bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Greenbuild: An Analytical Tool to Support Decision Making in Green Building Design
Authors: Cappelletti Federica , Menghi Roberto , Rossi Marta , Germani Michele
Published: May 2022

Buildings are one of the largest contributors to negative environmental impacts because of the high consumption of energy and materials during their life cycle. The present work proposes a framework, able to make available information, both of general materials and specific commercial solutions; moreover, it overcomes the current state of the art, since, although focused on environmental sustainability, provides the opportunity to compare simultaneously several choices, also considering their properties and characteristics. Based on the proposed methodology, a tool structure and workflow are presented. The main potentiality is represented by the possibility of executing sustainability assessment already in the early stages of building design using the proposed tool when design choices significantly contribute to the global environmental impact of solutions. A validation procedure to quantitatively evaluate the main tool's limits and potentialities is proposed.
Effect of Locally Sourced Fly Ash and GGBS on the Compressive Strength and Chloride Resistance of Concrete
Authors: Nguyen Chinh Van
Published: May 2022

The paper investigated the effect of locally sourced fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) on the compressive strength and chloride resistance of concrete. The mix proportion was cementitious material (total of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), fly ash and GGBS): sand: coarse aggregate: water of 1:2:3:0.6 in which 20% by mass of total cementitious materials was replaced by class F fly ash and GGBS. Compressive strength and rapid chloride penetration tests were conducted at 28, 56 and 120 days. The results shows that fly ash and GGBS reduce slightly the compressive strength but improve significantly the choloride resistance of concrete. Within the range of investigation, 10% of fly ash and 10% of GGBS are recommended to replace OPC as they improve the chloride resistance and maintain the compressive strength of concrete.
microRNA-16-5p suppresses cell proliferation and angiogenesis in colorectal cancer by negatively regulating forkhead box K1 to block the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Huang Xin , Xu Xuan , Ke Huajing , Pan Xiaolin , Ai Jiaoyu , Xie Ruyi , Lan Guilian , Hu Yang , Wu Yao
Published: May 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) have aroused increasing attention in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. This study is designed for a detailed analysis of the roles of miR-16-5p and forkhead box K1 (FOXK1) in cell angiogenesis and proliferation during CRC in addition to their underlying mechanisms. CRC tissues and colon cancer cell lines (SW620 and HCT8) were investigated. qRT-PCR and Western blot were utilized to evaluate miR-16-5p and FOXK1 expression. Following gain- and loss-of-function assays on miR-16-5p or FOXK1, the effects of miR-16-5p and FOXK1 were assessed on cell angiogenesis and proliferation in CRC cells. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was employed to evaluate the binding relationship of miR-16-5p and FOXK1. Western blot was used to determine the effects of miR-16-5p and FOXK1 on key molecules of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Highly expressed FOXK1 and lowly expressed miR-16-5p were observed in CRC cells and tissues. miR-16-5p overexpression or FOXK1 knockdown reduced CRC cell proliferation and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells co-cultured with the supernatant of CRC cells, whereas miR-16-5p silencing or FOXK1 upregulation caused opposite trends. Additionally, miR-16-5p negatively modulated FOXK1 expression. The blockade of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was triggered by miR-16-5p overexpression or FOXK1 silencing. In conclusion, miR-16-5p hampers cell angiogenesis and proliferation during CRC by targeting FOXK1 to block the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
Automated Interactive Patient History-Taking System
Authors: Desai Anish , Anand Sunaina Sunil , Mathew Sunitha Elza
Published: May 2022

The process of history-taking has been challenging for India due to its booming population and severe scarcity of doctors. Inadequate patient history could lead to medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and medication noncompliance. Innovations in health information technology have great potential for improving the practice of medicine. Automated patient history is collected with the help of a computer. Physicians can use artificial intelligence to help with documentation, analysis of patient data while increasing the precision, productivity, and efficacy of the physician. Health-care providers are looking for regulatory compliant and efficient software for automated patient history taking. In telemedicine, automated history taking before the consultation can save physician‘s time, have more accurate history which will improve the telemedicine experience for the patient, especially in times of a pandemic like coronavirus disease 2019.
Power of compounding intravitreal Bevacizumab - Experience from a tertiary eye care hospital
Authors: Ramesh Santosh , S Sivaranjani , Hasmukhbhai Nirav Zala , Yadav Divya
Published: May 2022

Background:

Bevacizumab vials that are commercially available are fractionated into smaller quantities into the form of pre-filled syringes in a sterile and aseptic laboratory setting.

Purpose:

To share the long term experience of aliquoting of bevacizumab injections in a tertiary eye care center in India.

Synopsis:

Compounding of bevacizumab was found to be a cost-effective and sustainable practice that has benefited more patients with an affordable cost, while maintaining high levels of quality.

Highlights:

Compounding of bevacizumab, when done with aseptic precautions can be a safe and cost-effective practice, the benefits of which can be passed on to needful patients.

Video Link:

https://youtu.be/C5XOpKHFkew
Post-traumatic posterior giant retinal tear and macular hole associated retinal detachment
Authors: Samanta Ramanuj , Jayaraj Sreeram , Sood Gitanjli , Agrawal Ajai
Published: May 2022

Background:

Blunt trauma to the eye can present with varied manifestations involving both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Giant retinal tear (GRT) following trauma occurs most commonly at the equatorial region or anterior to the equator. GRT posterior to the equator is rare.

Purpose:

To demonstrate the successful management of a post-traumatic posterior GRT and full-thickness macular hole (MH) associated retinal detachment (RD).

Synposis:

A 21-year-old-male presented with sudden diminution of vision in the right eye (RE) following blunt-trauma with cricket ball. RE vision at presentation was hand movement close to face. Anterior segment of RE revealed pupillary sphincter tear, posterior synechiae and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC). RE fundus revealed a posterior-GRT, full thickness MH, mild vitreous haemorrhage and rhegmatogenous RD. He was managed with pars plana vitrectomy, encircling scleral band, perfluorocarbon liquid-assisted flattening of GRT, internal limiting membrane peeling, and endotamponade. Post-operatively the retina was attached, MH was closed and the patient achieved an ambulatory vision of 1/60.

Highlights:

This video demonstrates the successful management of a posterior-GRT and MH associated RD. Removal of adherent hyaloid from the long anterior flap of posterior GRT, peeling of ILM from temporal narrow mobile strip of retina (which has a risk of radial extension of GRT edges) and manoeuvring in suboptimally dilated pupil are illustrated in this video.

Video Link:

https://youtu.be/p04-_t0Wuuc
Fulminant fungal endogenous endophthalmitis following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report
Authors: Jain Mukesh , Brar Anand Singh , Rath Suryasnata , Kelgaokar Anup , Behera Himansu Sekhar
Published: May 2022

Systemic corticosteroids and immunocompromised state following SARS-CoV-2 infection can predispose individuals to endogenous endophthalmitis. A 66-year-old gentleman presented with complaints of diminution of vision and redness one week post discharge after hospitalization for COVID-19 infection. Clinical examination suggested fulminant endogenous endophthalmitis which responded poorly even after aggressive treatment requiring evisceration. Culture and gene sequenced analysis confirmedAspergillus fumigatusto be the causative organism. A high degree of suspicion is warranted in the presence of recent onset of floaters in COVID-19-infected individuals to facilitate early diagnosis and outcomes.
Autologous platelet-rich plasma eye drop versus artificial tear eye drop for symptomatic dry eye disease: A prospective comparative interventional study
Authors: Rawat Preeti , Agrawal Ritika , Bhaisare Vijay , Walia Shweta , Kori Neetu , Gupta Rishi
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) eye drop and artificial tear (AT) eye drop in moderate to severe symptomatic dry eye disease (DED).

Methods:

This prospective interventional study included 121 eyes of 61 patients of moderate to severe DED. Patients were divided into aPRP (31 patients) and AT (30 patients) group. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, tear film breakup time (TBUT) (s), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score, and Schirmer test score (mm) of both the groups were evaluated and compared pre-treatment and post-treatment at the end of 3 months.

Results:

The mean age of the aPRP group and AT group was 52.8 ± 12.8 years and 55.5 ± 13.4 years, respectively. At the end of 3 months, OSDI score reduced more in the aPRP group as compared to AT group, and the mean difference (−22.7) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in post-treatment Schirmer test score between the two groups (P = 0.44). Post-treatment improvement in TBUT and CFS score in the aPRP group was significantly higher in the aPRP group as compared to that in the AT group (P < 0.05). Bruising at the site of blood withdrawal was noted in two patients in the aPRP group.

Conclusion:

aPRP is safe and more effective than AT in treating patients with moderate to severe symptomatic DED.
Effect of depth of the sclerocorneal incision on postoperative corneal astigmatism in manual small-incision cataract surgery
Authors: Pattanayak Sabyasachi , Nanda Ashok Kumar , Swain Ashish Kumar
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

To determine the effect of depth of scleral tunnel incision measured by anterior segment OCT on postoperative corneal astigmatism by comparing the change of magnitude of corneal astigmatism between superficial and deep sclerocorneal tunnel incision in manual small-incision cataract surgery (SICS).

Methods:

Depths of sclerocorneal incision of 72 eyes of patients undergoing uncomplicated manual SICS and attending regular follow-up schedule were assessed with anterior segment OCT at 6-week post-op follow-up.

Results:

The overall mean ± standard deviation (SD) change of astigmatism for superficial incision, that is, ≤399 mm, was 0.44 ± 0.30 and that for deeper, that is, ≥400 mm, was 0.13 ± 0.48 and the change was significantly higher in ≤399 mm group than in ≥400 mm group (P = 0.003). In both superior and temporal incision locations, the mean ± SD change of astigmatism for ≤399 mm incision was 0.48 ± 0.29 and 0.40 ± 0.30, respectively, and that for ≥400 mm was 0.03 ± 0.34 and 0.23 ± 0.57, respectively. The change of astigmatism was significantly higher in ≤399 mm incision group overall (P = 0.003) and also higher in both superior and temporal incision location groups (P = 0.001 and P = 0.479, respectively).

Conclusion:

The depth of sclerocorneal incision had a statistically significant effect on the change of astigmatism following manual SICS, with superficial incision (≤399 mm) causing a higher change than deeper incision (≥ 400 mm).
A comparison of scientometric data and publication policies of ophthalmology journals
Authors: Ay İbrahim Ethem , Tazegul Gokhan , Duranoğlu Yaşar
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

This retrospective database analysis study aims to present the scientometric data of journals publishing in the field of ophthalmology and to compare the scientometric data of ophthalmology journals according to the open access (OA) publishing policies.

Methods:

The scientometric data of 48 journals were obtained from Clarivate Analytics InCites and Scimago Journal & Country Rank websites. Journal impact factor (JIF), Eigenfactor score (ES), scientific journal ranking (SJR), and Hirsch index (HI) were included. The OA publishing policies were separated into full OA with publishing fees, full OA without fees, and hybrid OA. The fees were stated as US dollars (USD).

Results:

Four scientometric indexes had strong positive correlations; the highest correlation coefficients were observed between the SJR and JIF (R = 0.906) and the SJR and HI (R = 0.798). However, journals in the first quartile according to JIF were in the second and third quartiles according to the SJR and HI and in the fourth quartile in the ES. The OA articles published in hybrid journals received a median of 1.17-fold (0.15–2.71) more citations. Only HI was higher in hybrid OA; other scientometric indexes were similar with full OA journals. Full OA journals charged a median of 1525 USD lower than hybrid journals.

Conclusion:

Full OA model in ophthalmology journals does not have a positive effect on the scientometric indexes. In hybrid OA journals, choosing to publish OA may increase citations, but it would be more accurate to evaluate this on a journal basis.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in a large cohort of healthcare professionals across the network of an eyecare organization in India
Authors: Nandyala Sushma , Mohamed Ashik , Bhargava Archana , Chaurasia Sunita , Senthil Sirisha , Vaddavalli Pravin K
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate Vitamin B12 levels in healthcare professionals at a tertiary eyecare centre in India.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among healthcare professionals working at a tertiary eyecare centre in India. The sample included 2,374 employees. Chemiluminescent immunoassay method (reference range, 211–911 pg/ml) was used to assess serum vitamin B12 levels. Effect of age and gender was analyzed in vitamin B12 normal and vitamin B12 deficient groups. To evaluate risk factors, questions related to vitamin B12 deficiency were asked to the study participants in a survey.

Results:

The mean age of employees was 29.2 ± 0.7 years. Around 26% of them were vitamin B12 deficient. The proportion of males in the vitamin B12 deficient group (61.2%) was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that of the vitamin B12 normal group (44.9%). There was no effect of age on vitamin B12 levels in both vitamin B12 normal and vitamin B12 deficient groups. Mean vitamin B12 levels in males (289.1 ± 22.2 pg/ml) was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than that of females (338.7 ± 30.0 pg/ml).

Conclusion:

This is the first such study on eyecare professionals. One-fourth of the eyecare professionals were vitamin B12 deficient. The proportion of males was higher in the vitamin B12 deficiency group. Males had lower vitamin B12 levels than females. Annual blood tests for vitamin B12 are recommended for timely diagnosis and management of vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly in males.
Ocular sequelae in severe COVID-19 recovered patients of second wave
Authors: Dipu Taw , Goel Ruchi , Arora Ritu , Thakar Meenakshi , Gautam Akanksha , Shah Shalin , Gupta Yashi , Chhabra Mohit , Kumar Sumit , Singh Kirti , Kumar Suresh , Garg Sandeep , Singh Harpreet , Pant Rashmi
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the retinal microvascular changes in patients, recovered from severe COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic in North India.

Methods:

In this observational cross-sectional study, 70 eyes of 35 patients who recovered from severe COVID-19 during the second wave underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation 4–6 weeks after discharge. Twelve controls were also enrolled, and the difference in the findings between the case and control groups on optical coherence tomography (OCTA) were studied.

Result:

The ages of study participants ranged from 27 to 60 years with the male:female ratio being 1.05:1. The fundus changes suggestive of ischemia in the form of cotton wool spots and vascular tortuosity were seen in 25 eyes (35.71%). Increased venous tortuosity was the most common finding seen in 23 eyes (32.85%), of which 10 eyes (28.57%) had concurrent hypertensive retinopathy (HTR) changes. There was a significant reduction in the mean vascular density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) for both the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) at inner, outer ring, and whole (P < 0.05). Foveal avascular zone was significantly enlarged in both the SCP (P = 0.01) and the DCP (P = 0.03). The mean ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) was significantly reduced in comparison to controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Severe COVID-19 can result in microvascular changes at the macula in the form of reduction in vascular and perfusion density, which can be evaluated using OCTA. As structural changes precede functional changes, a close watch is recommended in patients showing compromise in retinal microvasculature.
Ocular occlusions in two cases of COVID-19
Authors: Kulkarni Mayur S , R Rajesh , Shanmugam Mahesh P
Published: May 2022

In late 2019, we saw the emergence of a new coronavirus, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which rapidly evolved into a global pandemic. We report two cases of ocular vascular occlusion related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. The first case is of choroidal artery occlusion, while the second case is of combined central retinal artery and vein occlusion (CRAO and CRVO). We performed a thorough literature search and to the best of our knowledge, neither any of the above said has been reported in COVID-19–positive patients.
Twitter sentiment analysis for COVID-19 associated mucormycosis
Authors: Singh Maneet , Dhillon Hennaav Kaur , Ichhpujani Parul , Iyengar Sudarshan , Kaur Rishemjit
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) was a serious public health problem during the second wave of COVID-19 in India. We planned to analyze public perceptions by sentiment analysis of Twitter data regarding CAM.

Methods:

In this observational study, the application programming interface (API) provided by the Twitter platform was used for extracting real-time conversations by using keywords related to mucormycosis (colloquially known as “black fungus”), from May 3 to August 29, 2021. Lexicon-based sentiment analysis of the tweets was done using the Vader sentiment analysis tool. To identify the overall sentiment of a user on any given topic, an algorithm to label a user “k” based on their sentiments was used.

Results:

A total of 4,01,037 tweets were collected between May 3 and August 29, 2021, and the peak frequency of 1,60,000 tweets was observed from May 17 to May 23, 2021. Positive sentiment tweets constituted a larger share as compared to negative sentiment tweets, with weekly variations. A temporal analysis of the demand for utilities showed that the demand was high in the initial period but decreased with time, which was associated with the availability of resources.

Conclusion:

Sentiment analysis using Twitter data revealed that social media platforms are gaining popularity to express one’s emotions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In our study, time-based assessment of tweets showed a reduction over time in the frequency of negative sentiment tweets. The polarization in the retweet network of users, based on sentiment polarity, showed that the users were well connected, highlighting the fact that such issues bond our society rather than segregating it.
A case of neuro retinitis in association with COVID-19
Authors: Mahajan Asmita , Phuljhele Swati , Dhiman Rebika
Published: May 2022

A 36-year-old female presented with blurring of vision in one eye for 10 days after 1 month of an episode of COVID-19 infection. Her fundus showed disc edema with blurring of margins along with exudation around the fovea. Her C-reactive protein levels were raised. She responded well to oral steroids. A likely association with COVID-19 infection and its associated immune response was suspected.
A case of acute endothelial corneal transplant rejection following immunization with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 coronavirus vaccine
Authors: Nahata Harshita , Nagaraja Harsha , Shetty Rohit
Published: May 2022

A 28-year-old female who underwent an uneventful femtosecond laser enabled keratoplasty (FLEK) in her left eye presented with pain, redness, and blurring of vision in the operated eye two weeks after getting immunized with COVID-19 vector vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCoV19 Vaccine Recombinant COVISHIELD, AstraZeneca). Slit-lamp examination showed donor stromal edema with Descemet’s membrane folds and Khodadoust line (KP’s on endothelium) with anterior chamber cells and flare. The patient was diagnosed with acute corneal graft rejection and advised hourly topical steroids with cycloplegics and oral steroids. The patient responded to treatment and there was progressive reversal of graft rejection with the patient achieving best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of 20/30 after five weeks of treatment. Our case highlights possible immune corneal graft rejection after COVID19 vaccination and the need to step up topical steroids before vaccination.
Transient cardiomyopathy after the indoor lightning strike
Authors: Tandon Rahul K , Tandon Krutika R , Gohil Aradhana , Vani Prachi , Mori Sandip
Published: May 2022

Lightning injury can also affect young child by indoor penetration of lightning strike and in spite of cardiac involvement good supportive intensive care may change the outcome. Herein we report one case of lightning with cardiac complication admitted in our pediatric intensive care unit.
Online Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Critical care Teaching: A Pilot Study
Authors: Huang Chu-Lin , Wang Hai-Jun , Qu Shi-Ning , Zhang Hao , Wang Hao , Xing Xue-Zhong
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of online objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in critical care teaching.

Methods:

This is a self-controlled prospective study performed in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from 2020 to 2021. Consecutive students came from various surgical departments. Online tests were conducted for each student pre-and post-ICU round. There were three spots in online OSCE including clinical case, electrocardiography and chest X-ray.

Results:

Twenty-four students completed the tests. The median age is 27 years (24-28) in the cohort. There are 18 males and 6 females. Of twenty-four students, 7 came from department of neurologic or head-neck surgery, 3 from department of thoracic surgery, 12 from department of abdominal surgery, and 2 from others. There was significant difference in scores between pre-round and post-round ICU test in the chest X-ray spot, which was 3.33±4.81 and 6.67±4.81 respectively (P = 0.029). Scores in the postround ICU test in the electrocardiography spot was higher than that in the pre-round test (5.85±5.05 vs. 8.33±3.80)however no significance was reached (P = 0.056). There was no significant difference in the scores between pre-round and post-round ICU test in the clinical case spot (63.33±18.33 vs 71.67 ± 13.07, P = 0.116). Lastly, there were significant differences in total scores between pre-round and post-round ICU test (72.50±19.83 vs 86.67±13.40, P = 0.019).

Conclusions:

Online OSCE was feasible in the teaching evaluation of surgical rotation residents in ICU. Surgery rotation residents in ICU should receive more training in electrocardiography and chest X-ray.
Nerve Anomalies Associated with Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve and External Branch of Superior Laryngeal Nerve during Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Pookunju Ansar Pullampara , Prasanth Arun , Salih Surij
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Nerve injuries are serious complications encountered during thyroidectomy. Nerve anomalies possess a high risk of injury during surgery. Non-recurrent laryngeal nerve (NRLN) is a rare embryologically derived variant of RLN with an incidence of 0.5%–0.7% in thyroid surgeries. It directly enters into the larynx immediately after arising from the cervical vagus nerve. It is usually associated with subclavian artery abnormalities. However, here, we are going to discuss various other anomalies which we encountered during total thyroidectomy. This study aims to highlight the knowledge of likelihood of NRLN and other associated anomalies to avert iatrogenic nerve injury.

Materials and Methods:

We herein present nine cases of RLN abnormalities we encountered during total thyroidectomy.

Results:

Different variations of RLN were observed in our series of thyroidectomies which are explained in the figures attached.

Conclusions:

Surgeons should be always cautious while dissection and identify the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve EBSLN and RLN during thyroidectomies for thyroid malignancies, which will reduce the risk of its injury. Significant morbidity of the patient can be reduced by the knowledge of various anatomical variations in nerve and proper surgical technique.
Validity of Mannheim Peritonitis Index Score in Patients with Secondary Peritonitis
Authors: Sreedath M. , Rajesh M. R.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Peritonitis accounts for 1% of emergent hospital admissions and overall mortality is 6% to 35% in patients who develop severe sepsis. Many scoring systems have been introduced to grade peritonitis. The Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) is a special scoring system of parameters such as age; gender; duration, severity and extent of peritonitis; the presence of malignancy; and organ failure. This assesses the validity of MPI for the prediction of outcome in patients with perforation peritonitis.

Methodology:

A one-group cohort study was conducted from August 2019 to August 2020, and included 175 patients with suspected hollow viscus perforation who underwent surgery in a tertiary care centre. Patients were grouped into three categories after calculating their MPI score based on disease severity - MPI <21, between 21 and 29 and >29 and followed up until discharge or death. Mortality and mortality rates were calculated and data analysed.

Results:

In 175 patients with secondary peritonitis, a bimodal distribution was noted with peaks in age groups of 20–30 (20.6%) and 50–60 (19.4%). Appendicular perforation dominated in the age groups 10–40, followed by gastric perforation in the 50–80 groups. Males were 70.9% and females 29.1%. The majority had appendicular perforation (37.7%) followed by stomach (30.9%) and duodenum (18.3%). Patients with MPI score <21 had 0% mortality, score 21–29 had 4.5% mortality and >29 had mortality of 87% (P < 0.001). Patients with morbidity such as surgical site infection (SSI), pneumonia, enterocutaneous fistula had an MPI score > 29 (P < 0.001). For the MPI score of 25, sensitivity was 78% and specificity was 84.86%, with a positive likelihood ratio of 7.93 and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.303.

Conclusion:

There is a bimodal distribution of secondary peritonitis with peaks in age groups of 20–30 and 50––60 years. There is a male preponderance and a statistically significant association of MPI with mortality in secondary peritonitis and morbidity like SSI s, pneumonia and enterocutaneous fistula.
Foreign Body (Bone Piece) Perforating Into Anterior Abdominal Wall Presenting As Rectus Sheath Abscess
Authors: Sidhic K. A. , Hisham Yousef , Sheikh Shariq Shaffuddin , Irshad K. Mohammed , Arjunjith P. K.
Published: May 2022

Foreign body (FB) (bone piece) perforating into anterior abdominal wall presenting as rectus sheath abscess is an extremely rare case with very few case reports in the literatures. A 50-year-old female, hailing from North Kerala, known case of type 2 diabetes, systemic hypertension, and hypothyroidism on medical management presented with abdominal discomfort of 6 months' duration and central abdominal pain with fever for 2 weeks without any bowel symptoms. On clinical examination and evaluation, she is diagnosed to have an infective collection in anterior abdominal wall with no intraperitoneal extension. She was posted for exploration under spinal anaesthesia and underwent drainage of abscess along with FB (bone piece) removal. This is a rare case with FB (bone piece) perforating into anterior abdominal wall presenting as rectus sheath abscess with very few case reports.
Replaced Right Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm and Haemobilia due to Long-standing Remnant Cystic Duct Calculi
Authors: Jose Toney , Nagesh N. S.
Published: May 2022

Haemobilia is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm being the most common vascular cause. Emergent management includes computed tomography angiography, followed by angioembolisation. This is followed by the management of the underlying cause. Here, we describe a case of haemobilia caused by pseudoaneurysm of a replaced right hepatic artery caused by remnant cystic duct calculi, managed by angioembolisation and subsequent laparoscopic cystic duct stump excision.
Rapid Urease Test in the Diagnosis of Pylori Infection
Authors: Thasneem H. , Sidhic K. A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most important causes of the varied spectrum of gastroduodenal diseases. At present, several diagnostic techniques are available to identify infection with H. pylori, including rapid urease test (RUT).

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate RUT in the diagnosis of H. pylori infection in patients with upper GI symptoms suspecting peptic ulcer disease.

Materials and Methods:

It was a prospective study done in department of gastroenterology. Patients of both the sexes in the age group 18–60 years, attending with upper gastrointestinal symptoms suspecting peptic ulcer disease, during a period of 1 year were enrolled in the study.

Results:

Two ninety-one patients were included, 59% of male, with a mean age of 48.31 ± 15.79 years old. Most common identifiable lesions at endoscopy were antral erosion and gastritis. Significant association was observed between RUT results and biopsy findings. The study proves that positive result of RUT for H. pylori means 5.78 times chance of getting a positive finding in histology. Even though sensitivity of RUT for H. pylori infection was low, specificity was much higher. The sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values for RUT were, respectively, 41.12%, 88.3%, 71% and 68.47%, which was improved when patients taking proton-pump inhibitors were excluded.

Conclusion:

RUT positive alone of H. pylori infection is not sufficient as it has a low sensitivity and speciﬁcity. A negative RUT result does not fully exclude an active infection hence would need other tests like histology to confirm.
A Rare Syndromic Case of Total Colonic Aganglionosis
Authors: Akshay Viswanath U. V. , Thappa Swetha K. , Mammen Abraham , Binesh A.
Published: May 2022

Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is a rare hereditary disorder characterised by varying degree of sensorineural hearing loss, pigmentary disorders and disorders in the structures arising from neural crest. Four different types of WS have been described: Types I and II are most common whereas Types III and IV (or Waardenburg–Shah syndrome) are rare. We report a case summary of Waardenburg–Shah syndrome in a 1-year-old child.
Association of Low-Lying Pubic Tubercle with Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Chirayath Manu Jose , Chisthi Meer M
Published: May 2022

Background:

Low-lying pubic tubercle can lead to narrow origin of internal oblique muscle and alteration in structural anatomy making the shutter mechanism of internal oblique ineffective and predispose to inguinal hernia.

Methods:

A case–control study was done to find the prevalence of inguinal hernia in patients with low pubic tubercle. Twenty-two cases and 22 control male patients with symptomatic uncomplicated inguinal hernia were studied. Distance between two anterior superior iliac spines and vertical distance from pubic tubercle to the inter-spinous spine were measured. The relation of these lines to patients' height and weight and to each other was calculated.

Results:

The mean value of spine to spine distance was 26.32 cm in cases and 25.86 cm in controls. The mean distance of this line from pubic tubercle was 7.82 cm in cases and 6.77 cm in controls. Vertical distance from the pubic tubercle to inter-spinous line and its ratio with height and weight were found to be significantly associated with inguinal hernia by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:

People with low-lying pubic tubercle have a less efficient protective mechanism of inguinal canal and thus greater predisposition for inguinal hernia. Pelvimetric assessment can be used to pick up susceptible adults to plan early surgery and to decide about prophylactic repair of uninvolved contra-lateral side.
Recurrent Varicose Veins - Radiological and Operative Profile from a Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Sundaram Anil , Sreekumar R. C.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Recurrent varicose vein (RVV) still remains a complex, debilitating, common clinical condition despite the advances in imaging technology and operative techniques. The prevalence of developing recurrence ranges from 5% to 65% over a time period of 5–15 years.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to identify the radiological patterns and operative profile leading to RVV.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-eight patients were included in our study who presented with RVV from 1 January 2019 to 1 January 2021.

Results:

Recurrence was identified in 19 patients post-Trendelenburg (TBG) procedure and perforator ligation, 5 patients post-TBG and stripping above knee, 3 patients post-TBG and sclerotherapy for perforators and 1 case post-endovenous LASER therapy. RVV developed in a time span from 1 to 15 years.

Conclusion:

TBG along with just perforator ligation has high chance of recurrence, and thorough knowledge regarding the tributaries and anomalous connections at saphenofemoral junction is of utmost importance in primary surgical management of varicose veins.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Ultrasonic Dissection with Electrocautery for Axillary Dissection in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ranjith Siva , Peter Arun , Muralee Madhu , Augustine Paul , Prabhakar Jem
Published: May 2022

Background:

Morbidity of axillary dissection includes prolonged lymphatic drainage, surgical site infections, haematoma, flap necrosis and seroma. These complications are likely to delay wound healing and thereby delay administration of adjuvant treatments. Ultrasonic dissection device, the Harmonic Scalpel@, is a recent addition into the breast. Ultrasonic dissection reduces blood loss and reduces post-operative drain and seroma formation, without the use of surgical clips and ties. We hypothesised that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) performed with ultrasonic dissection will decrease post-operative drain volume and number of days the patient is put on drain. Here, we present our randomised controlled trial study to compare the outcomes of ALND using ultrasonic dissection (harmonic scalpel) with standard electrocautery.

Methods:

A total of 113 patients were randomised to two arms - the control arm underwent ALND by standard electrocautery dissection and the experimental arm underwent axillary dissection with ultrasonic scalpel. The primary objectives were (1) to measure the total post-operative drainage volume and (2) the total number of days with drain.

Results:

The total drainage was significantly less in the intervention arm with a P = 0.015. However, the total number of days on drain was not significantly different in both the arms. The drainage on the 1st post-operative day, which indirectly measures haemostatic capacity, was also not different between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Although ultrasonic dissection of the axilla significantly reduces the total drain output, the total days the patients spent with drain in situ was not significantly different. The operating time was significantly increased with ultrasonic dissection. Hence, with this study, the routine use of ultrasonic dissection could not be recommended.
Diagnostic Yield of Barium Swallow on the Face of Normal Oesophagoduodenogastroscopy
Authors: Al-Amin Azzam , Shiwani Muhammad Hanif
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

We aim to investigate the diagnostic benefit of barium swallow in patients who have already undergone oesophagoduodenogastroscopy (OGD), with normal findings.

Materials and Methods:

Data were collected for clinical indication and results of barium swallow. These were compared with the OGD findings and recorded on an excel spreadsheet. The time period was August 2016–November 2016 (15 weeks).

Results:

One hundred and nine cases were identified. Of those, 33 were excluded as they did not have an OGD during the period of a barium swallow. A total of 76 were reviewed. There were 51 females and 25 males. The median age was 57 years (21–97 years).

Analysis of barium swallow findings in patients with normal OGD:

Conclusion:

Barium swallow can be a useful additional diagnostic test, even when OGD findings are normal, in patients with symptoms of dysphagia, reflux and dysmotility.
Role of lauric acid against prenatal sleep deprivation-induced-stress rise in corticosterone and low birth weight in rat offspring
Authors: Momoh Ibrahim Joseph , Alhassan Abdul wahab , Dawud Fati A. , Abubakar Sani A. , Sunday Abba
Published: May 2022

Prenatal stress is known to affect the offspring later in life. Lauric acid is a known antioxidant shown to play a protective role in experimental animals. This study examines the role of Lauric acid on sleep deprivation-induced stress on serum corticosterone level and birth weight in male rat pups. Pregnant dams were sleep-deprived using the modified multiple water platform for 20hrs daily from gestational day 9-19. Animals in groups 1 and 2 served as normal and stressed controls respectively, groups 3,4 and 5 received Lauric acid of doses 125mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively while group 6 received Vitamin C 300mg/kg. Male offspring birth weight was recorded and at PND 28-36, were sacrificed and blood was collected for corticosterone assay. Serum corticosterone was significantly higher (p< 0.05) in the sleep-deprivation-induced stress group. Its level was also significantly lower (p<0.05) in the LA and vitamin C treated groups. Birth weight was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the stressed and vitamin C (300mg/kg) groups while being significantly higher (p< 0.05) in LA 125mg/kg group. This finding suggest that Lauric acid protect against rise in serum corticosterone level and improves birth weight in male offspring of dams subjected to sleep deprivation.
Distribution and abundance of freshwater snails in Warwade Dam, Dutse, Northern Nigeria
Authors: Dogara Musa M. , Alhaji Goni K. , Balogun Joshua B. , Abubakaar Muhammad M. , Barde Auwal A. , Surajo Abubakar R. , Muhammad Sulaiman I. , Dawaki Salwa S. , Isah Usman M.
Published: May 2022

Preliminary investigation in August, 2017 reported the presence of Lymnaea natalensis, Bellamya unicolor, Melanoides tuberculata and Bulinus globosus in order of increasing abundance and distribution in Warwade dam, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. A follow up study was carried out from April to October, 2019 to reveal further details on the abundance and distribution of freshwater snails in relation to some physiochemical factors of the dam. Four sampling sites; human activity, vegetation cover, lentic and lotic were selected for the study along the bank of the dam. Freshwater snails were collected using long handled scoop net with mesh 0.2mm complemented by hand picking methods in the four sampling sites. Water samples from the sampling sites were analyzed in the laboratory using standard procedures. A total of 2,027 of freshwater snails belonging to ten species were identified. Bulinus globosus 12(0.6%) and Lymnaea natalensis 12(0.6%) had the lowest abundance and distribution while Melanoides tuberculata 1553(76.6%) had the highest. Snail abundance was highest in site characterized by human activities (670) followed by vegetation (482), lotic (442) and lentic (433) waters. Most of the physico-chemical factors measured appeared to favour the growth and survival of fresh water snails. pH (p = 0.01), water current (p = <0.01) and magnesium ion concentration (p = < 0.01) varied significantly across the four sites. Only calcium ion concentration was significantly associated with snail abundance (p = 0.04). Snail abundance showed weak positive relationship with water temperature, color, turbidity and concentration of magnesium ion. The dam habours about ten species of freshwater snails in different abundance and distribution with M. tuberculata being the most abundant throughout the period of investigation. The dominance of M. tuberculata over other species particularly those of medical and veterinary importance could have positive implication for their control in the dam.
Response of zebrafish to royal jelly supplementation and differences in stocking density
Authors: Pires B.S. , Moreski D.A.B. , Domanski F.R. , Sippert M.R. , Khatlab A.S. , Ribeiro R.P. , Castilha L.D. , Gasparino E.
Published: May 2022

Dietary supplementation with royal jelly (RJ) may improve growth, antioxidant gene expression, and intestinal antioxidant capacity, and possibly mitigate effects of stress induced by high stocking density (HSD) in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Effects of HSD and RJ supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant gene expression, and intestinal antioxidant capacity in zebrafish were investigated. A total of 240 four-month-old zebrafish were used in a 2 x 2 factorial design, with four treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of normal stocking density (NSD) (1 fish/L) and high stocking density (HSD) (3 fish/L) and an unsupplemented commercial diet (0RJ) and commercial diet supplemented with 10% RJ (10RJ). The experiment lasted 25 days. Daily weight gain, final body length, specific growth rate, and survival were recorded. On day 25, six fish per treatment were euthanised and their intestines analysed for antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and catalase (CAT) gene expression. There were no effects of diet or SD and diet interaction on growth. High stocking density decreased daily weight gain by 25.31%, body length by 2.70%, and survival by 16.85%. Stocking density (SD) and diet interaction influenced intestinal SOD2 and CAT expression and antioxidant capacity. The HSD/0RJ group had lower antioxidant gene expression and antioxidant capacity than the HSD/10RJ and NSD/0RJ groups. Supplementation with RJ did not mitigate the harmful effects of stocking stress. These results indicate that HSD promotes transcriptional suppression of gene encoding enzymes that form the first line of antioxidant defence, resulting in reduced elimination of toxic substances and occurrence of intestinal oxidative stress.
Fattening performance, carcass traits, and profitability of Aberdeen Angus and Holstein Friesian bulls in Turkey
Authors: Ünlü H.B. , İpçak H.H.
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to compare Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Holstein Friesian (HF) bulls in Turkey based on fattening performance, carcass properties, and production costs. In the trial, 105 AA and 105 HF 10- to 12-month-old bulls with a mean initial bodyweight (IBW) of 302 kg were used. The bulls were distributed into 14 paddocks in groups of 15 based on their IBW at an open-shed facility in İzmir. The bulls were fed different rations for the grower and finisher periods for 90 days each, but otherwise were kept under similar conditions. At the end of the finishing period, the animals were slaughtered and carcass characteristics, organ weights, quality of meat, and meat production costs were evaluated. In terms of fattening performance, the AA bulls were superior to the HF bulls. The ultimate pH of the Longissimus dorsi in the AA bulls was lower than in the HF bulls and the sensory characteristics of the AA bulls were higher. Production costs were higher for the AA bulls, but so too were income over feed costs (IOFC), making the AA bulls more profitable. Thus, it might be concluded that beef breed bulls that mature quickly, such as AA, are more advantageous for meat production in Turkey than HF bulls, which are a by-product of the dairy industry.
Research Trend Analysis in Liberal Arts Education －A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Kwak Misun
Published: May 2022

This study was conducted with the aim of comprehensively examining the research results of liberal arts education in Korea and deriving research tasks to be implemented for the revitalization of liberal arts education in the future. To this end, a total of 1,491 papers from 2011 to 2021(all of which used“liberal arts”as their theme) were used for analysis and were analyzed by an analysis framework prepared by a researcher, The research results of liberal arts education are as follows: Liberal arts education research has grown significantly over the past 10 years, and the Content Method(63.3%) has been studied the most as a research topic. Among these content methods, 612 Basic Education studies (54.2%) ranked the highest in terms of topics studied, followed by 546 in Communication Education (89.2%) and 37 in Cognitive Education(6.0%). The most common topic of study concerning the subject of literacy education was 149 in Physical Experiences (48.4%), followed by Personality 86 (27.9%) and Career 21 (6.8%). The most frequent research regarding support operation was Quality Control with 358 (67.8%), followed by 143 (27.1%) in Teaching and Learning. In order for liberal arts education research to develop further, continuous joint research activities, with various academic societies and associations in the field of liberal arts education, are required. In addition, follow-up studies involving various topics, such as research on new topics of liberal arts education pertaining to character and career, research on the professors themselves teaching liberal arts education, and performance management research to review the effectiveness of liberal arts education, should be conducted.
PBL Writing Lessons and Guidance through a Critical Biography Writing Class
Authors: Kim Woo Young
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this article is to analyze the actual operation cases of the PBL writing task conducted during a class at Sejong University and to clarify the PBL nature and the meaning of this task. Among the problems given in Sejong University's Writing and Presentation for Problem Solving in the first semester of 2018, the students were assigned with the following PBL writing task: “Write a review of ordinary neighbors around us.” This problem tackled genre literature, such as existing reviews and autobiographies, and attempted to approach it anew through new subjects. It had a project-based element in that team activities were necessarily premised in the process of performing the task. Moreover, it had a subjective-based element suitable for the PBL task in that it had an unstructured characteristic to it. At the same time, the fundamental meaning of writing can be found through expressive writing, which has recently been somewhat neglected in college. In addition, the goal was for the students to reflect on the lives of ordinary people in our society, compared to those of the elites who succeeded in describing existing reviews and autobiographies. Interviews with subjects that had to be conducted during the writing process were meaningful in that the students had the experience of enhancing their inter-generational communication skills and constructing data that ended up creating a sort of Korean micro history. Furthermore, from this study we can see that all processes, from data research to actual writing, have improved the students' intellectual abilities and allowed for a degree of reflection and discussion that they were unable to experience from their major courses.