bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bell V-280 Hover Flight Dynamics Model Validation and Update with Flight Test Data
Authors:   US Army DEVCOM AvMC, Lopez Mark ,   Bell Textron Inc., Duffy Caitlin , Tischler Mark , Ruckel Paul
Published: April 2023

Flight dynamics simulation models are a key tool for enabling modern flight control design; however, advanced configurations such as the Bell V-280 Valor tiltrotor proposed for the U.S. Army Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program require advancements in existing flight dynamics models. This work uses flight test data to validate the accuracy of V-280 flight dynamics models of various levels of fidelity including a low fidelity Froude scale model, a physics based simulation model, and a high fidelity system integration lab. Model fidelity in hover is assessed using system identification including the Joint Input-Output method to extract frequency responses from flight test data and subsequently identify a state space model with respect to individual redundant control effectors. The identification results from flight test data are then used to update a physics-based model comparing two different update approaches: a simple gain and time delay correction versus a more complex force and moment increment correction. The implementation complexity as well as benefits and limitations for both methods are examined for the V-280.
Real-Time System Identification Methods for Estimation of Sling Length on the Load Stabilization System (LSS)
Authors:   University of Portland, Ivler Christina ,   Vita Inclinata Technologies, Sikora Derek
Published: April 2023

Active control systems for external load operations have been an area of interest in research and development in recent years because of their potential to improve load damping and precision placement. However, the damping performance of these systems can be sensitive to the sling length, and therefore knowledge of sling length can improve the performance for active control of external loads. It would be advantageous to enable accurate real-time identification of the sling length from measurements of the external load motion. This reduces complexity of the active external load control system, as compared to directly measuring or inputting the sling length, because it does not require any operator input or communications with other systems (such as the helicopter or hoist). This paper is focused on development and validation of sling length estimation methods using collocated inertial measurement units that are fixed to the load. These methods are validated against data collected onboard the Load Stabilization System, an active external load control device, which is being developed by Vita Inclinata Technologies. A selection of realtime time-domain and frequency-domain system identification techniques were adapted for use in sling length identification. These methods were then compared against flight and simulation data. The results show that batch frequency domain methods were most effective in real time system identification of sling length.
Analysis of Helicopter Slung-Load Instabilities with AFCS Feedback using Coupled Linearised Models
Authors:   Defence Science and Technology Group, Lehmann Rhys ,   Advanced VTOL Technologies, Howe David
Published: April 2023

During conduct of clearance testing for the carriage of a heavy external load under a CH-47F aircraft, the Australian Army experienced an incident involving high frequency divergent oscillations in hover. Modelling and simulation was conducted in order to identify the likely source of the oscillations. In this paper, a high order 3 degree of freedom linear CH-47F helicopter model is coupled with a linearised model of an externally slung load in the dual point configuration. This is combined with a linearised version of the longitudinal flight control system to estimate the closed loop coupled helicopter/load dynamics. Analysis of predicted stability margins using the coupled model indicated that interactions between the load and the closed loop dynamics were likely in this configuration, with low airframe gross weight configurations contributing to the destabilisation of the system. The coupled linearised model approach is extended to facilitate parametric studies, allowing for analysis of the impact of configuration parameters and rigging geometry on the overall stability using root locus techniques. This paper presents the methods for generating the coupled linearised model and parametric analysis. It also highlights the importance of conducting stability margin analysis for external load configurations, particularly for high load-mass ratios and dual point configurations.
A New Approach to Comprehensive Rotorcraft Aeromechanics Simulation
Authors:   German Aerospace Center (DLR), Hofmann Johannes , Mindt Maximilian , Weiss Felix
Published: April 2023

A new comprehensive aeromechanics code for rotary wing aircraft is being developed at the German Aerospace Center. It follows a new and very general approach in modeling all physical subsystems and numerical methods in one common interface description. The structure of the code makes no assumptions about the system to be modeled and builds the global system strictly from the logical connections of the sub-models. It relies heavily on modern language features and programming techniques like algorithmic differentiation. This paper describes the novel approach and currently implemented features. While verification and validation are a part of the paper it is not the sole purpose. The calculations serve rather as a means of verifying the general approach and its fitness for the long-term vision of the code. The description of the architectural concept is the main purpose of this paper. The description and evaluation is being underlined with a set of verification and preliminary validation cases.
Linear Time-Invariant Models of the Dynamics of Flapping-Wing Flight
Authors:   Georgia Institute of Technology, Saetti Umberto , Rogers Jonathan
Published: April 2023

This paper demonstrates the extension of the harmonic decomposition methodology, originally developed for rotorcraft applications, to the study of the nonlinear time-periodic dynamics of flapping-wing flight. A harmonic balance algorithm based on harmonic decomposition is successfully applied to find the periodic equilibrium and approximate linear time-invariant dynamics about that equilibrium of the vertical and longitudinal dynamics of a hawk moth. These approximate linearized models are validated through simulations against the original nonlinear time-periodic dynamics. Dynamic stability using the linear models is assessed and compared to that predicted using the averaged dynamics. In addition, modal participation factors are computed to quantify the influence of the higher harmonics on the flight dynamic modes of motion. The study shows that higher harmonics play a key role in the overall dynamics of f lapping-wing flight. The higher harmonics are shown to induce a vibrational stabilization mechanism that increases the pitch damping and stiffness while reducing the speed stability. This mechanism results in the stabilization of the pitch oscillation mode and thus of the longitudinal hovering cubic. As such, the findings of this study suggest that if a hovering vehicle is excited by periodic forcing at sufficiently high frequency and amplitude, its hovering flight dynamics may become stable.
The 525 Interactive Electronic Maintenance Manual - Linking Advanced Avionics and Wiring to Fault Isolation
Authors:   Bell Textron Inc., Gralish Mike
Published: April 2023

By incorporating sophisticated avionics, intelligent components, and increased interconnectivity with its Integrated Vehicle Heath Management (IVHM) system, the Bell 525 is raising the bar on safety. These features are combined with Bell's MissionLink® desktop application to link the aircraft HUMS data directly to Bell's Interactive Electronic Maintenance Manual (IETM) to manage the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICAs). In flight, the aircraft can self-diagnose and broadcast information on component health and the supporting power or data pathways, allowing ground teams to prepare for corrective actions while the aircraft is still enroute. In the hangar, maintainers utilize the 525 IETM, which contains ICA procedures for locating, inspecting, testing and replacing hundreds of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs). However, unlike typical applications with only logical wiring diagrams, the Bell 525 IETMs can also trace thousands of connectors, and tens of thousands of pins that define the complete wiring pathway for aircraft data and power. If a corrective action is hidden within a harness, connector, junction box, or passthrough and splice, troubleshooting can be accomplished quickly, and the fault site can be rapidly located. This paper presents the technology, operational features, and development procedures that enable efficiency in the 525 maintenance environment.
Boiling Down Aviation Data: Development of the Aviation Data Distillery
Authors:   Applied Research Lab at Pennsylvania State University, Nixon Steven ,   AVX Aircraft Company, Augustin Mike ,   PeopleTec Inc., Dunaway Dennis ,   Texas Tech University, Le Dy
Published: April 2023

Army Aviation is one of the heaviest data consumers of all service branches, and is heavily reliant upon consistent data streams. Currently, a complex web of information systems contains the various pieces of data, which hinders not only the use of the existing data systems, but also the development of cutting-edge data consumers. The AVX Aircraft Company, under the direction of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center, assembled a team from industry and academia with uniquely complimentary skills to prototype and showcase a centralized data analysis space and toolset. Team members from the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University developed a cloud-hosted integration environment, granting secure and compliant access to a variety of developers and other interested parties. PeopleTec, Inc. curated a comprehensive dataset from six different H-60 Blackhawk helicopters, including health and usage monitoring data, maintenance records, and flight recorder data. Researchers from the Institute for Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment at Texas Tech University set to work developing statistical data combinations and reductions, as well as interactive and novel visualizations of the above data and results. The final cloud-hosted toolset demonstrated the overwhelming value of the additional analysis capabilities a centralized data access portal could present to Army Aviation. The ability to rapidly draw conclusions from the alignment, refinement, and display of what are currently disparate data sources represents a massive opportunity to enhance the capability and reliability of units across U.S. Army Aviation.
Product Support in a Maintenance Free Operating Period Strategy
Authors:   US Military Academy, Bellocchio Andrew , Chetcuti Steven , Pegues Kathryn
Published: April 2023

Application of a Maintenance Free Operating Period (MFOP) strategy in a fleet of vertical lift aircraft has profound implications to product support. Previous approaches to MFOP focused on estimating the operating period's probability of success with modeling techniques and improving results using design elements such as inherent reliability. These approaches were aircraft centric and neglected aspects of the sustainment system external to the airframe. Key external facets addressed are the establishment of metrics that adequately measure MFOP performance as a stochastic process, optimization of the recovery period through a systems approach, transition to risk-based maintenance using high fidelity diagnostic and prognostic systems, establishment of an architecture to facilitate quality data consumed by a digital twin, and construction of maintenance policies suited for MFOP. The study concluded that robust product support surrounding the aircraft provides the best likelihood to achieve MFOP strategy success while delivering an efficient recovery period.
Advancement of U.S Army Maintenance Practices for Rotorcraft using MSG Techniques
Authors:   University of South Carolina, Bayoumi Abdel-Moez , Barnett Evan , Matthews Rhea
Published: April 2023

For the past couple of decades, the U.S Army has made significant efforts to improve the maintenance practices on its aircraft. Studies conducted on condition-based maintenance (CBM/CBM+), reliability centered maintenance (RCM), and many other tools have revealed positive, tangible benefits for the Army. However, a lack of change has caused the Army to continually struggle with operating and sustainment (O&S) costs. This paper aims to analyze the benefits and practicality of applying techniques from the commercial Maintenance Steering Group (MSG) methodology into the U.S Army's maintenance culture. MSG-3 is the current iteration that aims to maximize the accumulated data and optimize scheduled maintenance and sustainment activities. The outcomes of implementing such techniques should be applicable to both current and future platforms of U.S Army rotorcraft and significantly reduce O&S costs while refusing to sacrifice readiness and reliability.
The Effect of Hub Moment on Main Rotor Shaft Drive Gears
Authors:   Sikorsky a Lockheed Martin Co., Binney David , Hunte Brian , Liu Lin , Wright Zach
Published: April 2023

A common helicopter drive system configuration has a planetary final stage with the carrier driving the main rotor shaft. If the carrier is hard-mounted to the main rotor shaft, it is deflected by any main rotor hub moment or transverse load which bends the main rotor shaft. The deflection of the carrier is resisted at the sun and ring gear meshes. Thus, the planetary stage acts as a support that reacts to main rotor hub moments and transverse loads. The loads carried by the planetary stage of a S-92® helicopter in different flight conditions are quantified using Romax® software. To validate the approach, the results are correlated to in flight measured strains on a gearbox housing. As another validation point, a separate Romax model is correlated to quasi-static strain measurements on a UH-60 planetary carrier plate with the transmission subjected to torque and hub moments in a lab. This work enables greater fidelity in the design and analysis of helicopter transmissions. It may help to improve reliability and reduce weight in current and future designs. The work also presents an application of system-level modelling and analysis. Instead of considering the various components in isolation with simplified boundary conditions, the analysis considers the full system and how the components interact across connection points such as splines, bearings, and gear meshes.
Manifestations of adverse events post Sinovac vaccine immunization at Wirasakti Hospital, Kupang
Authors: Basri Aries H. , Umbu Roga Anderias , Basri Muntasir , Tresno Idawati , Lerik Mariana Ch.D.
Published: April 2023

Background: Since it was first discovered, COVID-19 has spread worldwide and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. One of the various efforts made to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. One of the vaccines developed and used by the Indonesian government is the Sinovac vaccine. However, like vaccines in general, there are always vaccine safety problems which are better known as adverse events following immunization (AEFI). Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the AEFI manifestations that occurred in Sinovac vaccination participants at Wirasakti Hospital, Kupang. Methods: The sample included 51 people, who later became known as research subjects. The criteria for vaccine recipients and instructions for recording AEFI refer to the technical guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, namely the Decree of the Director General of Disease Prevention and Control number HK.02.02/4/1/2021 regarding technical instructions for implementation of vaccination in the context of combating pandemic COVID-19. Results: The results showed that out of 198 vaccination participants, 15 of them had AEFI and those who had AEFI were women. The AEFI manifestations that occur are dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath, cramps in the hands, and trembling hands. All AEFI that occurred are non-serious in nature.Conclusion: Sinovac vaccine is relatively safe to use because only a small proportion of respondents (29.4%) have AEFI.
A primary study on rat fetal development and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels under the control of electromagnetic fields
Authors: DastAmooz Sima , Broujeni Shahzad Tahmasebi , Sarahian Nahid
Published: April 2023

Background. In previous researches, electromagnetic fields have been shown to adversely affect the behavior and biology of humans and animals; however, body growth and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were not evaluated.Objective. The original investigation aimed to examine whether Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) exposure had adverse effects on spatial learning and motor function in rats and if physical activity could diminish the damaging effects of EMF exposure. In this study, we measured anthropometric measurements and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in pregnant rats’ offspring to determine if Wi-Fi EMF also affected their growth. These data we report for the first time in this publication.Methods. Twenty Albino-Wistar pregnant rats were divided randomly into EMF and control (CON) groups, and after delivery, 12 male fetuses were randomly selected. For assessing the body growth change of offspring beginning at delivery, then at 21 postnatal days, and finally at 56 post-natal days, the crown-rump length of the body was assessed using a digital caliper. Examining BDNF factor levels, an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA kit was taken. Bodyweight was recorded by digital scale.Results. Outcomes of the anthropometric measurements demonstrated that EMF blocked body growth in rats exposed to EMF. The results of the BDNF test illustrated that the BDNF in the EMF liter group was remarkably decreased compared to the CON group. The results indicate that EMF exposure could affect BDNF levels and harm body growth in pregnant rats’ offspring.Conclusions. The results suggest that EMF exposure could affect BDNF levels and impair body growth in pregnant rats’ offspring.
A Cross-sectional Study on Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Anandan Arun Karat , Sankaranarayanan Gomathy , Samuel Usha , Kunjukrishnapilla Sivaprasad , Panicker Venugopal , Verghese Josey , Velayudhan Gagan
Published: April 2023

It is well known that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, predominantly due to cardiovascular complications. Recent literature report pulmonary hypertension (PH) as a common accompaniment of CKD and in majority of these cases, secondary causes of PH are not evident. In this study, we looked at the prevalence and possible risk factors of PH in stage 5 CKD patients with a special focus on unexplained PH. In this cross-sectional study, 100 stage 5 CKD patients [50 each on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and conservative management] were included. After baseline investigations participants underwent two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram. The routine method of PH diagnosis based on modified Bernoulli’s formula was complemented with an alternate method based on pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT). Detailed workup for secondary causes was carried out in patients with PH. The prevalence of PH in the study population was 89% (56% mild, 35% moderate, and 9% severe). Asymptomatic left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction were noted in 54% and 20%, respectively. Significant association with PH was found with the duration of CKD, systolic and diastolic Blood pressure, hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, maintenance HD, and dialysis vintage. In sharp contrast to the existing data this study showed a very high prevalence of PH though severe PH was present only in 9%. The inclusion of PAAT-based method enabled the detection of more cases of PH. Further evaluation carried out for common secondary causes did not show significant abnormalities except for a sizeable proportion with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
Glomerular Diseases in the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Aroca-Martínez Gustavo , González-Torres Henry J. , Domínguez-Vargas Alex , García-Tolosa Raúl , Castillo-Parodi Luis , Conde-Manotas Juan , Navarro-Quiroz Elkin , Acuña-Freyte Andersson , Musso Carlos G. , Depine Santos Angel , Cadena-Bonfanti Andrés
Published: April 2023

Our study aimed to describe the glomerular diseases, both primary glomerular disease (PGD) and secondary glomerular disease (SGD) in the Colombian Caribbean based on the first regional Colombian Nephropathy Registry (NEFRORED®). A descriptive and retrospective study of adult patients with glomerular diseases from the Colombian Caribbean region was made. All diagnoses by renal biopsy with light microscopy and immunofluorescence obtained between January 2008 and June 2018 were recorded. Eight hundred and seventy-one renal biopsies were obtained. The main clinical indication for biopsy was nephritic syndrome (36%). SGD was more frequent than PGD (55% vs. 45%). Within SGD group, lupus nephritis (LN) was the most frequent etiology (83%). Within PGD group, membranous nephropathy (33%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (19%) were the most common glomerular diseases. At a 24-month follow-up, the patients with FSGS and paraproteinemia-mediated glomerular disease had the worst renal survival prognosis. This is the first Colombian Nephropathy Registry in a Caribbean population, demonstrating a high predominance of SGD due to LN.
Anemia among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at St. Paulo’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfaw Habtamu Molla
Published: April 2023

Anemia is a condition in which the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are people with permanent or partial loss of kidney functions. Renal Anemia affects patients with CKD. Knowing the prevalence of anemia among CKD patients is important for patients’ treatment as well as further investigation of root cause of anemia in CKD patients. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anemia among CKD at the renal outpatient department unit of St. Paulo’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A retrospective study was conducted to collect the data of CKD patients from March 2016 to April 2018 at St. Paulo’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. Data were collected using structural data collection and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 software. P value is used to assess the association of variables. A total of 352 CKD patients were involved in this study. The prevalence of anemia was 65.91% among CKD patients at St. Paulo’s Millennium Medical College Hospital. Diabetes and hypertension (HTN) are high in anemic CKD patients 33.81% and 36.36%, respectively. Majority of these anemic CKD patients were from residency of rural areas (35.23%) and within the age group of 49–58 years (67.3%). There is a high prevalence of anemia among chronic kidney patients which is 65.91% among CKD patients. Among anemic patients, diabetes and HTN are high, and these could be risk factors for anemia. However, it needs further investigations to determine cause–effect relationship.
Hyponatremic-hypertensive Syndrome in a 19-month-old Boy with Renovascular Hypertension
Authors: Kara Mehtap Akbalik , Kilic Beltinge Demircioglu , Karakus Suleyman Cuneyt , Sahin Nimet , Buyukcelik Mithat , Balat Ayse
Published: April 2023

Hyponatremic-hypertensive syndrome (HHS) is an uncommon disorder rarely seen in children. Herein, we report a 19-month-old boy with HHS. He had severe hypertension, polyuria, polydipsia, vomiting, and seizure at presentation. Laboratory findings revealed hyponatremia, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, proteinuria, hypercalciuria, high levels of renin and aldosterone, and renal artery stenosis. All symptoms resolved after nephrectomy. Clinicians should be aware of this syndrome because prompt recognition can be lifesaving.
Acceptance, availability and feasibility of RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine
Authors: Nadeem Abdullah , Bilal Wajeeha
Published: April 2023

Malaria remains the most serious infectious disease and is one of the leading causes of death among children in malaria endemic areas. The development of malaria vaccines has been underway since 1960s. Significant progress in the development of vaccine has been made in the last decade. On 6 October 2021, World Health Organization recommended widespread use of the RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine. The level of acceptance of RTS, S/AS01 malaria vaccine is relatively low in middle-income countries. This might be because of lack of information regarding vaccine implementation in such countries. The proper and efficient execution of the malaria vaccination program necessitates careful consideration of each community's socio-cultural setting. The most prominent RTS, S/AS01 vaccine trial was conducted from 2009 to 2011 in which eleven sites in seven African countries participated. Results of the trial, published in 2015, provided a promising advance in the development of a malaria vaccine for African children. As of 2019, large-scale pilot studies of the vaccine have been conducted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, involving several hundreds of thousands of infants. The RTS, S/AS01 vaccine shows modest efficacy against malaria and has a feasible mode of administration. Although there is increased risk of meningitis, cerebral malaria, pneumonia, anemia, febrile convulsions and gastroenteritis, the vaccine still has a feasible mode of administration and high cost effectiveness and can be easily implemented in resource-limited settings.
Intramuscular paravertebral oxygen-ozone therapy for chronic neck pain and low back pain: evaluation of 6-month clinical outcomes
Authors: Latini Eleonora , Nusca Sveva Maria , Curci Enrico Roberto , Boaretto Davide , Santoboni Flavia , Trischitta Donatella , Vetrano Mario , Vulpiani Maria Chiara
Published: April 2023

Spinal pain is recognized as the most common cause of disability, work absenteeism and need of healthcare services worldwide. Although many strategies have been developed for conservative treatment of spinal pain, its increasing prevalence diagnosis highlights the need for new treatments. Oxygen-ozone (O2–O3) therapy is considered to be an alternative therapy due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. This retrospective study evaluated the effects of O2–O3 intramuscular paravertebral injections in 76 patients with chronic neck pain or low back pain, in terms of pain and disability reduction, quality of life improvement, and analgesic drug intake. Patients were evaluated before, at the end of the treatment, and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the last treatment, using Numeric Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index or Oswestry Disability Index, and Short Form-12 Health Survey. There were significant beneficial effects of O2–O3 therapy in reducing pain and disability reduction and improving quality of life during the 6-month follow-up period. O2–O3 therapy was associated with a reduction in analgesic drug intake at each assessment. Our results allow us not only to support treatment with O2–O3 intramuscular paravertebral injections as a safe and beneficial treatment for chronic low back pain, but also to consider it as a valuable conservative therapy for patients with chronic neck pain.
A Cross-Sectional Study on Internet Addiction Disorder and Its Association with Sleep Quality in Young Adults
Authors: Andhi Nikhilesh , Syed Aamer Nawaz , Saffura Ayesha
Published: April 2023

Background:

India is estimated to have 650 million Internet users in the country by 2023, with such explosive numbers internet addiction is emerging to be a major concern within the nation, particularly among youngsters. Aim:To study internet addiction disorder and its association with sleep quality in young adults.

Methods And Materials:

A cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling a total of 310 participants. Internet addiction and sleep quality were assessed in these participants using Young's Internet Addiction Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively.

Result:

Out of 310 participants, a total of 140 (45.1%) study participants were found to have an Internet addiction. Consequently,268 (87%) participants showed poor sleep quality. A further outcome of the study implicated Internet addiction influenced job performance (60%), individual's productivity (70.9%), and symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, long pauses between breaths, loud snoring, legs twitching, or jerking, and episodes of disorientation or confusion while asleep.

Conclusion:

The study results suggest a significant association between sleep quality and Internet addiction and that poor sleep quality is mediated by internet addiction and potentially keeping individuals at risk of developing obstructive sleep apnoea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, depression, anxiety, etc., which upon worsening might lead to the wide variety of cardiovascular diseases, neurological, and psychiatric disorders.
How Coronavirus Disease 2019 is Affecting the Mental Health of Postpartum Women
Authors: Ramdurg Santosh Iranna , Mudanur Subhashchandra R , Bentoor Sanjeevkumar , Yaliwal Rajashri , Kori Shreedevi , Varma Lata
Published: April 2023

Aims:

We aimed to study the prevalence of mental health problems in postpartum women during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to evaluate various parameters affecting it.

Methods:

Data were collected from May 15, 2020, to October 15, 2020, and during this period, 311 postpartum women were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic data and obstetric-related information and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 were administered. Data were analyzed for the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among postpartum women and various factors that affect mental health.

Results:

Postpartum women showed a higher prevalence of depression (38%), anxiety (42%), and stress (21%). It was more in rural background women, single mother, having 4–5 children, and from higher socioeconomic (lower socioeconomic status) background.

Conclusion:

This study assessed the prevalence of mental health problems in postpartum women and highlighted the high prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and stress among this population.
Mental Health of Medical Students during Corona Virus Disease-19 Pandemic
Authors: Maheshwari Madhurima , Awasthi Ankit , Tilwani Khemlata , Jangid Priya
Published: April 2023

Context:

Human population is afflicted with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic for last more than 1 year. Various measures were taken and restrictions were imposed by countries to break the chain of infection and to control this pandemic. Medical education has conventionally been considered challenging. Adding to it; hassles in teaching and fears and uncertainty about COVID-19 adversely affected the mental health of medical students during this pandemic.

Aim:

The present study aimed to investigate the mental health of undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Settings and Design:

This cross-sectional online survey was carried out on medical undergraduate students of Western Rajasthan using Google Form. Informed consent (online) was taken before enrolment for study.

Materials and Methods:

The students were sent the link to respond to the Google Form, which comprised questions seeking demographic details and items from depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21).

Statistical Analysis Used:

Frequencies and mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress components of the DASS-21 scale were computed for the severity of scale according to the guidelines. The sociodemographic reasons predisposing the students to depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set a
priori at P < 0.05.

Results:

About 32.3% of the participants reported moderate-to-extremely severe depression, 41.5% reported moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety; while 11.6% reported moderate-to-extremely severe stress. Participants in the higher age group, younger batch, and urban residents were more likely to have depression. On the other hand, participants in higher age groups and females were more likely to have anxiety. Stress was found statistically higher in females and younger batch students.

Conclusion:

Students are facing challenging times and need to adapt to newer ways of distance education. Efficient time management, e-learning skills, following COVID norms, and getting vaccinated timely are the need of the hour for medical students. They should be provided regular psychological counseling and guidance to deal with stressful situations to prevent any untoward incidences.
Fatherhood and Depression
Authors: Dhillon Harpreet Singh , Sasidharan Shibu , Dhillon Gurpreet Kaur , Manalikuzhiyil Babitha
Published: April 2023

Maternal mental health during and after pregnancy is a well researched entity. However, father's mental health during the same period and even while raising the children has not been given due consideration. Recent studies have tried to explore the paternal depression and its impact on the children, marriage and the whole family. In this short communication, we aim to bring to the fore the risk factors, impact and recommendations to address the issue of paternal depression.
Gaming Disorder among College Students and Correlation of Gaming with Self-esteem, Perceived Stress, and Sleep Quality
Authors: Bansal Himanshi , Kranti S. Kadam
Published: April 2023

Context:

The trend of participating in online games which used to be quite prevalent in children and adolescents is now being seen commonly in college students. Heavy usage of these online games leads to various dysfunctional symptoms and socio-occupational impairment.

Aim:

The aim of the study is to find the prevalence of Gaming Disorder in college students and its correlation with self-esteem, perceived stress, and sleep quality.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was performed on 347 college students; in age range of 18–25 years. After obtaining Ethics Committee Approval, the selected participants were asked to fill in a questionnaire. The students having positive online gaming behavior were further evaluated for gaming disorder, self-esteem, perceived stress, and sleep quality.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive statistics were used to find the prevalence and correlations were done using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results:

The prevalence of online Gaming disorder was found to be 4.6% among the college students. An average of 2 h was spent on gaming per day with a positive, significant correlation with internet gaming disorder (IGD) score (r = 0.28, P = 0.00). Self-esteem was found to be weakly negatively correlated (r = −0.15, P = 0.02), perceived stress to be highly positively correlated (R = 0.87, P = 0.01), and poor sleep quality to be highly positively correlated (r = 0.92, P = 0.01) with IGD scale score.

Conclusions:

Online gaming behavior was found to be related to lower self-esteem and higher perceived stress and affecting sleep quality. Hence, we need to formulate preventive and treatment measures keeping these areas in mind.
The Complex Interaction between Religion Conversion, Technology, and Psychopathology
Authors: Chauhan Nidhi , Agrawal Abhinav , Kaur Ramandeep , Jaswal Sumeesha
Published: April 2023

Religion is an abstract concept encompassing specific set of organized beliefs and practices, usually shared by a community or group, whereas spirituality is more of an individual practice dealing with having a sense of peace and purpose. Religion and psychiatric illness too share a complex relationship and intent for religious conversions pose a diagnostic dilemma in many cases. This relationship is further being influenced by easy access to social media and excessive smartphone use in the contemporary world. Here, we discuss two cases of young males who presented to us with intense desire to change their religion (interest generated after watching YouTube videos and listening to speeches on the smartphone), consequently leading to interpersonal problems and psychopathology. The management approach highlights the need to identify the intent and knowledge for religious change, differentiate individual preferences from that of the family/society, avoiding misdiagnosis and focusing on symptom resolution and improving functionality.
Levels of Nicotine Dependency and Its Association with Challenges to Quit Smoking among Adult Smokers in Malaysia 2021
Authors: Kyaw Thin Mon , Ismail Zaliha , Selamat Mohamad Ikhsan , A/L Arivanandan Prem Kumar , Kyaw Ye Wint , Morgan Logithasan Murale , Latchumana Keiswini , Arasu Kirtanashree
Published: April 2023

Background:

The nicotine dependency is related to many factors in terms of sociodemographic and smoking practices.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to assess the levels of nicotine dependency among adult smokers in Malaysia and to identify the association of nicotine dependency with sociodemographic factors and with challenges to quit smoking, respectively, among adult smokers in Malaysia.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted through an electronic survey including all adult smokers in Malaysia. Standard questionnaires such as 21-item Challenges to Stopping Smoking questionnaires to assess the challenges to quit smoking and the Fagerstrom test were used to assess the nicotine dependency. The validated electronic online questionnaires were distributed, which comprised sociodemographic characteristics, assessment on smoking status, challenges to quit smoking, and nicotine-dependence test. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the association of nicotine dependency with the challenges to quit smoking, respectively, among adult smokers in Malaysia.

Results:

Regarding the levels of nicotine dependence among current smokers based on Fagerstrom Nicotine-Dependence Score (n = 830), a total of 345 (41.6%) respondents had low-to-moderate nicotine dependence, followed by 312 (37.6%) who had moderate nicotine dependence; 158 (19%) respondents had low nicotine dependence, and 15 respondents (1.8%) were found to have high nicotine dependence.

Conclusion:

Smoking cessation services should be designed and implemented with the degree of nicotine dependence and pattern usage in mind. There should be more public health education about the dangers of smoking as well as more focus on motivation among smokers and their families.
Attention, Memory, and Executive Functioning in Hypoxemic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients
Authors: Samajdar Shinjini , Halder Susmita , Mahato Akash K
Published: April 2023

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic airflow obstruction and is one of the leading causes of death globally. The changes in pulmonary functions in COPD are irreversible with devastating consequences. Cognitive functioning in COPD patients is often found impaired and postulated to happen due to hypoxemia, i.e., oxygen deprivation to the brain. An impaired cognitive functioning can have direct impact on functional abilities as well as quality of life of patients and could be a vital treatment goal. The study aimed to explore the attention, memory, and executive functioning in hypoxemic COPD patients in backdrop of dearth of studies from India.

Materials and Methods:

Using purposive sampling, 30 patients with COPD, having mild-to-moderate level of illness severity, and having minimum illness for duration of 5 years were compared with 30 healthy controls. Participants were assessed for cognitive functioning in the domains of sustained attention, processing and psychomotor speed, working memory, verbal learning, and memory and executive functions using neuropsychological tests, namely, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Trial Making Test, Verbal N Back Test, Rey's Audio Visual Learning Test, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Animal Naming Test, Stroop Neuropsychological Test, and Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.

Results:

Findings suggest significant differences between COPD patients and healthy controls over processing and psychomotor speed, working memory, memory, learning, and executive functioning.

Conclusion:

In addition to pulmonary distress, COPD patients also have compromised cognitive functions affecting overall daily functioning and quality of life. Understanding the nature of decline in cognitive functions could be vital in improving daily psychosocial functioning of the patients with COPD, and the exploration could help professionals in intervention of specific cognitive functioning.
Utility of GATA-3 and associated immunohistochemical markers in the differential diagnosis of poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Naik Meenatai , Rao B.Vishal , Challa Sundaram , Fonseca Daphne , Sudha S. Murthy , Giridhar Ashwin , Sharma Rakesh , Raju K. V. V. N. , Rao T. Subramanyesh war
Published: April 2023

Aims:

The aims are to study the utility of GATA-3 along with panel of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers in the differential diagnosis of primary and metastatic poorly differentiated urothelial carcinoma (UC).

Settings and Design:

This is a prospective and retrospective observational study.

Subjects and Methods:

Poorly differentiated carcinomas of urinary tract and metastatic sites from January 2016 to December 2017 were subjected to a panel of four IHC markers including GATA-3, p63, Cytokeratin (CK) 7, and CK20. Additional markers such as p16, an enzyme called alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase, CDX2, and thyroid transcription factor 1 were also done depending on the morphology and site.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of GATA-3 in making the diagnosis of UC were calculated.

Results:

Forty-five cases were included in the study and after appropriate IHC, the diagnosis was resolved as UC in 24 cases. GATA-3 was positive in 83.33% of UC; all the four markers positive in 33.33% and all negative in 4.17% of UC. However, at least one of the four markers was present in 95.83% of UC, except in sarcomatoid UC. GATA-3 had 100% specificity in differentiating from prostate adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion:

GATA-3 is a useful marker in the diagnosis of UC in the primary and metastatic sites with a sensitivity of 83.33%. GATA-3 along with other IHC markers in correlation with clinical and imageological features is necessary for making specific diagnosis of poorly differentiated carcinoma.
Angle of concavity in planning target volume can be adopted as selection criteria for intensity-modulated radiation therapy or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy technique in brain tumors
Authors: Gupta Meenu , Kant Ravi , Kumar Viney , Saini Manju , Nautiyal Vipul , Bhadra Kallol , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: April 2023

ABSTRCT

Introduction:

With innovation of medical imaging, radiotherapy attempts to conform the high dose region to the planning target volume (PTV). The present work aimed to assess the angle of concavity in PTV can be adopted as selection criteria for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) technique in Brain tumors.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty previously irradiated patients with brain tumors were replanned with both 3DCRT and IMRT technique. Angle of concavity (dip) in the PTV near the organs at risk was measured in the contoured structure set images of each patient. These cases were divided into three groups where angles were 0°, >120° and <120°. Dose of 60 Gy/30# was fixed.

Results:

In Group 1, the IMRT plan had better TV95% as compared to 3DCRT respectively with significant P value (P = 0.002). Mean of conformity index (CI) and Homogeneity Index (HI) were comparable. For Group 2 (angle >120°), the IMRT plan had better TV95% as compared to 3DCRT respectively with a significant P value (P = 0.021). HI and CI were not significant. For Group 3 (<120°), IMRT plan had better TV95% as compared to 3DCRT respectively with a significant P value (P = 0.001). HI and CI were better in IMRT arm with significant P value.

Conclusion:

The results from this study showed that the angle of concavity can be considered as an additional objective tool for selection criteria whether tumor can be treated with IMRT or 3DCRT. Tumors where angle of concavity was <120°, HI and CI provided more uniformity and conformity of dose distribution inside PTV with significant P values.
Outcomes and survival rates of childhood osteosarcoma in Iran, A report from MAHAK Pediatric Cancer Treatment and Research Center, from 2007 to 2020
Authors: Mehrvar Azim , Mehrvar Narjes , Sadeghi Yasaman , Tashvighi Maryam
Published: April 2023

Background:

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common childhood bone malignancies. Although chemotherapy protocol including methotrexate is an effective treatment for osteosarcoma, some other regimens have excluded it because of its complications.

Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted on 93 children younger than 15 years old who were diagnosed with osteosarcomafrom March 2007 to January 2020. Two chemotherapy protocols were administrated for patients, namely, DCM protocol (Doxorubicin-Cisplatin-Methotrexate) and German protocol (excluding methotrexate). All statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS-25 software.

Results:

Among patients, 47.31% were male. Patients’ age ranged from 3 to 15 with the mean of 10.41 ± 0.32 years. Femur was the most frequent primary tumor site (59.14%), followed by tibia (22.58%). Metastasis rate at diagnosis was 17.20% in our study. Furthermore, the 5-year overall survival (OS) of total patients was 37.3 ± 7.5%, whereas the 5-year OS of males and females was 33.6 ± 10.9% and 39.8 ± 10.6%, respectively. The 5-year OS of methotrexate regimen was 15.6 ± 9.6%, whereas that of methotrexate-free protocol was 50.2 ± 9.0%.

Conclusions:

Female patients had better survival rates than males. In addition, the chemotherapy protocol excluding methotrexate significantly increased the overall and event free survival of patients.
Modulatory role of BV6 and chloroquine on the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Beg Mirza Masroor Ali , Saxena Alpana , Singh Vijay Kumar , Akhter Juheb , Habib Haroon , Raisuddin Sheikh
Published: April 2023

Aims:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the aggressive tumors mostly diagnosed in the advanced stage. Therapeutic failure and drug resistance pose a major problem in NSCLC treatment primarily due to alterations in autophagy and loss of apoptosis. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the importance of the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase mimetic BV6 and autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) on the regulation of apoptosis and autophagy, respectively.

Subjects and Methods:

Study was conducted on NCI-H23 and NCI-H522 cell lines to evaluate the effect of BV6 and CQ on the transcription and translation level of LC3-II, caspase-3, and caspase-9 genes by quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting techniques.

Results:

In NCI-H23 cell line, BV6 and CQ treatments showed increased mRNA and protein expression of caspase-3, and caspase-9 compared to its untreated counterpart. BV6 and CQ treatments also caused downregulation of LC3-II protein expression compared to its counterpart. In NCI-H522 cell line, BV6 treatment showed a significantly increased expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 mRNA and protein expression levels whereas BV6 treatment downregulated the expression level of LC3-II protein. A similar pattern was also observed in CQ treatment when compared with the respective controls. Both BV6 and CQ modulated in vitro expression of caspases and LC3-II which have critical regulatory roles in apoptosis and autophagy, respectively.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that BV6 and CQ could be promising candidates in NSCLC treatment and there is a need to explore them in vivo and in clinical applications.