bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1995 - « It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing... Accentuation, rythme et langue de spécialité »
Authors: Arleo Andy
Published: July 2021

Apprendre à bien accentuer est essentiel pour communiquer efficacement en anglais et dans d’autres langues, mais représente un défi pour le francophone, qui parle une langue à accent fixe. Nous présentons d’abord une synthèse de quelques travaux sur l’accentuation, où sont abordés la nature de l’accent, le placement de l’accent lexical, la représentation graphique de l’accent et le rythme linguistique, notamment la distinction controversée entre langues dites iso-accentuelles et celles dites iso-syllabiques. Cette présentation est suivie d’une discussion sur l’apport de la chanson en tant qu’outil pour ancrer l’accentuation et le rythme linguistique, en prenant comme exemple « Memphis Tennessee » de Chuck Berry. La conclusion traite brièvement les rapports entre accentuation et langue de spécialité.
1996 – « Culture à la carte »
Authors: Lebigot-Brace Suzette
Published: July 2021

L’objectif de cet article est de présenter un ensemble organisé d’exercices faciles à mettre en œuvre pour encourager l’utilisation d’une pédagogie interculturelle efficace en cours de langue. Les Sept Etapes de l’Analyse de l’Appropriation Interculturelle fournissent un cadre conceptuel et une progression structurée dans les activités proposées. Ce matériel a pour but de guider les étudiants dans une réflexion personnelle sur la signification et la genèse des valeurs conditionnant leur comportement lorsqu’ils se trouvent confrontés à la spécificité d’une autre culture.
2001 – « Activating the passive – A comparative study of the passive in scientific conference presentations and research articles »
Authors: Rowley-Jolivet Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the use of the passive in scientific conference presentations and compares the findings with its use in the corresponding proceedings articles, in order to provide some hard data on this grammatical feature in the oral genre. The oral data comprise 90 presentations given in English at international conferences in 3 scientific fields (geology, medicine, and physics) by native and non-native speakers; the written data comprise 18 articles from the conference proceedings in physics. Results show that the frequency of occurrence of the passive is to a large extent a mode-governed (oral or written) feature, but that speaker origin (native or non-native speaker) also impacts on frequency of occurrence.
2002 – « De l’utilité des métaphores comme outil pour la recherche-action : le cas de l’auto-formation guidée »
Authors: Fries Marie-Hélène , Hay Josiane
Published: July 2021

Lakoff et Johnson (1980), en montrant comment les métaphores de la vie quotidienne structurent notre pensée, ont ouvert la rhétorique à des domaines d’application nouveaux, dont la didactique. Pour cerner le potentiel entre métaphore et recherche-action, nous avons distribué aux étudiants de DEUG scientifique de Grenoble I un questionnaire, pour lequel les résultats quantitatifs ont permis de dégager en priorité un besoin d’ouverture, l’ouverture étant justement la métaphore la plus fréquemment rencontrée dans les réponses libres. À partir de ces résultats, nous avons suggéré des lignes d’action pour mieux adapter au profil de nos étudiants un enseignement en auto-formation guidée. Les métaphores, de par leur fonction de médiation entre les représentations mentales de nos étudiants d’une part, et notre pratique pédagogique de l’autre, apparaissent donc comme un outil efficace pour la recherche-action.
2005 – « Vers un modèle interactionniste des systèmes d’apprentissage en ligne »
Authors: Bertin Jean-Claude
Published: July 2021

Comment combiner formation à distance et principes d’ergonomie didactique ?Après une première génération de matériaux en ligne caractérisés par les contraintes des langages de description de pages html, l’arrivée de puissants langages de programmation pour l’Internet ouvre désormais les horizons didactiques pour la formation à distance. Le présent article défend l’idée qu’il est souhaitable que ces systèmes de formation reflètent des modèles d’ergonomie didactique qui en garantissent l’efficience. Il décrit le paysage numérique de formation qui ressort d’une enquête menée par l’auteur, au sein du CIRTAI, Université du Havre, sous la forme de trois modèles qu’il commente.
2007 – « De l’étrange au familier : une expérience de formation à l’emploi de l’Internet en classe d’anglais »
Authors: Narcy-Combes Jean-Paul , Narcy-Combes Marie-Françoise
Published: July 2021

Cet article se propose d’analyser une formation de formateurs conduite comme une recherche-action dont les objectifs étaient doubles :1. initier des enseignants du second degré à la « captation de sources authentiques sur Internet libres de droit pour les exploiter en classe » (PAF de l’Académie de Nantes),2. mesurer comment établir un lien solide entre théorie et pratique en remplissant les attentes des enseignants et celles des chercheurs.Un dispositif de recueil de données a permis de mesurer :- les attentes et les représentations des partenaires,- les évolutions en cours de formation,- l’attitude en fin de formation et le degré de satisfaction.Par une confrontation entre le contenu, le déroulement et les résultats, l’article donnera un témoignage sur la pertinence d’une rencontre entre des chercheurs universitaires et des enseignants de terrain et sur les critères qui favorisent cette pertinence.
2009 – « Comment évaluer l’impact de la lingua franca en milieu professionnel ? »
Authors: Tréguer-Felten Geneviève
Published: July 2021

La multiplication des courriers électroniques professionnels, résultat de l’évolution technologique comme de la globalisation, pose aux entreprises d’envergure internationale un problème, sinon nouveau, du moins de dimension nouvelle. Pour répondre aux défis de la communication institutionnelle (informer des publics de plus en plus différenciés linguistiquement) et opérationnelle (permettre aux salariés de tous pays de communiquer entre eux), les multinationales adoptent une langue commune. C’est l’anglais (ELF ou English as a Lingua Franca) qui joue aujourd’hui ce rôle. Nous cherchons à évaluer les effets d’une telle utilisation sur la communication interculturelle en prenant appui sur l’analyse de courriels échangés entre des locuteurs de langues maternelles différentes. Cette analyse montre qu’au delà des incompréhensions liées à l’usage d’une langue souvent mal maîtrisée, la culture des locuteurs, en renvoyant à des univers de sens différents, tend à brouiller, ou bloquer l’intercompréhension ou « commun’entente » tout en favorisant ce qui relève de la « commun’action ».
2011 - « Mise en place d’un dispositif d’apprentissage hybride à l’université »
Authors: Buck Jemma , McAllister Julie
Published: July 2021

Dans l’enseignement supérieur, le problème des classes pléthoriques et très hétérogènes est récurrent. Pour certains apprenants vient s’ajouter l’éloignement géographique, d’où la nécessité de mettre en place un dispositif d’apprentissage hybride. Le programme présenté ici a été conçu pour une utilisation par plusieurs centaines d’étudiants suivant tous le même programme, mais avec des besoins et des capacités différentes. La recherche porte sur la conception, la mise en place et l’évaluation d’un dispositif hybride, basé sur l’approche par les tâches, qui combine travail à distance, grâce à une plateforme d’apprentissage, et séances en présentiel. L’article met l’accent sur la conception du programme, qui entre dans sa troisième année d’expérimentation, et présente les résultats préliminaires.
2012 – « Le CV multilingue automatisé »
Authors: Terrier Linda , Vaillant Sirdey Christine , Arino Mathilde
Published: July 2021

De par leur mission d’insertion professionnelle, les IUT ont depuis longtemps inscrit dans leurs programmes pédagogiques nationaux l’élaboration du curriculum vitae en langue(s) étrangère(s). La politique de mobilité internationale encourage aujourd’hui toutes les formations universitaires du secteur LANSAD à intégrer la création d’un CV dans leur formation en langue.La rédaction d’un CV, déjà complexe en langue maternelle, réclame pour d’autres langues la maîtrise de savoir-faire spécifiques à la culture considérée et de contenus linguistiques hautement spécialisés.L’application web « CV multilingue automatisé » décrite dans cet article propose une approche innovante de cette tâche, en fonction des principes clés suivants : l’automatisation de la création du CV, la spécialisation des contenus, l’enrichissement de la base de données par travail collaboratif, la modération des contenus par un groupe d’experts et la promotion du plurilinguisme.
2013 - « Genre et conscience éthique en classe de langue : un droit au savoir » pour l’anglais à visée professionnelle »
Authors: Perry Véronique
Published: July 2021

Le genre (traduction de gender) entendu comme système de catégorisation des êtres et de reproduction du dualisme sexué (Sapir 1921 ; Lapaire & Rotgé 1991) n’est pas une problématique suffisamment prise en compte dans la formation enseignante en France (Perry 2009 & 2011). Pourtant, le Cadre Européen Commun de Référence pour les Langues (CECRL) recommande le développement d’un « savoir agir » intégrant des « stratégies discursives » adaptées à la langue-culture cible : comprendre le genre est un « droit au savoir » (Sudo 2007). On peut considérer comme un premier frein au développement plus large d’une « conscience éthique » l’absence d’information sur les stratégies de contournement (gender-neutral English) ou d’inclusion (gender-inclusive English) du genre en anglais. La (mé-)connaissance de ces aspects formels se répercute alors dans les jeux de rôle et les simulations proposées en classe pour l’utilisation de l’anglais en milieu professionnel, comme le montre l’analyse de productions orales filmées entre 2008 et 2012.
2017 - « Le CLES, un instrument complexe générateur de qualité ? »
Authors: Gaw Stéphanie Mac
Published: July 2021

Le présent article s’intéresse à l’impact de la mise en œuvre du Cles (Certificat de compétences en langues de l’enseignement supérieur) à l’université. Nous considérerons la question de la qualité sous deux angles : d’une part, celui de l’évaluation qualitative du dispositif certificatif mis en œuvre, et d’autre part, celui de l’analyse des effets de la mise en œuvre de l’intégration du Cles dans le dispositif de formation. En empruntant la voie de la complexité, selon l’analyse faite par Morin, nous expliquerons la façon dont le changement intervient en évoquant le principe d’ « énovation » introduit par Gélinas et Fortin. Une étude sur le mode washback (Alderson et Wall) viendra confirmer la qualité prismatique du Cles, et révéler qu’il satisfait des enjeux autres que linguistiques, notamment politiques, économiques et sociaux. Enfin, par le biais d’une analyse systémique du Cles, nous démontrerons l’utilité du recours au Cles au sein du système éducatif en contexte universitaire.
2020 – « Intercultural Learning in Pre-mobility Teletandem »
Authors: Cappellini Marco , Macré Nicola
Published: July 2021

Our study focuses on a teletandem (Telles) environment for pre-mobility language and intercultural development. The telecollaborations’ main pedagogical objective was the development of the intercultural competence with a shift from more savoir-based culturalist development (Abdallah-Pretceille and Porcher) to a development in terms of savoir-apprendre (Byram and Zarate). This aim was pursued by the design of six teletandem tasks. Moreover, to enable students to reflect on their learning and to share their learning strategies and reflections, within the telecollaborations we set up two collective reflective blogs (Cappellini, “Du carnet”) where the students had to post an entry after each teletandem session. By analyzing the students’ posts in these blogs, we observe convergence and divergence between the pedagogical intentions of the telecollaboration designers (or task-as-workplan, “Divergent perceptions”) and the actual outcomes (or task-as-process). Finally, we draw some pedagogical suggestions on how to improve task design for autonomous intercultural learning.
La invención de la raza hispanoamericana y lo mestizo. Raza, antropología y nación en Colombia 1930-1940
Authors: Vargas Carolina Castañeda
Published: July 2021

Este trabajo expone algunas de las lecturas sobre la raza, lo mestizo y el hispanismo en Gregorio Hernández de Alba, cofundador del Instituto Etnológico Nacional. Muestra el viraje de las nociones eugenésicas de raza en Colombia y nos adentra en la lectura culturizada delo mestizo como raza hispanoamericana y como propuesta de nación. La definición buscaba re-racializar los cuerpos de los habitantes de América Meridional, culturizándolos mediante dos acciones complementarias: la desindianización de los cuerpos y la hispanización de esos cuerpos desindianizados. La raza mestiza resultante de esos ejercicios se denominó hispanoamericana. Esta versión de nación se construyó contradictoriamente con los elementos ofrecidos por el hispanismo para la reconquista cultural de América Latina. Desde un marco genealógico analizo un discurso de Gregorio Hernández de Alba, primer antropólogo colombiano, e intento rastrear cómo al introducir la variable cultural se establece nominalmente que la composición racial ha desaparecido.
How Question Characteristics Impact Answer Outcomes on Social Question-and-Answer Websites
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Wu Linrong , Zhang Jin , Le Taowen
Published: July 2021

Inducing more and higher-quality answers to questions is essential to sustainable development of Social Question-and-Answer (SQA) websites. Previous research has studied factors affecting question success and user motivation in answering questions, but how a question’s own characteristics affect the question’s answer outcome on SQA websites remains unknown. This study examines the impact of the characteristics of a question, namely readability, emotionality, additional descriptions, and question type, on the question’s answer outcome as measured by number of answers, average answer length, and number of “likes” received by answers to the question. Regression analyses reveal that readability, additional descriptions, and question type have significant impact on multiple measurements of answer outcome, while emotionality only affects the average answer length. This study provides insights to SQA website builders as they instruct users on question construction. It also provides insights to SQA website users on how to induce more and higher-quality answers to their questions.
The repair gene BACH1 - a potential oncogene
Authors: Muhseena N Katheeja , Mathukkada Sooraj , Das Shankar Prasad , Laha Suparna
Published: July 2021

BACH1 encodes for a protein that belongs to RecQ DEAH helicase family and interacts with the BRCT repeats of BRCA1. The N-terminus of BACH1 functions in DNA metabolism as DNA-dependent ATPase and helicase. The C-terminus consists of BRCT domain, which interacts with BRCA1 and this interaction is one of the major regulator of BACH1 function. BACH1 plays important roles both in phosphorylated as well as dephosphorylated state and functions in coordination with multiple signaling molecules. The active helicase property of BACH1 is maintained by its dephosphorylated state. Imbalance between these two states enhances the development and progression of the diseased condition. Currently BACH1 is known as a tumor suppressor gene based on the presence of its clinically relevant mutations in different cancers. Through this review we have justified it to be named as an oncogene. In this review, we have explained the mechanism of how BACH1 in collaboration with BRCA1 or independently regulates various pathways like cell cycle progression, DNA replication during both normal and stressed situation, recombination and repair of damaged DNA, chromatin remodeling and epigenetic modifications. Mutation and overexpression of BACH1 are significantly found in different cancer types. This review enlists the molecular players which interact with BACH1 to regulate DNA metabolic functions, thereby revealing its potential for cancer therapeutics. We have identified the most mutated functional domain of BACH1, the hot spot for tumorigenesis, justifying it as a target molecule in different cancer types for therapeutics. BACH1 has high potentials of transforming a normal cell into a tumor cell if compromised under certain circumstances. Thus, through this review, we justify BACH1 as an oncogene along with the existing role of being a tumor suppressant.
Prevalence of Posttransplant Anemia in Patients Undergoing Renal Transplantation at a Tertiary Care Center in Kerala - A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Talwar Surabhi , Nair Rajesh , Sreedharan Sandeep , Mathew Anil , Paul Zachariah , Kurian George
Published: July 2021

Background:

Studies on posttransplantation anemia (PTA) are scarce. There is a large variability in its prevalence (20%–70%). Research focuses on anemia in early (3–6 months) or late (>6 months) posttransplant period. Little is known about PTA within first 3 months.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and possible associated factors of immediate PTA in patients undergoing renal transplant.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective, observational, single-center study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent live renal allograft transplant. Follow-up period was 3-month posttransplant. Hemoglobin (Hb) was done at 1-week and 1, 2, and 3-month posttransplant. Erythropoietin (EPO) levels were recorded pre and posttransplant. Peripheral smear, lactate dehydrogenase, iron and ferritin levels, serum creatinine, days of hospital stay, rejections, infections, and immunosuppressive regime were recorded.

Results:

All patients were anemic within 1 week of transplantation and 40% had severe anemia. The prevalence of PTA at 3 months was 76.7%. PTA correlated with higher donor age, lower ferritin, Hb, and EPO levels in pretransplant period. However, even though EPO levels posttransplant were lower in patients with anemia, this correlation was not statistically significant. The lowest Hb correlated with Hb levels and dose of EPO-stimulating agents pretransplant.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of anemia is high in the immediate posttransplant period. High donor age, graft dysfunction, and iron stores before transplantation correlate with Hb levels at 3 months. It is prudent to maintain a better Hb in the pretransplant period to avoid PTA. Lower EPO levels before transplant may indicate immediate PTA. Correlation of EPO levels posttransplant with Hb needs further study.
Challenges of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Context of Transplantation - A Narrative Review
Authors: Meshram Hari Shankar , Kute Vivek B. , Agarwal Sanjay K. , Sahay Manisha
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) vaccination is imperative for preventing disease transmission and combating the associated mortality. Vaccination in the setting of transplantation is a complex issue. Owing to the chronic immunocompromised state in a transplant recipient, the immunogenicity of the vaccines is expected to be attenuated. Immunizing pretransplant patients will also be a challenge, as chronic kidney disease is also an immunocompromised state causing a lower seroconversion rate. The protective immune response generated is also expected to fade earlier. Enumerable psychosocial barriers exist regarding vaccine acceptance and a tender bond between health care providers and patients is essential for the smooth conduct of the vaccination program. The tolerability and safety profile of different available vaccines are reassuring in the general population but more data are needed in transplant communities. In addition, the efficacy data of COVID-19 vaccines are derived from the general population and preliminary reports in transplant patients have shown weakened immune response to vaccination. As of May 2021, Indian government advisories have approved three vaccines: COVIDSHIELD, COVAXIN, and Sputnik. Hence, research on vaccine efficacy with different vaccine constituents, dosing, and intervals is necessary for an effective protocol for vaccination in transplantation.
Pathobiology of Non-HLA immunity in renal transplantation
Authors: Etta Praveen Kumar , Madhavi Thatipamula , Parikh Namrata
Published: July 2021

Conventionally, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) of a donor are considered as the principal targets of the recipient's immune system in renal transplantation (RT), and the clinical significance of anti-HLA allo-antibodies (Abs) is well established. In contrast, the importance of non-HLA immunity in RT is being increasingly recognized. Majority of non-HLA immune targets are the non-MHC-encoded proteins on vascular endothelial cells and exist as cryptic autoantigens. The synergistic triad of tissue injury, anti-HLA, and non-HLA immunity is involved in many cases of graft rejection and loss. The exact mechanisms by which the non-HLA auto-Abs are produced and induce graft injury are still speculative and under research. Understanding them enables the development of novel diagnostic assays and therapeutic strategies and thereby improves long-term graft outcomes. In this review, we discuss the pathobiology and novel mechanisms of non-HLA immunity in RT.
Evaluation of Alternate-Day Valganciclovir Prophylaxis for Cytomegalovirus Disease Prevention in Moderate Risk Renal Transplant Patients
Authors: Bhuwania Puneet , Veerappan Ilangovan , Sethuraman Ramaswami
Published: July 2021

Background:

Despite valganciclovir (VGCV) being the recommended agent for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease prevention, its optimal dose that maintains parity between the efficacies, toxicity profile, and most importantly, the cost has yet to be established. This study is the first to evaluate alternate day versus daily dose of VGCV prophylaxis in CMV prevention in moderate risk renal transplant patients (RTR).

Materials and Methods:

A single center, retrospective analysis of ninety-nine moderate risk RTR was done. The study participants received VGCV 450 mg/day (n = 49) versus VGCV 450 mg on alternative days (n = 50) for 90–100 days; as a prophylactic strategy against CMV disease. The primary endpoint was CMV disease incidence at 6 months. Graft survival, biopsy-proven rejection, hematological adverse events, opportunistic infections (OIs), and mortality have also been evaluated.

Results:

CMV disease occurrence at 6 months was zero in both the groups. Immunosuppression (induction and maintenance) were alike in both the groups except for higher tacrolimus trough levels in the 2nd month (P = 0.023) and lower mycophenolate acid area under curve levels in alternate-day group (P = 0.046). No difference was noted in biopsy-proven rejection, graft loss, mortality, and OIs, but leukopenia was more in patients receiving daily VGCV (P ≤ 0.001), a multivariate logistic regression revealed a higher incidence of leukopenia in the daily group (P = 0.02; odds ratio, 13.6, 95% confidence interval 1.51–122.37).

Conclusions:

Alternate-day VGCV dosing provides similar efficacy as daily dosing in CMV prevention in D+/R + RTR with reduced leukopenia incidence and significant cost-benefit.
Bilateral Superior Parathyroid Adenoma Postkidney Donation
Authors: Ullur Avinash Rao , Modi Shakuntala V. , Nayak Nitin M. , Santanaraman Ramakrishnan , Rangarajan Dilip , Subramanian Padmanabhan
Published: July 2021

Kidney transplantation with living kidney donation is an optimal treatment modality for end stage kidney disease. Although the risks after kidney donation are few in number, the unrecognised complications due to suboptimal evaluation have been reported in the literature. We hereby report a case of a kidney donor, who was detected to have parathyroid adenoma on routine evaluation for metabolic bone parameters two years post kidney donation. Although she was treated timely, we learnt the importance of careful evaluation of the donor biochemistry prior to transplant.
Effect of four weeks of integrated yoga intervention on perceived stress and sleep quality among female nursing professionals working at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Parajuli Niranjan , Pradhan Balaram , Jat Mansingh
Published: July 2021

Background:

Studies have reported that significant nursing professionals experience tremendous stress which often affects their sleep quality leading to poor well-being. Yoga being a mind body intervention reported to improve sleep quality and reduce stress.

Aim:

The present pilot study was designed to assess the effect of yoga on perceived stress and sleep quality of the female nursing professionals working at tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-three apparently healthy nursing staffs in the age range of 30–60 years (mean age 40.60 ± 10.26) were recruited as participants of the study, from a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. Participants were administered perceived stress scale (PSS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) before and after the yoga intervention. Participants received 4 week of yoga intervention for 45 min/day for 5 days a week.

Results:

There was a significant reduction on the postscores of PSS (t = 5.86, P < 0.0001, paired t-test) and PSQI (z = −4.38, P < 0.0001, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test) in comparison to prescores. After the yoga intervention, perceived stress reduced by 27.01% and the sleep quality improved by 38.68%.

Conclusion:

The finding of the study suggests effectiveness of yoga in reduction of the perceived stress and improvement of the quality of sleep of the nursing professional. However, the present findings need to be confirmed with further studies with larger sample size and robust research design.
An epidemiological study on quality of life among elderly in an urban area of Thirumazhisai, Tamilnadu
Authors: Parsuraman Gomathy , Vijayakumar Pooja , Anantha Eashwar V.M. , Dutta Ruma , Mohan Yogesh , Jain Timsi , Kumar Dinesh , Chandru Nisha , Sivakumar Krithiga
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

One of the most important indicators of health and well being of the elderly is the quality of life they live in. Owing to the rise in elderly population due to the demographic transition, there is growing need to address the health concerns of this population.

Aims:

The study was undertaken to find out the Quality of Life among the elderly and the associated factors.

Methodology:

This is a descriptive cross sectional study done in urban area of Thiruvallur district Tamil Nadu. To arrive at the required sample of 199, elderly people above 60 years were selected by probability proportionate to size sampling. Semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection regarding sociodemographic details and related factors. Katz scale was used to assess activities of daily living and Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using WHO quality of life BREF (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire.

Results:

Moderate score in QOL was obtained in all the 4 domains with highest in Psychological and environmental domains. Nearly 99% of had full activity in Katz scale. All the three QOL domains were found to have statistical significant association with age and education. Gender and marital status were found to be associated with psychological domain, and employment/pensioner status with physical domain.

Conclusion:

Measures like Health education have to be targeted for the elderly in ways to improve their physical and psychological wellbeing which can imporove the quality of life they live in. Primary care and family physicians have to be made aware and empowered to identify the various domains of QOL in elderly and to identify in which domain the person needs to take care the most.
What necessitates obstetric transfers? Experience from a secondary care hospital in India
Authors: Mathew Asha Elizabeth , Cherian Anne George , Marcus Tobey Ann , Marconi Sam , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Prasad Jasmine Helan
Published: July 2021

Background:

India attributes to about 15% of the maternal mortality globally. Many a time poor maternal and neonatal outcomes occur unanticipated during intrapartum and postpartum period. An efficient referral system identifies the indications necessitating prompt referrals besides ensuring patient friendliness and continuity of care.

Methodology:

The descriptive, retrospective study was done in a secondary care hospital of a teaching institution in South India, run by primary care physicians, obstetricians and pediatricians. It describes the referrals from labour room in a year, identifying the referral rate, indications, maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results:

The referral rate was found to be 3 per cent. The most common indication for the referrals was hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (54.5 percent). Among the women referred, there were no maternal deaths and majority had uncomplicated postpartum period. Eleven women developed postpartum hemorrhage. Neonatal outcome reflected a good trend as 83 per cent had an uneventful hospital stay. There were eight early neonatal deaths.

Conclusion:

The hospital could reduce the referral load to its tertiary care due to adequate training of primary care post graduates in basic obstetrics and anaesthesia skills, establishing standardized referral protocol and monitoring with regular clinical audits. Patient experience could be improved with inter referral unit communication and linking the health information system.
Medical students’ awareness of Personal Digital Assistant Devices’ impact on their health
Authors: Altwaijri Waleed , Almunyif Raghad Mansour , Alotaibi Ghayda Hatem , Alowais Lama Abdullah , Wasim Saba , Alyabsi Mesnad
Published: July 2021

Aims:

1. To evaluate medical students’ awareness of personal digital assistant devices impacts on their overall health. 2. To estimate medical students’ hours on digital devices. 3. To determine the most common effect of personal digital assistant devices on medical student health.

Settings and Method:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the college of medicine of a in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The participants were medical students, and a questionnaire consists of 3 sections was used. A sample of 289 medical students participated in the study. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to analyze the relationship between the knowledge score and the year of study.

Statistical Analysis used and Results:

The research included medical students whose ages ranged from 19 to 25 years with a median (IQR) of 22.00 (21.00–23.00). Approximately, 56% of the participants were males, and the majority of the students were from year 3. The average hours spent daily while using PDA for studying was 5 hours with SD 2.7. 167 (58%) of the students reported that studying using PDAs has affected their life. The most experienced effects reported was dry eyes and vision problems 53 (54%).

Conclusions:

The current study revealed that the majority of medical students have adequate knowledge of PDAs’ effects on their health despite their continuous use. More attention should be paid to reduce the effects on their health by raising campaigns to increase the awareness of all the students and the community.
Profile of donors and corneal tissue obtained through hospital cornea retrieval programme in a recently established eye bank of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Eastern India
Authors: Sinha Sony , Sinha Ranjeet K. , Nishant Prateek
Published: July 2021

Context:

There is a global need for quality eye banking practices and sensitization of primary care physicians toward corneal donation.

Aims:

To evaluate performance of a recently established eye bank (EB) and quality of corneas obtained, and identify areas of improvement during procurement and utilization of donor corneas.

Settings and Design:

This retrospective observational study is based on records of corneas collected through hospital cornea retrieval programme (HRCP) in the EB of a tertiary care institution during the first 2 years of its establishment.

Methods and Material:

Data on demographic characteristics of donors, death-preservation interval, specular microscopy parameters of corneas, indications for utilization, and reasons for non-utilization of corneas were collected.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Means, standard deviation, range, frequencies, and proportions were analyzed. Spearman's correlation coefficient and Kruskal–Wallis test were applied taking P < 0.05 as significant.

Results:

The EB retrieved 54 corneas from 27 donors with mean age 42.3 ± 24.2 years. All tissues were preserved in Cornisol®. Majority (50%) of transplantable tissues had an endothelial cell density (ECD) between 2,000 and 2,500 cells/mm2. ECD decreased significantly with increasing age (Spearman's ρ -0.747, P < 0.001; Kruskal–Wallis P < 0.001). Overall utilization rate of tissues was 87.04% (47/54), and utilizable corneas (50/54, 92.6%) were mainly used for optical purposes (34/50, 68%).

Conclusions:

Successful HCRP of the recently established EB has shown considerable promise in terms of quality and utilisation of corneas. There is need for active involvement of primary care physicians in contributing to increasing voluntary eye donation through awareness, advocacy, and social mobilization.
Observational study on the response of tenofovir monotherapy versus tenofovir plus telbivudine dual therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus related acute on chronic liver failure
Authors: Manik Abul H , Malakar Debraj , Noor-E-Alam Sheikh M , Mahtab Mamun A , Das Dulal C , Mamun Ayub A , Khan Sakirul , Akbar Mohammad Fazle , Rahman Zakiur , Rahman Salimur
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

HBV is major health problem globally due to complications, including ACLF, cirrhosis and hepa¬tocellular carcinoma. ACLF due to exacerbation of CHB is associate with 30%-70% mortality. Reduction of HBV-DNA is therefore a target of therapy in ACLF-B.

Methods:

Patients with spontaneous reactivation of HBV [(ALT >5×ULN or >2× baseline) and HBV-DNA >20,000 IU/ml] were randomized to Tenofovir mono therapy (300 mg/day) or Tenofovir plus Telbivudine (600 mg/day) dual therapy with standard care. Clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 1 week, 4 weeks and at 3 months. Virological evaluation was done at baseline and at 3 months. Primary end points were reduction of HBV-DNA and resolution of ascites, as applied. Secondary end point was reduction of liver related complications, therapy related adverse effects and survival at 3 months.

Results:

27 patients were enrolled. 15 received mono therapy with Tenofovir and 12 received dual therapy (Tenofovir plus Telbivudine). Baseline parameters in 2 groups had no significant difference. In both groups there was significant improvement of S. bilirubin, ALT, INR, CTP score and MELD score. Only MELD score showed significant improvement in patient with dual therapy at 3 months in comparison to mono therapy. 11 patients on Tenofovir mono therapy (n=15) showed undetected HBV-DNA (91.7%) at 3 months and one patient had detectable HBV-DNA (<2,000 IU/ml). 10 patients on dual therapy (n=12) had undetectable HBV-DNA (100%). Ascites resolved in 3 patients in both groups. Patients receiving dual therapy showed significant improvement in AKI on follow up compared to those on Tenofovir mono therapy. Among 5 deaths, 3 received mono therapy with Tenofovir and 2 dual therapy. Predictors of mortality had high S. bilirubin, HBV-DNA, MELD score and CTP score.

Conclusion:

In spontaneous reactivation of HBV presenting as ACLF, combination of Telbivudine plus Tenofovir is safer with less nephrotoxicity and better outcomes.
Is it time to consider shreds of epidemiological and environmental evidence associated with high transmission of COVID-19?
Authors: Kant Ravi , Yadav Poonam , Kishore Surekha , Bairwa Mukesh , Singh Mahendra
Published: July 2021

Novel coronavirus named COVID-19 that emerged in late December from Wuhan affected almost the entire globe. Recent studies provided new insight into the high transmission of the disease. This review explores the current evidence of epidemiological and environmental factors associated with high transmission of COVID-19. Even transmission and symptoms found among cats, dogs, ferrets, and tiger suggested low species barrier of the virus. The airborne transmission was found even up to 4 m, and fecal transmission with virus particles and RNA in sewage and wastewater suggests rethinking containment strategies. However, temperature, humidity, and pollution were also associated with transmission and mortality trends of COVID-19. To better mitigate and contain the current pandemic, it is a need of hours to consider the recent shreds of evidence to prevent further spread and require detailed investigations of these evidences by extensive epidemiological and meteorological studies.
How informed is the informed consent?
Authors: Vikas H , Kini Ananth , Sharma Nishant , Gowda Naveen R. , Gupta Anant
Published: July 2021

Background:

Informed consent is a cornerstone of the ethics of modern medical care. In an ideal world, informed consent is a process of education – a conversation between a surgeon and a patient or family that allows the patient or family to make the best possible decision regarding care.

Objective:

The study was conducted with objectives of assessing information given to the patient before taking consent for surgery and determining the compliance to various contents of the consent forms.

Material and Methods:

This was a prospective study over a period of 12 weeks in wards of various surgical departments of a 1000+ bedded tertiary care hospital. Patient interviews were conducted to assess their level of information and the consent forms were reviewed to assess the compliance.

Observations:

The overall level of information r4egarding various aspects among the participants was 75.14%. The level of information varied statistically with age, literacy level, annual income and the type of surgery. All the patients (100%) stated that they were informed about the current clinical condition/ problem, while only 34% were informed about risk and 26% about the alternative options. All the forms (100%) had a statement regarding the explanation of procedure to the patient/ guardian and none of the forms (0%) contained names of all practitioners performing the procedure.

Conclusion:

There is need to create awareness among doctors and also to educate patients regarding the importance of informed consent.
Awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward venous thromboembolism among Aseer Population, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Bshabshe Ali , Mousa Wesam Faried , Alshehri Mohammed Sultan , Saeed Alshahrani Mazen Mohammed , Alamri Omar Mohammed , Alshehri Fayez Saeed , AlFlan Mohammed Ali , Alshehri Afnan Sultan
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

Calls to carry efforts to increase awareness about venous thromboembolism (VTE) as a preventable major healthcare problem with serious consequences has been upraised. This study was planned to get an overview of the awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward VTE among Aseer population, Saudi Arabia and the need for an education plan.

Materials and Methods:

Questionnaire composed of 35 questions based cross-sectional study was conducted online via Google documents to public in Aseer that included both genders aged more than 18 years who agreed to be involved in the study, to assess knowledge and attitude toward VTE. The collected data were presented as numbers, percentages, and were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.

Results:

The results of the data showed that awareness knowledge and attitude toward VTE were lacking and unsatisfactory.

Conclusion:

Diligence to spread knowledge and awareness of VTE among public in Aseer is required. Further surveys involving other populations are warranted.
Sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of substance abuse among street children
Authors: Basu Gandhari , Biswas Saumyadeep , Pisudde Pravin , Mondal Reshmi
Published: July 2021

Context:

India is now witnessing steady increase of substance abuse in younger age group. Street life is a major reason in addition to curiosity, unawareness of harm, migration, peer pressure.

Aims:

To assess the prevalence, pattern and related factors of substance use and stress among the street living children.

Settings and Design:

This street-based observational, cross sectional survey included 150 street children living in vicinity of railway stations, business activity centre and major religious places of Kolkata.

Methods and Material:

A descriptive research was done in 150 street children, aged 6 to 18 years and stayed in the street for at least six months. Respondents and care givers were interviewed with pre designed proforma to obtain information on socio demographic attributes, pattern of substance abuse, psycho social issues, self rated health. Weight and height were recorded by calibrated standardized instrument.

Statistical analysis used:

Collected data were analyzed with SPSS 22.0(licensed). Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was done for normally distributed, skewed and categorical variables respectively. The significance level was set at 5%.

Results:

Two-thirds of participants used substance. Illiteracy was significantly more in females. Perceived positive benefit was commonest reason while feeling happiness and diminished pain was the most common expectation behind substance abuse. Peer group had the biggest influence (92.0%) on their life. Substance abuse was significantly more in males, adolescents, employed, without family attachment, adult as influencer and in those who lived on street without family.

Conclusions:

Higher prevalence of substance abuse among males, adolescents with adult influencer, employed and without family attachment highlighted the urgent need of intervention to see a better future.
A descriptive study of the clinical and etiological profile of balanoposthitis
Authors: Jegadish N. , Fernandes S. D , Narasimhan Murali , Ramachandran R
Published: July 2021

Background:

Balanoposthitis is defined as an inflammatory condition of glans penis and prepuce. There are wide variety of etiologies including both infectious and noninfectious conditions. This study attempts to throw light on information regarding clinical and microbiological aspects of balanoposthitis.

Objectives:

To study various clinical patterns, etiologies, and predisposing factors of balanoposthitis.

Methodology:

A descriptive study was undertaken on 106 cases who presented to sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic with balanoposthitis between November 2017 and April 2019. A detailed history, physical examination, and investigations like KOH mount, leishman staining, gram staining, dark field microscopy, cultures, and other investigations were done wherever indicated. The data collected was tabulated and analyzed.

Results:

In our study, infectious etiology was the most common and was found in 77.36% cases. About 13.41% of cases with infectious balanoposthitis had multiple etiological agents. Noninfectious etiology was found in 22.64% cases. The most common infectious cause of balanoposthitis was candida, noted in 59.76% cases, followed by herpes simplex virus (19.51%), human papilloma virus (13.41%), and scabies (8.54%). Among noninfectious etiologies, adverse drug reaction (4.72% of total cases) was the most common, followed by lichen planus (3.77%) and psoriasis (3.77%). There was significantly higher incidence of phimosis in diabetic patients with candidal balanoposthitis.

Conclusion:

Identifying the etiology facilitates early treatment and hence reduces the infectivity and transmission of disease and also the disease complications like phimosis. In addition, multiple infectious etiologies should always be kept in mind while evaluating STDs.
Prevalence, knowledge, and perception about the use of herbal medicines jazan - Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdelmola Amani Osman , Bahri Ahmed , Abuallut Ismail , Refaei Basmah A. , Hakami Walaa K. , Abutaleb Alhanouf K. , Mahzari Salwa M. , Mashragi Mariam A. , Es’haq Shahad A. , Aldarbi Khadijah F.
Published: July 2021

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, knowledge and perception of Jazan province residents about traditional herbal medication.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done on 440 Saudi residents using an electronically distributed questionnaire. The questionnaire included 39 items divided into 4 parts. Data collected were about demographic characters, knowledge and perception about HM, and HM usage among participants.

Results:

Most of the participants used HM for therapeutic purposes (80.9%) and (29.5%) believed that mixing herbs together led to more effective results. The participants agreed to a very high degree that inherited culture plays an important role in HM use, however (84.5%) of them never used herbs. The participants used herbs mostly for treatment of diabetes mellitus representing (37%) and hypertension (20.5%). Age, marital status, and the job of participants had a statistically significant effect on participants’ views about HM. While, gender, educational level, income, place of residence and chronic diseases had no statistically significant effect.

Conclusion:

The highest percentage of the participants used HM for therapeutic purposes. Increasing awareness of Saudi population about instructions and restrictions when using HM is greatly needed.
Paradigm Shift in Socio-Demographic Profile of Dengue Infection
Authors: Nayak Ranjeeta , Panda Manasi , Padhy Sarmistha , Mishra Kumar G.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito borne viral disease in the world with increasing geographical expansion to new countries and from urban to rural settings due to combination of urbanisation, population growth, increased international travel and trade and global warming. The epidemiology of dengue fever in India has been very complex with a seasonal pattern. The first outbreak in Odisha was in 2010 and is now spreading to different districts of the state.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out between 2017 to 2018 in the dengue ward of a teaching hospital in Berhampur, Ganjam district of Odisha.

Results:

The prevalence of admitted dengue patients was 4.32%. Majority of the patients were males (81.9%) and ≥15 years old (91.7%). About 68.5% were from rural areas and belonged to low socio-economic status (53.2%). Cases were reported mostly in peri-monsoon periods and 65.7% of them came directly to the hospital.

Conclusion:

The study highlights the need to curb the rural spread of the disease through activities in creating awareness among all section of people to promote control measures and early reporting of all fever cases, capacity building of rural doctors for early detection, treatment and early referral of high-risk patients and availability of ELISA based tests in sub-district hospitals along with Rapid Diagnostic Kits (RDKs). Emphasis for preventive and control measures to be increased during peri-monsoon periods and also to be instituted in offices, educational institutes and other indoor activity areas.