bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Conceptual Model of Immersive Experience in Extended Reality
Authors: Lee Hyunkook
Published: September 2020

The term immersion or immersive is popularly used when describing and evaluating technologies in the area of extended reality (i.e., virtual/augmented/mixed reality). Much research been conducted on immersion over the last few decades. However, there is still a lack of consistency in how the term is defined in the literature. Presence and involvement are other prominent concepts studied in the field of extended reality. However, there is currently no consensus on their relationship with immersion among researchers. This paper first discusses different dimensions of immersion as well as those of presence and involvement, aiming to resolve potential confusion around the terms and synthesise a relationship among them. From this, a new conceptual model of immersive experience for future studies in extended reality is proposed. The model defines physical presence, social/self presence and involvement as the main high-level attributes that collectively lead to an immersive experience. Each pair of the three attributes shares a common lower-level attribute of sensory, narrative or task/motor engagement, which is an initial step towards the higher-level experience. Plausibility, interactivity and interestingness are defined as the main properties of immersive system and content, each of which is biased by a subjective factor: internal reference, skills/knowledge and personal preference, respectively.
The effect of ego-resiliency and COVID-19-related stress on mental health among the Japanese population
Authors: Kubo Takahiro , Sugawara Daichi , Masuyama Akihiro
Published: September 2020

Due to the negative psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, it is necessary to study the factors that improve mental health. In this study, we evaluated changing income, frequency of going out, fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, stress, and ego-resiliency to investigate the main and moderating effects of ego-resiliency on psychological distress. We analyzed 222 Japanese samples from the dataset of Primary Survey in Japan (PSJ) in the Resilience to COVid-19 in Each Region (RE-COVER) project. The results showed significant main effects of ego-resiliency on depression (ΔR2 = .07, p < .01) and stress (ΔR2 = .02, p < .05), and interaction effect of going out and ego-resiliency on depression (β = .19, p < .01; ΔR2 = .05, p < .01). We also tested the significance of the moderating effect of ego-resiliency on the relationship between going out and depression. The simple slope of ego-resiliency was only significant for individuals with a low frequency of going out (β = -0.278, t (218) = -4.522, p < .001). Our findings provide empirical evidence on mental health associated with the COVID-19 pandemic among the Japanese population, proving that ego-resiliency functioned to cope with the specific stress associated with COVID-19 and promote adaptation.
COVID-19 and primary care: A critical need for strengthening emergency preparedness across health systems
Authors: Sultana Abida , Bhattacharya Sudip , Hossain Md Mahbub
Published: September 2020

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted every frontier of human lives. When it comes to emergency care for any health emergency for individuals, or primary care where people make their first contact with the health system in a country, this pandemic has shown the lack of preparedness on delivering medical care in both settings. An integrative yet holistic perspective is needed to strengthen emergency medicine and primary care across health systems, which may enable us to save more lives during this pandemic and be better prepared for the next one.
Balancing production and culture: Sustainable agriculture in the Amazon
Authors: Gandarilla Omar , Carosso Giovanni A , Mostajo-Radji Mohammed A
Published: September 2020

Sustainable food production in developing countries is challenging, as it requires balancing scalability with respect for local culture and traditions. Bolivia represents a particularly interesting example; with over 36 recognized indigenous groups encompassing over 70% of the country’s population in a relatively small territory, Bolivia is considered one of the most diverse countries in the world (Ferreira et al., 2019). Agriculture in Bolivia employs over 5% of the country’s population and represents over 14% of its GDP. Yet, the introduction of new agribusiness approaches has often been met with resistance by the local communities. For example, the use of transgenic seeds in Bolivia is forbidden by law, with a single exception in soybean production (Avila and Izquierdo, 2006). As result, Bolivia is at a disadvantage in relation to its neighbors in agricultural production. In addition, high costs of transport and export of produce due to the landlocked nature of the country, compounded by logistic difficulties of exporting through a third country, highlight the need of policies that facilitate a larger and more efficient food production.
Pure for me or impure for us: Pollution in the Gene Regulation Knowledge Commons
Authors: Chatterjee Anamika
Published: September 2020

Pollution has been a major threat to the sustainability of the commons. In the Tragedy of the Commons, Garrett Hardin explained that freedom to add to a commons can expose it to pollution (Hardin, 1968). Behaviours of individuals who add to the commons should thus be governed if it is to be protected from pollution. In the context of shared natural resources, we have plenty of evidence that this is true. Consequently, to protect them from pollution we now have some safeguards to govern what is added to the common pool and how it is added. Yet, while significant attention has been given to pollution in natural resources, how it emerges in the case of shared knowledge has received little attention. As a shared resource, knowledge is valuable when it grows and is enriched. The sustainability of the knowledge commons rests on the community adding to the common pool. Yet, as some commons scholars have argued, an addition to the common pool doesn’t necessarily increase the value of the knowledge commons. Some could increase it, while others could decrease it (Coriat, 2011; Kranich, 2007; Lougee, 2007; Ostrom & Hess, 2007). In this article, I will focus on how behaviours of adding to the knowledge commons expose it to the threat of pollution. What is pollution in the knowledge commons and how does it occur? Why does it occur? How can a knowledge commons be protected from it? And what are the challenges that emerge in doing so?
Website quality: An analysis of scientific production
Authors: Morales-Vargas Alejandro , Pedraza-Jiménez Rafael , Codina Lluís
Published: September 2020

A range of different methods and tools have been proposed by both academics and professionals in recent years for evaluating the quality of websites. Some are of general application and can be used to assess any type of website, while others have been adapted to the specialized characteristics of the websites employed in a given sector. This paper undertakes an analysis of existing scientific production in this field, with the aim of identifying its most relevant publications, its principal authors and the specific sectors served by the sites under evaluation. By triangulating review methods, 716 texts, published between 2000 and 2018, were identified in Scopus, Web of Science and other databases and examined. In addition to basic bibliographic information, the number of citations received by each text was recorded using Google Scholar. The area of knowledge in which each author works was also categorized based on his or her specific affiliations. The results point to a growing interest in website quality in a scientific community that has a presence in more than 70 countries. Its authors are drawn from various disciplines, although the highest number of publications is recorded in computer science, business and medical informatics. The most frequently cited texts are in fact seminal books in the associated disciplines of usability, information architecture and user experience. However, as of 2007, the number of texts describing evaluation tools for the websites of specific sectors – most notably, education (33%), health (27%) and commerce (21%) – increased their share. In conclusion, it is evident that website quality is a field of study undergoing constant growth and increasing specialization and one that offers ample opportunities for research.
Uso de Wikidata y Wikipedia para la generación asistida de un vocabulario estructurado multilingüe sobre la pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Saorín Tomás , Pastor-Sánchez Juan-Antonio , Baños-Moreno María-José
Published: September 2020

A method for quickly and dynamically building controlled vocabularies, especially for the media, using Wikidata and Wikipedia as sources of terminological information, is proposed. The method is applied to construct a vocabulary about the Covid-19 pandemic. For this purpose, it is proposed to exploit the structure of items and properties of Wikidata and links and backlinks of Wikipedia articles. Using a process based on the definition of Wikidata relationship expansion rules, an algorithm was designed, starting from a set of initial items and then being executed in successive iterations, followed by a review of the results. In this way, the Wikidata entities relevant to the thematic coverage of the vocabulary are collected. The algorithm has been implemented in an open-source application whose results for the Covid-19 pandemic vocabulary collection have been published in a repository. The algorithm can be used to verify the results using the same or other expansion rules or applied to compile vocabularies in other thematic areas. The results in terms of the elements collected in each iteration and the validation proposal through the links and backlinks of Wikipedia articles are also analyzed. The application of SKOS to achieve an interoperable representation of vocabularies obtained by this method is proposed as future work.

Resumen
Se propone un método para la construcción ágil y dinámica de vocabularios controlados, especialmente para los medios de comunicación, utilizando Wikidata y Wikipedia como fuentes de información terminológica. El método se aplica a la construcción de un vocabulario sobre la pandemia de Covid-19. Para ello se propone la explotación de la estructura de items y propiedades de Wikidata y de los enlaces salientes y entradas de los artículos de Wikipedia. Mediante un proceso de definición de reglas de expansión de relaciones de Wikidata se ha diseñado un algoritmo en el que se parte de un conjunto de items iniciales y en sucesivas iteraciones y revisión de resultados se recopilan las declaraciones relevantes a la temática del vocabulario. El algoritmo se ha implementado en una aplicación cuyo código y resultados de recopilación del vocabulario sobre la pandemia de Covid-19 se ha publicado en un repositorio abierto. Esto permite utilizar el algoritmo tanto para verificar los resultados usando las mismas u otras reglas de expansión como para su aplicación a la recopilación de vocabularios de otras temáticas. En los resultados también se analizan los elementos recopilados en cada iteración, la propuesta de validación mediante los enlaces entrantes y salientes de los artículos, dejando como futuros trabajos la aplicación de SKOS para la representación interoperable de los vocabularios obtenidos mediante este método.
Stature Estimation from Hand and Foot Dimensions Reveals a Similar Allometric Relationship in Sudanese Arabs and Somalis
Authors: Ramirez Rozzi F.V. , Gassimalla D. , Abdalazeem N. , Elamin F.
Published: September 2020

Population-specific anthropometric standards serve as a guide to forensic practitioners for identification purposes. However, few studies have observed on whether the relationship between stature and body parts differs among populations. Our aim is to first assess the validity of using hand and foot dimensions to estimate stature in two geographically similar but linguistically different populations, Sudanese Arabs and Somalis, and then secondly to assess whether the relationship between hand and foot dimensions and stature differ among these populations. Standard anthropometric measurements were used to assess sexual dimorphism. Regressions were performed to establish the relationship between body parts and stature and were compared among the populations to describe the allometry. Comparisons between regression coefficients reveal that 1) stature has the same relationship with hand and foot lengths in each population and 2) the relationship between stature/hand length and foot length is the same (isometric) in both populations. These results suggest a close affinity between the two groups. Hand and foot length can be used to estimate the stature of individuals but not to identify sex or differentiate one population from the other.
Da queda do pai à ascensão do canalha
Authors: Vasconselos Oliveira Allisson , Del Papa Marina
Published: September 2020

A partir de um episódio da série de televisão Black mirror, analisa-se o fenômeno da ascensão do canalha na contemporaneidade, figura que, como comprova a experiência, aproveita-se do desamparo generalizado provocado pela queda do pai para impor-se ao sujeito como Outro absoluto, capitalizando suas reivindicações. A queda do pai indica a perda do balizamento fálico do sujeito na cultura, em razão da qual o sujeito não consegue encontrar mais nenhum ponto de ancoragem, sentindo-se à deriva no mundo. O canalha aparece não só como o substituto do pai, que pode servir-lhe de referência, mas também como sua versão desmedida, tributária do emburrecimento e da subordinação das massas para exercer sua dominação.
Energy saving in the extractive distillation of isobutyl alcohol–isobutyl acetate with n-butyl propionate
Authors: Klauzner P. S. , Rudakov D. G. , Anokhina E. A. , Timoshenko A. V.
Published: September 2020

Objectives. Determination of the effectiveness of using various types of heat pumps in the extractive distillation of an isobutyl alcohol–isobutyl acetate mixture with n-butyl propionate as the entrainer.

Methods. As the main research method, mathematical modeling was performed using the Aspen Plus V. 9 software package. As a model for describing the vapor–liquid equilibrium, the local composition equation-based UNIQUAC model was employed, and the Redlich–Kwong model was adopted to examine the non-ideal vapor phase. When modeling the conventional scheme of extractive distillation, parametric optimization was carried out according to the criterion of total energy costs in the reboilers of the columns. For economical evaluation, Aspen Process Economic Analyzer V10.1 tools were employed.

Results. In comparison with the conventional extractive distillation scheme, three variants of schemes with vapor-recompression heat pumps were considered: with a heat pump placed on an extractive distillation column, on an extractive agent regeneration column, and with two heat pumps placed on both columns of the scheme. A scheme with an internal heat pump was also proposed, in which the heat pump compressor is located between sections of extractive columns that operate at different pressures: 506.6 kPa in the top sections and 101.3 in the bottom section. An economic analysis was conducted for all the considered schemes to calculate the total annual costs. It was shown that schemes with vapor-recompression heat pumps can significantly reduce the energy costs of extractive distillation by up to 39.6%; however, a significant reduction in the total annual costs is achieved only with sufficiently long operation periods of the plants. The reduction in the energy costs in the scheme with an internal heat pump was 44%, and the total annual costs were in the range of 20.2–30.1%, depending on the operating time of the plant.

Conclusions. It was shown that using heat pumps in the extractive distillation of the mixture of isobutyl alcohol–isobutyl acetate with n-butyl propionate as the entrainer can significantly reduce energy costs. The scheme with an internal heat pump is the most economical of all the considered schemes.
New approaches for the standardization of the Monarda fistulosa herb
Authors: Kurkin V. A. , Tsibina A. S.
Published: September 2020

Objectives. The Monarda fistulosa herb of the Lamiaceae family is particularly interesting among essential oils from medicinal plants that have a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. However, information regarding some of its flavonoids, which are found in the essential oil, is controversial. Inaccuracies in identification of the chemical composition of the herb have led to several different standardization approaches, which are cumbersome. To establish a uniform classification, here, we present confirmation for new approaches for the standardization of the Monarda fistulosa herb.

Methods. Silica gel column chromatography was used to extract the flavonoids. Identification was based on ultraviolet spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and acidic hydrolysis. The quality of the proposed quantitation methodology for total flavonoids was assessed by differential spectrophotometry at 394 nm, in isorhoifolin equivalent.

Results. We have verified new approaches for the standardization of the Monarda fistulosa herb. The approaches can determine the authenticity of the herb by detecting monoterpene phenols and flavonoids that have diagnostic value. We also developed a technique for quantitation of the total flavonoids.

Conclusions. We investigated the possibility of establishing the authenticity of the Monarda fistulosa herb based on the diagnostically significant flavonoids, isorhoifolin and linarin.
Optimization of total flavonoid content of ethanolic extract of Persicaria pulchra (Bl.) Soják for the inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme
Authors: Do N. H.N. , Le T. M. , Nguyen C. D.P. , Ha A. C.
Published: September 2020

Objectives. There has been a rapid increase in the number of diabetic patients since the past few decades in developed and developing countries. This rapid increase is accompanied by alarming costs of treatment. α-Glucosidase inhibitors are one of the most effective drugs employed for the reduction of postprandial hyperglycemia to manage Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, flavonoids, a group of natural substances, which are widely distributed in plants and possess variable phenolic structures, exhibit outstanding hypoglycemic activity and are considered as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors. In Vietnam, Persicaria pulchra (Bl.) Soják (P. pulchra) is employed in traditional medications. It possesses high flavonoid contents and its anti-diabetes ability has been hypothesized, although it has attracted less attention for investigation. Hence, the aim of this study is to optimize the condition of the P. pulchra extract to obtain the highest total flavonoid content and measure the bioactivities of P. pulchra, such as the anti-α-glucosidase and antioxidant activities.

Methods. The effects of the extracting conditions, including the temperature, extraction time, liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), and ethanol (C2H5OH) concentration, on the total flavonoid content are investigated via experiments and analyzed by the response surface methodology (RSM). Concurrently, the optimal extraction also determines the anti-α-glucosidase and antioxidant activities.

Results. The optimal extraction condition for the highest flavonoid content (530 mg quercetin/g) is determined in 60 min, at 53°C, with LSR of 9.46 g/g and C2H5OH concentration of 62%. Moreover, the optimal plant extract exhibits good α-glucosidase inhibition with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 22.67 mg/mL, compared to the positive control (acarbose −7.77 g/mL). Additionally, P. pulchra is proposed to be a potential antioxidant with an IC50 of ~12.68 µg/mL.

Conclusions. The study confirmed the optimal extraction condition of P. pulchra that will obtain the highest total flavonoid content and revealed the potentials of P. pulchra in α-glucosidase inhibition and antioxidation.
Solvent extraction of europium(III) from technogenic solutions with the use of surfactants
Authors: Dzhevaga N. V. , Lobacheva O. L.
Published: September 2020

Objectives. The extraction and separation of rare-earth metals is a complicated process that requires a multidisciplinary and detailed investigation. Liquid-liquid extraction with the use of surfactant, along with the thermodynamic analysis of the parameters is considered a promising approach. The extraction and separation of rare-earth metals from low-concentration solutions represents an attractive research opportunity. The extraction of europium(III) from nitric acid solutions in the form of dodecyl sulfates has been experimentally studied. This work focuses on the study of fundamental and alternative sources of rare-earth metals and their extraction and separation.

Methods. The extraction was performed on a top drive ES-8300 D equipment for 30 min at about 700 rpm. Infrared spectroscopy (Nicolet 6700 spectrometer) was used to determine the type of salts extracted into the organic phase. Extraction was studied in solutions with single cations and with a combination of the target element and interfering cations. For the latter, the concentrations of extracted elements in the aqueous phase were determined by optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma on an ICPE-9000 (Shimadzu) spectrometer. The spectrometer was calibrated using standard samples for ICP CertiPUR (Merck).

Results. The dependence of the distribution and separation coefficients of rare-earth metals during extraction on the pH value of the aqueous phase at equilibrium was investigated. Moreover, the form in which the elements are extracted was analyzed based on thermodynamic parameters. The minimum concentration of the target component in the aqueous phase was observed at pH 4.0. In general, the dependence of the distribution coefficient on the pH value of the medium is poorly expressed over the entire range of the pH range of the water phase. Based on the spectra of spent and pure isooctyl alcohol, it was concluded that europium dodecyl sulfates are extracted into the organic phase as Eu(C12H25OSO3) 3 solvates.

Conclusions. The extraction of europium(III) from nitric acid solutions in the form of dodecyl sulfates was demonstrated. The advantages of the proposed method are the possibility of selective extraction of the target component from dilute solutions and the use of an easily available surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate). The efficiency of extraction of europium dodecyl sulfates was maximal in the pH range from 2.0 to 7.5, which reflects a weak dependence on the acidity of the aqueous phase. In addition, in the highly alkaline pH region, the extraction efficiency is reduced.
Shifts in the pKa value of acid–base indicators caused by immobilization on solid substrates via water-soluble polycationic polymers: a case study of Congo Red
Authors: Naumova A. O. , Melnikov P. V. , Dolganova E. V. , Yashtulov N. A. , Zaitsev N. K.
Published: September 2020

Objectives. Herein, the effects of cationic polyelectrolytes on the properties of solid substrate immobilized acid–base indicators are investigated to predict shifts in their spectral patterns and characteristics.

Methods. The properties of the silica gel immobilized indicator dye in a solution of the cationic polyelectrolyte were studied using automatic photometric titration in the visible region and spectrophotometry using a specialized computerized setup.

Results. The measured pKa value of the immobilized dye, which had shifted by three units to the acidic region, was very similar to the pKa value observed for the indicator in the modifying polymer solution. The observed change in pKa of the immobilized dye and the influence of the solution’s ionic strength were attributed to the local electric potential of the polymer globule. In contrast to the processes associated with covalent immobilization, the effect exerted by the solution’s ionic strength on the indicator reaction diminishes, which, in turn, affects the measured values obtained.

Conclusions. The creation of a sensor for continuous visualization of pH levels based on Congo Red immobilized on silica gel was described. Here, a color transition was noted between pH 1 and 4. These materials can be used to monitor metal extraction processes from industrial effluents or to optimize the extraction of valuable actinides. The approach demonstrated in this work can be applied to immobilize other indicators for pH level monitoring purposes or the production of sensors for other analytes.
The reactivity of cinnamic acid derivatives as lignin precursors
Authors: Karimov O. K. , Kolchina G. Y. , Teptereva G. A. , Chetvertneva I. A. , Karimov E. K. , Badretdinov A. R.
Published: September 2020

Objectives. Cinnamic acid derivatives belong to a large class of phenolic compounds, which are widely distributed in plants and have high potential for use in the medical and industrial fields. They have various useful practical properties, e.g., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and anti-melanogenic properties. Hydroxycinnamic acids are of particular interest as phenylpropanoids, which are the starting compounds of lignin. The aim of this work was to study the electronic structure and analyze the reactivity of the simplest representatives of phenylpropanoids formed during the biosynthesis of the coumaric (p-hydroxycinnamic), caffeic (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic), ferulic (3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic), sinapic (3,5-dimethoxy-4- hydroxycinnamic), and 3,4-dimethoxycinnamic acids. These acids are the biogenetic precursors of most other phenolic compounds (coumarins, melanins, lignins, and flavonoids) and are found in almost all higher plants.

Methods.Calculations with full optimization of the geometric parameters were performed using the original Hartree–Fock theory and hybrid density functional method. All calculations were performed using the Firefly program.

Results.A comparative quantum chemical calculation of the geometric parameters of hydroxycinnamic acid molecules was conducted via two methods, and the values of the charges on atoms according to Mulliken were determined. It was found that with the addition of hydroxyl and methoxy substituents at the meta and para positions relative to the carboxyl fragment, the electron density shifts toward the benzene ring, and the symmetry of the molecule decreases. Additionally, in these structures, there is π,π-conjugation of the carboxyl fragment of the –СН=СНСООН molecule with the aromatic ring, which significantly affects the geometric configuration of the molecule. The maximum positive charge is concentrated on the C9 atom, while the maximum negative charge is on the oxygen atoms belonging to the methoxy substituents and the hydroxyl group, which confirms the role of oxygen atoms in the chemical transformations of acids.

Conclusions.Two different methods were used to calculate the geometric, electronic, and energy parameters and electrophilicity indices of the studied hydroxycinnamic acids in the gas phase. The obtained values were consistent (within the limits of error) with the experimental data as well as the results described in earlier works’ calculations by other methods.
Scientific activity of Ya.K. Syrkin at the Faculty of Chemistry of the IvanovoVoznesensk Polytechnic Institute and in the Ivanovo Institute of Chemistry and Technology (1918–1932)
Authors: Malyasova A. S. , Koifman O. I.
Published: September 2020

Objectives. Preserving the continuity of scientific schools and increasing scientific motivation is critical for educating new generations of researchers. One way to solve this problem is to promote the historically significant achievements of outstanding scientists working in the field, without which the foundations of modern chemical technologies cannot be imagined. The field of physical chemistry benefited immensely from the contributions made by Professor Yakov Kivovich Syrkin. This article is devoted to the analysis of the growth of Ya.K. Syrkin as a scientist and discusses his main scientific contributions to physical and quantum chemistry.

Methods. The article was prepared using archival materials, bibliographic references, original texts of articles, and scientific reports.

Results. The article details and documents the main scientific achievements of Ya.K. Syrkin during his work at the Ivanovo-Voznesensk Polytechnic Institute and the Ivanovo Institute of Chemistry and Technology between 1918 and 1932, showing his growth and development as a young scientist through his interactions with teachers and colleagues. Syrkin’s research on chemical equilibrium, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, catalysis, solution theory, solvate effects, and colloidal systems are presented herein.

Conclusions. A retrospective analysis of the career of Ya.K. Syrkin shows the scope of his research interests and his ability to build on the foundations provided by great predecessors such as Gibbs, Van’t Hoff, Arrhenius, Ostwald, and Nernst. A comprehensive study of fundamental and applied aspects of physical chemistry guided Syrkin’s approach to understanding the importance of molecular structure and the nature of chemical bonds in all observed chemical phenomena.
SERUM MAGNESIUM LEVELS IN WOMEN’S WHO ATTAINED MENOPAUSE NATURALLY AND SURGICALLY: ANALYTICAL CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Kumari Rashmi , Kumari Usha , Sinha Krishna
Published: September 2020

Aim: Serum magnesium levels in women’s who attained menopause naturally and surgically.

Methods: The present analytical cross sectional study was conducted on patients (out patients and in patients) in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India.  Group 1 (N=60): Women who had undergone hysterectomy with bilateral salphingoophorectomy at least 6 month ago. Group 2 (N=60): Women who have attained natural menopause at least 1 year ago. Serum magnesium was estimated by magnesium by Xylidyl blue colorimetric assay.

Results: In the present study maximum number of the patients 26 (43.3%) were in the age group of 46-50 years for the post surgical menopausal group and in the natural menopausal group maximum number of the patients were in the age group of 51-55 years 23 (38.3%). Maximum numbers of patients are multiparous in both groups. Hypomagnesemia was observed in 29 (48.3%) natural menopausal group and 17 (28.3%) were postsurgical menopausal. Hypermagnesemia was observed in 1 (1.7%) postsurgical menopausal group.

Conclusions: The prevalence of osteoporosis is very high in this part of India. Both natural and post- surgical menopausal women have lower levels of serum magnesium.

Keywords: Osteoporosis, Serum Magnesium
EVALUATE THE EXISTING MMR AND THE ETIOLOGY OF MATERNAL MORTALITY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN BIHAR: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS.
Authors: Rani Sweety , Sinha Abha Rani
Published: September 2020

Aim: to assess the existing MMR and the causes of maternal mortality.

Materials and Methods: The present retrospective hospital based study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar from Jan 2017 to march 2018.

Results: A total of 56 deaths were analyzed. The mortality rate in study period was 333 per 1,00,000 live births. Maximum maternal deaths (60.7%) were reported in the age group 21-25 years. More deaths were reported in multiparous women (67.9%) as compared to primiparous women (32.1%). Most of them were unbooked cases (60%). Hemorrhage (30.4%), eclampsia (16.1%), sepsis (12.5%) and embolism (7.1%) were the major direct causes of maternal death. Anemia (16.1%) was the major indirect cause of death.

Conclusions: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death followed by hypertensive disorders and sepsis. Anemia continues to be the most common indirect cause. Majority of maternal deaths were preventable by proper antenatal care, early detection of high risk pregnancies and their timely referral to tertiary care centre.

Keywords: MMR, Hemorrhage, Sepsis, Anemia
THE PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS PRESENTED WITH POSTERIOR FOSSA EXTRA DURAL HEMATOMA IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: A RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.
Authors: Karn Deepak
Published: September 2020

Aim: to determine the prevalence and clinical profile of patients presented with posterior fossa extra dural hematoma.

Materials and Methods: The present retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India.  The records were retrospectively analyzed for clinical presentation, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), mode of injury, type of intervention and postoperative outcome. Outcomes were assessed on the basis of Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) at the time of discharge and at 3 months

Results: Of these 39 patients, 28 were males and 11 females. The mean age of patients was 29.21 years. 24 patients had GCS 13-15 at admission followed by 9 with GCS 9-12 and only 5 of them had GCS <9 at admission. Mean EDH volume was 28.7 ml. 36 patients were operated, 5 patients managed conservatively.

Conclusion: The posterior fossa is an uncommon site for epidural haematomas. Due to the small volume of the posterior fossa and contained important structures mortality can be high if the haematoma is missed. Clinical progress is silent and slow, but the deterioration is sudden and quick to become fatal if not promptly treated. Early recognition is extremely important.

Keywords: Extradural hematoma, Posteriors fossa, GCS, Trauma
EVALUATE THE DEGREE OF CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN AND DEGREE OF ADHESION: A CLINICO-OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.
Authors: Rani Sweety , Sinha Abha Rani
Published: September 2020

Aim: To evaluate degree of chronic pelvic pain and degree of adhesion.

Materials and Methods: The present clinico-observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, from December 2016 to December 2017.among 40 women diagnosed with endometriosis. Pain intensity was assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and categorized as mild, moderate or severe accordingly. This was followed by laparoscopy/ laparotomy and staging of endometriosis which was done as per the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification system. Corrective procedures were done simultaneously.

Results: Mean age of study cohort was 30 ±5.75 years. As per VAS, majority felt moderate pain (47.5%) in present study. The presenting symptoms were dysmenorrhoea (45.0%), dyspareunia (17.5%) and chronic pelvic pain (35.5%).

Conclusion: Degree of tubal involvement was more in all the women as compared to ovarian involvement. Post-operatively the intensity of the pain subsides.

Keywords:  VAS, Adhesion, Endometriosis, Tubal, Ovarian
VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION AND ITS EFFECT ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.
Authors: Kumari Rashmi , Kumari Usha , Sinha Krishna
Published: September 2020

Aim: to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on pregnancy outcome.

Materials and methods: The present prospective comparative interventional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur,Bihar,India.  Total 80 patients were divided in to two groups. Group I (n=40): received only routine iron, folic acid and calcium supplementation (irrespective of vitamin D level). Group II (n=40): vitamin D supplementation (irrespective of vitamin D level) in the form of oral cholecalciferol sachet 60,000IU vitamin D weekly from 10 weeks of pregnancy until delivery along with routine iron, folic acid and calcium supplementation.

Results: Pre-eclampsia was observed in 22.5% of the patients who didn’t receive vitamin D supplement whereas the group I which received supplementation showed on pre-eclampsia in   6.7% of the patients (p=0.001).

Conclusion: This study concludes that there is significant role of vitamin D supplementation in pregnant women in prevention of pre-eclampsia.

Keywords: pre-eclampsia, vitamin D, singleton
EFFICACY OF ENDOSCOPIC VERSUS MICROSCOPIC REMOVAL OF PITUITARY NONINVASIVE ADENOMA: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY.
Authors: Karn Deepak
Published: September 2020

Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic versus microscopic removal of pituitary noninvasive adenoma.

Materials and methods: The present prospective comparative was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery, SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India among 40 patients diagnosed of noninvasive pituitary Adenoma. Group I (n=22); underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Group II (n=18): underwent microscopic transsphenoidal surgery.

Results: A total of 40 patients with pituitary noninvasive adenoma were operated transsphenoidally. Endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (group I) was carried out among 22 patients and 18 patients were operated by microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (group II). In group I, complete tumor excision was achieved in 14 (63.6%) patients, and in group II, it was achieved in 10 (55.6%) patients.

Conclusion: Both techniques are valid for the treatment of pituitary noninvasive adenomas. However, endoscopy proves to be superior for resection followed by less post-operative complication in comparison to microscopic technique.

Keywords: endoscopy, microscopy, pituitary adenoma
EVALUATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OF THYROID DYSFUNCTION AND ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY.
Authors: Rani Sweety , Sinha Abha Rani
Published: September 2020

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between of thyroid dysfunction and abnormal Uterine bleeding.

Materials and Methods: The present retrospective hospital based study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar from September 2016 to July 2017.110 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding of were found to be eligible for inclusion in the study.

Results: Mean age of the study subjects was 32.71 years. Majority of patients was multiparous (58.2%). 40.0% of women presented with complaint of heavy menstrual bleeding. 42.7% of the study subjects were having thyroid dysfunction

Conclusion: Abnormal uterine bleeding found strongly associated with thyroid related disorders. Hence the evaluation of thyroid function forms an essential component among abnormal uterine bleeding patients

Keywords: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Thyroid Dysfunction
EVALUATION OF POSITIVITY OF CRP TEST IN EARLY ONSET NEONATAL SEPSIS IN RELATION TO DURATION OF PROM VS PROM DELIVERY INTERVAL (PDI)
Authors: Sharma Samiksha , Jha Girijanand , Singh Binod Kr , Kumar Saroj
Published: September 2020

Early onset infections are caused by organism prevalent in the maternal genital tract or in the delivery area. PROM is rupture of membranes before the onset of labour after 37 completed weeks of gestation. Intra amniotic infection is an acute inflammation of the membrane and chorion of the placenta, typically due to ascending polymicrobial bacterial infection in the setting of membrane rupture. Hence based on above conditions the present study was planned for Evaluation of Positivity of CRP test in early Onset Neonatal Sepsis in Relation to Duration of PROM vs PROM Delivery Interval (PDI).

The present study was planned in Department of Pediatrics, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India. The study was planned from November 2018 to June 2019. In the present study 50 mothers attended t antenatal clinic towards term pregnancy with history of leaking or confirmed PROM were enrolled. Clinical PROM was confirmed by speculum examination and the duration was recorded. All cases managed actively and the interval between PROM and delivery were recorded in obstetric unit of this hospital.

The data generated from the present study concludes that even if 6 hour PROM is high risk for EONS, PDI should be considered first before PROM. So that, we will be more cautious and supportive and use of antibiotics in treatment to prevent need for neonatal intensive care without increase in perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Early onset Sepsis (EOS), C- Reactive Protein (CRP), Premature rupture of membrane( PROM) PROM delivery interval(PDI), etc.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF ENDOSCOPIC DISCECTOMY AND LUMBAR LAMINECTOMY IN LUMBAR DISC DISEASES
Authors: Karn Deepak
Published: September 2020

Lumbar disc disease accounts for a large amount of lost productivity in the workforce. Accurate diagnosis can be difficult and often requires interpretation. Treatment is controversial. Treatment failures are not uncommon, are often related to posttraumatic or work-related injuries, and may result in litigation.

The present study was planned in Department of Neurosurgery, SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India.  In the present study 50 Patients Suffered from Lumbar disc diseases were enrolled and divided based different surgery procedure. In the present study 25 cases of the patients undergoing Endoscopic Discectomy and 25 cases of patients undergoing Lumbar Laminectomy surgery were enrolled.

The experience gained from the patients operated upon for lumbar disc herniation by endoscopic technique and conventional laminectomy with discectomy in the present study was presented herewith. All patients had virgin lumbar radiculopathy with positive clinical findings and MRI evidence of herniation.  The endoscopic approach meant a shorter operating time, less bleeding during surgery, immediate mobilization of patients and shorter post-operative stay in the hospital and return to work in 7 days which is less than half the usual time in laminectomy with discectomy. In endoscopic technique fewer incidence of wound infections, Catheterization in endoscopic while urinary infection along with catheterization was very low. No patients developed pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and increase in neurological deficit or nerve root injury. Thus endoscopic approach to discectomy for herniated lumbar disc remains the procedure of choice for majority of patients requiring surgery and it continues to be the Gold standard against which all procedures must be measured.

Keywords: Endoscopic Discectomy, Lumbar Laminectomy, Lumbar disc diseases, etc.
EVALUATE THE DIRECT AND INDIRECT ETIOLOGIES OF MATERNAL MORTALITY: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS.
Authors: Kumari Rashmi , Kumari Usha , Sinha Krishna
Published: September 2020

Aim: prevalence and the various direct and indirect etiologies of maternal mortality.

Materials and Methods: The present 1 years retrospective hospital based study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Bhagalpur,Bihar,India

Results: A total of 56 deaths were analyzed. The mortality rate in study period was 333 per 1,00,000 live births. Maximum maternal deaths (60.7%) were reported in the age group 21-25 years. More deaths were reported in multiparous women (67.9%) as compared to primiparous women (32.1%). Most of them were unbooked cases (60%). Hemorrhage (30.4%), eclampsia (16.1%), sepsis (12.5%) and embolism (7.1%) were the major direct causes of maternal death. Anemia (16.1%) was the major indirect cause of death.

Conclusions: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal death followed by hypertensive disorders and sepsis. Anemia continues to be the most common indirect cause. Majority of maternal deaths were preventable by proper antenatal care, early detection of high risk pregnancies and their timely referral to tertiary care centre.

Keywords: MMR, Hemorrhage, Sepsis, Anemia
A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE PREVALENCE AND CLINIC-ETIOLOGIC PROFILE OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN PREGNANCY: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.
Authors: Rani Sweety , Sinha Abha Rani
Published: September 2020

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and clinic-etiologic profile of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy:

Materials and Methods: The present hospital based observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar from July 2016 to January  2017. A detailed obstetrics history was obtained and maternal high risk factors like preeclampsia, eclampsia, DIC, HELLP syndromes etc were noted. Medical history like anemia, malaria, dengue, liver disorder, current or previous bleeding problems, family history of bleeding & transfusion history were noted. Clinical findings suggestive of thrombocytopenia like petechiae, ecchymoses etc. were noted.

Results: Out of total 74 patients, Gestational thrombocytopenia was the most common etiological factor with 41.9% cases followed by 35.1% for hypertensive disorders including HELLP syndrome followed by 6.8% for Malaria and dengue. The most common hemorrhagic presentation was petechiae, ecchymosis & purpura in 33.8% cases. Among the thrombocytopenic pregnant women in our study, 60.8% had mild thrombocytopenia, 24.3% had moderate thrombocytopenia and 14.9% had severe thrombocytopenia

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that thrombocytopenia is a frequent finding in pregnancy. It has many potential causes but gestational thrombocytopenia (GT) predominates. Degree of thrombocytopenia was mild to moderate.

Keywords: Pregnancy, Thrombocytopenia, Petechiae, Ecchymosis
LIPID PROFILE AND ITS ABNORMALITIES IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETICS: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Kumar Naresh , Ram Bhim
Published: September 2020

Background: Diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. We aimed to research association between serum lipid profile and blood glucose, hypothesizing that early detection and treatment of lipid abnormalities can minimize the risk for atherogenic cardiovascular disorder and cerebrovascular accident in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the lipid profile levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics in the Department of General Medicine in Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India from March 2019 to February 2020. A total of 200 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics were enrolled in our study.

Results: In our study, 96 (48.0%) participants had normal serum triglycerides levels which is <150 mg/dl whereas 104 (52.0%) participants had an abnormal level of serum triglycerides. Among the 104 (52.0%) participants with abnormal triglycerides, 30.5% had borderline high levels (150-199mg/dl), 19.5% had high levels (200-499 mg/dl) and 2% participants had very high triglycerides (≥500 mg/dl. In our study, among the 200 participants, 142 (71%) participants   had   desirable total   Cholesterol levels of <200mg/dl, 51 (25.5%) had borderline high levels of 200- 239mg/dl and 7 (3.5%) had high total cholesterol levels of ≥240mg/dl and 31% of participants had near optimal levels of LDL, 35.5% had borderline high levels of LDL, 12% had high levels of LDL and 1% had very high levels of LDL.

Conclusions: Deranged lipid profiles are quite prevalent in type 2 diabetics with females having higher triglyceride levels. Recognition of such elevated triglyceride levels in even newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics will help in better prevention of associated cardiovascular disease.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease, Hypertriglyceridemia, Type 2 diabetes, Lipid profile