bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Appendectomy in the Treatment of Patients with Complicated Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Malkov I. S. , Mamedov T. A. , Filippov V. A. , Kurochkin S. V. , Sharafislamov I. F.
Published: April 2024

Relevance Treatment of complicated forms of acute destructive appendicitis continues to be an urgent problem in emergency abdominal surgery. Aim of study Improving the results of surgical treatment of patients with appendiceal peritonitis with laparoscopic appendectomy.

Material and methods A retrospective analysis of the treatment of 150 patients with acute appendicitis complicated by local and diffuse peritonitis aged from 17 to 69 years was carried out. There were 77 (51.3%) women and 73 (48.7%) men. Depending on the treatment tactics used, two groups of patients were divided. In the main group (64 patients), the leading treatment method was laparoscopic appendectomy. In the comparison group (86 patients), traditional approaches were used, including open appendectomy with the McBurney approach in 72 patients (83.7%) and laparotomy for diffuse peritonitis in 14 (16.4%).

Results The analysis of the surgical techniques used showed that in the main group, wound postoperative complications developed in 9 patients (14.1%). In the comparison group, postoperative complications developed in 32 patients (37.2%). For local non­limited peritonitis, the total duration of hospitalization after laparoscopic appendectomy performed in 49 patients was 6.7±1.4 days, and 8.6±2.1 days (p<0.05) in 72 patients who underwent open appendectomy. The duration of hospitalization was 8.2±2.7 days in case of diffuse peritonitis after laparoscopic appendectomy, sanitation and drainage of the abdominal cavity (15 cases), and 12.4±1.3 days (p<0.05) in 14 patients after laparotomy, appendectomy, sanitation and drainage of the abdominal cavity, intubation of the small intestine.

Conclusion Laparoscopic appendectomy may be the operation of choice for complicated forms of acute appendicitis according to developed indications. It should be performed by a surgeon experienced in endosurgical operations. To increase the efficiency of washing the abdominal cavity in case of diffuse peritonitis, it is recommended to use hardware sanitation. The capabilities of laparoscopic appendectomy make it possible to adequately perform the required amount of surgical treatment, minimize surgical trauma, and significantly reduce the rate of postoperative complications and the duration of hospital treatment compared to open appendectomy.
Assessment of Anxiety and Depression in the Perioperative Period in Women of Reproductive Age During Regional Anesthesia
Authors: Chernykh O. A. , Lakhin R. E. , Shchegolev A. V.
Published: April 2024

Introduction Perioperative cognitive impairment occurs in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Prediction, early detection and effective treatment of these disorders are important for the well-being of women and their offspring.

Aim of study To evaluate the effect of anesthesia and surgery on the level of anxiety, depression, short-term memory, and concentration in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Material and methods The observational prospective study included 120 patients who were divided into two equal groups — pregnant (n=60) and nonpregnant (n=60) women. A comparative analysis of testing psychosomatic reactions and cognitive functions using the MoCa test, Benton and Wechsler tests, selfassessment questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was carried out. The relative risk and odds ratio of developing anxiety and depression were calculated.

Results Anxiety indicators in pregnant women before surgery reached subclinical values of 7.5 (8.4; 6.6), and in non-pregnant women – the norm: 6.5 (7.3; 5.7) (p<0.001); Results of depression in pregnant women after surgery were 7.3 (8.5; 6.1), in non-pregnant women — the norm: 6.3 (7; 5.5) (p<0.001). The odds of developing short-term memory impairment in pregnant women before surgery was 3.1 times higher than in non-pregnant women, odds ratio 3.1 (95% CI [1.3–7.4]). In the pregnant group, short-term memory scores before surgery were 5 (5.8; 4.2), and after surgery they decreased to 3.8 (4.7; 2.9) (p<0.001). There was a decrease in concentration of attention in pregnant women: before surgery 6.2 (6.8; 5.6), and after surgery — 5 (5.8; 4.2) (p<0.001). The relative risk (RR) of developing depression in pregnant women after surgery was 6.1 times RR=6.1 (95% CI 2.4; 15.8), sensitivity Se (%)=0.9, specificity Sp (%)=0.5. The relative risk (RR) of developing short-term memory impairment after surgery was 1.1 times RR=1.1 (95% CI 1; 1.2), sensitivity Se (%)=0.5, specificity Sp (%)=0, 8. The relative risk (RR) of developing problems with concentration after surgery was 8.3 times RR=8.3 (95% CI 3.9; 18.3), sensitivity Se (%)=0.8, specificity Sp (%)=0.7.

Conclusions The Results obtained allow us to conclude that before surgery, pregnant women experience a subclinical version of anxiety, against the background of which the chances of developing problems with short-term memory and concentration increase. After surgery, pregnant women experience a subclinical version of depression, along with it there is also impairment of intelligence, short-term memory and concentration. The initial impairment of memory and attention requires the selection of anesthesia in a group of pregnant women.
THE USE OF LINGUISTIC MODALITY AMONG MALAYSIAN LECTURERS IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION CLASSROOM FOR TEACHER CANDIDATES
Authors: Von Wong Yee
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the use of linguistic modality by Malaysian educators within the context of teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) programmes, focusing on its impact on teacher education and the engagement of prospective teachers. Six classroom observations and corresponding audio recordings were analysed using mixed-method content analysis to identify the frequencies and contexts of modal expressions. The findings revealed a predominant use of modalisation with high probability and a balanced modulation of obligation, alongside a notable use of low-inclination modalities. The lecturers used high-probability modal verbs to convey authority and certainty, while strategically using lower-probability modals to enhance engagement and promote critical thinking. Furthermore, the use of Malay modal expressions contributed to inclusivity and linguistic adaptability in the classroom. These results demonstrated the critical role of modality by educators in shaping the pedagogical communication of prospective teachers. The study highlights the essential need for educators to adeptly manage language choices to meet diverse educational needs and cultural contexts, thus improving teaching strategies in multilingual settings.
Interdisciplinary approach to orthodontic treatment involving an osteopath and a dentist (protocol)
Authors: Aptekar IA , Abramova EV , Postnikov MA , Kopetskiy IS , Eremin DA , Postnikova EM , Poluianova EB , Aptekar VI , Muravyov IO
Published: April 2024

Contemporary approaches to orthodontic treatment are complex: in complicated cases, they combine removable/fixed orthodontic appliances and surgical treatment, i.e., extraction of permanent teeth. In order to prevent negative outcomes and complications that can follow correction of dentofacial abnormalities and deformities, children and adults alike need to be thoroughly examined and prepared to the orthodontic stage of treatment. Many studies point to the relationship between orthodontic treatment and development of somatic dysfunctions. The purpose of this work was to develop an osteopathic disorders correction algorithm that can be introduced to an interdisciplinary protocol uniting efforts by an osteopath and an orthodontist with the aim to improve the quality of specialized orthodontic medical care.
Tsunami Vulnerability Analysis Based on Coastal Typology in the Coastal Area of Ende City
Authors: Baru Maria Theresia Firmina , Mardiatno Djati , Marfai Muh Aris
Published: April 2024

A tsunami disaster threatens Ende City. Ende City's coastal area management policy regarding disaster mitigation must consider coastal typology. Efforts to reduce the risk of tsunamis must pay attention to the physical development of coastal land to maintain the coastal resources. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the level of tsunami susceptibility based on coastal typology in the coastal area of Ende City. The methods used in this research are survey and spatial analysis. The survey results were compared with literature studies to determine coastal typology and land use. Spatial analysis uses overlay, scoring, and weighting techniques to produce tsunami susceptibility levels. Geospatial parameters that determine the level of susceptibility are topography, distance from the coastline, slope, distance from rivers, and coastal morphology. Susceptibility analysis is carried out for each coastal typology because each has a different response to tsunami. The research results show five classes of tsunami susceptibility: very susceptibility, susceptibility, somewhat susceptibility, safe, and very safe. Very susceptible areas are marine deposition coast typology, anthropogenic coast typology, and sub-area deposition coast typology. The secure areas are wave erosion coast typology and volcanic coast typology.Keywords: Coastal City of Ende, Coastal Typology, Tsunami, Susceptibility, Land Use.
Urban Heat Island Literacy Among Geography Education Students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
Authors: Susilawati Siti Azizah , Ibrahim Mohd Hairy , Md Isa Nor Md Isa Kalsum Binti , Musyiam Muhammad , Khoirunisa Nanda
Published: April 2024

Geography Education students are expected to have literacy about the phenomena around them, one of which is Urban Heat Island (UHI) literacy. It is appropriate by the mission of Geography Education at the Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS) is to produce geography educators with a view on disaster mitigation. This study aims to determine the UHI literacy of students in 7th semester, Deparment Geography Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. This research is a quantitative descriptive study with survey methods. The study using purposive random sampling of 80 respondents and as many as 54 collage students were selected as samples. The UHI literacy research instrument was developed based on the OECD's International Program for Student Assessment (PISA) in 1999. Based on the indicators in scientific literacy which are divided into three categories, the results are obtained: 1) Indicators of UHI's concepts show that high categories are middle class 20.4 % and the majority of students at a high level with 79.6%; 2) Indicators of UHI's processes obtained results with 1.8 % of students at a low level, 20.4 % of students at a medium level, and 78.8 % at a high level; 3) UHI's situation indicators showed that the high category was 93% and moderate was 7%. The conclusion shows that the UHI literacy of students is relatively high, indicating that curriculum based on disaster insight has been doing well, but further research is needed on other disaster insights and analysis of factors which affect the results above.Keywords: Urban Heat Island, Urban Heat Island Literacy, Curriculum
Modeling of Land Cover Changes in Banjarbaru City South Kalimantan Province
Authors: Saputra Aswin Nur , Saputra Muhammad Wahyu , Fatchurohman Hendy , Aryaguna Prama Ardha
Published: April 2024

Urban areas often experience land cover changes. Banjarbaru is one of several cities in Indonesia that has experienced land changes. The relocation of the administrative center of Banjarmasin City to Banjarbaru City led to the development of settlements. One spatial analysis carried out to examine the phenomenon of land change is remote sensing techniques. The method that can be used is the Land Change Modeler from MOLUSCE in QGIS. This model uses the CAM (Cellular Automata Markov) method to identify land cover change and predict land cover distribution. CAM can understand and predict land change patterns by considering land use, vegetation, and cell spatial interactions. This modeling is based on land cover data for 2015 and 2020 and several supporting parameters such as DEM data and distance to roads. Based on the modeling results from 2015 and 2020, Banjarbaru City experienced a change in built-up land, with most of it occurring in the center of Banjarbaru City. Based on the Markov Chain method by looking at land changes in the previous year, the development of built-up land increased by about 8% of the Banjarbaru City area of 32917.41 hectares. Based on the prediction results, the development of built-up land is centered in the middle of Banjarbaru City, such as North and South Banjarbaru Districts, due to the development of residential development.Keywords: Land Cover, Land Change Modeller, Cellular Automata, Markov Chain
Medical therapy of pericarditis: tips and tricks for clinical practice
Authors: Imazio Massimo
Published: April 2024

Medical therapy of pericarditis should be targeted at its aetiology. Unfortunately, many cases of pericarditis remain idiopathic after a complete diagnostic workup. In such cases, empiric anti-inflammatory therapy for pericarditis is aimed at controlling symptoms and preventing recurrences. The aim of the present clinical review is to summarize published evidence, guidelines, and to provide tips and tricks for clinical management of acute and recurrent pericarditis.
The pharmacokinetics of single-dose oral atorvastatin and its metabolites support therapeutic use in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Authors: Mitchell Michaela , Guzman David Sanchez-Migallon , Knych Heather , Beaufrère Hugues
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the plasma concentrations and determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of atorvastatin and its primary active metabolites (para- and orthohydroxyatorvastatin) after administration of a single oral dose in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus).

ANIMALS

14 adult cockatiels (7 male, 7 female) around 2 years of age.

METHODS

A compounded oral suspension of atorvastatin 10 mg/mL made with an oral suspending agent and an oral sweetener was administered via oral gavage at 20 mg/kg to each bird. Blood samples were collected at 7 different time points from 0.5 to 24 hours postadministration in a balanced incomplete block design with 3 blood samples per bird and 6 replicates per time point. Plasma concentrations of atorvastatin, parahydroxyatorvastatin, and orthohydroxyatorvastatin were determined by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using noncompartmental analysis.

RESULTS

The estimated time to maximum concentration (tmax) for atorvastatin, parahydroxyatorvastatin, and orthohydroxyatorvastatin was 3 hours for each. The estimated maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for atorvastatin, parahydroxyatorvastatin, and orthohydroxyatorvastatin was 152.6, 172.4, and 68.8 ng/mL, respectively. The terminal half-lives were 4, 6.8, and 4.6 hours, respectively.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These results support the therapeutic use of atorvastatin at the dose evaluated in this species based on human pharmacokinetic data. A starting dose of 20 mg/kg PO every 12 to 24 hours could be used to treat lipid disorders in cockatiels pending more data on multidose use and hypolipidemic efficacy.
Improved predictability is needed for calculators used to preoperatively determine the etiology of splenic masses in dogs: an external validation study of the HeLP score and T-STAT
Authors: Hillier Townes N. , Grimes Janet A. , Wallace Mandy L. , Sutherland Brian J. , Schmiedt Chad W.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

To assess the predictability of the hemangiosarcoma likelihood prediction (HeLP) score and the Tufts Splenic Tumor Assessment Tool (T-STAT) for hemangiosarcoma and malignancy, respectively.

ANIMALS

261 dogs undergoing splenectomy for a splenic mass.

METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed; variables for the HeLP score and T-STAT were collected, and scores were assigned. Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for each score.

RESULTS

The HeLP score included 141 dogs; hemangiosarcoma was diagnosed in 87 (61.7%) dogs. The median cumulative HeLP score was 51 (range, 17 to 82; IQR, 39 to 58) for dogs with hemangiosarcoma and 28 (range, 0 to 70; IQR, 17 to 41) for dogs without hemangiosarcoma. The categorical HeLP score was low (28; 32.2%), medium (31; 35.6%), and high (28; 32.2%) for dogs with hemangiosarcoma and was low (41; 75.9%), medium (9; 16.7%), and high (4; 7.4%) for dogs without hemangiosarcoma. The AUC of the cumulative and categorical HeLP scores for diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.71 to 0.86) and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.82), respectively. The T-STAT included 181 dogs. Lesions were benign in 95 (52.5%) and malignant in 86 (47.5%) dogs. The median T-STAT score was 62% (range, 5% to 98%; IQR, 36% to 77%) for dogs with malignant lesions and 38% (range, 5% to 91%; IQR, 24% to 59%) for dogs with benign lesions. The T-STAT had an AUC of 0.68 (0.60 to 0.76) for diagnosis of malignancy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The HeLP score had acceptable performance, and the T-STAT had poor performance for diagnosis prediction. A tool with excellent or outstanding discrimination is needed to more reliably predict the presence of hemangiosarcoma or a malignant lesion preoperatively.
Blood profile as a health indicator in broiler chickens fed diets of different particle sizes supplemented with multienzyme
Authors: Kareem Damilola Uthman , Amos Adedoyin Titi , Idowu Olubukola Precious Adepeju , Bonagurio Lucas Pimentel , Idowu Olusegun Mark Obafemi
Published: April 2024

This study evaluated the health effects of feeding diets of different feed particle sizes supplemented with multienzyme to broiler chickens. Cobb500 (n = 450) broiler chicks (as hatched) were randomly distributed to nine treatments, with each treatment consisting of five replicates of ten birds. The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial (three feed particle sizes [3, 4, and 5 mm] and three multienzyme supplementations [0, 1, and 2 g/kg]). The blood indices of the chickens were evaluated. The data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and means were compared using the Tukey Test at a 5 % probability level. The correlation between the growth performance and blood indices was also calculated. Birds fed the 3 mm particle sizes had decreased (p < 0.05) red blood cell (RBC) and lymphocyte counts with increased multienzyme at the starter phase, while the other haematological indicators increased as the multienzyme supplementation increased. Feeding the 4 mm particle size yielded similar (p < 0.05) total protein, triglyceride, and uric acid for all multienzyme inclusions. An increase in the multienzyme inclusion increased (p < 0.05) the RBC of birds fed the 5 mm particles with a decreased (p < 0.05) white blood cell (WBC) and eosinophil counts. At the finisher phase, serum albumin increased (p < 0.05) while alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased (p < 0.05), with increased multienzyme inclusion in birds fed the diet of 3 mm particles. Birds fed 4 mm particles had increased (p < 0.05) ALP and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) with increased multienzyme, while those fed the 5 mm particle size had increased (p < 0.05) albumin, aspartate transaminase (AST) as multienzyme supplementation increased. The correlation between growth performance and blood indices showed that feed intake (FI) has a significant (p < 0.05) impact on the blood profile of broiler chickens. The study concluded that other growth performance indicators, except the feed intake, have no impact on the blood profile of broilers. Feed particle sizes impact feed intake in broiler chickens which consequently impacts their blood composition. Therefore, the size of broiler feed particles has an impact on the health and well-being of the birds.
Investigating Billingual Education as A Language Framework and Its Application for Successful Social Engagement
Authors: Cesaria Anna , Adnan Mazlini , Kemal Edwar , Asty Herfyna , Septia Emil , Perpisa Lili , Putra Eka
Published: April 2024

Objective: The research reveals the impact of the course on English and English for mathematics conversations, highlighting improvements and identifying challenges in expressing mathematical ideas. Overall, it aims to analyze code-switching types and reasons in the English for Mathematics course context.   Method: This qualitative case study explores code-switching in English for Mathematics courses, unveiling the nuanced types employed by lecturers and students during classroom interactions. From tag-switching to intra-sentential and inter-sentential code-switching, the classroom becomes a dynamic linguistic canvas. The study investigates motivations behind this interplay, including internal factors like language proficiency and fear of linguistic missteps, and external influences like participant dynamics and contextual nuances.   Research Findings and Discussions: Although this course is due in English, the use of the Indonesian language also happens for both lecturers and students. The occurrences of code-switching itself are on the type of tag switching, intra-sentential, and inter-sentential switching. Internal and external factors influence code-switching in classroom interactions. Internal factors, such as language ability and preferences, impact students' comfort with using specific languages. External factors, including participants, context, and lesson topics, also shape code-switching occurrences in educational settings.   Research Implications: The research implied to improve students' English proficiency in mathematics, emphasizing understanding mathematical terms and delivering presentations in English. By implementing the code switching.   Originality/Value: This research offers lecturers and students point of views related to the types of code switching used by both of them in the process of teaching and learning as well as it is also reasons for using code switching where it contributes for both of them to understand and master the English for Mathematics Course. Then, this exploration offers insights into the symbiotic relationship between language and subject matter within the English for Mathematics classroom, revealing the vibrant tapestry of this linguistic and educational dynamic.
The system of images in A. Varlamov's novel "The Mental Wolf"
Authors: Niu Yueqiu
Published: April 2024

This article is devoted to the study of the images of the main characters of the novel, representing the author's complex view of the pre-Soviet period of Russian history, the First World War and the Revolution. Each character is characterized by his own system of ideological coordinates that form the picture of the world in the novel, expressing the national and cultural consciousness of the era. The character's deep characterization is based on a value paradigm, the constituent elements of which are attitude to nature, religion, homeland, and war. It is considered how these value characteristics are reflected in the life position of each character represented in the novel.The purpose of the article is to consider the system of images in A. Varlamov's novel "The Mental Wolf". The need to consider this problem is determined by the general literary position that the author's idea of life is expressed through a system of characters. The author uses the following research methods: comparative, hermeneutical and comparative typological. With the help of a systematic approach, an analytical study of images is provided. The analysis of the image system in the novel allowed us to correlate the images with the compositional structure of the work, to consider their position in the chronotope, to determine the characterological conflict in the novel. As the analysis made it possible to determine, the characters of Varlamov's novel form a system. Its main feature is the complex connections between the characters. The system of images in the novel is based on the idea of their attraction – repulsion. Relevance is seen in addressing one of the key problems of literary criticism based on the work of a modern author. It is established that complex connections of attraction, repulsion and pair interaction are established between the characters of the novel, which ultimately allows us to talk about a complex ideological concept of the novel depicting a person and his spiritual world in an era of changing social, cultural and political paradigms.
The Effect of Training and Phone Counselling Provided to Hypertension Patients on their Medication Adherence and Rational Drug Use: A Single-blind Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Ayruk Havagül , Gök Uğur Hacer
Published: April 2024

Background: Hypertension is a chronic disease characterised by high blood pressure, which is an important public health problem that causes serious complications. It is very important to provide training and remote telephone counselling to patients for them to comply with the drug treatment of hypertension disease and to comply with the principles of rational drug use.
Aim: This study aimed to define the effect of training and phone counselling provided to hypertension patients on their medication adherence and rational drug use.
Methods: The study was conducted randomised controlled as a single-blind experimental study between July 2021 and June 2022. The study universe consisted of hypertension patients admitted to hospital, and the sample consisted of 92 patients. The block randomisation method was used. The study data were collected using a Patient Identification Form; the Medication Adherence Self-efficacy Scale; and the Rational Drug Use Scale. The experimental group received training once, in addition to a total of four phone counsellings (week 2-4-8-12).
Results: According to the group-by-time interaction of control/experimental group patients, a statistical difference was found between the median scores of the Medication Adherence Self-efficacy Scale and the Rational Drug Use Scale (p<0.001). The pre-test median of the Medication Adherence Self-efficacy Scale of the experimental group patients was 30.00, and the post-test median was 46.00. The pre-test median of the Rational Drug Use Scale of the experimental group patients was 43.00, and the post-test median was 68.00.
Conclusion: In the study, it was determined that the application of education and telephone counselling to hypertension patients increased patients’ medication compliance and rational drug use. In systolic-diastolic blood pressure levels, which are critical for hypertension patients, it was determined that the application of education and telephone counselling significantly decreased the blood pressure of patients.
Bridging the Divide: Indigenous Language Integration in Open Educational Resource Accessibility
Authors: Letsoalo Napjadi
Published: April 2024

The use of information resources is dependent on their accessibility by users. The accessibility of information has attracted the attention of researchers from different parts of the world. However, Open Educational Resources (OERs) accessibility issues have not been adequately addressed in South Africa. This article explores the use of indigenous languages in the development and adaptation of OERs for accessibility at the University of South Africa. A total of 108 OERs were available for selection on UnisaIR. Ten of the 108 OERs were purposefully selected. Exploring and analysing OER development at Unisa took a qualitative and exploratory approach. This article presents the findings of a thematic analysis that was used to identify dominant themes in OER. The findings highlight two main concerns that underpin OER operations at Unisa: 1) translation as a method of OER creation and/or adaptation; and 2) deficiency of OER creation in indigenous languages. Though using indigenous languages in the construction of OERs can help to address the accessibility gap in the supply of teaching and learning resources, this aspect of accessibility as a discourse in the OER space has yet to be explored extensively. It is a matter of concern that many OERs at Unisa are written only in English. To address the gap in accessibility of OERs in the South African context, the following three language-related factors should support the creation of OERs: development in local languages, linguistic pluralism, and translation into indigenous languages.
Review of Biomarkers for Urine Cytology
Authors: Lim Douglas D. , Rao Jianyu
Published: April 2024

There has been tremendous interest in developing adjunct markers and techniques for improving the diagnosis of urothelial cancers in urine, as urine cytology, though simple, easy to perform, and low cost, is typically considered challenging, and may not be accurate especially for low-grade tumors. Many of the tests have received regulatory approval for clinical application. However, few of these tests are widely used in clinical setting as many of these tests suffer shortcomings that prevent widespread adaptation. This review will provide an updated narrative for a handful selected biomarkers.
Impact of atopic dermatitis on quality of life in children and their families: A tertiary care hospital-based study from Northern India
Authors: Ailawadi Pallavi , Pal Vishal , Singal Archana , Pandhi Deepika
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is more frequent among children. Childhood is a critical time for physical and psychosocial development and AD develops more commonly in children in the first five years of life. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of AD on the quality of life (QoL) of Indian children and their families and correlate it with AD severity and the perception of severity as estimated by the family.

Material and Methods:

In the present study, 30 children clinically diagnosed with AD and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls presenting to our hospital were evaluated. Data on QOL were obtained through a questionnaire; Infants Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQOL), Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DQLI) were used for patients,and the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) questionnaire for the family of the patients. The severity of the disease was determined using the Scoring for AD (SCORAD) index.

Results:

In our study, there were 16 male patients and 14 female patients. History of atopy was significantly higher in children with AD (p <0.001); 13 patients had mild, 17 had moderate, and none of the patients had severe disease. The severity of the disease was found to correlate negatively with the age of the child. IDQOL positively correlated with the age of children with AD (r = 0.865, P < 0.001). CDLQI negatively correlated with the age of children with AD (r = −0.616, P = 0.033). Impairment in IDQOL and CDLQI showed a significant positive correlation with DFI (r = 0.846, P < 0.001; r = 0.910, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

AD is associated with lowered QOL of the patient,which increases with the severity of the disease. Itch and sleep disturbance were the most severely affected symptoms of AD. The disease significantly impacted the QOL of the family. The main issue with parents caring for AD children is continuous expenditure on treatment, emotional distress, and physical exhaustion. Therefore, efforts are needed to help parents by medical care personnel so that the outcomes in both the child and the significantly burdened parent caregiver can be improved.
Polymorphous light eruptions
Authors: Rai Reena , Srinivasan Harshitha
Published: April 2024

Polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) is the most common, immunologically acquired photo-dermatosis due to delayed hypersensitivity reaction to sunlight. It presents with recurrent, pruritic, non-scarring lesions of distinct morphology affecting the sun-exposed body parts. This review article focuses on immunopathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment option of PMLE.
Surgical demands of patients attending an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic in a Nigerian Hospital
Authors: Edetanlen Ekaniyere Benlance , Saheeb Birch Dauda
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

Reports on most performed oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures (OMSPs) are scarce globally. This study aimed to determine the pattern of surgical demands of patients attending oral and maxillofacial surgery services at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on patients managed in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from March 2011 to April 2021. Data were collected from theatre logbooks and case notes of patients who had surgery. The data collected were the age of patients, gender, employment status, educational status, residential distance to the hospital, and type of surgery performed. Descriptive statistics were done using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences statistics for Windows version 20 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp) software.

Results:

A total number of 550 patients were seen in the ten-year study period. The age of the patients ranges between 2 and 97 years. The mean age was 23.5 ± 2.08 years. More than half (55.6%) of the patients were male. The highest (47.1%) number of patients that had OMSP had only primary education, followed by tertiary education (25.1%), secondary (17.8%), and no formal education (10.0%). Cleft lip and palate repairs were the most common surgical demands (34.5%), followed by mandibulectomy, open reduction, and fixation. The least surgical demands were neck dissections (0.36%), and none (0.0%) of the patients had cosmetic surgery.

Conclusion:

The most common surgical demand by patients was cleft lip and palate repairs, while neck dissection was the least common demand, respectively.
Lived experiences of adolescents with major depressive disorder during the COVID pandemic: A qualitative study from a tertiary care center
Authors: Jha Amit , Kiragasur Rajendra Madegowda , Manohar Harshini , Kommu John Vijay Sagar
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

Depression is a leading cause of global disease burden and morbidity among adolescents. Studies have reported higher rates of depression and anxiety secondary to the COVID pandemic and the psychosocial impact of social distancing measures. There is a paucity of literature on the subjective experiences of depressed adolescents in such pandemic circumstances. The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) during the COVID pandemic, and the impact of the pandemic, and pandemic-related circumstances on adolescents’ mental health and coping.

Materials and Methods:

In-depth interviews with eight adolescents diagnosed with MDD were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results:

The analysis revealed three major themes; “The pandemic was arduous,” “Negativity in family interactions,” and “Effects on depression.” Most adolescents coped using excessive screen time as a distraction, and their families perceived them as indolent.

Conclusion:

The study found that adolescents’ experience of depression during the pandemic was extremely overwhelming because, on the one hand, they had to deal with immediate COVID infection-related worries and were not able to adjust to the new routine, not able to concentrate during online classes while also dealing with greater interpersonal discord with their parents and limited social resources for coping. The findings expand the clinical understanding of adolescents’ experience of depression during pandemic circumstances and would aid in better management planning.
Lack of habituation of visual-evoked potential in the interictal period is not a consistent neurophysiological marker of migraine: A cross-sectional analytical study
Authors: Rani Ankita , Sugumaran Ramkumar , Narayan Sunil K.
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

Migraine is a frequent incapacitating neurovascular illness characterized by severe headache bouts. Individuals suffering from migraine appear to process auditory and visual information differently from those without migraine. The visual-evoked potential (VEP) is a commonly used standardized test to measure excitability in the occipital cortex. Patients with migraine exhibit amplification rather than habituation of stimulus-induced brain responses, between attacks. Our objective is to compare the amplitude of P100 and the latencies of N75, P100, and N145 (N and P represent negative and positive peaks, respectively, with average latency being subscripted with the alphabet) in the fourth block between migraine patients and controls and to determine the various clinical factors associated with the P100 mean amplitude and latency differences between the first and the fourth block in migraine patients.

Materials and Methods:

The study compared 20 migraine patients (with or without aura) and 20 apparently healthy subjects with no history of migraines or secondary headaches, focusing on the habituation of the VEP. Four blocks of 200 responses were recorded during the headache-free period, and the latencies and amplitudes of N75, P100, and N145 components were analyzed.

Results:

There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrement in the P100 amplitude in the fourth block when compared to the first block in both eyes in the controls as well as migraine patients. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between controls and migraine sufferers in the P100 amplitude of the fourth block in either eye. The N145 latency in the fourth block was shorter in both eyes in migraine patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). The mean P100 amplitude difference between the first and fourth block correlated negatively with age and positively with headache frequency, while there was a moderate negative correlation with headache duration. The mean P100 latency difference between the first and fourth block correlated positively with age and negatively with headache frequency, while there was a moderate positive correlation with headache duration.

Conclusion:

In our study, VEP habituation was not lacking in migraine patients which means that habituation of the P100 wave was noted in migraineurs. The VEP reveals neurological changes due to ischemia injury or neurotransmitter imbalances. Migraine alters cortical excitability, but it is unclear if these changes are due to altered excitatory connections, damaged inhibitory networks or subcortical pre-activation. Our findings suggest that at least during the interictal period, lack of habituation cannot be employed as a consistent neurophysiological marker of migraine across laboratories.
Pitching for the hitch: Neodural tenting sutures to prevent post-cranioplasty collection in a sunken craniectomy site
Authors: Krishnan Prasad , Maurya Ved Prakash
Published: April 2024

Post-operative epidural collection is a commonly encountered complication following cranioplasty (CP) in a patient with a sunken skin flap. While on most occasions, the collection is small and resolves spontaneously, on occasion, it may be large enough to warrant evacuation. Further, such collections may predispose to infection and bone flap resorption. Dural hitch sutures were once used routinely in all craniotomies by tacking up the dura at the margins of the craniotomy to the surrounding pericranium to prevent post-operative epidural collection but now several surgeons use them only when deemed absolutely necessary. We describe a variation (in cases where CP is performed in patients with a sunken flap) where several sutures are passed from the neodura through the center of the bone flap (as opposed to the peripherally placed conventional hitch sutures) to obviate the dead space and prevent any post-operative collection.
O abordare comparativă a clasificărilor în diagnosticul leucemiilor acute mieloblastice, cu referire la elemente citogenetice, mielodisplazice şi mutaţii ale genei TP53 – OMS, ICC, ELN 202
Authors: Meilin Omer , Mihaela Andreescu , Viola-Maria Popov , Vlădăreanu Ana Maria
Published: April 2024

The diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) require an integrated and complete approach that takes into account clinical and laboratory data, the morphological evaluation of the marrow aspirate and peripheral blood, immunophenotyping, cytogenetic evaluation, and molecular analysis. The identification of these data has the role of stratifying patients into risk categories, intended to guide the intensity and type of treatment indicated for each individual case, doubled by the possibility of identifying
mutations with a direct therapeutic effect (FLT3, NPM1). Taking into account the classification of acute myeloid leukemias, similarities of the proposed new entities and a trend towards ICC-WHO harmonization can be observed, the aim being to create a unified model between the existing sets of recommendations.
Enabling pan-repository reanalysis for big data science of public metabolomics data
Authors: El Abiead Yasin , Strobel Michael , Payne Thomas , Fahy Eoin , O’Donovan Claire , Subramamiam Shankar , Vizcaino Juan Antonio , Zuffa Simone , Xing Shipei , Mannochio-Russo Helena , Mohanty Ipsita , Zhao Haoqi Nina , Caraballo-Rodriguez Andres Mauricio , Gomes Paulo Wender Portal , Avalon Nicole Elizabeth , Dorrestein Pieter C , Wang Mingxun
Published: April 2024

Public untargeted metabolomics data is a growing resource for metabolite and phenotype discovery; however, accessing and utilizing these data across repositories pose significant challenges. Therefore, we've developed pan-repository universal identifiers and harmonized cross-repository metadata. This novel ecosystem facilitates discovery by integrating diverse data sources from public repositories including MetaboLights, Metabolomics Workbench, and GNPS/MassIVE. Our approach simplifies data handling and unlocks previously inaccessible reanalysis workflows, fostering unmatched research opportunities.
Burden and management of severe asthma in Russia: results from international observational study
Authors: Aisanov Zaurbek R. , Kurbacheva Oksana M. , Emelyanov Alexander V. , Ignatova Galina L. , Teichman Lindsey , Makarova Janina Yu. , Fedosenko Sergey V. , Alfonso Rafael , Elfishawy Tamer
Published: April 2024

Aim. To assess clinical and demographic characteristics of severe asthma (SA) patients and their management in Russian Federation.
Materials and methods. This publication provides data for Russian part of population of the international observational study. In Phase I, retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with SA was performed with assessment of clinical and demographic data, medical history, comorbidities, treatment approaches and healthcare utilization. Phase II was a cross-sectional collection of patient-reported outcomes: level of asthma control assessed by ACT (Asthma Control Test) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Phase I patients were enrolled into Phase II if they signed a written consent form.
Results. A total of 315 patients were included in Phase I of the study, 106 (33.6%) of them entered Phase II. Majority of study participants were either obese (n=103; 39.8%) or overweight (n=94; 36.3%). The most common comorbidities were cardiovascular diseases (n=217; 71.4%), followed by chronic respiratory diseases (n=198; 68.8%). There were 268 (85.1%) patients who had at least one exacerbation during last 12 months. Data for blood eosinophil count were available in 176 patients; 81.3% of them (n=143) had only one test in the last 12 months. The mean (SD) last available blood eosinophil count was 161.2 (181.2) cells/mm3. Serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) value was known for 88 patients, and the mean (SD) last measured IgE value was 254.3 (249.7) ng/mL. Only 4.7% of Phase II participants had ACT scores indicative of controlled asthma (20). As much as 74.5% had scores ≤15 suggesting uncontrolled disease. Most patients also had impaired HRQoL.
Conclusion. Most SA patients had poor disease control with frequent exacerbations and high number of comorbidities. Blood eosinophils and IgE level measurements were not evaluated routinely which might be a barrier for appropriate phenotyping and treatment selection.
Influence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Frolov Alexey A. , Fedotov Vasily D. , Frolov Igor A. , Pochinka Ilya G. , Protasova Natalia V. , Kouzova Galina N. , Mukhin Aleksey S. , Kuzmichev Kirill V.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To evaluate the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on hospital outcomes of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Materials and methods. A cohort prospective study of the COPD effect on mortality and coronary microvascular obstruction (CMVO, no-reflow) development after PCI in ACS was carried out. 626 patients admitted in 2019–2020 were included, 418 (67%) – men, 208 (33%) – women. Median age – 63 [56; 70] years. Myocardial infarction with ST elevation identified in 308 patients (49%), CMVO – in 59 (9%) patients (criteria: blood flow 3 grade according to TIMI flow grade; perfusion 2 points according to Myocardial blush grade; ST segment resolution 70%). 13 (2.1%) patients died. Based on the questionnaire "Chronic Airways Diseases, A Guide for Primary Care Physicians, 2005", 2 groups of patients were identified: 197 (31%) with COPD (≥17 points) and 429 (69%) without COPD (17 points). Groups were compared on unbalanced data (÷2 Pearson, Fisher exact test). The propensity score was calculated, and a two-way logistic regression analysis was performed. The data were balanced by the Kernel “weighting” method, logistic regression analysis was carried out using “weighting” coefficients. Results as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval.
Results. The conducted research allowed us to obtain the following results, depending on the type of analysis: 1) analysis of unbalanced data in patients with COPD: OR death 3.60 (1.16–11.12); p=0.03; OR CMVO 0.65 (0.35–1.22); p=0,18; 2) two-way analysis with propensity score: OR death 3.86 (1.09–13.74); p=0.04; OR CMVO 0.61 (0.31–1.19); p=0.15; 3) regression analysis with "weight" coefficients: OR death 12.49 (2.27–68.84); p=0.004; OR CMVO 0.63 (0.30–1.33); p=0.22.
Conclusion. The presence of COPD in patients with ACS undergoing PCI increases mortality and does not affect the incidence of CMVO.