bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rediscovery of Histiotus alienus Thomas, 1916 a century after its description (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae): distribution extension and redescription
Authors: Cláudio Vinícius C. , Almeida Brunna , Novaes Roberto L. M. , Navarro Marcos A. , Tiepolo Liliani M. , Moratelli Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Histiotus is a Neotropical genus of bat that currently includes 11 species. The systematics of Histiotus has been the focus of several studies over the last decades. However, no broad systematic revision has been made, and taxonomic issues such as synonymies, use of subspecies, and specimens that do not fit the description of valid species still persist, as pointed out by several authors. Histiotus alienus was described in 1916 and is known only by the holotype. Here we present a second record of H. alienus and an amended diagnosis of this species. We use qualitative, quantitative, and morphometric analyses based on data from 184 specimens of Histiotus and almost all valid species. Our amended diagnosis establishes the taxonomic limits of H. alienus, as well as a comprehensive comparison with congeners. We also explore new diagnostic characters for H. alienus and provide a few notes on the natural history of this species. Our results highlight skull similarities among Histiotus species and reinforce the usefulness of external morphology for their correct identification. Despite our new insights into the taxonomy of the genus, several taxonomic issues remain, and a comprehensive revision of the genus is needed.
Assessment of Visual Habituation Measured With the Halo & Glare Simulator and Its Impact on Patient Satisfaction Following Quadrifocal IOL Implantation
Authors: Lwowski Christoph , Rusev Vladimir , Kohnen Thomas
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the levels of habituation and its influence on outcome satisfaction in patients who underwent bilateral multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

Methods:

A total of 24 patients underwent bilateral multifocal IOL implantation surgery with the AcrySof IQ PanOptix trifocal diffractive IOL (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) following cataract extraction or for refractive purposes. Data were collected 3 and 6 months after surgery, which included subjective refraction, corrected and uncorrected visual acuity (distance, intermediate, near), a contrast sensitivity test, simulation with the Halo & Glare Simulator (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG), two visual quality surveys, and a slit-lamp examination by an ophthalmologist.

Results:

All patients were spectacle independent for distance vision and 92% (n = 22) needed no visual aid for near vision. Minor visual acuity improvement was detected between both examinations at monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (
P
= .025). Improvements of presence, size, and intensity of visual disturbances were not statistically significant, but overall patient satisfaction (
P
= .009) and Weber-Contrast sensitivity under mesopic conditions (
P
= .029) increased significantly.

Conclusions:

Diffractive multifocal IOLs are a stable treatment for presbyopia and/or cataract with a high spectacle independence rate. Visual disturbances caused by their optics do not decrease significantly between 3 and 6 months after surgery. Habituation and neuroadaptation play a significant role in patient satisfaction and contrast sensitivity during and possibly beyond that period.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2023;39(8):510–517.]
Clinical Characteristics and Tear Film Biomarkers in Patients With Chronic Dry Eye Disease After Femtosecond Laser–Assisted Laser in Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Zhao Lu , Zhang Yu , Duan Hongyu , Yang Tingting , Zhou Yifan , Ma Baikai , Chen Yueguo , Qi Hong
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

To investigate clinical characteristics and tear film biomarkers of patients with chronic dry eye disease (DED) following femtosecond laser–assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK).

Methods:

Patients were divided into the chronic DED after FS-LASIK (n = 36), DED without FS-LASIK (n = 39), and normal control (without FS-LASIK; n = 34) groups. Dry eye, pain, and psychological-related symptoms were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory Modified for the Eye (NPSI-Eye), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) questionnaires. Ocular surface parameters, tear cytokines, and neuropeptide concentrations were evaluated with specific tests.

Results:

The DED after FS-LASIK group showed higher corneal fluorescein staining scores, but lower OSDI and NPSI-Eye scores than the DED without FS-LASIK group (all
P
< .05). Corneal sensitivity and nerve density decreased in the DED after FS-LASIK group (all
P
< .01). Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), oxytocin, and substance P levels were highest in the DED after FS-LASIK group, followed by the DED without FS-LASIK and normal control groups (all
P
< .05). Interferon-γ and neurotensin levels were only significantly higher in the DED after FS-LASIK group (all
P
< .05).

Conclusions:

Patients with chronic DED after FS-LASIK showed milder ocular symptoms, greater epithelial damage, and higher levels of tear inflammatory cytokines and neuropeptides than patients with DED without FS-LASIK, indicating that the nervous and immune systems may play significant roles in FS-LASIK-related chronic DED development.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2023;39(8):556–563.]
Partial domination of network modelling
Authors: Zhang Shumin , Jia Tianxia , Li Minhui
Published: August 2023

Partial domination was proposed in 2017 on the basis of domination theory, which has good practical application background in communication network. Let $ G = (V, E) $ be a graph and $ \mathcal{F} $ be a family of graphs, a subset $ S\subseteq V $ is called an $ \mathcal{F} $-isolating set of $ G $ if $ G[V\backslash N_G[S]] $ does not contain $ F $ as a subgraph for all $ F\in\mathcal{F} $. The subset $ S $ is called an isolating set of $ G $ if $ \mathcal{F} = \{K_2\} $ and $ G[V\backslash N_G[S]] $ does not contain $ K_2 $ as a subgraph. The isolation number of $ G $ is the minimum cardinality of an isolating set of $ G $, denoted by $ \iota(G) $. The hypercube network and $ n $-star network are the basic models for network systems, and many more complex network structures can be built from them. In this study, we obtain the sharp bounds of the isolation numbers of the hypercube network and $ n $-star network.
Research on robust fuzzy logic sliding mode control of Two-DOF intelligent underwater manipulators
Authors: Huang Kangsen , Wang Zimin
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the independent motion control of a two-degree-of-freedom (Two-DOF) intelligent underwater manipulator. The dynamics model of two-DOF manipulators in an underwater environment is proposed by combining Lagrange's equation and Morison's empirical formulation. Disturbing factors such as water resistance moments, additional mass force moments and buoyancy forces on the intelligent underwater manipulator are calculated exactly. The influence of these factors on the trajectory tracking of the intelligent underwater manipulator is studied through simulation analysis. Based on the design of the sliding mode surface of the PID structure, a new Fuzzy-logic Sliding Mode Control (FSMC) algorithm is presented for the control error and control input chattering defects of traditional sliding mode control algorithm. The experimental simulation results show that the FSMC algorithm proposed in this study has a good effect in the elimination of tracking error and convergence speed, and has a great improvement in control accuracy and input stability.
P. aeruginosa interactions with other microbes in biofilms during co-infection
Authors: Oliveira Manuela , Cunha Eva , Tavares Luís , Serrano Isa
Published: August 2023

This review addresses the topic of biofilms, including their development and the interaction between different counterparts. There is evidence that various diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, otitis media, diabetic foot wound infections, and certain cancers, are promoted and aggravated by the presence of polymicrobial biofilms. Biofilms are composed by heterogeneous communities of microorganisms protected by a matrix of polysaccharides. The different types of interactions between microorganisms gives rise to an increased resistance to antimicrobials and to the host's defense mechanisms, with the consequent worsening of disease symptoms. Therefore, infections caused by polymicrobial biofilms affecting different human organs and systems will be discussed, as well as the role of the interactions between the gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is at the base of major polymicrobial infections, and other bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the establishment of human infections and diseases. Considering that polymicrobial biofilms are key to bacterial pathogenicity, it is fundamental to evaluate which microbes are involved in a certain disease to convey an appropriate and efficacious antimicrobial therapy.
Mental health and substance use disorder comorbidities among Medicaid beneficiaries: Associations with opioid use disorder and prescription opioid misuse
Authors: Swartz James A. , Franceschini Dana , Scamperle Kamryn
Published: August 2023

Background

Medicaid presently insures about one-fourth of the US population and disproportionately insures about 38 % of non-elderly adults with an opioid use disorder (OUD). Owing to Medicaid's prominent role insuring persons with an OUD and that Medicaid coverage includes pharmaceutical benefits, there has been considerable interest in studying potential prescription opioid misuse among Medicaid beneficiaries and identifying subpopulations at higher risk for misuse and possible progression to an OUD.

Methods

The study goals were to explore the associations among prescription opioid misuse, OUD, and co-occurring mental health and other substance use disorders (SUD). We analyzed Illinois Medicaid 2018 claims data for 1102479 adult beneficiaries 18 to 64 years of age. Using algorithms based on previous studies, we first determined either the presence or absence of nine SUDS (including OUD), nine mental health disorders and likely prescription opioid misuse. Then, we subdivided the beneficiary sample into five groups: those who were prescribed opioids and evidenced either no, possible, or probable misuse; those evidencing an OUD; and those evidencing no opioid use or misuse.

Results

Bivariate analyses, upset plots, and multinomial logistic regressions were used to compare the five subgroups on the prevalence of co-occurring SUDS and mental health disorders. Those with an OUD or with probable prescription opioid misuse had the highest prevalence of most co-occurring conditions with beneficiaries with an OUD the most likely to evidence co-occurring SUDS, particularly tobacco use disorder, whereas those with probable misuse had elevated prevalence rates of co-occurring mental health disorders comparable to those with an OUD.

Conclusion

The medical complexity of persons with an OUD or misusing prescription opioids are considered in light of recent attempts to expand buprenorphine provision as a medication for OUD among Medicaid beneficiaries. Additionally, we consider the possibility of gender, co-occurring mental health disorders, and tobacco use disorder as important risk factors for progressing to prescription opioid misuse and an OUD.
Integrating learner-centered design and user-centered design for meaningful instructor onboarding: Supporting large-scale curricular changes to general education
Authors: Southard Katelyn M. , Christen Julie , Gupta Anuj
Published: August 2023

Supporting instructors through large-scale curricular changes to cross-disciplinary programs such as general education is a complex challenge. In this case-based narrative, we describe how one large R1 university in the Southwest United States developed and implemented an instructor support program during a large-scale general education program redesign for a program that had not been substantively revised since 1998. This program typically offers about 500 courses each semester and is taught by roughly 650 instructors. To support the phased rollout of the new program curriculum, we designed and implemented a Quick Start program to support instructors revising courses for the new program, serving over 400 instructors during its first year of implementation.
We discuss our integration of learner-centered design principles (McCombs & Whisler, 1997; Weimer, 2013) to guide the development of the Quick Start program and user-centered design principles (Greer & Harris, 2018; Tham, 2022) to create accessible, useful, and context-driven learning content for the instructors. While these frameworks have been integrated in the past to develop learning materials for students (Jones, 2018; Shivers-McNair et al., 2018), our case-based descriptive analysis presents a novel application of this integration for faculty development. We describe how we integrated these principles to design, scale, iterate, and implement instructor onboarding to the new curriculum. Specifically, we offer four guiding pillars: (i) creating an aligned learning experience, (ii) building an instructional community, (iii) foregrounding an asset-based approach, and (iv) creating useful and usable materials to operationalize such an integration of learner-centered and user-centered design approaches for faculty development.
Co-Production of Assessment Rubrics in an Online Education Context
Authors: Harrison Anja , Breier Maren , Power Harriet , Williams Brenda P.
Published: August 2023

Marking rubrics is hailed as a transparent and effective way of supporting student success; enhancing their ability to understand and use their learning environment to achieve their goals. Rubrics also enable staff to mark fairly and consistently. Yet, to be successful, rubrics must be understandable to all and there needs to be active engagement from students and staff alike. Understandability requires that the wording be inclusive and considerate of student diversity, and this is especially true when considering online courses where the student body is often more culturally diverse. Co-creation with students can promote inclusivity and the development of meaningful and successful rubrics. This chapter provides a step-by-step guide for co-creating and implementing rubrics in an online education context, developed through collaboration with the co-creation student panel from the online programmes at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, KCL.
Developing a Rubric to Evaluate the Dissertations Conducted in the Fields of Educational and Social Sciences
Authors: Açıkgöz Ömer , Aslan Aydın , Koçak Korkut , Günay Aslı , Yavuz Nevzat
Published: August 2023

This study aims to develop a rubric to evaluate the dissertations implemented in the fields of educational and social sciences. In the development of this rubric, the acquisition requirements concerning knowledge, skills, and competence at the doctorate level in the European and Turkish qualifications frameworks, the legal framework of Turkish higher education, and the perceptions of 12 experts in the fields of educational and social sciences concerning the common competences of the dissertations were considered. The rubric can contribute to the evaluation of dissertations completed in the field of educational and social sciences concerning these dimensions and provide PhD students, researchers, and academics with a guide to evaluate their academic studies based on an empirical instrument.
Can Online Rubrics Develop Learners' Metacognition?
Authors: Marinkova Milena , Robbins Joy
Published: August 2023

The growing use of rubrics as tools that can enhance students' learning has prompted an accompanying growth of rubric research in higher education, with a wealth of positive findings. As of yet however, these investigations have predominantly focused on paper-based rubrics or their digital static equivalent rather than truly online rubrics, which present a paradigm shift in how rubrics are displayed, accessed, understood, and interlinked with student text and feedback through the digital affordances of hyperlinking. Studies that have investigated online rubrics so far have focused on pragmatic concerns like efficiency or satisfaction with use, which are important aspects of any digital tool, but secondary to learning. The authors therefore carried out longitudinal case studies to investigate what impacts, if any, the online-ness of rubrics had on students' metacognitive development. Results show strong potential for online rubrics to enhance metacognition, but unfortunately in the majority-used platform we investigated, online rubrics currently are more hindrance than help.
Pedagogical Potential and Didactic Limitations of Assessment Rubrics
Authors: Tekin Murat
Published: August 2023

High-level cognitive skills are often demonstrated at the performance level. For this reason, performance assessment has become an important element of educational assessment. One of the biggest problems in open-ended questions, oral exams, and performance evaluation is to develop a scoring method that will ensure consistency between raters. At this point, the rubric emerges as a functional scoring tool. Rubrics have many known advantages such as defining the elements and qualities of performance that should be exhibited in educational assessment, consistency between raters, and supporting teaching. On the other hand, there are situations that create barriers in use, such as difficulty in preparation, time consuming to prepare, requiring expertise, and defining the qualifications by distributing them in a balanced way. However, it cannot be said that these are the only obstacles in the use of rubrics. At the same time, educator typology in lesson process and trainer profiles, educational beliefs, and educator roles can be counted among the important barriers in using rubric.
Evaluating Usability and User Experience Amid COVID-19
Authors: Samawi Ghazi A. , Jraisat Luai , Khlaif Fadi , Jreissat Mohannad , Ta'amnha Mohammad Akram , Alomari Samah , Khawajah Ala'aldin
Published: August 2023

This research evaluates e-commerce platforms (ECP) amid the COVID-19 pandemic and investigates the relationship between usability and user experience (UX) and e-commerce platforms performance (ECPP) by testing online customer's interactions with online retailers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses assessed the research constructs' dimensions, dimensionality, validity, and composite reliability, while structural path analysis tested the hypothesized model relationships. The empirical results indicate that six usability dimensional attributes are strategically significant antecedents to UX and ECPP: navigation, information architecture, value of content, satisfaction, aesthetics, and consistency and functionality. An integrated framework of usability and UX is recommended for retailers running their businesses on digital platforms. This research investigates usability, UX, and ECPP through understanding digital marketing frameworks in e-commerce stores in the COVID-19 context, shedding light on the strategic role of usability attributes and how they affect UX digital performance.
Taurine: a promising nutraceutic in the prevention of retinal degeneration
Authors: García-Ayuso Diego , Di Pierdomenico Johnny , Martínez-Vacas Ana , Vidal-Sanz Manuel , Picaud Serge , Villegas-Pérez María P.
Published: August 2023

Taurine is considered a non-essential amino acid because it is synthesized by most mammals. However, dietary intake of taurine may be necessary to achieve the physiological levels required for the development, maintenance, and function of certain tissues. Taurine may be especially important for the retina. The concentration of taurine in the retina is higher than that in any other tissue in the body and taurine deficiency causes retinal oxidative stress, apoptosis, and degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells. Low plasma taurine levels may also underlie retinal degeneration in humans and therefore, taurine administration could exert retinal neuroprotective effects. Taurine has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and calcium homeostasis-regulatory properties. This review summarizes the role of taurine in retinal health and disease, where it appears that taurine may be a promising nutraceutical.
Cell metabolism pathways involved in the pathophysiological changes of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Lv Yaowei , Yao Xiangyun , Li Xiao , Ouyang Yuanming , Fan Cunyi , Qian Yun
Published: August 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202403000-00034/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-27T141015Z/r/image-tiff

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Elucidating the pathophysiological metabolic mechanism impels the generation of ideal therapies. However, existing limited treatments for diabetic peripheral neuropathy expose the urgent need for cell metabolism research. Given the lack of comprehensive understanding of energy metabolism changes and related signaling pathways in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, it is essential to explore energy changes and metabolic changes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy to develop suitable treatment methods. This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanism of diabetic peripheral neuropathy from the perspective of cellular metabolism and the specific interventions for different metabolic pathways to develop effective treatment methods. Various metabolic mechanisms (e.g., polyol, hexosamine, protein kinase C pathway) are associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and researchers are looking for more effective treatments through these pathways.
Soluble p75 neurotrophic receptor as a reliable biomarker in neurodegenerative diseases: what is the evidence?
Authors: Jourdi Georges , Fleury Samuel , Boukhatem Imane , Lordkipanidzé Marie
Published: August 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases are often misdiagnosed, especially when the diagnosis is based solely on clinical symptoms. The p75 neurotrophic receptor (p75NTR) has been studied as an index of sensory and motor nerve development and maturation. Its cleavable extracellular domain (ECD) is readily detectable in various biological fluids including plasma, serum and urine. There is evidence for increased p75NTR ECD levels in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, age-related dementia, schizophrenia, and diabetic neuropathy. Whether p75NTR ECD could be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and/or prognosis in these disorders, and whether it could potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies, remains an open question. In this review, we present and discuss published studies that have evaluated the relevance of this emerging biomarker in the context of various neurodegenerative diseases. We also highlight areas that require further investigation to better understand the role of p75NTR ECD in the clinical diagnosis and management of neurodegenerative disorders.
Outcomes of laparoscopic SG and laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass in terms of improvement in the lipid profile
Authors: Mahmoud Eman Hasan , Fahmy Mohamed H. , Fathy Ehab , Elshal Mohamed , Elmonim Ahmed Maher Abd
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Obesity is associated with an increased mortality rate, particularly of cardiovascular origin, due to the close association between obesity and cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia. The efficacy of different bariatric Surgeries in weight reduction and in glycemic homeostasis improvement has been widely described. In contrast, little is known about the effects of bariatric surgery on lipid profile. Few studies have compared the effect of different surgical techniques on lipid profile changes. So, we aim at assessing and comparing the effect of SG and OAGB in terms of improvement in the lipid profile.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective comparative study that included 46 morbidly obese patients. Patients were divided into two groups: SG group (23 patients), and OAGB group (23 patients). Preoperative and 3 months post-operative cholesterol levels, triglycerides, LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), and HDL (High-density lipoprotein) were measured. The results were documented, analyzed, and correlated to baseline results, and results from the two groups were compared together.

Results

This study revealed that most of our patients who were candidates for bariatric surgeries either SG or OAGB presented with elevated mean LDL, Cholesterol, and triglyceride and decreased mean HDL. The results showed a significant improvement of lipid profile after both SG and OAGB over a 3-month interval. There was a statistically significant difference between the two operations in the decrease of cholesterol over 3 months postoperatively in favour of the OAGB operation; hence the significant difference is observed in the change of the cardiovascular risk and improvement of quality of life of those patients underwent OAGB.

Conclusion

Obese patients have shown an association with elevated LDL, Cholesterol, and triglyceride and decreased HDL. SG and OAGB both result in a significant decrease in LDL, Cholesterol and triglyceride and an increase in HDL.
Fate of minor lower limb varicosities after Endovenous Thermal Ablation in patients with lower limb Varicose veins with incompetent Sapheno-femoral Junction
Authors: Fathy Ahmed Khalaf , Hussein Emad El-din Ahmed , Ismail Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed , Mohamed Abd Allah Mostafa Ismail , Soliman Atta Islam Mohamed Nabil
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This was an open-label randomized comparative two arms study to assess the efficacy and clinical outcome of endovenous thermal ablation on reticular veins and telangiectasias in patients with lower limbs varicose veins with incompetent Sapheno-femoral Junction.

Patients and methods

A total of 40 patients [15 (37.5%) males and 25 (62.5%) females] with reflux of the long saphenous vein were subjected to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). 20 patients had RFA alone while the other 20 patients underwent RFA and injection sclerotherapy. Then patients were followed up on 1 week after the procedure, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year by duplex and clinically using venous clinical severity score.

Results

There were 37.5% males and 62.5% females. There was a statistically significant difference in both groups regarding patients’ symptoms (pain, heaviness, and swelling) before and after serial times of follow-up, which was assessed by the VCSS, denoting marked improvement of patients’ symptoms. Also, there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.001) concerning duplex results regards the reflux before and following RFA. Reticular veins follow-up, we found that in group A they were present among 35% of patients on 1-week follow-up. This increased to reach 70% after 1 year of follow-up, however, in group B they were absent among all patients on 1 week follow-up. They were present among 15% of patients after 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion

RFA with concomitant sclerotherapy for the associated minor veins have proved to be safe, cost-effective and more patient satisfaction than RFA without concomitant sclerotherapy.
Upfront surgery versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy for borderline resectable pancreatic carcinoma with venous encasement more than 180 degree, comparative study
Authors: Khalil Ahmed , Sabry Ahmed Mohamed , Sherif Diaa Eldin M. , Zaid Mohamed H.
Published: August 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer is considered the seventh cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and has low resection rate and a poor prognosis. Surgical resection to achieve R0 followed by adjuvant chemotherapy is the treatment of choice. Borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) is technically difficult tumor with high risk of non-radical resection R1 and early postoperative recurrence.

A neoadjuvant chemotherapy in BRPC instead of upfront surgical resection has advantages of increase R0 resection rate, treatment of undetected micro metastases and decrease postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Objective

Comparing the short-term outcome between upfront surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy for borderline resectable pancreatic carcinoma for venous encasement only as regards the ability to do R0 resection, early surgical complications and the progression rate of the disease

Design

Prospective cohort.

Patients and methods

Patients age between 20–70, with only venous encasement (no arterial encasement) with encasement>180 degrees and a segment of venous encasement not more than 2 cm were included.

Patients with an arterial encasement, distant metastasis, and not fit for chemotherapy were excluded.

Results

The upfront surgery group has higher resection rate (75%) with portal/SMV reconstruction needed in one-third of the cases (33.3%) while the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group has higher progression rate (55%) and low resection rate (only 20%). No significant difference between the groups as regards the complication rate (morbidity and mortality), R1 resection(margin invasion), blood loss or time of surgery.

Conclusion

Upfront surgery can be done in selected patients with BR-PDAC to avoid the progression of the disease with no statistically significant difference as regards the short-term complications in comparison to the neoadjuvant group.
Comparison between peripheral nerve stimulator-guided serratus anterior plane block versus transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anaesthesia: A double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Prasad Mukesh Kumar , Jain Payal , Neha  , Varshney Rohit Kumar , Gogia Pratiksha , Jheetay Gurdeep S.
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a widely accepted surgical procedure associated with postoperative pain. This study was done to compare peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS)-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAP) and transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing LC.

Methods:

Following approval from the ethical committee, 70 patients for LC were randomly assigned to Group S: SAP block and Group T: TAP block. The blocks were performed under PNS guidance, and 20 ml of 0.375% ropivacaine was administered. The severity of pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The study’s primary objective was the evaluation of the postoperative VAS score. The time of the first dose of rescue analgesia and total tramadol consumption for 24 h postoperatively were secondary objectives. All the statistical calculation was done using statistical analyses for Social Sciences for Windows version 23.0 (IBM Corp, NY, USA).

Results:

Lower VAS score was seen in patients of TAP block at rest as well as movement at 6 h (P = 0.001), 12 h (P = 0.001) and 18 h (P = 0.001) postoperatively compared with SAP. The TAP group showed a significantly increased time of first rescue analgesic compared to the SAP group (7.97 ± 0.51 vs. 5.89 ± 1.45, P = 0.001). Tramadol usage was significantly higher in the SAP group than in the TAP group (128.9 ± 36.22 vs. 72.43 ± 44.80, P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

TAP block guided by the PNS improves postoperative pain with less tramadol consumption and during the postoperative period without significant complications.
Comparing the Efficacy of 3 and 5 mg/kg Intramuscular Ketamine with the Addition of Oral Midazolam and Atropine in Pediatric Dental Sedation
Authors: Ansari Ghasem , Akhavan Parisa Seyed , Fallahinejad Ghajari Masoud , Shayeghi Shahnaz , Eghbali Ahmad , Hanjani Kiana
Published: August 2023

Statement of the Problem:

One of the main obstacles in dealing with pediatric patients is patients’ lack of cooperation when undergoing dental treatment. Providing a safe yet effective method to tackle such a problem is a priority of today’s pediatric dentistry.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to compare the sedative effect of 3 and 5 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) ketamine with oral atropine and midazolam.

Settings and Design:

This clinical trial was performed on 25 uncooperative children aged 3–5 years. Each patient acted as self-control. Patients were randomly divided into two groups.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, one group received 5 mg/kg ketamine (Daroupakhsh, Iran) IM at first and 3 mg/kg ketamine IM at the second visit, while the other received the same doses in the opposite order. All patients received oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) (Dales Pharmaceutical, England) with 0.02 mg/kg atropine (Caspian Co, Rasht, Iran) half an hour before the main IM ketamine injection.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Collected data were analyzed using ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

There was no significant difference between sedative effects of the two administered doses of ketamine (P < 0.1). In the 5 and 3 mg/kg ketamine groups, there were 80% and 76% success rates, respectively. For complications, two cases of emergence reaction and one case of visual disorders were reported in both sessions. Parents were more satisfied with child’s reactions after the 3 mg/kg ketamine dose session.

Conclusion:

No difference was found in effectiveness between the 3 and 5 mg/kg IM ketamine with the addition of oral midazolam and atropine in the sedation of very young children.
Maxillary Canine with Rare Root Canal Morphology
Authors: Chandran Keerthana , Jayakumar Srilekha , Sridhar Dinesh , John Bindu Meera , Purushothaman Shasidharan
Published: August 2023

Understanding root canal morphology is the main prerequisite for the clinician to carry out root canal therapy. The intricate structure of the root canals always creates challenges for the clinician during the cleaning and shaping procedure. Diversities in the canal morphology has to be thoroughly evaluated and studied using radiographs and also by the utilization of additional diagnostic aids before initiating the treatment procedure. This paper describes the management of maxillary canine with Vertucci type II canal configuration, a rare morphological occurrence.
Black Triangle and its Management in Dentistry: A Review Article
Authors: Kaur Avneet , Waghmare Pramod , Dodwad Vidya M , Bhosale Nishita Shivaji , Karale Akanksha Mohan , Singh Simran Sunil
Published: August 2023

In today’s world demand for aesthetics amongst both clinicians and patients is increasing rapidly. The interdental papilla is one such aesthetic zone that is addressed as ‘pink triangle’ in dentistry. The loss of this interdental papilla due to several reasons leads to an unaesthetic zone known as ‘black triangle’. The black triangle is not only unaesthetic but also leads to various other problems including food impaction and lack of phonetics. Hence various surgical and non-surgical techniques are being introduced to restore the aesthetics by regenerating or reconstructing the lost interdental papilla. The aesthetics in maxillary anterior region after pocket elimination therapy is the most essential aspect of periodontal therapy. This review article includes interdental papilla loss and its various management techniques.
A City-based Demographic Research on Community-dwelling Residents of Belagavi, India, about Dynapenia, Frailty, and Sarcopenia
Authors: Gurudut Peeyoosha , Kumar Sanjiv , Patil Ashwin , Mhetri Sanjana , Misquita Delia , Mulgaonkar Saiksha
Published: August 2023

Context:

Age-related loss in skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia), decreased muscle strength (dynapenia), and frailty can impede functional skills and cause mobility problems, leading to falls and fractures. There are scanty epidemiological data on the prevalence of these conditions in areas in the Indian subcontinental areas.

Aims:

The aim of the study is to create epidemiological statistics on sarcopenia, dynapenia, and frailty in a cross section of community-dwelling individuals in Belagavi city.

Study Design and Settings:

This is an epidemiological study on community-dwelling individuals from Belagavi city, India.

Subjects and Methods:

Seven hundred and two residents over the age of 40 years were evaluated and diagnosed for sarcopenia as per the guidelines given by the Asian Working Group for sarcopenia which included gait speed, dominant hand grip strength (HGS), and appendicular skeletal mass index (ASMI). They were assessed for frailty with a Clinical Frailty Scale and dynapenia with HGS.

Statistical Analysis:

The prevalence was calculated as the frequency and distribution.

Results:

A total of 309 men and 393 women were enrolled in the study. The results depicted higher prevalence after the age of 70 years for sarcopenia (20.37%), dynapenia (23.65%), and frailty (5.98%) when compared to those of 40–50 years (11.82%, 14.81%, and 0.14%, respectively). Sarcopenia was equally prevalent among females (30.77%) and males (30.48%). Females (40.03%) had a higher prevalence of dynapenia than males (34.19%) and females (4.56%) were frailer than males (2.42%).

Conclusions:

With advancing age, the prevalence of sarcopenia, dynapenia, and frailty increased. The changes become more prevalent after 70 years of age in both genders. Although sarcopenia was equally prevalent in both genders, dynapenia and frailty were more prevalent in women than men.
End-expiratory Occlusion Test and Mini-fluid Challenge Test for Predicting Fluid Responsiveness in Acute Circulatory Failure
Authors: Selvam Velmurugan , Shende Dilip , Anand Rahul Kumar , Kashyap Lokesh , Ray Bikash Ranjan
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Predicting which patients with acute circulatory failure will respond to the fluid by an increase in cardiac output is a daily challenge. End-expiratory occlusion test (EEOT) and mini-fluid challenge (MFC) can be used for assessing fluid responsiveness in patients with spontaneous breathing activity, cardiac arrhythmias, low-tidal volume and/or low lung compliance.

Methods:

The objective of the study is to evaluate the value of EEOT and MFC-induced rise in left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity time integral (VTI) in predicting fluid responsiveness in acute circulatory failure in comparison to the passive leg-raising (PLR) test. Hundred critically ill ventilated and sedated patients with acute circulatory failure were studied. LVOT VTI was measured by transthoracic echocardiography before and after EEOT (interrupting the ventilator at end-expiration over 15 s), and before and after MFC (100 ml of Ringer lactate was infused over 1 min). The variation of LVOT VTI after EEOT and the MFC was calculated from the baseline. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of LVOT VTI after EEOT and MFC to predict fluid responsiveness were determined.

Results:

After PLR, stroke volume (SV) increased by ≥12% in 49 patients, who were defined as responders and 34 patients in whom the increase in SV <12% were defined as nonresponders. A cutoff of 9.1% Change in VTI after MFC (∆VTIMFC) predicted fluid responsiveness with an AUROC of 0.96 (P < 0.001) with sensitivity and specificity of 91.5% and 88.9%, respectively. Change in VTI after EEOT (∆VTIEEOT) >4.3% predicted fluid responsiveness with sensitivity and specificity 89.4% and 88.9%, respectively, with an AUROC of 0.97 (P < 0.001), but in 17 patients, EEOT was not possible because triggering of the ventilator by the patient’s inspiratory effort.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, in mechanically ventilated patients with acute circulatory failure ∆ VTIMFC and ∆ VTI EEOT accurately predicts fluid responsiveness.
Diabetes mellitus research in Saudi Arabia: A bibliometric study (2010-2021)
Authors: Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan , Kaabi Yahia Ali
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) causes global exhaustion, consumes economic resources, and has several risk factors. The bibliometric studies re-evaluate the research efforts on this illness using mathematical and statistical tools to indicate current research and future trends. This study examines KSA’s DM research during 2010–2021. Data were acquired from Scopus and analyzed using VOSviewer and MS Excel. Several characteristics were examined to measure the quantity and quality of KSA-related DM articles. In total, 1,919 journal and conference papers were published. DM research included researchers from multidisciplinary sectors. Thirty-seven percent of them have ten or more scientific publications. Al-Daghri, N.M. (King Saud University) leads the pack. In total, 757 (39.44%) research projects got funding from 159 sources within and outside KSA. Memish, Z.A. is the most cited author. The Saudi Medical Journal has the most citations (1214). Al-Daghri, N.M. (KSU) collaborates the most. One hundred forty-one nations aided KSA’s diabetes research. Egypt’s High Institute of Public Health has the most scientific collaboration with KSA. Authors’ and all Keywords analyses indicated a rich knowledge structure. Diabetes Care Journal has the most cocitations with 2,220 and a total link strength of 19,283, followed by The New England Journal of Medicine. The study results will be helpful to stakeholders to understand better the trends and performance of diabetes-related regional research, which will be beneficial.
Pushpeeyam Adhyaya of Bhela Indriya Sthana
Authors: Gupta Kshama , Mamidi Prasad
Published: August 2023

Bhela samhita is an ancient Indian textbook of medicine composed by Maharshi Bhela. Indriya sthana is one among the eight sections of Bhela samhita, and it consists of 12 chapters deals with prognostic aspects. Pushpeeyam adhyaya is the 11th chapter of Bhela indriya sthana which consists of 20 verses. Previous works have explored the prognostic potential of various chapters of Bhela indriya sthana. No studies have been conducted on “Pushpeeyam adhyaya” till date. The present study aims to explore the contents of “Pushpeeyam adhyaya” with the help of contemporary medical literature and principles of Freud's interpretation of dreams. Various databases have been searched to identify suitable studies (published in English language) by using appropriate key words. Various conditions such as visual perceptual distortions (erythropsia, photopsia, hyperchromatopsia, achromatopsia, metamorphopsia, etc.), Charles Bonnet syndrome, Anton-Babinski syndrome, retinal and vitreous detachments, end-of-life dreams and visions, hypnagogic visual hallucinations with sleep bruxism, temporal lobe epilepsy, occipital lobe seizures, pilomotor seizures, and psychiatric or neuropsychiatric conditions are documented in “Pushpeeyam adhyaya.” Various dreams such as bad, inauspicious, neutral, wish fulfilling, nightmares, day dreams, lucid dreams, bizarre or absurd dreams and dreams having animal figures, and colors along with their consequences (either death or survival) are documented in “Pushypeeyam adhyaya.” Analysis of dreams with the help of “Freud's interpretation of dreams” principles has revealed that the dreams documented in “Pushpeeyam adhyaya” seems to be rationale. Prognostic estimation based on odors emitted by patients (pushpeeyam) and analyzing dreams (swapna vignaana) of patients are having paramount importance (due to their cost-effectiveness, noninvasiveness, and feasibility) in resource-poor settings. Various hypotheses generated by the present work may pave the way for future research studies.
Computed Tomography Findings in a Case of Gastric Duplication Cyst
Authors: Tewari Siddharth , Prasad Niharika
Published: August 2023

Gastric duplication cysts comprise a rare congenital anomaly constituting 8% of total gastrointestinal tract duplications. They may be associated with complications, or may be discovered incidentally. This case report illustrates the same, in which an adult female had presented with vague abdominal complaints. Subsequently, a computed tomography scan had revealed a cystic lesion adjacent to the stomach. She was treated surgically.
Caries Risk Assessment – An Initiation to Prevention
Authors: Dharmatti Shweta , Bargale Seema , Khandelwal Jayesh Rupesh , Jain Sejal
Published: August 2023

The high incidence of dental caries in young children has highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to caries prevention in children. Caries risk assessment (CRA) is widely recognised as a foundation for clinical decision-making and disease management for individual patients, as well as allocating time and resources to those in the group who are most in need. It also notes that the course of action taken to prevent caries will alter a patient's caries risk status at an early stage. The approach takes into account past caries experience, sociodemographic, socioeconomic, oral hygiene, eating habits, oral bacteria, and saliva characteristics in patients. Various types of Caries Risk Assessment Tools that can be implemented in practice are Caries Questionnaire, Cariogram, Caries Assessment tool, Caries Management by Risk Assessment, Traffic Light Matrix, Caries Assessment and Risk Evaluation test.
Anxiety Disorder among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Rural Tertiary Care Hospital of Gujarat, India Due to Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Patel Hanee Dinesh , Chauhan Grishma Dinesh , Jain Dhairya Naresh , Patel Rudra
Published: August 2023

Context:

Mental wellbeing is of utmost importance in the 21stcentury but the coronavirus pandemic and simultaneous lockdown have brought uncertainty, fear among other issues disturbing the normal equilibrium and leading to disharmony in the mental wellbeing of university-going students.

Aim:

Find out prevalence and risk factors of anxiety disorder among undergraduate medical students of sbks medical institute and research center because of lockdown.

Materials and Methods:

It was a cross-sectional study. Participants were sent a preformed questionnaire that included a GAD-7 scale along with risk factors and socio-demographic questions via college social media groups. Simple random sampling method was used to select students.

Results:

Out of the 301 responses analysed, results showed 11.63% were screened to be experiencing severe anxiety, 19.27% moderate anxiety, 29.57% mild anxiety. Disturbance in academic study schedule (odds ratio [OR] = 8.461, 95% confidence interval [CI] (4.159,17.212),P< 0.001), inability of the participants to go outside as a routine (OR = 2.837, 95% CI (1.701,4.734),P< 0.001), inability to perform extracurricular activities (OR = 2.017, 95% CI (1.223, 3.328),P= 0.006) and the lack of offline/On-campus experience were significant factors leading to increased anxiety for the students (OR = 4.185, 95% CI (2.494, 7.022),P< 0.001).

Conclusions:

30.90% of the participants tested positive for anxiety disorder and disturbance in academic study schedule, lack of offline/on-campus experience, and inability to perform extracurricular activities were significant factors affecting anxiety levels of students.
Design and Fabrication of Improved Socket System, the Triple-Side Wall Expansion Socket System for Better Comfort of Transtibial Amputees
Authors: Patel Sahil Rasiklal , Mahato Gouri
Published: August 2023

Background:

Transtibial prosthesis is a device specifically replaces the part of the leg that is below the knee joint. Mostly the amputees are dependent on others and live a sedentary life when they cannot function effectively and efficiently with their prosthesis.[1] To wear a prosthesis whole day long requires better comfort as well as the function along with the other components. The prosthetic socket is the main connector between the residual and prosthesis. Poor socket fitting directly affects socket comfort, function, and workability of the user, making them more dependent and psychologically depressed and weaker and creating challenges for the user, family, and rehabilitation professionals.[2]

Aims and Objective of the Study:

The purpose of the research work is to design and fabricate a comfortable socket design which can be fitted to provide better comfort to the users.

Methodology:

The study is based on custom-made socket where modification needs to be done on the socket part and in the fabrication procedure.

Results:

During fitment, 70% of users found it significantly comfortable and improved in ambulation.

Conclusions:

For the triple-side wall expansion socket system, it can be concluded that change in socket for better function is also could be an alternative for troublesome residual limb amputees.