bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fluid Mechanics System in Growth of Vegetable Crops using Hydroponics Technique Compared to Conventional System
Authors: Sanidhya Ranganath  , Tejaswini Nagaraj  , Rashmi Shivanna
Published: May 2023

Hydroponic techniques have major advancements in the recent years compared to Conventional Systems. The flow pattern of fluid used in hydroponic system in a cultivation container affects the growth of plants. Vegetables such as Strawberry, Basil, Cauliflower, Tomato, Spinach and Radish saplings were grown in soil and soilless methods to compare the growth, yield and nutritional value. As for the conventional system, the plants were grown in soil and for hydroponic system Nutrient Film Technique, Deep Water Culture and Wick Systems were used to cultivate plants. On the completion of the growth of the plants, the samples were analysed in laboratory for biochemical analyses. The total yield of Strawberry was 46.5% and tomato with 42.05% in Hydroponics system compared to soil system, whereas in Biochemical analysis Cauliflower gave 10.02% higher results. Chlorophyll content in Basil was observed to be 0.15mg/g and Spinach with 0.04 mg/g which was different from other corresponding results. The commercially harvested root of radish showed a total growth of 22.4 cm in the hydroponic system. The root and shoot lengths had significantly better results in Hydroponic system. Nutritionally, there were not many differences in few aspects whereas the hydroponically grown plants had better qualitative results. It was evident by the obtained results that, the hydroponically grown plants had better results when compared to the plants that were grown conventionally and the fluid flow patterns could also affect the productivity in the hydroponics system.
Application of Avocado Seed as Textile Natural Dye
Authors: Adhi Kusumastuti  , Nova Auliyana  , Monna Rozana
Published: May 2023

Organic waste that accumulates and underutilized can cause environmental pollution. Among the organic wastes that can be utilized is avocado seed waste (Persea americana mill). Avocado seeds contain anthocyanins which have the potential to give red to purple colour so that they have the potential to be used as natural dyes for textiles. This study aims to determine the quality of colour strength, the quality of colour fastness to soap washing and the quality of colour fastness to sunlight. In this research, effect of mordant types (alum, lime and ferrous sulphate) to colour strength and colour fastness were investigated. The natural dye was hot extracted from avocado seed. Maintaining extraction and dyeing processes variables, the samples were then analysed using spectrophotometer to obtain the colour strength data. Gray scale was used to assess the colour difference due to colour fastness of washing and sunlight. Experiment results showed that ferrous sulphate generated the darkest colour of R% 88.07 with very dark criteria. Colour fastness to washing was not affected by mordant type thus provided the same value of moderate. Meanwhile, the best colour fastness to sunlight was given by system with ferrous sulphate mordant with good criteria.
Steam Methane Reforming in a Swirling Flow: Effect of Reformer Design Parameters
Authors: Igor Karpilov  , Ravil Mustafin
Published: May 2023

Climate change is mostly driven by extensive fossil fuel combustion. Therefore, the transition to clean energy sources and energy efficiency technologies are of great importance. Thermochemical regeneration (TCR) is a method of combined energy efficiency improvement and clean fuel production. Reactor design has a significant impact on the process efficiency and therefore is a key parameter. In the present study, three different reactor geometries were considered: cylinder, square-shaped tube and complicated cylinder. Ansys Fluent was used to model the steam methane reforming reactions in porous media. The influence of the reactor shape on the operating conditions (pressure, velocity, temperature, CH4 conversion) was assessed. Complicated cylindrical shape produced the highest amount of H2 but had the highest pressure drop. Square-shaped tube performed better from the production of H2 per unit of pressure drop perspective. Moreover, the effect of swirled flow on the process performance was studied. In summary, the effective reformer design was chosen and swirl flow suggestions were proposed.
Cetylpyridinium Chloride Induces Resistance Genes in Candida Albicans
Authors: UYGUN-CAN Banu
Published: May 2023

Aim: The antimicrobial cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is used in the management of denture stomatitis-associated oral candidiasis as an alternative therapy as well as for oral hygiene. Cetylpyridinium chloride survives in the oral cavity for long periods at low doses, which fluctuates due to the dynamics of the oral cavity. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the impact of different sub-therapeutic CPC concentrations (1/100, 1/200) for different time periods (0.,5., 2., 24., 48. h) on the expression of drug-resistance genes (CDR1, CDR2, MDR1, ERG11) in Candida albicans SC5314.
Method: Total RNA was extracted immediately after antimicrobial exposure using the Biospeedy® Tri-Easy Isolation Kit followed by Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The data were analyzed by the comparative 2-ΔΔCT method to calculate the relative expression of the target genes after treatment with different CPC concentrations, standardized to the housekeeping gene Actin.
Results: In this study, it was found that the drug resistance gene expression levels increased after exposure to high CPC concentrations (1/100) for 48 h, whereas the gene expression levels were downregulated at 1/200.
Conclusion: These results may provide an insight into the mechanisms of action of drug-resistance genes in Candida albicans and aid the development of future strategies for using CPC as an alternative therapy.
Sağlık Bilimleri Öğrencilerinin Beslenme Alışkanlıkları ve Obezite Durumu
Authors: ÇÖL Başak Gökçe , ELKİN Nurten , YALÇIN Semiha , NİZAMLIOĞLU Mustafa , BARUT Abdullah Yüksel , ONUR ÖZTÜRK Hande Nur , KURTULUŞ Eda Merve
Published: May 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışma Sağlık Bilimleri öğrencilerinin beslenme alışkanlıkları ve obezite durumlarının belirlenmesini amaçlamaktadır.
Yöntem: Çalışmada özel bir üniversitenin sağlık bilimlerinde okuyan gönüllü 277 öğrencinin katıldığı, soru sayısı 60 olan literatür taranarak oluşturulmuş beslenme durum değerlendirme anketi uygulanmıştır. Anket sonuçları ve öğrencilerden alınan demografik verilerden boy, ağırlık, vücut yağ yüzdesi ve hesaplanan Beden Kütle İndeksi (BKİ) verileri ile tanımlayıcı istatistikten yararlanılmıştır. Anket verilerinin değerlendirilmesinde ki-kare; Mann Whitney U testlerinden yararlanılmıştır.
Bulgular: Araştırmaya katılan öğrencilerin %67,9’u kadın, %32,1’i erkek olup, katılımcı yaş ortalamaları 21,02±2,13 yıl olarak bulunmuştur. Çalışmada öğrencilerin %29,2’si diyet yaptığını; %78,7’si öğün atladığını beyan etmişlerdir. En sık atlanan öğünün %48,7 ile öğle öğünü olduğu (p=0,001); öğün atlama nedeninin %50,2 ile zaman olmaması olarak (p=0,001) belirlenmiştir. Öğrencilerin BKİ durumları değerlendirildiğinde normal ve hafif şişman öğrencilerin kendilerini obez olarak algılama eğilimde oldukları bulunmuştur (p=0,001). Cinsiyetten bağımsız olarak egzersiz yapma durumu (p=0,028), yemek yeme hızı (p=0,031), kendini hafif şişman görme (p<0,001) ile BKİ arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmuştur.
Sonuç: Yetişkinlikteki alışkanlıkların temelini oluşturan üniversite döneminde yapılan bu çalışmada öğün atlama davranışı ile egzersiz sıklığı, yemek yeme hızı arasında gruplar arası anlamlı fark bulunmuştur. Öğrencilerin normal ve hafif şişman olsalar dahi kendilerini obez olarak görmeleri beden algısını ortaya koyma açısından önemlidir.
Özel Cerrahi Hastanesi Diz Replasman Cerrahisi Hasta Beklenti Anketi’nin Türkçe Geçerlilik ve Güvenirlik Çalışması
Authors: ERDEN Arzu , EMİRZEOĞLU Murat , ŞENOCAK Emre , AKTÜRK Adem , KORKMAZ Nurhayat , AYNACI Osman , ÇELEBİ İlhan Kaan , BAKİ Mehmet Emre , AYDIN Hafız
Published: May 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı Özel Cerrahi Hastanesi Diz Replasman Ameliyatı Hasta Beklenti Anketi’nin Türkçe versiyonunun geçerlilik ve güvenirliğini incelemektir.
Yöntem: Bu çalışmaya total diz artroplasti endikasyonuna sahip 104 gönüllü hasta (Kadın: 81/Erkek:23), dâhil edildi. Hastaların diz replasman cerrahisinden beklentilerini sorgulayan anket 19 maddeden oluşmaktadır. Yapı geçerliliğinin değerlendirilmesinde faktör analizi yöntemi kullanıldı. Eşzamanlı geçerliliği hesaplamak için hastaların beklenti düzeylerini belirttikleri diğer ölçüm yöntemi olan Visuel Analog Skalası (VAS) kullanıldı. Anketin güvenilirliği, test-tekrar test, madde analizi ile iç tutarlılık Cronbach’s alfa katsayısı ile değerlendirildi.
Bulgular: Katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 60,25±9,72 yıl idi. Örneklem yeterlilik endeksi 0.884 idi. Faktör analizi sonucunda toplam varyansın %65,95’nin açıklandığı ve anketin özgün formundaki gibi tek boyutlu olduğu bulgusuna ulaşıldı. Anketin Türkçe versiyonu iç tutarlılık katsayısı bakımından mükemmel derecede güvenilir bulundu (Cronbach's alfa=0,929). Test-tekrar test analiz sonuçları arasında anlamlı ilişki bulundu (r=0,564; p=0,002). Eş zamanlı geçerlilik sonuçlarına göre anket ile VAS arasında anlamlı ilişki bulundu (r=0,446; p<0,001).
Sonuç: Özel Cerrahi Hastanesi Diz Replasman Ameliyatı Hasta Beklenti Anketi’nin Türkçe versiyonu 19 madde ile geçerli, güvenilir ve kolay uygulanabilir bir değerlendirme aracıdır.
Hemşirelerin Kendi Kendine İlaç Kullanma ve Önerme Durumlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: SEVİNÇ Ebru , KIRMACI Merve , ZENGİN Prof. Dr. Neriman , SEZER Sibel
Published: May 2023

Amaç: Araştırma hemşirelerin kendi kendine ilaç kullanma ve ilaç önerme durumlarını belirlemek amacı ile planlanmıştır.
Yöntem: Araştırma tanımlayıcı tipte olup evreni İstanbul ilinde yaşayan devlet ve özel hastanede çalışan hemşireler, örneklemi ise araştırmaya gönüllü olarak katılmayı kabul eden 502 hemşire oluşturmuştur. Çalışmanın verileri araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan üç bölüm ve 28 sorudan oluşan Google form online anket formu ile toplanmıştır. Veriler SPSS 20.0 programında (Statistical Program for Social Sciences) değerlendirilmiştir. Niteliksel verilerin değerlendirilmesinde sıklık, yüzde, nicel verilerin değerlendirilmesinde standart sapma, medyan değerlerinden yararlanılmış ve gruplar arasındaki farklılıklar Ki kare testi ile incelenmiştir.
Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılan hemşirelerin %77,1’inin kendi kendine ilaç kullandıklarını, en fazla analjezik (%78,5) ve vitamin (%34,9) ilaçlarını, baş ağrısı (%77,3), soğuk algınlığı (%42,2) yakınmaları durumunda aldıklarını belirtmişlerdir. Bu ilaçları alma nedeni olarak da benzer sorunları daha önce deneyimleme (%59,0); bilgi sahibi olma (%43,2); ilacı daha önceden kullanma (%27,9) olarak ifade etmişlerdir. İlaç önerme durumlarında hemşirelerin %44,9’u başkalarına ilaç önerisinde bulunduklarını, %55,1’i ilaç önerisinde bulunmadıklarını ifade etmiştir. Hemşirelerin sosyo-demografik değişkenlerine göre, sadece eğitim düzeylerinde anlamlı fark tespit edilmiştir (p<0,05). Lisansüstü eğitim düzeyine sahip hemşirelerin (%86,4); lise (%61,7), ön lisans (%72,4) ve lisans (%81,6) düzeyinde eğitim olan hemşirelerden daha yüksek oranda kendi kendilerine ilaç kullandıkları tespit edilmiştir (p<0,05). Lise mezunu hemşirelerin (%66) ön lisans (%60,2), lisans (49,8) ve lisansüstü (39,8) mezunu hemşirelerden istatistiksel olarak anlamlı oranda daha az ilaç önerdikleri bulunmuştur (p<0,05).
Sonuç: Hemşirelerin kendi kendine ilaç kullanma ve önerme durumlarının yüksek olduğu ve hemşirelerin eğitim düzeyinin kendi kendine ilaç kullanma ve önerme durumunu etkilediği saptanmıştır.
Ağrı ve Bellek
Authors: BİLSEL Beyza Aslı , DURUSOY Ebru , MUTUŞ Rıfat
Published: May 2023

Öz
Ağrıya bağlı olası psikolojik ve bilişsel bozuklukların insan üzerinde etkileri olduğu giderek daha fazla kabul görmektedir. Ağrı, duyusal/ayırt edici bir uyarıdır ve organizmanın tehlikeden korunma, iyileşme vb. için gerekli eylemleri teşvik edebilmektedir. Aynı zamanda motivasyonel ve duygusal bileşenleri de olan çok boyutlu bir uyarandır. Zararlı bir uyarana verilen yanıtta öğrenme deneyimi sağlayan bilişsel/değerlendirme boyutu yer alır. Öğrenilen ağrı deneyimleri, gelecekteki ağrı deneyimlerinin algılanmasını da etkileyebilmektedir. Ağrı yolları bilişsel, duygusal ve davranışsal etkileri olan kompleks bir duyusal sistemi temsil eder. Yaygın nörotransmitterler ve nöral plastisitenin benzer mekanizmaları (örneğin, merkezi sensitizasyon, uzun süreli güçlenme (long term potentiation), kronik ağrı ve hafıza arasında mekanik bir örtüşme olduğunu düşündürür. Bu anatomik ve mekanik bağıntılar, kronik ağrı ve hafızanın çeşitli seviyelerde yakından etkileşime girdiğini gösterir. Nörogörüntüleme çalışmaları, beyin aktivitesinin uzaysal-zamansal yeniden düzenlenmesinin, ağrının temsilinin yavaş yavaş duyusal yapılardan duygusal ve limbik yapılara kaydığı kronik ağrıya geçişe eşlik ettiğini ileri sürmektedir. Ayrıca bu çalışmalar ağrıya ilişkin psikolojik ve sosyal faktörlerin, bireyin sağlığını, bilişsel durumunu etkilediğini de göstermektedir. Çok boyutlu bir deneyim olan ağrının temel sinirbilim süreçlerinin yanı sıra psikososyal faktörlerinin de incelenerek ağrıya dair biyopsikososyal değerlendirme ve tedavi yöntemlerinin uygulanması ve araştırılması önem arz etmektedir. Bu derlemede bellek süreçleri ile ilişkili olarak ağrıya dair genel bir bakış açısı oluşturmak hedeflenmiştir.
The Effect of Home Quarantine and Social Isolation on Physical Activity Level, and Its Effects on Anxiety and Depression in University Students in COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: KARAAĞAÇ Ali , YILMAZ Hüsniye Merve
Published: May 2023

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a lack of physical activity (PA) due to long-term home isolation, on individuals' depression and anxiety levels and the relationship between these factors.
Method: 327 young adult university students were included in this study. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine PA levels, the Beck Depression Inventory was used for depression levels, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory was used for anxiety levels of individuals.
Results: It was determined that 60.2% of the students had an inadequate FA level, 67.7% of the students experienced mild to severe depression, and 25% of the students experienced moderate to severe anxiety. Also, it was observed that the frequency of depression was higher in participants with an insufficient PA level, and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The number of participants with insufficient PA at all anxiety levels was higher than that of those with sufficient PA.
Conclusion: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals' FA levels decreased significantly and this decrease was significantly associated with an increase in individuals' depression levels. During COVID-19 pandemic process, lifestyle changes occurred in individuals, a more sedentary life was started in young adults, and this situation has negative effects on psychological factors.
Bacterial Profile of Chronic Kidney Failure Patients and their Sensitivity to Meropenem at General Hospital
Authors: Isnawati Ani , Prayitno Lukman
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) tend to have low immunity so they are easily infected. Treatment using meropenem is relatively safe but must be based on antibiotic sensitivity testing to prevent resistance.
AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the bacterial profile and its sensitivity to the antibiotic meropenem in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure.
METHODS: This was a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional research. Data derived from medical records of selected hospitals. The sample was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria with ICD10 N18.0 and N18.5 codes in January–December 2016. Data are processed with descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: There were 39 CKD patient at Hospital X and 29 respondents at Hospital Y that received meropenem. There were only 14 CKD patients at hospital X and 22 CKD patients at hospital Y with culture tests and results. There were nine samples in Hospital X and 29 samples in Hospital Y that showed bacterial growth. There were 31 (81.58%) g negative bacteria, 6 (15.79%) g positive bacteria, and 1 (2.63%) aerob bacteria. Citrobacter from samples of pus and Acinetobacter baumannii (×1) from urine samples were resistant to meropenem.
CONCLUSION: The majority of bacterial culture results are Gram-negative. Eschericia coli bacteria are the most commonly Gram-negative bacteria. Citrobacter bacteria and A. baumannii bacteria are resistant to meropenem.
Le social court plus vite que le politique
Authors: Badie Bertrand , Euvé François
Published: May 2023

Une observation attentive de l’évolution des sociétés sur une longue durée montre que « le social court plus vite que le politique ». Le facteur humain joue un rôle croissant, pour le meilleur (la fraternité) ou pour le pire (la violence). Les relations internationales sont des relations humaines, marquées en bonne partie par la souffrance et l’humiliation.
Palestine et Israël à l’heure des désillusions
Authors: Fleyfel Antoine
Published: May 2023

La situation de la Palestine est loin d’être réglée. La cause des Palestiniens ne mobilise plus le monde arabe. La progression de l’extrême droite en Israël exacerbe les tensions. La dimension religieuse du conflit, de plus en plus marquée, creuse encore davantage le fossé entre Juifs et Arabes. Pourtant, quelques perspectives apparaissent malgré tout.
Exploration de l’hétérogénéité des entrepreneurs institutionnels en situation de démarche qualité
Authors: Dagou Dagou Hermann-Wenceslas
Published: May 2023

Dans un contexte de contestation du statu quo institutionnel, cet article vient pour analyser les déterminants différenciés d’adoption de la démarche qualité par profession dans une organisation publique. Le travail institutionnel, récompensé avec cinq certifications ISO 9001, a obligé les adoptants initiaux à migrer vers le statut d’entrepreneur. Cependant, après l’ancrage des pratiques qualité, la justice dans le travail institutionnel se fait attendre. À l’aide d’une méthode séquentielle mixte, l’analyse documentée des pratiques de qualité indique le travail institutionnel en cours. Ce dernier est mis en relation avec une enquête par questionnaire auprès de tous les agents dans un hôpital public. Les relations entre les déterminants de la qualité et les types d’adoptants sont analysées par équation structurelle (SEM-PLS). Les premiers résultats montrent un travail institutionnel d’adoption de la démarche perçu par l’engagement de la direction, la satisfaction des besoins en personnel, les intéressements à distribuer et la célérité dans le traitement des factures. Pour tous les entrepreneurs, la démarche qualité repose en première intention sur la formation des acteurs et leurs relations client. Les professionnels de la santé excluent la planification et l’analyse des données, alors que les professionnels administratifs préfèrent celle-ci pour corriger l’issue de leurs décisions. Les déterminants inscrivent les médicaux dans le profil entrepreneur institutionnel « Affût », les médicaux-techniques comme « Inspiré » et « Influencé » pour les administratifs. Les résultats montrent que les médicaux, disposant de suffisamment de ressources et à la base de l’entrepreneuriat institutionnel, sont dans une situation de regret, traduit par un conflit de valeurs professionnelles, une perte de statut et un conflit d’identité sociale.
Présence et disparitions de Victor Tausk dans l’œuvre de Sigmund Freud et aux premiers temps du mouvement psychanalytique
Authors: Prado Luiz Eduardo , Nouhet-Roseman Joëlle
Published: May 2023

Tausk apparaît souvent comme un dissident malgré lui, qui essaye de rester au plus près de Freud et de sa découverte originale. Nous essayons d’exposer ici une nouvelle méthode d’approche des événements le concernant qui resterait valable pour d’autres moments de l’histoire de la psychanalyse : le tissage des correspondances des premiers psychanalystes entre eux pour créer un maillage fin et resserré à relier à d’autres sources historiques. Les évènements et les personnages gagnent ainsi en complexité.
Hamburg at the Forefront of the Active Cities
Authors: Lahoz Carlos F. , Blasco José Antonio
Published: May 2023

A sedentary lifestyle is a global and complex problem that, nevertheless, finds a very natural solution: movement. However, promoting physical activity among the population is not a simple task. It requires great efforts from individuals, society, and, particularly, from the urban environment. The concept of an active city arises as a response to make more livable and healthier cities. An increasing number of cities are committing to the active cities model. One of the most advanced is Hamburg. The Hanseatic city counts on a comprehensive strategy involving its entire territory. In this research, the main characteristics of the active city model of Hamburg will be presented and discussed, and the case of two urban interventions that show how the model can be applied to different urban settings: HafenCity and Oberbillwerder. The object of investigating the Hamburg case is to build evidence and references so that other cities can direct their urban policies and actions.
The Pedagogy of Progress(ion)
Authors: al-Sirgany Adam
Published: May 2023

This essay explores “context-rich learning” in the arts, cases of its practice, and the virtues and limits thereof. Nevertheless, much of the essay is dedicated to articulating the contexts themselves in which art as a whole and knowledge of the human kind are rooted. The essay explores five examples of context-rich learning that may be applied to different goals under the umbrella of arts education: the Suzuki Method, a musical training method focused on craft skills and learner engagement; the Montessori method, a general education program particularly applicable to the intersection of goal-based learning and individuated student learning styles; the Critical Response Process, a technique of artist-directed critique applicable across artforms and dialogic classrooms; Multiliteracies pedagogies, an academic framework developed by the New London Group and focused on differentiated student (co-learner) experiences; and 1-Week Critique, a nonprofit organization focused on open-access literary education utilizing diversified strategies for writers across circumstances and skillsets.
Assessing (Educational) Technology
Authors: Nizami Zia , Hudgins Megan , Fisher Nate
Published: May 2023

The role of technology in education has become salient due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As in-person instruction halted to mitigate the spread of the virus, online classes helped students continue their education. While the benefits of technology in education are clear, is it possible that institutions have gone too far? The dominant forms of new media and technology—radio, television, video cassette recorders, and more recently, the internet—have all been heralded as great boons to pedagogy. Have students and educators benefited from these advances in technology? Why do students from lower socioeconomic groups continue to fail out of the system? Will nascent technologies like virtual and augmented reality change the future of education?
Training for Better Transfer in an Online Competency-Based Higher Education Program
Authors: Gyll Sean P. , Shader Karen K. , Zikas Paul , Papagiannakis George
Published: May 2023

Virtual reality simulations represent a much-needed effort to move beyond the shortcomings of traditional form-based assessments. Within VR, we assess competency and problem-solving skills versus the content memorization typically supported by conventional measures. This chapter explores an innovative VR simulation recently deployed at Western Governors University. The authors explored the utility of a VR simulation as an assessment tool when students engaged in more inclusive, immersive, and interactive experiences compared to conventional methods. The authors investigated students' summative assessment scores across a 2D (desktop) and 3D VR (headset) version and how additional factors like motion sickness, cognitive workload, and system usability impacted their scores. The results showed that students in the Desktop version outperformed those in the VR version on the summative assessment while feeling equally immersed in the simulation. Implications for future research are discussed, especially for optimizing learning experiences in an online competency-based higher education program.
Price Dynamics of Condominiums in the Commercial Capital of Sri Lanka with Respect to Inflation and Covid-19
Authors: Gamage S. , Jayanga W. K. I. , Gomes P. I. A.
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted in Sri Lanka (Colombo, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte municipalities) to analyse condominium price dynamics before and during COVID-19, along with a survey on expatriate’s willingness to invest in properties during the COVID period. The condominium selling price variation was similar to consumer goods, vehicles, and house price variations from 2011 to 2021. The condominium and house prices rose; however, only house prices increased sharply with COVID-19. For the stationarity check (Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test), condominium and house selling price, and house price inflation variables displayed non-stationarity at levels and first difference. Condominium price inflation variable was, however, stationary at level. However, conducting a cointegration test between non-stationary variables may lead to spurious results. The lack of studies regarding expatriates and property investments during the pandemic was attended in this study via questionnaires. Sixty-seven per cent and 19% showed interest in house and condominium investments, respectively, implying that the pandemic has not negatively affected the market. Further studies are recommended to capture the other socio-economic factors such as political stability and comparative analysis amongst different countries.
Morphological Characterization and Molecular Identification of Three Fungal Pathogens Isolated from Solanum melongena L. in Sri Lanka
Authors: Koshila H. V. A. S. , Wanigatunge R. P. , Dias R. K. S. , Edirisinghe P.
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Solanum melongena L. (brinjal/ eggplant) is a popular vegetable in Sri Lanka. Like many solanaceous crops, brinjal fruits and plants are susceptible to various diseases. The objective of this study was to isolate, confirm pathogenicity and characterize fungal pathogens causing leaf blight, yellowing and necrosis in S. melongena plants in selected localities in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka.
Research Method: Fungi associated with symptomatic S. melongena plants collected from three localities in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka, were isolated onto potato dextrose agar and their pathogenicity was tested on healthy S. melongena plants. Fungal isolates that were confirmed to be pathogenic were subjected to morphological and molecular characterization.
Findings: Fifteen fungal isolates were obtained from infected leaves of S. melongena plants, and four fungal isolates were confirmed to be pathogenic on S. melongena. Isolates H32a and H32b causing similar disease symptoms were identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae with 99.81% sequence similarity by the analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). The remaining two pathogenic isolates were identified as Pseudopestalotiopsis theae and Diaporthe eugeniae, with 100% and 99.82% sequence similarities, respectively.
Originality/ Value: To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf necrosis by L. theobromae, leaf yellowing by P. theae and leaf blight by D. eugeniae associated with S. melongena plants in Sri Lanka.
Factors contributing to the low number of blood donors among employed residents in Oshatumba village, Namibia
Authors: Ashipala Daniel O. , Joel Medusalem H.
Published: May 2023

Background: Blood transfusion plays a significant role in maternal and child-care interventions, as well as by saving lives following natural disasters. Ignorance and fear among the general population in Namibia limit the numbers of blood donors, leaving the Namibian Blood Transfusion Services (NAMBTS) with insufficient donations for hospital patients. A review of the literature did not disclose publications on the factors that contribute to the low number of blood donors in Namibia, despite the urgent need for an increased pool of blood donors.Aim: The aim was to explore and describe the factors contributing to the low number of blood donors among the employed residents of the Oshatumba village, Oshana Region, Namibia.Settings: Interviews were conducted at a peri-urban village located in the eastern part of the Oshakati District in the Oshana Region.Methods: A qualitative methodology utilising explorative, descriptive and contextual strategies. Data were collected by means of individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, who were selected through convenience sampling.Results: The study discovered three themes: (1) the concept of blood donation; (2) factors contributing to low blood donations and (3) practical suggestions to increase the low uptake of blood donations.Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that individual health status, religious beliefs and misconceptions associated with blood donations are among the factors that cause a low level of blood donations.Contribution: The research findings can be used to develop strategies and targeted interventions to increase the number of blood donors.
Clinical recommendations for chronic musculoskeletal pain in South African primary health care
Authors: Ernstzen Dawn V. , Parker Romy , Ras Tasleem , Von Pressentin Klaus , Louw Quinette A.
Published: May 2023

Background: Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) is prevalent globally and places a significant burden on individuals, healthcare systems and economies. Contextually appropriate clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on CMSP are advocated to translate evidence into practice.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the applicability and feasibility of evidence-based CPG recommendations for adults with CMSP in the primary health care (PHC) sector of South Africa (SA).Setting: The PHC sector in South Africa (SA).Methods: Consensus methodology was used, comprising two online Delphi rounds and a consensus meeting. A multidisciplinary panel of local healthcare professionals involved in CMSP management was purposefully sampled and invited to participate. The first Delphi survey considered 43 recommendations. In the consensus meeting, the results of the first Delphi round were discussed. The second Delphi round reconsidered the recommendations with no consensus.Results: Seventeen experts participated in the first Delphi round, 13 in the consensus meeting and 14 in the second Delphi round. In Delphi round two, 40 recommendations were endorsed, three were not endorsed and an additional recommendation was added.Conclusion: A multidisciplinary panel endorsed 41 multimodal clinical recommendations as applicable and feasible for the PHC of adults with CMSP, in SA. Although certain recommendations were endorsed, they may not be readily implementable in SA because of context factors.Contribution: The study forms the basis of a model of care for contextually relevant PHC of CMSP. Future research should explore factors that could influence the uptake of the recommendations into practice to optimise chronic pain care in SA.
A rare case of small-cell neuroendocrine tumour of the lung metastasising to the urinary bladder
Authors: Mapuranga Humphrey , Silolo Siseko , Van Wyk Abraham C. , Vlok Sucari S.C.
Published: May 2023

A 77-year-old woman with suspected lung carcinoma had multiple bladder masses and lymphadenopathy outside the normal urinary bladder drainage area. Fine needle aspiration and immunocytochemistry of the cervical lymph node complex and transurethral biopsy of the bladder masses confirmed metastatic small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.Contribution: Clinical correlation, imaging findings, tumour markers and immunohistochemistry are necessary for metastatic bladder tumour work-up.
Assessment of the attitude toward medication and reasons for drug compliance among schizophrenic patients attending the tertiary care hospital
Authors: Naik D Gangadhar , Pushpalatha Sugali , Aruna D.
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Medication compliance is one of the most difficult challenges in the management of schizophrenia in India. Compliance broadly means the extent to which a person’s behavior, in terms of taking medications, following diets and executing lifestyle changes, visiting for follow-up, etc., coincides with medical and health advice. The current study has tried to assess the attitudes and reasons for compliance as well as noncompliance among patients with schizophrenia, which can provide the basis for planning effective interventional strategies for the mental health professionals for improving compliance of the patient in the future.

Methodology:

A hospital-based noninterventional cross-sectional study was done on 135 schizophrenic patients attending the outpatient services in the Department of Psychiatry, Government General Hospital, Kurnool, hospital by convenient sampling method for 6 months from October 2021 to March 2022, after obtaining approval from the institutional ethical committee. Data were collected and entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 16 version software.

Results:

The prevalence observed in the present study, 75 (55.56%) participants were compliant, i.e., had a positive attitude toward medication and 60 (44.44%) participants were noncompliant toward medication. Higher mean scores for the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score were seen in the compliant group (101.25 ± 19.27) than the noncompliant group (100.98 ± 22.51).

Conclusion:

Main reasons for drug noncompliance identified in the present study were financial difficulty, distance from the hospital, improvement or no improvement in symptoms, side effects, lack of insight into the mental illness, and lack of awareness about the need for long-term medication.
Choroid Plexus Xanthogranuloma
Authors: Sheetal S. , Kumar S. Amith
Published: May 2023

Choroid plexus xanthogranulomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system. They are usually asymptomatic and are often reported as incidental autopsy findings. Although they are mostly asymptomatic, rarely, these tumors can result in obstructive hydrocephalus. The etiology of these tumors is often uncertain. They are also known as cholesterol granuloma and are typically composed of large foam-filled cells with clusters of lymphocytes and macrophages and multinucleated giant cells. The radiological features vary, owing to the heterogeneity of content. We hereby report the neuroimaging findings of choroid plexus xanthogranuloma, located in bilateral lateral ventricles, which was detected incidentally in a patient.
Hematological Manifestations of COVID-19 and its Correlation with Outcome – A Retrospective Study
Authors: Abraham Bobby , Gopalakrishnan Shivkumar , Kandasamy Sangeetha
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim:

The objective was to study the hematological manifestations of disease caused by novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and evaluate the association between absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio, total count, and outcome.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted on COVID-19 adult inpatients admitted between March and August 2020. The patients were classified into three groups based on outcome as mild COVID/uneventful recovery (Group 1), severe COVID/recovered (Group 2), and death (Group 3). Their clinical profile and hematological parameters were compared using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the chances of survival or death with respect to the variable studied.

Results:

The median age of nonsurvivors was 62.5 years. For unit increase in age, there were 1.03 times higher chances of severe disease (P = 0.013) and 1.04 times chances of death (P = 0.028). For every 1000/μl increase of ANC, the odds of developing severe disease rose by 1.85 (P = 0.270). For every 1000/μl increase in ALC, there were 94.7% lesser chances of death (P = 0.006) and 51.1% lesser chances of severe disease (P = 0.033). The odds of developing severe disease was 1.16 times per unit rise in NLR and the OR for death was 1.27 (P = 0.053).

Conclusion:

Advanced age, presence of lymphocytopenia, increased neutrophil count, and elevated NLR were associated with severe disease and high mortality due to COVID-19. Lymphocytopenia and age were the strongest predictors of severe disease and death.
Antiproliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants of Assam, India
Authors: Roy Mritunjoy Kumar , Swargiary Ananta , Verma Akalesh Kumar
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim:

Ethnomedicine is a common practice of disease treatment among tribal communities of India. The present study investigated the antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities of seven medicinal plants traditionally used by the Bodo tribe of Assam.

Materials and Methods:

The phytochemical and antioxidant activities of plants were investigated following standard protocols. Antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities were evaluated in Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cells. Plant extract-treated cells were stained with acridine orange/ethidium bromide solutions to see the antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties of plants.

Results:

The study showed high phenolic and flavonoid contents in all the plants. Phlogacanthus tubiflorus displayed the strongest antioxidant activity. Plant extracts showed concentration-dependent antiproliferative activity. Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides showed the strongest antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities. DL cells treated with plant extracts displayed apoptotic features. Furthermore, docking study revealed 2-methyl-5-(1-adamantyl) pentan the best binding affinity with anti-apoptotic proteins.

Conclusion:

The present study revealed potential antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties in H. sibthorpioides. However, further study needs to be carried out to investigate bioactive compounds responsible for their pharmacological properties.
Quality Assurance of Medical Education in India
Authors: Chacko Thomas V.
Published: May 2023

With India having the largest number of medical schools (619) globally and these numbers are increasing every year, quality assurance (QA) in medical education is a matter of shared concern and responsibility for all stakeholders in India and the interconnected world. Hence, an attempt is made through key literature review on good practices by accreditation agencies that have put in place comprehensive QA systems in their respective countries. Looking through the lens of the “Systems Approach” (inputs–process–outcomes) to investigate and intervene in educational systems and the quality improvement framework followed by the UK, the focus of the system followed in India has been identified as predominantly “Inputs-based Minimum Requirements Standards” and essential elements of processes influencing the educational outcomes and quality control (QC) through monitoring of progression toward graduate outcome competencies among students and the workplace where they get employed as part of the scrutiny by accreditation system are found missing. The way forward to address the concerns of all stakeholders and ensure patient safety through well-known systems and processes of QA at the national level and QC through quality management within institutions is suggested. Further, the working models for quality improvement in medical education such as the World Federation for Medical Education Standards and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council Standards for Higher Educational Institutions are taken as exemplars for preparing a way forward that can be useful to the National Accreditation Agency and medical schools in India including its expeditious implementation by applying for international recognition as an accreditation agency is presented.
A Case Report of Amyand Hernia and Its Management
Authors: Pandiaraja Jayabal , Shalini Arumugam
Published: May 2023

Amyand hernia is a variant of inguinal hernia with appendix as the content of the sac. Most of the Amyand hernia is undetectable in the preoperative period and mostly diagnosed during the intraoperative period. The management of Amyand hernia varies depends on the condition of the patient, and there are no standard guidelines for it. This case is reported for a few important educational points that pertain to Amyand hernia. Amyand hernia is one of the differential diagnoses for acute onset of pain in reducible inguinal hernia. Appendicectomy with hernioplasty can be done without complication in an inflamed appendix without much contamination.
Foreign body aspiration imitating a difficult-to-treat asthma
Authors: El-Din Mohamed Awad Tag , Abdel Halim Hesham A.
Published: May 2023

Tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) aspiration is an infrequent but possibly fatal event in adults. Symptoms typically consist of a choking incident followed by cough and dyspnea; however, these findings are conflicting, and symptoms may mimic other chronic pulmonary diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chest radiography and computed tomography can offer information with regard to the site and features of the FB and support the diagnosis. Bronchoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and management of FB aspiration. A 38-year-old woman with persistent cough of 4 months’ duration, received several lines of treatment for bronchial asthma. She presented with refractory cough and chest tightness, and high-resolution computed tomography chest showed a small calcified lesion in the bronchus intermedius. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed a chicken bone in the bronchus intermedius which was removed, followed by a complete recovery of symptoms and discontinuation of all asthma treatment.
Interferon-gamma assay and tuberculin skin test for screening of latent tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mungmunpuntipantip Rujittika , Wiwanitkit Viroj
Published: May 2023

Background

Latent tuberculosis is an important clinical problem. This problem might be significant in some specific groups of patients. The screening for latent tuberculosis is recommended for management of those patients at risk. An important group to be screened is patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Materials and methods

This work is a retrospective study. The summarization on the available data from published articles on the comparative study between interferon-gamma assay and tuberculin skin test for screening for latent tuberculosis in inflammatory bowel disease patients was done. The pooled detection rate was calculated for using interferon-gamma assay and tuberculin skin test in screening for latent tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Results

The pooled detection rates for using tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma assay in screening for latent tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are equal to 11.67% (95% confidence interval=10.33–13.19%) and 14.64% (95% confidence interval=13.16–16.30%), respectively.

Conclusion

It can be shown that interferon-gamma assay has a better efficacy in detection of latent tuberculosis among the patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Cost-effectiveness of active tuberculosis case finding using sputum Xpert MTB/RIF and acid-fast bacilli tests
Authors: Thatayu Wararat , Techakehakij Win
Published: May 2023

Background

Active case finding (ACF) of tuberculosis (TB) has been recommended by the WHO for early detection of pulmonary TB. Nonetheless, there is little evidence about the cost-effectiveness of different ACF strategies.

Objective

The aim was to assess the cost-effectiveness of ACF using sputum Xpert MTB/RIF and acid-fast bacilli tests.

Materials and methods

Economic modeling was employed to assess the effectiveness and costs of three ACF strategies, based on applying Xpert MTB/RIF (‘Xpert only’), acid-fast bacilli (‘AFB only’), or both AFB and Xpert (‘AFB+Xpert’) in the screening protocols. Outcomes included TB case detection rate, lost to follow-up rate, costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of the strategies. Costs were estimated in US dollars from the societal perspective, with base year 2018.

Results

The ‘AFB only’ strategy showed a low case detection rate with higher costs, in relation to other strategies. Compared with the ‘Xpert only’ strategy, a rising rate of lost to follow-up was observed from the ‘AFB+Xpert.’ The case detection rate in the ‘Xpert only’ strategy is approximately twice the rate compared with the ‘AFB+Xpert’ strategy. The costs per TB case detected of the ‘AFB+Xpert’ and the ‘Xpert only’ strategies were $17 778.33 and $8334.47, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the ‘Xpert only’ strategy was $257.28 per case detected as compared with the ‘AFB+Xpert’ strategy.

Conclusion

This study showed that the ‘AFB only’ strategy was dominated, in comparison with other strategies. It should not be recommended in the settings where application of Xpert MTB/RIF is feasible.
Surgery for middle lobe syndrome in children
Authors: Sobhy Ehab , Sarhan Dina T. , Bakry Ahmed M. , Abdelsayed Amir
Published: May 2023

Context

Middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is a special clinical and radiographic condition that is commonly misdiagnosed in the routine pediatric clinical workup. Delay in the diagnosis may cause irreversible damage of the middle lobe with poor response to medical treatment and may indicate its surgical resection.

Aims

To evaluate the clinical presentations, diagnostic lines, and surgical management of right MLS in children.

Settings and design

This is a retrospective descriptive study that involved the records of 26 patients diagnosed as having MLS and referred for surgical resection of middle lobe in the period between March 2012 and May 2019.

Patients and methods

We reviewed the hospital data of the selected patients in a retrospective manner regarding age, sex, symptoms, duration of these symptoms and the underlying etiology, the findings of chest radiograph, computed tomography, sputum culture, and pathology used for diagnosis. Fiberoptic or rigid bronchoscopy was performed before surgery for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. Standard right middle lobectomy was done in all cases, and postoperative follow-up of clinical symptom improvement and complications was done.

Statistical analysis used

Graphical representation of the numerical data is present in the form using bar charts.

Results

We studied 18 (69.2%) females and eight (30.8%) males, with a mean age of 8.09±2.9 years. Clinical findings were cough in 76.9% of patients, expectoration in 38.5%, intermittent hemoptysis in 11.5%, chest pain in 19.2%, dyspnea in 34.6%, and 30.7% presented with recurrent or prolonged fever. The mean duration of symptoms was 27.4±16.7 months. Asthma is the most frequent underlying illness (23%). Bronchiectasis of the middle lobe was the most common radiologic (50%) and pathologic finding (42.3%). Tuberculosis was the final pathology in one patient and hydatid cyst was the cause in other one. Surgical resection of the middle lobe was done without reported mortality and with only few minor complications.

Conclusion

Lobectomy of the right middle lobe is a good choice for management of children with MLS who did not respond to medical treatment with low rate of complications.