bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
African Swine Fever Virus HLJ/18 CD2v Suppresses Type I IFN Production and IFN-Stimulated Genes Expression through Negatively Regulating cGMP-AMP Synthase–STING and IFN Signaling Pathways
Authors: Huang Li , Chen Weiye , Liu Hongyang , Xue Mengdi , Dong Siqi , Liu Xiaohong , Feng Chunying , Cao Shinuo , Ye Guangqiang , Zhou Qiongqiong , Zhang Zhaoxia , Zheng Jun , Li Jiangnan , Zhao Dongming , Wang Zilong , Sun Encheng , Chen Hefeng , Zhang Shuai , Wang Xue , Zhang Xianfeng , He Xijun , Guan Yuntao , Bu Zhigao , Weng Changjiang
Published: March 2023

African swine fever is a fatal infectious disease caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). The high mortality caused by this infectious disease is a significant challenge to the swine industry worldwide. ASFV virulence is related to its ability to antagonize IFN response, yet the mechanism of antagonism is not understood. Recently, a less virulent recombinant virus has emerged that has a EP402R gene deletion within the parental ASFV HLJ/18 (ASFV-ΔEP402R) strain. EP402R gene encodes CD2v. Hence we hypothesized that ASFV uses CD2v protein to evade type I IFN–mediated innate immune response. We found that ASFV-ΔEP402R infection induced higher type I IFN response and increased the expression of IFN-stimulated genes in porcine alveolar macrophages when compared with parental ASFV HLJ/18. Consistent with these results, CD2v overexpression inhibited type I IFN production and IFN-stimulated gene expression. Mechanistically, CD2v, by interacting with the transmembrane domain of stimulator of IFN genes (STING), prevented the transport of STING to the Golgi apparatus, and thereby inhibited the cGMP-AMP synthase–STING signaling pathway. Furthermore, ASFV CD2v disrupted IFNAR1-TYK2 and IFNAR2-JAK1 interactions, and thereby inhibited JAK-STAT activation by IFN-α. In vivo, specific pathogen-free pigs infected with the mutant ASFV-ΔEP402R strain survived better than animals infected with the parental ASFV HLJ/18 strain. Consistent with this finding, IFN-β protein levels in the peripheral blood of ASFV-ΔEP402R–challenged pigs were significantly higher than in the blood of ASFV HLJ/18–challenged pigs. Taken together, our findings suggest a molecular mechanism in which CD2v inhibits cGMP-AMP synthase–STING and IFN signaling pathways to evade the innate immune response rendering ASFV infection fatal in pigs.
Psychiatric ward admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canton of Ticino (Swiss Confederation) and the province of Como (Italy): a comparison between two different systems of care and outbreak response strategies
Authors: Beghi Massimiliano , Alamia Alberto , Alippi Maddalena , Colombo Raffaella Ada , Fraticelli Carlo
Published: March 2023

The aim of the study was to estimate the effect of the COVID- 19 pandemic and response policies on the psychiatric ward admissions in the hospitals referring to the ASST Lariana (province of Como, Italy) and the Hospital of Mendrisio (Canton of Ticino, Switzerland), two similar territories that belong to countries that dealt differently with the pandemic. We compared the two territories for type of admission (voluntary vs. compulsory), the Stringency Index (SI) and the country’s number of admission in Intensive Care Units (ICU). We found a significant reduction in the psychiatric ward admission in the lockdown period in both territories, even in periods with milder lockdown measures. The admission rate’s reduction in the ASST Lariana was significantly associated with the ICU admissions (p<0.001). In the Hospital of Mendrisio, admissions included a weekly seasonality, were significantly correlated with SI (p=0.001) and period (pre-pandemic and pandemic; p<0.001) and we observed also a significant reduction of compulsory admission that is influenced both by the stringency index (p<0.001) and period (p<0.001). The differences between the two territories seem influenced by the different mental health systems.
Oral health-related quality of life in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A case–control study
Authors: Ghorbani Zahra , Manifar Soheila , Bohloli Ghazaleh , Aghakouchakzadeh Arezoo , Mirzaei Ahmadreza
Published: March 2023

Background:

The prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has increased in recent years. With the development of various treatments, the mortality rate has decreased and more people are living with the consequences of the disease and its treatment, which can have a great impact on the quality of life. Some questionnaires measure the impact of the disease on daily activities and patient behavior. In this study, the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) was assessed through the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaire between the OSCC patient and control groups.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, the OHIP-14 questionnaire was given to 51 OSCC patients who had completed the treatment at least 6 months before participating in this study and 51 healthy individuals, and we used the Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression in three models. P = 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 55.86 ± 15.04 years and the control group was 54.96 ± 14.08 years. Women made up 51% of patients. The mean OHIP score was 22.84 ± 11.42 in the patient group and 17.92 ± 9.23 in the control group, which indicates a significant (P = 0.005) difference between the two groups according to the independent sample t-test.

Conclusion:

The OHRQOL of patients has significantly decreased compared to the control group. Surgery had the lowest quality reduction, and combined surgical treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy had the highest reduction in the OHRQOL. It is recommended to have regular follow-up sessions and to have a proper diet during and after treatment.
Nigella sativa oil as a treatment for gingivitis
Authors: Rahman Ishrat , Mohammed Afrah , AlSheddi Manal A. , Algazlan Alanoud , Alwably Alanoud , Hebbal Mamata , Omar Maha Galal
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To assess the clinical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Nigella sativa oil compared with chlorhexidine in patients with gingivitis.

Methods:

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients having chronic generalized gingivitis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Nigella sativa oil (n=18) or chlorhexidine (n=19). The following assessments were made on day 0 and day 15: plaque index, gingival index, gingival IL-6 and IL-18 levels were measured using ELISA, plaque colony-forming units, and alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus strains. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests and Fisher's exact test.

Results:

Both interventions reduced plaque index and gingival index scores (P<0.000 1). The Nigella sativa oil group was better at lowering IL-6 (P=0.0076) than the chlorhexidine group (P=0.145), although there was no change in IL-18 levels (P>0.05). The post-intervention plaque index and gingival index scores and inflammatory cytokine levels between the two groups were not significantly different. Both interventions caused a significant reduction in the plaque colony-forming units (P<0.0001), reducing pathogenic bacteria: Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus parasanguinis in the chlorhexidine group (50%) (P=0.103 1), and the Nigella sativa oil group (20%) (P=0.739 5).

Conclusions:

Nigella sativa oil had anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, reducing biofilm formation and disrupting the colonization of pathogenic bacteria essential for the progression of periodontal disease. Nigella sativa oil could offer an alternative therapy for treating gingivitis and may prevent associated systemic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
Digital Health Ecosystem in India
Authors: Kapoor Suraj
Published: March 2023

Digital technology has been a revolutionary foray in various sectors and domains such as education, industry, research, and, recently, healthcare. With digital health increasing its presence and importance in the country, it is imperative to assess the present digital health system in the country, its challenges, and the way ahead. Secondary data from Govt. official sites, press information, latest articles, and newspapers were extracted and discussed in the article. The existing digital health infrastructure along with a discussion on electronic health card, role, and importance of digital health in immunization, reproductive, and child health are discussed. The use of digital tools by grass root workers has also been highlighted in the study. In the current system, a lot of data including Outpatient department (OPD) data, Operation theatre(OT) data is not captured, which leads to the loss of vital information. There is a need for a capacity building like availability and accessibility of the Internet in the periphery, and training for building an effective digital health care system in the country. There is a necessity to emphasize the first important step of collection of a “good quality” data point through the implementation of electronic medical records by the health care providers. Digital health is a rapidly emerging and evolving entity with an overwhelming impact on geopolitical and socioeconomic realities in the future. The benefits of public goods, results, and services under this group must be maximized, with minimum disruption to the society.
Assessment of Sleep Quality and Nutritional Status of Antenatal Mothers—A Community-Based Study
Authors: Udgiri Rekha S. , Sorganvi Vijaya
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Sleep is an essential part of the overall well-being of health. Good quality of sleep is required for everyone to be free from physically, mentally, and socially caused disease and disability. The quality of sleep is more important during pregnancy where women are carrying one more life in their womb. Socioeconomic and demographic factors have a substantial effect on nutritional status and the food intake of women, especially pregnant and lactating women in the family. The available literature has highlighted the influence of factors such as women’s education status, family size, and community to which a woman belongs on their nutritional status and intake. Very few studies highlighted the sleep pattern in the different trimester and nutritional score of pregnant women. Therefore, the present study was an attempt to evaluate the quality of sleep and nutritional status among pregnant women in field practice areas.

Materials and Methods:

The present study was a prospective cross-sectional observational study and was carried out in urban and rural field practice areas of the Department of Community Medicine. A total of 104 pregnant women from randomly selected households in both rural and urban areas were included in the study as a convenient sampling. Data on the quality of sleep were collected using standardized Pittsburgh sleep quality index scale from participants, and women dietary diversity score was collected by 24 h diet history in their own language.

Result:

Of them, 75% have sleep difficulty with a score of >3; 54% of them were consuming more than six food groups in their daily diet.

Conclusion:

Our study concludes that an imbalance among antenatal mothers between resident areas related to nutrition score was due to literacy status, occupation, and the type of family of the antenatal mothers.
Managing the Synergism of COVID-19 Variants and Noncommunicable Diseases through Natural Methods, Immune Boosters, and Lifestyle Modification
Authors: Kapoor Suraj
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Noncommunicable diseases and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are revealing synergism in the form of similarity in risk factors and clinical course. Hence, it is proposed to focus on other efficient measures to combat the current pandemic using natural measures such as nutrition, immune boosters, and lifestyle modification to prevent the severe outcomes of COVID-19. These measures will also help in improving the widespread morbidity and mortality due to noncommunicable diseases.

Materials and Methods:

A desk review of the literature was conducted to collect, collate, synthesize, and analyze information: (a) importance of natural methods, immune booster, and lifestyle modification, (b) antigenic sin/immune imprinting due to revaccination, (c) noncommunicable diseases being an important focal point in reducing the severity of COVID-19, and (d) limitation of the use of repurposed drugs and a lack of definitive treatment.

Results and Discussion:

A total number of 30 articles/government/international websites were assessed. Existing literature regarding the effectiveness of natural, dietary, lifestyle modification, antioxidants, and probiotics is compared and analyzed. Factors influencing the pandemic management like synergism with noncommunicable diseases, immune imprinting with revaccination, and the use of repurposed drugs are discussed.

Conclusion:

With limited success by restrictive and nonpharmacological intervention, vaccination revealing immune imprinting, a lack of scientific and definitive treatment against COVID-19, and its variants and with synergism with noncommunicable diseases, it is imperative to focus on natural, immune booster, lifestyle modification to curb the pandemic.
Management of Neglected Femoral Neck Fracture in Young Adolescents with Modified Pauwels Osteotomy
Authors: Das Chinmoy , Saifuddin Ahmad , Bora Debasish
Published: March 2023

Background:

Non-union of the femoral neck fracture in young is difficult to tackle. Many reported treatment methods for neglected femoral neck fractures do not always satisfactorily address the problems like non-union, coxa vara, and limb shortening. If the femoral head is viable, the most appropriate treatment is valgus osteotomy, which increases the femoral neck angle to change shearing force to compression force. We prospectively reviewed the functional outcome of the modified Pauwels’ osteotomy in 16 young adults to determine whether this approach would correct those problems.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 16 cases of neck femur fracture in less than or equal to 16 year old neglected for more than 12 weeks were included in our study and were treated primarily by modified Pauwels intertrochanteric osteotomy with internal fixation. The patients were followed up to 12–24 months with radiography and were assessed regarding Harris hip score, unionand limb length discrepancy.

Results:

Union was seen in all the 16 patients .11 out of the 16 patients showed excellent clinical outcome (Harris hip score ≥ 90) with an average Harris score of 90.1 ± 6.

Conclusion:

Modiﬁed Pauwels’ Intertrochanteric Osteotomy is a safe and effective procedure in preserving the God gifted hip in neglected femoral neck fracture
Intertrochanteric Fracture
Authors: Kumar Ratnesh , Pal Ananda Kisor , Keshkar Sanjay
Published: March 2023

Intertrochanteric fracture is one of the most common fractures around the hip especially in the elderly due to trivial trauma. This fracture is encountered by almost all Orthopaedic surgeon and hence appropriate knowledge of relevant anatomy and classification is very important to deal with such fractures. This article will highlight the relevant anatomy of intertrochanteric area and will provide an overview of various classification systems.
Factors contributing to the mortality of elderly patients with colorectal cancer within a year after surgery
Authors: Shang Wei , Yuan Wenguang , Liu Ran , Yan Chuanwang , Fu Mofan , Yang Hui , Chen Jingbo
Published: March 2023

Aims:

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have a lower survival rate during the first year following resection surgery. We analyzed the factors influencing this early mortality.

Methods and Material:

The clinicopathological data of patients aged 70 years or older who underwent radical surgery for CRC between January 2012 and December 2018 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. A total of 242 patients (141 males and 101 females), including 93 with colon cancer and 139 with rectal cancer, were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they survived beyond the first year after surgery. The clinicopathological data of both groups were compared using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. The risk factors for mortality within 1-year after surgery were analyzed using the Cox regression model.

Results:

Forty-three patients experienced at least one complication, including 34 cases with Clavien–Dindo grade I–II complications and 12 with Clavien–Dindo grade III–IV complications. Eleven patients died in the year following surgery. Patients with postoperative complications had higher mortality rates within the first year. Univariate analysis revealed that carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) levels, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades, and differentiation degree influenced the 1-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Multivariate analysis confirmed that CA19-9 levels and ASA grades were independent factors affecting OS and DFS during the first year after surgery.

Conclusion:

Postoperative complications were associated with the early death of elderly CRC patients. CA19-9 levels and ASA grades are independent factors influencing OS and DFS.
Computed tomography-guided cryoablation for adrenal metastases secondary to lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Wen-Long , Ruan Dong-Li , Sun Li-Jun , Wang Tao , Zhang Wei , Huang Ya-Yong
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy of computed tomography (CT)-guided cryoablation as a means to treat adrenal metastasis (AM) secondary to lung cancer.

Materials and Methods:

This study was a single-center retrospective study that analyzed 39 consecutive patients with AM secondary to lung cancer who underwent CT-guided cryoablation in our center. The rates of complete ablation, local recurrence, local recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results:

The rates of primary and secondary complete ablation were 94.9% and 100%, respectively, and none of the patients suffered from a hypertensive crisis associated with the treatment. Over the follow-up period, 20.5% of the patients experienced local recurrence, and the median RFS duration was 26 months. The cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year local RFS rates in this study were 84.6%, 51.3%, and 5.9%, respectively. Extra-adrenal gland metastases were detected in five patients. Over the course of follow-up, 26 patients died. The mean OS duration was 34 months with cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of 89.7%, 53.4%, and 8.3%, respectively. Advanced age (P = 0.001), primary adenocarcinoma (P = 0.006), other primary lung cancers (P = 0.038), and primary Stage III lung cancers (P = 0.007) were all found to be independent predictive factors of poor OS in these patients.

Conclusion:

CT-guided cryoablation can be safely and effectively used to control AM secondary to lung cancer, and patients with AM secondary to lung squamous cell carcinoma may be best suited for this form of treatment.
Meta-analysis of the efficacy of glycyrrhizin for postoperative liver preservation in patients with liver cancer
Authors: Li Yongqing , Hao Mingju , Zhang Bingyang , Wang Peijun , Zhang Dantong , Lu Sumei , Ma Wanshan
Published: March 2023

Objective:

This meta-analysis comprehensively summarizes the current clinical research on compound glycyrrhizin (CG) treatment for liver cancer and protecting liver function to guide clinical treatment.

Methods:

Eighteen English-language articles were retrieved from PubMed, SinoMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and three Chinese databases: The Wan Fang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and the VIP database.

Results:

CG treatment improved the patient's alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (in the metastatic liver cancer group: mean deviation (MD) = −13.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [−17.29, 10.27]; in the primary liver cancer group: MD = −32.15, 95% CI = [−35.48, 28.81]); aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level (in the primary liver cancer group: MD = −21.63, 95% CI = [−24.29, 18.96]; in the metastatic liver cancer group: MD = −15.64, 95% CI = [−19.08, −12.20]); serum total bilirubin (TBIL) level (MD = −1.61, 95% CI = [−2.71, −0.51]); and serum albumin (ALB) level (MD = 2.80, 95% CI = [1.85, 3.74]). CG treatment was efficient than the control (relative risk [RR] = 1.66, 95% CI = [1.35, 2.04]). Although adverse reactions, including fever, were higher than in the control group (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = [0.89, 1.43]), they were controllable.

Conclusion:

CG affects liver preservation in treating liver cancer, which can reduce ALT, AST, and TBIL levels in patients; increase the ALB level; and protect liver cells. The CG-treated group showed improvement compared with the control group; although adverse reactions occurred in the treated group, the duration was shortened.
The effect of afatinib and radiotherapy on a patient with lung adenocarcinoma with a rare EGFR extracellular domain M277E mutation and high PD-L1 expression
Authors: Lv Dongxiao , Wang Ruibin , Wang Xingwen , Feng Hong
Published: March 2023

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), about 15% of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are rare. Herein, we report a 39-year-old male with stage IV NSCLC with a rare EGFR M277E mutation and high PD-L1 expression. The patient first underwent gamma-knife treatment for brain metastasis; then, he was started on 40 mg afatinib daily in combination with two cycles of chemotherapy. The clinical effect was stable disease (SD), so the patient underwent intensity-modulated radiation therapy guided by cone beam computed tomography on the lesion in the lower lobe of the right lung. A combination therapy with afatinib and chemotherapy was employed as the first-line therapy. A palliative radiotherapy to the primary pulmonary tumor was added, resulting in a significant response based on the next computerized tomography (CT) scan. To date, this is the first presented case of NSCLC with EGFR p.M277E mutation and its corresponding clinical outcome to combination therapies.
Influencing factors related to transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma patients achieved tumor response
Authors: Shao Hongyan , Deng Juan , Xie Luping , Zheng Qiwen , Zou Bihui , Deng Jun , Zhang Tianqi , He Jingjing
Published: March 2023

Objective:

To investigate the influencing factors of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for tumor response (complete and partial response, CR + PR).

Methods:

This research conducted a retrospective study of the hospital charts of patients treated with TACE successfully renewed from October 2014 to December 2015 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (Guangzhou, China). Univariate analysis (Chi-square test and repeated-measures ANOVA) selected nine influential tumor response factors from 22 core factors. The nine variables were included in a forward multiple logistic regression model predicting patients treated with TACE to achieve tumor response. Overall survival was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results:

Data of 277 of 282 patients were included in the analysis. Nine variables were analyzed by univariate analysis and independently associated with tumor response (tumor capsule integrity, nausea and vomiting, microwave ablation, liver dysfunction, the absolute value of lymphocyte (LYM), alpha-fetoprotein, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). By multivariate analysis, GGT (odds ratio [OR] =0.996), liver dysfunction (OR = 0.395), combined with microwave ablation (OR = 0.503), and tumor capsule integrity (OR = 1.894) were the significant predictors of the tumor response group compared with the standard deviation group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that TACE combined with ablation on patients with complete tumor capsules may have a better prognosis in tumor response and OS; additionally, liver dysfunction and nausea and vomiting were the independent predictors of tumor response.
Unilateral Traumatic Adrenal Hemorrhage with Shock
Authors: Verma Ankur , Jaiswal Sanjay , Gupta Kushagra , Sheikh Wasil Rasool , Vishen Amit , Haldar Meghna , Ahuja Rinkey , Khatai Abbas Ali , Prasad Nilesh
Published: March 2023

Trauma to the adrenal glands is very rare. The variation in clinical manifestations is marked and markers for its diagnosis being limited, makes it tough to be diagnosed. Computed tomography remains the gold standard for detecting this injury. Prompt recognition and the potential for mortality with adrenal insufficiency can provide the best guidance for the treatment and care of the severely injured. We present a case of a 33-year-old trauma patient who was not responding to the management of his shock. He was finally found to have a right adrenal haemorrhage leading to adrenal crisis. The patient was resuscitated in the Emergency Department but succumbed 10 days post admission.
Validation of a Low-Cost, Portable Pure-Tone Audiometer
Authors: Mathai Jijo Pottakkal , Spandita H. L.
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Around the world, there is an increasing demand for better hearing services. Access to hearing care involves the availability of accurate and calibrated audiometric apparatus. As audiometers are task-specific and expensive equipment, their portability is a common constraint. Hence, there is a need for developing low-cost, portable audiometers, so that the instrument can be quickly transported to remote regions and is conveniently accessible to multiple centers.

Aim:

The aim was to compare the air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) thresholds obtained using newly developed Nautilus “KiVi” and a commercial, nonportable audiometer in both normal hearing and hearing-impaired individuals.

Methods:

The study included a total of 73 people, 52 having normal hearing sensitivity and 21 with hearing impairment.

Results:

It was found that among individuals with normal hearing except at 125 Hz, there was no significant difference in AC thresholds obtained using the Nautilus “KiVi” audiometer and a commercial, nonportable audiometer across frequencies. However, the BC thresholds obtained using the Nautilus “KiVi” audiometer was significantly better than that of a commercial, nonportable audiometer across frequencies. Among the individuals with hearing impairment, except at 8k Hz, there was no significant difference in AC thresholds obtained using the Nautilus “KiVi” audiometer and a commercial, nonportable audiometer.

Conclusion:

The Nautilus “KiVi”audiometers provide consistent results throughout a wide frequency range in those with normal hearing as well as with hearing impairment. The equipment is portable and easy to use. Hence, it can be used for diagnostic testing in schools, hospitals, remote villages, and industries.
Prevalence and Audiological Findings of Functional Hearing Loss
Authors: Mathai Jijo Pottakkal , Aravinda H. R. , Appu Sabarish , Urs Harshavardhan Raje
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the period prevalence of functional hearing loss and to describe the audiological findings of individuals having FHL.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of records of 1209 individuals who visited the institute for routine audiological evaluation was carried out. Among them, there were 115 individuals with FHL who were identified based on predetermined criteria. Information such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical area of the individuals with FHL was obtained retrospectively. In addition, findings of behavioral and objective audiological tests in these individuals were analyzed.

Results

to prevalence of FHL during the period of the study was found to be 9.5%. Demographical analysis suggests that 76 (66.1%) out of 115 individuals were males and 39 (33.9%) individuals were female. Analysis of geographical and socioeconomical data revealed a higher number of individuals were from rural areas (58.3%) and belong to a lower socioeconomic status (68.7%). The agreement between pure tone average and auditory brainstem response was found to be highly sensitive (93%) in identifying FHL. In contrast, the agreement between PTA with other tests such as speech reception thresholds (60%), Acoustic reflex threshold (62%), and otoacoustic emissions (45%) was found to be less sensitive.

Conclusion

A notable period prevalence suggests that practicing audiologists should be cautious while testing individuals with hearing impairments, especially adults. It is important for audiologists to carefully observe the individuals and also to perform a detailed audiological test battery using behavioral and objective measures.
Evaluation of cognitive function, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and Vitamin D binding protein levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Grover Shubhima , Jain Seema , Narang Shiva , Gupta Rachna , Garg Seema , Sharma Devesh
Published: March 2023

Background:

Studies indicate that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients may have increased risk of developing cognitive dysfunction. The role of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and Vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) have been implicated in cognitive dysfunction in several diseases. However, their role in COPD patients in this domain has not been explored. This study was undertaken to evaluate correlation between serum 25(OH) D and VDBP levels with cognitive function in COPD patients.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-seven stable COPD patient and 33 healthy controls were recruited. Cognitive function was assessed for both the groups using the Hindi Mental State Examination (HMSE) cognitive test. Serum 25(OH) D and VDBP levels were estimated using commercially available ELISA kits.

Results:

COPD patients had significantly lower HMSE scores (25 vs. 29, P < 0.0001) as compared to the controls. Cognitive impairment was present in 25.53% (n = 12) of the COPD patients in comparison to none of the controls (P = 0.001). Serum 25(OH)D and VDBP levels did not differ significantly between the two groups. 65.96% of the COPD cases and 72.73% of the controls had Vitamin D deficiency. Serum biomarkers did not correlate with the HMSE scores. In multilinear regression model presence of COPD, lower education status and higher smoking index were found to be predictors of lower HMSE scores in the study participants.

Conclusion:

COPD patients were found to have lower HMSE scores than the controls. However, serum 25(OH) D or VDBP levels were not correlated with cognitive function in COPD patients. Further, cumulative exposure to tobacco smoke could be an independent risk factor for cognitive decline.
Breast Cancer in Relation to Gynecological Risk Factors Among Women in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Ebubedike Uzoamaka Ruina , Nwammuo Brenda Chijioke I. , Umeh Eric Okechukwu , Nwosu Chinekwu Skye , Elendu Kelechi Collins , Umeokafor Chijioke Chukwuemeka
Published: March 2023

Background:

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease that is developed by mutual impact of genetic risk factors and environmental factors. Identification of these factors may enhance the ability to prevent the disease by permitting better-focused health education and other preventive strategies.

Objectives:

The objective of the study is to determine the association between breast cancer and gynecological risk factors.

Methodology:

One hundred and twenty consenting females who were referred from the Surgical Outpatient Department and underwent mammography in the Radiology Department of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, from 2018 to 2020. Women who were 40 years and above as well as those below 40 years with positive family history of breast cancer presenting with palpable breast mass were included in the study.

Results:

The mean age was 47.36 ± 10.67 years and the most frequent age range was 41–50 years while the least frequency fell in the above 70 years of age group. Women with age of menarche at 11–13 years had higher association with breast cancer than those whose menarche occurred at later age. Those who attained menopause at a later age had higher association with breast cancer. Women whose age at first confinement was 25 years or less had higher association too. Further, higher incidence of breast cancer was recorded in women with parity >3.

Conclusion:

No significant statistical difference was found between these gynecological risk factors as well as body mass index and breast cancer.
A Case Report of Transperineal Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy in Benin City
Authors: Igbinedion Blessing Ose-Emenim , Ehigiamusoe Festus Oghanina , Ogbeide Anthony Osayomwanbor
Published: March 2023

Prostate cancer is a common worldwide male tumor which can lead to death. Screening methods have not been optimal in detecting this malignancy. Hence, the need to obtain tissue samples for histology is paramount for early cancer detection. Transrectal (TR) prostatic biopsy was introduced in 1937 and it is still practiced in many centers worldwide. However, it has its limitations and complications. As such the transperineal (TP) approach to prostate biopsy which is also an old method have been developed to obviate some of the problems of TR. TP is fast gaining ground in many centers and appears to be a better option to TR. We report the first TP prostatic biopsy that was done in Benin City, Edo State, South-South geopolitical zone.
Disulfiram-induced psychosis in covert use: A case series
Authors: Mahanta Debasish , Mohapatra Satyakam
Published: March 2023

Disulfiram was the first medication approved by the FDA for alcohol dependence. Important adverse effects of disulfiram are hepatological, dermatological, neurological (polyneuritis, encephalopathy), and psychiatric. Psychiatric manifestations include confusion, loss of memory, psychosis, mania with psychotic symptoms. In India, it is very frequently used by general people covertly by mixing with food without doctors’ advice. These patients are highly susceptible to alcohol disulfiram reactions as well as adverse reactions associated with disulfiram. In this report, we are going to discuss 4 cases of psychosis induced by disulfiram when used covertly we came across in our clinical practice. All 4 cases had acute onset psychosis, with a temporal relationship of disulfiram use. No other causes of psychosis were found. Naranjo Casualty Scale ( adapted) was found to be 6 suggestive of probable ADR, providing strong evidence toward disulfiram-induced psychosis. All 4 patients recovered completely on withdrawal of disulfiram and conservative management without any antipsychotic. Disulfiram-induced psychosis should be differentiated from alcohol withdrawal delirium tremens and alcohol-induced psychosis, which may prevent unnecessary antipsychotic use. A lower dose should be considered in case of previous history or family history of psychosis. Psychiatrists and general practitioners in the community should discourage its covert use to avoid the incidence of disulfiram-induced psychosis as well as the severe alcohol disulfiram reaction.
Psychological symptoms related to COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown: A retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Mahanta Debasish , Bagh Niraj , Dash Sushant Kumar , Mohapatra Satyakam , Nayak Mihir Ranjan , Swain Sarada Prasanna
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND:

COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown together agitated the mind of the people of the entire world to a great extent. Currently, most of the research focuses on the physical impact of the pandemic and its management, however, little is known about its psychological impact.

AIM:

This study aims to evaluate the psychological symptoms related to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the patients who attended to psychiatry outpatients unit over the initial 3 months of lockdown in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A retrospective study was conducted at the mental health institute, and an exploratory analysis was performed. From the record section, case sheets were taken out and manually screened for keywords related to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The sociodemographic profile, psychiatric signs and symptoms, psychopathology, and final diagnosis were noted in a data sheet for the definitely related (DR) cases. The collected data from the case sheets were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS:

Out of 6081 case sheets screened, 42 patients were DR to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. The common psychiatric symptoms were insomnia (78.60%), anxiety (57.10%), and sadness (52.40%), and common psychiatric diagnoses were depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and adjustment disorder.

CONCLUSION:

In addition to physical effects, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown together have a significant impact on the mental health of people. Besides handling the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also essential to provide psychological support to people at an earlier phase to prevent such mental health crises in the future.
Serotonin syndrome precipitated by diclofenac
Authors: Sahu Prabin Kumar , Behera Tikina
Published: March 2023

Serotonin syndrome is a life threatening drug induced condition, associated with increased serotonergic activity in both central and peripheral nervous system. Serotonin syndrome can be due to overdose of serotonergic agent or concomitant use of multiple antidepressants, leading to exaggerated serotonin effects in the central nervous system. It can also result from overdosage of one serotonergic drug or by addition of any precipitating drug. This is a case of 45 year female diagnosed with serotonin syndrome, which was manifested even by minimum effective dose of serotonergic agent, especially by any precipating over the counter or illicit drugs.
A Rare Complication of Intra-aortic Balloon Pump
Authors: Aboughanima Mohamed A. , ElSayed AbdelHameed , Arafat Amr A.
Published: March 2023

Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is commonly used for circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock. IABP is associated with several complications; however, IABP rupture was rarely reported. We present a female patient with acute myocardial infarction and ventricular septal rupture. The patient underwent transcatheter device closure of the ventricular septum and IABP insertion. After 4 days of insertion, we encountered a failure to cycle alarm. The IABP was removed with difficulty, and a leak coming from the shaft near the bifurcation was found. This case highlighted the importance of early detection of IABP rupture to avoid entrapment and further complications.
The Presence of Moral Distress among Critical Care Nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: de Beer Jennifer , Sunari Dalia , Nasser Seema , Alnasser Zahra , Rawas Hawazen , Alnajjar Hend
Published: March 2023

Background:

Moral distress (MD) was first defined as a situation in which one knows the right thing to do, but institutional constraints make it nearly impossible to pursue the right course of action. This can be even more challenging within the critical care context as critical the care context imposes physical, emotional, and cognitive stressors on critical care nurses.

Methodology:

A descriptive quantitative approach was followed, and the critical care units of two tertiary hospitals in two provinces in Saudi Arabia were included in the study, yielding a cluster sample size of 361 critical care nurses. Data were collected using the MD Scale-Revised, for which reliability and validity have been established.

Results:

The mean total MD experienced by respondents was 77.15 ± 58.32, representing a low level of MD. The statement that nurses indicated as causing the most distress was “follow the family's wishes to continue life support even though I believe it is not in the best interest of the patient” with 5.98 ± 5.04. Furthermore, 17.5% (n = 63) of nurses had considered leaving their positions because of MD. MD was the highest in the Emergency department with 102.12 ± 70.59; as experience increased by 1 year, the MD score increased by 11.56.

Conclusion:

When dealing with issues related to futile care, critical care nurses experience MD. Therefore, future research is required to develop appropriate interventions with which to address critical care-related MD.
Understanding the Interplay of Temperament and Adolescent Substance use
Authors: Rabha Anju Moni , Deka Kamala
Published: March 2023

Background:

Temperament is a relatively stable individual characteristic. Temperament predicts many consequential outcomes throughout life. Different dimensions of temperament lead to different patterns of responses to external stimuli. Dimensions such as activity level and negative emotionality are related to risk-promoting behavior like substance use in adolescents.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, we included 35 adolescents in the age group of 10–17 years. We included adolescents attending outpatient clinics and inpatient services who were diagnosed with mental disorders due to substance use according to ICD-10 diagnostic criteria. We also included 35 healthy controls. All study participants in the case and control groups were assessed using the Early Adolescent Temperament Questionnaire-Revised (EATQ-R) scale.

Results:

When temperament was assessed using the EATQ-R, the mean scores were highest for frustration, aggression, surgency, and depressed mood, but were lowest for shyness in the study group. While comparing temperament between the study group and the control group, significant differences were found between activation control (p < 0.05), aggression (p < 0.001), attention (p < 0.001), depressed mood (p < 0.05), fear (p < 0.001), inhibitory control (p < 0.001), shyness (p < 0.001), and surgency (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Temperament plays a significant rôle in adolescent substance use. Person-specific treatment can be designed to provide better care and management of patients in taking temperament into account.
The Relation between Emotional Eating and Perceived Stress among Students in Tertiary Education in Oman
Authors: Al Shidhani Asma , Al Samani Asma , Al Malki Tahani , Al Shukaili Bashair , Al Toubi Aseel , Chan Moon Fai , Al Harthi Lara , Al Sibani Nasser , Al Saadoon Muna , Cucchi Angie , Al Adawi Samir
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Preliminary studies suggested that the high rates of stress are increasingly prevalent in students in tertiary education in the Arabian Gulf countries and that their emotional eating is often triggered by stress. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of studies on this topic and Oman is no exception. In this study, we intended to examine the prevalence of emotional eating and perceived stress in Omani college students and to clarify the relationship between their emotional eating and sociodemographic and risk factors among the population in the college students in Oman.

Methods:

We used Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale and Perceived Stress Scale to assess emotional eating and variations in perceived stress, respectively. We also study their sociodemographic and risk factors.

Results:

A total of 422 students took part in the study, with the age of 20.6 ± 1.8 (mean ± standard deviation) years. Of all students, 85.8% (n = 362) were reported to have emotional eating and 78.7% of the sample were reported to experience stress. The multivariate logistic analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) and the student's major subjects were the significant risk factors. Students who majored in science/engineering/agriculture (odds ratio [OR] = 0.926, p < 0.001) and arts/business/law were 3.1 times (OR = 3.115, p < 0.05) and 2.3 times (OR = 2.347, p < 0.05) were significantly engaged in emotional eating as compared to those majoring in medicine/nursing. Students who are underweight (BMI < 18) were 3.9 times (OR = 3.984, p < 0.05) were also significantly more to engage in emotional eating than those students who were overweight/obese (BMI 25+).

Conclusion:

In this study, we found that both rates of emotional eating and stress were high among college students in Oman. Contrary to international trends, underweight students (BMI < 18) were more prone to engaging in emotional eating than overweight/obese students (BMI 25+) in our study sample. This suggests that there is likely to be subcultural diversity or artifacts that are intimately tied to emotional eating. More studies on this discrepant finding are warranted.
A 10-minute Music Therapy Decreases Prework Anxiety Level in Nurses during SARS-CoV- 2 Omicron Pandemic
Authors: Lee You Sian , Wu Chia-Chun , Li Chia-Jung , Tseng Chien-Hua , Shih Yi-Nuo
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Many nurses feel anxious before starting to work during SARS-CoV- 2 omicron pandemic. How to reduce prework anxiety level in nurses is an important issue. In this study, we intended to explore the effect of a 10-minute music intervention on prework anxiety in nurses during the Omicron COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to measure the anxiety level of 60 nurse participants at a hospital before starting to work. We randomized 60 study participating nurses into three groups who listened to no music, fast-tempo music, and slow-tempo music for 10 min each day before going to work.

Results:

Nurses who listened to 10-min music, whether fast or slow, before work had significantly lower anxiety level than those who experienced no music in this study (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

This 10-min music intervention designed for nurses is a feasible and time-saving method during the omicron COVID-19 epidemic.
Design and Experiment Research on Mass Trim Mechanism of Satellite
Authors: Cui Xiaojie , Lu Dengbai , Jing Chunyan , Ma Dongtao , Yang Lei , Cui Zhiwu
Published: March 2023

The mass trim mechanism (MTM) is used to precisely trim the mass characteristics of satellite in orbit and ensure that the satellite can provide high-precision orientation and orbit control and part of the payload can work normally. In order to ensure high-precision trim and light miniaturization, the mass trim scheme of the satellite and the MTM are designed, and the mass block moving range of the mechanism is ±145 mm. The adjusting scheme, system composition, and working principle are introduced particularly, and the screw-guide mechanism is proposed to realize the trim function. The position precision can satisfy the requirement of the design index by the theoretical calculation to get the precision of the trim mechanism. The data before and after the environmental experiments indicate that the displacement error is less than 0.06 mm and the movement parallelism of the mass block is less than 0.04 mm, which meets the requirement for use. Theoretical calculation and experimental results prove that this MTM has stable structure, high positioning accuracy, wide adjust range, environment adaptability extensive features to meet the purpose of precise trim of space satellite mass.
Dynamic emissions of N2O from solid waste landfills: A review
Authors: Lee Nam-Hoon , Song Sang-Hoon , Jung Min-Jung , Kim Ran-Hui , Park Jin-Kyu
Published: March 2023

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas (GHG) and an ozone-depleting substance that can be emitted from landfills. Understanding the dynamics of N2O and its contribution to total emissions is critical to effective mitigation measures. This study outlines the dynamics of N2O in solid waste landfills and N2O emissions from them. N2O generation in anaerobic landfills is primarily due to denitrification and, to a lesser extent, nitrification, which occurs in the oxygenated cover soil layer and the working face. However, nitrification and denitrification are very limited within landfills. The landfill leachate contains high concentrations of ammonia (NH3). Thus, a significant amount of N2O is generated from aerobic processes during leachate treatment. Bioreactor landfills emit more N2O than traditional anaerobic landfills. The majority of N2O emitted from bioreactor landfills is generated through different pathways, such as hydroxylamine (NH2OH) oxidation, nitrifier denitrification, and heterotrophic denitrification. These processes are affected by several factors, including the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, NH3 oxidation rate NH3 oxidation rate, redox conditions, and temperature. Addressing N2O emissions from landfills will be necessary to achieve an integrated nitrogen management strategy that helps minimize N2O emissions.