bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of melatonin on bone: a case control study
Authors: Sadadiwala Mehul H. , Sadadiwala Ashna
Published: July 2022

Background: There is a stereotypical notion of estrogen being the most relevant parameter for bone health in post-menopausal females, but apart from estrogen; advances in research have presented ample evidence that melatonin may also play a critical role in bone health outcomes.Methods: Our study consisted of 48 post-menopausal females, 24 subjects in the case group and 24 in control groups, to study the differences of certain parameters existing between the two. Serum Melatonin was calculated using ELISA test and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) was evaluated using a portable Ultrasound Bone Densitometer Testing Machine.Results: A strong Positive Pearson correlation exists between BMD and serum melatonin levels. Pearson correlation coefficient value (r) of 0.96 and 0.95 for the Control and Osteopenic group respectively. Linear regression for control group is (r2) 0.92. Linear regression for osteopenic group is (r2) 0.90.Conclusions: The results of our study exhibited strong interdependence between the serum melatonin levels and their effects on BMD. Osteopenic subjects who had a lower BMD were also found to have relatively lower levels of serum melatonin. Aligning with the results, similarly control group with normal BMD was found to have relatively higher level of serum melatonin.
Role of galectin 3 and thyroid peroxidase as diagnostic tool in thyroid carcinoma with clinicopathological correlation: a cohort study of 94 cases
Authors: Verma Nidhi , Singh Neha , Gupta Priya , Singh Preeti , Sagar Harish Kumar
Published: July 2022

Background: Thyroid neoplasms constitute the most commonly occurring endocrine tumors worldwide. With ultrasonography, detection has been increased up to 30%. Thyroid neoplasms have a wide spectrum of clinical behaviour and varied therapeutic responsiveness. Thus, early diagnosis of thyroid tumors and appropriate management will prolong the survival rate of patients. So, this study focuses on thyroid tumors which have overlapping morphological features and exact diagnosis is essential for surgical and post- operative management of patients. The aim and objective of the study was to determine the role of Galectin 3 and Thyroid Peroxidase in malignant tumors of thyroid as diagnostic marker.Methods: We evaluated the patients for detailed history, physical examination, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and biopsy or excision of thyroid gland and subsequently histological examination and Immunohistochemistry for galectin 3 and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO).Results: A total of 94 cases were enrolled in the study. Out of these 94 cases, 70 cases (74%) were followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Out of 70 cases, benign were 44 (63%) and malignant were 26 (37%). Among benign cases, most common were colloid goitre, 22 cases (31%). Among malignant cases, most common were papillary carcinoma, 15 cases (21%). For all thyroid carcinoma, both Galectin 3 and TPO showed sensitivity of 81% when used alone. However combination of galectin 3 and TPO increased the sensitivity up to 92%.Conclusions: Galectin 3 and TPO alone has high sensitivity for all thyroid carcinoma but sensitivity was markedly increased when combination of the two markers were used.
Quality of life in adult patients with post-surgical oncological problems to an abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Valdez Hamilton Miranda , Miranda Torres Diana Cecilia , Gonzalez Luis Pablo Milla , Dávila Jessica Esmeralda Medina , Salgado Fernando Bahena
Published: July 2022

Abdominoperineal Resection is a method which has been used as the gold standard for the curative treatment of distal rectal cancer.  Because it is classified as a radical and invasive surgery, we have considered the importance of assessing the long-term quality of life in patients which is its best alternative, in turn the degree of psychological impact for which patients could study. Among the factors that could contribute to the performance of the procedure are: that they are in a high-advanced stage, male sex, narrow pelvis, advanced age, and the alteration of the function of the preoperative sphincter to avoid postoperative incontinence. It is important to mention that unfortunately some of these risk factors are independent of a mto the post-surgical oncological prognosis. Incontinence, genitourinary function, pain,dysfunction xual, unpleasant odor and leaks, selflimitations in social activities and even repercussions on body image, reaching depressive symptoms and varying levels of anxiety, andthese complications are what we focus on because it represents aserious problem in the quality of life of the patient undergoing abdominoperineal resection.
The effectiveness of acupressure therapy on anxiety: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Wang Stephanie Y. , Morse Zac
Published: July 2022

Background: Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and are considered the most common psychiatric condition globally. Acupressure is a non-invasive alternative to acupuncture and has demonstrated effectiveness in managing psychosomatic disorders. However, due to high disparities within existing clinical research, it is difficult to recommend the optimum acupressure practice for anxiety management. This manuscript details the protocol for scoping the available evidence, mapping key concepts, and identifying gaps for future research.

Methods: This protocol is designed following the preferred reporting items for systemic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the Joanna Briggs institute (JBI) manual for evidence synthesis guidelines. Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, PsycINFO, dentistry and oral science source, and Scopus) and two other search engines (Google and Google Scholar) will be searched for all relevant primary and secondary studies, grey literature, and other sources concerning the type of acupressure interventions and the effectiveness of acupressure on anxiety. The sources retrieved will be independently assessed by two reviewers utilising the eligibility criteria defined by the population concept and context (PCC) framework. A PRISMA-ScR flowchart will be applied to track the number of identified, included, and excluded sources. Extracted data and variables will be presented in a data extraction table. Narrative explanations will accompany the synthesised results.

Conclusions: The review’s findings can assist in identifying priorities for future research and provide recommendations for optimal protocols for clinical implementation.
Safety and effectiveness of fixed dose combination of amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide (Libotryp® and Libotryp-DS®) in the management of depression with co-morbid anxiety: protocol and design of a prospective, single arm, multi-centric, PMS study
Authors: Muchhala Snehal , Bhagat Seema , Rathod Rahul , Mane Amey , Kotak Bhavesh
Published: July 2022

Background: Depression and anxiety are most disabling psychiatric conditions and add significantly to global health-related burden. Lifetime prevalence of major depression and anxiety disorders are very common and many times they can co-exist in the same time frame. The outcomes are poorer in such situations and compliance to medication is key to improve prognosis. A combination of tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepine is more practical in terms of compliance, and advantageous than that of a single class of drugs for the management of depression with co-morbid anxiety. This study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a fixed dose combination of amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide as a part of post marketing surveillance.

Methods: This is a prospective, single-arm, multi-centre, study which enrols patients who have been initiated with FDC of amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide (Libotryp®: amitriptyline 12.5 mg and chlordiazepoxide 5 mg or libotryp-DS®: amitriptyline 25 mg and chlordiazepoxide 10 mg) tablets for the treatment of depression with co-morbid anxiety. A total of 375 patients will be enrolled and clinical assessments for safety will be done at follow up visits; assessments for effectiveness will be done using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS or HAM-D) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS or HAM-A).

Conclusions: This study will provide more evidence on safety and usefulness of FDC of amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide for the treatment of depression with co-morbid anxiety from Indian context.

Trial registration: Trial registration number is CTRI/2021/03/031971.
Provider satisfaction with the health information system based on the electronic health records in Burundi’s hospitals
Authors: Munezero Florence , Sossa Charles J. , Nyandwi Joseph , Bazira Leodegal
Published: July 2022

Background: The computerization of the health record is one of the means to improve the performance of the information system within the hospital and therefore improve the continuity and quality of care and services offered to the population. The objective of this work was to determine the factors associated with the satisfaction of providers with the hospital information system based on the electronic health record.Methods: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study carried out in 11 hospitals in Burundi. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 155 providers. The data analysis was done with STATA 15.Results: The majority were nurses (51%) followed by physicians (23%). Regarding satisfaction, 55.5% of the providers were satisfied with the new EHR-based system. Men were 2.21 times more satisfied with the use of the EHR than women (OR=2.21; CI95%: [1.09-4.46]). Providers who were trained by the project's computer scientists were 4.24 more satisfied than those who were trained by their colleagues (OR=4.24; CI95%: [1.47-12.23]) and 3.69 more satisfied than those who were trained by the hospital's computer scientists (OR = 3.69; CI95%: [1.25-10.89]). Similarly, the use of the software to generate reports and statistics was 2.27 times associated with provider satisfaction (OR=2.27; 95% CI: [1.14-4.49].Conclusions: The sustainability and success of the patient record computerization project depends on taking into account the expectations of the providers during the implementation.
Perception of home environment and its effect on the mental health of school-going adolescent girls of Lucknow: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Singh Shambhavee , Singh Shivendra K. , Manar Manish K. , Kar Sujita K. , Gupta Abhishek
Published: July 2022

Background: Home and family remains the primary social influence, an arena for fostering positive and negative influences in an adolescent’s life. The environment at home occupies a significant position. Objectives were to assess the perception of the home environment, level of anxiety and depression and to study the relationship between the two among school-going adolescent girls.Methods: School-going adolescent girls from two government schools of Lucknow were selected using a two-stage random sampling technique. A total of 200 participants were personally interviewed for their socio-demographic details, perception of the home environment and screened symptoms of anxiety and depression.Results: Of all the school-going adolescent girls who screened positive for anxiety and depression symptoms, 7.4-27.1% had severe anxiety, while 0-8.9% had major depression; severe severity, across classes 9th to 12th. Those for whom it was not easy to discuss problems with parents (AOR=3.65, p=0.009) and who perceived unnecessary restrictions (AOR=2.83, p=0.048) were at a greater risk of developing anxiety. While those, for whom it was not easy to discuss problems with parents were at 2.83 times greater risk of developing depression (p=0.048).Conclusions: The majority of school-going adolescent girls showed symptoms of anxiety or depression. Therefore, adolescents must be screened for poor mental health from time to time and those at high risk must be identified. Parents must be more involved and made aware of the issues leading to poor mental health of adolescents.
Impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular diseases: experience at a teaching hospital from rural Telangana
Authors: Jain Archana Santosh , Khedkar Swaralee , Jang Madhavi
Published: July 2022

Background: COVID-19 is drastically affecting the health of millions of people globally. Further, the restrictions imposed during lockdowns to curtail the spread of COVID-19 have also shown impact on the economy, psychology and lifestyle of the people. Currently, little is known about the prevalence and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in coronary heart diseases in rural India. The present study aimed to find the effect of COVID-19 and lockdown on the prevalence of coronary heart diseases in rural Telangana.Methods: The present retrospective study was carried on 197 medical reports of cardiac inpatients who visited RVM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Siddipet, Telangana during the period 17th January 2020 to 6th August 2020. The data obtained was analyzed by descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.0.Results: Admission of patients with STEMI (53.6% prelockdown; 26% lockdown period; 36.4% post lockdown) and arrhythmia (7.3% prelockdown; 1.3% post lockdown) decreased while there was a significant increase in hospitalization of myopericarditis patients (1% pre lockdown vs. 10.5% lock down, 9.2% post lockdown) after the initiation of lockdown period. Further, STEMI (mean age 42.07±15.06) and myopericarditis (mean age 30.8±9.02 years) was commonly seen in younger age group patients less than 45 years after the initiation of lockdown period. The mortality rate was 6.6% (n=13) in the total study period of which 57.5% (n=7) deaths were due to myocardial infarction. 63.6% of the cardiac patients tested by RT-PCR were found to be positive for COVID-19.Conclusions: The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases varied with lockdown periods. Young adults in rural Telangana were also affected by COVID-19 and lockdown.
Association between multimorbidity and quality of life among older adults in community-dwelling of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: . Himanshu , Arokiasamy P. , Selvamani Y.
Published: July 2022

Background: Increasing longevity with the coexistence of chronic multimorbidity makes the elderly population vulnerable to functional limitation, disability and more frequent hospitalization, resulting deterioration in the quality of life (QoL). The present study examines the association between chronic multimorbidity and QoL among the older population in Varanasi, India.Methods: A cross-sectional data of 500 individuals in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh, India aged 50+ years were collected using a multistage simple random sampling procedure from November 2017 to May 2018. Multimorbidity variable was generated using eight self-reported chronic conditions. WHOQOL-BREF was utilised to assess the QoL of the study participants. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess the mean QoL score pattern, whereas multivariate linear regression analysis examines the association between multimorbidity and QoL.Results: The mean age of respondents was 64 [±10.7] years, and 49% were female. Eighteen percent of study participants had multimorbidity (2+). The mean QoL score was 70, which decreased with age and was found higher among males (73). Multivariable regression analysis shows that demographic and lifestyle risk factors are significantly associated with QoL.  Elderly with multimorbidity (β=-4.42; 95% CI=-7.18: -1.66) and physical inactivity (β=-4.65; 95% CI=-6.9: -2.3) was significantly associated with reduced QoL.Conclusions: Multimorbidity along with demographic and lifestyle factors are significantly associated with QoL. Healthcare programmes need to focus multimorbidity while promoting healthy and risk-free lifestyle to control modifiable risk factors. For their day-to-day needs, government assistance is necessary for the most economically dependent older population.
The efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant for branch retinal vein occlusion related macular edema
Authors: Pandey Latika , Phogat Jitender , Dahiya Monika , Verma Ritesh , P. Arjun , Dhull V. K.
Published: July 2022

Background: To study the efficacy of intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implant on central macular thickness in patients with BRVO.Methods: A prospective, longitudinal and interventional study was conducted on 30 patients of BRVO presenting to our OPD over a period of one year. Thorough history and detailed ocular examination was done. All cases included in this study received intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implant and were followed up at the first, third and sixth month post-injection to record any change in BCVA, CMT and IOP.Results: In this study, the mean age of patients was 60.67±7.02 years with a M:F ratio of 1:2. Maximum patients (46.6%) were of 61-70 years age group. A significant change from baseline was observed in BCVA and CMT at 1, 3 and 6 months post injection. BCVA significantly improved at 6th month (0.46±0.20 log MAR) compared to the mean BCVA at 3rd month (0.39±0.15 log MAR) (p<0.001). At the 6th month follow up, the mean CMT (338.33±77.91 µm) (p<0.001) was significantly lower compared to the baseline value (536.23±114.56 µm) (p<0.001) but got significantly increased compared to the mean CMT at third month (p<0.001). IOP values were significantly higher at 1 month (p<0.001) and 3 months (p<0.001) compared to the baseline value.  Conclusions: Dexamethasone implant 0.7 mg is beneficial in the improvement of BCVA and treatment of macular edema due to BRVO. However, any beneficial effect on visual acuity and macular edema on OCT seen initially, starts weaning off after 3 months.
Acceptance and knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine in southern Kerala during first vaccination drive
Authors: Raju Christin V. , Joseph Hannah , Roy Layana , Mathew Seara M. , S. Jayakumar K. , James Roshiny Thankam
Published: July 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected most the countries causing a devastating influence on world health and economics since its appearance. The accelerated development of the COVID-19 vaccine has become vital, and early data suggests that it is both, safe and efficacious. However, the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine depends on several socio-demographic characteristics as well as people’s knowledge and misconceptions.Methods: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the southern districts of Kerala during the first vaccination drive. This is a cross-sectional study conducted by analyzing the data collected through a self-administered questionnaire that was shared online and directly across southern Kerala from January 2021 to June 2021. The survey questionnaire consisted of demographic characteristics of the respondents and queries pertaining to knowledge and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.Results: The results of the study showed that the respondents showed a good level of knowledge and acceptance. This study highlights that 83.6% of the participants in South Kerala have demonstrated their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Conclusions: Findings from this study could help governments, public health agencies, and awareness-raising organizations to address immunization hesitation and improve uptake of COVID-19 vaccines.
Oral health practices among 10-15 years of government school children in Chengalpattu district, India: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: K. Indrapriyadharshini , S. Vishnu Prasad , J. Mahesh , V. Magdaline Joshey , P. Monika , S. Nikitha
Published: July 2022

Background: Oral health is a fundamental part of the general health and well-being of an individual. Oral hygiene refers to the practice of maintaining a clean oral cavity to prevent dental problems like dental cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Aim was to assess oral health practices among 10-15 years of government school children in Chengalpattu district, India.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1500 government school children aged 10-15 years based on the guidelines of the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology. Each child was asked about the dental hygiene practices.Results: The study population was composed of 545 (36.3%) participants who belonged to the 10-12-year-old category and 955 (63.7%) belonged to the 13-15 years category. While assessing the oral hygiene practices of the children, 86.1% of children used toothbrush and toothpaste as oral hygiene aids. In our study more than half of the students 59% reported that they brush only in the morning that 32.8% of children felt stinky sometimes in their oral cavity. Only around 28.5% had used the service of a dentist during the last 6 months and about 12.8% in the last 1 year.Conclusions: The study results concluded that oral hygiene practices were enhanced among male children when compared to female children and showed a positive attitude in preserving appropriate oral health.
Influencing factors for the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) exposed in environmental matrices and disinfection methods: systematic review
Authors: Yu Chaw Chaw , Hlaing Thein , Tun Kyaw Myo
Published: July 2022

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has been pestilential over a considerable duration, global deployment and financial crisis could not be reversed as before. It brought up essentials to allow the nations back to work with effective preventive measures. This review intended to evaluate the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) exposed in the environmental matrices, influencing factors on the virus persistence and disinfection methods. Applying the PRISMA 2009 tool, MEDLINE/PubMed, HINARI, and Google Scholar were primarily explored. Data were extracted, entered into the modified data extraction forms and analysed narratively. Quality appraisal was done by the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. The findings were presented descriptively. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 was revealed <4 hours on aluminium, 4 hours on copper, 24 hours on cardboard, 44 hours on glass, 48 hours on stainless steel, 72 hours on plastic, 92 hours on polystyrene plastic, 1.1-1.2 hours in the air, 7 days (higher titer) to 3 days (lower titer) in wastewater. Virus decaying was noted 5-10 times faster at 27°C than at 10°C and 2-5 times faster with 65% relative humidity (RH) than with 40% and 100% RH. Virus infectivity was reduced by far-UVC (222 nm) light for 90% (8 minutes), 95% (11 minutes), 99% (16 minutes) and 99.99% (25 minutes). Sodium hypochlorite (800 g/m3) and ammonium-based detergents were remarkably effective for preliminary disinfection. This review identified the duration of SARS-CoV-2 survival in environmental matrices for both healthcare and non-healthcare settings. The study explored the impacts of environmental factors on the virus and effective disinfection methods to be considered accordingly to the findings.
Role of dental health professional in tobacco cessation: a review
Authors: Gurung Deepak , Bhardwaj Vinay K. , Fotedar Shailee , Thakur Arun S.
Published: July 2022

Dental health professionals are large untapped resource, still have not been utilized to its full capacity. Even brief chair side-based interventions can come a long way in motivating and assisting tobacco users to quit. Many studies have highlighted the potential barriers in utilization of dental health professional to their full potential and capacities in tobacco cessation. Continuous repeated emphasis on incorporation of tobacco cessation training at the undergraduate level and after completion of dental degree is important. Much has been focused in the first three of 5A’s in the previous years. Step are needed to prioritize tobacco cessation activities focusing in last two (assists and arrange) of 5A’s in the coming years to come. The present study tries to understand the role of dental health professional and their contribution in controlling this global tobacco use problem. Understanding the multifaceted approaches to tobacco cessation by the dental health professionals so as to achieve higher “quit” rates and delivering of comprehensive counseling.
Implementation of “health promoting educational institute” strategies in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India: challenges, opportunities and the way forward
Authors: Chauhan Gopal , Thakur Vishal
Published: July 2022

Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health. Schools and other educational institutes can play a vital role in inculcating health promoting behaviour at early stage of life for sustainable health and well-being. A health promoting school is one that constantly strengthens its capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning and working through multi stakeholder engagements. Health Department has a key role in developing strategies and building partnerships for health promotion at school level. Keeping in view these facts, the department of health and education developed the protocol and implementation plan for certification of educational institute as “health promoting educational institute” in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The World Health Organization (WHO) protocol for health promoting schools (HPS) has been adopted with some state specific modifications which came into force from 6th November 2020 through a notification by the state government. However, the process of certification got delayed due to the COVID pandemic and closure of the schools. The institutional ethics committee (IEC) activities and capacity building measures were strengthened and Government Senior Secondary School Mahunag in district Mandi with strength of 120 students from 6-12th class was certified as the first health promoting educational institute in the state on 18th December 2021. The purpose of this study is to discuss the process for certification of health promoting educational institute in the state of Himachal Pradesh so that the strategy can be replicated in similar settings.
Role of hemithyroid preservation in total laryngectomy for laryngeal/hypopharyngeal malignancy
Authors: Premachandran Architha Menon , Ramaswamy Balakrishnan , Devaraja K. , Pujary Kailesh , Nayak Dipak Ranjan
Published: July 2022

Background: Thyroid gland invasion in advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal malignancy is not uncommon. The preservation of the contralateral lobe of thyroid and associated parathyroid glands with its blood supply, in suitable patients, can be beneficial in reducing the incidence of both hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. The aim of the study was to assess the functionality of the contralateral preserved hemi-thyroid gland with its parathyroid glands, during total laryngectomy with or without partial/total pharyngectomy (TL/TLP), with or without post-operative radiation therapy.

Methods: A retrospective study of patients with advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal malignancy who underwent TL/TLP with contralateral hemi-thyroid and parathyroid gland preservation, between January 2012 and May 2019 were included in this study. Pre-operative thyroid/parathyroid function was assessed by estimation of blood levels of T3, T4, TSH and calcium. The same were evaluated at 1week and 6 weeks following surgery and 4 weeks following radiotherapy.  

Results: 72.7% patients developed hypothyroidism and only 22.7% developed hypocalcemia following surgery alone at the end of 6 weeks post-surgery. 60% developed hypothyroidism and 10% had hypocalcemia in the group of patients who underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy.

Conclusions: Preservation of contralateral hemi-thyroid with parathyroid glands, significantly reduces the incidence of hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing TL/TLP. Though incidence of hypothyroidism in such cases is still high, reduced dose of thyroid hormone supplementation was achieved. Post-operative radiotherapy did not significantly alter the thyroid and parathyroid function in such cases.

 
A rare case of primary carcinoma of gallbladder as a cause of Krukenberg tumors in both ovaries
Authors: Dubey Roopak , Sen Kamal Kumar , Mishra Aparajita
Published: July 2022

Gallbladder cancer is frequently transmitted to the liver and other gastrointestinal organs through direct extension. Ovarian metastases of biliary origin are quite uncommon.

We report a rare case having Krukenberg tumours in both ovaries, an uncommon metastatic location of biliary cancer. A thorough analysis of the proposed tactics was carried out after a thorough critical review. The final diagnosis was made using a combination of radiology, histology, and serum markers.

In the case of gallbladder cancer, the presence of a Krukenberg tumour should be examined.
Epidemiology, clinical profile, management and outcome in patients of post covid mucormycosis at a tertiary care center in eastern UP
Authors: Jhunjhunwala Aditi , Kumar Ram
Published: July 2022

The second wave of covid 19 in our country has seen rhino orbital cerebral mucormycosis reach an epidemic level. It is an opportunistic fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality.

This study aimed to determine the patient’s demographics, risk factors, symptoms and signs, treatment and the outcome at our tertiary care centre.

In this retrospective observational study the case records of 43 patients with biopsy/culture proven invasive rhino-orbital mucormycosis who were admitted in the post covid phase between May 2021 and July 2021 were reviewed.

: Mean age was 52.4 years with 65.11% of patients being male. 83.7% belonged to the rural background. 37 (86.05%) had history of diabetes while 25 (58.15%) used steroids and only 13 (30.23%) patients needed oxygen. Only 3 (6.97%) had RBS below 200mg/dl with 2 patient showing HbA1C level below 6.4. All patients had proptosis and ptosis while only 28 had chemosis and 26 had loss of vision. Chemosis showed significant association in our study with HbA1c with significant p value of 0.000126. and loss of vision showed a significant association with steroid use (p value 0.03) and oxygen requirement (p value 0.008). All the patients had involvement of orbit. Treatment included IV liposomal amphotericin B in all patients, Retrobulbar amphotericin B and endoscopic orbital debulking in. Significant improvement was seen in patients with stage >3b with Retrobulbar amphotericin B and orbital debulking.

Patients with rhino orbital mucormycosis can be managed with orbital debulking with perilesional, intralesional and Retrobulbar amphotericin B with IV amphotericin B and functional endoscopic sinus surgery to avoid distressing surgery like exenteration.
Comparative study of measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT) by ultra-sonic pachymetry (USP) VS non-contact pachymetry (NCP)
Authors: Puri Sanjeev Kumar , Prasad B B Narendra , Ikram Syeda Sadiya
Published: July 2022

This study aims to compare and measure the reliability, repeatability of USP and NCP (NIDEK NT530P) clinically.

It was a hospital-based comparative study conducted in the outpatient department of Ophthalmology, CCT measurements were taken by NCP (NIDEK NT530P) and USP.

This study done on 50 subjects, age group between 18-25 Years and it’s approved by IRB committee, subjects with emmetropia and low myopia only were included. Participants were subjected to comprehensive ophthalmic examination, Corneal thickness measurement taken with NCP(NIDEK NT530P) and USP. To eliminate the effect of diurnal variations on thickness all measurements were taken between 2 PM -6 PM.CCT measurements was first taken by NCP (Nidek NT530P) five readings were taken followed by USP. Eyes was anesthetized, and the probe placed perpendicularly on the cornea and the readings were observed in the display. The test was repeated five times and the mean values was calculated.

The results were well inside the normal range and there are no significant measurements obtained by these devices.
Ptosis in long standing VKC in young adults
Authors: Wani Ourfa Ashraf , Sajjad Sheikh
Published: July 2022

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an unusually severe sight-threatening allergic eye disease, occurring mainly in children. Children with VKC present with severe ocular symptoms, that is, severe eye itching and irritation, constant tearing, red eye, eye discharge, and photophobia. Though medically treated, some complications of the disease like ptosis may require surgical intervention, thus identifying the association of ptosis with VKC is of utmost importance. This study was done to see the relation between long-standing VKC and acquired ptosis in young adults.

This was a hospital based non-comparative, observational study, conducted in the department of Ophthalmology, SKIMS Medical College Hospital, and Srinagar from March 2020 to May 2022. 60 patients upto the age of 40 years with any form of VKC were included in the study. Ocular examination included visual acuity testing, slit lamp biomicroscopic examination to evaluate corneal and conjunctival involvement, proper history and evaluation of ptosis.

Mean age of cases was 16.23± 6.97. Out of 60 patients maximum were in the age group of 10-15 years (31.66%), followed by the age group of 15-20 years (21.66%). Out of total 60 cases 46(76.66%) were male and 14(23.33%) were female. Palpebral form of the disease was seen to be in most of the cases 53.33%, followed by mixed form of the disease in 28.33% and bulbar disease in 18.33% of the cases. Presence of acquired ptosis as a complication due to VKC was seen in 9(15%) patients. Out of these 9 patients 7 patients presented with unilateral ptosis and 2 patients presented with bilateral ptosis. Average duration of symptoms in these patients was 5.0±1.8 years, indicating that ptosis is a complication of long standing VKC. All these patients had palpebral or mixed form of VKC, none had bulbar form of the disease.

Our study revealed that prolonged severe VKC may induce a lower position of the upper eyelid and eventually lead to ptosis, which is a non-reversible complication of VKC and requires surgical correction. Thus better primary eye care for the management of VKC in children may prevent this complication.
Solitary infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma of lid- A case report and review of literature
Authors: Reghunadhan Iodine , Kurian Abraham , Nair Unnikrishnan
Published: July 2022

The infundibulocystic subtype of Basal cell Carcinoma (IBCC) is a rare entity. It was proposed as a new BCC variant and has been described as a sporadic lesion or as part of Multiple Hereditary Infundibulocysytic BCC(MHIBCC). IBCC in the lids associated with MHIBCC or basal cell naevus syndrome has been reported. However an isolated IBCC of lids has seldom been reported in ophthalmic literature. We report a rare case of solitary IBCC of lids.

We report a rare histopathological variant of the commonest lid malignancy, ie BCC.

Histopathology of excised lesion of a recuurent chalazion turned out to be IBCC, a rare variant to date reported only as part of MHIBCC.

The solitary IBCC, though yet to be reported in lids in ophthalmic literature does exist and ophthalmologists as well as pathologists should be aware of this entity and its less aggressive course.
Penetrating corneal fish hook injury: A case report
Authors: Ravi Aparna , Chandra Silni , Prabhu Padma B , Kotancheri Ranjini
Published: July 2022

Fishing is a popular recreational activity. Ocular penetrating fish hook injury is an unusual cause of ocular trauma and is often challenging in management. We are presenting a case report of a 29 year old male who came to our casualty with penetrating corneal injury due to a barbed fish hook while trying to catch fish. Fish hook was seen penetrating through the cornea and iris and the tip was not seen. We enlarged the wound and used foreign body forceps to separate the ocular tissues from the barb of the hook. Knowing the structure of fish hook and its relation to ocular tissues is important for successful removal of fish hook and for a good outcome.

1: The technique for removal of fish hook from eye depends on the relation of the hook to the ocular tissues; 2: Appropriate surgical intervention is necessary for a good outcome
Informe anual del Indice de Desarrollo de la Banda Ancha: brecha digital en América Latina y el Caribe: IDBA 2021
Authors: García Zaballos Antonio , Iglesias Rodriguez Enrique , Puig Gabarró Pau
Published: July 2022

Este informe describe y presenta los resultados del Indice de Desarrollo de la Banda Ancha (IDBA) en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC). El principal objetivo del IDBA es medir la brecha digital en ALC mediante la evaluación del desarrollo de la banda ancha en los 26 países prestatarios del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) y también en países adicionales de referencia de otras regiones (65 naciones en total). El BID tiene como misión ayudar al desarrollo de ALC y financiar los esfuerzos tendientes a reducir la pobreza y la desigualdad social en la región. El IDBA contribuirá a focalizar la financiación que el BID destina a proyectos que tienen entre sus objetivos el desarrollo de la banda ancha en una región o país. El IDBA es una potente herramienta que permite identificar la magnitud de la brecha digital mediante dos enfoques geográficos diferentes. En primer lugar, al comparar el estado de un país frente al clúster al que pertenece y, en segundo lugar, al compararlo con los países de la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE). Además el IDBA presenta comparaciones anuales, ya que se actualiza cada año. Este año se han realizado cambios en la metodología de cálculo del Indice debido al concepto dinámico de la banda ancha, la cual avanza junto con los cambios económicos y demográficos y también por las nuevas necesidades y preferencias de los usuarios. Como consecuencia, se buscan indicadores más adecuados para medir el desarrollo de la banda ancha en ALC y las brechas y desafíos del sector en comparación con otras regiones más avanzadas. En la actualidad el Indice está formado por 44 variables: 30 forman parte directa del mismo y 14 se consideran variables auxiliares. Las 30 variables que componen el IDBA se distribuyen en cuatro pilares: Políticas públicas y visión estratégica, Regulación estratégica, Infraestructuras, y Aplicaciones y capacitación. Como resultado, el IDBA proporciona una herramienta actualizada para la toma de decisiones, el desarrollo de políticas públicas y la elaboración de planes de acción concretos para la mejora de cada país, gracias a la identificación de debilidades y fortalezas de cada uno.
Propagation and Insurance in Village Networks
Authors: Kinnan Cynthia , Samphantharak Krislert , Townsend Robert , Vera-Cossio Diego A.
Published: July 2022

In village economies, small firm owners facing idiosyncratic shocks adjust production by cutting spending and reducing employment. Households with whom they trade inputs and labor scale back their own businesses and reduce consumption. As effects reverberate through local economies, the aggregate indirect adverse effects are larger than the direct effects. Propagation is more severe when transmitted through labor networks as opposed to material supply-chain networks, and goes beyond input-output/sectoral considerations as it varies with network position, closeness to a shocked household, and network density. Participation in gift-giving insurance networks mitigates direct and hence indirect effects. Supply chain and labor networks are fragile as the broken links are not easily replaced, leading to persistent damage. Social gains from better-targeted safety nets are substantially higher than private gains.
Women and Men at Work: Fertility, Occupational Choice and Development
Authors: Cavalcanti Tiago , Fernandes Leticia , Rachter Laísa , Santos Cezar
Published: July 2022

We investigate how changes in barriers to female labor force participation and in the child penalty affect occupational decisions, fertility and income. We build a general equilibrium model of occupational choice with men and women, human capital investment and fertility. We fit the model to the US and India. Changing gender barriers account for 31% of US growth between 1960 and 2010 (4.1% for India in 1983-2004). The implications of these barriers for the welfare of female workers with children were even larger, with lower child penalty alone increasing the welfare of this group by 7% in the US.
President Biden and Iran: assessing the prospects for returning to the JCPOA
Authors: Bobkin Nikolay
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes the positions of the United States and Iran in the negotiations on the renewal of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), assesses the most serious differences in the approaches of the parties, and suggests possible changes in the process of dialogue ongoing in Vienna with the participation of all countries that have signed a nuclear agreement with Tehran. Despite many controversial actions and statements coming from senior Iranian leaders, it seems that Tehran was ready for a quick return to the JCPOA, but Washington was unable to resume compliance with the terms of the original agreement. The scientific hypothesis of the author is that what is happening between Iran and the United States is a confrontation between two points of view. The United States ignores the norms of international law and tries to impose its policy in the interests of maintaining its hegemony in the world. Iran believes that the UN-approved JCPOA must be respected by all parties without exception. In the author's opinion, the Biden administration's hopes of reaching a better agreement, with amended provisions on Iran's regional policy and its missile programs, are currently unrealistic and that the window for continued dialogue will not be open for long. Domestic opposition to Biden's policies hinders JCPOA revival.
Barriers to Applying the Eco-System Resilience Approach as a Tool to Achieve a Sustainable Built Environment in Amman, Jordan
Authors: Alzouby Ahmad M. , Jebril Esra’a W.
Published: July 2022

The eco-system approach is key to achieving a sustainable built environment. This approach Focuses on Making Cities Resilient with adapting (UR). Urban Resilience approach can play a role to achieve a sustainable built environment. The purpose of this article is examining barriers to implementing the UR concept towards sustainable development at the local level in Jordan. The focus group were studied; the Jordanian planners, architectural offices and stakeholders through a methodology based on semi-structured interviews and online questioner developed based on literature reviews data. The data analysis following a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. This research proposes that a viable sustainable ecosystem regulated with the resilience concept should be the framework adopted by environmentalists, decision-makers, and planners to facilitate and improve their sustainable future directions. From the results obtained were two types of challenges facing urban resilience, theoretically and practically with 12 challenge categories and 29 main barriers facing UR in Jordan were extracted. In addition to clarifying 7 principles that increase the effectiveness of UR.
Dobre, bo śmieszne… Aksjologiczne aspekty humoru w socjolekcie i komunikacji młodzieży
Authors: Wileczek Anna
Published: July 2022

Artykuł podejmuje aspekty związane ze współczesnym przeobrażeniem kategorii humoru w socjolekcie i zwyczajach komunikacyjnych młodzieży. Materiał egzemplifikacyjny stanowią teksty zaczerpnięte z języka i dyskursu młodzieżowego prowadzonego w różnych „kanałach” i typach komunikacji zapośredniczonej cyfrowo (w tym bazy danych do Młodzieżowego Słowa Roku). W przemiany kategorii humoru jako pokłosia zjawisk kulturowych, np. popkulturowej ludyczności (kultura beki) i nowej karnawalizacji, filozofii xD, apoteozy trywialności i ekstremalności doświadczeń, wpisują się realizacje językowe jako warianty gry z normami języka ogólnego, powagą i wzorami uczestnictwa w kulturze.
„Als fromme und getrewe Bürger…” – projektowanie pożądanych zachowań społecznych w gdańskich ordynacjach ogniowych z XVI i XVII wieku
Authors: Janusz Alicja
Published: July 2022

Ordynacje ogniowe, zwane też porządkami lub wilkierzami, są jednymi z najwcześniejszych instrukcji zachowania się w wypadku pożaru lub zagrożenia. Popularne zwłaszcza w obszarze niemieckojęzycznym, stanowią wciąż teksty słabo zbadane pod kątem językowym. W niniejszym artykule została przeanalizowana, pochodząca z trzech gdańskich dokumentów, leksyka dotycząca zachowań pozytywnych i negatywnych w obliczu zagrożenia, a także ta dotycząca ich konsekwencji, celem poznania wartościowania elementów rzeczywistości przez twórców poszczególnych porządków oraz ustalenia, co uznawali oni (karę czy nagrodę) za lepszą motywację do działań ku wspólnemu dobru.
Sukces w świadomości młodzieży studiującej
Authors: Karwatowska Małgorzata , Siwiec Adam
Published: July 2022

Problematyka poruszana w artykule dotyczy sukcesu i związanego z nim języka, który stał się nieodłącznym elementem współczesnej kultury. Przedmiotem rozważań jest sukces jako konstrukt społeczny, identyfikowany z perspektywy indywidualnej, w powiązaniu tego pojęcia z systemem wartości jednostki w jej relacjach ze społeczeństwem. Jest to sukces opisywany na podstawie konceptualizacji i werbalizacji uzyskanych w badaniach ankietowych. Grupę respondentów stanowili studenci kierunków humanistycznych Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie. Ankieta miała na celu uzyskanie informacji na temat czynników (podmiotowych i przedmiotowych) warunkujących osiągnięcie sukcesu oraz jego oznak i wyznaczników, werbalizacji, które nasuwają się w związku z hasłem sukces, ponadto wiązała się ze skonstruowaniem przez ankietowanych własnej definicji tego słowa. Jak wynika z przeprowadzonych analiz, skojarzenia dotyczące sukcesu wpisują się w powszechny model powodzenia życiowego człowieka we współtworzących go wymiarach, poczynając od materialistycznego i stratyfikacyjno-prestiżowego, po emocjonalno-afiliacyjny (udane życie rodzinne, powodzenie w pracy, satysfakcjonujące kontakty towarzyskie) i samorealizacyjny. Sukces jest definiowany jako działanie, osiągnięcie, spełnienie, efekt i stan emocjonalny, uczucie. Młodzież studiująca postrzega zatem sukces przede wszystkim jako wynik pewnych działań związanych z wytężoną pracą, które prowadzą do osiągnięcia wyznaczonego sobie celu. Na uwagę zasługuje fakt, że żadna z definicji studenckich nie objaśniała sukcesu w kategoriach efektu szczęśliwych wydarzeń losowych, choć taka interpretacja znalazła się we wskazywanych asocjacjach.
Grzeczność w mediach społecznościowych – projekt procedury badawczej
Authors: Kępa-Figura Danuta
Published: July 2022

W artykule zaproponowano projekt procedury badań nad grzecznością w mediach społecznościowych. Uzasadniono przyjęcie szerokiego rozumienia grzeczności (jako zbioru językowych i pozajęzykowych sposobów/zasad budowania relacji międzyludzkich, których celem jest podtrzymanie komunikacji) oraz postawy deskryptywnej w badaniach nad tak rozumianą grzecznością. Uznawszy problem grzeczności w mediach społecznościowych za przedmiot zainteresowań mediolingwistyki, uwzględniono sposób rozumienia tego medium, a projektowaną procedurę prymarnie przeznaczono do analizy Facebooka. W rezultacie wyróżniono trzy etapy procedury analitycznej: analizę wykorzystywanych w mediach społecznościowych formalno-stylistycznych wzorów zachowań językowych (zwrotów adresatywnych i grzecznościowych aktów/gatunków mowy, w tym ich stylistyczną tonację), analizę pragmatycznych wzorów zachowań językowych (sposobu realizacji zasady współpracy językowej sformułowanej przez Grice’a) i analizę społeczno-kulturowych wzorów zachowań językowych.