bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical mapping by unmixing alluvial sediments: An example from northern Australia
Authors: Lipp Alex , de Caritat Patrice , Roberts Gareth
Published: October 2022

Alluvial sediments have long been used in geochemical surveys as their compositions are assumed to be representative of areas upstream. Overbank and floodplain sediments, in particular, are increasingly used for regional to continental-scale geochemical mapping. However, during downstream transport, sediments from heterogeneous source regions are carried away from their source regions and mixed. Consequently, using alluvial sedimentary geochemical data to generate continuous geochemical maps remains challenging. In this study we demonstrate a technique that numerically unmixes alluvial sediments to make a geochemical map of their upstream catchments. The unmixing approach uses a model that predicts the concentration of elements in downstream sediments, given a map of the drainage network and element concentrations in the source region. To unmix sedimentary chemistry, we seek the upstream geochemical map that, when mixed downstream, best fits geochemical observations downstream. To prevent overfitting we penalise the roughness of the geochemical model. To demonstrate our approach we apply it to alluvial samples gathered as part of the Northern Australia Geochemical Survey. This survey gathered samples collected over a $\sim$ 500,000 km$^2$ area in northern Australia. We first validate our approach for this sample distribution with synthetic tests, which indicate that we can resolve geochemical variability at scales greater than 0.5 -- 1$^{\circ}$ in size. We proceed to invert real geochemical data from the total digestion of fine-grained fraction of alluvial sediments. The resulting geochemical maps for two elements of potential economic interest, Cu and Nd, are evaluated in detail. We find that in both cases, our predicted downstream concentrations match well against a held-out, previously `unseen' subset of the data, as well as against data from an independent geochemical survey. By performing principal component analysis on maps generated for all 46 available elements we produce a synthesis map to identify the significant geochemical domains in this part of northern Australia. This map shows strong spatial similarities to the underlying lithological map of the area. Finally, we compare the results from our approach to geochemical maps produced by interpolating alluvial geochemical data using two standard methods: kriging and inverse distance weighting. We find that, unlike the method presented here, both these methods can generate maps that are dampened relative to expected magnitude, as well as being spatially distorted. We argue that the unmixing approach is the most appropriate method for generating geochemical maps from regional-scale alluvial surveys.
On-line confidence monitoring during decision making
Authors: Dotan Dror , Dehaene Stanislas , Meyniel Florent
Published: October 2022

Humans can readily assess their degree of confidence in their decisions. Two models of confidence computation have been proposed: post-hoc computation using post-decision variables and heuristics, versus online computation using continuous assessment of evidence throughout the decision-making process. Here, we arbitrate between these theories by continuously monitoring finger movements during a manual sequential decision-making task. Analysis of finger kinematics indicated that subjects kept separate online records of evidence and confidence: finger deviation continuously reflected the ongoing accumulation of evidence, whereas finger speed continuously reflected the momentary degree of confidence. Furthermore, end-of-trial finger speed predicted the post-decisional subjective confidence rating. These data indicate that confidence is computed on-line, throughout the decision process. Speed-confidence correlations were previously interpreted as a post-decision heuristics, whereby slow decisions decrease subjective confidence, but our results suggest an adaptive mechanism that involves the opposite causality: by slowing down when unconfident, participants gain time to improve their decisions.
Developmental changes in drawing production under different memory demands in a U.S. and Chinese sample
Authors: Long Bria , wang ying , Christie Stella , Frank Michael C. , Fan Judith
Published: October 2022

Children’s drawings of common object categories become dramatically more recognizable across development. What are the major factors that explain this developmental change? Here we examined the degree to which these developmental changes in recognizability vary across different drawing tasks (i.e. drawing from observation vs. from memory), geographical locations (San Jose, US vs. Beijing, China), and with children’s tracing abilities. To do so, we collected digital drawings of object categories (e.g., cat, airplane) from 4–9-year-olds (N=253). We found that the developmental trajectory of drawing recognizability was remarkably similar when children were asked to draw from observation vs. memory and across these two geographical locations. In addition, we found that our Beijing sample produced more recognizable drawings but showed similar tracing abilities to children from San Jose, USA. Overall, this work suggests that the developmental trajectory of children’s drawings is remarkably consistent and not easily explainable by changes in visuomotor control or working memory.
Cognitive Theories of Vulnerability to Depression: Reconciling Negative Evidence
Authors: Persons Jacqueline
Published: October 2022

Cognitive theories of depression propose that stable beliefs predispose vulnerable individuals to depression. Empirical evidence appears to contradict the stability hypothesis; the cognitions described by the theories appear to covary with depressive symptoms. As a result of these findings, many investigators have concluded that the etiological portions of the cognitive theories are incorrect. We propose an alternative account of the empirical evidence that is consistent with the theories. We propose that the beliefs that are vulnerability factors for depression are stable, but they are accessible only during negative mood states; we call this the mood-state hypothesis. This article describes the mood-state hypothesis, reviews evidence supporting it, and outlines its implications for the cognitive theories of depression. We also describe implications of the mood-state hypothesis for other theories of depression, including biological theories, for studies of psychotherapy process, for studies of other psychopathologies, for epidemiological studies of depression, for the prevention and treatment of depression, and for theories of cognition.
Immediate and Enduring Effects of Deep and Shallow Conversations on Feelings of Closeness in Healthy Adults
Authors: Molla Hanna , Smadi Shahd , Lyubomirsky Sonja , Li Tang , de Wit Harriet
Published: October 2022

Social isolation, such as that experienced during the pandemic, is associated with reduced feelings of connectedness with others. Researchers have developed simple conversational procedures to enhance feelings of connectedness, even between strangers. In the present controlled study, we used such a procedure to demonstrate that participants report greater feelings of closeness to another individual after a 45-min conversation about “deep” compared to “shallow” topics. Healthy young adults (N=37) were paired with a same-sex stranger on two sessions separated by at least 2 days. In one session, they were given “deep talk” topics to discuss, and in the other session, the topics were “small talk.” At the end of each session and again 1 week later, participants rated their partners and their experiences, including how much they liked their partners, their feelings of closeness, and feeling understood. Participants reported liking their deep talk partner more than their small talk partner. They described the deep conversation as being more meaningful and reported feeling closer to their deep talk partner. These effects were evident immediately after the session and remained robust a week later. This study shows that the conversational procedure can be used to assess the two conversations within the same subjects, and that the effects are lasting. Future studies, in both therapeutic and laboratory settings, may shed light on the processes that mediate these feelings of connection.
Abnormally Enhanced Midfrontal Theta-Band Activity During Response Monitoring in Youth with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Suzuki Takakuni , Gu Pan , Grove Tyler , Hammond Taeah , Collins Kelsey , Pamidighantam Preetha , Arnold Paul , Taylor Stephan F. , Liu Yanni , Gehring William , Hanna Gregory , Tso Ivy Fei
Published: October 2022

Background: Response monitoring, as reflected in the electroencephalogram (EEG) recording after commission of errors, has been consistently shown to be abnormally enhanced in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This has been traditionally quantified as error-related negativity (ERN) and may reflect abnormal neurophysiological mechanisms underlying OCD. However, the ERN reflects the increase in phase-locked activities, particularly in the theta-band (4-8 Hz), and does not reflect non-phase-locked activities. To more broadly interrogate midfrontal theta-band activity in a brain region essential for complex cognition, this study investigated theta-band abnormalities during response monitoring in OCD participants for a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the ERN. Methods: EEG data were recorded from 99 participants with pediatric OCD and 99 sex- and age-matched healthy control (HC) participants while they completed the arrow flanker task. Effects of Group (OCD, HC) and Response type (Error, Correct) on post-response theta-band total power and inter-trial phase coherence (ITPC) were examined using mixed analysis of covariance and Bayesian analyses controlling for sex and accuracy. Results: Theta-band total power was larger on Error than Correct trials and larger in OCD than HC participants, but there was no effect of response type between groups. Theta-band ITPC was larger on Error than Correct trials, but there were no group difference nor response type difference between groups. Correlations of theta-band total power and ITPC with clinical measures were overall small. Conclusions: Abnormally enhanced midfrontal theta-band total power, but not ITPC, may reflect ineffective heightened response monitoring or compensatory activity in pediatric OCD.
Incorporating Stability Information into Cross-Sectional Estimates
Authors: Wysocki Anna , Rhemtulla Mijke
Published: October 2022

Psychological researchers are often in a position to use data collected at a singletime point (cross-sectional data) to make inferences about processes that unfoldover time (longitudinal processes). It has been well documented that regression andcorrelation coefficients based on cross-sectional data are not unbiased estimates oftheir corresponding longitudinal effects. In this paper, we introduce the StabilityInformed Model, that can yield more accurate longitudinal estimates by augmentingcross-sectional data with information about the longitudinal stability of thevariables and the stationarity of the process. We explore via simulation the limitations of this model and discuss potential extensions to the Stability Informed Model.
Alcohol-induced retrograde facilitation? Mixed evidence in a preregistered replication and encoding-maintenance-retrieval analysis
Authors: Quevedo Pütter Julian , Erdfelder Edgar
Published: October 2022

Somewhat counterintuitively, alcohol consumption following learning of new information has been shown to enhance performance on a delayed subsequent memory test. This phenomenon has become known as the retrograde facilitation effect (Parker et al., 1981). Even though conceptually replicated repeatedly, serious methodological problems are associated with most previous demonstrations of retrograde facilitation. Moreover, two potential explanations have been proposed, the interference and the consolidation hypothesis. So far, empirical evidence for and against both hypotheses is inconclusive (Wixted, 2004). To scrutinize the existence of the effect, we conducted a preregistered replication that avoided common methodological pitfalls. In addition, we used Küpper-Tetzel and Erdfelder’s (2012) multinomial processing tree (MPT) model to disentangle encoding, maintenance, and retrieval contributions to memory performance. With a total sample size of N = 93, we found no evidence for retrograde facilitation in overall cued or free recall of previously presented word pairs. In line with this, MPT analyses also showed no reliable difference in maintenance probabilities. However, MPT analyses revealed a robust alcohol advantage in retrieval. We conclude that alcohol-induced retrograde facilitation might exist and be driven by an underlying retrieval benefit. Future research is needed to investigate potential moderators and mediators of the effect explicitly.
Conflict intensity in the region of birth increases religiosity among refugees
Authors: van Tubergen Frank , Kosyakova Yuliya , Kanas Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

Do violent conflicts increase religiosity? This study draws on evidence from a large-scale survey on refugees in Germany linked with data on time-varying conflict intensity in refugees’ birth regions prior to the survey interview. The results show that the greater the number of conflict-induced fatalities in the period before the interview, the more often refugees pray. The relationship between conflict and praying holds equally across demographic subgroups. Evidence suggests that both short- and long-term cumulative fatalities in refugees’ birth regions affect how often they pray. Additionally, the link between conflict and praying is stronger for refugees who have family and relatives still living in their country of origin. Finally, we show that the conflicts that matter are those occurring within the refugees’ specific region of birth rather than in other regions in the country. Implications for existential insecurity theory and cultural evolutionary theory are discussed.
Cultural Systems
Authors: Jansson Fredrik , Buskell Andrew , Enquist Magnus
Published: October 2022

Many cultural phenomena cannot be understood by studying traits in isolation. Instead, they are embedded in webs of relations, layered with rich social meaning, and sequentially acquired and evaluated, \emph{filtered}, in light of previously acquired traits. Incorporating multiple traits and their relations is needed to understand the organization, dynamics, and emergent products of cultural evolution. We argue that a systems approach offers the potential for: (i) a more thorough understanding of the source and character of emergent phenomena, crucial for understanding the origin and historical development of culture; (ii) an increased scope of cultural evolution, whereby faithful transmission, self-organization and filtering of culture can be accounted for by systems dynamics without the need for strong assumptions about innate machinery; and (iii) a more robust theoretical connection between cultural evolution and processes of development as they are studied in developmental psychology and related fields.
INFLUENCIA DEL PLAN DEL BUEN VIVIR EN EL DESARROLLO DE HABILIDADES GERENCIALES: ANÁLISIS DEL SECTOR CALZADO PROVINCIA DE TUNGURAHUA
Authors: Peñaherrera Santiago , Ballesteros Leonardo , Santamaría-Freire Edwin , Santamaría-Díaz Edwin
Published: October 2022

El sector del calzado en Tungurahua ha crecido con la participación de empresas,  microempresas y artesanos, debido al impulso a la producción nacional y al cambio de la matriz productiva. Una de las razones ha sido las habilidades gerenciales propuestas por los gerentes de este sector debido  a la influencia del Plan de Buen Vivir.
Para realizar esta investigación se han aplicado encuestas a gerentes de las empresas de cuero y calzado que se encuentran
asociadas a la Cámara del Calzado de Tungurahua, para  saber cómo influye el Plan de Buen Vivir.
De los hallazgos se determina que las habilidades gerenciales se relacionan con el nivel de preparación y conocimiento del sector, habiendo oportunidad para desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo, comunicación y aprovechamiento de las potencialida- des de las políticas para el crecimiento empresarial.
 
Palabras Clave: Liderazgo; Habilidades Gerenciales; Plan del Buen Vivir
 
Abstract
 
The footwear commercial area in Tungurahua has grown up with the participation of enterprises, micro-enterprises and han- dicraftsmen, due to the national production impulse and the change of the productive matrix. One of the reasons for this de- velopment is the management skills proposed by the executives from this sector; as a result  of the influence  of the Plan  del Buen Vivir.
For achieving this investigation, polls have been made to the footwear and leather enterprises managers, which are associated
with the Camara del Calzado de Tungurahua, to know how does the Plan del Buen Vivir influence  them.
From the results there has been determined that the management skills are related with the level of preparation and knowled- ge of the sector, having the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills and taking advantage of the potentia- lities of the politics for the business growth.
 
Keywords: Leadership, Management skills, Plan del Buen Vivir.
RESILIENCE AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF EUROPE DURING THE CRISIS: EVIDENCE FROM HUNGARY
Authors: Miklossy K.
Published: October 2022

The article reveals the strategies of the political elites in a number of East European countries, which allowed them during the pandemic crisis not only to maintain stability, but also to expand the use of authoritarian practices by easing foreign policy pressure from Brussels. Using the case of Hungary as a basis for empirical analysis, I show how the crisis has increased the opportunity for power elites to consolidate their dominance. The restrictive measures imposed by Western countries were used by the Hungarian authorities as an excuse to carry out another attack against political competition and civil liberties. However, the main outcome of the political development during the pandemic crisis in Hungary was not so much a clearly observed undermining of democracy and the rule of law, as another round of nationalization of a number of economic enterprises that fell under the control of the ruling elites. This strengthened the economic foundation of autocracy in contemporary Hungary, making the regime more autonomous from EU pressure. I argue that the autocratization of Hungary in the context of the pandemic is based on the successful application of the maneuvering strategy by the elites. Their choice, in turn, is shaped by the historical legacy of Hungary, which pioneered this strategy to resist Moscow's pressure during the Communist rule. I show that the two most important factors - temporality and spatiality -are key to the effectiveness of the political survival of the current political regime in Hungary. The first of them provided an arsenal of strategies that were effectively used in the Soviet period and reapplied by the Hungarian elite nowadays. The second factor ensures the exchange of ideas between the leaders of the East European countries - EU member states. Thus, the “learning” and successful application of strategies that reinforce authoritarian tendencies in contemporary Hungary has both historical (temporal) and spatial dimensions.
THE PROBLEMS OF COORDINATION IN A MULTILEVEL GOVERNANCE SYSTEM AT A TIME OF CRISIS (THE EU AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC)
Authors: Busygina Irina , Chekalenko Anatoliy
Published: October 2022

The article is devoted to the problems of coordination in the European Union during the COVID-19 crisis. We show that in the first phase of the pandemic, the national governments of the EU member states played a central role in responding to the crisis. Under conditions of weak integration of health policy, this has led to a large asymmetry in the reactions of member countries and a “backtrack” in the level of coordination. However, at the second stage, the European Union, having shown a high level of resistance to stress, has demonstrated the ability to activate existing and create new platforms for coordinating the policies of member countries. In addition, citizens of the EU countries also showed a demand in increasing the level of coordination in the EU.
ELECTIONS IN THE TIME OF PLAGUE: ANALYSIS OF RULING PARTIES’ ELECTORAL SUPPORT DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Turovsky R.F. , Iokhim E.A.
Published: October 2022

In the article we used the method of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to investigate the results of 43 electoral campaigns in different countries of the World, held in the context of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. As far as socioeconomic indicators worsened almost everywhere, we aimed to identify the mechanism of the retrospective economic voting as creating potentially critical risks for the ruling parties. Since, in practice, countries have roughly halved in terms of the increase or decrease in electoral support for incumbents, the authors examined the effect of factors associated with the degree of deterioration of the socio-economic situation, state restrictive measures and the development of the pandemic itself, also taking into account the features of the political regime. Nine scenarios were identified, representing various combinations of conditions, leading in six cases to an increase in support for the incumbent, and in three cases to its decrease. The study showed that the classic retrospective voting in terms of punishing incumbent for a downturn in the economy is more often manifested in democratic regimes. It is also noteworthy that socio-economic factors, which are the consequences of a pandemic, appear to be more significant to the electorate than factors directly related to the health issues. In particular, a relatively low level of GDP decline is always present in scenarios of support growth for an incumbent, and a significant increase in unemployment is always present in all scenarios of a decrease in its rating. A feature of authoritarian regimes is that voters are more inclined to support the ruling parties with mild restrictive measures, while in democracies people are ready to vote for incumbents even in the case of tough, but in some way effective restrictions. In general, restrictive measures (like their absence) always affect elections, but their effect depends on other conditions. In consideration of the natural limitations in the form of a sample of countries, the peculiarities of the method used and the further development of the pandemic, it seems important to continue such studies in order to clarify the conclusions and perspectives.
THE DYNAMIC OF POLITICAL SUPPORT IN RUSSIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: EVIDENCE FROM ‘THE VALUES IN CRISIS’ SURVEY DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: Sokolov B.O. , Zavadskaya M.A. , Khmel K.
Published: October 2022

How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the attitudes of Russians towards political institutions? The aggregate data of public opinion polls suggest that, according to various available indicators, the level of political support in Russia has slightly dropped, compared to the pre-pandemic period. Yet, this kind of data does not allow one to infer what aspects of the pandemic experience are the most important predictors of individual assessments of the government's performance. The article presents the results of the analysis of the data from the first two Russian waves of the international online panel survey ‘Values in Crisis’ (ViC). The first wave was carried out in Jun 2020; the second - in April-May 2021. The sample size was 1,527 and 1,199 respectively; 1,014 respondents participated in both waves. The main dependent variable is an integral index of political support that includes indicators of both diffuse and specific support. Regression modeling demonstrates that during the first wave of the pandemic in Russia (spring 2020) the direct experience of the disease and COVID-related anxiety were positively correlated with political support, while anxiety over economic losses showed negative correlation. A decrease in economic well-being had no effect on political support. Other significant predictors included right-wing political views and trust in traditional media (leading to an increase in support) and propensity to share COVID-skepticism (leading to a decrease in support). One year later, in the first half of 2021, the situation has somewhat changed: neither experiencing COVID, nor COVID-related anxiety were no longer associated with support, while the effect of economic factors became more prominent.
THE DISTRIBUTED BURDEN: HOW DO RUSSIAN’S ATTRIBUTE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HANDLING THE ECONOMIC CRISIS?
Authors: Semenov Andrei
Published: October 2022

In this paper, I explore how Russians attribute the responsibility for handling the economic crisis among multiple political institutions. Previous research established the link between the crisis and electoral results for the ruling party and other regime players, but did not address the question of the responsibility burden's distribution between branches and levels of public authorities in Russia. Using the results of representative survey and a novel instrument - comparative responsibility attribution index, which allows to assess the intensity of responsibility and the ordering of the institutions simultaneously - I demonstrate that Russians singles out the president as a chief responsibly for handling the crisis. Moreover, there exists a tight consensus about his role and place among other institutions. The federal government, the Sate Duma, and the governors follow his lead with the ruling party and mayors judged as the least responsible. Using spectral decomposition, I also show that Russian voters when it comes to getting out of the crisis also distinguish between the federal and subnational authorities. Finally, the individual-level analysis reveals that gender, age, political preferences, and crisis impact, but its significance caries across target institutions. The study contributes to the growing scholarship on responsibility attribution under autocracies and the ways the voters navigate the institutional complexities of modern polities.
Diaphragmatic eventration with impending gangrenous organoaxial volvulus of the stomach: Role of timely intervention
Authors: Chirukandath Ravindran , Sharath Kesavan Krishnan  , Nimisha Chemmangattuvalappil Ramachandran  , Safna Kunhikandilakath  , Babu Pulluvileyil John  , Nayanathara  Parayarukottayil
Published: October 2022

Eventration of diaphragm is a rare entity and often is characterized by a developmental abnormality of the diaphragm musculature. The acute presentation of organoaxial volvulus with impending gangrene of stomach is a life-threatening event and requires emergency diagnosis and surgical intervention. A 45-year-old man visited our hospital for evaluation of upper abdominal discomfort. He had a feeling of fullness and discomfort in the upper abdomen for 3 years. These attacks lasted about 2 hours and were not usually severe but eventually presented with severe abdominal pain. The patient was explored as general condition was deteriorating. On exploration, it was found that there was huge organoaxial stomach volvulus with impending stomach gangrene. Emergency exploration, gastropexy, and plication of diaphragm was done. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention may avoid consequent gastric volvulus and complications,improving the overall outcome and mortality.
Hepatitis B virus-induced CD4 lymphocytopenia: A rare cause of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Mishra Amar Kumar , Kumar Sanjay , Agasti Niraja , Guha Gautam , Ghosh Saikat , Mohanty Bijendra , Ngullie Pideno S , Mukherjee Joydeep
Published: October 2022

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare subacute-onset fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by the John Cunningham (JC) virus. It usually occurs in impaired cell-mediated immunity settings such as lymphoproliferative disorders, chronic infective or granulomatous conditions on immunosuppressive medications, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. It also appears very rarely with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. We present a case of PML with visual field defect, progressive motor impairment, behavioral alteration, and dementia. Magnetic resonance imaging had features of asymmetric non-enhancing hyperintense subcortical white matter lesions in the background of chronic active hepatitis B infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of CD4 lymphocytopenia associated PML following chronic hepatitis B infection.
Clinico-mycological profile and trichoscopic findings among pediatric tinea capitis patients: A cross-sectional study from northern India (Haryana)
Authors: Dalal Ashish , Chawla Suraj , Vohra Prakriti , Sangwan Jyoti , Janshruti
Published: October 2022

Background: Tinea capitis (TC) is the most common cause of hair loss in pediatric patients leading to varied manifestations. Essentially, TC is a superficial infection which affects hair shaft, hair follicle, and the scalp.
Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the clinic-mycological characteristics and trichoscopic findings of TC among pediatric patients.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken in Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati, Government Medical College and Hospital after obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. All the pediatric patients of TC enrolled during the study period of 1.5 year (between January, 2020 and June, 2021). Trichoscopy was performed and findings were recorded on a predesigned pro forma. All participants were clinically examined and sample of hair and scalp scrapping was taken for mycological investigation (potassium hydroxide [KOH] and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar culture).
Results: Among 100 children of TC (M/F=2.2), gray patch type TC was most common, whereas pustular variant was least common. Trichoscopic findings were seen in all 100 cases with short broken hair being most common. Perifollicular scaling was statistically significant in gray patch TC, black dot, and comma shape in black dot TC and, crock screw hair and thick crust in kerion TC. By combining perifollicular scaling, comma hair, short-broken hair, black dot, and erythema, a sensitivity of 98.8% was achieved. KOH revealed fungal spore/hyphae in 79% patients with ectothrix pattern (56.9%) more commonly than endothrix pattern (34.2%). Trichophyton violaceum (25.9%) was the most common species isolated among culture positive patients.
Conclusion: Trichoscopy could be a simple, valuable, non-invasive, rapid, and easy to perform method for diagnosing tinea capitis in resource poor settings, where mycological culture facility is not available and in situations where delay in treatment can be counterproductive.
An audit of maternal near-miss and mortality cases in a tertiary care rural teaching hospital in Eastern India: A 2-year retrospective analytical case–control study
Authors: Nishat Parveen Begg  , Subhankar Dasgupta  , Swarup Chowdhury
Published: October 2022

Background: Maternal near-miss and mortality patients provide firsthand knowledge of remote and immediate factors linked to morbidity and mortality.
Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the characteristics of maternal near-miss and mortality cases in a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods: The present study is a retrospective analytical case–control study analyzing the different factors associated with maternal near-miss and mortality and comparing the same with a control group having mothers with normal outcome. Data were obtained from record section of Rampurhat Medical College from January 2019 to December 2020.
Results: During the study period, maternal mortality ratio was 223 and near-miss cases were 501/lakh live births. Critical care unit admission rate was 2.1% of the total admitted obstetric cases. The maternal near-miss mortality ratio was 2.25. Most women in our study group were anemic teenagers or multigravidas from rural areas with poor educational status and irregular antenatal check-ups as compared to the control group. The most common primary diagnosis in the near-miss group was obstetric hemorrhage (47.47%), while in the mortality group was eclampsia and pre-eclampsia (29.5%), obstetric h emorrhage (20.45%), and heart disease (15.9%). About 81.8% of the participants in the study group had fulfilled the near-miss criteria at the time of admission itself, while 4.5% were brought dead.
Conclusion: The underlying risk factors have to be corrected. There should be strict screening protocols from first antenatal visit itself, and earlier referral to higher centers.
Study of reasons for relapse in patients with bipolar I disorder with repeat admissions and its correlation with substance use
Authors: Megha Maghade  , Abhishek Somani  , Anand Saoji  , Vivek Kirpekar
Published: October 2022

Background: Mood disorder is one of the common causes, for which psychiatric consultations are sought. A better understanding of the factors that lead to repeated admissions, increased relapse rates, and concurrent substance dependence is necessary for the development of interventions that may reduce the likelihood of adverse effects in patient with bipolar I disorder.
Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were as follows: (1) To study the correlation between the reasons for relapse and substance use with various sociodemographic factors in patients having bipolar I disorders and (2) to find out the correlation between reasons for relapse, substance use, and severity of illness.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional single interview study, in which 67 consecutive patients having bipolar I disorder and admitted in psychiatry ward were admitted on the basis of a pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The details about psychiatric, relapse-related symptoms, substance use-related symptoms, as well as other aspects of clinical profile were taken.
Results: Out of 67 patients, 51 (76.1%) were male and 16 (23.8%) were female. Mean age of the participants was 30.43 years (S.D.=9.05). Sleep disturbance was seen in all patients (67) and was also the most common symptom. It was followed by psychomotor disturbances in 60 (89.5%) of the patients. Among 67 patients included in the study, substance use was seen among 28 (41.7%) of the patients. Substance use was significantly associated with age of the patients and occupation (P=0.03 each). The age group of more than 30 years (57.7%) had significantly higher substance use compared to those <30 years (31.7%).
Conclusion: Concurrent substance use is associated with increased risk of relapse and readmissions in cases of patients with bipolar I disorders. A thorough history is necessary to rule out substance use in these cases.
Risk factors associated with prediabetes and cardiovascular disease: A perceptive study
Authors: Kumari Neeta , Deepak Kumar Verma  , Bijendra Kumar Binawara
Published: October 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus is emerging as a major health problem due to its serious complications. It is important to assess the various factors contributing to the occurrence of the diseases so that by limiting these factors the progression of the disease in patients can be controlled. Prediabetes is a state characterized by impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance.
Aims and Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the risk factors for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among adults, prediabetic subjects were identified from first degree relatives of T2DMpatients.
Materials and Methods: The present observational study was carried out at Department of Physiology, S.P. Medical College and Hospital in collaboration with diabetic research center P.B.M. hospital Bikaner (Rajasthan). Prediabetic subjects were identified from first degree relatives of T2DMpatients, enrolled in diabetic research center P.B.M. hospital Bikaner. Prediabetics (impaired fasting glucose) subjects were identified on the basis of fasting blood glucose 100–125 mg/dL and HbA1C (5.7–6.4%) as per American Diabetic Association (ADA) 2011 guidelines. Consecutive sampling was conducted till sample size satisfied during the period of study. Subjects of age group 20–74 years having FPG between 100 and 125 mg/dL, HbA1C between 5.7% and 6.4%, and gave informed written consent were included in study. Pre-structured performa was used to collect general information, sociodemographic information, baseline physical characteristics, personal habits, biochemical analysis, and for blood parameters.
Results: Age, occupation, body mass index (BMI), diet, smoking, alcohol, truncal obesity, and family history of DM were significantly associated with prevalence of T2DM/prediabetes whereas gender and literacy were not.
Conclusion: In the present study, it was observed that advanced age, occupational changes, BMI, substance abuse such as alcohol and smoking, truncal obesity, and family history of diabetes were highly associated risk factors for T2DM whereas literacy, gender, and central obesity showed no association with risk of T2DM.
Isolation and identification of aerobic bacteria and their antibiogram profile in catheter related bloodstream infection among the hemodialysis patient in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Mandal Swapan Kumar , Karmakar Kanailal , Sarkar Kumaresh Chandra , Sarkar Goutam , Biswas Arunava , Bandyopadhyay Maitreyi , Adhikari Anjan , Bandyopadhyay Manas Kumar
Published: October 2022

Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is quite evident in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The pattern of the isolates from the catheter tip as well as blood culture and their sensitivity against antibiotics varies and set a huge challenge for the physician for its management.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to isolate and identify, causative organism in CRBSI from the HD patient and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of each isolate and determines the current trend.
Materials and Methods: A total (n=101) patients admitted for HD in the nephrology unit of a tertiary care hospital with preexisting comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension (HT) were recruited according to inclusion/exclusion criteria after obtaining written consent. Blood samples from peripheral blood vessel of suspected CRBSI patients were collected as well as the catheter tip was cut and collected in sterile test tube and transported to microbiology laboratory for isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility test.
Results: The HD catheter tip culture was found positive in 54 (53.46%) samples out of the total 101 samples. The distribution of catheter tip culture positive patients and their association with diabetes mellitus was highest at age group > 60 years with a p < 0.0001. The association between catheter tip culture positive and HT was also found significant with P<0.0001. After analysis of culture reports of HD catheter tip and peripheral blood, culture-positive reports were found in 15 (14.85%) patients as CRBSI. The distribution of CRBSI predominantly found in the age group of 41–50 years (33%) which was significant with P=0.004. The causative organisms for CRBSI were Gram negative under this study and multidrug resistant too. The only drug polymyxin B was 100% sensitive to Gram-negative organism whereas vancomycin and linezolid were 100% sensitive to Gram-positive organisms.
Conclusion: Patients with kidney disease receiving HD with a central venous catheter experience high rates of bloodstream and catheter tip infection commonly in those suffering from diabetes, HT, and dyslipidemia. The causative organisms for CRBSI were mainly Gram negative with a concern over existence of multidrug resistance strain.
Comparison of intravenous route versus nebulization of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) for post-operative sore throat and hoarseness: A randomized comparative double-blinded clinical trial
Authors: Rashmi Raghavendra  , Surekha Kumar  , Sowmya Madihalli Janardhan Iyengar
Published: October 2022

Background: Multiple drugs in different routes have been studied for the treatment of post-operative sore throat (POST). We are studying effect of magnesium sulfate on POST in two different routes.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to compare the efficacy of nebulization versus intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate in reducing incidence of POST and hoarseness of voice.
Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized double-blind study was done on 150 patients undergoing unilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) surgeries under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly allocated into Group N (n=75) and Group I (n=75). Group N received 10 mg/kg MgSO4 in 5 mL of normal saline as nebulization 20 min before induction and 100 mL normal saline IV over 20 min post-induction. Group I received 5 mL of normal saline as nebulization pre-induction and 10 mg/kg MgSO4 in 100 mL saline IV over 20 min post-induction. Postoperatively, visual analog scale (VAS) score was used for the assessment of sore throat at rest and dynamic VAS (DyVAS) for pain during swallowing at the 0, 1st, 6th, 12th, and 24th h. Post-operative hoarseness graded on 4-point score was also assessed.
Results: Incidence of POST in Group N was 29.17% compared to 52.86% in Group I at 0 h which was lower and statistically significant and results were alike at the 1st and 6th h. The VAS at rest and DyVAS were lower and statistically significant in Group N compared to Group I at the 0, 1st, and 6th h.
Conclusion: Incidence of POST was significantly less with nebulized route of magnesium sulfate compared to IV route of magnesium sulfate.
A study of “rational use of investigations” in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Gulab Kanwar  , Shivprakash Rathore  , Arpit Khandelwal  , Khandelwal Divya , Ankur Khandelwal  , Rajmal Meena  , Manna Lal Kumawat
Published: October 2022

Background: Rational laboratory use is defined as effective and correct laboratory use by providing the most appropriate test selection with the right clinical approach in line with the evidence-based data and considering the cost and patient safety. The present study was thus conducted for the prevalence and features associated with rational use of investigations in a tertiary hospital.
Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to estimate prevalence of rational use of investigations and its associated confounding factors; to explain the educational approach underlying the study; and to explain how to teach rational approach of investigations so that we reduce the use of unnecessary and inappropriate tests which are not likely to have any ill effects on the patient.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study including 100 patients was selected by random sampling from medicine and orthopedic wards and OPD.
Results: In our study,we observed 29 different types of clinical and laboratory investigations out of 2155 investigations ordered by physicians before any intervention. These investigations done in 100 patients, among those 39.16% were contributed to the management of patients and 60.83% were not considered to have contributed toward management of patients.
Conclusion: Several external and internal factors can promote irrational use of investigation at different stages. Hence, understanding these factors and implementing appropriate measures are key steps to change behavior of prescriber and nursing staff. We must have logic-based flow chart or algorithm in all investigations for diagnosis as a part of good laboratory or good clinical practices.
Use of Cyclosporine A and danazol in treatment of aplastic anemia: A real-world data from a teaching hospital in South India
Authors: Kamat Girish , Renukaradhya K Math  , Goni Deepak , Balikai Girish , Savanur Ambuja , Mudennavar Nayana , Palaksha Kanive Javaregowda
Published: October 2022

Background: Due to financial constraints, there are limited treatment options for Aplastic anemia (AA) in developing countries.
Aims and Objectives: In the present observational retrospective study, utility of Cyclosporine A (CsA) along with Danazol (an anabolic steroid) in AA was assessed.
Materials and Methods: The study included patients of AA treated in our hospital from 2017 to 2020.
Results: The present study included total of 95 patients. Out of these, 69 patients (73%) were lost to follow-up. It was observed that, out of 26 patients who could be followed up, 18 (69%) patients responded to the treatment (transfusion independent) at the end of 6 months. Out of 18 patients who had responded, two were very severe AA, 12 were severe AA, and four were non-severe AA patients. Eleven out of 18 (61.1%) females responded, whereas seven out of eight males (87.5%) responded to the treatment. In four patients who received Eltrombopag in addition to CsA-Danazol, three patients responded to the therapy.
Conclusion: Treatment with CsA and Danazol may represent a promising therapy for patients with AA, especially in resource limited settings. Further, large-scale collaborative studies are necessary to evaluate such approaches in management of AA.
Seroprevalence of Scrub typhus in a rural tertiary care hospital of Eastern India
Authors: Saswati Chattopadhyay  , Nabamita Chaudhury  , Tanusri Biswas
Published: October 2022

Background: Scrub typhus is a Rickettsial infection caused by a gram-negative intracellular bacillus Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is an important cause of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). The infection is spread by the larval form of a mite--Trombiculid soft mite and is called ‘chiggers’. The infection affects man accidentally.
Aims and Objectives: The study was done to find the sero-prevalence of the infection in patients with high fever not responding to any treatment.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted for 1 year (January 2021 to December 2021 in patients of all ages and sexes complaining of high fever and body ache with/without seizures and change in mental status. The serum samples were subjected to immunoglobulin M enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for Scrub typhus after excluding the other causes of the common febrile illnesses such as Malaria, Japanese encephalitis), chikungunya, dengue, typhoid and leptospirosis.
Results: The seroprevalence of Scrub typhus in this study period was 39.74 % amongst the 761/1915 positive samples. Maximum number of positive cases were noted in the cooler months of the year -- November 2021 (192 cases; 25.23%) followed by December (142; 18.66%). Of all the positive cases, maximum 396 (78%) were found in patients residing in the rural areas of the Purba Burdwan district. Furthermore, the maximum number of cases was found in the age group 0-10 yrs—463 (60.84%) but a very slight male predominance. No mortality, however, was reported.
Conclusion: Scrub typhus is an emerging infection and early treatment can save many lives.