bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Outcomes of Exotropic Duane Retraction Syndrome From a Tertiary Eye Care Center
Authors: Sheth Jenil , Ezisi Chinyelu Nkemdilim , Tibrewal Shailja , Sachdeva Virender , Kekunnaya Ramesh
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To report surgical outcomes of patients with exotropic Duane retraction syndrome.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the medical records from patients with exotropic Duane retraction syndrome who underwent strabismus surgery and had at least 2 months of postoperative follow-up was conducted. Surgical success was defined as a postoperative horizontal deviation within 8 prism diopters (PD), abnormal head posture (AHP) less than 5 degrees, and a two-step decrease in overshoots.

Results:

Seventy-three patients with exotropic Duane retraction syndrome (38, 52% male, mean age 14 ± 7.9 years) met the study criteria. Unilateral type 3 Duane retraction syndrome was seen in 56 (77%) patients and type 1 in 14 (19%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 22 weeks (range: 8 to 209 weeks). Unilateral and bilateral lateral rectus recession were performed in 48 (65%) and 25 (34%) patients, respectively. In addition to recession, a lateral rectus Y-splitting was performed in 42 (56%) patients. Five patients underwent differential medial rectus and (larger) lateral rectus recession to alleviate severe globe retraction. The mean primary position reduced from 23 PD (CI: 19.6 to 26 PD) preoperatively to 9 PD (CI: 7.02 to 11.02 PD) postoperatively (
P
< .0001). Postoperatively 50% of patients were orthotropic in the primary position. Surgical success for primary position deviation, AHP, and overshoots were achieved in 74%, 81%, and 71% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions:

In the current study, type 3 Duane retraction syndrome was the most common subtype necessitating surgery for exotropic Duane retraction syndrome. Good surgical outcomes were obtained for various indications. Unilateral or bilateral lateral rectus recession was successful in improving motor alignment and AHP. The addition of lateral rectus Y-splitting corrected overshoots greater than grade 2 in most patients with exotropic Duane retraction syndrome.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus.
2021;58(1):9–16.]
Networks of geometrically exact beams: Well-posedness and stabilization
Authors: Rodriguez Charlotte
Published: January 2021

In this work, we are interested in tree-shaped networks of freely vibrating beams which are geometrically exact (GEB) – in the sense that large motions (deflections, rotations) are accounted for in addition to shearing – and linked by rigid joints. For the intrinsic GEB formulation, namely that in terms of velocities and internal forces/moments, we derive transmission conditions and show that the network is locally in time well-posed in the classical sense. Applying velocity feedback controls at the external nodes of a star-shaped network, we show by means of a quadratic Lyapunov functional and the theory developed by Bastin & Coron in [2] that the zero steady state of this network is exponentially stable for the \begin{document}$ H^1 $\end{document} and \begin{document}$ H^2 $\end{document} norms. The major obstacles to overcome in the intrinsic formulation of the GEB network, are that the governing equations are semilinar, containing a quadratic nonlinearity, and that linear lower order terms cannot be neglected.
Improving Students’ Mathematical Representation of Physics and Critical Thinking Abilities Using the CAKA Mobile Media Based on Local Wisdom
Authors: Kurniawan Heribertus Didik , Kuswanto Heru
Published: January 2021

This study aims to develop a learning media based on the local wisdom of becak (pedicab) assisted by the Android to improve the mathematical representation and critical thinking abilities. It used the 4D model. The data were collected using a written test, and analysed by using the analysis of the gain scores. The result shows that the developed media based on the local wisdom of pedicab assisted by the Android (CAKA) is in a very good category and can be used as a learning media. The CAKA media can improve the mathematical representation and critical thinking abilities of grade X students of senior high school.
Infrastructure Sharing for 5G Deployment: A Techno-Economic Analysis
Authors: Gedel Ibrahim Alhassan , Nwulu Nnamdi
Published: January 2021

Fifth-generation wireless (5G) mobile communication technology has been classified as a high wireless standard that is capable of handling internet of things, machine-to-machine, and device-to-device communication.  Consequently, there is a need to meet the very sensitive requirements of 5G, which include high coverage density, high speed, high capacity and low end-to-end delay. Of crucial importance is 5G’s passive infrastructure. This paper therefore presents a techno-economic analysis of the current telecommunication infrastructure, as well as investigating and determining the suitable passive infrastructure for 5G technology deployment. The paper outlines all the passive infrastructure elements and proposes a mathematical model to calculate the capital expenditure, operational expenditure, total cost of investment (TCI) or total cost of ownership (TCO) and net present value (NPV).  Experiments are performed using market prices from the national communication authority, the mobile network operators and the tower company of Ghana. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the variables that increase the TCO or TCI, NPV and return on investment, and to propose the most economical passive infrastructure architecture for easy implementation of 5G technology in Ghana and Africa.
El testamento del Abate Louis Comte
Authors: Vidal Edgard
Published: January 2021

La introducción del daguerrotipe en América Latina es debida a un abate, Louis Comte quien había navegado a América del Sur en una expedición "L'Orientale" que salió de Francia a fines de septiembre de 1839, quedándose en Montevideo hasta 1848. Pero, a partir de la vuelta del Abate a Europa, perdemos toda traza de él. Este artículo pretende aportar informaciones sobre este período de la historia, gracias al análisis de su legado, donde afirma recibir una importante suma de dinero por medio de una trasferencia desde Montevideo. Terminaremos incursionando en un examen del documento hallado, con el objetivo de profundizar las reflexiones relativas a lo que algunos críticos llaman la primera experiencia "open source", dada la importancia de esta técnica y del estado francés en su impulso.
Grete Stern and Gisèle Freund: Two Photographic Modernities in Argentine Exile
Authors: Masnatta Clara
Published: January 2021

The article examines the divergent photographic modernities, photo-collage and color photography, as practiced by German-Jewish women photographers Grete Stern and Gisèle Freund who, after fleeing Nazi Europe, relocated to Argentina. The analysis is focused on their photo-portraiture.
Undergraduate writing errors in English in a generative syntactic perspective
Authors: Wijesinghe Wimal
Published: January 2021

It is widely believed that language learning, like any other human learning, involves the tendency to make of errors. (See Dulay, Burt & Krashen, 1982) Learner errors are an indication of the cognitive processes they make use of in analyzing, interpreting, and reorganizing the input they receive from the target language. Hence, learner errors are considered an integral part of language learning/acquisition. Consequently, error analysis (EA) emerged with the understanding that learner errors provide useful insights into the underlying processes of second language (L2) acquisition. From this stance, the present study examines 30 writing samples of a group of undergraduates of the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Ruhuna, focusing on the morpho-syntactic errors made by them. The objective of the study is to find out the types of morpho-syntactic errors made by the university undergraduates in their classroom work and assignments and to provide a Generative Syntactic explanation for them. The preference for morpho-syntactic errors over other error types is due to the fact that, by far, most of the L2 learner errors fall into this category. The selection of the Generative Syntactic approach is determined by the dearth of error analysis studies that have used this particular approach. Data analysis is done by using 10 syntactic rules and explanations in different modules of the Government and Binding (GB) theory. It is revealed that most of the errors are related to the predicates and argument structure relations, movement in embedded “Wh” questions, pronoun reference, clausal complementation, and adjacency violations. The least number of errors are related to adverb use, person-number agreement (phi-feature agreement), coordination, verbs with clausal complements, and in the use of ‘that’ complementizer.
Lice infestation in village chicken and management practices of keepers in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Opeyemi O. A. , Shittu O. , Kadir R. A. , Kayode A. E. , Yusuf K.
Published: January 2021

Indigenous poultry production is an essential means of sustaining livelihoods in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa where chicken meat augments dietary needs. However, ectoparasites bedevil its wellbeing. Therefore, this study was designed to document local management practices adopted for ectoparasite control among keepers. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out using pretested questionnaires to obtain bio-data of keepers and information on management practices. Both body and housing of chickens were combed for ectoparasites and preserved. The specimens were processed following standard parasitological methods and subsequently identified using entomological keys. Descriptive statistics and cross tabulations were employed to process data with statistical significance set at p<0.05. A total of 3,164 birds from 284 keepers (male 69(24.3%), female 215(75.7%)) were examined out of which 1,125 birds (38.7%) were infested (p<0.05). Among the keepers, 61.6% were gainfully employed, 8.8% were farmers and 29.6% solely depended on poultry for sustenance. The species identified include Menacanthus stramineus 297(52.9%), Menopon gallinae 132(23.5%), Lipeurus caponis 88(15.7) and Gonoides gigas 44(7.8%). Two hundred and eighty two (99.3%) keepers had prior knowledge of ectoparasites (p<0.05), 178(62.7%) identified itching as a prominent symptom of infestation and 270(95.1%) adopted local treatment methods. Local treatment methods (91.0% agreed to its reliability) includes; hot ash (42.6%), lime leaves (17.3%) and Azadairactha indica leaves (15.5%). The prevalence of these lice species is an attestation to its ubiquity in our locality and the identified management practices suggests immense understanding of its potential constraints to the overall welfare of chicken.
Determination of chlorophyll content, carbonic anhydrase activity, bio-productivity and composition of groundnuts under five Zinc Oxide (ZnO) applications
Authors: Olayinka B. U. , Abdulkareem K. A. , Murtadha R. B. , Abdulbaki A. S. , Ayinla A. , Sagaya A. , Mohammed R. T. , Etejere E. O.
Published: January 2021

The low level of carbonic anhydrase activity in groundnut grown on soil with limited zinc (Zn) content is one of the factors responsible for low yield in groundnuts in Nigeria. Hence, this study was carried out to further strengthen the significance of Zn in enhancing photosynthetic processes through carbonic anhydrase activity. It also determines how Zn application affects biochemical components, growth, yield and composition of Arachis hypogaea cv SAMNUT 22. In this study, a potexperiment was performed to investigate the effects of five concentrations of Zn applied in form of zinc oxide (0.00, 1.00, 2.00, 3.00 and 4.00 gL-1ZnO) on the chlorophyll, carbonic anhydrase activity, bio-productivity and proximate composition of groundnut seeds. Data on the aforementioned parameters were subjected to One-way Analysis of Variance and means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at p<0.05. The results showed that total chlorophyll in leaves increased with increasing concentration of ZnO and hence the lowest and highest chlorophyll were recorded in 1.00 gL-1 and 4.00 gL-1 respectively. Carbonic anhydrase, after flowering showed a marked improvement with increases in ZnO application compared to the control. The bio-productivity in terms of growth components and yield attributes were respectively enhanced when the concentration of the applied ZnO is increased. Carbohydrate, protein and ash content of harvested seeds were significantly higher (p<0.05) in ZnO treated plants when compared to the control. The results indicated that application of ZnO at 4.00 gL-1 is considered optimum for enhancement of biochemical, growth and yield attributes of the studied groundnut. Also, the reported concentrations of ZnO showed positive influences only on carbohydrate, protein and ash contents of the harvested seeds.
Water: panacea, pearl and problem child
Authors: Gunawardana D.
Published: January 2021

No abstract available
Insect vectors of human viral diseases: can they transmit COVID-19?
Authors: Dangalle C. D.
Published: January 2021

Many insects are naturally infected by a wide range of viruses and transmit viral diseases that cause significant morbidity and mortality to humans. Amongst insects, mosquitoes are the prominent vectors of viral diseases of which the genus Aedes is the most relevant species regarding disease transmission to humans. Mosquitoes mainly transmit the viruses of family Flaviviridae and the mosquito-borne Flavivirus diseases are the most serious and widespread. Many diseases have been caused by Flaviviruses of which Dengue viral infection and Japanese encephalitis are prominent in countries of the Asian region. Apart from the viruses of family Flaviviridae, mosquitoes also transmit viruses of families Togaviridae and Bunyaviridae, which however have caused disease outbreaks to a lesser extent than the Flaviviridae viruses. Insects other than mosquitoes transmit viral diseases to a lesser extent. Sand fly species of order Diptera transmits viruses of family Bunyaviridae, which causes Sand fly fever mainly in the countries of Europe and Africa. Insects such as cockroaches and fly species are also capable of causing viral diseases to humans, which however is by mechanical transmission, rather than the biological transmission evident in mosquitoes. Covid-19 is transmitted by a RNA virus of the family Coronaviridae, genus Coronavirus. There have been no reports of Covid-19 transmission by blood-sucking insects such as mosquitoes or any other such insects. However, the mechanical transmission of the virus is plausible by body parts of insects contacted with contaminated surfaces. The new coronavirus is mainly transmitted by respiratory droplets that are suspended in the air via breathing, coughing or sneezing of the infected persons. However, the virus has been detected in the feces of confirmed patients and insects in contact with or feeding on fecal surfaces may play a role in Covid-19 transmission. The coronavirus that is now threatening the world is constantly changing and subtly different from the one that first emerged in China. Everyday learning of the coronavirus and its transmission has refined our knowledge on combating it, and the role of insects in Covid-19 transmission cannot be entirely ruled out.
Prevalence of sleep disorders among Medical Students of Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdelmoaty Goweda Reda , Hassan-Hussein Abdurahman , Ali Alqahtani Mohammed , Janaini Murad Mohammed , Alzahrani Adi Hatim , Sindy Basil Mamdooh , Alharbi Moayad Mansour , Kalantan Sari Abdulhamid
Published: January 2021

Background

Sleep disorders are a common medical problem and can affect health and quality of life. There are multiple types of sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs/periodic limb movement disorder, circadian rhythm disorders, sleepwalking and nightmares. Medical students appear to be more liable to develop sleep disorders due to their high academic load.

Design and Methods

This study seeks to estimate the prevalence of sleep disorders among Umm Al-Qura University medical students and associated risk factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine of Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A self administrated questionnaire was used to collect the data including socio-demographic data and sleep-50 questionnaire. Four hundred and thirty-eight (438) medical students from the second year to the sixth year were recruited to the study

Results

Three hundred and twenty-three participants (73.8%) complained of at least one sleep disorder. The most prevalent sleep disorder among students was narcolepsy at 226 (51.6%). Female students, second year students and students spending significant time watching television or on smartphones were more affected than others with p values of 0.001, 0.005, and 0.004 respectively.

Conclusions

Sleep disorders are common among medical students. It is essential to detect and address them before their condition deteriorates.
Hospital staff practical skills and theoretical knowledge in inhaled aerosol therapy: a single centre cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Santambrogio Martina , Lazzeri Marta , Bonitta Gianluca , Guarise Riccardo , Simonetta Edoardo , Blasi Francesco , Privitera Emilia
Published: January 2021

Inhaled therapy is widely used for treatment of many respiratory disorders. Drug delivery in lungs is dependent on the correct use of aerosol devices and patients’ training is vital for a correct therapy administration. Therefore, is very important to assess the skills of professionals involved in training patients to the correct use of inhaler devices. The aim of this study was to check the practical skills and the theoretical knowledge of health care personnel in our University Hospital in using aerosol therapy and to determine differences among professional figures in the management of inhaler devices. Three hundred and fifteen (315) volunteers including physicians, residents, nurses and respiratory physiotherapists were enrolled; an independent professional, not working in our University Hospital, assessed their theoretical knowledge related to aerosol throughout a questionnaire. Practical skills were assessed through placebo simulation with the devices that participants declared to use frequently with patients. None of the respondents correctly answered all questions evaluating theoretical knowledge on the proper use of aerosol therapy. Respiratory physiotherapists obtained significantly better results with 17.2 (1.3) average points compared to 10.3 (3.7) obtained by doctors, 9.0 (3.0) by nurses and 9.1 (4.5) by residents. Analysing in detail physicians’ results, pneumologists showed better theoretical knowledge than other specialists. Concerning the practical skills, about 80% of those stating they knew how to use metered dose inhalers, made mistakes in the basic steps for proper inhalation technique and over 50% of respondents were unable to properly simulate placebo administration of dry powder inhalers. Also here, respiratory physiotherapists and pneumologists had significant better performances, when compared to other health professionals. Our data are in line with those published in the literature in other international clinical settings, noting inadequate practical and theoretical knowledge of the available devices for aerosol therapy.
Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus: A risk factor for post COVID fibrosis
Authors: Mrigpuri Parul , Sonal Sonal , Spalgais Sonam , Goel Nitin , Menon Balakrishnan , Kumar Raj
Published: January 2021

Dear Editor,

The Corona virus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in the Wuhan province of china in December 2019. COVID-19 spread to the world in a short time and was declared as public health emergency of international concern by World Health Organization...
Efficacy of low-dose valganciclovir in Cytomegalovirus R+ lung transplant recipients: a retrospective comparative analysis
Authors: Hunt Jessica , Chapple Kristina M. , Nasar Aasya , Cherrier Lauren , Walia Rajat
Published: January 2021

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is extremely common after lung transplant and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Current practice suggests the use of 900 mg daily of valganciclovir for CMV prophylaxis, but there is no literature assessing whether 450 mg daily of valganciclovir is sufficient in intermediate CMV risk lung transplant recipients. Therefore, we sought to assess the role of low-dose valganciclovir (LDV) versus high-dose valganciclovir (HDV) prophylaxis in intermediate-risk (R+) recipients.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis on lung transplant recipients at the Norton Thoracic Institute in Phoenix, Arizona looking at intermediate-risk patients that received either valganciclovir 450 mg per day (LDV) or 900 mg/day (HDV). All patients were followed for 1 year posttransplant for incidence of CMV viremia. The primary outcome was the rate of CMV viremia as determined by a positive CMV polymerase chain reaction ([PCR] >2.7 log copies/mL). Secondary outcomes included rate of adverse events, acute cellular rejection, and mortality.Results: The primary analysis included 103 patients (55 in the LDV group, 48 in the HDV group). In the LDV group, 9 patients (16.4%) developed CMV viremia compared to 4 (8.3%) in the HDV group (p=0.221) with no difference observed in adverse event rates between groups.Conclusion: There was no statistical difference between groups for the primary outcome. However, the effect size demonstrated in this analysis may be of clinical relevance and valganciclovir 450 mg daily would not be recommended in intermediate risk lung transplant recipients at this time. To confirm our results, further prospective studies enrolling larger patient populations are necessary.
Impact of COVID-19 on different organ systems and prognosis
Authors: Mallick Ayaz Mallick , Ahsan Marya
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the novel virus SARS-CoV-2, has swept across the globe, affecting almost every country. The death toll resulting from COVID-19 continues to rise as it is highly contagious, and currently, there is no definite treatment available. As SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted mainly through droplets, the lungs are the primary organ to be damaged with diffuse alveolar involvement. Moreover, failure of other organ systems leading to myositis, disseminated intravascular coagulation and acute kidney injury has also been reported. Besides, cytokine storm has been hypothesized as a potentially life-threatening complication of COVID-19. In this review, we aim to compile the current knowledge about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on various organ systems and the prognosis. This will help in early identification of complications and appropriate intervention of COVID-19 cases to increase the survival rate.
Predictability of Surgical Apgar Score for postoperative outcomes in hip fractures
Authors: Haroon Farhan , Younus Sajid , Peracha Asif , Memon Nouman , Memon Naveed
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To assess the utility and validation of the Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) in predicting postoperative complications of hip fractures.

Methods:

This prospective observational study included patients who received operations for hip fractures from 1st March 2017 to 30th June 2018 at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College. Patients were followed at the outpatient department, and complications and mortality were recorded through phone calls. The predictability of SAS for postoperative complications was assessed.

Results:

SAS≤4 was found as a significant predictor for postoperative pulmonary (P=0.008) and cardiac complications (P=0.042) as well as blood transfusion required to optimize postoperative hemoglobin (P=0.03) in the patients with hip fractures.

Conclusions:

SAS provides reliable feedback information about patients' postoperative risk during the surgery. Hip fracture patients with scores≤4 should be monitored for major complications both during the hospital admission and after the discharge.
Association between community-acquired pneumonia and platelet indices
Authors: Motamed Hajar , Bashiri Homayoon , Yari Farideh , Bozorgomid Arezo , Rostamian Mosayeb , Azarakhsh Yosef , Hosseini Azam , Lorestani Roya C
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To examine whether the platelet index would be applicable for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

Methods:

In this study, 64 CAP patients (the case group) and 68 healthy children (the control group) were included from 2017 to 2018. Baseline variables were recorded including total white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, red blood cells, platelet, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein, and compared between the case group and the control group. The cutoff value, sensitivity, and specificity of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelet larger cell ratio were calculated by receiver-operating characteristic curves.

Results:

The median platelet count of the case group and the control group were (411.09±67.40) mm3 and (334.48±78.15) mm3, respectively (P=0.000). The median neutrophil count of the case group was higher than that of the control group (P=0.000), while the lymphocyte level of the case group was lower (P=0.000). Differences in other variables including the mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were not statistically significant between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Due to the different levels of platelet, neutrophil and lymphocyte indices in the case and the control group, these indices can be used simultaneously for the diagnosis of CAP.
Infective crystalline keratopathy due to Citrobacter koseri
Authors: Thiam-Hou Lim , Tai Evelyn Li Min , Khairy Shamel Sonny Teo , Mohtar Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

Rationale:

Infectious keratopathy is an ocular emergency with the potential to cause irreversible blindness.

Patient's concerns:

A 63-year-old diabetic man presented with a 3-day history of painful red right eye. He had a history of multiple ocular surgeries in the affected eye without recent ocular trauma.

Diagnosis:

Infective crystalline keratopathy secondary to Citrobacter koseri.

Interventions:

Topical corticosteroids were discontinued, and dual topical antibiotic therapy of moxifloxacin 5% and gentamycin 0.3% were applied.

Outcomes:

Twelve hours after the start of treatment, the crystalline nature of the infiltrate disappeared, with enlargement of the epithelial defect. The antibiotic regime was continued and the lesion healed within a week of presentation with residual scarring.

Lessons:

Infective crystalline keratopathy classically presents with intrastromal branching fern-like opacities and minimal anterior segment inflammation in an immunosuppressed eye. The mainstay of management is corticosteroid discontinuation and the administration of empirical antibiotics until the results of the culture and sensitivity are available. In Citrobacter-related cases, treatment may result in a suppurative appearance before healing of the lesion.
Psychogenic anorexia and non-alcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy
Authors: Ghosal Anirban , Bhattacharya Kajari , Shobhana A
Published: January 2021

Rationale:

Prolonged undernutrition may arise out of depression and lead to Wernicke's encephalopathy if timely diagnosis and intervention are missed. Wernicke's encephalopathy is potentially treatable, and appropriate treatment may revert clinical depression and cognitive dysfunction to some extent.

Patient's concern:

A 69-year-old female who had been taking escitalopram for one year developed tremor, ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, progressive cognitive decline, and convulsions.

Diagnosis:

Non-alcoholic Wernicke's encephalopathy and hypomagnesemia due to psychogenic anorexia.

Interventions:

High dose intravenous thiamine and magnesium were supplemented.

Outcomes:

The patient showed remarkable improvement in neurological complications and even in depressive features.

Lessons:

Wernicke's encephalopathy should not be ignored in the treatment of depression.
COVID-19 pandemic—Environmental perspective of COVID-19 and a primer for all of us
Authors: Shaki Omna , Gupta TP , Rai SK
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) spread worldwide has created a global pandemic. To reduce the transmission of the virus, the Indian government had imposed a countrywide lockdown on 24 Mar 2020 by suspending all public transport and industries temporarily resulting in loss of jobs in multiple sectors and looming threats to the nation economy. Lockdown on the opposite hand has removed pollutants from the air and thus improved air quality in many cities across the globe. The near-total shutdown of all economic activities except related to essential commodities like medicine and food was only allowed which resulted in the lowering of carbon emission and improvement in global warming and air pollution. This review article indented to bring important features of how the COVID-19 pandemic affects human civilization and the global environment. However, its epidemiology, symptom, possible prevention, and management will briefly describe. Authors have collected data from, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, WHO, and CDC (USA). Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a result of COVID- 19 infection. This virus is transmitted through close contact by respiratory droplets from one person to another. The majority of symptoms of COVID-19 are very much similar to any viral upper respiratory tract infection ( Common Coryza). Any person with the slightest suspicion or has respiratory symptoms related to COVID-19 infection should wear a facemask, keep safe social distancing, observe cough/sneeze etiquettes. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a lesson to introspect the way humans are destroying the environment for their benefit. Whatever be the origin or cause, the occurrence of COVID-19 has made a foreground for us to improve the symbiotic relationship between humans, wildlife, and nature.
Current scenario, future possibilities and applicability of telemedicine in hilly and remote areas in India
Authors: Kaeley Nidhi , Choudhary Suman , Mahala Prakash , Nagasubramanyam Vempalli
Published: January 2021

In India telemedicine is ideal because of its diverse landmass, difficult terrain and huge population. India, a developing country is witnessing an increase in economic growth but growing health expenditure is still posing a challenge. Telemedicine offers a solution to bridge the gap between resources available and growing needs in the health care set up. It offers an opportunity for effective collaboration of primary and secondary health care setups and to reach population staying in underserved areas. The purpose of this article is to discuss current scenario, future possibilities and applicability of telemedicine in hilly and remote areas in India.
Role of serum C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 as a predictor of intra-abdominal and surgical site infections after elective abdominal surgery
Authors: Hajong Ranendra , Newme Kewithinwangbo , Nath Chandan Kr , Moirangthem Thoiba , Dhal Malaya Ranjan , Pala Star
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Infections after surgeries considerably increase patients' hospital stay, thereby prolonging patients' early return to productive life. At the same time, the cost of hospitalization also increases. Therefore, if objective tests can predict infections before it actually happens, then more preventive measures in the form of upgrading antibiotics can be taken which might prevent patients from developing serious infections and thereby reduce morbidity and mortality of surgery.

Material and Methods:

It was a prospective cross sectional study to assess the efficacy of acute phase reactants C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL 6) in predicting infections in patients undergoing routine general surgical operations. A total of 74 patients were included in the study. Laparoscopic surgical procedures were not included in the study to maintain uniformity in the procedures. Data so collected were analyzed by using SPSS version 22.

Results:

A total of 27 patients developed wound infections postoperatively. The mean rise in the levels of CRP and IL 6 was higher in those patients who developed postoperative wound infections. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value was found to be better with IL 6 than with CRP.

Conclusion:

It may be concluded that a serial estimation of CRP and IL 6 postoperatively can predict infections and may be utilized routinely in general surgical practice.
A cross sectional study of risk factors for surgical site infections after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy in a tertiary care hospital in North East India
Authors: Hajong Ranendra , Dhal Malaya Ranjan , Newme Kewithinwangbo , Moirangthem Thoiba , Boruah Manash Pratim
Published: January 2021

Background:

Surgical site infection (SSI) after cholecystectomy unduly delays patients' early return to normal activities and also leaves behind relatively disfigured cosmetic scars at the port sites. This prospective study was undertaken to assess the various risk factors leading to SSI in patients undergoing cholecystectomy, both by laparoscopic and open techniques in this part of India for which no data is available at present.

Material and Methods:

A total of 1507 cholecystectomies (1184 by laparoscopy and 323 by open technique) during a 6 year period. The various risk factors studied were gender, age, BMI, DM, chronic anaemia, COPD, timing of surgery (elective or emergent), influence of surgeon (operated by resident surgeon or faculty), intraoperative bile spillage, etc., Odd's ratio was calculated to see the influence of the factors on SSI and statistical significance was tested by Chi-square test.

Results:

The overall rate of infection was 3.12% (1.94% in laparoscopy and 7.43% in the open technique). Intraoperative bile spillage, increasing age, increased duration of surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy done by resident surgeons, increased intraoperative blood loss, emergent operations done for acute cholecystitis, etc., were associated with higher rates of SSI.

Conclusion:

Meticulous operative techniques avoiding bile spillage and blood loss during cholecystectomy may reduce the chances of developing SSI.
Retrospective analysis to identify the association of various determinants on birth weight
Authors: Patel Suprava , Verma Neha R. , Padhi Phalguni , Naik Tripty , Nanda Rachita , Naik Gitismita , Mohapatra Eli
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

LBW is the strong determinant of neonatal morbidity and mortality with a global prevalence of nearly 15%. India's prevalence, though not yet established, ranges from 16-30% and influenced by maternal nutritional status, antenatal care and associated maternal morbidity. Hence, the study was aimed to determine the influencing parameters for occurrence of LBW.

Study Design:

A retrospective observational study conducted for all live newborns delivered in a tertiary care centre during the study period of twenty four months.

Methods:

Data from institutional medical record section was recorded on predesigned questionnaire from a total of 1216 newborns.

Results:

The percentage of LBW was found to be 27.55% (335/1216) with a proportion of LBW to NBW babies was approximately 1:3. The occurrence of LBW was significantly higher in babies of anemic mothers (59.39%, P < 0.0001), young mothers (30.39%, P < 0.01), mothers with parity ≥ 3 (35.71%, P < 0.05), those with <3 ANC check-up (56.88%, P < 0.0001) and those with premature delivery (71.57%, P < 0.0001). Maternal anemia (OR 4.7, 95%CI 3.4-6.7, P < 0.001); ANC with <3 visits (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.4-3.4, P < 0.01) and prematurity (OR 7.6, 95%CI 5.1-11.2, P < 0.0001) were considered as independent risk factor for LBW. Significant association of neonatal complications was found with LBW babies (OR 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.5, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Inadequate antenatal care, maternal anemia and other maternal illness causing premature delivery are considered critical determinants for LBW and thus associated with high neonatal mortality and morbidity. Continued focus for improving the overall maternal health status would lead to lowering burden of LBW.
Empowering adolescent girls, is sexual and reproductive health education a solution?
Authors: Parida Swayam P , Gajjala Alekhya , Giri Prajna P
Published: January 2021

Adolescence is a period that is characterized by growth and development rapidly. They have only limited knowledge regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Adolescents girls are more marginalized and face many problems in society. Owing to a lack of knowledge on SRH, they succumb to various situations such as unhealthy menstrual hygiene practices, unwanted sex, teenage pregnancy, unsafe abortions, reproductive tract infections (RTIs), and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV/AIDS. These have adverse effects on their mental health. This article reviews the literature to explore the knowledge, attitude, practices, and life skills regarding SRH among adolescent girls. Need for the inclusion of SRH and life skill education for adolescents in schools, strengthening health care programs, and involvement of various Non-Governmental organizations (NGO for adolescent wellbeing. A Search of relevant publications between 2011 and 2020 was done through multiple electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PUBMED, and Google scholar. A manual search on world health statistics, national programs regarding SRH was done.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child health services in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Anil K. , Jain Pankaj K. , Singh Naresh P. , Kumar Sandip , Bajpai Prashant K. , Singh Soni , Jha Mohan
Published: January 2021

Background:

In the wake of the Covid-19 Pandemic, parts of the public health system at increased risk of reduced efficiency include healthcare services for women and children. This in turn could reverse all the progress achieved over the years in reducing maternal and child mortality. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess the indirect effect of the pandemic on maternal and child health services in public health facilities.

Methods:

Data pertaining to maternal and child health services being provided under specific Government programmes, were collected from public health facilities of District Sant Kabir Nagar in Uttar Pradesh, India. Comparative analysis of the data from the pandemic phase with data from the year 2019 was done to determine the impact on services.

Results:

Reduced coverage across all maternal and child health interventions was observed in the study. There was an overall decrease of 2.26 % in number of institutional deliveries. Antenatal care services were the worst affected with 22.91% decline. Immunization services were also dramatically decreased by more than 20%.

Conclusion:

The response of the public healthcare delivery system to the Covid-19 Pandemic is negatively affecting both the provision and utilization of maternal and child healthcare services. It is deterrent to the progress achieved in maternal and child health parameters over the years. Better response strategies should be put in place to minimize lag in service deliwvery.
Outcome and its predictors in traumatic brain injury in elderly population
Authors: Sharma Saurabh , Bansal Hanish , Singh Jagminder , Chaudhary Ashwani
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Survival and functional outcome is significantly poor in the elderly population. There is a need to develop better geriatric specific prognostic models and evidence-based geriatric traumatic brain injury management protocols for better treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention.

Aims and objectives:

To study the frequency, outcome and correlates of traumatic brain injury in elderly patients.

Material and Methods:

Frequency, outcome and correlates of traumatic brain injury in patients more than 65 years of age admitted in tertiary care hospital were studied in 160 patients admitted between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2016 (retrospective analysis) and between 1st January 2017 and 30th June 2018 (prospective analysis). Institutional ethical committee approval was taken.

Results:

This study concluded that road side accident was the most common cause of traumatic brain injury in elderly in this study. Incidence of traumatic brain injury in elderly was found to be 11.45%. Both non-reacting pupils and low Glasgow coma scale on arrival were significantly associated with poor outcome in terms of mortality. Most of the patients who expired or were discharged against medical advice had associated skull bone fractures, cerebral infarct, diffuse brain edema, subarachnoid hemorrhage, midline shift, lower hemaglobin, higher random blood sugar and higher creatinine as compared to patients who were discharged. All these findings were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Low Glasgow coma scale on arrival, non reacting pupils, low hemoglobin, high random blood sugar, high creatinine and intubation on arrival are associated with increased mortality. Associated skull bone fractures, cerebral infarct, diffuse brain edema are predictors of poor outcome. Anticoagulants and associated co-morbidities do not increase the risk of mortality in traumatic brain injury in elderly.
Status of salt iodization, related awareness and practice at the household level in slums of Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal
Authors: Mukherjee Ananya , Naskar Somnath , Banerjee Niladri , Mandal Sutapa , Das Dilip K
Published: January 2021

Background:

Monitoring adequacy of salt iodization at consumption level and exploring the reasons for inadequacy, especially in marginalized communities, is crucial to achieve the target coverage of universal salt iodization.

Aims:

To assess the iodine content of salt used at household level, related awareness and practice of respondents and their socio demographic correlates.

Settings and Designs:

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the slums of Burdwan Municipality in 2019.

Methods and Material:

A total of 330 households were selected by cluster sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated at household level semi-quantitatively by Iodine testing kit, following recommended guidelines. One respondent from each household was interviewed to assess their awareness and practice regarding iodized salt. Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test and Multivariable logistic regression was used.

Results:

All 330 households were using iodized salt; 77.6% were consuming adequately iodized and 22.4% were consuming inadequately iodized salts. Only 30.9% of the respondents were aware about the importance of iodized salt, few had correct practice despite inadequate knowledge and none, except one, practiced adding salt at the end of cooking. Awareness and practice were associated with caste and age of the respondents, respectively. Keeping salt container near the oven, adjusting for keeping salt in uncovered container, significantly predicted inadequate level of iodization [AOR 6.17 (95% CI: 2.68-14.26)].

Conclusion:

Inadequate iodization, lack of awareness regarding iodized salt and faulty storing practices amounting to increased risk of inadequate iodization are still prevalent emphasizing the need, in policy, for health education.
Knowledge and awareness of parents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding unintentional home injuries in children 2019 a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Hazazi Yahya O. , Mahmoud Mahmoud A. , Al Ali Marwa O.
Published: January 2021

Aim:

To evaluate the adherence of parent's preventive measures of unintentional home injury in their children by measuring the parents' knowledge and awareness regarding the risk factors of unintentional home injury.

Settings and Design:

An online questionnaire was used. The study followed a descriptive cross-sectional design.

Method and Materials:

The study was conducted between December 2019 and January 2020 included 324 participants who fulfilled the criteria during the period. An appropriate statistical test was used to register the statistical significance between the participants' answers and demographic characteristics.

Statistical Analysis:

SPSS 20.0 software package was used for entering the collected data and for statistical analysis.

Results:

Descriptive statistics showed that (66%) of participants were female. At least 50% of the participants were aged 26–35 years and had a bachelor's degree. Most reported at a good level of practice against the risk factors of unintentional home injury. The correlation between the participants' level of practice against the unintentional home injury, their age, and their level of education was statistically significant.

Conclusions:

The results showed the level of practice against unintentional home injury was significantly higher in parents their age more than forty, and those with a high educational level. This result suggested that nationwide health programs and initiatives must be toward families and parents in assessing their home hazards.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Quality of life, Psychiatric Illness, Perceived Social Support, Suicidal Risk and Selfesteem among patients with burns
Authors: Kadam Kranti S. , Bagal Rahul P. , Angane Amey Y. , Ghorpade Geetanjali S. , Anvekar Aditya R. , Unnithan Vishnu B.
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Burns is one of the foremost causes of worldwide morbidity. Changes in appearance and functional impairment causes stigmatisation, impacting socio-occupational engagement and causing discomfort.

Aims and Objectives:

The study examined prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in post-burn patients, their perceived social support and self-esteem. It further assessed quality of life amongst post-burn patients.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary care centre where 100 patients were interviewed using purposive sampling technique over six months. Patients were administered a semi-structured questionnaire along with Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and WHO Quality Of Life – BREF (WHOQOL- BREF) scales. Contingency tables and Spearman's correlation helped to examine associations and correlations. Fischer's exact test, Mann Whitney test and ANOVA test were also used for statistical analysis.

Results and Discussion:

There is high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among patients with burns. The most common disorder was major depressive episode. Low self-esteem was found in one-third of patients with burns. Patients having low self-esteem had eleven times higher prevalence of suicidality. Patients with burns had high perceived social support. Quality of life in patients with burns depends on self-esteem, perceived social support and presence of psychiatric illnesses.

Conclusion:

This study illustrates the need for thorough evaluation and screening in patients with burns for psychopathology and self-esteem issues by primary physicians. Behaviour therapy, supportive psychotherapy, counselling and adequate socio-occupational rehabilitation of the patient should be done. Spreading awareness and organising support groups for patients with burns at the primary health centre level can be effective.