bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research ethics to consider when collecting oral histories in wilderness areas such as the Kruger National Park
Authors: Schellnack-Kelly Isabel S.
Published: June 2022

In the last half century, oral history has emerged as a historical approach that is being considered by archivists involved with the collection and accessibility of archival collections for researchers and interested members of the public. The approach to ethics by oral historians has emerged from two major fears: the fear of failing as researchers and the fear of failing the narrators and doing harm. Archivists also need to be cognisant of these fears when collecting oral history. Confronting these fears makes it possible to understand the complex questions behind oral historians’ and archivists’ preoccupations and sheds light on how oral history has evolved and expanded as a field. The research objectives of this article are to determine the three principles identified from the Belmont Report that relate and should be applied to the collection of oral histories by archivists and historians from communities and individuals residing and working in and alongside the Kruger National Park. The theoretical framework for this article is the critical race theory to address historical accounts from communities and individuals sidelined by the mainstream media in South Africa. For the purposes of this article, the study was conducted with the Makuleka and Tsonga communities to determine what ethical implications need to be respected when conducting oral history projects with communities.Contribution: This article will contribute to ethics concerning social sciences and specifically the collection of oral history.
Diagnosing and dismantling South African whiteness: ‘white work’ in the Dutch Reformed Church
Authors: Van der Riet Louis R. , Verwoerd Wilhelm
Published: June 2022

In this article, we reflect on our lived experience as co-facilitators of a promising intragroup anti-racism process within the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in South Africa. Firstly, we describe how this emergent process, referred to as ‘white work’, has developed since 2018 to include three focal areas: facilitation and training, research and the development of resources for faith leaders. Secondly, in the interest of localised, embodied diagnostic work, we mention relatively neglected strands of South African whiteness that have arisen through this process of ‘white work’. We argue that this DRC ‘white work’ contributes to a more intersectional approach to dismantling whiteness. Finally, we propose that the dismantling potential of this ‘white work’ rests on three dimensions – raising consciousness, cultivating capacity and forming community – while stressing some of the challenges and limitations we have encountered in our process thus far.Contribution: This article contributes to both the diagnosis and dismantling of South African whiteness by presenting a narrative reflection on an emergent process among members of the DRC in South Africa.
Reading the Good Samaritan (Lk 10: 25–37) through the lenses of introverted intuition and extraverted intuition: Perceiving text differently
Authors: Francis Leslie J. , Ross Christopher F.J.
Published: June 2022

Working within the sensing, intuition, feeling, thinking (SIFT) approach to biblical hermeneutics, the present study focuses attention on the distinctive voices of introverted intuition and extraverted intuition, by analysing the way in which two small groups, one comprising dominant introverted intuitive types and the other comprising dominant extraverted intuitive types, explored and reflected on the Lucan narrative of the Good Samaritan, a passage rich in material to stimulate the perceiving process. Two distinctive voices emerged from these two groups.Contribution: Situated within the reader perspective approach to biblical hermeneutics, the SIFT method is concerned with identifying the influence of the psychological type of the reader in shaping the interpretation of text. The foundations of the SIFT approach distinguish among the four functions of sensing, intuition, feeling, and thinking. The present study builds on this foundation by developing the nuance of the orientation in which the function is expressed, in this case focusing specifically on the comparison between introverted intuition and extraverted intuition.
The implications of the usages and theology of clerical dress in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Authors: Williams Donald M. , Bentley Wessel
Published: June 2022

Using a theological literary study, this article argues that, while there have been significant shifts in the dress code of the ordained clergy of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, these changes are often driven by uninformed personal usages rather than theological principles. This leads to confusion in the usage of liturgical wear and vestments, resulting in marked differences between orders of ordained ministry and the separation of clergy and laity. Furthermore, the inconsistent and often contradictory ecclesiology of ministerial dress leads to tensions along ecumenical lines and does not promote image of the one body of Christ. This article argues that the Methodist Church of Southern Africa needs to revisit its ecclesiology relating to the ministry of the ordained, and for their dress code in their ministry to be relevant in Southern Africa.Contribution: This article contributes towards the ongoing discussion in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa on the usage of liturgical wear and vestments in the practice of ordained ministry. It seeks to clarify the history of the use of clerical wear and other vestments, so that a common understanding and usage can be employed that will negate ecclesiological confusion and promote ecumenical relationships.
Gibberellic acid influences growth indices and biochemical parameters in micropropagated Ocimum gratissimum L. explants
Authors: Olaitan Muyibat M. , Mangse George , Ogbaga Chukwuma C. , Uthman Taofik O.
Published: June 2022

Background: Ocimum gratissimum L. is a well-known tropical and subtropical plant widely utilised for both medicinal and nutritional purposes. However, its continuous existence is currently threatened because of excessive human exploitation and non-regulated collection.Aim: This study aimed at mass-producing O. gratissimum through its explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium.Settings: Sterile explants of O. gratissimum were used to generate whole plant through the process of somatic embryogenesis and under the influence of different plant growth regulators (PGRs).Methods: The growth medium was supplemented with various concentrations (0.1 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L) of PGRs, namely, gibberellic acid (GA3) and benzyl aminopurine (BAP) in combination with 0.2 mg/L indole acetic acid (IAA), which also served as the control.Results: The results showed that germination response, shoot and root lengths were significantly enhanced in O. gratissimum explants raised in media containing the two PGRs in a concentration-dependent manner after four weeks of culture. Ocimum gratissimum explants treated with GA3 and BAP also experienced reduced lipid peroxidation and ascorbic acid concentration, particularly at the highest tested concentration (1.0 mg/L) as evidenced by the significant drop in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. In response to this, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly increased in O. gratissimum explants raised in MS medium supplemented with PGRs.Conclusion: These results generally suggest that GA3 in combination with IAA is more favourable than BAP for the micropropagation of O. gratissimum explants. Thus, our study revealed that PGRs possess special attributes, which could be exploited in tissue culture for the micropropagation of O. gratissimum explants.
Grandparents raising their grandchildren: Implications for the vulnerable children of Eswatini
Authors: Motsa Ncamsile D. , Morojele Pholoho J.
Published: June 2022

Background: Studies have shown that caregivers’ economic constraints and emotional burdens have a negative implication both on their well-being and that of their children. For children raised by grandparents, age is also an additional dynamic that not only affects the grandparents but also affects the children they raise and other family members. However, poverty, HIV infection and AIDS have forced many children in Eswatini (formerly, Swaziland) to be in the care of their grandparents, hence raising concerns about their educational focus and achievement.Aims and objectives: The study aims to comprehend the ways in which being raised by grandparents, influence the vulnerable children’s schooling. The aim is to contribute insights to our understanding on how these children’s education towards academic success could be enhanced.Setting: Three rural primary schools in Eswatini were involved in the study.Method: The article draws on social constructionism and the multiple worlds’ theory. A qualitative narrative approach was adopted using semi-structured individual and focus-group interviews for data generation. The participants included nine purposively selected vulnerable boys and girls, raised by their grandparents, within the age range of 11–13 years.Results: The findings indicate that most of these grandparents were far from the reality and were unaware of the importance of education, thus they did not give any motivation or support towards their grandchildren’s education. When they became very old, sick and bedridden, they also became an extra burden in ways that ended up affecting the children’s schooling.Conclusion: The study recommends the inception and embracing of social justice and inclusive education in the schools as one-way teachers could tailor their pedagogical practices to meet individual learners’ educational needs.
Rechallenge after anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury in a high HIV prevalence cohort
Authors: Moosa Muhammed Shiraz , Maartens Gary , Gunter Hannah , Allie Shaazia , Chughlay Mohamed F. , Setshedi Mashiko , Wasserman Sean , Stead David F. , Cohen Karen
Published: June 2022

Background: There are limited data on the outcomes of rechallenge with anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT) following anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury (AT-DILI) in a high HIV prevalence setting.Objectives: To describe the outcomes of rechallenge with first-line ATT.Method: Hospitalised participants with AT-DILI who were enrolled into a randomised controlled trial of N-acetylcysteine in Cape Town, South Africa, were followed up until completion of ATT rechallenge. We described rechallenge outcomes, and identified associations with recurrence of liver injury on rechallenge (positive rechallenge).Results: Seventy-nine participants were rechallenged of whom 41 (52%) were female. Mean age was 37 years (standard deviation [s.d.] ±10). Sixty-eight (86%) were HIV-positive, of whom 34 (50%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at time of AT-DILI presentation. Five participants had serious adverse reactions to an aminoglycoside included in the alternate ATT regimen given after first-line ATT interruption: acute kidney injury in three and hearing loss in two. The median time from first-line ATT interruption to start of first-line ATT rechallenge was 13 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 8–18 days). Antiretroviral therapy was interrupted for a median of 32 days (IQR: 17–58) among HIV-positive participants on ART before AT-DILI. Fourteen participants had positive rechallenge (18%). Positive rechallenge was associated with pyrazinamide rechallenge (P = 0.005), female sex (P = 0.039) and first episode of tuberculosis (TB) (P = 0.032).Conclusion: Rechallenge was successful in most of our cohort. Pyrazinamide rechallenge should be carefully considered.
Technology acquisition and the hair salon performance: The explanatory roles of human resources practices
Authors: Rambe Patient , Mpiti Nosiphiwe , Khaola Peter
Published: June 2022

Orientation: The prominence of technology acquisition and transfer amongst small firms in entrepreneurial literature does not provide a compelling explanation for the processes and mechanisms through which such variables impact the performance of these firms.Research purpose: The study investigates the extent to which specific human resource practices mediate the interaction between technology acquisition and performance of small cosmetology firms in the Central region of South Africa.Motivation for the study: The extensive examination of technology acquisition and human resource practices fails to provide significant insights into the interaction of these factors in shaping the performance of small firms.Research approach/design/method: From a population estimate of 500 hair salons situated in the Central region of South Africa, a survey was administered on randomly selected 150 hair salons. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 20) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyse the 110 returned questionnaires that were complete and usable.Main findings: The findings demonstrated a direct, positive and significant effect of technology acquisition on small, micro and medium enterprise (SMME) performance and confirmed the partial mediation of employee technical skills training on the interaction between technology acquisition and hair salon performance. Surprisingly, general business skills training partially but negatively mediated technology acquisition’s interaction with hair salon performance.Practical/managerial implications: It is recommended that policymakers and entrepreneurs emphasise training technical skills development and acquisition of technology to improve the performance of their businesses.Contribution/value-add: The main contribution of this study lies in its provision of mechanisms through which the acquisition of technology impacts small firms, business entities that are under theorised and less robustly studied in developing countries’ contexts.
Evaluating a desire to telework model: The role of perceived quality of life, workload, telework experience and organisational telework support
Authors: Sanhokwe Hamfrey
Published: June 2022

Orientation: Beyond the motivation paradigm that underpins most telework research, the meaning paradigm offers a complementary vantage point to appreciate employees’ desires in the face of emerging threats to the traditional workplace.Research purpose: The research developed and tested a multilevel moderated mediation model to explain the desire to telework.Motivation for the study: A high-performance culture based on leadership excellence dictates that organisations keep a pulse and act on desires of their employees, an urgent priority given the pandemic-induced structural changes to the traditional workplace.Research design or approach and method: Data were collected from a non-probability sample of 185 non-governmental sector employees. Mplus v8 was used to test the multilevel moderated mediation model.Main findings: The mediated relationship between quality of life and the desire to telework was significantly influenced by perceptions of workload and organisational support for telework. Organisational telework support had a compensatory effect on workload. There were significant differences in the desire to telework by gender, level and location of work.Practical and managerial implications: Despite the intensification and extensification of work characterising teleworking environments, the results affirm a growing desire to utilise telework opportunities as circumstances permit. Ensuring access to and availability of appropriate telework resources is paramount to satisfying this desire.Contribution or value-add: Insights on employee desires and the associated influence levers offer leadership teams an opportunity to translate them into dedicated actions that enhance the employee experience, and by extension, create thriving organisations.
A retrospective review of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis queries, South Africa, 2016–2019
Authors: Whitbread Trisha A. , Kabuya Kathleen J. , Naran Nimesh , Juggernath Amilcar M. , Matthews Moushumi A. , Blumberg Lucille H. , Weyer Jacqueline , Essel Vivien
Published: June 2022

Background: The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICDs) of South Africa (SA) provides technical support to healthcare workers (HCWs) with regard to infectious diseases through the NICD clinician hotline. Queries to the hotline are often about rabies prophylaxis. An analysis of these queries may help to identify knowledge gaps amongst HCWs regarding prevention of rabies in humans in SA.Methods: A retrospective descriptive review was conducted to analyse rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) queries received by the NICD from 01 January 2016 to 31 December 2019.Results: A total of 4655 queries were received by the NICD clinician hotline for the study period, of which 2461 pertained to rabies PEP (52.87%). The largest number of calls were placed by HCWs (n = 2313/2437; 94.9%). Queries originated mainly from Gauteng (n = 912/2443; 37.3%) and KwaZulu-Natal (n = 875/2443; 35.8%) provinces. A total of 50 different types of animals were related to exposures involving humans. Dogs (67.7%) and cats (11.8%) were the animals most frequently reported and exposure category III was most common (88.6%). Approximately equal numbers of callers were advised active management of administering rabies PEP and conservative management of withholding PEP. This did not seem to be affected by the exposure category related to the call.Conclusion: This analysis shows the ongoing demand by HCWs for technical support regarding patient management following potential exposure to rabies. Gaps in HCWs rabies knowledge provide unique learning points on guiding training to achieve the goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.
Black Feminist Killjoy Reading Group: Informal reading groups as spaces for epistemic becoming
Authors: Khan Sharlene , Asfour Fouad , Skeyi-Tutani Zodwa
Published: June 2022

Background: This article explores the dynamics of the Black Feminist Killjoy Reading Group (BFK) of the Rhodes University Fine Art Department and the Wits University Fine Art Department, as a space of black-African feminist care for participants. It reflects on the motivation to create the group, examines methodologies employed by the facilitators, and how BFK was experienced by the killjoys that joined.Aim: The article aims to exemplify how the BFK provided a space for women-of-colour to connect with theoretical texts and to own them. It argues for the importance of reading / writing and support groups for students-of-colour in academic institutions.Setting: The article studies reading groups that were offered in two South African universities – Rhodes University and the University of the Witwatersrand – between 2016 and 2019.Methods: The article uses a range of qualitative methodologies including analysis of solicited anonymous online questionnaires, WhatsApp voice-notes sent in response to questions, as well as auto-ethnographic reflective pieces by the authors (all premised on an understanding of continuing to maintain a dialogue with Black Feminist Killjoy participants).Results: Using both black-African feminist theories in dialogue with responses from the Black Feminist Killjoy Reading Group, the article outlines aspects that ought to be considered in conceptualising reading and writing support groups in Higher Education and the relevance of extra-curricular activities in academic contexts for creating holistic communities and academic citizenry. It also exemplifies how black-African feminist theories can be transformative for students who feel it captures their lived experiences.Conclusion: The article concludes that reading groups, as supportive identitarian spaces, are crucial in the formation of scholarly identities as these assist students in ‘epistemic becoming’ through processes of familarising themselves with theories and epistemologies, establishing black-African feminist intimacy and building diverse communities, permitting difference, debate and discomfort.
Active Tuberculosis Infection in Moroccan Patients with Rheumatic Diseases under Biologic Therapy
Authors: Aachari Ilham , Tahiri Latifa , Elolemy Gehan , Taik Fatima Z. , Afilal Saloua , Fellous Safaa , Berkchi Jihad M. , Rkain Hanan , Bahiri Rachid , Majjad Abderrahim , Achemlal Lahsen , Ousehal Soumaya , Nassar Kawtar , Mkinsi Ouafa , Mahha Fatima Z. , El Aissaoui Asmae , Chaoui Imane , Harzy Taoufik , Youssoufi Tarik , Hassikou Hasna , Kherrab Anass , Niamane Radouane , Eddarami Jalila , Ichchou Linda , Ghozlani Imad , El Bouchti Imane , Abourazzak Fatima Z. , Razine Rachid , Allali Fadoua
Published: June 2022

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of active tuberculosis (TB) infection in Moroccan patients with rheumatic diseases under biologic therapy, and to describe the demographic characteristics of these patients as well as to explore potential risk factors.

Methods:

This 14-year nationally representative multicenter study enrolled Moroccan patients with rheumatic diseases who had been treated with biologic therapy. Patient medical records were reviewed retrospectively for demographic characteristics, underlying rheumatic diseases, associated comorbidities, and TB-related data.

Results:

In total, 1407 eligible patients were studied, detailed records were obtained for only 130 patients; 33 cases with active TB were identified at an estimated prevalence rate of 2.3%. The mean age was 42.9 ± 12 years and 75.8% were males. Ankylosing spondylitis accounted for 84.8% of active TB cases, and the majority of the cases (31/33) occurred among antitumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) users. A total of 8 out of 33 patients were positive at initial latent TB infection (LTBI) screening by tuberculin skin test and/or interferon-gamma release assay. Consumption of unpasteurized dairy products (odds ratio [OR], 34.841; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1–389.7; P = 0.04), diabetes (OR, 38.468; 95% CI, 1.6–878.3; P = 0,022), smoking (OR, 3.941; 95% CI, 1–159.9; P = 0.047), and long biologic therapy duration (OR, 1.991; 95% CI, 1.4–16.3; P = 0.001) were identified as risk factors for developing active TB.

Conclusion:

Moroccan patients with rheumatic diseases under anti-TNF-α agents are at an increased TB risk, especially when risk factors are present. Strict initial screening and regular monitoring of LTBI is recommended for patients living in high TB prevalence areas.
Histoid Hansen'S with Transepidermal Elimination
Authors: Babanrao Supekar Bhagyashree , Tomar Suyash Singh , Wankhade Vaishali Hainath , Panindra Lavanya , Singh Rajesh P. , Bhat Dharitri
Published: June 2022

Histoid leprosy is an expression of multibacillary leprosy with unique histopathology and characteristic bacterial morphology. It is characterized by the occurrence of asymptomatic firm, dome-shaped succulent papulonodules on apparently normal skin, or subcutaneous tissues. There are very few reports of the detection of Mycobacterium leprae in the epidermis in leprosy, which may have a possible role in transmission. We report five de novo cases of histoid leprosy with transepidermal elimination.
Investigation of Species Distribution of Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Isolated from Sputum Samples in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Emikoglu Cerit Serihan Kübra , Tarhan Gülnur , Ceyhan Ismail
Published: June 2022

Aims:

Rapid and accurate identification of mycobacteria is important for the species-specific treatment of the disease. The aim of this study was the identification at the species level of 34 nontuberculous mycobacteria strains isolated from respiratory tract samples and 14 reference strains as by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

Materials and Methods:

Isolates derived from clinical specimens were subcultured in the Lowenstein–Jensen medium. Deoxyribonucleic acid isolation was carried out using the boiling method. PCR amplification was performed using primers specific to the hsp65 gene region. The PCR products were digested BstEII and HaEIII enzymes. All samples were studied comparatively by two different centers.

Results:

In our study, the most common species were found to be Mycobacterium intracellulare in 23.52% (8/34). The performance of the PCR-RFLP method in detecting mycobacteria was found to be 82.35%.

Conclusions:

The PCR-RFLP method is a rapid, cheap, and practical method for the identification of mycobacteria.
Central Nervous System Tubercular Abscess Masquerading as Intracranial Space-Occupying Lesion
Authors: Kumarasamy Poongodi Santhana , Stuart Joel Dhanapandian , Mohamed Mohamed Arafath , Sundararajan Priya
Published: June 2022

This is a case report of patient suffering from multiple central nervous system tuberculoma which progressed to tubercular abscess. Patient developed signs and symptoms of mass effect and compression. Computed tomography of brain and magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the diagnosis. Patient underwent left temporal craniotomy with evacuation of pus. The abscess wall and the pus sent for histopathological and microbiological examination which confirmed the etiological agent – Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Appropriate treatment was started and discharged. Hence, early diagnosis and treatment of intracranial tuberculoma are pivotal in preventing morbidity and mortality of the condition.
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Presenting with Recurrent Hiccups in a Case of Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lung with Concomitant Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Puri Saurabh , Panwar Vikrant , Agrawal Rajat , Saurabh Shashwat , Gera Parkash
Published: June 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) and lung cancer are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the world. The burden of TB is significantly high in developing countries causing serious public health concern, and the incidence of lung cancer is also increasing all around the world with high mortality. Pulmonary TB coexisting with lung cancer can mask the underlying disorder producing diagnostic dilemma resulting in a delay in diagnosis leading to decreased survival of the patients. Here, we report a rare case of a 66-year-old male diagnosed with microbiologically confirmed TB along with coexisting small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung presenting with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
Post Tuberculosis Chronic Lung Disease in Tuberculosis HIV Coinfected and non-HIV Individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kajogoo Violet Dismas , Twebaze Calleb , Said Bibie , Tesfahunei Hanna Amanuel , Charlie Loveness , Getachew Emnet
Published: June 2022

Background:

Post tuberculosis (TB) sequelae are faced by many individuals who survive TB. The most common of all is post-TB chronic lung disease (CLD) and pulmonary impairment. We reviewed studies that estimated the prevalence of post-TB CLD in patients with TB only and those with TB-HIV coinfection.

Methods:

Searched Google scholar, PubMed, African journals online, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials from the year 2000 to 01 March 2022 for all designs of studies that examined the impact of post on lung impairment or damage. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, ID: chronic respiratory disease 42022304628.

Results:

Three hundred and thirty-six studies were identified and five studies were identified through other sources, four were finally in the meta-analysis with a total of 4382 enrolled participants. All the studies had a low risk of bias; The prevalence of CLD between the TB HIV coinfection and those with TB only was of no statistical significance between the three of the four studies – new statement: the prevalence of CLD in the TB-HIV coinfected group when compared to the group of participants with TB only was not statistically significant in the study. This was seen in three of the four studies. One study was in favor of the high prevalence of CLD in HIV coinfection participants (relative risk [RR] = 0.75 [0.61–0.89] with 95% confidence interval [0.61–0.89]).

Conclusions:

Post-TB lung disease is still a burden that needs advocation and an increase of awareness is necessary from the health-care level to the communities and societies, especially in regions of high prevalence. Development of guidelines for health-care workers to aid the management of individuals, multi-disciplinary advocacy is necessary for those whom prevention is not too late.
Diagnostic Utility of GenoType MTBDRsl Assay for the Detection of Moxifloxacin-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as Compared to Phenotypic Method and Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Yadav Raj Narayan , Bhalla Manpreet , Kumar Gavish , Sah Grish C. , Dewan Ravindra Kumar , Singhal Ritu
Published: June 2022

Background:

Recently, moxifloxacin (MFX)-resistant results of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) obtained by GenoType MTBDRsl (second-line line probe assay [SL-LPA]) have been stratified to determine their resistance level; however, its accuracy has not been well studied. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SL-LPA, with phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for the detection of MFX-resistant Mtb and their resistance level.

Methods:

A total of 111 sputum samples were subjected to SL-LPA according to the diagnostic algorithm of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program. Results were compared with pDST of MFX (at critical concentration [CC, 0.25 μg/ml] and clinical breakpoint [CB, 1.0 μg/ml] using BACTEC mycobacterial growth indicator tube-960), and WGS.

Results:

At CC, SL-LPA and pDST yielded concordant results of MFX for 104 of 111 (94%). However, at CB, 23 of 30 (77%) isolates carrying gyrA mutation known to confer low-level resistance to MFX were scored as susceptible by pDST. Among 46 Mtb isolates carrying gyrA mutations known to confer high-level resistance to MFX, 36 (78%) isolates yielded concordant results, while 10 (22%) isolates were scored as susceptible at CB by pDST. WGS identified gyrA mutations in all isolates suggested by SL-LPA.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that the stratification of MFX-resistant results by SL-LPA/genotypic method is not very well correlated with pDST (at CB), and hence, pDST may not be completely replaced by SL-LPA. gyrA D94G and gyrAA90V are the most prevalent mutations in MFX-resistant Mtb.
Seasonal Variation of Diarrheal Disease, Injuries, and Respiratory Infections among Students of Medical College in Western Maharashtra
Authors: Bansal Ankur , Yadav Arun K.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Diarrheal disease, injuries, and respiratory infections form the major chunk of diseases among adolescents. Hence, this study was carried out to study the seasonal variation among these three diseases.

Aim:

To study the seasonal variation among three diseases.

Methods:

A record-based retrospective study was conducted among students of a medical college in Western Maharashtra who reported to the General OPD. The data were collected for a period of 7 years from Jan 2012 to Mar 2019. The diseases were characterized under three board headings based on the predefined criteria.

Results:

All 10,881 sick reports of students reported during the period were included in the study. After exclusion, the data were analyzed for 6,322 sick reports. A total of 67% of the cases were of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), followed by injuries (19%). On analyzing the seasonal variations among the three categories, it was observed that there was an increase in the cases of diarrhea in the postmonsoon months of September and October. Injuries were maximum from August to September. The seasonal trend could be seen in URTI cases with a maximum number of cases from January to March and August to October.

Conclusions:

The burden of these diseases could be reduced if we take measures to detect the changes in their trend through the implementation of surveillance programs.
Role of general anesthetic agents in postoperative nausea and vomiting
Authors: Khanna Shilpa Sunil , Mohammed Abdul Muqthadir Siddiqui , Fatima Urooj , Garlapati Harshitha , Qayyum Mohd Abdul , Gulia Sunil Kumar
Published: June 2022

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is considered to be the most unpleasant experience associated with surgery and is believed to be one of the most common reasons for poor patient satisfaction in the postoperative period. It also results in prolonged hospitalization and increased use of resources such as intravenous fluids and drug supplements along with prolonged medical attention, all of which have psychological and financial implications. In addition to this, PONV can result in aspiration, laryngospasm, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, gastric bleeding, increased intracranial pressure, increased intraocular pressure, and wound dehiscence particularly when the surgical intervention is performed through an intraoral approach. It is a well-known fact that there are many etiological factors as well as predisposing factors for PONV. Hence, this review is intended to evaluate as an individual factor what the role was played by the anesthetic agents used for GA in the incidence of PONV.
Comparative study of analgesia of ketorolac, tramadol, and flupirtine in the management of third molar surgery
Authors: Gupta Ashutosh Kumar , Kohli Munish , Pandey Praveen Kumar , Dwivedi Pankaj Dayal , Singh Vaibhav Pratap
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

The most commonly performed surgical procedure in most oral and maxillofacial surgery practices is the removal of third molars. Postoperative pain is considered a form of acute pain due to surgical trauma with an inflammatory reaction.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and fifty patients were included in the study which were divided into GROUP-A, B, and C-50 patients each; those who underwent third molar removal under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia was obtained by inferior alveolar, lingual, long buccal, posterior superior alveolar, and greater palatal nerve block injections after first complain of pain, all patients were prescribed analgesics (Ketorolac-10 mg), (Tramadol-50 mg), (Flupirtine-100 mg), and antibiotics co-amoxiclav-625 mg) T. D. S in all the three groups A, B, C, respectively, for 5 days and the timing noted in the patients assessment sheet. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 15.0 statistical analysis software.

Results:

The flupirtine group has early onset and also had minimum side effects. All the groups showed similar trend in change in pain score from 3 h. P. O to different time intervals. It was observed the pain score increased significantly till 6 h. Post operative a decreased trend was found at 24 h, 48 h, 78 h, after 6 h. and this change was found to be statistically significant for all three groups.

Conclusion:

Flupirtine had faster onset and comparable pain management profile as compared to tramadol, it also had minimum side effects, hence the use of flupirtine might be recommended for postoperative pain management in cases undergoing third molar surgery.
Orbital intraconal abducens nerve schwannoma
Authors: Nilesh Kumar , Raje Vinayak , Karambelkar Vijay Hari
Published: June 2022

Schwannomas are rare benign tumors arising from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. Although the head-and-neck region accounts for a large percentage of extracranial schwannomas, those located within the orbit are infrequent. This paper presents an extremely rare case of orbital schwannoma arising from the terminal branch of abducens nerve in a 37-year-old female. The lesion presented as a large intraconal mass causing proptosis and weakness to abduct the left eye. Imaging showed a well-defined, solid-cystic lesion, measuring 2.7 cm and displacing the lateral rectus muscle laterally and the optic nerve medially. A multidisciplinary approach was used for the surgical management of the tumor. Access was attained through lateral rim osteotomy. Histopathological evaluation was diagnostic for schwannoma. A search of English literature revealed only five previously published cases of abducens nerve schwannomas. A review of these cases has also been discussed along with the present report.
Assessment of chin morphology in different skeletal dysplasia – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ralte Lalsangliana , Singh GK , Singh Alka , Sharma Vipul Kumar
Published: June 2022

Objective:

The objective of the study is to evaluate the morphology of the symphyseal region of adult skeletal Class II and Class III malocclusion as compared with Skeletal Class I subjects.

Materials and Methods:

The symphyseal width and height were evaluated using data from 80 lateral cephalograms of the age range of 18 years to 25 years. Average growing Skeletal Class II (n = 30) and Class III (n = 20) subjects were used as a comparison group. Average growing normal occlusion samples (n = 30) were used as controls.

Results:

Alveolar height was similar in all groups. The width of the symphyseal region including basal width, the width of the cervical region of the lower central incisor at the cementoenamel junction, and symphysis width were found to be similar in all groups. There is no significant difference in gonial angle in both Class II and III groups as compared to control. Articular angle showed no significant difference. Mandibular incisor dentoalveolar height (L1-AH) was found to be significantly higher in the Class II group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

There are no definite morphological differences in the symphyseal region between average grower Class I, Class II, and Class III skeletal malocclusions except mandibular incisor dentoalveolar height (L1-AH) and incisor mandibular plane angle which is higher whereas ramus length and body length which is lesser in Class II group as compared with controls. Width of the cervical region of the lower central incisor at the cementoenamel junction (Id-Id’) and incisor mandibular plane angle was lower than control in Class III subjects.
Structural and functional outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy in patients with lamellar macular hole
Authors: Khodabande Alireza , Riazi-Esfahani Hamid , Ghassemi Hafez , Mirzaei Arash , Abbas Haider , Mirghorbani Masoud
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE:

To investigate the short-term functional and microstructural outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) without gas tamponade in lamellar macular holes (LH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this prospective case series, LH cases diagnosed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) underwent PPV with epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal and internal limiting membrane peeling without gas tamponade. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT imaging preoperatively and 3 months after the surgery.

RESULTS:

Among 22 eyes, 10 degenerative (Deg) LH, 8 tractional (Trac) LH, and 4 mixed-type LH were assessed. After the surgery, anatomical closure occurred in 20 eyes (91%) without any significant difference between LH subgroups. Comparing preoperative and postoperative values, no significant changes was detected regarding BCVA neither totally (P = 0.5) nor in subgroups (P for Deg = 1.0, Trac = 0.71, Mix = 0.18). The overall central foveal thickness was increased significantly after surgery (P < 0.01), but in subgroup analysis, the increase was significant only for Trac LH (P = 0.02). The tractional LH eyes had less ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruptions compared to Deg or mixed subgroups before surgery. There were no changes in EZ integrity before and after the surgery. In regression analysis, no correlation was found between demographic or clinical characteristics and anatomical closure or BCVA improvement postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:

PPV resulted in 91% anatomical closure of all cases of LH but without functional improvement in short-term. Further prospective clinical trials with larger sample size and longer follow-up would be required to confirm the clinical significance of these findings.
Approximation to the classical fractals by using non-affine contraction mappings
Authors: Aslan Nisa , Aslan İsmail
Published: June 2022

In the literature, there are various methods to obtain the fractal sets such as escape time algorithm, L-systems and iterated function system (IFS), etc. In this study, we aim to approximate to the classical fractals by using non-affine contraction mappings. In order to get these non-affine mappings, we utilize from the sequences of suitable Lipschitz continuous functions. Then, we obtain some approximations to the fractals which can be constructed as the attractor of an IFS. Finally, we give some illustrations for some specific cases.
Phytochemical And Micro Anatomical Studies on Leaf, Stem and Petiole of Two Species of Dioscorea (Dioscorea alata L. and Dioscorea bulbifera L.)
Authors: Sam S. M. , Wahua C.
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the presence of bioactive compounds and micro anatomy on leaf, stem and petiole of Dioscorea species (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea bulbifera). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides and absent of alkaloids, anthraquinone and phlobatanin in Dioscorea alata. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids were present in Dioscorea bulbifera while anthraquinone and phlobatanin were absent. Microanatomical section of Dioscorea alata leaf showed amphistomatous epidermal cell with thickened cell wall and distinct middle lamella, bounded with intercellular air space, adaxial epidermal cells with eccentric nuclei, large central vacuole with thin peripheral layer of cytoplasm. The foliar epidermis of Dioscorea bulbifera leaf revealed anamocytic and anisocyticstomatas as well as dense hairy trichomes with cuticular striated cell wall on the adaxial and abaxial epidermis. Histological sections of Dioscorea alata stem revealed vascular bundles arranged in two concentric circles. The vascular bundle of the outer circle was smaller than the inner, with two metaxylem vessels together with one phloem unit present at both ends, however, the sections of Dioscorea bulbifera stem, showed bundles of inner circle with unpaired metaxylem with phloem unit at one end. Sections of Dioscorea alata’s petiole showed basically collateral vascular bundles arranged in a ring with the presence of two to three phloem units in each bundle with the presence of crystal granules. The sections of Dioscorea bulbifera’s petiole on the other hand showed longitudinal cell walls with the presence of sieve plates. These histological features and active compounds show that these plant parts are likely to have some medicinal compositions values that should be explored.
Seismic Attribute Analysis for Prospect Delineation in ‘TMB’ Field, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Allo O. J. , Bako M. E. , Esan D.
Published: June 2022

The ‘TMB’ Field was evaluated to detect hydrocarbon prospects for the purpose of increasing production volume using seismic attribute analyses. A total of eight sand tops were correlated across the Wells and faults orientation with significant displacement were picked across the field. Three horizons (Res. E, Res. H and Res. J) were used to generate the time maps which were converted to depths by a polynomial function from Time-Depth relationship. Two of the faults are major syn-tectonic growth faults that divides the field into three Fault Blocks (FB1, FB2 and FB3). Seismic attributes (Average Energy, Root Mean Square (RMS), Sweetness and Relative Acoustic Impedance (RAI)) amplitudes were examined to identify hydrocarbon prospect in the reservoirs. An area of interest (prospect) in one of the Fault Blocks (FB3) revealed attribute amplitude responses that suggest the presence of hydrocarbon was identified. The extracted attribute from Average energy, RMS and Sweetness attributes showed high amplitudes similar to attributes obtained from areas around Well log locations (proven area). Normal curves from attribute’s histogram distributions support hydrocarbon presence in FB3. The observed prospects are vertically stacked with fault-dependent anticlinal closures that serves as trap within the FB3 fault block.
Physicochemical Assessment of Ground Water Quality from Borehole and Hand Dug Wells around Obajana Community, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Jacob A. A. , Ndukwe G. I. , Gimba C. E. , Yilleng M. T. , Stephen D. , Fasanya O. , Samuel N. Y. , Madaki L. A.
Published: June 2022

The groundwater qualities of Obajana in Kogi State were determined. The study consisted of the determination of some heavy metals and physicochemical properties of drinking water samples. The samples were analyzed for the following parameters iron, copper, manganese, zinc, lead,using AAS Varian AA240FS. Nitrates, sulphate, phosphate, colour, dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), temperature, turbidity, total hardness and total alkalinity using standard method. The data showed the variation of the investigated parameters in samples as follows: temperature 26-30oC,  pH 5.53-7.89, electrical conductivity (EC) 6.210-339.670 μS/cm, total hardness 50.00- 424.20 mg/l, alkalinity 1.10-145.67mg/l, turbidity 0.00-34 FTU, colour 5-15TCU, phosphate 0.02-0.760 mg/l, nitrate 10.24-48.20mg/l, sulphate  24.70-222.13mg/l, dissolved oxygen 0.2-1.8 mg/l,  BOD 0.2-1.0mg/l, COD 1.1-3.2mg/l, Cu 0.00.1-0.10mg/l , Fe 0.01-0.060mg/l, Zn 0.029-5.046mg/l, Mn  0.0-0.44mg/l and Pb 0.0348-1.046mg/l. The concentrations of some of the investigated parameters in the drinking water samples from the research region were above the permissible limits of the World Health Organization standard for drinking water quality guidelines. lead was found to exceed 0.01mg/l which is the WHO maximum limit, also zinc and manganese were found to exceed the WHO maximum limit of 3.0mg/l and 0.1mg/l.
Meiotic Chromosome Count for Chlorophytum sabiense Omok
Authors: Omokanye B. S. , Mustapha O. T.
Published: June 2022

Chlorophytum sabiense Omok (the newly identified taxon in the family Asparagaceae from the Western Tropical Africa) exhibits some exceptional characteristics having; three ovaries, each with a distinct style and stigmas with few lobes. These features separate Chlorophytum sabiense from most species reported in West Africa. Significance of floral characters in taxonomy cannot be overemphasis; as the most reliable morphological feature. In view of this, evidences are required to ascertain true taxonomic statue of the species. In the present contribution, meiotic study was employed as a veritable tool; to investigate pairing pattern of the haploid chromosomes of the species and also to determine the haploid chromosome number for the species. Flower buds at the right age were collected, treated using the conventional method and studied from pachytene to full metaphase. At diakinesis seven bivalents (7 II) were obtained, thus indicate that the species belong to n=7 series of the genus. Seven bivalents (7 II) were however less prevalent (31.9%) compared with multivalents, which indicates high incidence of chromosome stickiness at metaphase I of the species.
Comparative Chromatographic Analysis of Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves and Stem-Bark of Piptadeniastrum africanum (Hook.f.) Brenan and Cathormion altissimum (Hook.f.) Hutch. & Dandy
Authors: Youkparigha F. O. , Nyananyo B. L.
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the flavonoid compounds present in the ethanolic extracts of leaves and stem-bark of Pipitadeniastrum africanum and Cathormion altissimum using Chromatographic technique with a view to assessing their degree of relatedness. The upper phase of Butanol Acetic Acid Water (BAW) solvent in the ratio of 4:1:5 was used. Results showed that the plants have several flavonoid compounds in common such as Chalcone, Flavone, Flavonol, Anthocyanin, Aurone and Isoflavonol. It was however discovered that Flavanone was present only in the leaves and stem-bark of P. africanum but was absent in C. altissimum. This discovery, which has never been previously demonstrated, may be taxonomically significant and may be justifying the placement of these plants in different genera; and by implication the monotypic status of genus Piptadeniastrum Brenan. There is need for further studies to determine the specific flavonoid compounds in these plants and especially the flavanone compounds that seem to be one of the chemical bases for the delimitation of the genera to which these plants belong.