bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Intelligent Vehicle Control System for Enhancing Road Safety Using Optimal Visible Light Communication Network
Authors: Begum Shaeista , Patil Nagaraj B.
Published: April 2019

A visible light communication (VLC) provides potential and effective communication paradigm due to the demand of high data-rate applications. VLC networks, consisting of multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) and it provides the low-cost high data-rate transmission to multiple users simultaneously in indoor environments. VLC has been recently introduced as a secure directional data transmission in vehicle to vehicle to provide an intelligent vehicle control system. However, the performance of this system is mostly affected by the collision of data transmission between different users. In this paper, we introduce an optimal visible light communication (OVLC) network that allows vehicles which have provides collision aware data transmission to improve the chance of transmitting information successively according to the network condition. Firstly, the next forwarding node is selected by the chaotic fish swarm optimization (CFSO) algorithm with the help of vehicle information’s such as intensity of light, the distance and speed of neighboring vehicles. The second contribution is to illustrate the congestion control (CC) system for avoiding extra time due to the control packets exchange process. The optimal result is then forward to the source vehicle equipped device, which helps the driver to make a healthy to control vehicle and efficiently avoid or prevent road accidents under different circumstances. The results show that the proposed OVLC network performs very efficient than existing network in terms of quality metrics, such as throughput, delay, packet loss rate, energy consumption and fairness index.
The “combined team” transition clinic model in endocrinology results in high adherence rates and patient satisfaction
Authors: Twito Orit , Shatzman-Steuerman Rachel , Dror Nitzan , Nabriski Dan , Eliakim Alon
Published: April 2019

Background

A structured transition process for young adults with chronic medical conditions from pediatric to adult clinics is strongly promoted. However, the most appropriate transition model has not yet been determined. This study evaluated the effect of a “combined team” Endocrinology Transition Clinic model, including a joint meeting with the patient and pediatric and adult endocrinologists, regarding medical treatment, adherence to follow-up and patient satisfaction with the process.

Methods

Clinical and demographic data of patients admitted to the Endocrinology Transition Clinic were collected. The clinical impact of the transition meeting was evaluated based on treatment modifications and patient adherence to follow-up. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire.

Results

From September 2014 through November 2018, 107 patients attended the Endocrinology Transition Clinic, 85.0% were females, mean age 19.7 ± 2.2 years (range 16–29), 97.2% were unmarried. The most common endocrine disorders were obesity (41.1%), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (41.1%) and ovarian hyperandrogenism (38.3%). The Transition Clinic visit modified treatment and/or evaluation for 48 (44.8%) patients. Adherence to follow-up in the adult clinic was 82.9% and was not associated with gender (p = 0.366), ethnicity (p = 0.725), age at transition (p = 0.479) or obesity (p = 0.375). Overall satisfaction reported by 65/85 patients was high (86.8%), although higher among patients who were adherent to follow-up (89.4% vs. 65.6%, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The “combined team” transition model in endocrinology requires relatively few resources and has considerable clinical impact, high adherence to follow-up and high patient satisfaction rate. Implementing this model at the interface of pediatric and adult endocrinology units, and possibly in other medical fields, is feasible and efficient.
Superior Vena Cava Occlusion as a Complication of Transvenous Cardiac Device Implantation: A Case Report and Brief Review
Authors: Ross Steven J. , Prasada Sahil , Ashraf Hassan , Wymer David , Conti C. Richard
Published: April 2019

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is a rare complication of transvenous cardiac device implantation, which may lead to delay of diagnosis when symptoms appear. A 68 year-old male with a dual chamber implantable defibrillator implanted 10 years prior presented to an emergency department with symptoms of facial swelling, frequent headaches, and early morning purple facial discoloration. At UF Health, he underwent computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the chest which was consistent with SVC syndrome, presumably a complication related to the prior implantation of his cardiac device. Despite the imaging findings, venography remains the diagnostic modality of choice. Heparinization, catheter-based venography, and catheter thrombectomy with serial balloon angioplasty were performed for recanalization of the SVC, and the patient was ultimately discharged asymptomatic on apixaban for anticoagulation. However, symptoms recurred within two weeks. Ultimately, the patient underwent surgical right internal jugular vein to right atrial bypass with resolution of symptoms. A post-operative CT venogram was performed and the anastomosis was successful. Apparently an angiogram was not done at one year.
A Likelihood-Free Estimator of Population Structure Bridging Admixture Models and Principal Components Analysis
Authors: Cabreros Irineo , Storey John D
Published: April 2019

Characterizing genetic variation in humans is an important task in statistical genetics, enabling disease-gene mapping in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and informing studies of human evolutionary history. A common approach to quantifying genetic variation...

We introduce a simple and computationally efficient method for fitting the admixture model of genetic population structure, called ALStructure. The strategy of ALStructure is to first estimate the low-dimensional linear subspace of the population admixture components, and then search for a model within this subspace that is consistent with the admixture model’s natural probabilistic constraints. Central to this strategy is the observation that all models belonging to this constrained space of solutions are risk-minimizing and have equal likelihood, rendering any additional optimization unnecessary. The low-dimensional linear subspace is estimated through a recently introduced principal components analysis method that is appropriate for genotype data, thereby providing a solution that has both principal components and probabilistic admixture interpretations. Our approach differs fundamentally from other existing methods for estimating admixture, which aim to fit the admixture model directly by searching for parameters that maximize the likelihood function or the posterior probability. We observe that ALStructure typically outperforms existing methods both in accuracy and computational speed under a wide array of simulated and real human genotype datasets. Throughout this work, we emphasize that the admixture model is a special case of a much broader class of models for which algorithms similar to ALStructure may be successfully employed.
Client Awareness and Perception of CSR Activities in Islamic and Conventional Banks: a Survey in Bahrain
Authors: Al-Hadrami Abdulla Hamzah , Hidayat Sutan Emir
Published: April 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is considered one of the highest priorities of corporations and is one of the hottest topics in academic research, that several researchers found positive significant relationship between company’s performance and CSR activities. The current study aims to explore the clients’ awareness and perception of CSR in Islamic and conventional banks across Bahrain. The study surveyed 305 clients, 175 from the Islamic banks, and 130 from the conventional banks. The results indicated that the clients of Islamic banks are more aware of their banks CSR activities than the clients of the conventional banks. With regard to the clients’ perception of their banks CSR, it has been found that Islamic banks clients have more positive perception about their banks’ CSR than those of the conventional banks. Additionally, the results indicated that there are statistically significant differences in the clients’ awareness and perception of banks’ CSR activities when the clients are grouped according to age, income, education, and bank type.
Servant Leadership Improves the Knowledge Sharing Behavior of Employees: A Case of Higher Education Sector in Pakistan
Authors: Amin Hina , Ahmed Farhan , Soomro Riaz Hussain
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of servant leadership in organizations in Karachi and to investigate the level of knowledge sharing (KS) behavior among employees.  This study will explore the key qualities of servant leadership to be extracted from the literature and relate each trait with KS tendency. The study would base on quantitative design & followed post positivism research paradigm. The primary data has been collected from respondents of specific industry through survey questionnaire. Multiple regression has been used for model testing. The findings of the study enlightened benefits of knowledge sharing behavior that can be prevailed through servant leadership model and encourage employees’ participation. Four traits of servant leadership which are altruistic calling, emotional healing persuasive mapping and organizational stewardship has impact on knowledge sharing behavior of employees at workplace. The findings of the study will be beneficial for the managers and employees of the organization to understand the importance of servant leadership & its application in enterprises.
Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth: A Revisit Study of Their Causality in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Mohamed Asmy , Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Amin Md. Fouad , Allah Pitchay Anwar
Published: April 2019

The role of electricity towards the economy becomes crucial in many countries including in Malaysia. It becomes necessary to investigate whether electricity consumption contributes to economic growth in order to make appropriate energy policies. The purpose of this research is to examine the long run and causal relationships between electric power consumption and real GDP. This paper applies to the error-correction model. The results indicate that electricity consumption has a positive impact on economic growth. Besides that, there was unidirectional Granger causality running from electricity consumption to real GDP but not vice versa. This paper suggests that Malaysia is becoming an energy-dependent country. The government should emphasize on formulating energy strategies so as to avoid adverse effects on economic growth.
Factors Influence Financial Inclusion: Evidence from Indonesian Micro Data
Authors: Susilowati Etty , Leonnard L.
Published: April 2019

To increase access to formal financial institutions, Indonesian government issued various national strategies. The purpose of these various strategies is to improve access and use of products of formal financial institutions to promote national economic growth. However, its development has not grown as expected. Indonesia's inclusive financial index is still under other ASEAN countries.Therefore, in this study, we investigate the factors that influence financial inclusion in Indonesia. The micro data from global findex 2014 was carried out in this study by using regression analysis. The finding indicates that there is a significant positive relationship between individual characteristics, including financial inclusion, constrains to financial inclusion, use of financial services motivation, and credit sources.
Recognizing and Responding to the Spiritual Needs of Adults from Minority Religious Groups in Acute, Chronic and Palliative UK Healthcare Contexts
Authors: Skinner Martyn , Cowey Eileen
Published: April 2019

The article reports on the findings of a systematised literature review (SLR) of how the spiritual needs of adults from minority religious groups are recognized and responded to in UK healthcare contexts. Implications for the training and practice of healthcare professionals, including chaplains, is considered. Among conclusions: healthcare staff would benefit from on-going training concerning delivering quality individualized spiritual care to people from minority religious groups. For the SLR databases, bibliographies, citations, journals and grey literature were searched. Inclusion criteria were: primary research; in English; published July 2007-September 2017; articles, books and unpublished reports; adults; acute, chronic and palliative healthcare, UK articles and contexts. Themes from 18 studies were synthesized within seven categories of spiritual need, showing a range from inadequate to excellent care being offered to Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus in six of these.
Convergence model for effectual prevention and control of zoonotic diseases: a health system study on ‘One Health’ approach in Ahmedabad, India v1
Authors: Yasobant Sandul , Bruchhausen Walter , Saxena Deepak , Falkenberg Timo
Published: April 2019

The complexity and increasing burden of zoonotic diseases create challenges for the health systems of developing nations. Public health systems must therefore be prepared to face existing and future disease threats at the human-animal interface. The key for this is coordinated action between the human and the animal health systems. Although some studies deal with the question of how these two systems interact during unforeseen circumstances such as outbreaks, a dearth of literature exists on how these systems interact on early detection, prevention and control of zoonotic diseases; assessing this problem from the health system perspective in a developing nation adds further complexity. Systems thinking is one of the promising approaches in understanding the factors that influence the system's complexity and dynamics of health maintenance. Therefore, this study aims to understand the generic structure and complexity of interaction between these actors within the domain of One Health for the effectual prevention and control of zoonotic diseases in India.The present study will be executed in Ahmedabad, located on the Western part of India, in Gujarat state, using a mixed methods approach. For the first step, zoonotic diseases will be prioritised for the local context through semi-quantitative tools. Secondly, utilising semi-structured interviews, stakeholders from the human and animal health systems will be identified and ranked. Thirdly, the identified stakeholders will be questioned regarding the current strength of interactions at various levels of the health system (i.e. managerial, provider and community level) through a quantitative network survey. Fourthly, utilising a vignette method, the ideal convergence strategies will be documented and validated through policy Delphi techniques. Finally, through a participatory workshop, the factors that influence convergence for the control and prevention of zoonotic diseases will be captured.This study will provide a comprehensive picture of the current strength of collaboration and network depth at various levels of the health system. Further, it will assist different actors in identifying the relevance of possible One Health entry points for participation, i.e. it will not only contribute but will also develop a system convergence model for the effectual prevention and control of zoonotic diseases.
Hydrogen cyanide determination in cassava leaves using the picrate paper method v1
Authors: LE Imakumbili Matema
Published: April 2019

This protocol describes how to prepare and analyse cassava leaf samples for their total hydrogen cyanide content by the picrate paper method. Cyanide in leaves of crops other than cassava can also be prepared and analysed using this protocol. The picrate paper method for leaf cyanide determination relies on endogenous enzymes to breakdown the cyanogenic glucosides (linamarine) in fresh cassava leaf samples. In this protocol cassava leaves are crushed to bring together the cell contents of cassava leaves, including the enzyme linamarase and the cyanogenic glucosides. Hydrogen cyanide is liberated in the process and it reacts with picrate papers that have a colour pigment which darkens with released cyanide. The variations in the darkening of picrate papers is then used to measure the amount of hydrogen cyanide released from fresh cassava leaf samples. This protocol has been already well outlined by Dr J.H. Bradbury and his team, so please refer to their document (see the attached document below). A kit for cyanide analysis in cassava roots called PROTOCOL E: DETERMINATION OF TOTAL CYANIDE IN LEAVES, has also been designed by them. This protocol describes how the Protocol E kit can be used to determine cyanide in cassava leaves. This protocol is not a replacement of the original protocol. Some of the contents of this protocol have however been directly copied from the original protocol; they are indicated in bold text. This protocol however contains additional insights from things encountered during the use of the kit; this information is in normal text. In addition to this, this protocol includes insights that Dr Bradbury shared to help troubleshoot a few unforeseen issues; these insights are in italics.
Determination of total hydrogen cyanide levels in fresh cassava roots using the picrate paper method v2
Authors: LE Imakumbili Matema
Published: April 2019

This protocol describes how to analyse total cyanide (HCN) levels in fresh cassava roots using the picrate paper method. The method gives the potential cyanide content of cassava roots on a fresh weight basis. The picrate paper method for root cyanide determination relies on endogenous enzymes to breakdown the cyanogenic glucosides (linamarine) in fresh cassava root samples. The hydrogen cyanide liberated in the process reacts with picrate papers that have a colour pigment which darkens with released cyanide. The variations in the darkening of picrate papers is then used to measure the amount of hydrogen cyanide released from fresh cassava root samples. The picrate paper method is argued to not be a very reliable method for cassava cyanide determination. However, if you are going to have to work far from a laboratory where you cannot perform another preferred method, then the picrate paper method is your best option as you may not be able to avoid root deterioration and cyanide loss during transportation of cassava root samples. The key to using this method is focus, precision and timeliness. If these three are maintained throughout the analysis then chances of introducing errors are reduced making the obtained results more comparable with other cyanide determination methods percieved as more accurate. This protocol has been already well outlined by Dr J.H. Bradbury and his team, so please refer to their document (see the attached document below). A kit for cyanide analysis in cassava roots called PROTOCOL A: DETERMINATION OF TOTAL CYANIDE IN CASSAVA ROOTS, has also been designed by them. This protocol describes how the Protocol A kit can be used to determine cyanide in cassava roots. This protocol is not a replacement of the original protocol. Some of the contents of this protocol have however been directly copied from the original protocol; they are indicated in bold text. This protocol however contains additional insights from things encountered during the use of the kit; this information is in normal text. In addition to this, this protocol includes insights that Dr Bradbury shared to help troubleshoot a few unforeseen issues; these insights are in italics.
Antioxidant Activity of Extract from Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Durian Peels
Authors: Kunarto Bambang , Sani Ely Yuniarti
Published: April 2019

The increase in durian production results in the accumulation of durian peel waste. The bioactive component of durian peel has the potential to be used as an antioxidant. Thus, there is a need to carry out an extraction process to obtain  bioactive compounds from durian peel. However, conventional extraction methods cause damage to phenolic compounds due to oxidation, hydrolysis and ionization reactions during the extraction process. Therefore, durian peel extraction was carried out using ultrasonic assisted extraction method (UAE) in this study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of varying ratios of durian peel to ethanol solvents and extraction time on the yield, total phenolics content, total flavonoids content and antioxidant activity. The results of the research data were analyzed using a two-factor completely randomized design, which included variations of the ratio of durian peel to ethanol solvents and extraction time The Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) was carried out as a follow up test to determine the differences in each treatment at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that the best treatment for peel extraction using ultrasonic assisted extraction was a 1: 9 ratio of durian peel to ethanol at an extraction time of 20 minutes. The extraction of durian peel under this condition gave the highest yield of 12.77 ± 0.16%, antioxidant activity (IC50) of 38.33 ± 0.12 ppm, total phenolic content of 63.30 ± 0.08 mgGAE / g and total flavonoids content of 47.53 ± 0.48 mgQE / g. In addition, total phenolics content and total flavonoid content showed a strong correlation to the antioxidant activity of durian peel extract.
Description of The Visual Image Magnification on Ginger Emulsion using Kappa and Iota Carrageenan
Authors: Saraswati Rani Oktaviani , Al-Baarri Ahmad Ni'matullah , Rizqiati Heni , Legowo Anang Mohamad , Pramono Yoyok Budi , Pratama Yoga , Masykuri Masykuri
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to analyze the magnification of visual image upon SEM analysis for determining the optimum view in order to obtain proper information of SEM image in ginger emulsion. The treatment in this research are without carrageenan, with iota carrageenan and with kappa carrageenan. Emulsion of ginger Graphical display testing according to using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) method. The research showed that ginger emulsion with and without carrageenan were able to be seen clearly and the particle size were able to detected at a range 0.5-5 µm. The sample with iota carrageenan provided the information of separation among particles and it could not be seen clearly on the sample with kappa carrageenan. The low magnification of 250 times provided beneficial information to obtain the environment of particle.
Una nueva connotación del riesgo social: La administración como mecanismo tecnocientífico
Authors: Sanabria Rangel Pedro Emilio
Published: April 2019

El presente artículo de investigación plantea que la administración se ha constituido en un mecanismo tecnocientífico, generador de riesgo social; se parte de la visión en la que la ciencia y la técnica están plenamente vinculadas en el campo administrativo, enmarcadas en las condiciones y ‹avances› de la sociedad actual, lo cual hace que sus reflexiones y prácticas se sumen a los otros factores generadores de riesgo que se han venido configurando en el ámbito social, algunas de las cuales ya han sido estudiadas. En este sentido, se desarrolla una investigación interpretativa, cualitativa y de tipo exploratorio, fundamentada en la revisión narrativa. Al analizar la literatura se encuentra que existen algunas aproximaciones al respecto, desde otros enfoques, pero no se hallan trabajos que desarrollen explícitamente la concepción de la administración como mecanismo tecnocientífico y como factor generador de incertidumbre, con las consecuencias indeterminadas que puede tener para la sustentabilidad.
Study of sociodemographic factors and their relationship with the morbidity among adolescent girls of Pune slum area
Authors: Joshi Neha , Kumar Manoj , Chatterjee Kunal
Published: April 2019

Background: Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and education can influence health and nutritional outcomes, especially in adolescent girls. Aims and objectives of research work was to study of sociodemographic factors and their relationship with the morbidity among adolescent girls residing in slum areas of Pune region.Methods: A cross-sectional study of the urban slum population from October 2011 to September 2012. Adolescent girls of the age group 10-19 years who gave consent and are living in a slum area for more than 6 months were enrolled. Information on health status including morbidity was collected by health examination.Results: Majority of the adolescent girls (54.02%) had to age between 14-16 years. Majority of the adolescent girls (96.4%) were studying and were underweight (41.07%; of which majority 59.78% were in the age group 14-16years). Out of the 41.07% underweight girls, the majority (84.78%) had anaemia (p<0.05). A total 26.34% study subjects were stunted and 12.95% were thin (for both, commonly reported in the age group of 14-16 years). Majority of the girls (48.2%) belonged to class III SES. In class III socioeconomic status group mild, moderate and severe anaemia was reported in 50.45%, 41.51%, and 36.36% cases, respectively.Conclusions: Among the studied sociodemographic factors lower socioeconomic status and overcrowding had an impact on the morbidities. However, we noted a significant impact of morbidity in underweight girls.
Correlation of blood glucose levels, HbA1c, hemoglobin and leukocytes with outcome on acute stroke
Authors: . Meiriani , Anwar Yuneldi , Sinurat Puji Pinta Omas
Published: April 2019

Background: Diabetes and higher HbA1c level have increased the incidence of stroke. Hemoglobin levels both high and low are associated with poor outcomes. Leukocytes play an important role in the initiation of the atherosclerosis process.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 62 people selected by non-random sampling method on a consecutive basis, patients with acute stroke were taken blood to measure blood glucose levels, HbA1c, Hb and Leucocytes when entering the hospital room. Outcomes were assessed using NIHSS and MRS. The calculation of NIHSS and MRS scores was performed on the first day of admission and the fourteenth day. To analyze the correlation of blood sugar levels during HbA1c, Hb and leukocytes in acute stroke, this study used Spearman's correlation test. The p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The study subjects of 62 acute stroke patients (acute ischemic stroke 31 people and 31 people hemorrhagic stroke). Acute stroke patients were consisted of 38 men (61.3%) and 24 women (38.7%). Of 31 people with hemorrhagic stroke, there were 16 men (51.6%) and 15 women (48.4%), ischemic stroke patients were consisted of 22 people (71, 0%) and women were 9 people. Spearrman repair test showed no symptoms between blood glucose levels, HbA1c, Hemoglobin and leukocytes with outcomes in acute stroke.Conclusions: There was no significant association between blood glucose levels, HbA1c, hemoglobin and leukocytes with outcomes in acute stroke.
The prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorder in medical students of Pakistan
Authors: Ali Muhammad Hassaan , Maqsood Hamza , Jalil Muhammad Hassan , Shoukat Hafiz Farhan , Shakeel Hassan Abdullah
Published: April 2019

Background: Bipolar affective disorder is cyclic swinging of mood between mania or hypo-mania and depression. Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide and has a lifetime prevalence of about 1 to 3% in the general population. Despite a growing body of knowledge on bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD), relatively little is known about the clinical characteristics of BSD in medical students. This study evaluates the prevalence and severity of BSD in medical students in relation to certain socio-demographic factors like age, sex and class of education.Methods: A questionnaire based study was done on 298 medical students of Nishtar Medical University, Multan and Shaikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan chosen on basis of random sampling to test the prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders using Mood Disorder questionnaire (MDQ). Out of these students 161 were males and 137 were females. Students were interviewed to obtain information about age, sex and academic year of education.Results: According to mood disorder questionnaire scoring, of the total 298 students 80 (26.84%) screened positive for bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD). Among 80 students who screened positive for BSD 43 (53.75%) are males while 37 (46.25%) are females. Class-wise distribution of BSD is as follows: Out of 80 students screened positive 15 (18.75%) are from 2nd year, 22 (27.5%) from 3rd year and 43 (53.75) from 4th year. Age-wise distribution of BSD is as following: Students of age 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 years suffering from BSD were 5 (6.25%), 17 (21.25%), 23(28.75),22 (27.5%) and 13 (16.25%) respectively.Conclusions: In our study, the estimated rate of prevalence for bipolar spectrum disorder among medical students of Pakistan is 26.84%. There was no significant difference in prevalence on the basis of gender. Prevalence was increasing with both age and class wise distribution.
Role of adipokines, oxidative stress, and endotoxins in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: M. Pallavi , M. Suchitra M. , Sachan Alok , Y. Lakshmi A. , P. V. L. N. Srinivasa Rao
Published: April 2019

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, implicated in the pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Present study aimed to assess the role of adipokines, oxidative stress, and endotoxins in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in T2DM.Methods: Present cross-sectional observational study included healthy controls (n=50; group 1); T2DM patients without NAFLD (n=50; group 2), T2DM patients with NAFLD (n=50; group 3). Study subjects were age and gender matched.Results: Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), endotoxin, malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly elevated and adiponectin, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and glutathione (GSH) were significantly lower (p<0.001) in T2DM patients with NAFLD when compared to T2DM patients without NAFLD and controls. Endotoxin showed significant positive correlation with TNF-α (r=0.304; p<0.001), hs-CRP (r=0.193; p=0.018), and MDA (r=0.420; p<0.001), and significant negative correlation with adiponectin (r=-0.406; p<0.001). TNF-α and IL-6 showed significant positive correlation with MDA (r=0.526; p<0.001, r=0.229; p=0.005) and significant negative correlation with adiponectin (r=-0.396; p<0.001, r=-0.318; p<0.001), FRAP (r=-0.418; p<00.001, r=-0.170; p=0.038), and GSH (r=-0.353; p<0.001, r=-0.301; p<0.001).Conclusions: Authors observed elevated endotoxin, oxidative stress, inflammation and lower adiponectin levels in T2DM subjects compared to controls. These changes were more pronounced in T2DM with NAFLD when compared to T2DM without NAFLD.  Lower adiponectin levels were found to be a better predictor of NALFD in T2DM and is associated with oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.
Management of displaced transverse fractures of the patella using tension band wiring with or without circumferential cerclage wiring: A comparative study
Authors: Lone Zubair A. , Mohd John , Mohd John , Beigh Imtiyaz A. , Beigh Imtiyaz A. , Bhat Tanveer A. , Bhat Tanveer A. , Afzal Tahir M. , Afzal Tahir M. , Gupta Anil , Gupta Anil
Published: April 2019

Background: Transverse fractures of body of the patella are by far the most common fractures of this bone. Surgical fixation is the recommended treatment in displaced fractures with extensor lag. Although, tension band wiring (TBW) technique is the gold standard for these fractures, few surgeons recommend augmentation with circumferential cerclage wiring to improve the strength of the fixation. We compared the results of the internal fixation of displaced transverse fractures of the patella using TBW and circumferential cerclage wiring with those treated with TBW alone. Methods: We treated 54 displaced transverse fractures of the patella at our institution. We segregated the patients into two groups: Group 1 (n=23) included fractures treated with tension band wiring (TBW) along with augmented circumferential cerclage wiring while as Group 2 (n=31) included fractures treated by TBW alone. Outcome was studied, graded and compared on the basis of knee pain, knee stiffness, quadriceps wasting, loss of flexion and loss of extension. Results: 73.90% patients among group 1 and 70.96% among group 2 showed excellent to good results (P value < 0.1). Fixation failure and need for revision surgery among group 1 and group 2 was found to be 8.69% and 9.67%, respectively (P value < 0.6). Infections and non union occurred among 4.34% patients in group 1 whereas in group 2 it was 6.45% of the patients who encountered the same (P value < 0.6). Conclusions: The use of circumferential cerclage wiring along with tension band wiring for displaced transverse fractures of patella seems to have no added advantage over fixation with tension band wiring alone.Keywords: Patella fracture, Tension band wiring, cerclage wiring
Real time endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy: an initial experience
Authors: Dar Khurshid Ahmad , Sultan Sheikh Tariq , Singh Randeep , Mehfooz Nazia , Shah Naveed Nazir , Farooq Syed Suraiya , Datta Bikram Singh , Malik Abdul Hamid , Sheikh Bilal Ahmad , Bhat Khalid Feroz
Published: April 2019

Background: Conventional TBNA has been used in the evaluation of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy with varied success rates depending upon size, site and aetiology of the node. Although mediastinoscopy has higher successes but it comes at the cost of general anaesthesia, more complications and limited access to the inferior and posterior mediastinum. Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration has the advantage of real time nodal sampling with good success rates and minimal complications. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic yield and safety of EBUS TBNA in the evaluation of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at government chest diseases hospital Srinagar over a period of two years from January 2016-December 2018 on 100 consecutive patients who underwent EBUS TBNA procedure for evaluation mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. The data was collected and analysed for diagnostic yield and safety profile.Results: Out of the 100 subjects included in the study 52% were males and 48% were females. Mean age of the study population was 48.5±16.65 years. Most of the nodes sampled were subcarinal in location followed by paratracheal and hilar group. Granulomatous pathology (tuberculosis and sarcoidosis) was present in 41 patients followed by malignancy in 39 patients. Anthracosis was the cause of lymphadenopathy in 4 of the patients. There were no major complications in our study.Conclusions: EBUS TBNA is an effective and safe procedure for evaluation of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy.
A study on incidence rate of dengue fever in rural area of Thiruvannamalai district
Authors: Ramachari Nagarani , Purushothaman Vaithiyanathan
Published: April 2019

Background: In Tamil Nadu, the dengue outbreak is often associated with monsoon periods clubbed with draught. Basic population statistics such as incident rate was needed very much. Hence this study was planned a) to know the incidence rate of dengue fever in Kattampoondi primary health centre area in Thiruvannamalai district and b) to find out age-sex pattern of the cases.Methods: A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted among the residents of villages served by Kattampoondi primary health center during July to December, 2017. Four villages were selected by random sampling technique. The population came about 9385. Only confirmed dengue cases as per WHO case definition, during July to December 2017 were found and confirmed cases included thereafter.Results: The total dengue cases in the study area with a population of 9385 were found to be 75. Among 75 cases of dengue, 43 (57%) were males and 32 (43%) were females. Out of 75 cases, 36 (48%) cases occurred in the age group of 15 and above, 34 (45%) cases occurred between 5 to 15 years of age and 5 (7%) cases occurred among under five.Conclusions: When compared to state incidence rate, the incidence rate of this PHC area was significantly high. This might be due to good surveillance work. Though all age groups and both sexes are susceptible to dengue fever, personal protection might be the reason for low incidence rate among children with below 5 year of age.
Descriptive study on sleep quality and its associated factors among elderly in urban population: Chidambaram
Authors: Gouthaman R. , Devi R.
Published: April 2019

Background: Population aging is a major health issue in most countries, sleep is one of the significant factors affecting aging and elderly people’s quality of life. The present study was done to assess sleep quality and its contributing factors among elderly people.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 on 227 elderly people aged fifty five or more participants were selected from the urban field practice area Chidambaram. Data collection tools were a demographic questionnaire, pittsburg sleep quality index and five point depression scale. The collected data were entered into SPSS software (V-22) and analysed using chi-square test at the significance level of less than 0.5.Results: Among 227 elderly people most of them were between the age group of 55 to 60 years (44.9%) and majority of them were females (59%), literacy (69.6%) married (60.5%), house wives (43.6%). Among the population 34.8% had their PSQI value <5 which suggest good sleep quality and whereas 65.2% had PSQI ≥5 suggesting poor sleep quality.Conclusions: The finding of their study indicates that elderly population in this area, have a fairly good quality. The most important factors contributing to their sleep quality are gender, dependency in doing daily activities, other health problems, marital status and their habitual sleep efficiency.
Barefooted vs with footwear: functional mobility assessment on community dwelling elders
Authors: Dave Dhruv , Vashi Payal
Published: April 2019

Background: Affected balance, restricted mobility and probability of fall is more common in elder. Most of the geriatric individuals prefer walking independently as one of the prime function, so maintenances of that even with affecting factors of fall it is essential. Footwear is one extrinsic factor which may affects postural stability and increase risk of fall.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted among community dwelling elders. Participants (n=40) have performed time up and go test (TUG) and ten meter walk test (TMW) in or out of the house with barefoot and two different type of pre-screened footwear. Descriptive statistics were done and ANOVA was performed.Results: The calculated F ratio (0.7817), (1.3100) is lesser than the table F ratio (3.0737), (3.0737) for the TMW and even For TUG so the TUG score for barefoot and two different type of footwear do not differ significantly.Conclusions: Functional mobility is not influenced by routine footwear. Barefooted and with footwear dynamic balance and gait speed is not significantly different from each other.
Elder abuse among residents of Shivamogga: a cross sectional study
Authors: N. H. Sridevi , N. Praveen Kumar , Gaonkar Nithin , Kanganolli Shameem R. , Malya Ajay
Published: April 2019

Background: As per the WHO estimates the global population of people aged 60 years and above will increase from 900 million in 2015 to about 2 billion in 2050. Abuse of elderly has become a problem even in India. Due to social taboo, the elder abuse at community setting is usually not reported. Even though elder abuse is an important public health problem, very little is known about the extent of abuse especially in developing countries.Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Shivamogga. A total of 200 elderly persons were interviewed using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. The person showing suggestive score was further asked about type of abuse and perpetrator of mistreatment.Results: Our study showed total prevalence of elder abuse in the community to be 24%. The extent of abuse was more among females especially the housewives. The most common type of abuse was verbal abuse followed by psychological abuse. Son was the common perpetrator of mistreatment.Conclusions: Elder abuse is much prevalent in the community. There is a need for further studies to generalise the findings.
Study on oral smokeless tobacco use among migrant labourers and their attitude towards tobacco cessation in an urban settlement in Ernakulam district of Kerala
Authors: Rameshan Anjana , George Leyanna Susan , Ramakrishnan Devraj , Vasudevan Anu
Published: April 2019

Background: Interstate migrant workers in the state of Kerala are increasing day by day. Tobacco usage is quite common among them; however, there are only few studies about oral smokeless tobacco consumption among them. The objectives of the study were to study the prevalence of oral smokeless tobacco use among migrant labourers in an urban settlement in Ernakulam district of Kerala and to assess the knowledge and attitude of users towards cessation.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 140 migrant workers residing in an urban settlement in Kochi. Data regarding their socio demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices of smokeless tobacco consumption was collected using a questionnaire adapted from the global adult tobacco survey questionnaire (GATS). Data was entered into excel sheet and was analyzed using Epi Info.Results: The prevalence of oral smokeless tobacco was found to be 32.85%. Of which, majority of them used a tobacco-lime mixture called Khani (50%) and used tobacco on a daily basis (65.2%). It was observed that 71.74% of the users were unaware of the ill effects of the use of smokeless tobacco and 69.57% of them were not interested in quitting this habit. Among those who had quit, majority of them had done it on their will power alone.Conclusions: The use of smokeless tobacco is quite prevalent among the migrant population. Effective behavioural change communication activities need to be directed towards them.
A study on health problems among government primary school children in rural area of Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Moola Ram Sagar Reddy , Biyyala Renuka , Bhuma Venkata Ramana
Published: April 2019

Background: “To learn effectively, children need good health” says the World Health Organization’s Expert committee on school health services. Inspite of the primary health care that exists in India, yet it is unable to cover the health needs of school children, especially the primary school children. To know their health status and influencing factors, a study is designed in the rural area of Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.Methods: A cross sectional study design was used to assess the health condition of the rural government primary school children at school and socio-demographic data at their home during the period July to December 2016. A sample of 683 children from 20 schools was included in the study. The data was analyzed and inferences were drawn.Results: 38.79% of the rural government primary school children had one or more health problem. Dental problems were found in 21.66% followed by skin problems in 8.05%, nutritional defects in 7.61%, eye disorders in 6.88% and ENT problems in 22.84%. Only 5.42% had good personal hygiene. Majority of the children were poor belonging to the socioeconomic status of class IV (19.62%) and class V (76.60%). 83.39% of the children with health problems had poor housing conditions.Conclusions: More than 2/3rd was found suffering from health problem which was almost equally distributed among boys and girls. The suffering children were almost 95% from lower socioeconomic status and 83% with poor housing conditions.
Factors influencing the stress among the police personnel of Chitradurga city: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Salam Sameeya Furmeen , Reddy Mayuri Reddy
Published: April 2019

Background: Policemen are the real heroes of our country, but most people are unaware of the amount of stress they face every day. Their work involves protecting life, safeguarding properties by vigilant patrolling and maintaining law and order in the society. Hence the present study on the police personnel of Chitradurga city will help to reveal the impact of their job on their day to day life. The objectives of the study were to find out the stress level among the police personnel; to assess the influence of demographic, occupational and personal factors on the stress.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the police personnel in the five police stations in Chitradurga city for a period of one year. Complete enumeration method was used to include 282 police men and women in the study. A pre-designed, pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.Results: The mean age of the participants was 36.13±10.33. The participants in the study were predominantly males, 89%. About 70.9% of the study participants were found to be stressed - 38.7% had mild stress, 26.2% had moderate stress and 6% had severe stress.Conclusions: The stress was found to be significantly associated with marital and socioeconomic status, station, shift work, having sustained injuries during work, attending court summons, smoking, alcohol consumption, tobacco chewing, less sleep and snoring.
Diagnostic outcome of fine needle aspiration cytology in 400 cases of head and neck masses in tertiary care center
Authors: Patel Alpesh V. , Patel Nehal R. , Vadher Payal R. , Kakadia Manali B.
Published: April 2019

Background: The objective of the study was to identify various lesions of neck swellings and to study their distributions according to age, sex and site and to find out distribution of malignant, inflammatory and infective lesions in neck swellings.

Methods: The prospective study was conducted in the department of ENT, SCL General Hospital, NHL MMC, Saraspur, Ahmedabad from July 2014 to July 2016. All indoor and outdoor 400 patients of SCL hospital presenting with palpable head and neck swellings were referred to the cytology section at SCL hospital for FNAC and included in present study.  

Results: In our study out of 400 cases, lymph nodes constituted 276 cases with female preponderance. Among the inflammatory lesions, commonest lesion was tuberculosis which comprised of 147 cases followed by 64 cases of reactive lymphadenitis. In thyroid lesions the male: female ratio was 1:18, with maximum incidence in age group of 20-50 years. Total 95 cases were observed, out of which benign thyroid lesions (Bethesda grade II) were most common (92.63%). Salivary gland comprised of 11 cases, Out of 10 benign neoplastic lesions, 9 cases of pleomorphic adenoma and 1 cases of Warthin’s tumor were found.

Conclusions: FNAC is a very simple and expeditious procedure which can be carried out without much problem. It reduces the necessities to perform excisions biopsy in many cases. Thus, FNAC can be recommended as a first line of investigation in the diagnosis of neck swellings and can be adopted as an outpatient procedure, thus reducing the cost and time of hospitalization.