bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Study of Pemphigus in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Authors: Ann Simon Sheena
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Pemphigus is a group of rare, life-threatening autoimmune bullous diseases of the skin and mucosa which result in intraepidermal blistering. Associated autoimmune conditions and the extensive mucocutaneous detachment impair the quality of life. Immunosuppressive treatment adds to the morbidity in patients. We wanted to assess the clinical presentation of pemphigus among the study subjects along with the outcome of pemphigus patients with the extent of the disease and results of pus culture. METHODS Retrospective analysis of case records of patients with pemphigus in a tertiary care hospital during a period of 3 years was done in 2015. Demographic data, clinical findings, underlying medical disorders, details of deaths, investigation reports and treatment details were recorded. RESULTS Common age group affected was 51-60 years (31.5 %) among a total of 54 pemphigus patients. There were 26 males and 28 (51. 9 %) females and in majority of the patients (44.4 %) duration was less than 6 months. Out of 47 patients, oral mucosal involvement was grade 1 in 20 (37 %) cases, grade 2 in 12 (22.2 %) and in 15 (27.8 %) patients it was grade 3.Histopathological examination showed suprabasal cleft in 82.1 %, subcorneal blister in 5.7 %, acantholytic cells in 48.6 % and row of tombstone appearance in 9.4 %. Out of 36 patients, DIF test reported intercellular IgG in 65 % and C3 in 50 % .Diabetes was found in 14 (25.9 %), candidiasis in 12 (22.2 %), thyroid disease in 6 (11.1 %) and hypertension in 3 patients. Three patients died. Among 10 patients with more than 30 % body surface area involvement, 1 (10 %) patient died. Two (13 %) deaths occurred among 15 patients in whom pus C&S was positive. CONCLUSIONS Pemphigus patients were of slightly higher (51 - 70 years) age group and the 3 patients died were females. Autoimmune disorders like diabetes and thyroid disorders were found among many patients and their family members. Infection could be an important cause of death, but no statistically significant association was found in the present study. KEYWORDS Pemphigus, Steroids, Comorbidity, Deaths
An Analysis of Perception of Different Online Teaching-Learning Methods among Phase-1 Medical Students of Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala during Covid-19 Lockdown
Authors: Chandran Sajeevan Kundil , Nair Shajee Sivasankaran , Vilambil Sajith , Vijayan Sajna Mathumkunnath , Thomas Purnima Eliz
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Due to Covid-19 lockdown initiated by the Government, the teaching was transformed to an online sphere. Reflection from students was quite essential for advancement in newer platforms. Thus, perception of various online teachinglearning methods among medical students were assessed. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study conducted among phase-1 MBBS students of Government Medical College, Thrissur. This study was done to analyse medical student’s perceptions on four methods of online classes which included live online lectures, assignments, sending PowerPoint presentations and pre-recorded videos. All statistical data was analysed using SPSS software version 16. Continuous variables was expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Difference between the groups were analysed by simple ANOVA but the subgroup analysis in each variable was done by post hoc analysis with Bonferroni test. The level of significance was kept at 5%. RESULTS When different variables were analysed by anova, it was found out that emphasizing important aspects of topics, describing the contents in a logical sequence and interaction was significantly better in live online lectures. Coverage of learning objectives and description of concepts was significantly better in narrative PowerPoint presentation. Likewise, it significantly helped them to prepare notes for examination. Live online lectures effectively used audio-visual aids and it has aroused interest in the subject. Live online lecture was found to be the best single method as compared to the other three when all ten variables were analysed conjointly. CONCLUSIONS The preferred method for online teaching for phase-1 medical students was online lectures when all variables were analysed. Important aspects of topics were emphasized, the contents were discovered in a logical sequence, the audio-visuals were used effectively, and interest was aroused in topics through live online lectures. All the learning objectives were covered and described very clearly and note preparation was easy in PowerPoint presentation. KEYWORDS Covid-19 Lockdown, Perception, Live Online Lectures, Pre-Recorded Videos, Assignments, Interaction, Learning Objectives, Audio Visual Aids
A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study to Estimate the Prevalence and Sex Distribution of Colour Vision Deficiency among School Going Children Attending a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Kolkata City, West Bengal, India
Authors: Saha Rinki , Sarkar Indrajit , Chatterjee Tamojit , Samaddar Sandip , Sen Suman Chandra
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Colour vision is a function of three types of cone pigments present in the retina. Colour vision deficiency is an important disorder of vision that may pose a handicap to the performance of an affected individual. The prevalence of colour blindness varies in different geographical areas. The identification and estimation of the prevalence of colour vision deficiency in school-going children will help to educate and guide the caregivers to help the children in selecting their profession. This study was done to estimate the prevalence, sex distribution, and types of colour vision deficiency among school-going children of 5 to 15 years. METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was done among 500 students to evaluate the colour vision during the period from 1st January 2018 to 30th June 2019 at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Kolkata. Ishihara’s pseudo isochromatic colour vision chart 38th edition was used to assess the school children for colour vision status. The children who were found to be colour blind were further classified into degree and types of colour vision deficiency. RESULTS A total of 500 students (250 male & 250 female) of surrounding schools, in the age group of 5 years to 15 years, were screened. 480 students (96 %) had normal colour vision while 20 (4 %) students were found to have defective colour vision. Prevalence (4 %) for colour blindness was found to be higher in males (3.6 %) than females (0.4 %). It was observed that out of 20 (4 %) colour-blind subjects 3.6 % were protanopes and 0.4 % were deuteranopes. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows the prevalence of colour blindness found to be quite low (4 %) and more common in males (3.6 %) in comparison to females (0.4 %). Protanomaly (3.6 %) was more common than deuteranomaly (0.4 %). KEYWORDS Colour Blindness, Protanomaly, Deuteranomaly, School Children
Dosimetric Evaluation of Oesophagus in Hypofractionated Supraclavicular Nodal Irradiation in Breast Cancer - A Retrospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre in Alappuzha, Kerala
Authors: Pulickal Sajeev George , Bhaskaran Reshma , Perumangat Aparna , Reghu Harikrishnan , Moolath Girish Babu
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Acute esophagitis (AE) is a common toxicity seen in patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer, which can affect their quality of life. Thus, majority of our patients receiving hypo fractionated dose of 40 Gy in 15 fractions were having AE. We conducted this study to evaluate the dosimetric parameters of oesophagus and correlate with published literature. METHODS Treatment plans of 80 post mastectomy patients who underwent radiotherapy for carcinoma of breast (Ca breast) with a dose of 40 Gy in 15 fractions to the chest wall along with supra clavicular fossa (SCF) were selected. Out of these, 44 patients (22 each in right and left side) were simulated in neck straight position and 36 in neck tilted position (18 each in right and left side). The oesophageal volume was contoured in already executed plans from the inferior border of cricoid cartilage to the inferior border of the SCF planning target volume (PTV). No plan modification was done after contouring the oesophagus. Dosimetric parameters like the maximum dose (Dmax) and mean dose (Dmean) to oesophagus, volume of oesophagus receiving ≥ 5 Gy (V5), ≥ 10 Gy (V10), ≥ 15 Gy (V15), ≥ 20 Gy (V20), ≥ 25 Gy (V25), ≥ 30 Gy (V30) were derived from dose volume histogram (DVH) data and analysed. RESULTS Dmean in straight neck group irrespective of side was 18.57 (± 7.30) Gy and in tilted neck 22.94 (± 9.53,) Gy, P = 0.023. Subgroup analysis shows Dmean was significantly high in patients with left sided disease than those with right sided disease (24.10 vs. 13.03, P = 0.00) in the straight neck cases. In the neck tilted group there was a nonsignificant increase in Dmean in left sided cases (25.36 vs. 20.53, P = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of oesophageal dosimetric parameters in hypofractionated dose showed that DmeanEQD2 was within the values of published studies in conventional fractionation. KEYWORDS Oesophageal Dosimetric Parameters, Breast Cancer
To Study Thyroid Function and Lipid Profile Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India
Authors: Layal Navjot Kaur , Sikri Tejinder , Kaur Jaskiran , Kaur Jasmine , Deep Hardeep Singh
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) includes a spectrum of different pathophysiology processes associated with abnormal kidney function, and a progressive decline in GFR. Progression of CKD is associated with having a number of complications, including thyroid dysfunction, dyslipidaemia, and cardiovascular diseases. METHODS The present study was conducted among 60 CKD patients (cases) and 60 healthy controls to compare their thyroid and lipid profile, who attended the Department of Medicine in SGRDIMSR, Sri Amritsar from January 2019 to December 2020.These 60 CKD patients were grouped as group A. Group A was further divided into various stages as per KIDGO staging according to GFR. 60 healthy individuals were taken as controls and were kept as Group B. Demographic features (age and sex) and medical history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension were noted and blood samples (5mL) were analysed for blood urea, serum creatinine, free triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglycerides. RESULTS Thyroid dysfunction was observed in patients of CKD, the most common being overt hypothyroidism (56.6 %) followed by subclinical hypothyroidism (16.6 %), low T3 (15 %), and hyperthyroidism (1.6 %). Hypercholesterolemia, low HDL, elevated LDL, VLDL and triglyceride levels were observed in 74.9 %, 85.0 %, 38.3 %, 41.6 % and 76.6 % patients, respectively. Patients with CKD with 5 had significantly higher risk of having thyroid dysfunction and dyslipidaemia as compared to patients with stage 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS Thyroid dysfunction and dyslipidaemia were common in patients with CKD. Prevalence of hypothyroidism, dyslipidaemia increases with progression of CKD. Hence early detection of thyroid dysfunction and dyslipidaemia is imperative to improve mortality and morbidity of CKD patients. KEYWORDS Chronic Kidney Disease, Dyslipidaemia, Thyroid Dysfunction
A Study of Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Idiopathic Male Infertility & Its Management by Antioxidant Therapy in Uttar Pradesh (U.P.)
Authors: Shrivastava Namrata , Shrivastava Vaibhav , Pandey Manish
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after at 1 year of regular unprotected intercourse. Male contributes to almost half of infertility cases and in almost 30 % of cases, no definite aetiology is identified, and hence, male infertility is labelled idiopathic in these cases. Oxidative energy production mechanisms are almost always accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS), generation whose too much concentrations can lead to extensive protein damage and cytoskeletal modifications and inhibit cellular mechanisms. A number of laboratory techniques have been developed to evaluate oxidative stress by measuring ROS level in the semen. In recent times antioxidant supplements have been proposed as useful agents to increase the scavenging capacity of seminal plasma, controversy still surrounds their actual clinical utility. METHODS 34 male patients were included in this study. Reactive oxygen species detection was done by Flowcytometry using dichloroflurosecindiacetate (DCFH-DA). RESULTS The ROS in the patient group was found to be significantly higher 29.821 (5.6300 than the control group 22.162 (1.6331 having p value < 0.001). The ROS (29.821 ± 5.6300) was found to be significantly reduced after 3 months of antioxidant therapy which got reduced to 19.893 ± 4.2299 respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that infertile men have significantly higher level of ROS (as measured by flowcytometry) & lower sperm count (oligospermia), decreased progressive & total motility and increased immotile sperms as compared to healthy fertile men. This study further proves that antioxidant therapy based on a combination of carnitine, zinc, coq10, lycopene and vitamin C & E for 3 months is associated with a decrease of ROS as measured by flowcytometry & a variable degree of improvement in above mentioned semen parameters. KEYWORDS Reactive Oxygen Species, Male Infertility
Correlation of Platelet Indices with Severity of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Non-Diabetic and NonHypertensive Patients in Hubli, Karnataka
Authors: N.K. Seetaram , B.H. Gayatri , Kachapur Chandrashekhar , Kulkarni Shruti N.
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Platelet size, measured as mean platelet volume (MPV), is a marker of platelet function and is positively associated with indicators of platelet activity, including aggregation and release of thromboxane A2, platelet factor 4, and thromboglobulin.1 Larger platelets are metabolically more active, produce more prothrombotic factors, aggregate more easily & act as index of homeostasis and its dysfunction thrombosis.2 The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between platelet indices and stroke, as well as its severity and outcome. METHODS This was a prospective observational case control study. This study was conducted with 105 non-diabetic, non-hypertensive ischemic stroke patients who had no history of previous thrombotic events and who had not previously taken any antiplatelet medications. These patients were examined within 24 hours of onset of symptoms and severity of stroke was calculated by Canadian neurological scale (CNS). The results were compared with 105 age and sex match controls. RESULTS Mean age of patients was 61.72 ± 12 and of controls was 62.85 ± 10.68. Based on the CNS score, participants were allocated into two groups; the first group were those who had a comprehension deficit (1st group, 43 patients) and the second group were those without a comprehension deficit (2nd group, 62 patients). Mean values for platelet distribution width (PDW) & MPV in 1st group was 18.329 and 12.55 respectively and in 2nd group was 16.98 and 11.48 respectively. The mean value of PDW and MPV for stroke patients was 17.53 ± 0.76 and 11.92 ± 0.58 and was significantly higher than mean value of PDW & MPV respectively in controls, which were 15.47 ± 0.26 and 10.43 ± 0.23. PDW & MPV was found to be significantly associated with severity of motor deficit. CONCLUSIONS Larger studies may be required to determine its utility in day-to-day clinical practice. However, platelet indices can be used for predicting the severity of deficit in patients of acute ischemic stroke. KEYWORDS Platelet Indices, Stroke
To Compare Serum Vitamin D Levels with Severity of Liver Cirrhosis According to Child-Pugh Score in Amritsar, Punjab
Authors: Kaur Jaskiran , Mohan Gurinder , Chandey Manish
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Cirrhosis of liver and its extrahepatic manifestations like hepatic osteodystrophy has been linked to vitamin D deficiency, and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target. Its metabolism to 25-hydroxylation, makes liver necessary for its activation. In this study sources of vitamin D, functions and its metabolism with a focus on its variation with severity of liver cirrhosis is discussed. METHODS This is an observational study conducted on 60 patients with liver cirrhosis. The severity of liver cirrhosis was assessed according to the Modified CPS. By technique of enhanced chemiluminscence values of vitamin D were obtained. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistics-20.0 version. Association among different variables were calculated using Chi-Square Test and One Way ANOVA. Results were considered significant if p value obtained was below 0.05 and highly significant if it was below 0.001. RESULTS Mean age group of study population was 54.83 ± 13.56 years. 27 patients had Alcoholic cirrhosis, 11 patients were HCV positive, 2 patients were HBsAg positive and 20 patients had cirrhosis due to other etiologies. Mean vitamin D level of the study population was 35.34 ± 22.4. 27 patients (45 %) had sufficient vitamin D, 18 patients (30 %) were deficient and 14 patients had insufficient vitamin D levels. 1 patient had vitamin D toxicity. There was no significant correlation between mean vitamin D and etiology of liver cirrhosis (P value = 0.457; Not Significant). There was significant correlation between vitamin D levels with severity of liver disease (p value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, low concentrations of 25 (OH) D are correlated with severity of liver dysfunction irrespective of the etiology. KEYWORDS Child-Pugh Score, Liver cirrhosis, Serum Vitamin D
A Descriptive Study on Serum IgE and Absolute Eosinophil Count in Children with Bronchial Asthma Attending the Paediatric Department of a Medical College in Central Kerala
Authors: Leela Sajna Gamaly , Sunilkumar Menon Narayanankutty , Subbiah Ramaraj
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Bronchial asthma is a major public health concern especially in the paediatric population. An elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) level is considered as an objective marker of allergy. Because IgE is a mediator of allergic response, quantitative measurement of IgE together with other clinical markers, can provide useful information for the differentiation between atopic and non-atopic diseases. In this study, we wanted to determine serum IgE and absolute eosinophil count (AEC) levels and correlate both levels with severity of asthma in children in the age group of 2 - 15 years admitted in the paediatric department. METHODS This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. After taking the informed consent from the parent or guardian, relevant information on asthmatic symptoms and severity, other associated manifestations, precipitating factors, and family history of asthma were recorded in a pre-designed proforma. A total of 65 children (age group 2 – 15 years old) with bronchial asthma were studied. Investigations such as hemogram and serum IgE levels were determined. Asthma severity was assessed according to global initiative for asthma (GINA) guidelines. RESULTS Among 65 children, 69.2 % were boys. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that total IgE cut-off concentration of 168 IU/ml, distinguishes children with intermittent asthma from those with mild persistent disease. IgE cut-off concentration of 989 IU/ml distinguishes mild persistent from those with moderate persistent asthma. Both showed adequate or good diagnostic efficacy. Cut off value of 168 IU/ml may prove useful in practice, indicating that 75 % of children in intermittent group will have serum concentration of total IgE < 168 IU/ml. No association was observed between AEC and increasing severity of asthma. Only atopic dermatitis with asthma showed increasing trend of IgE levels. CONCLUSIONS Asthmatic children with higher asthma severity have a higher serum total IgE concentration (168 IU/ml and 989 IU/ml are the cut off values for differentiating intermittent from mild persistent and mild persistent from moderate persistent). KEYWORDS Serum IgE, Absolute Eosinophil Count, Childhood Asthma, Asthma Severity
A Different Look at Premarital Hemoglobinopathy Screening in Primary Care
Authors: ÇELİK GÜZEL Eda , ÇELİKKOL Aliye , MEKİK Haluk
Published: September 2021

Objective: Despite the high prevalence of hemoglobinopathies (HBP), the most common single-gene disorders in Turkey, data in some regions are lacking.

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the hemoglobinopathy premarital screening program (PMS) and to investigate the contribution of efficient use of complete blood count (CBC) parameters on cost-effectivity.

Method: Hemoglobinopathy diagnosed 49171 subjects in 4 years and CBC of subjects with hemoglobinopathy in a year were evaluated retrospectively.

Result: The total incidence rate of HBP was 3.41%, β-thalassemia trait (β-TT) was 1.98%, Hemoglobinopathy incidence in the PMS group was 2.43%, β-TT was 1.08%. Moreover, HbF, HbD, HbC, HbS, HbE and HbJ were detected with the incidences of 0.49%, 0.14%, 0.05%, 0.04%, 0.007% and 0.009%, respectively. RDW/MCH ratio compared to other indices was the most successful for both sexes in diagnostic efficiency of HBP (AUC: male:0.922 - female:0.961) and β-TT (AUC: male;0.928 - female:0.961).

Conclusion: PMS was found to be an effective application program in hemoglobinopathy screening. RDW/MCH ratio was the most useful and easy parameter in detecting HBP and β-TT in PMS and in terms of reducing unnecessary test requests and cost-effectiveness in public health screenings.
Membrane protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role in the availability of active testosterone through its interaction with AKR1C2 enzyme leading to the upregulation of TMPRSS2 protease expression
Authors: Darapaneni Vivek , Jaldani Anusha
Published: September 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and ongoing pandemic that has devastated humankind. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was noticed that the mortality rate in men is higher than that in women. The membrane (M) protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role in the viral life cycle regulating intracellular trafficking and processing of spike (S) protein. In infected individuals, M protein inhibits the conversion of active testosterone to its inactive form through its interaction with Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C2 (AKR1C2) protein. This leads to the high availability of active testosterone and boosts the formation of its complex with an androgen receptor that in turn promotes the transcription of the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) gene. TMPRSS2 is known to play a pivotal role in the priming of S protein that is necessary for the SARS-CoV-2 entry into the host cell. Therefore, the interaction of the M protein of SARS-CoV-2 with AKR1C2 eventually leads to the upregulation of the transcription of the TMPRSS2 gene that results in an enhanced viral infection and in turn higher mortality in men. The interaction of M protein with AKR1C2 could be a possible target for SARS-CoV-2 antiviral drug design.
Volver a las metáforas Darwinianas: la evolución de los artefactos Back to Darwinian metaphors: The evolution of artefacts
Authors: Pizzocaro Silvia
Published: September 2021

Evolutionary concepts may have great appeal when studying material culture and its designed objects. As a matter of fact, there is robust tradition in using biological analogies to understand designs, as it occurs in the field of bionics, where the simulation of vital processes advocates not only an approach of a purely cognitive nature but, rather, an operative programme allowing the translation of isomorphisms between living organisms and technology into effective design solutions. More generally, natural sciences offer an uncommonly rich apparatus for analogies to be applied to the domains of the sciences of the artificial. But how widely applicable are Darwinian metaphors? To which extent do the Darwinian concepts of variation and selection provide meaningful theoretical tools across product innovation? What can they add to the analysis of product designs? To this end, this study takes the form of a literature review about evolutionary approaches to the analysis of technological change, along with a number of interpretations about the analogies between natural evolution and the dynamics of product variety generation.
Dibujar la Forma en el Espacio. Ejercicios de Desarrollo Secuencial para el adiestramiento creativo en el Diseño de Producto
Authors: Cruz García Cayetano José
Published: September 2021

Capacitar en la ideación de nuevos objetos requiere del desarrollo de la imaginación. Mediante una metodología sustentada en ejercicios de dibujo de “desarrollo secuencial”, a modo de los iniciados por J. Albers, se produce un control de la imaginación creativa desde un proceso evolutivo, abierto a la toma de decisiones, y la relatividad de la Forma y el Espacio. Fundamentos básicos de la percepción háptica permiten explicar la condición propioceptiva del objeto de representación, de modo que la Forma y el Espacio son una consecuencia. Se produce un control del proceso de ideación que permite adiestrar y explicar cómo son las cosas y cómo nacen; ayudando a predecir el comportamiento y posibles necesidades en fases de un proceso de fabricación. Por tanto, se fomenta la inteligencia intuitiva en el ejercicio creativo, puesta a disposición del proceso de diseño.
Cruces entre arte contemporáneo y artesanía: la utilización del repujado de estaño y la fabricación de exvotos en el campo de la pintura expandida
Authors: Mazuecos Sánchez Belén
Published: September 2021

Las transferencias culturales entre arte contemporáneo y artesanía han provocado la proliferación de proyectos artísticos que recurren al sincretismo de técnicas y materiales. Este artículo analiza la producción artística de la autora basada en la técnica del repujado de estaño e inspirada en la fabricación de exvotos, fenómeno extendido en países católicos o protestantes, siendo Andalucía una de las regiones de España con más incidencia. Se presentan varias obras en las que se reinterpreta esta tradición, generando un nuevo universo simbólico con exvotos artesanales.
Estrategias de inclusión a través del arte y la artesanía en colectivos de mujeres. Una visión crítica
Authors: Cano Martínez María Jesús , González-Martín César
Published: September 2021

Las artesanías presentan un espacio de trabajo idóneo para el desarrollo de proyectos inclusivos dirigidos a colectivos de mujeres vulnerables o en riesgo de exclusión social, donde se posibilita el trabajo comunitario, el desarrollo de capacidades, el empoderamiento y sororidad, así como su desarrollo profesional. En este estudio veremos las disciplinas artesanales vinculados colectivos de mujeres, observando una mayoría de propuestas orientadas a oficios históricamente feminizados, lo que produce una paradoja en la que por un lado se facilita la integración de la mujer, mientras se continúan instalando estereotipos de género que favorecen la segregación horizontal.
Escritura en migración: transmedialidad y poética en Cristina Rivera Garza
Authors: Olaizola Andrés
Published: September 2021

En artículos incluidos en sendos volúmenes anteriores (El camino de la heroína, el arquetipo femenino universal para un nuevo paradigma y El camino de la heroína, narrativa, género y diversidad) hemos avanzado en la identificación de las estrategias transmediales en un corpus de textos de la escritora mexicana Cristina Rivera Garza. El presente artículo continúa con dicho eje de investigación y lo profundiza, para reflexionar de qué manera la transmedialidad forma parte de la poética de Rivera Garza, o mejor dicho, cómo las derivas transmediales ejecutan, pero a la vez posibilitan, las trayectorias a través de los géneros, medios y lenguajes que la escritora mexicana postula en los textos ensayísticos impresos y digitales que desarrollan sus planteos estéticos y poéticos. La propia Rivera Garza ha definido a su escritura como en suspenso constante, irresoluta entre géneros. Para la escritora mexicana, la escritura es una práctica, un trabajo con el lenguaje en y a partir del movimiento: cuando se escribe, lo fisiológico se transforma, lo psicológico se transforma. “Escribir es el acto físico de pensar” (Rivera Garza, 2007, p. 13): el cuerpo y la mente en movimiento en y por la escritura, que reproduce esa misma errancia, ese devenir en y a través las lenguas, los lenguajes, los textos, los géneros y los medios.
Prólogo
Authors: Matarrese Marina , Vilchis Esquive Luz del Carmen
Published: September 2021

El presente número de Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios en Diseño y Comunicación de la Universidad de Palermo, que se inscribe dentro de la línea Investigar en Diseño, es el resultado de un proyecto de investigación interinstitucional, entre la Universidad de Palermo (UP) y Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), desarrollado en el marco del Programa de Investigación de la UP. Los lineamientos que orientaron estas reflexiones estuvieron dirigidos a pensar en torno al diálogo y los cruzamientos posibles entre éste y la disciplina del Diseño. Un diálogo como el propuesto en este volumen, es un lugar de confluencia, un espacio donde se encuentran e intercambian, reconocen y articulan, trayectorias dispares. En tanto espacio de diálogo, es también un lugar propicio para desafiar recetas, propuestas y rutinas disciplinares conocidas, al tiempo que proponer nuevas estrategias y ordenamientos. De allí que, en el presente volumen se compilen artículos que den cuenta del diálogo posible acerca del diseño, para el diseño y/o a través de este campo de estudio (Bourdieu 1988).
Reflexiones en torno al fortalecimiento de la Investigación en el Diseño, a través de una Enseñanza Dialógica
Authors: López Colín María Teresa Alejandra , Gómez Carmona Gabriel
Published: September 2021

Ante una realidad compleja, cambiante y contradictoria, las áreas del conocimiento están obligadas a dialogar transdisciplinariamente para construir respuestas y soluciones a las múltiples necesidades sociales, reinventarse y evolucionar, impactando positivamente la formación de nuevos cuadros de profesionales. Ante ello, el diseño requiere fortalecer la investigación en sus procesos de enseñanza para mejorar su práctica y consolidar su pertinencia social. En este escenario de diálogo disciplinar y transdisciplinar, surge un cuestionamiento ¿Cómo fortalecer la investigación desde la enseñanza del diseño? La postura abordada discute la necesidad de implementar acciones para fomentar la cultura de la investigación para una formación integral de los profesionistas del diseño, pues de no hacerlo, se corre el riesgo de que los futuros diseñadores no sean aptos para integrarse a equipos inter y transdisciplinarios de trabajo. Por tal motivo, el presente artículo reflexiona sobre la necesidad de una enseñanza del diseño integral, con base en el diálogo disciplinar que evidencia las fortalezas de consolidar a los docentes y estudiantes en una cultura de la investigación ante los desafíos del mundo actual.
Enhancing the enzymatic browning inhibition capacity of Moringa oleifera seed extract via the Maillard reaction
Authors:   Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Lusani Norah Vhangani , Mogashoa L , Van Wyk J
Published: September 2021

The antioxidant and anti-browning activity of heated plant extracts have been attributed to the formation of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) via the Maillard reaction (MR). The inhibitory effect of heated Moringa oleifera (MO) seed extract on banana polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was investigated. The Plain MO seed extracts and those with added glucose and glycine (1.5 mM each) were heated at 100°C for 15, 30, 60 and 120 min. The pH and brown colour development decreased and increased significantly (P <0.05) with increased reaction time, respectively, with heated moringa glucose-glycine HMGGL for 120 min exhibiting the highest pH reduction (2.58) and darkest extracts at an L* value of 8.11. This phenomenon is associated with progression of the MR. With reference to enzymatic browning, heated MO seed extracts exhibited stronger inhibitory effect against banana PPO activity in vivo and in vitro than the unheated counterpart. Evident to this are the higher inhibition percentages and lower ΔE values. Among model systems, the highest in vitro browning inhibition was exhibited mostly by longer heating times of 60 and 120 min. Model system HMGGL 120 min proved to be superior at 96% inhibition, which was comparable to known synthetic commercial antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AA) at 99%, as well as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (CA), both at 100% inhibition. In vivo enzymatic browning inhibition followed a similar trend, where the brown pigment (melanin) intensified as shown by an increase in ΔE as the storage time increased from 0.5 to 24 h. The model system UMGGL exhibited highest inhibition of brown melanin (p <0.05). Although it was the best amongst other model systems, it was surpassed by synthetic antioxidants AA, EDTA and CA, which were ranked amongst the top three in inhibiting brown pigment formation in vivo. To further illustrate the effect of MR augmented MO seed extracts on enzyme activity inhibition, UMGGL 60 and 120 at 5 and 24 h storage surpassed the inhibitory effect of AA. At the said storage times, AA lost its inhibitory potential against pigment formation. This was due to oxidation of AA to form dehydroascorbic acid, which lacks inhibitory potential. This study proved that heating MO plant extracts increases their enzymatic browning inhibition potential, furthermore, the inhibitory capacity was heightened when reacted via the MR.
Effects of mode and timing of calcium chloride application on tissue calcium concentration and acceptability of mango fruits
Authors:   University of Nairobi, Bitange Naphis Mokaya , Chemining’wa GN , Ambuko JL , Owino WO ,   Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Published: September 2021

Mango (Mangifera indica L) production in Kenya directly supports approximately 200,000 farmers and many other beneficiaries. Despite this, its production suffers from post-harvest losses due to the fruits' short shelf life in ambient conditions. Calcium maintains cell integrity, strengthens the cell wall, membrane structure, and thus increases shelf life. A completely randomized block design with a split plot arrangement was used to compare the effect of spraying and immersion of ‘Van Dyke' mango fruits at maturity or 15 days later in calcium chloride at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, or 0%) and times on the fruit ripening rate and organoleptic acceptance. The peel firmness (N), total soluble solids (0Brix), flesh color (Ho), beta carotene (mg/100ml), and carbon dioxide evolution (ml/kg/hr) of fruits were determined at time 0 and every two days for up to eight days in ambient conditions. Additionally, organoleptic characteristics, flesh firmness, calcium concentration (g/mg), and their correlations were determined. Fruits immersed in calcium chloride at maturity had higher retained peel firmness (10.6 N, 10.3 N), deeper flesh color (37.45, 36.78), lower total soluble solids (14, 13.8), a lower carbon dioxide evolution (30.7 ml/kg/hr), higher beta carotene and higher flesh calcium concentration than fruits exposed to other treatments. Fruits sprayed at maturity outperformed those sprayed 15 days later in the studied parameters. Flesh calcium content correlated positively with flesh firmness (r= 0.913, r= 0.852), flesh color (r= 0.828, r= 0.841), fruit aroma (r=0.8199, r=0.841), and negatively with skin shriveling (r=-0.778, r=-0.806) and fruit flavor (r=-0.811, r=-0.829). Flesh firmness correlated negatively with skin shriveling (r=-0.868, r=-0.788) and fruit flavor (r=-0.8869, r=-0.821), but positively with peel color (r=0.9115, r=0.856) and aroma (r=0.907, r=0.848). Skin shriveling was found to have a negative relationship with peel color (r=-0.944, r=-0.93) and aroma (r=-0.944, r=-0.938), but a positive relationship with fruit flavor (r=0.933, r=0.947). Peel color correlated positively with aroma (r=0.979, r=0.977) and negatively with fruit flavor (r=-0.962, r=-0.950), respectively. Despite the effectiveness of post-harvest calcium chloride immersion in extending fruit shelf life, optimal use is advised to avoid deteriorated pulp flavor and increased shriveling. More research is needed to determine how calcium chloride can be made available to the fruit while it is still attached to the tree.
Characteristics of agricultural entrepreneurs and their agribusinesses in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Benin.
Authors:   University of Abomey-Calavi, Thoto Frejus Sourou , Kpenavoun Chogou S , Honfoga BG , Houessou MD
Published: September 2021

Entrepreneurship in the sub-Saharan African agricultural sector has been growing in recent years because of increasing unemployment and underemployment. In Benin, policies and programs are encouraging individuals to start their own agribusinesses. To further sharpen these policies and programs to improve agricultural entrepreneurship's contribution to the economy, it is essential to avail information on the entrepreneurs, their businesses, and the typologies of agribusinesses. Such information is limited, which reduces the ability to develop evidence-informed policies and programs. This research aims to fill the gaps by describing the features of agricultural entrepreneurs in Benin. A random sample of 819 agricultural entrepreneurs was used, and data were collected on entrepreneurs and their businesses. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical clustering of principal components were performed. The study found that women’s participation in agricultural entrepreneurship in terms of new business formation is still low. Also, the agricultural entrepreneurs are more driven by necessity than opportunity, although they have a highly positive personality, mainly in terms of optimism and risk. At the enterprise level, most agribusinesses have been in operation for more than three years, but only one out of ten entrepreneurs felt that their business was at a mature phase. The research also evidenced that informality in the agribusiness sector is high because almost half of the agribusinesses were not registered with any formal governmental entity, and only three out of ten complied with tax regulations. Agricultural entrepreneurs were active in knowledge networks to expand their activities and improve their performance. Three categories of agribusiness were defined with the cluster analysis: ‘informal agribusinesses’ essentially built for profit, not registered, and owned by not highly educated adult entrepreneurs; ‘professional new agribusinesses’ were mainly operated by young entrepreneurs with a university education and agricultural professional training; and ‘mature agribusinesses’ were mostly formally registered and owned by highly educated entrepreneurs. This research will be instrumental for policymakers and practitioners to better understand agricultural entrepreneurship and improve its economic outcomes. It provides a strong evidence base to support the ongoing motivation of policymakers to provide solutions to unemployment and underemployment through agricultural entrepreneurship.
Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health-care Workers’ Hand Hygiene Practice at a Private Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa: A Quantitative and Qualitative Longitudinal Study
Authors: Watkins Estella L. , Sibiya Zama , Bizos Damon , Lowman Warren
Published: September 2021

Background: Hand hygiene (HH) is a cornerstone infection prevention measure and is crucial in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Improving and monitoring of HH compliance in a hospital setting is a complex challenge given the behavioural component associated with it. We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HH compliance using both quantifiable hand product usage and observational data.

Methods: Using the hospital's HH usage monitoring system, the quantity of different HH products per nursing unit, expressed as millilitres (mL) per patient bed day (PBD), was analysed longitudinally during the course of the pandemic. Observational HH compliance data was drawn from the hospital audit system for comparison.

Results: Across all units, there was a significant increase in HH product usage coinciding with the onset of the pandemic (53 mL/PBD to 111 mL/PBD, in non-critical care units (non-CCU's); 127 mL/PBD to 217 mL/PBD, in CCU's). This increase was largely attributable to an increase in alcohol-based hand rub usage. Discordance with observed compliance rates was noted.

Conclusion: An unprecedented increase in HH product usage in a hospital setting was seen to coincide with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. No specific HH campaign was introduced, and the improved usage compliance appears to be driven primarily by health-care workers’ own behavioural change.
Current Status of Anticoagulation for Hospitalized Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Mhlana Nontembiso , Parker Arifa
Published: September 2021

Coagulopathy has been identified as one of the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and is associated with poor outcomes, including the need for intensive care admission and mortality. While the pathophysiology of coagulopathy is not well understood, the natural coagulation–anticoagulation balance is disrupted, favouring clotting tendencies. This complication appears to be more prominent in patients with comorbidities, severely ill patients, mechanically ventilated patients, patients undergoing therapeutic medical procedures and most recently in patients who received COVID-19 vaccines. Therefore, prophylactic and therapeutic anticoagulation has been used as part of COVID-19 treatment protocols. While the need and benefit of anticoagulation in COVID-19 has been established, the data on which agents to use and the optimal dosing strategy remains unclear. We review the current understanding of the pathophysiology of immunothrombosis and the latest approaches to anticoagulation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with respect to indications, dosing strategies, bleeding risks and post hospital discharge management.
Vitamin D: Magic Bullet or Much to Do About Nothing
Authors: Bayat Zaheer , Daya Reyna
Published: September 2021

Vitamin D is a generic term that encompasses a group of fat-soluble compounds. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Assessing serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) is the only way to make the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency, whose prevalence varies based on how deficiency is defined. Given the current evidence, the benefits of large screening programs to detect vitamin D deficiency are not recommended. The clinical manifestations of vitamin D deficiency depend upon the severity and duration of the deficiency and appears restricted to the muscular-skeletal system. Two treatment modalities currently exist for vitamin D deficiency: sunlight and vitamin D supplementation. With regards to SARS-CoV-2 infection there is no clear evidence that supplementation reduces the risk, severity of infection, length of hospital stay or mortality. Due to the lack of good quality RCTs, routine supplementation of vitamin D for extra-skeletal benefits is NOT recommended.
The Ethical Aspects of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring: Who Should Be Performing It?
Authors: Nel J.D. , Labuschagne Jason J. , Wareham C. , Lee C. , Chirwa P.
Published: September 2021

South African legal and ethical guidelines direct health-care professionals to perform their duties in a manner that is acceptable within society. In South Africa, there is no minimum defined training or accreditation required to perform intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) nor is registration with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) a prerequisite. It is therefore important to explore the ethical and legal aspects of this practice, particularly, since patients undergoing IONM are often vulnerable and need extra protection. We argue that the development of national guidelines sanctioned by a society or association with oversight from the HPCSA should be developed. In addition, independent providers of IONM should be governed as “health-care professionals” accountable to the HPCSA. This would ensure that the practice of IONM is better aligned with the ethical principles accepted by society.
Management information system and firms’ performance in a developing economy: Evidence from the manufacturing sector in Nigeria
Authors: Eze Benneth Uchenna , Agboola Oluyemisi , Aremu Olawale Muideen
Published: September 2021

The employment of information system for conceptualisation of information analysis and control as well as decision-making, which depicts management information system (MIS), has aroused the interest of researchers and practitioners. This study examined the effect of MIS on manufacturing firms’ performance in Nigeria, by using two elements of MIS, namely the decision support system (DSS) and the executive information system (EIS). The study employed a survey research design, by administering questionnaires to some selected employees of manufacturing firms at Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun State, Nigeria. The findings revealed that the two elements of MIS employed for this study (DSS and EIS) have an individual significant positive effect on manufacturing firms’ performance. It concluded that MIS elements (DSS and EIS) are important determinants of manufacturing firms’ performance. It is, therefore, recommended that manufacturing firms should employ MIS elements, particularly DSS and EIS, for the enhancement of their performance.
 
Keywords: Decision support system, executive information system, management information system, manufacturing firms, performance.
Conociendo los macroinvertebrados de la Cordillera Oriental, provincias de Márquez y de Lengupá
Authors: González Angela Liceth , Gil Luz Nidia
Published: September 2021

Los macroinvertebrados son organismos de gran importancia para los sistemas acuáticos. Este grupo tiene gran relevancia, ya que de ellos depende la circulación de materia orgánica autóctona provenientes de algas y alóctona proveniente de la cuenca.  A la vez, son utilizados en el biomonitoreo de ríos y lagos. Teniendo en cuenta el deterioro de los sistemas acuáticos y la importancia de hacer un seguimiento de su estado, en el presente estudio se tomaron diez muestras de agua en diferentes quebradas pertenecientes a las provincias de Márquez y de Lengupá ubicadas en la Cordillera Oriental, en el costado oriental, con el fin de dar a conocer a la comunidad en general los géneros y las familias más representativos de macroinvertebrados de la zona. A la vez, se busca saber su importancia a través de su historia de vida. También se tuvieron en cuenta algunos caracteres diagnósticos que ayudan a su identificación.
Malformação Linfática Microcística Simulando Condilomas Acuminados
Authors: Teixeira Diogo , Osório Ferreira Eduarda , César Artúr
Published: September 2021

N/a.