bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of medication knowledge on medication adherence among hypertensive patients at Matero level one hospital, Lusaka city, Zambia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Kampamba Martin , Abanur Farhiyyah , Hikaambo Christabel Nang’andu , Mudenda Steward , Saini Kennedy , Kaonga Patrick
Published: July 2021

Background: Medication adherence is the mainstay to good treatment outcomes. Failure to adhere to medication in hypertensive patients may lead to considerable deterioration of the disease resulting in increased costs of healthcare and mortality. Knowledge about the name of the drug, indications and side effects may enhance medication adherence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess effects of medication knowledge on medication adherence among hypertensive patients.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved 120 hypertensive patients. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics. Adherence was assessed using the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale while patient’s medication knowledge was assessed using a 7-item scale. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with medication adherence.Results: The mean age of participants was 59 years (SD±14.9) and 10 (8.3%), 42 (35%) and 68 (56.7%) had adequate, average and poor medication knowledge respectively. The prevalence of adherence in this study was 37.5%. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) (AOR: 0.38, CI: 0.16-0.90) was associated with lower likelihood of adhering to medication.Conclusions: The adherence level to treatment was low and medication knowledge of hypertensive patients was generally poor. Uncontrolled BP was associated with non-adherence. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension should be given health education and counselling regarding their condition to improve medication adherence.
Effects of COVID-19 on national tuberculosis elimination programme strategies during March to May 2020 on Tumkur district, India
Authors: Krishnamurthy Sanath Kumar Gurram , Poojar Basavaraj , Nagaraja Sharath Burugina
Published: July 2021

Background: the nation-wide lockdown due global pandemic has disrupted a vital strategic intervention resulting in overall 60% decrease in presumptive and diagnostic TB cases during the lockdown period.Methods: A discrete choice experimental (DCE) exploratory operational research conducted during March to May 2020.Results: Health care services were affected 25% reduction in the outpatient department (OPD) in comparison to the previous year the same period. A gradual reduction in negative sputum cases undergoing chest radiography from 54% to 14%. Due to restricted movement LPA tests have been reduced 25% among the diagnosed TB cases, and private referrals to cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) services were reduced to 20%.Conclusions: Health services, including national programmes to combat TB, need to be actively engaged in ensuring an effective and rapid response to COVID-19 while ensuring that TB services are maintained. While experience on COVID-19 infection in TB patients remains limited, it is anticipated that people ill with both TB and COVID-19 may have poorer treatment outcomes, especially if TB treatment is interrupted. TB patients should take precautions as advised by health authorities to be protected from COVID-19 and continue their TB treatment as prescribed.
Evaluation of analgesic (in vivo) activity of Ariflex liniment in comparison with diclofenac gel by acetic acid induced writhing model
Authors: Nipanikar Sanjay U. , Chitlange Sohan S.
Published: July 2021

Background: Adverse effects of available medications for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) necessitate development of safer and effective alternative medicinal substitutes. The present study was conducted to evaluate analgesic activity of Ariflex liniment (conceptualized and developed by Ari Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.) in comparison with diclofenac gel by using acetic acid induced writhing model.Methods: Albino mice of either sex weighing 20-25 g were taken and divided into 3 groups with 5 animals in each group, i.e., group 1 (control group), group 2 (diclofenac gel) and group 3 (Ariflex liniment). After 1 hour of topical application of study drugs writhing was induced in mice using intra-peritonial injection of 1% acetic acid in volume of 0.1 ml/10 g body weight. Then the writhing episodes were recorded for 30 minutes and results were noted.Results: In the control group, the total number of  writhes were 260±29.73 (mean±S. E. M.). The total number of writhes was 12.17±11.81 (mean ± S. E. M.) in diclofenac group. In Ariflex liniment group, not a single animal felt pain, hence there were no writhes recorded. When compared to control group, the difference in number of writhes was statistically significant. The analgesic activity of Ariflex liniment was found to be superior to that of diclofenac gel used as standard drug.Conclusions: It can be concluded that Ariflex liniment possesses analgesic activity.
Efficacy of letrozole versus clomiphene citrate for infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Ay Sinan S. , Birge Özer , Bakır Mehmet S. , Yumru Ayşe E.
Published: July 2021

Background: The aim was to compare ovulation induction protocols in anovulatory patients, who make up a significant percentage of infertility patients, and to determine the most appropriate treatment for patients in the clinic based on the findings.Methods: The effectiveness of clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole (aromatase inhibitor) in ovulation induction treatments were retrospectively compared in patients who applied for infertility in the last 5 years and were found to be anovulatory. 20 of these patients were being treated with clomiphene citrate, while the 18 were being treated with letrozole.Results: The study included a total of 38 anovulatory infertile patients. The mean age of the patients was found to be 29.3. When the endometrial thicknesses (ET) after the treatment were compared, the first group's mean EC was 6.1, while that of the second group was 9.05. The endometrial thicknesses measured after the treatments were found to be significantly different, which were consistent with other studies in the literature. Post-treatment ovulation responses were similar with 55% in both groups. In the evaluation of pregnancy outcomes, 20% of pregnancy was achieved in the first group and 33% in the second group.Conclusions: The use of letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, may be suggested as an alternative to CC in the ovulation induction protocol in our clinical practice, particularly in obese patients.
Effect of COVID-19 lockdown on reproductive activity in Rivers state
Authors: Gbaranor Barinua K. , Agara Humphrey N. , Alasia Onisojime M. , Mube William A. , Dumoateli Iboroma , Ovili-Odili Blessing Z. , Peterside Sofiri S. , Ile Vivian I.
Published: July 2021

Background: Reproductive activity is an important biological process that always take place between married and unmarried couples across the globe. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on reproductive activity during and post-lockdown in Rivers state. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on reproductive activity during and post-lockdown in Rivers state.Methods: A well-structured questionnaire containing demographics and effect of COVID-19 on reproductive activity were administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the researchers.Results: The study revealed that 57.58% (57/99) of the participants were between the ages 16-20, 58.82% (60/102) were single and 99.03% (102/103) of the participants (women) have unprotected sexual intercourse during COVID-19 lockdown. 99.03% (102/103) the participants engaged in unprotected sex because the pharmacist’s stores were closed. The study also shows that 43.69% (103) have the urge for sex due to inactivity and 76.60% (102) of the participants got pregnant and 96.25% (77/80) of the pregnancy were not planned. 51.29% (41/80) of the participants aborted the pregnancy and 92.68% (38/41) 0f the women who got pregnant did not attend antenatal clinic.Conclusions: A total number of 103 respondents participated in the research. 76.6% of the population got pregnant during the lockdown for different reasons and most of the participants were singles and did not plan for the pregnancy.
Evaluation of yolk sac size and embryonic heart rate in first trimester and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Tawfik Waleed M.
Published: July 2021

Background: Accurate differentiation between normal pregnancy and pregnancy loss in early gestation remains a clinical challenge-previous studies have described the association between embryonic well-beings and the characteristics of gestational sac. The aim of the study was to evaluate the yolk sac size and embryonic heart rate as a prognostic factor for the first trimester pregnancy outcome.Methods: This was a prospective cohort observesional study. It included 52 pregnant women in their first trimester from 6 week till 12 weeks gestation. Transvaginal sonographic examination after explanation and agreement of each patient. All pregnancies were followed for their pregnancy outcome after completion of 12 weeks. The adverse outcome was spontaneous miscarriage occurring before or at 12 weeks of gestation. These patients allocated into four study groups: according to gestational age at presentation and pregnancy outcome. Group I included women who were examined during (6-7 weeks+6 days). Group II included women who were examined during (8-9 weeks+6 days). Group III included women who were examined during (10-12 weeks). Group IV included women who had their pregnancies resulted into first trimester spontaneous miscarriage.Results: The validity of YS diameter regarding the prognosis of first trimester pregnancy outcome shows that; YSD had 100% specificity and 97.8% sensitivity in prediction of miscarriage. Regarding embryonic heartbeat, there was a statistically significant difference between group IV and the other groups. There was embryonic bradycardia in the miscarriage group. EHR had a sensitivity of 97.5% and specificity of 100% in prediction of first trimester pregnancy outcome.Conclusions: Abnormal yolk sac diameter, in the form of small, enlarged, absent or irregular yolk sac, and embryonic bradycardia are associated with poor pregnancy outcome.
Pregnancy outcomes after spontaneous conception with previous spontaneous abortion preceding present pregnancy
Authors: Dadheech Shree Kant , Bharadwaj Meenakshi K. , Menon Brig Aruna
Published: July 2021

Background: The objective of the present study was to study pregnancy outcomes in patients with Spontaneous conception with history of previous spontaneous abortion preceding present pregnancy.Methods: A prospective study included patients with spontaneous conception with history of previous spontaneous abortion preceding present pregnancy admitted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, command hospital, Pune between October 2018 and April 2020. The patients were booked (minimum 3 visits in antenatal outdoor clinic) or admitted for the first time as an emergency. The detailed history about previous abortions was taken and routine as well as investigations for possible etiologies of previous abortions were done. Cases with history of mid-trimester abortion were investigated for cervical incompetence. All the patients were observed for complications during present pregnancy like threatened abortion, preeclampsia, preterm labour, intrauterine death and final outcome.Results: A total of 110 patients with history of previous spontaneous abortion were admitted, all patients were booked. Majority (51.8 %) of patients belong to the age group 25-30 years. All patients were with history of previous one abortion followed by pregnancy with spontaneous conception. The final outcomes were term live birth (86.4%), abortion (8.2%), preterm delivery (5.4%), and no still birth. Caesarian section was done in 32.7% patients for various indications.Conclusions: Previous history of spontaneous abortion is associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. There is increased risk of abortion, preterm delivery, need for caesarean sections and fetal loss in cases of previous spontaneous abortions. These complications and fetal loss can be reduced by booking the patients and giving due antenatal care.
Role of emergency bilateral internal iliac ligation in postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Singh Sunder Pal , Misra Shipra , Sharma Naresh
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackground: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of emergency bilateral internal iliac ligation in intractable postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: A retrospective study was done on 33 women who have undergone emergency bilateral internal iliac ligation in obstetrics haemorrhage.Results: In all of 33 women under this study bilateral internal iliac ligation was performed in emergency. (11) of the cases were of atonic PPH, placenta previa (8), uterine rapture (7), extension of C-section scar (3), vaginal and cervical laceration (3) and uterine perforation (1). hysterectomy was not performed in any of the cases. internal iliac artery was injured in one case during the procedure and was managed successfully but two patients died during and after the BIIL.Conclusions: BIIL is an effective, less time consuming and life-saving procedure in intractable obstetrics hemorrhage if early decision is taken and performed by practiced surgeons.
A study of effectiveness of injection Depot medroxyprogesterone in postpartum women
Authors: Dhameliya Priya G. , Shah Parul T. , Patel Shlok V. , Deliwala Dhanvi J. , Kotahri Kinjal
Published: July 2021

Background: Depot medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) injection 150 mg intramuscular was used in postpartum women for contraception in this study, once every 3 months. The aim of the study acceptance and compliance of DMPA, observe side effects related to usage of DMPA and establish its effectiveness as a postpartum contraception method.Methods: This is a prospective study carried out at Obstetrics and Gynaecology department over a period of 9 months and follow up was done. Only patients of full term normal delivery and Lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) were included. They were counselled properly and after their willingness for enrolment they were included in study after taken consent.Results: Out of 50 cases selected maximum patients, 48% were in the age group of 26 to 30, 38% were from lower socioeconomic class. Amenorrhoea and irregular spotting were found in 68% and 42%respectively. There was no case of failure of this contraceptive method in this study.Conclusions: DMPA is an effective and safe method of contraception in lactating period. Proper counselling will increase acceptance of DMPA. Awareness in patients regarding its benefits as compared to other contraceptive methods.
Current practice of induction of labour and maternal outcome in ≥37 week of gestation: an observational study
Authors: Sheth Jil Manishkumar , Shrivastava Anjani , Trivedi Kedar
Published: July 2021

Background: As we know induction is done when benefit to mother and fetus overweigh benefits of continuing the pregnancy. According to NICE guidelines, induction of labor leads to 15% of instrumental deliveries and 22% of total LSCS. In new civil hospital, Surat (according to 2017) failure of induction of labor was 2nd most common indication of LSCS. The objective of this study were to analyse labor induction with respect to indication for induction of labor and its maternal outcome so that we optimize our protocol of labor and reduce our LSCS rates for the same, can reduce feto-maternal morbidities also.Methods: This was prospective observational descriptive study carried out over duration of 6 month. 200 consecutive cases of consenting women requiring induction of labour and fulfilling inclusion criteria were selected. Induction was done with prostaglandin analogous. Data were collected includes age, parity, gestational age, bishop score, indication of induction, and maternal outcome. And data was analyzed by using EMI software.Results: Timely induction of labor can reduce maternal morbidity and ensure the delivery of a healthy baby. Among 200 consenting women 58.5% were multigravida and 41.5% were primigravida. Most common indication of induction among study participants is prolong rupture of membrane which is 35.5%. Among them 71.4% had vaginal delivery having poor bishop score. Most common indication for LSCS were fetal distress (34.8%).Conclusions: We concluded that elective induction of labor was associated with lower rates of LSCS and improved maternal and neonatal outcome.
Outcome and complications of self-administration of over-the-counter abortion pills: an observational study in a tertiary care hospital of a medical college in New Delhi
Authors: Singh Anjali , Bhaskaran Sruthi , Singla Anshuja
Published: July 2021

Background: Due to unrestricted free availability of abortion pills, despite of national policies, guidelines and medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) act, unsafe abortions by self-administration of these drugs for termination of unwanted pregnancies without prescription are becoming common in our country, leading to associated morbidity and mortality.Methods: A prospective Observational study was done at Guru Teg Bahadur hospital, university college of medical sciences, New Delhi, from November 2019 to April 2020, in the department of gynecology and obstetrics, on women visiting the outpatient department and casualty department with the history of self-administration of medical termination pills without prescription. This study was done to study the outcome and complications occurring due to self-administration of over-the-counter abortion pills that are freely available in the market. 95 women were included in study and data was collected regarding age, education level, parity, presenting complaints, complications and their management. Descriptive analysis of the collected data was done.Results: In this study 95 women were included 71.6% took pills before 8 weeks of gestation, 1% took in second trimester. 46.3% landed up in incomplete abortion and 33.68% needed surgical evacuation, 8.42% had ectopic out, 2.1% had scar site pregnancy and 7.36% needed laparotomy, 1.05% had rupture uterus followed by abortion pill intake while 1.05% suffered from acute kidney injury (AKI). There was no ICU admission nor any mortality.Conclusions: There is urgent need of strict legislation to curtail this bad practice and free availability of over-the-counter abortion pills which leads to unexpected morbidity and mortality, such drugs should be given only by health care providers under supervision, there is need of community level awareness so as to impart knowledge regarding this problem.
Fetal foot length for assessment of gestational age: a cross sectional study
Authors: Sharma Vaibhav , Saxena Ruchi , Gaur Priyanka
Published: July 2021

Background: Fetal age actually begins at conception and an equivalent term is conceptional age. Uncertain gestational age (GA) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes independent of maternal characteristics. The objective was to evaluate the accuracy of fetal foot length (FFL) in estimation of gestational age.Methods: It was a cross sectional study. Trans abdominal ultrasound on 150 pregnant women with normal singleton pregnancies between 16 to 40 weeks was done to measure FFL. The relationship between GA and FFL was analysed by simple linear regression.Results: A linear relationship was demonstrated between FFL and GA. (GA (in weeks)=7.490+0.393×FFL (in mm)) with significant correlation (r=0.985, p<0.001).Conclusions: Ultrasonographic measurement of FFL is a reliable indicator of gestational age and can be a useful alternative to estimate GA when other routine biometric parameters are not conclusive.
Comparative study of single versus double time application of dinoprostone E2 gel on the induction of labor in term pregnancy and it’s fetomaternal outcomes
Authors: Khajotia Santosh , Gupta Manoj , Khichar Mool Chand , Sharma Madhuri , Choudhary Kavita
Published: July 2021

Background: Labor is defined as a cascade of effective uterine contractions leading to progressive effacement and dilatation of cervix resulting in the expulsion of the fetus, placenta and the membranes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of single time and double time application of dinoprostone E2 gel and to compare fetomaternal outcomes after single and double application of dinoprostone E2 gel and its complications.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted on 200 pregnant females with a period of gestation ≥37 completed weeks between 1st January 2020 to 31st January 2021. Group A included females undergoing single time application of PGE2 gel and in group B, second dose applied after 6 hrs of first dose if there was no improvement in Bishop score. If necessary, oxytocin for augmentation of labor was started only 6 hrs after the last dose.Results: Mean age in group A was 24.38±4.37 years and in group B was 24.02±3.76 years and this difference was not found statistically significant (p>0.05). Majority of cases had vaginal delivery. In group A, 28% cases had LSCS delivery while in group B, 17% cases had LSCS delivery (p>0.05). There was significant increase in mean Bishop score after second dose of PGE2 gel in double application group by 3.24 assessed at 12 hours after induction. Double times application of gel resulted in a smaller number of failed inductions i.e.; 23 out of 100 cases in single application group and 7 out of 100 cases in double application group. Main maternal complication was nausea and vomiting which was 5% cases in group A and 11% cases in group B.Conclusions: Double times application of dinoprostone gel resulted in improved Bishop score, facilitates the process of induction, increased number of successful inductions, shortened application delivery interval and decreased cesarean section rate compared to single application. There was slight increase in maternal and fetal complications with double times application.
Pure dysgerminoma of the ovary: a study of 31 cases
Authors: Salhi Hasna , Ayadi Mohamed Ali , Bouraoui Imen , Chargui Riadh , Rahal Khaled
Published: July 2021

Malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary are rare tumors characterized by their heterogeneity and occurring mostly in young women. Dysgerminoma is the most common type of these tumors. This was a retrospective study of 31 patients with pure dysgerminoma of the ovary diagnosed in Salah Azaiez institute of Tunis in Tunisia between 1970 and 2012.The median age was 22 years old. Abdominal pain was the most complaint in 45.1% of cases. An abdomino-pelvic mass was found in 83.8% of cases. Surgery was performed in all patients. The median tumoral size was 13.7 cm. Sixty four-point five percent of the patients underwent a conservative surgery. The tumor was classified stage I in 51.6% of the cases, stage II in 9.7% of the cases, stage III in 35.5% of the cases and stage IV in 3.2% of the cases. Fourteen patients received platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy, and 10 patients had a radiotherapy. We have noticed 2 cases of recurrence and 2 cases of metastasis. Five-year and ten-year overall survival was 89.4%. Five-year disease free survival was 85.2% and ten-year disease free survival was 66.3%. Dysgerminomas of the ovary have a good prognosis. The two significant prognostic factors are the stage and the postoperative residual disease.
LIÇÕES DE MORAL E CIVISMO NO ENSINO DE HISTÓRIA: A FORMAÇÃO DO CIDADÃO IDEAL NA VISÃO DO PROFESSOR MELLO E SOUZA
Authors: Gabriel Sônia Maria da Silva , Pinto Junior Arnaldo
Published: July 2021

Este artigo reflete sobre as concepções de ensino de História do professor Mello e Souza (1888-1969), sujeito que iniciou a carreira nas primeiras décadas do século XX em meio a ambiciosos projetos de valorização da educação escolar e da cultura letrada. Para analisar suas memórias familiares e trajetórias profissionais, registradas em suportes textuais e imagéticos diversos, dialogamos com referenciais teórico-metodológicos da história cultural e da educação. Ao focalizarmos principalmente a tese elaborada para o concurso do Colégio Pedro II, que discutia a formação do caráter dos alunos a partir dos princípios morais e cívicos encontrados nos conteúdos históricos, problematizamos os limites dos projetos vigentes, que concentraram esforços na difusão de um modelo idealizado de cidadão patriótico.
SAUDADE E MELANCOLIA: OS ÚLTIMOS SUSPIROS DA “PRINCESA ENCATADA DA QUIMERA”.
Authors: Farias Priscilla Freitas de
Published: July 2021

O fascínio que a vida e o suicídio de Florbela Espanca exerceram sobre as análises da sua obra, contribuíram não só para a criação de “mitos”, mas para a própria construção da poeta enquanto autora, tornando-a uma das mais célebres poetas portuguesa do século XX. Nesse artigo, não pretendo responder às problemáticas dos estudos do mundo crítico florbeliano, muito menos explicar o suicídio; mas, proponho analisar a invenção autoral de Florbela Espanca, a partir da analise do seu Diário do Último Ano (1930), artigos de jornais e críticas literárias. Assim, partindo do pressuposto teórico de Georges Vigarello (2016), proponho problematizar a relação do suicídio com o lugar de mulher/autora na sociedade portuguesa.
O TEMPO DESCONJUNTADO: A URGÊNCIA DO CRONOCENTRISMO E UMA POSSÍVEL FORMA DE FAZER HISTÓRIA NO NOVO TEMPO DO MUNDO
Authors: Rossatti João Paulo
Published: July 2021

Este artigo têm alguns objetivos fundamentais. O primeiro é apresentar um argumento dialético em relação ao conceito de heterocronia, isto é, mostrar como os muitos tempos experimentados encontram seu limite no capitalismo tardio e, portanto, carregam sua negação dentro si mesmos, engolidos que são por um cronocentrismo impositivo. O segundo argumento, mais direto, visa apresentar o novo tempo do mundo, para tal empreitada seguimos o trabalho do filósofo Paulo Arantes. Em conjunto, estas duas seções nos permitirão propor a categoria de ontologia em situação, cujo emprego possibilita ao historiador uma compreensão relacional entre: o seu tempo, a sua experiência e o tempo por ele estudado.
Development of novel HPTLC method for determination of imidazole antifungal drug fenticonazole: Exploring hydrotropy
Authors: Patil Amod S , Pawara Minakshi D , Pardeshi Snehal , Gaware Amol R , Girase Manoj V
Published: July 2021

A novel High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method was portrayed for the determination of Fenticonazole Nitrate (FTZ) in Bulk and Vaginal Capsules. The estimation of Fenticonazole Nitrate was achieved on aluminium pre-coated sheets of silica gel 60 F(10 cm × 10 cm) using mobile phase Toluene: Methanol: Triethylamine (4:1:0.5 v/v/v). Densitometry detection of Fenticonazole Nitrate was performed at 254nm. Fenticonazole nitrate demonstrated a strong correlation with a coefficient of correlation of 0.999 over the concentration range of 500 – 3000 ng/band. The Rvalue for Fenticonazole Nitrate was found to be 0.65. As per International Conference on Harmonization the established method was successfully validated to various parameters like accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, robustness and shows the satisfactory results for all parameters. The recognized method is simple, accurate, precise, robust, sensitive and economical in nature. This method can be used for quality control analysis of Fenticonazole Nitrate in bulk and vaginal capsules.
COVID 19 pandemic and behavioural change toward water hygiene and sanitation (WASH): A study in rural Odisha, India
Authors: Tripathy Saswatik , Sahu Loknath
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 Pandemic is not the first-ever pandemic which hit this globe, but it is the deadliest and possesses enough capability to shake the so-called developed global system. Additionally, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been detected in feces of infected individuals, leading to the possibility that fecal-oral transmission could also play a role in virus transmission, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with high rates of open defecation, ineffective fecal sludge management, and poor access to safe drinking water. So people’s behaviour towards WASH is very important at this time.

This study was done in two rural districts of Odisha, i.e. Sambalpur and Mayurbhanj. The district, blocks, villages were selected with simple random sampling. A sample size of 50 was taken through telephonic interviews.

This study was done to understand the real life scenario of rural Odisha and how COVID 19 pandemic shape their behaviour toward the water hygiene and sanitation. So the research was designed in such a manner so that it can capture the important dimensions of WASH. The sample size includes a non-homogeneous group which represents the rural population in terms of social, economic, educational and gender perspectives. During the S1 situation if the source of drinking water is taken into consideration people were using those sources from many years and after lot of efforts from the government side people never changed their behaviour, people’s perspective on water treatment and hand washing were so strong that there was 32 percent people who never used to wash their hands they don’t even think it was important (38% people. At least 34 percent people used to thought there was no need of treating water before drinking when 46 percent of the sample population was using the open water source. But these scenarios changed after they lose their hope on their own immunity during the S2 situation. The numbers of washing hands increase, people started using soap and the perspective towards the water treatment also changed towards a positive aspect.

This study clearly finds that 3As (Availability, Accessibility and Affordability) is not enough for behavioural change towards WASH but it needs 4As (Availability, Accessibility, Affordability and Accountability) and 1I (Intension). Because until people understand that they are accountable for their own vulnerability they will not able to think about the behavioural change and without their intension they cannot start the process.
Study of neutralizing [anti-RBD] antibody responses induced by COVID-19 vaccines in healthcare professionals in a diagnostic centre of Central India
Authors: Hawaldar Ranjana , Sodani Sadhna , Sodani Varsha , Sodani R K
Published: July 2021

India began administration of COVID-19 vaccines on 16 January 2021. Reliable quantification of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is highly relevant for identifying possible vaccine efficiency and estimating the time of protection. Healthcare Professionals were the first group of beneficiaries of this vaccine.

we aimed to evaluate the neutralizing [anti-RBD] antibody responses induced by COVID-19 vaccines after first and booster dose in healthcare professionals

69 healthcare professionals [HCPs] Were enrolled for the evaluation study. The COVISHILED vaccine developed by AstraZeneca, University of Oxford and manufactured and distributed in India by the Serum Institute of India was administered to all the participants. All participants were evaluated to detect levels neutralizing IgG antibodies on three occasions:,first pre vaccination level, second on approximately 27th day and third on 68th day from baselining & first vaccine dose to assess change in levels of neutralizing IgG antibodies post vaccination

On approximately 27 day from first vaccine dose, 45 out of 51 participants in investigational cohort were sero-converted for anti-RBD antibodies. Out of 6 participants that were yet to sero-convert 5 demonstrated increased level of neutralizing [anti-RBD] antibodies but did not cross the reactivity threshold to confirm presence of neutralizing [anti-RBD] antibodies.

On approximately 68 day from second vaccine dose, 49 out of 51 participants in investigational cohort were sero-converted for anti-RBD antibodies. 4 additional participants sero-converted post booster dose .96.0% produced neutralizing [anti-RBD] antibodies post vaccination. 2 participants continued to remain non-reactive.

This is the first data of serological responses to COVID-19 vaccines in IBD patients with detailed analysis of antibodies RBD/spike proteins represented amongst HCPs from central India. Study also demonstrates that the level of neutralizing antibodies produced may vary due to several contributing factors and hence periodic monitoring of neutralizing antibodies before and post vaccination can help evaluate adaptive immune response induced by specific individual in response to vaccine administered.
Community awareness regarding dental implant: An exit response study
Authors: Mohapatra S C , Pandey Rakesh Kumar , Josh Jeevan , Chamola Sunil
Published: July 2021

A community evaluative cross-sectional study was undertaken from patients attending two selected dental clinics of Gurugram to record public awareness regarding Dental implants. The patients agreeing to participate in the interview, through predesigned and pre tested proformas were included. Patients were requested for using a closed ended dichotomized questionnaire by 140 patients during their exit from the clinics from 9 AM to 12 noon period. Since the average patient load in dental clinics were not too crowding; the total coverage of the sample was time consuming. While 63% did not have much information regarding dental implants which can be used to replace missing teeth; only 14% wanted more information regarding implants and 39% were attending the clinic to know about dental implants through dentist. The major difference between Dental Implant and Root Canal Treatment (RCT) was not clear to people.
Cystic Fibrosis: Improving quality of life
Authors: Chaudhry Sunil
Published: July 2021

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) or Mucoviscidosis is an inherited condition. In cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein does not functions properly i.e regulation of fluids and salts outside the cells. Cystic fibrosis affects exocrine glands eg., the mucus-secreting and sweat glands in the respiratory and digestive systems. The frequency of common mutation F508del (deletion of phenylalanine residue at position 508) in children is between 19% and 34%. The estimate frequency of CF as 1:10,000 to 1:40,000 in children. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatment can reduce symptoms and complications to improve quality of life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention is recommended to slow the progression of CF, which can lead to possible longer life.
Ocular manifestations and SARS-CoV-2 detection in tears and conjunctival scrape from non-severe COVID-19 patients
Authors:   Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China, Jiang Bing , Wang Wen-Long ,   Department of Infectious Diseases, the 2nd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China, Hu Min ,   Department of Laboratory Medicine, the 2nd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China, He Sui ,   Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan 411100, Hunan Province, China, Cao Jian ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China, Jiang Li ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China; Department of Nursery, Fangcang Hospital of Wuchang, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, Li Yun ,   Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China; Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
Published: July 2021

AIM: To explore the ocular features of corona virus disease (COVID)-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 detection in tears and conjunctival scrapes in non-severe COVID-19 patients.
METHODS: This is a multicenter observational clinical study with no intervention conducted from Jan 25th to March 1st, 2020. Clinical data and samples of tears and conjunctival scraping were collected in consecutive laboratory-confirmed, non-severe COVID-19 patients from three hospitals. COVID-19 virus was analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) kits.
RESULTS: Totally 255 laboratory-confirmed, non-severe COVID-19 patients were recruited for ocular manifestation investigation. Of them, 54.9% were females, with a mean age of 49.4y. None of the patients has evidence of uveitis; 11 patients (4.3%) complained of mild asthenopia; 2 (0.8%) had mild conjunctival congestion and serous secretion. Twenty-five of them had performed tears and conjunctival scrape for COVID-19 virus detection, with 4 yield possible positive results in the nucleoprotein gene. One of them were asymptomatic with normal chest CT and positive pharyngeal swab result.
CONCLUSION: Ocular manifestations are neither common nor specific in non-severe COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, COVID-19 virus nucleotides can be detected in the tears and conjunctival scrape samples, warranting further research on the transmissibility by the ocular route.
Role of artificial tears with and without hyaluronic acid in controlling ocular discomfort following PRK: a randomized clinical trial
Authors:   Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran, Mohammadpour Mehrdad , Shakoor Delaram ,   Translational Ophthalmology Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1336616351, Iran
Published: July 2021

AIM: To compare outcomes of applying preservative free artificial tears (PFAT) with and without hyaluronic acid (HA) in early postoperative course following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).
METHODS: In this triple-blinded randomized clinical trial, PRK procedure was performed on both eyes of 230 patients. Following PRK, patients were divided into three groups: the HA+ group, 44 patients PFAT containing HA; the HA- group, 71 patients PFAT without HA were administered 5 times per day (every 4h); the third group, 115 patients received no PFAT before lens removal. On the 1st and 4th postoperative day, Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was utilized to evaluate patient’s level of pain. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about the severity of eye discomfort ranked from 0 to 10 (0=no complaint; 10=most severe complaint experienced).
RESULTS: In eyes receiving PFAT with or without HA (Drop group), mean scores for epiphora, foreign body sensation, and blurred vision on the 1st postoperative day were statistically lower (P<0.05). Filamentous keratitis (FK) was detected in 11 (4.7%) eyes, and recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) was observed in 5 (2.1%) eyes. In the control group, FK was noted in 16 (6.9%) eyes while 13 (5.6%) eyes had RCE and 5 (2.1%) eyes had corneal haze. The rate of complications was statistically lower in Drop group (P=0.009). However, the aforementioned scores were not statically different between HA+ and HA- group one and two (P=0.29).
CONCLUSION: Following PRK, applying PFAT with and without HA yields faster visual recovery, decreases postoperative ocular discomfort and haze formation; however there is no additive effect for HA.
Survey of current retinopathy of prematurity practices in China
Authors:   Eye Associates Northwest P.C., Seattle, Washington 98104-1306, USA, Le Thao Phuong , Ding Leona ,   Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-0005, USA, Hu Rong ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan People’s Hospital, Changsha 410005, Hunan Province, China, Lou Xiao-Bo ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan People’s Hospital, Changsha 410005, Hunan Province, China, Ulrich J Niklas ,   Department of Ophthalmology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27515, USA, Cabrera Michelle T ,   Department of Ophthalmology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-0005, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
Published: July 2021

AIM: To understand retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening and treatment preferences among Chinese ophthalmologists.
METHODS: A Chinese language survey was administered anonymously using WebQ (Catalyst, Seattle, WA, USA) among Chinese ROP screeners from December 2016 to January 2017.
RESULTS: Among 70 ophthalmologists contacted, 65 responded (93%; 78% female, mean age 40y, 57% pediatric ophthalmologists and 25% retina specialists). Most used screening criteria of birth weight ≤2 kg (62%) with variation in cut-off gestational age (≤37wk, 34%; ≤34wk, 22%; ≤32wk, 31%). RetCam (Natus Medical Incorporated, Pleasanton, CA, USA) wide-field fundus photography assisted most screeners (72%) and was exclusively used by many (29%). Among 55 ophthalmologists treating ROP, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was preferred over laser for both zone I (76% vs 24%) and zone II ROP (58% vs 42%). Retina specialists (P=0.004) and ophthalmologists with >3mo of training (P=0.03) were more likely to use anti-VEGF over laser for zone I ROP. Lack of laser training (8/20, 40%), access (6/20, 30%) and anesthesia (4/20, 20%) were common barriers to laser treatment.
CONCLUSION: Chinese ROP screeners favor anti-VEGF injection and RetCam imaging for ROP management. A better understanding of ROP screening and treatment informs future research and education efforts in China.
Composition of the zooplankton community associated with mesophotic corals in “Corales de Profundidad” National Natural Park, Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Contreras-Vega Laura , Henao- Castro Alejandro , Navas-S Gabriel R.
Published: July 2021

Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) are located between 30 and 150 m deep and shelter unique communities. However, they have been poorly studied due to the high cost of the available sampling technologies. Zooplankton are key organisms for the maintenance of the coral colonies as their primary food source because the zooxanthellae in these habitats have a low photosynthetic rate due to the low light incidence. The purpose of this work was to characterize the zooplankton community associated with MCEs. We took 15 samples (three samples per station) by filtering 24 L of seawater (45 µm mesh size) in five  stations at Bajo Fríjol with a device designed to collect zooplankton right just above the reef substrate. We determined the taxonomic composition, density, and relative abundance, and we categorized the species according to their trophic level. Crustaceans (especially nauplii and copepods), tintinnids, and foraminifers were the most abundant while tintinnids and radiolarians had the higher species richness. Herbivores dominated in both composition and abundance as usually happens in other pelagic communities. We present here the first reports of planktonic radiolarians and tintinnids from oceanic zones and MCEs in the Colombian Caribbean and the first global list of zooplankton species associated with MCEs.
Implementation of Artifact Removal Algorithms in Gait Signals for Diagnosis of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Özel Erdoğan , Tekin Ramazan , Kaya Yılmaz
Published: July 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disease that progresses further over time. Individuals suffering from this condition have a deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter found in the brain's nerve cells that is critical for coordinating body movement. In this study, a new approach is proposed for the diagnosis of PD. Common Average Reference (CAR), Median Common Average Reference (MCAR), and Weighted Common Average Reference (WCAR) methods were primarily utilized to eliminate noise from the multichannel recorded walking signals in the resulting PhysioNet dataset. Statistical features were obtained from the clean walking signals following the Local Binary Pattern (LBP) transformation application. Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and K-nearest neighbor (Knn) methods were utilized in the classification stage. A high success rate with a value of 92.96% was observed with Knn. It was also determined that signals on which foot and the signals obtained from which point of the sole of the foot were effective in PD diagnosis in the study. In light of the findings, it was observed that noise reduction methods increased the success rate of PD diagnosis.
Multi-Source Data Fusion and Target Tracking of Heterogeneous Network Based on Data Mining
Authors: Quan Xunzhong , Chen Jie
Published: July 2021

Thanks to the technical development of target tracking, the multi-source data fusion and target tracking has become a hotspot in the research of huge heterogenous networks. Based on millimeter wave heterogeneous network, this paper constructs a multi-source data fusion and target tracking model. The core of the model is the data mining deep Q network (DM-DQN). Through image filling, the length of the input vector (time window) was extended from 25 to 31, with the aid of CNN heterogeneous network technology. This is to keep the length of input vector in line with that of output vector, and retain the time features of eye tracking data to the greatest extent, thereby expanding the recognition range. Experimental results show that the proposed model achieved a modified mean error of only 1.5m with a tracking time of 160s, that is, the tracking effect is ideal. That is why the DM-DQN outperformed other algorithms in total user delay. The algorithm can improve the energy efficiency of the network, while ensuring the quality of service of the user. In the first 50 iterations, DM-DQN worked poorer than structured data mining. After 50 iterations, DM-DQN began to learn the merits of the latter. After 100 iterations, both DM-DQN and structured data mining tended to be stable, and the former had the better performance. Compared with typical structured data mining, the proposed DM-DQN not only converges fast, but also boasts a relatively good performance.
Hybrid CNN Based Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Choroidal Neovascularization, Diabetic Macular Edema, Drusen Disease Detection from OCT Images
Authors: Tuncer Seda Arslan , Çınar Ahmet , Fırat Murat
Published: July 2021

In the treatment of eye diseases, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a medical imaging method that displays biological tissue layers by taking high resolution tomographic sections at the micron level. It has an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of many diseases such as Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Diabetic Retinopathy, Central Serous Retinopathy, Epiretinal Membrane, and Macular Hole. Computer-Aided Diagnostic (CAD) tools are needed in early detection and treatment monitoring of such eye diseases. In this paper, a hybrid Convolutional Neural Networks-based CAD system, which can classify Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), Drusen Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV), and normal OCT images, is proposed. The proposed system is CNN-SVM (Convolutional Neural Networks – Support Vector Machine) model and doesn’t require any additional extraction of feature or noise filtering on OCT images. A total of 968 OCT images is classified in pre-trained CNN methods with Alexnet, Resnet18 and Googlenet. Accuracy is achieved with highest Googlenet 97.4%. To examine the performance of the proposed CAD system, the CNN-SVM method achieves 98.96% with the highest accuracy hybrid Alexnet-SVM model, which is implemented with Alexnet-SVM, Resnet18-SVM and Googlenet-SVM models.