bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An observational study of simultaneous pulse oximetry and arterial oxygen saturation readings in intensive care unit/high dependency unit in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Rose Nadia , Sriram Ramya B , G S Karthik , M J Sowmya , Sudheer R
Published: March 2022

Background: The coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the use of pulse oximeters worldwide. It has become an inevitable tool in the monitoring of the disease. However, the accuracy of pulse oximeters in COVID-19 has not been established.
Aims and Objectives: The aims of the study were to examine the relationship between oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximeter (SpO2) and oxygen saturation measured by arterial blood gas analysis (SaO2) measurements in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)/high dependency unit (HDU) and to assess the ability of SpO2 readings to detect low SaO2 and low oxygen tension in COVID-19 patients.
Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the COVID-19 ICU and high dependency unit of a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru, India. All patients admitted with confirmed COVID-19, meeting the eligibility criteria, were included in the study. We assessed bias and limits of agreement between paired samples of oxygen saturation from pulse oximetry (SpO2) and arterial oxygen saturation from blood gas analysis (SaO2).
Results: The sample mean difference SpO2-SaO2 is −0.86% (bias) and the 95% confidence interval for the mean difference was −1.67 and −0.04. The lower limit of agreement was −7.32 with a 95% confidence interval (−8.74, −5.91). The upper limit of agreement was 5.61 with a 95% confidence interval of 4.19 and 7.02.
Conclusion: SpO2 values are not completely dependable in estimating SaO2 in COVID-19 patients in ICU/HDU; therefore, arterial blood gas analysis measurement of oxygen saturation has to be done depending on the clinical scenario CTRI (CTRI/2020/11/029035).
SARS-CoV-2 infection related mortality and comorbidities in a dedicated COVID-19 facility: A record based analysis from Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Gupta Richa , Singh Balvir , Gautam Ashish , Singh Geetu , Khan Mausim , Kumar Vikas
Published: March 2022

Background: In India, on 30th January 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was reported, thereafter country has faced two waves with disastrous second wave. A total of about 34 million cases and 4.68 lakh deaths have been reported so far from India. Few studies have reported death rate as 5.7% among COVID-19 patients with at least one co-existing medical condition, as compared to 0.7% in patients without any comorbidity.
Aims and Objectives: We aim to analyze the death audit data of 467 COVID-19 death cases considering factors of age, gender, area of residence, cause of death, related comorbidities, and relation with duration of hospital stay and presence or absence of comorbidity in COVID-19 death cases.
Materials and Methods: This is an observational study from April 2020 to July 2021which is based on records obtained from death audit reports of a dedicated COVID-19 facility at a tertiary hospital, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The state authorities introduced a standard “COVID-19 Death Audit Proforma” on a death audit portal to audit all deaths related from COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Statistical analysis used: The data were recorded in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using statistical software, Microsoft Excel (Version 16.49). The results are presented accordingly in form of descriptive statistics.
Results: We have reported findings from 467 COVID-19 deaths from our dedicated COVID-19 facility in the present study. Median age of deceased was found to be 57 years with (71.9%) deaths in males, with predominantly 77.1% of patients residing in urban area. 74% of COVID-19 deaths were reported along with one or more comorbid illness at the time of admission with hypertension to be the most common comorbid disease (42.9%) followed by diabetes (34.5%). Median length of hospital stay is reported as 4 days.
Conclusion: Our analysis from Uttar Pradesh dedicated COVID-19 facility found that comorbidities were present invariably in 74% of deaths from SAR-CoV-2 infection. Early diagnosis and timely aggressive management is pillar for reducing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 disease.
Prevalence and determinants of vaccine hesitancy for coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine among healthcare workers of tertiary care center in North India
Authors: Saini Shipra , Goyal Pooja , Singh Mitasha , Kohli Charu , Kumar Mithilesh
Published: March 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically affected the lives of people worldwide. Countries and citizens are battling with the virus as well as financial losses at the same time. In these gloomy times vaccine against COVID-19 brought some ray of hope. Vaccine hesitancy, however, would not only delay this ongoing pandemic but also even cause huge economic debts on the countries.
Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence and to determine the reasons behind vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana.
Materials and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs registered by government of India for COVID-19 vaccination at tertiary care center. Those who did not turn up on their day of appointment for vaccination were tracked and randomly selected for interview. Data were collected using semi structured questionnaire and was analyzed by Epi info 7.0.
Results: A total of 759 HCWs out of 2029 registered at our center got vaccinated between the study periods. Mean age of participants was 28 years, including 64 (59.8%) men and 43 (40.2%) women. Most of the participants were doctors (31%) followed by medical students. Prevalence of vaccine hesitancy during study period was found to be 62.6%. The most common reason cited by participants for vaccine hesitancy was concern regarding safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple factors, including sex, designation, and co-morbidities and whether involved in the direct care of COVID-19 patient, were found to have influence on vaccine hesitancy.
Conclusion: High prevalence of vaccine hesitancy as found in the present study is an alarming sign for a successful vaccination campaign. Developing tailored strategies to address concerns identified in the study are pivotal to decrease vaccine hesitancy among HCWs and thereby in the general population.
Intracranial germ-cell tumor with synchronous lesions in the pineal and suprasellar regions: A rare case of hypopituitarism
Authors: Ghosh Kaushik , Bhattacharya Paromita , Quereshi Muhammed Imran Ahmad , Mukhopadhyay Sarmistha , Bhattacharya Ambarish
Published: March 2022

Germinomas represent the most frequent tumor type in the pineal region and the synchronous involvement in the suprasellar region, known as bifocal disease, is increasingly recognized. Synchronous primary intracranial germ cell tumors are rare. Among all germ cell tumors, only 5–10% are found as synchronous lesions in pineal and suprasellar regions. They are also known by the entity “double mid-line atypical teratoma.” An adolescent male with phenotypic features of delayed puberty presents with features of hypopituitarism and raised intracranial tension. He was subsequently treated with hormonal replacement and diagnosed as a case of bifocal intracranial germinoma. Interestingly, he was lacking features of diabetes insipidus, which is a conspicuous feature in other reported cases. He was treated further with ventricular shunting followed by cranio spinal irradiation. The complex nature of endocrinological manifestations in bifocal intracranial germinoma will enriches our knowledge toward a potentially curable neuroendocrinological situation.
Assessment of the efficacy of electrical vestibular nerve stimulation as an adjunct therapy in the management of motor functions and quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sai Sailesh Kumar G  , Gawarikar S  , Choudhary Anita , Potey GG  , Purohit Manju , Pathak Ashish , Chouhan Rohit Singh , Mahadik VK
Published: March 2022

Background: The existing treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD) were associated with side effects and do not offer a complete cure. Hence, there is a need for an alternative therapy that can prevent or delay the onset of PD with less or no side effects. Our extensive review of literature has shown no studies to be existing so far in India regarding vestibular stimulation as a treatment method for PD.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to administer electrical vestibular nerve stimulation (VeNs) as an adjunct therapy in the management of motor functions and to improve the quality of life in PD patients.
Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomized controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04450550). 30 cases of PD, of both genders, were part of the study by convenient sampling after obtaining written informed consent. Patients were recruited from the out-patient ward of the General Medicine department, R.D. Gardi Medical College. Motor activities were assessed using the Berg balance scale, strength procedures by hand dynamometer and hand-eye coordination by 100 pin dexterity test. Quality of life was assessed by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief.
Results: The study results support the earlier studies as there was a significant improvement in the motor functions and quality of life of the study participants.
Conclusion: The study recommends further detailed studies with higher sample size and involving many centers to recommend the use of electrical VeNs as adjunctive therapy in the management of PD.
Efficacy and safety of phenytoin versus clobazam as monotherapy for newly diagnosed epileptic patients
Authors: Dey Saborni , Kem Anil Kumar , Yatish  , Agarwal Somya
Published: March 2022

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized not only by recurrent seizures but also by a great variety of medical and psychosocial implications. Its burden to the patients and their families has been recognized and even the impact upon the community is vast.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of phenytoin and clobazam in monotherapy for the management of new onset, untreated epileptic patients.
Materials and Methods: A 6 months, observational, comparative study was conducted on 60 adult patients with epilepsy. The eligible patients were given either phenytoin sodium (Group A; n=30) in a loading dose of 15 mg/kg orally, followed by 5 mg/kg/day maintenance dose for 6 months while Group-B (n=30) received clobazam in a dose of 1 mg/kg oral loading dose followed by 0.5 mg/kg/day. Seizure frequency was evaluated and compared with baseline at 1, 2, 3, 4.5, 6 months along with adverse drug reaction assessment.
Results: In Group A mean pre-treatment baseline seizure frequency was 6.3±2.19 and for Group B 5.80±2.22. After 6 months, seizure frequency for Group A 2.30±1.99 and in Group B 1.30±1.91. In Group B, there was a significantly higher reduction in seizure frequency (P=0.001) than that of Group A. Both the drug groups significantly reduced the seizure frequency but Group B was found to be superior. Adverse drug reaction was more in Group A in comparison with Group B. The common side effects were drowsiness, weight gain, headache, tiredness, nausea and ataxia.
Conclusion: Clobazam monotherapy had demonstrated better efficacy than phenytoin for the treatment of epilepsy and also well tolerated.
Pregnancy outcome in patients presented with Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: A five-year study in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Adhikari Lipika , Sarkar Sandip
Published: March 2022

Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a relatively rare type of dilated cardiomyopathy that presents in late pregnancy or the early postpartum period. Although the condition is prevalent worldwide, women with black genealogy seem to have greater risk. Possible other risk factors are elderly maternal age, hypertension, multiparity, multifetal pregnancy etc. Although the pathophysiology of peripartum cardiomyopathy is still obscure, recent studies suggests the important role of vasculo-hormonal pathway along with several other possible factors e.g.  myocarditis, abnormal immune response to pregnancy, abnormal response to increased hemodynamic burden, malnutrition, inflammation and apoptosis .
Aims and Objectives: To find out the prevalence, risk factors and pregnancy outcome of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM)
Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight patients of PPCM admitted in G&O department of RG KAR Medical college were taken. Clinical evaluations, Hematological evaluation, biochemical study, ECG and Echocardiography were done. Patient outcome was also compared between two groups of patients having Left Ventricular ejection fraction less than 35% and more than 35%.
Result: Prevalence of PPCM was 0.09%, maternal mortality was 87 per 1000 live births and perinatal mortality was 43 per 1000 live births. Patients with lower ejection fraction showed poorer outcome.
Conclusion: Patients with higher NYHA functional class, lower ejection fraction and larger left ventricular cavity showed worse maternal and perinatal outcome.
Digital Health Services in Managing People Living with Diabetes
Authors: Gupta P.P. , Maskey R.
Published: March 2022

In the recent world, more than 450 million people have diabetes. There are several types of diabetes and among them common are Type 1 DM in which the body cannot produce Insulin, Type 2 DM in which body cannot properly use insulin and Gestational Pregnancy related Diabetes. For diabetic patients, failure to treat or manage it can lead a serious complications like blindness, renal failure, heart attack and lower limb amputation. The burden of diabetes in patients are more acute in low middle income countries where nearly 80 % people lived with diabetes.
KLASIFIKASI BOTOL PLASTIK MENGGUNAKAN MULTICLASS SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINE
Authors: Nugroho Arief Setyo , Umar Rusydi , Fadlil Abdul
Published: March 2022

Sampah botol plastik perlu dipilah berdasarkan mereknya untuk mengurangi polusi terutama botol plastik. Namun saat ini proses pemilahan tersebut masih dilakukan secara manual. Jika pemilahan dilakukan secara manual maka membutuhkan waktu yang lama, sehingga perlu dibuat cara agar pemilahan dapat dilakukan dengan bantuan teknologi. Teknologi pengolahan citra dapat mengklasifikasi beberapa merek botol plastik. Klasfikasi citra botol plastik dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode Multiclass Support Vector Machine (SVM) dengan kernel Radial Basis Function (RBF). Klasifikasi botol plastik lebih dari 1 kelas dapat menggunakan pendekatan One vs All. Kelas yang digunakan berjumlah 5 kelas berdasarkan merek botol plastik yang berbeda seperti Aqua, Coca-Cola, Fanta, Minute-Maid dan Sprite. Proses yang dilakukan meliputi Pre-procesing Ekstraksi Ciri, Training dan Testing model. Pre-processing dilakukan untuk menyiapkan citra sebelum proses Training dan Testing. Ekstraksi ciri untuk mengetahui ciri dari masing-masing kelas. Training dan Testing dilakukan dengan menggunakan 500 data citra yang dibagi menjadi 3 kombinasi data citra latih dan data citra uji. Data citra latih digunakan untuk Training model sedangkan data citra uji digunakan untuk Testing model. Kombinasi data citra latih dan data citra uji yang digunakan adalah 75% data citra latih dan 25% data citra uji, 50% data citra latih dan data citra uji, serta 25% data citra latih dan 75% data citra uji, sehingga menghasilkan 3 model yang berbeda. Hasil Testing klasifikasi dari 3 kombinasi data cita latih dan data citra uji menghasilkan prosentase keberhasilan berturut-turut sebesar 56%, 70%, dan 84%.
ANALISIS, EVALUASI, DAN MITIGASI RISIKO ASET TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI MENGGUNAKAN FRAMEWORK OCTAVE DAN FMEA (STUDI KASUS: UNIT PENGELOLA TEKNIS TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI DAN KOMUNIKASI UNIVERSITAS XYZ)
Authors: Gagas Rut Juniati , Syah Ilham , Febryanto Ferdy
Published: March 2022

Intisari—Unit Pengelola Teknis Teknologi Informasi dan Komunikasi Universitas XYZ (UPT. TIK XYZ) merupakan pengembang, pengelola, dan perencana TIK XYZ. Dalam meningkatkan pelayanan Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi, XYZ menggunakan layanan Teknologi Informasi (TI) sebagai strateginya. Ini menunjukan bahwa tantangan untuk UPT. TIK XYZ dalam pelaksanaan tersebut melibatkan banyak aset TI yang harus dikelola, dan memungkinkan muncul berbagai aset kritis yang berisiko. Dari uraian tersebut menunjukan pentingnya keamanan aset TI dan manajemen risiko aset TI sesuai framework dan standar yang membantu mengurangi atau menghilangkan dampak dari kegagalan akibat kerentanan yang ada pada aset yang kritis. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui praktik keamanan yang digunakan, mengidentifikasi, dan menganalisis aset kritis menggunakan framework OCTAVE, kemudian mengevaluasi dan menilai dampak untuk mengukur nilai RPN risiko aset kritis menggunakan framework FMEA. Serta memberi rekomendasi praktik keamanan menggunakan OCTAVE Katalog Versi 2.0 dan rekomendasi mitigasi risiko menggunakan ISO/IEC 27001:2013 dan ISO/IEC 27002:2013. Hasilnya terdapat 10 praktik keamanan yang memiliki jawaban hasil “Tidak” dan/atau “Tidak Jelas”. Kemudian terdapat 19 risiko dengan 22 kejadian ancaman, dimana level very high memiliki 2 risiko dengan nilai RPN sebesar 280, high memiliki 0 risiko, medium memiliki 3 risiko dengan nilai RPN sebesar 100-140, low memiliki 8 risiko dengan nilai RPN sebesar 30-70, dan very low memiliki 9 risiko dengan nilai RPN sebesar 1-18. Kata Kunci: Aset kritis, FMEA, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, OCTAVE, Mitigasi Risiko.
Penerapan Permainan Tradisional Boy-Boyan Untuk Mengembangkan Motorik Kasar Pada Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun Di TK Al-Ichsan Kenjeran Kota Surabaya
Authors: Rachmayanti Ida , Sunanto Sunanto , Saleh Nanang Rachman , Mahmudah Mahmudah
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pentingnya pembelajaran tematik terintegrasi kurikulum 2013 (kurtilas) dengan menggunakan tema dan model permainan tradisional sebagai salah satu pembelajaran yang menyenangkan, aktif, efektif, dan bermakna bagi anak didik. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Tujuan dalam penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui keefektifan model permainan tradisional boy-boyan dalam pembelajaran tematik terintegrasi terhadap hasil belajar tema “diriku”.  Peneliti memanfaatkan data kualitatif dan dijabarkan secara deskriptif mengenai masalah yang diteliti. Hasil penelitian diperoleh anak-anak mampu mengasah kemampuannya untuk membuat strategi di dalam bermain boy-boyan.Kesimpulannya adalah terdapat keefektifan model permainan tradisional boy-boyan dalam mengembangkan motorik kasar anak didik kelompok B di TK Al-Ichsan Kenjeran kota Surabaya.
Keluarga: Pendekatan Teoritis Terhadap Keterlibatan Orangtua Dalam Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Hardiyanti Dwi
Published: March 2022

Pendidikan harus dianggap sebagai program komprehensif yang mencakup siswa, orang tua, guru, personel pendukung, dan anggota masyarakat. Keterlibatan orang tua dalam pendidikan merupakan komponen penting untuk keberhasilan semua anak. Keterlibatan orang tua selama prasekolah telah dikaitkan dengan keterampilan literasi yang lebih kuat, keterampilan matematika, keterampilan sosial yang berkembang dengan baik, dan sikap positif terhadap sekolah (Arnold, Zeljo, Doctoroff, & Ortiff, 2008; Powell, Son, File, & San Juan, 2010). Dimensi keterlibatan orangtua dapat dibedakan menjadi enam dimensi yaitu mengasuh anak, berkomunikasi, menjadi sukarelawan atau mendukung sekolah, belajar dukungan orang tua di rumah, pengambilan keputusan, dan bekerja sama komunitas. Hal lain yang perlu ditekankan adalah keterlibatan orangtua dalam pendidikan anak usia dini (PAUD) tidak akan optimal tanpa adanya dukungan dari guru atau sekolah
KURIKULUM PENDIDIKAN INKLUSI DI MASA PANDEMI DITINJAU DARI EVALUASI PROGRAM PEMBELAJARAN
Authors: Lestari Budi Dyah , Samta Soraya Rosna , Nisak Hanifatun , Rahayu Sri Setiyo
Published: March 2022

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis dan mendeskripsikan kurikulum inklusi yang diselenggarakan di PAUD Talenta Semarang, yang meliputi perencanaan, pengorganisasian, pelaksanaan dan evaluasi.). Pendidikan inklusi yang ada di PAUD Talenta Semarang adalah layanan PAUD yang memberikan kesempatan pada peserta didik yang memiliki kelainan dan memiliki potensi kecerdasan dan/atau bakat istimewa untuk mengikuti pendidikan atau pembelajaran dalam lingkungan pendidikan secara bersama-sama dengan peserta didik pada umumnya. Informasi mengenai implementasi PAUD inklusi diungkap melalui metode wawancara terfokus, observasi dan dokumentasi sebagai teknik pengumpulan data. Ada tiga prosedur analisis data kualitatif dalam penelitian ini yaitu reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Model evaluasi yang digunakan adalah model CIPP. Hasil penelitian: (1) Evaluasi Context, pemerataan akses pendidikan di PAUD Talenta adalah pemenuhan kebutuhan orang tua dan ABK; semua ABK mampu terlayani; serta masyarakat memberikan kepercayaan penuh kepada sekolah dalam melayani ABK. (2) Evaluasi Input, meliputi unsur penilaian terhadap potensi sekolah, perencanaan program, anggaran, dan sumber daya manusia. (3) Evaluasi Prosees, pengawasan sekolah yang meliputi pemantauan, supervisi, evaluasi, pelaporan, tindak lanjut hasil pengawasan, dilakukan oleh kepala sekolah (yang berperan juga sebagai psikolog dan penanggungjawab supervisi) dan pendidik. (4) Evaluasi Product terhadap penyelenggaraan program pendidikan inklusi di PAUD Talenta Semarang berupaya untuk melakukan penilaian terhadap dampak penyelenggaraan program terhadap perkembangan peserta didik.
Desarrollo de la literacidad crítica, currículo y estrategias didácticas en secundaria
Authors: Sandoval Alvarado Dulce Aidee , Zanotto González Mercedes
Published: March 2022

Este artículo presenta los resultados obtenidos de una investigación cualitativa cuyo objetivo principal fue analizar el currículo de la educación secundaria en el área de lenguaje en México y las prácticas docentes en función de su relación con la enseñanza de la literacidad crítica. Con base en el método de análisis de contenido, se diseñaron y emplearon categorías sobre literacidad crítica centradas en el análisis del plan de estudios de la asignatura de español en el nivel de secundaria y del programa de la asignatura de español en tercero de secundaria; también, en ese nivel educativo y asignatura fueron examinadas las estrategias didácticas reportadas por nueve profesores. Los hallazgos muestran una inclinación hacia un enfoque funcional de la literacidad en el planteamiento curricular. Respecto a las estrategias didácticas, comparativamente, se obtuvieron más evidencias de elementos de literacidad crítica, pero estos muestran un desarrollo limitado. Se concluye que resulta pertinente la integración de la perspectiva de la literacidad crítica a la enseñanza, y que esta representa un campo fecundo para la investigación sobre lectura y escritura en los niveles básicos de la educación en México.
Pengaruh Metode Campbell Dudeck Smith dalam Penjadwalan Produksi Table 76-0001-Veneer Mesin Shop PT. Cegeone
Authors: Spalanzani Widya , Salwiah  , Asmuddin
Published: March 2022

CEGEONE (CG) is a manufacturing industry company in furniture. It is a supplier company for the Horrison & Gil company. The company manufactures furniture from raw materials into semi-finished goods. The company produces its products on consumer demand (customized order). The overwhelming and varying amount of demand each period was a major problem in the company's production. Hence it takes scheduling. Production scheduling is an important process in production system. In the production process, particularly in the Shop Machine line there is often bottle neck. Under that, researchers did production scheduling at the Shop Machine with the Campbell Dudeck Smith (CDS) method. This method uses Johnson's algorithm that aims to determine the order of the job in order for the earned makespan to be smaller than before. Using production scheduling on shop machines, the company can reduce the total process time to complete the job by 95 minutes or 1 hour 35 minutes. Smaller compared to the previous total makespan of 250 minutes or 4 hours 10 minutes. So that shows total savings in production at 19.79%. The results of the study can be concluded that by using production scheduling on shop machines.
The anthropology of infrastructure
Authors: Buier Natalia
Published: March 2022

This article engages with the constitution of the anthropology of infrastructure as an autonomous subdiscipline. Rather than laboring in the service of demarcating a new field of study, anthropologists, I argue, should strive for a critical deconstruction of the contemporary infrastructural moment. In the first part of the article, I engage with the arguments in favor of infrastructure as an analytical lens by focusing on their treatment of relationality and materiality. I pinpoint the limitations of these approaches and argue that their epistemological and theoretical assumptions blunt the critical potential of anthropological studies of infrastructure. The second part of the article looks at theoretical alliances that favor connecting the anthropological study of infrastructure with a critical analysis of the production of nature and the built environment.
Exploring Household Food Security through a Sociocultural Perspective: An Associational Approach of District Torghar
Authors: Khan Younas , Shah Mussawar , Asadullah
Published: March 2022

The present study was conducted in light of a sociological perspective in the district of Torghar, Pakistan,to assess the household food security status through a perceptional research design. A sample size of 379 household heads was selected as per the proportional allocation method. A structured interview schedule encompassing all the study dynamics, such as independent (sociocultural determinants) and dependent (food security) variables, was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that famine was a socially constructed phenomenon being sprouted under the shade of cultural traits encouraging eating, producing, distributing, and consuming patterns. The prevalent culture was highly capacitated with abilities for assimilation and acculturation. The leading stakeholders, both individuals and institutions should strive for channelizing the behavioral food patterns by inculcating the wastage and misuse along with equality in distribution amongst locals inhabitants by taking inputs from the religion and constitutional enlightenment
Neuroprotective effect of dapsone in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: García-Pastor Cuauhtémoc , Navarro-Garcia de Llano Juan P. , Balcázar-Padrón Juan C. , Tristán-López Luis , Rios Camilo , Díaz-Ruíz Araceli , Rodríguez-Hernandez Luis A. , Nathal Edgar
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the authors sought to define the differences in the incidence of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) between patients treated with dapsone and those treated with placebo. Secondary objectives were to define the clinical outcome at discharge and 3 months and the incidence of brain infarction.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed and included patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) within 5 days from ictus who were candidates for aneurysm occlusion, and who had a Fisher grade of 3 or 4. Patients with sulfa or sulfone drug allergies, hemoglobin < 11 g/dl, known G6PD deficiency, and those refusing informed consent were excluded. A minimal relevant effect decrease of 35% in the incidence of DCI was established. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a regimen of dapsone 2.5 ml (100 mg) daily or a placebo (aluminum hydroxide suspension, 2.5 ml daily). Both groups received validated treatment for aneurysmal SAH. The appearance of DCI on CT was assessed in every patient at discharge and 3 months later. We used the chi-square test to compare the DCI incidence between both groups, and the Student t-test or nonparametric tests to compare quantitative variables.

RESULTS

Overall, 48 patients (70.8% women and 29.2% men) were included. The mean age was 50 years (SD 14.28 years, range 18–72 years). Prerandomization and postrandomization characteristics were balanced, except for the necessity of intra-arterial nimodipine administration in patients treated with placebo (15.4% vs 45.5%, p = 0.029. The incidence of DCI, the primary endpoint, for the whole cohort was 43.8% and was significantly lower in the dapsone group (26.9% vs 63.6%, p = 0.011). In addition, the irreversible DCI incidence was lower in the dapsone group (11.5% vs 54.5%, p = 0.12). A favorable modified Rankin Scale score was more frequent in the dapsone group at discharge and at 3 months (76.9% vs 36.4%, p = 0.005 and 80% vs 38.9%, p = 0.019, respectively). Also, the brain infarction incidence was lower in the dapsone group (19.2% vs 63.6%, p = 0.001). There was no difference between groups regarding adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapsone seems to play a role as a prophylactic agent in patients at high risk of developing DCI after aneurysmal SAH. A multicenter investigation is necessary to increase the study population and confirm the consistency of the results observed in this study.
Цифровая фокусировка апертуры при зондировании объекта контроля всеми элементами антенной решетки в одном цикле излучение—прием
Authors: Шевалдыкин В.Г. , Самокрутов А.А.
Published: March 2022

The physical meaning of the visualization method by sending several probing ultrasonic waves with a flat front into the object in comparison with the method of digital focusing of the aperture is described. The results of experimental studies on the reconstruction of tomograms by these imaging methods from ultrasound data recorded during the testing of metal samples with reflectors are presented. It is shown that the method of plane waves will allow to obtain images, not only when the interelement delays of the probing pulses provide generation of real waves with a flat front, but also with delays giving a virtual wave front that physically do not exist. Coherent summation of images obtained at several angles of inclination of the wave front forms a tomogram that is not significantly inferior in quality to the tomogram reconstructed by Total Focusing Method. But the time required to collect ultrasound data is several times less, which is important for practical applications, in particular, for high-speed automated testing.
Prospects for population genetic studies of cosmopolitan freshwater sponges of the Spongillidae family in Lake Baikal
Authors: Yakhnenko A.S. ,   Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 3, Ulan-Batorskaya, Irkutsk, Russia, 664033,   International Intergovernmental Organization Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, 6 Joliot-Curie St, Dubna, Moscow Region, Russia, 141980, Itskovich V.B. ,   Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 3, Ulan-Batorskaya, Irkutsk, Russia, 664033
Published: March 2022

Abstract. Cosmopolitan freshwater sponges inhabit Lake Baikal. They are of great interest for carrying out population genetic studies. Microsatellite markers are best suited for population genetic studies of sponges. To date, no markers have been developed for the species Ephydatia muelleri that is widespread in Lake Baikal and found across the northern hemisphere. In the course of this study, a search was carried out for microsatellite markers in the previously published complete genome of E.muelleri. The most promising microsatellite loci were selected among those found in the genome data. Selected loci were tested on E.muelleri DNA samples. A set of 11 specific variable microsatellite markers was developed and tested for further population genetic studies of E.muelleri. Also, the Maloye More Strait area of Lake Baikal was surveyed to determine the sites of mass accumulation of the Spongilliadae family representatives. An analysis of the species composition of cosmopolitan sponges was carried out for Site 1 (Olkhon Island). Two species were identified: E.muelleri (72%) and Spongilla lacusris (18%).
Sand and the City: On Colonial Development and its Evasive Enemies in Twentieth-Century Palestine
Authors: Halevy Dotan
Published: March 2022

This article traces the colonial origins of a crucial aspect of the environmentalist discourse since the mid-twentieth century - the idea that planetary substances should be stripped of ownership rights and become in and of themselves the
subject
of rights. The article looks closely at the Gaza region under British mandatory rule to explain how the rehabilitation of Gaza city, devastated during WWI, has failed. Gaza's reconstruction efforts, the article argues, collided with the British initiative to arrest the drift of dunes along the coast of southern Palestine. Throughout this project, the British administration extinguished Arab property and usufruct rights to expand state domains. They backed this policy with an elaborate ecological perception that saw sand and its inhabitants as agents of environmental ruin. The quarrel that has developed thus made the Gaza region an imperial test ground for probing what sand is? Does it have a history? And, therefore, can it be claimed as an object of rights? Divorcing nature from culture, the British administration in Palestine rejected the validity of sandy lands' economic past and constructed them as inhospitable 'wastelands' - a purely natural element. As such, sands could be subjected to governmental 'development' through afforestation and urbanisation while time-honoured agricultural practices and land rights of the local coastal population were neglected.
Is vegan diet advisable for children?
Authors: Kayode Abolanle Kayode A. A , Okumede Grace F. , Alabi Great O. , Onajobi Funmilayo D.
Published: March 2022

Vegan diet (VD) is a diet that consists of only plant based foods. This diet completely excludes all animal products; meat, fish, poultry and also food gotten from milk, oil and honey. Vegan diet differs from vegetarian diet, although they are similar; some vegetarian include egg (ovo vegetarians), milk from animals (lacto vegetarians) or fish (pescovegetarian) in their diet. VD is believed to be healthier than diets containing animal produce and generally have a higher diet quality than non-vegan diets. VD has many health benefits and may also reduce the risk of certain conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer. However, these benefits seen in adults may not be the same case for toddlers and young children. Their diet directly affects their height, weight and also psychomotor and neurocognitive development. VD may not supply all the nutrients necessary for development and may lead to nutrient deficiency. Vegan children are at a risk of insufficient supply and deficiency of some critical nutrients such as protein, long chain fatty acids, cholesterol, iron, zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamin A, B12 and D. Deficiency of these nutrients could lead to various developmental and sometimes irreversible disorders. Apart from nutrition, VD also seems to alter the metabolomics and gut microbiota constitution of a vegan. Overall VD may have health benefits for children if it is properly fortified and supplemented. VD in children will also have to be carefully monitored to ensure the diet is healthy, nutritious and promote healthy growth and development. Keywords: Children, Vegan diet, Nutrition, Metabolomics, Inborn errors of metabolism
Role of Chromatin Modifying Complexes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Meghani Khyati , Folgosa Cooley Lauren , Piunti Andrea , Meeks Joshua J.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

Chromatin modifying enzymes, mainly through post translational modifications, regulate chromatin architecture and by extension the underlying transcriptional kinetics in normal and malignant cells. Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has a high frequency of alterations in chromatin modifiers, with 76% of tumors exhibiting mutation in at least one chromatin modifying enzyme [ 1 ]. Additionally, clonal expansion of cells with inactivating mutations in chromatin modifiers has been identified in the normal urothelium, pointing to a currently unknown role of these proteins in normal bladder homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE:

To review current knowledge of chromatin modifications and enzymes regulating these processes in Bladder cancer (BCa).

METHODS:

By reviewing current literature, we summarize our present knowledge of external stimuli that trigger loss of equilibrium in the chromatin accessibility landscape and emerging therapeutic interventions for targeting these processes.

RESULTS:

Genetic lesions in BCa lead to altered function of chromatin modifying enzymes, resulting in coordinated dysregulation of epigenetic processes with disease progression.

CONCLUSION:

Mutations in chromatin modifying enzymes are wide-spread in BCa and several promising therapeutic targets for modulating activity of these genes are currently in clinical trials. Further research into understanding how the epigenetic landscape evolves as the disease progresses, could help identify patients who might benefit the most from these targeted therapies.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation effects on pain-intensity and endogenous opioids levels among chronic low-back pain patients: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ezema Charles Ikechukwu , Onyeso Ogochukwu Kelechi , Nna Emmanuel Okechukwu , Awosoga Oluwagbohunmi A. , Odole Adesola Christiana , Kalu Michael Ebe , Okoye Goddy Chuba
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a promising non-pharmacological modality for the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP), but its efficacy and mode of action have not been clearly established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the responses of plasma beta-endorphin (βE), met-enkephalin (ME), and pain intensity (PI) among patients with CLBP exposed to TENS or sham-TENS. METHODS: This double-blind trial involved 62 participants (aged 53.29 ± 5.07 years) randomised into TENS group (frequency 100 Hz, burst-rate 2 Hz, burst-width 150 μs, intensity 40 mA, duration 30 min), and sham-TENS group. The PI and plasma concentrations of βE and ME were measured at baseline, immediately (0 hr), 1 hr, 24 hrs, and 48 hrs post-intervention. Data were analysed using general linear model repeated measures, ordinal regression, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, independent and paired samples t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Kendall’s tau coefficient. RESULTS: There was a significant temporal difference in PI between groups, F (1, 58) = 18.83, p< 0.001; the TENS group had better pain relief. The relative analgesic effect of TENS started immediately after the intervention (median difference [M⁢D] =-3, p< 0.001), peaked at 1 hr (M⁢D=-4, p< 0.001), and worn out by 24 hrs (M⁢D=-1, p= 0.029). However, there was no significant difference in βE and ME between the groups from 0 hr to 24 hrs post interventions, and no significant correlation between the PI, and βE, or ME. CONCLUSION: TENS significantly reduced PI up to 24 hrs after treatment.
Detection of hypermethylated BCAT1 and IKZF1 DNA in blood and tissues of colorectal, breast and prostate cancer patients
Authors: Winter Jean M. , Sheehan-Hennessy Lorraine , Yao Beibei , Pedersen Susanne K. , Wassie Molla M. , Eaton Michael , Chong Michael , Young Graeme P. , Symonds Erin L.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Detection of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) methylated in BCAT1 and IKZF1 is sensitive for detection of colorectal cancer (CRC), but it is not known if these biomarkers are present in other common adenocarcinomas. OBJECTIVE: Compare methylation levels of BCAT1 and IKZF1 in tissue and plasma from breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: Blood was collected from 290 CRC, 32 breast and 101 prostate cancer patients, and 606 cancer-free controls. Tumor and matched normal tissues were collected at surgery: 26 breast, 9 prostate and 15 CRC. DNA methylation in BCAT1 and IKZF1 was measured in blood and tissues. RESULTS: Either biomarker was detected in blood from 175/290 (60.3%) of CRC patients. The detection rate was higher than that measured in controls (48/606 (8.1%), OR = 18.2, 95%CI: 11.1–29.0). The test positivity rates in breast and prostate cancer patients were 9.4% (3/32) and 6.9% (7/101), respectively, and not significantly different to that measured in gender-matched controls (8.0% (33/382) females (OR = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.23–3.1) and 7.6% (26/318) males (OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.65–2.1). In tumor and non-neoplastic tissues, 93.5% (14/15) of CRC tumors were methylated in BCAT1 and/or IKZF1 (p< 0.004). Only 11.5% (3/26) and 44.4% (4/9) (p= 0.083) of breast and prostate tumors were hypermethylated in these two genes. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of circulating DNA methylated in BCAT1 and IKZF1 is sensitive and specific for CRC but not breast or prostate cancer.
Application of dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound in distinguishing focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qiu Yi-Jie , Zhao Guo-Chao , Shi Shuai-Nan , Zuo Dan , Zhang Qi , Dong Yi , Lou Wen-Hui , Wang Wen-Ping
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE: To explore the value of dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) in preoperative differential diagnosis of focal-type autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From May 2016 to March 2020, patients with biopsy and histopathologically confirmed focal-type AIP (n = 9) were retrospectively included. All patients received contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations one week before surgery/biopsy. Dynamic analysis was performed by VueBox® software (Bracco, Italy). Eighteen cases of resection and histopathologically proved PDAC lesions were also included as control group. B mode ultrasound (BMUS) features, CEUS enhancement patterns, time intensity curves (TICs) and CEUS quantitative parameters were obtained and compared between AIP and PDAC lesions. RESULTS: After injection of ultrasound contrast agents, most focal-type AIP lesions displayed hyper-enhancement (2/9, 22.2%) or iso-enhancement (6/9, 66.7%) during arterial phase of CEUS, while most of PDAC lesions showed hypo-enhancement (88.9%) (P < 0.01). During late phase, most of AIP lesions showed iso-enhancement (8/9, 88.9%), while most of PDAC lesions showed hypo-enhancement (94.4%) (P < 0.001). Compared with PDAC lesions, TICs of AIP lesions showed delayed and higher enhancement. Among all CEUS perfusion parameters, ratio of PE (peak enhancement), WiAUC (wash-in area under the curve), WiR (wash-in rate), WiPI (wash-in perfusion index, WiPI = WiAUC/ rise time), WoAUC (wash-out area under the curve), WiWoAUC (wash-in and wash-out area under the curve) and WoR (wash-out rate) between pancreatic lesion and surrounding normal pancreatic tissue were significantly higher in AIP lesions than PDAC lesions (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DCE-US with quantitative analysis has the potential to make preoperative differential diagnosis between focal-type AIP and PDAC non-invasively.
Nonhypovascular pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas: CEUS imaging findings and differentiation from other types of solid pancreatic lesions
Authors: Wang Lan , Nie Fang , Dong Tiantian , Yin Ci , Li Ming , Li Yuanyuan
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES: To observe and assess the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in patients with iso-/hypervascular solid pancreatic lesions. METHODS: 70 pancreatic lesions (all confirmed by surgery or biopsy pathology) that manifested iso-/hyperenhancement on CEUS were retrospectively studied from January 2018 to January 2022, including 24 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), 15 mass-forming pancreatitis (MFP), 24 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET) (14 hyper-PNETs, 10 iso-PNETs), and 7 solid pseudopapillary tumors of pancreas (SPTP). 65 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) that manifested hypoenhancement on CEUS were retrospectively studied from January 2020 to January 2022. CEUS patterns and the clinical and pathologic features were analyzed, and the diagnostic ability of CEUS for iso/hyperenhanced solid pancreatic lesions was assessed. RESULTS: Centripetal enhancement, heterogeneous enhancement, early washout, and hypoenhancement in the late phase mostly appeared in iso-/hyper-PDACs (p < 0.05). Heterogeneous enhancement in small lesions (< 3 cm) as the diagnostic criterion for iso-/hyper-PDACs had an accuracy of 74.3% and a specificity of 91.3%. Iso-PNETs more commonly had larger tumor sizes and more often showed heterogeneous enhancement than hyper-PNETs (p = 0.007, p = 0.035, respectively). The characteristics of the combination of isoenhancement, homogeneous enhancement, and synchronous wash-in/out for MFP had a high accuracy of 90%. Capsular enhancement with heterogeneous enhancement inside for SPTP had an accuracy of 97.1%. CONCLUSION: CEUS enhancement patterns have potentially great value in the differentiation of iso-/hyperenhanced pancreatic lesions.
A formalization of one of the main claims of “Creative Commons licenses and the non-commercial condition: Implications for the re-use of biodiversity information” by Hagedorn et al. 2011
Authors: Mietchen Daniel , Penev Lyubomir , Dimitrova Mariya
Published: March 2022

Hagedorn et al. claimed in previous work that when talking about biodiversity data, licenses with a non-commercial clause generally inhibit data reuse. We present here a formalization of that claim, stating that all things of class “license with non-commercial clause” that are in the context of a thing of class “biodiversity data” generally have a relation of type “inhibits” to a thing of class “data reuse” in the same context.
A formalization of one of the main claims of “Mutations in NGLY1 cause an inherited disorder of the endoplasmic reticulum–associated degradation pathway” by Enns et al. 2014
Authors: Queralt-Rosinach Núria
Published: March 2022

Enns et al. claimed in previous work that NGLY1 deficiency is a novel autosomal recessive disorder of the ERAD pathway. We present here a formalization of that claim, stating that all things of class “NGLY1 deficiency” that are in the context of a thing of class “human” always have a relation of type “is caused by” to a thing of class “dysfunction of ERAD pathway” in the same context.