285 pg/mL and 167.830 pg/mL at 24 h while 99.033 pg/mL at 48 h of admission Mean IL 6 levels were higher in patients with lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS), with a significant statistical association of GCS with IL-6 levels at admission and 24 h (P<0.001). 38 (80.85%) patients underwent surgical intervention. No statistical correlation was noted between IL-6 levels and mode of management. Significant IL-6 levels were seen in patients with worse clinical course at admission, 24 h and 48 h (P<0.0001). A level of 78 pg/mL was the appropriate cutoff to differentiate patient mortality as per receiver operating characteristic curve with Sensitivity of 1 and specificity of 0.8.
Conclusion: IL-6 plasma concentrations are likely to be a useful parameter for assessing prognosis in severe TBI.
Nasal polyps and its histopathological classification: A retrospective study
Authors: Jitendra Pratap Singh Chauhan  , Ritu Gupta  , Abhay Kumar
Published: August 2023

Background: The diagnosis of nasal polyp is made according to clinical and radiological criteria, while histopathologic examination is important for an accurate diagnosis. Histological classification of nasal polyps and its clinical implications are very rarely reported in the literature.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to study clinical presentation and site of occurrence of nasal polyps and histologically classify nasal polyps in relation to studies published in the literature. We classified the histological changes as described by Davidson and Hellquist.
Materials and Methods: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the 315 subjects were included in our study, which include eosinophilic polyp, fibro-inflammatory polyp, polyp with sero-mucinous gland hyperplasia, and polyp with stromal atypia.
Results: Sinonasal polyps can be classified in the following way histologically: edematous or eosinophilic polyp 189 cases (60%); fibro-inflammatory polyp: 66 cases (21%); polyp with seromucinous gland hyperplasia: 35 cases (11%), polyp with stroma atypia: no case (0%), and fibrotic 25 cases (8%).
Conclusion: We concluded that the nasal polyps mainly present as an edematous or eosinophilic pattern on histopathological examination. Studies on the histopathology of nasal polyps would help us to understand this disease more appropriately for treatment plan. Further differentiation of nasal polyps may help to develop new therapeutic strategies that are tailored according to the respective group.
A study of comparison between quality of life early closure of ileostomy and late closure of ileostomy
Authors: Neeraj Kumar Banoria  , Pankaj Saunakiya  , Muktesh Kumar Maurya
Published: August 2023

Background: In the developed countries, ileostomy is mainly constructed as a protective cover for distal colorectal or ileoanal pouch anastomosis, but in developing countries, it is still often made in emergency surgical settings where infective conditions such as enteric or tubercular perforations are common and patients present late in their course of illness which precludes primary closure.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to compare health-related quality of life at 3, 6, and 12 months comparing early versus late closure of a temporary ileostomy.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 50 patients, 25 patients undergoing for early stoma closure and 25 patients undergoing for late closure ileostomy each in Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College, Jhansi, between January 2020 and June 2021.
Results: The mean age of patient undergoing early closure is 36.16 and mean age of patient undergoing late closure is 40.36, out of which 80% were male patient and 20% patient were female. Using SF-36 questionnaire, out of 8 domains, quality of life of early closure of ileostomy is significantly better in respect of 3 domains and that is physical functioning – P=0.004. Mean±SD score for early stoma closure 80.6±22.495 for late closure 73.00±25.247. Social functioning P=0.05. Mean±SD score for early stoma closure, 74.00±4.243 late stoma closure 71.50 ±0.707. Role emotion P=0.04, Mean±SD score for early stoma closure 80.00±4.00 late closure 74.67±12.20.
Conclusion: We concluded that quality of life in early closure of ileostomy is significantly better in respect of 3 domains (physical functioning, social functioning, and role emotion) out of 8 domains in SF-36 questionnaire than quality of life in late closure of ileostomy.
Effect of foxtail millet supplementation in comparison to atorvastatin on high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats
Authors: Praneeth Reddy Onteddu  , Suguna Priya  , Bhuvaneshwari Gajala  , Shravya Edavaluru  , Chaitanya Kandula
Published: August 2023

Background: Hyperlipidemia can be defined as an increased concentration of lipids in the blood. Foxtail millet (FTM) is a nutrient-rich cereal containing several phytochemicals which have possible lipid-lowering and glucose-lowering abilities. Atorvastatin is an HMG Co-A Reductase Inhibitor commonly prescribed for Hyperlipidemia.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the hypolipidemic effect of FTM with that of Atorvastatin in Sprague–Dawley rats.
Materials and Methods: Twelve 12 male Sprague–Dawley rats were segregated into Group-A and Group-B with six (6) rats in each group. The rats in both groups were fed high-fat diet for 21 days and for the next 21 days the 6 rats in Group-A were fed FTM in the form of pellets, the 6 rats in Group-B were administered Atorvastatin in a dose of 5 mg/kg. The body weight (BW) and lipid profiles of the rats were measured at three stages-day 0, day 21, and day 42.
Results: FTM showed an 18.1% rise in high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). It showed a fall in BW, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and very LDL (VLDL-C) which were 15.5%, 14.0%, 12.8%, 18.3%, and 16.0%, respectively. With Atorvastatin the rise in HDL-C was 13.4%. The fall in BW, TC, TG, LDL-C, and VLDL-C was 30.2%, 30.5%, 24.9%, 27.5%, and 34.4%, respectively.
Conclusion: The present study results showed that FTM had a noticeable positive effect on the lipid profile and BW in Dyslipidemia in comparison to Atorvastatin.
Role of diagnostic laparoscopy in comparison with CT scan finding of patients presenting with abdominal trauma-A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yadav Shiv Shakti , Gupta Rachna , Lalmani Singh  , Anaswara Harindran M  , Jain Ekta
Published: August 2023

Background: Trauma is a critical and urgent surgical condition that we encounter on a regular basis. Blunt trauma mechanisms account for 78.9–95.6% of all injuries, with the abdomen being affected in 6.0–14.9% of all traumatic injuries. Diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) for blunt abdominal trauma (BAT) is safe and feasible. Prerequisites are the hemodynamic stability of the patient and surgical expertise in advanced laparoscopy.
Aims and Objectives: To find out the role of DL in the diagnosis and management of abdominal trauma patients. Effect on the length of hospital stay and rate of reduction of non-therapeutic laparotomy in the patients with trauma abdomen.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 patients of abdominal trauma with pre-structured pro forma and Written informed consent. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan of the abdomen was done in hemodynamically stable patient and injury was noted. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria underwent DL.
Results: The duration of hospital stay was lower in laparoscopically managed patients than in laparotomy patients. Most of the patients were managed conservatively 37 (74%) and thus by reducing non-therapeutic laparotomy. Overall recovery was 86% which signifies the reduction in mortality rate with the use of DL. In this study, clear diagnosis was obtained in 88% of the cases, so the efficacy is 88%.
Conclusion: Laparoscopy and CECT abdomen has an effective diagnostic and management role in patients with BAT. The therapeutic value of DL is also accepted, well appreciated, and it cannot be underestimated.
A comparative study of efficacy of ropivacaine (0.75%) with adjuvants – dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in supraclavicular brachial plexus block
Authors: Zaebha Shah Alam  , Pradhan Monnaiah K  , Sandeep S Kadam  , Hema Viswanath K  , Pedapolu Kishore Babu  , Usha Rani S
Published: August 2023

Background: Brachial plexus block is preferred to general anesthesia (GA) as it reduces many complications of GA, provides good intra and postoperative analgesia, adequate muscle relaxation. Addition of adjuvants along with LA is used to prolong block with improved quality of anesthesia and decrease dose of LA. This study was done to see the efficacy of Ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in terms of duration of action and pain relief.
Aims and Objectives: Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl along with Ropivacaine in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries, the onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade as well as post op analgesia is compared.
Materials and Methods: Prospective Randomized Comparative study with three groups randomly divided received total volume of 30 mL of drug in peripheral nerve stimulator guided supraclavicular blocks in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. Group Dexmedetomidine received 28 cc of 0.75% Ropivacaine and Dexmedetomidine (1 mcg/kg), Group Fentanyl patients received 28 cc of 0.75% Ropivacaine and fentanyl (1 mcg/kg), whereas, group plain Ropivacaine patients received 28 cc of 0.75% Ropivacaine and 2 mL of normal saline. Haemodynamics, sensory and motor block (MB) were evaluated by VAS and modified Bromage scale.
Results: The onset of sensory block and MB in the dexmedetomidine group, fentanyl group, and ropivacaine groups was 3.57±0.50 min and 4.47±0.51 min, 5.50±0.51 min and 7.53±0.51 min, and 8.07±0.79 min and 10.07±0.79 min respectively which were statistically significant. The duration of MB in the dexmedetomidine group, fentanyl group, and ropivacaine group were 6.57±0.50 h, 4.47±0.51 h, and 2.50±0.51 h respectively which was statistically significant (P=0.0000). The duration at which first postoperative analgesia was required in the dexmedetomidine group, fentanyl group, and ropivacaine group were 8.57±0.50 h, 6.57±0.50 h, and 5.30±0.47 h respectively.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is better as an adjuvant to Ropivacaine for brachial plexus block in terms of onset and duration.
Satisfaction among caregivers of beneficiaries with the services provided at the well-baby clinic of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata
Authors: Pattanayak Shalini , Naskar Somnath , Partha Pratim Pal  , Mausumi Basu  , Ankita Mishra  , Chakrabarti Sreetama
Published: August 2023

Background: Well-baby clinics (WBC) are health facilities for providing primary care, including immunization services to infants and children. Caregivers’ satisfaction is a vital indicator of the quality of healthcare services provided.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the caregivers’ satisfaction with the services provided at the WBC of a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal and to identify the associated sociodemographic factors.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive-type of observational study with a cross-sectional design, was conducted from June to July 2022, using a predesigned pretested and structured schedule, among 106 caregivers of beneficiaries attending WBC. Satisfaction was assessed using 24 items answered on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from “highly satisfied” to “highly dissatisfied.” Data were tabulated in MS Excel 2021 and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences v25.0. Bivariate Logistic Regression was performed to examine the association of sociodemographic factors with caregivers’ satisfaction.
Results: High satisfaction with the services was observed among 52.8% participants. Least number of caregivers were satisfied with the vaccination services. Caregivers’ gender, mothers’ education and beneficiaries’ gender were found to be statistically significant with their satisfaction. Furthermore, the female caregivers had lower odds of statistically significant high satisfaction than the males.
Conclusion: Almost half of the caregivers were less satisfied with the services offered at the WBC, while the least number of caregivers were satisfied with the vaccination services. Extensive research is needed to identify the factors contributing to the satisfaction of caregivers with the services, mainly vaccination.
Indian twin registry: A gold mine for genetic studies
Authors: Ruby Dhar  , Kumar Arun , Subhradip Karmakar
Published: August 2023

Twins are a source of curiosity, both for the family and the scientific community. Genetic similarities between twins have been the preferred choice to study the heritability of traits. The fact that nature and nurture play a significant role in shaping one’s phenotype has prompted Geneticists to use twins as a proxy to address this fact. Based on the similarities, twins are of two types, monozygotic twins (MZ) and Dizygotic twins (DZ). Identical or monozygotic twins are formed when one fertilized egg (ovum), fertilized by one sperm, splits and develops into two embryos with precisely the same genetic information. The combined ratio of MZ and DZ to singleton delivery is approx 1: 100.
On the other hand, fraternal or dizygotic twins are formed when two eggs (ova) are fertilized by two sperm and produce two genetically unique children in the same pregnancy. Monochorionic twins are genetically identical, sharing the same placenta. If more than two twins share the placenta, these are monochorionic multiples. Monochorionic twins occur in 0.3% of all pregnancies. Monozygotic (identical) twins share all their genes, while dizygotic (fraternal) twins only share about 50%. Hence, any similarity seen between identical twins when comparing the similarity between sets of fraternal twins for a trait or condition is most probablydue to genes rather than environment.
TWIN REGISTRIESProgress in twin research worldwide is carried out by establishing Twin registries or consortia based on collaborations of several twin families. These registries are a rich source of materials for Twin research. It is much needed to establish such Twin registries in India. With its 1.5 Billion population, Indian Twin registries can be a source of materials for Twin Research for the whole world.