bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery for urolithiasis in octogenarians
Authors: Koterazawa Shigeki , Kanno Toru , Takahashi Toshifumi , Somiya Shinya , Ito Katsuhiro , Haitani Takao , Arakaki Ryuichiro , Kawase Norio , Higashi Yoshihito , Yamada Hitoshi
Published: May 2022

Kidney stone disease is a common urological disorder worldwide. However, little evidence is reported to support retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for urolithiasis in octogenarians. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of RIRS for urolithiasis in octogenarians. A total of 1,207 patients were analyzed, 166 in the octogenarian patient group and 1041 in the younger patient group. The proportion of female patients (p < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p < 0.001), rate of preoperative pyelonephritis (p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003) were higher in the octogenarian group than in the younger group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of stone size, location, operative time, and intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications, which reached a significant difference, were observed in 34 (20.5%) octogenarians and 117 (11.2%) younger patients (p = 0.002). However, age itself was not significantly associated with the occurrence of complications in multivariate analysis. Female sex (p < 0.001), ASA score of ≥ 3 (p = 0.045), history of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.029), and prolonged operative time (≥ 120 min) (p = 0.043) were the significant predictors of complications. The stone-free rate in the octogenarian group was superior to that in the younger patient group (80.1% vs. 68.2%, respectively; p = 0.014), indicating that RIRS in the octogenarians was an effective treatment with a high success rate. In conclusion, our results suggest that RIRS for urolithiasis can be safely and effectively applied to octogenarians in selected cases.
Intra-Carpal Injection of Ketorolac Compared with Triamcinolone for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Karimzadeh Afshin , Esmaily Hadi , Esmaelzade Maryam , Aghamiri Seyed Hossein , Bolandnazar Najmeh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper extremity that can be treated with surgical and non-surgical methods. Ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is commonly used for musculoskeletal disorders, but its intra-carpal injection has not been studied. Therefore, we conducted a controlled trial to compare ketorolac with triamcinolone in CTS.Methods: In this blinded, randomized, controlled trial, patients with mild to moderate CTS were randomly allocated to two treatment groups to receive either a local injection of 30 mg ketorolac or 40 mg triamcinolone. Patients were evaluated based on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, electrodiagnostic findings, patient satisfaction, and any injection site reactions. Results: Finally 43 patients were completed the study according to the protocol. Both groups showed significant improvement in the visual analog scale (VAS) and Boston Questionnaire Symptom Severity Scale (BQ-SS), Boston Questionnaire Functional Status Scale (BQ-FS), and electrodiagnostic scores at 3 months were compared with the baseline (P < 0.001). Comparison of the groups showed significant differences with respect to VAS, BQ-FS, and BQ-SS, with the observed improvement being significantly higher in the triamcinolone group. There was no difference between the two groups regarding electrodiagnostic results, patient satisfaction, and injection complications.Conclusions: This study shows that injection of triamcinolone or ketorolac in patients with mild to moderate CTS resulted in improvement of pain, function, and electrodiagnostic findings; it also revealed that triamcinolone was superior to ketorolac in providing better analgesic effect and resulted in greater improvement in symptom severity and function.
Signature Construction and Molecular Subtype Identification Based on Immune-Related Genes for Better Prediction of Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Liang , Wu Zhengyi , Dong Cairong , Huang He , Chen Zhendong , Wu Zhipeng , Yin Xiangbao , Yu Shian
Published: May 2022

Objective: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) immunotherapy is a focus of current research. We established a model that can effectively predict the prognosis and efficacy of HCC immunotherapy by analyzing the immune genes of HCC.Methods: Through the data mining of hepatocellular carcinoma in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the immune genes with differences in tumor and normal tissues are screened, and then the univariate regression analysis is carried out to screen the immune genes with differences related to prognosis. The prognosis model of immune related genes is constructed by using the minimum absolute contraction and selection operator (lasso) Cox regression model in the TCGA training set data, The risk score of each sample was calculated, and the survival was compared with the Kaplan Meier curve and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the predictive ability. Data sets from ICGC and TCGA were used to verify the reliability of signatures. The correlation between clinicopathological features, immune infiltration, immune escape and risk score was analyzed.Results: Seven immune genes were finally determined as the prognostic model of liver cancer. According to these 7 genes, the samples were divided into the high and low risk groups, and the results suggested that the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis, lower risk of immune escape, and better immunotherapy effect. In addition, the expression of TP53 and MSI was positively correlated in the high-risk group. Consensus clustering was performed to identify two main molecular subtypes (named clusters 1 and 2) based on the signature. It was found that compared with cluster 1, better survival outcomes was observed in cluster 2.Conclusion: signature construction and molecular subtype identification of immune-related genes could be used to predict the prognosis of HCC, which may provide a specific reference for the development of novel biomarkers for HCC immunotherapy.
Clinical Findings in Patients with Nervous System Involvement Hospitalized at the COVID-19 Isolation Hospital in Alexandria University, Egypt: A Case Control Study
Authors: Abdelaziz Osama S. , Waffa Zuraiha , Abdelsalam Wael N. , Helmy Tamer A. , Nosseir Ayman A.
Published: May 2022

Background Global studies have exemplified that COVID-19 has neurological manifestations. This study gives an insight to the impact of COVID-19 on the nervous system in Alexandria, Egypt and identifies predictors of severity and mortality. MethodsThis single centre, case-control study was conducted from August 1st, 2020 to January 31st, 2021, on patients admitted at the COVID-19 Isolation Hospital in Alexandria University, Egypt. A Neuro-COVID patient was defined as confirmed COVID-19 case presenting with one or more new onset nervous system finding. ResultsOut of 1073 in-patients, 352 were Neuro-COVID patients (183 [52%] females and 169 [48%] males). The mean age was 36.64 ± 18.97 years and 161 (45.7%) had comorbidities. Most common involvement was neuromusculoskeletal system (240 [68.2%]), followed by central nervous system (164 [46.6%]) and peripheral nervous system (125 [35.5%]), whereas, psychiatric disorders (4 [1.1%]) were the least common. Myalgia (215 [61.1%]); anosmia (118 [33.5%]); headache (100 [28.4%]); ageusia (80 [22.7%]); altered level of consciousness (56 [15.9%]); arthralgia (43 [12.2%]) and dizziness (12 [3.4%]) were predominant presentations. Female Neuro-COVID patients were twice as more likely to be critical than moderate (P =0.030). Critical cases with nervous system presentations manifested 12 times higher risk of death when compared to severe cases (P <0.001). Conclusions Nervous system involvement was predominant and clinically significant in COVID-19. Disease severity was identified as an independent predictor of mortality in Neuro-COVID patients.
Psychometric Evaluation of a Korean Version of the Sexual Risk Behavior Beliefs and Self-efficacy Scale among Female College Students
Authors: Lee Jungmin , James Montegrico
Published: May 2022

Purpose: While the sexual activity of college students is more prevalent during this life stage, to the best of our knowledge, a value system capable of properly controlling and judging sexual impulses and behaviors has not been fully established. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the sexual risk behavior beliefs and self-efficacy (KR-SRBBS) to assess the sexual behavior and self-efficacy of college students. Participants and methods: Convenience sampling was conducted using Social Network Services. The participants were 169 female college students aged 18-25 years. The validity and reliability were examined using item analysis, factor analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha. A total of 17 items were selected for the analysis. Results: Four factors were extracted through factor analysis, explaining 63.797% of the variance. After two modifications, it showed a good model fit for the KR-SRBBS. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.77. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the KR-SRBBS may be a suitable instrument for measuring risky sexual behavior and self-efficacy in condom use among female college students.
Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland: case report
Authors: Yan Limin , Xu Jinheng , Liu Liyun , Li Xin
Published: May 2022

Warthin tumor (WT)-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma (WT MEC) resembles the histologic pattern of WT, and pathologists unaware of this possibility may misdiagnose it as squamous and mucoepithelial WT or WT malignant transfer into MEC (MEC ex WT). Here, we report a case of a 41-year-old Chinese woman with a solitary mass in the left parotid gland. In this case, microscopic observation revealed prominent lymph node stroma and multiple cystic structures similar to those seen in WT. It lacked the two layers of oncocytic epithelial tissue characteristic of WT. Considering the histological findings, we diagnosed this case as WT MEC. This case provides pathological and clinical features to differentiate from MEC ex-WT and WT with squamous and mucous epithelium. In conclusion, further observations and case reports will clearly define this tumor.
Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α protects against Intervertebral Disc Degeneration through Antagonizing Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress.
Authors: Yang Wen , Jia Chunwang , Liu Long , Fu Yu , Wu Yawei , Liu Zhicheng , Yu Ruixuan , Ma Xiaojie , Gong Ao , Liu Fangming , Xia Yanni , Hou Yong , Li Yuhua , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2022

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) demonstrates a gradually increased incidence and has developed into a major health problem worldwide. Nucleus pulposus is characterized by the hypoxic and avascular environment, in which hypoxia inducible factor1α (HIF-1α) has an important role through its participation in extracellular matrix synthesis, energy metabolism, cellular adaptation to stresses and genesis. In this study, the effects of HIF-1α on mouse primary nucleus pulposus cells (MNPCs) exposed to TNF-α were observed and the potential mechanism was explored, and a rabbit IVDD model was established to verify the protective role of HIF-1α on IVDD. In vitro results demonstrated that HIF-1α could attenuate the inflammation, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by TNF-α in MNPCs, and promote cellular anabolism, and inhibit cellular catabolism. In vivo results demonstrated that after establishment of IVDD model in rabbit, disc height and IVD extracellular matrix were decreased in a time-dependent manner, and MRI analysis showed a tendency for decreased T2 values in a time-dependent manner, and supplementation of HIF-1α improved histological and imaginative IVDD while down-regulation of HIF-1α exacerbated this degeneration. In summary, HIF-1α protected against IVDD, possibly through reducing ROS production in mitochondria and consequent inhibition of inflammation, metabolism disorders and apoptosis of MNPCs, which provided a potential therapeutic instrument for treatment of IVDD diseases.
Identification of a novel immune checkpoint molecule V‐set immunoglobulin domain‐containing 4 that leads to impaired immunity infiltration in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Yongsheng , Han Lijie , Yang Jian , Yang Minwei , Zhang Jian , Xue Meilin , Zhu Youwei , Xiong Cheng , Shi Minmin , Zhao Shiwei , Shen Baiyong , Xu Zhiwei , Jiang Lingxi , Chen Hao
Published: May 2022

Background
Checkpoint-based immunotherapy has failed to elicit responses in the majority of patients with pancreatic cancer. In our study, we aimed to identify the role of a novel immune checkpoint molecule V-set Ig domain-containing 4 (VSIG4) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Methods
Online datasets and tissue microarray (TMA) were utilized to analyze the expression level of VSIG4 and its correlation with clinical parameters in PDAC. CCK8, transwell assay and wound healing assay were applied to explore the function of VSIG4 in vitro. Subcutaneous, orthotopic xenograft and liver metastasis model were established to explore the function of VSIG4 in vivo. TMA analysis and chemotaxis assay were conducted to uncover the effect of VSIG4 on immune infiltration. Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitors and si-RNA were applied to investigate factors that regulate the expression of VSIG4.
Results
Both mRNA and protein levels of VSIG4 were higher in PDAC than normal pancreas in TCGA, GEO, HPA datasets and our TMA. VSIG4 showed positive correlations with tumor size, T classification and liver metastasis. Patients with higher VSIG4 expression were related to poorer prognosis. VSIG4 knockdown impaired the proliferation, migration ability of pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics study showed positive correlation between VSIG4 and infiltration of neutrophil and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in PDAC and it inhibited the secretion of cytokines. According to our TMA panel, High expression of VSIG4 was correlated with fewer infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Chemotaxis assay also showed knockdown of VSIG4 increased the recruitment of total T cells and CD8+ T cells. HAT inhibitors and knockdown of STAT1 leaded to decreased expression of VSIG4.
Conclusions
Our data indicates that VSIG4 contribute to cell proliferation, migration and resistance to immune attack, thus identified as a promising target for PDAC treatment with good prognostic value.
Iodine metabolism and thyroid function during the perinatal period: Maternal-neonatal correlation and effects of topical povidone-iodine skin disinfectants
Authors: Fuse Yozen , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Tsukahara Mutsu , Fuse Yoji , Ito Yoshiya , Shishiba Yoshimasa , Irie Minoru
Published: May 2022

An adequate maternal iodine intake during pregnancy and lactation is essential for growth and mental development in fetuses and newborns. Both deficient and excess iodine may disrupt normal thyroid function. There are limited data on perinatal iodine metabolism in mothers and infants, as well as the effect of povidone-iodine (PVP–I) antiseptics used in Cesarean delivery. The urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum iodine, thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) were measured consecutively in a total of 327 mothers and 249 term-infants in two prospective studies. The maternal median UIC was 164 µg/L in the third trimester, increased to 256 µg/L on postpartum day 2, then decreased to 116 µg/L one month later. The BMIC on postpartum days 2 and 30 was 17.6 and 13.5 µg/100g, respectively. In neonatal infants born to the mothers unexposed to PVP-I, the median UIC was 131 µg/L in the first voiding urine and increased to 272 µg/L on day 4, then slightly decreased to 265 µg/L on day 28 suggesting sufficient iodine reserve at birth. PVP-I antiseptics containing 1g of iodine for skin preparation at Cesarean delivery transiently increase maternal serum iodine concentration, UIC and BMIC, however, it has little effect on maternal TSH, FT4 and neonatal UIC, TSH, or FT4. The iodine status of pregnant women and their infants was adequate in this population; however, the UIC in lactating mothers at one postnatal month was low enough to suggest iodine deficiency or near iodine deficiency. Further studies are necessary. This study was not registered to any clinical trials registry (CTR).
Identification of a ubiquitination-based classification system and a gene signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response for sarcoma
Authors: Zhang Lin , Lin Weihao , Cao Zheng , Feng Xiaoli , Gao Yibo , He Jie
Published: May 2022

Background: Sarcomas are heterogeneous tumors deriving from the mesenchyme and have a poor response to systemic therapies. Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification that is involved in various physiological processes and cancer growth.Methods: We integrated the transcriptome data of 256 sarcoma patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to analyze the expression of the predefined ubiquitin-related genes and identified two ubiquitin-related clusters based on that. Patients’ survival, enrichment analysis, and tumor microenvironment analyses were conducted. Further, a ubiquitin-related gene signature was built to predict prognoses. The prognostic value of the signature was also validated in public datasets. Pathway analysis, and tumor microenvironment characterization were conducted between different risk groups. The prognostic values of the signature were partly verified using immunohistochemistry assay in an independent cohort from our center.Results: The two clusters were characterized by different survival outcomes, enriched pathways, and characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. The signature could effectively predict patient prognoses across TCGA sarcoma cohort, and another two public sarcoma cohorts. Different risk groups were also characterized by distinct enriched pathways and characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. Histochemistry score analyses revealed that patients with a higher TRIM21 expression had a significantly better prognosis, and higher TRIM21 combined with higher CD8 was also significantly associated with better overall survival. Conclusions: This study provided novel classification for sarcoma patients based on expressions of ubiquitin-related genes. The classification and the constructed gene signature may facilitate the understanding of sarcoma pathogenesis, prediction of prognosis and immunotherapy response for sarcoma patients.
Tumor-produced aging-associated oncometabolite, methylmalonic acid, promotes cancer-associated fibroblast activation to drive metastatic progression
Authors: Li Zhongchi , Low Vivien , Luga Valbona , Sun Janet , Earlie Ethan , Parang Bobak , Ganesh Kripa Shobana , Cho Sungyun , Endress Jennifer , Schild Tanya , Hu Menying , Lyden David , Jin Wenbing , Guo Chun-Jun , Dephoure Noah , Cantley Lewis , Laughney Ashley , Blenis John
Published: May 2022

The systemic metabolic shifts that occur during aging and the local metabolic alterations of a tumor, its stroma and their communication cooperate to establish a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) that fosters cancer progression. Here, we show that methylmalonic acid (MMA), an aging-increased oncometabolite that is also produced by aggressive cancer cells, activates fibroblasts in the TME, which reciprocally secrete IL-6 loaded extracellular vesicles (EVs) that drive cancer progression, drug resistance and metastasis. The cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-released EV cargo is modified as a result of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and activation of the canonical and noncanonical TGFβ signaling pathways in CAFs. EV-associated IL-6 functions as a stroma-tumor messenger that activates the JAK/STAT3 and TGFβ signaling pathways in tumor cells and promote an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drug resistance in vitro, and metastatic progression in vivo. Our findings reveal the role of MMA in the activation of CAFs to drive metastatic reprogramming, unveiling multiple potential therapeutic avenues to target MMA at the nexus of aging, the tumor microenvironment and metastasis.
Model-based Surveillance System Design under Practical Constraints with Application to White Nose Syndrome
Authors: Oh Gina , Aravamuthan Srikanth , Ma Ting Fung , Reyes Juan Francisco Mandujano , Ballmann Anne , Hefley Trevor , McGahan Ian , Russell Robin , Walsh Dan , Zhu Jun
Published: May 2022

Infectious diseases are powerful ecological forces structuring ecosystems, causing devastating economic impacts and disrupting society. Successful disease prevention and control require not only awareness of the current disease situation, but also the ability to understand disease dynamics, all of which rely on collection of data at strategically chosen locations during surveillance seasons. In particular, knowledge about the location of the disease front is foundational for deploying disease counter measures to prevent further disease spread and focusing control efforts to reduce disease intensity in affected areas. In this paper, we develop a model-based approach to designing sampling strategies for wildlife disease surveillance at the disease front. Specifically, we use a mechanistic spatio-temporal model based on an underlying partial differential equation to track the disease dynamics and predict the disease prevalence in the future surveillance season. We also devise an optimal surveillance system design at the disease front that takes into account practical constraints of sampling. We evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed design via a simulation study and demonstrate the application of the proposed approach by designing a surveillance strategy for white-nose syndrome in the contiguous US.
Identification of biomarkers for prognosis and immunotherapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Zuhu , Lu Bin , Gao Hong
Published: May 2022

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the dominating subtype of renal cancer with high malignancy and poor prognosis.Objective: To identify novel potential biomarkers for the prognosis and immunotherapy of ccRCC patients.Methods: We screened out differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ccRCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues with 4 microarray series from GEO database and took function analysis of DEGs with GO and KEGG pathway. We constructed PPI network and identified target genes with prognostic value in ccRCC, performed immunological correlation analysis of the candidate genes to seek potential biomarkers of immunotherapy.Results: In total, 382 DEGs were screened out and 11 genes were found to be associated with prognoses of ccRCC patients. Down-regulation of PCK1, HMGCS2, and up-regulation of RRM2 were significantly correlated with poorer prognoses both in overall survival and disease-free survival in ccRCC. Further immunological correlation analysis showed RRM2 expression was correlated with immune infiltration and immunological checkpoint in ccRCC.Conclusions: We identified PCK1, HMGCS2 and RRM2 as potential markers for the prognosis of ccRCC patients with bioinformatic analyses. RRM2 may plays an important role in the oncogenicity of ccRCC and maybe a potential target for immunotherapy of ccRCC patients.
USE OF COLLECTIVE NOUNS FOR FAUNA DENOTATION (A CASE STUDY OF ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWS SITE PUBLICATIONS)
Authors: Ushchapovska Iryna , Mushtai Kateryna
Published: May 2022

The article considers the essence of collective nouns, which are traditionally defined as nouns denoting a group of objects or living beings. Today, a large number of collective nouns are found in many different sources such as grammar textbooks for schoolchildren, crossword puzzles, collections of scientific papers, journalistic texts, and more. However, this is by no means a complete list. Those collective nouns which have passed tests in time in the course of their historical development remained in use. Although collective nouns are widely used in colloquial language, most of them are not included in modern dictionaries, even after centuries of use. Catherine Soans, head of Oxford University Press's online dictionaries, explains: “We need evidence of genuine use in our databases before we consider adding them to one of our dictionaries. Therefore, for most nouns there are no dictionary articles, such as a murder of crows, they are perceived only as linguistic curiosities” (Gale). Due to their unusual form and humorous nature, collective nouns are perceived as occasional authorial units. This fact is proved by our analysis of the material of English-language sites. The basis for the formation of collective nouns to denote the fauna were certain associations and characteristics of certain species of animals. It has resulted in their unusual sound. Although some collective names of animal groups have been invented, they have enriched the vocabulary of modern spoken English and are used in different publications. It has been proved that in the formation of collective nouns to denote the fauna, associations related to the shape of the object, quality, other characteristics of animals, and superstitions, as well as stylistic techniques are used. They are alliteration, play on words, and metaphor. The relevance of their use is confirmed by the analysis of articles of English-language sites. The corpus of collective nouns to denote fauna increases both due to the secondary nomination and with the help of productive models of word formation, in particular, suffixation. It has been established that the class of quantifiers is an open class of words, the composition of which is constantly replenished with new collective nouns to denote fauna due to changes in extralinguistic nature that occur in human life
Sterilization: A Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Staff of Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Kumari Sommya , Singh Rameshwar , Kumar Sanjay , Prasad Amit
Published: May 2022

Background: For a hospital to discharge its duty properly to safe guarding human life and to decrease in the incidence of nosocomial infections with corresponding increase in the mortality, length of stay and cost, it is necessary for a hospital to have a good CSSD set-up and an efficient working staff with adequate knowledge and practice of sterilization techniques. Moreover, the fatal disease AIDS became so powerful and spread worldwide, the demand for proper procedures for hospital infection control has gained momentum enormously. Diseases, such as Hepatitis B and C, are known to be transmitted through contaminated surgical instruments; there is a need to adopt stricter guidelines for disinfection and sterilization. Aim: The purpose of this study was to know the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding sterilization among health-care staff working in Central sterile supply department of Naland Medical College and Hospital, Patna. Methods: The study is a descriptive, observational, and hospital based which was carried out at our institution. The tools include observation check list and questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11.0. Conclusion: We conclude that our hospital CSSD staff are having adequate knowledge and positive attitude and are highly practicing sterilization methods. We recommend every hospital to conduct such studies to assess the knowledge of their staff regarding sterilization and disinfection techniques on regular basis to prevent the nosocomial infections.
Work Profile and Hazards Review Study of Workers in Small Scale Enterprises
Authors: Melkani Ekta , Singh Kiran , Bano Naaz , Mehta Manju
Published: May 2022

The review study highlight the rigorous work profile of the workers in small scale industries and depict how the hazards caused to them in their daily life are affecting their health. Different hazards such as very severe pain in neck, head, shoulders, fingers, hands, and lower back were identified, always leading to various musculoskeletal disorders. A need to improve workstation and workplace environment to make it user friendly to workers is felt so the workers could be comfortable is highlighted in all the studies. The study has its focus majorly on the craft industries and presents the plight of the jewelers specially. Proper task analysis and work rest pattern are identified as useful to alleviate the mental fatigue and to improve work efficiency of the workers.
Assessment of the Outcomes of Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendectomy: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: U Dutta Ram , Agarwal Ganesh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: We conducted a cross-sectional study in two institutions for reviewing the postoperative complications of laparoscopic appendectomy vs open appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. The primary objectives were detection of surgical site infection and reoperation within 30 days postoperatively. The secondary objectives were reducing the length of hospital stay, increasing patient satisfaction level, and identifying other diseases and postoperative complications like pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, bedsores, and enterocutaneous fistulas. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 683 patients that met the inclusion criteria and their clin- ical data and hospital costs. The patients were divided into two groups: open appendectomy (OA) group and laparo- scopic appendectomy (LA) group. The collected clinical data included demographic data, co-morbidities, initial laboratory findings, operation time, intraoperative findings (acute, gangrenous or perforated appendix), time to soft diet, postoperative hospital stay, amount of analgesics and postoperative complications. Results: The laparoscopic group required fewer doses of paren- teral and oral analgesics in the operative and post- operative periods compared with the open appendectomy (P <0.0001). Bowel movements in the first postoperative day were observed in 93.5% patients subjected to laparoscopic appendectomy and 68.1% in the open group (P <0.001). As a result, 86.8% patients in the laparoscopic group and 61.1% in the open group were able to toler- ate a liquid diet within the first 24 postoperative hours (P <0.001). Conclusion: Our results showed the advantages of the laparoscopic approach over open appendectomy including shorter hospital stay, decreased need for postoperative analgesia, early food tolerance, earlier return to work, lower rate of wound infection, against only marginally higher hospital costs. Furthermore we found a considerable preference (during the collection of consent) of patients and a high satisfaction after the surgery in the laparoscopic group.
Assessment of Biventricular Function by Echocardiography in Patients with Right Ventricular Apical Pacing
Authors: Tumula Rakesh , Peesapati Nrushen
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Artificial cardiac pacing is a consolidated, safe, and effective treatment strategy that has been evolving for 60 years. In a normal heart, the left ventricle (LV) contracts in a fast and synchronized manner. Stimulation anywhere in the right ventricle (RV) alters the natural pattern of activation and as a consequence the ventricular contraction. This may lead to the induction of asynchrony with potential risk for the development of ventricular dysfunction. The majority of studies have looked into left ventricular dysfunction, while effects on the RV have not been studied. Furthermore, there are little data on the chronology of events that occur in pacemaker patients. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate diastolic and systolic functions of LV and RV in consecutive patients undergoing Ventricle is paced, sensed, and the pulse generator inhibits pacing output in response to a sensed ventricular event (VVI) permanent pacemaker implantation over 6 months using trans-thoracic echocardiography. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based observational study from October 2017 to April 2019. Conclusion: Diastolic abnormalities are first to appear which are followed by appearance of systolic abnormalities of the respective ventricles. The right ventricular dysfunction (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion <17 mm) developed in 28% at 1 month and in 62% at the end of 6 months. The left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction< 50%) occurs later, LV dysfunction developed in 14%, and worsening of LV function developed in 16% of the study population at the end of study, that is, 6 months.
Clinico-bacteriological Profile of Urinary Tract Infection in Selected Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Eastern India: An Observational Study
Authors: Pal Suranjan , Kumar Simit , Ghosh Reena Ray , Bandyopadhyay Maitreyi , Chatterjee Mitali
Published: May 2022

Background: The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) throughout the world is increasing strikingly and is becoming a serious public health problem especially in the developing countries. Infections are important cause of death in diabetes and remain a very important cause of morbidity and mortality in people with diabetes. Most common type of diabetes in Indian population is type 2 DM. Most common infection associated with DM found to be urinary tract infections (UTI). Objective: The main objectives of this study were to isolate, identify and to determine antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of microbiological agents of UTI in type 2 DM patients and assess prognosis of these patients with prescribed antimicrobial treatment regimen. Results and Discussions: We conducted the study from December 2013 to December 2018 in the department of microbiology from the patients attending the outpatients department of a tertiary care hospital. In this study, total 774 non-repetitive patients’ samples were included but 14 samples were contaminated and lost from follow-up. Thus, available data for analysis were 760 samples. Total 254 samples showed significant growth (32.82%). Most common isolated pathogen was Escherichia coli. In our study, 17.82% patients were asymptomatic but culture positive. The asymptomatic patients with positive urine culture turn up with symptomatic UTI, often with complications. Conclusion: UTI with multidrug-resistant organism in outpatients has emerged; limiting the treatment options in the high-risk groups. The need for an antibiotic policy based on adequate and continuous monitoring of susceptibility patterns in the institutions is recommended.
Production of Silver Nanoparticles from Carum copticum Plant Extract and Identification of its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Palanisamy Devi , Olaganathan Sivapriya , Venkatachalam Manikandan
Published: May 2022

The nanotechnology develops well in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from the plants and microorganisms. Recently, silver nanoparticles were used against of disease management and its control measures. Various plants and its extract were used to synthesis of silver nanoparticles and these particles were identified by some advance techniques such as ultraviolet analysis, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. These techniques were used for shape, size, and character analysis of the silver nanoparticles. In this work, silver nanoparticles were used to identify its potential antimicrobial against of urinary tract infection (UTI) pathogens which are produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria will produce the UTI and in this work Klebsiella sp. used.
Ultrasonography-guided Injections of Platelet-rich Plasma in the Management of Internal Derangement of Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Zubair Huda , Hashmi Ghulam Sarwar , Rahman Sajjad Abdur , Ahmed Syed Saeed , Ahmad Mehtab
Published: May 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess average improvement in maximal mouth opening, pain at rest, and active mouth opening after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections using ultrasonography (USG)-guided platelets rich plasma injection in the management of internal derangement of the joint. Materials and Methods: Ten patients with internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) underwent PRP injections guided by the ultrasonography. The extent of maximal mouth opening, pain, and tenderness of the TMJ and the masticatory muscles at rest, motion, and mastication were thoroughly assessed at the beginning of the study and scheduled for next follow-up at 2, 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Results: USG-guided platelet-rich plasma injection was significantly effective in improvements of the extent of maximal mouth opening, pain at rest, and on movement. Statistics result demonstrated a significant reduction in the visual analog scale values of pain at rest and on movement. Conclusion: USG-guided PRP injection to the upper TMJ space provided improvement in signs and symptoms of patient with internal derangement of the TMJ.
In vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Wild and Micropropagated Plants Aqueous Extracts of Caralluma bicolor – An Endangered Medicinal Plant
Authors: Vanitha A. , Kalimuthu K. , Ranjitha V.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Caralluma bicolor is a succulent perennial herb growing wild in dry hill regions. It belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae. This species is endemic to the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats of the Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. The present study was carried out to assessment of its in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Methods: In vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities in wild C. bicolor (WCB) and micropropagated C. bicolor (MCB) aqueous extracts studied through 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), 2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+), reducing power assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity, and inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme assays. Results: The highest antioxidant activities were observed in C. bicolor against in all five assays, namely, DPPH (IC50 = WCB 54.65 μg/mL, MCB 52.76 μg/mL), ABTS+ (IC50 = WCB 71.04 μg/mL, MCB 69.10 μg/mL), reducing power assay (IC50 = WCB 62.25 μg/mL, MCB 53.90 μg/mL), hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (IC50 = WCB 60.93 μg/mL, 61.15 μg/mL), and nitric oxide scavenging assay (IC50 = WCB 70.20 μg/mL, MCB 74.75 μg/mL). Furthermore, in antidiabetic activity, the highest inhibition was observed in α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme activities and the IC50 values of WCB and MCB were 58.93, 60.55, 64.70, and 70.08 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that the aqueous extract of C. bicolor has great antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The results revealed that the plant has rich in bioactive compounds, which serve as a novel therapeutic applications for drug discovery.
Microsponges Loaded Topical Drug Delivery System for the Effective Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Singh Ranjit , Guarve Kumar
Published: May 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease associated with severe joint pain. Herein, we report aceclofenac (ACF)-loaded cellulosic microsponge gel formulation with sustained anti-inflammatory effects that are required to manage arthritic pain. The microsponges were formulated using quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. The optimized formulation was dispersed into Carbopol gel. Further, the optimized formulation was evaluated for pH, viscosity and spreadability, drug content, and kinetic drug release profile. The optimized microsponges loaded topical gel showed R2 value of 0.9930 which was nearest to one which revealed that formulation obeyed Higuchi kinetic model and n value was found to be 0.48 which depicts Fickian transport of drug diffusion. The prepared optimized formulation showed no signs of irritation when applied on hairless skin of rats along with inhibitory effect on inflammation was observed in in vivo studies in animals, hence, ACF-loaded topical drug delivery is considered as a potential platform for the management of RA.
A Study on the Impact of Health Warnings on Tobacco Products for Tobacco Cessation
Authors: Bhat Nitish , Anjum Rubeena , Gupta Rakesh , Kaur Mandeep , Bhardwaj Nandini
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Tobacco is a well-known etiological agent in the causation of oral cancer but at the same time, it is freely available to the general population. Although government has framed several rules and regulations including adding health warning on packages in the form of text and pictographs which are among the most direct and prominent means of communicating with smokers, still the results of tobacco cessation by these methods remain uncertain. Aim and Methodology: The aim of the study was to investigate the awareness of people toward pictographs on tobacco products. A close ended questionnaire comprising of ten questions was framed and distributed among 800 people. The results were analyzed in the form of charts and graphs. Results: About 97.5% of people actively participated in the study. Pictorial health warnings seem to be significantly more effective than text warnings. Old aged people (43%) seemed to be more aware than the young generation (18%). Conclusion: Although several warning signs including text and pictographs have been added on the tobacco products, making these signs bold and impact full and adding other methods mostly focused on youth should be added as a part of the campaign.
Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Findings in Temporomandibular Joint Pathology with Magnetic Resonance Imaging – A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yadav Yogesh , Singh Vishram , A.R. Hema Puranik , Agarwal Chandrakala
Published: May 2022

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are broad group of clinical problems involving the masticatory musculature, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the surrounding hard and soft-tissue components or combination of these problems. It can also be secondary to muscle hyperfunction or parafunction, traumatic injuries, hormonal influences, and articular changes within the joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently considered as the preferred method for imaging the soft-tissue structures of the TMJ and has been pointed out as the best imaging modality in diagnosing disc displacements. Aim: The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate the clinical findings of temporomandibular pathology with the MRI. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study with comprised multiethnic group. A total of 50 patients reporting to the dental OPD with TMJ pathology were selected. These subjects underwent thorough clinical examination of TMJ and MRI of the TMJ was taken for all the individuals and parameters such as change in disk position, condylar surface, and effusion were recorded with the help of the radiologist. Statistical Data Analysis: Statistical presentation and analysis of the present study were done using the P value and Chi-square test by SPSSV20. Results: The results obtained in this study showed that out of 50 individuals, pain was present only in 28, that is, 56% of population other complaints of jaw deviation, clicking sound, and restricted mouth opening. Disc displacement was found only in 57.14% of symptomatic individual and 72.72% of asymptomatic individuals. MRI revealed pain and effusion was present only in 28% of symptomatic patients. About 76% of the subjects had jaw deviation while mouth opening out of which 68.42% showed disc displacement in MRI. About 56% of the subjects had positive history of trauma out of which 50% showed disc displacement in MRI. About 56% of the subjects reported with the clicking sound out of which 64.28% showed disc displacement in MRI. Conclusion: TMJ is one of the complex joints in the entire body. Because of this complexity of the TMJ, the pathologies as well as normal anatomical patterns must be known before any diagnosis. The selection of the proper radiological technique for TMJ, as well as of the patient, must be carefully made by the practitioner, in correlation with the clinical signs and symptoms. MRI is the diagnostic study of choice for evaluation of disk position and internal derangement of the joint. Although already many studies had been done on MRI, such type of studies should be conducted on large scale in future based on specific parameters for early diagnosis and treatment planning for patients suffering with TMD to provide quality treatment to the patients at initial stage.
Bullying y apoyo social percibido en una muestra de escolares chilenos de la región del Maule
Authors: Jiménez Figueroa Andrés Eduardo , Martínez Hernández Jennyfer Alexandra
Published: May 2022

Se estudia la relación entre agresión entre pares (incluyendo la agresión cibernética) y el apoyo social percibido en 675 alumnos chilenos, pertenecientes a cursos de sexto año básico a segundo año medio. Se administraron las escalas de agresión entre pares y de apoyo social percibido correspondientes a las variables estudiadas. Los resultados obtenidos, en primer lugar, al evaluar la agresión entre pares muestran diferencias significativas por curso, siendo ma- yor en niveles educativos más bajos; en segundo lugar, dan cuenta de una relación negativa entre las variables, es decir, cuando los alumnos se insertan en un entorno de agresión entre pares, independiente del rol que ejercen, más bajo es el apoyo social que perciben, coincidiendo con investigaciones previas. Se discute la importancia de incentivar estra- tegias que refuerce el apoyo social para minimizar los efectos de la agresión entre estudiantes en ambientes educativos e integrar en el aula futuros programas preventivos y de intervención.Palabras Clave: bullying, cyberbullying, apoyo social percibido, adolescentes.
Characterization of Commercially Available Turmeric for Use in Pharmaceutical Products and Food Supplements
Authors: Boscariol Rodrigo , Paulino Thais , Oliveira Jr. José , Balcão Victor , Vila Marta
Published: May 2022

We addressed some physicochemical and biological differences in commercial turmeric, acquired from both handling pharmacies and stores selling natural products for quality assessment. For this, it was determined the melting point, antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazylhydrate (DPPH), antimicrobial activity via the agar disk-diffusion assay, metallic contaminants by X-ray fluorescence with energy dispersion (EDXRF), spectral behaviors by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and determination of curcumin concentration by UV-Vis. The results obtained of the several commercial turmeric samples were not homogeneous, showing in fact significant differences regarding melting points, UV-Vis spectral scan profiles, and FTIR spectra, presenting toxic metals and quite low curcumin contents. This sheds light on the urge to implement adequate quality control in this type of raw material for human safe use of curcumin. Particularly, contamination with heavy metals, such as mercury, is a serious health problem, due to its high toxicity and accumulative power in the body.