bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis bibliométrico y de contenido sobre VUCA
Authors: Fuentealba Diego , Flores-Fernández Cherie , Carrasco Raúl
Published: April 2023

VUCA es un acrónimo de volatilidad, incertidumbre, complejidad y ambigüedad que se utiliza de diversas formas para describir un entorno que desafía las predicciones seguras. Un ejemplo de este entorno es la pandemia por Covid-19, la cual ha instalado un contexto de incertidumbre a nivel mundial, por tratarse de una enfermedad desconocida y altamente contagiosa, para la cual, ni la sociedad ni las instituciones se encontraban preparadas para afrontar. El propósito de este artículo es describir la producción científica de VUCA para entender su principal enfoque de investigación. Esta investigación analiza 105 documentos de la base de datos Web of Science (WoS) mediante Bibliometría y Análisis de Contenido. El análisis bibliométrico reportó varios índices de producción: anual, personal, nacional, institucionalidad y productividad de las revistas. El análisis de contenido analizó 95 resúmenes de artículos en diecinueve clusters seleccionados por comparación de dos métodos de clustering Latent Dirichlet Allocation y K-Means, utilizando los índices de coherencia y silueta respectivamente. Se encontró que VUCA es un tema emergente con una mayor producción científica en los últimos cuatro años. Sin embargo, no hay grandes productores a la fecha. Los temas más frecuentes son la gestión, el liderazgo y el cambio, donde varias investigaciones hacen hincapié en el papel del líder a la hora de afrontar los cambios. La literatura se ha centrado en la comprensión de las habilidades necesarias para hacer frente a un entorno VUCA y en cómo enseñarlas. Además, se destaca el uso de dos métodos basados en técnicas de aprendizaje automático para estimar la cantidad de grupos de trabajos científicos, como una alternativa para dividir artículos en tópicos cuando el set de datos es pequeño.
Are Two Heads Always Better Than One?
Authors: Cerezo Lourdes , Nicolás-Conesa Florentina
Published: April 2023

Most research on the effectiveness of written corrective feedback (WCF) for accuracy improvement has focused on individual writing. There is scarce research about L2 accuracy through collaborative writing and feedback tasks, or about the types of linguistic categories on which learners focus while revising feedback collaboratively. In this chapter, the authors compare the effects of unfocused WCF on EFL learners' overall and specific linguistic accuracy in individual and collaborative writing conditions. The participants were low-intermediate EFL students (n=54 individuals; n=32 dyads). In each writing condition there was a feedback group and a control group (no feedback). All groups wrote a text, processed feedback (feedback groups) or self-identified errors (control groups) and rewrote their texts. Non-parametric statistics were conducted. Individual writing and feedback resulted in better accuracy than collaborative writing and feedback. The writing condition influenced learners' attempt to correct grammatical corrections depending on the availability of feedback.
Introducing the Process Writing Approach of an Overcrowded EFL Classroom at a University in Bangladesh
Authors: Pervin Nasrin , Siraj Nausheen Saba
Published: April 2023

Writing an essay in Bangladeshi tertiary level institutions usually means that the teacher gives a topic and the students write on it. Seldom do students get constructive feedback on their composition and receive another chance to improve on their writing. As English is a foreign language in Bangladesh, the students' compositions in this language always contain a handful of errors. The paper demonstrates the results of a study involving first-semester students at one of the leading private universities in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In their intermediate composition class, the process approach was introduced instead of the product-oriented approach. A mixed-method approach has been taken to analyze the drafts of all assignments to find out if the quality of their writing has changed over the semester. It has been observed that a significant number of students did not improve much in their writing, except for the improvement of grammar and structure; the new approach seems promising if certain modifications are introduced.
Why Do Festivals Fail?
Authors: Kumar Sushant
Published: April 2023

This chapter explores the incidences and causes of failure of festivals and other threatening issues that might damage an event or the organization responsible for organizing the event. Literature often offers examples of success stories of festivals, but failures are more difficult to identify, evaluate, and document. A greater understanding of potential antecedents of failures will surely equip managers to avoid consequences and plan for contingencies. This chapter utilizes anecdotal evidence from various festivals to set the stage. This is followed by adoption of case study research design to explore the cattle fair festival organized at Sonepur, Bihar, India. Qualitative data have been collected from various sources along with field notes to analyze the reason of failure of festival. Findings are discussed in several themes that offer guidelines and framework to managers which helps in understanding and utilizing the findings in context of any festivals.
The Role of Culinary Festivals in Building Destination Brand Equity
Authors: Kodas Davut
Published: April 2023

The current chapter theoretically aims to reveal the relationship between culinary festivals and destination branding, focusing on studies investigating aspects of culinary festivals such as festival experience, quality, and motivation in the relationship between the culinary festivals and destination brand equity. In this chapter, the role and importance of culinary festivals in developing destination brand equity are theoretically discussed through reviewing hospitality and tourism literature. Theoretical results of the present chapter indicate that some topics of culinary festival studies such as food experience, food quality, and food festival motivation from a tourist perspective have played an essential role in how increasing core constructs of destination brand equity which included destination brand image, destination brand awareness, perceived quality, and brand loyalty.
Investigation of Local People's Perceptions of Festival Tourism With Cultural Interaction Dimensions
Authors: Eröz Sibel Sü , Uğurlu Kaplan , Ay Aydemir
Published: April 2023

Festivals are events that enable the transmission of past ties to the future without severing them. Festivals serve as a conduit for cultural exchange between the residents of a region and the local and international visitors who attend the festivals. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the perceptions of Edirne, Turkey locals regarding festival tourism with cultural exchange and cultural balance interaction dimensions, as well as to establish whether the dimensions of cultural interaction differ based on demographic variables. A total of 390 individuals were surveyed to obtain data for the study, and SPSS 22.0 was used to analyze the acquired data. This study reveals that festivals significantly contribute to regional tourism and the local population, as well as to the development of intercultural communication, and that the sub-dimensions of cultural exchange and cultural balance differ depending on the type of events.
Destination Branding and Mega Events
Authors: Kukreti Mohit , Mishra Amitabh , Dangwal Aarti , Jain Vishal , Tewari Veena
Published: April 2023

Tourist attractions are often centered on mega sports events. Since the mega events have the potential to generate new revenue and enhance the appeal of the destination similarly, the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar presented a unique opportunity for Oman to leverage the mega sporting event to promote its tourism industry globally. Oman used this mega event to brand its tourism industry by collaborating with FIFA, hosting fan zones, effectively using social and print media, highlighting accessibility and accommodation, and promoting local tourism attractions. The mega event resulted in increased international arrivals, revenue generation, and an enhanced image of Oman in the Middle East. The chapter is an attempt to explore various initiatives taken by the Sultanate of Oman to attract international visitors. Further details will review the methods adopted by public and private sectors in Oman in leveraging the recent mega event of FIFA World Cup 2022 to become a preferred global destination.
Analysis of Portugal´s Wine Certifying Entities' Social Networks as Communication Channels
Authors: Almeida Carlos M. , Afonso Carlos M. , Serra Manuel , Antonio Nuno
Published: April 2023

Organizations have used social media networks to build and grow virtual communities, enabling organizations to spread the word about products and services. This research analyzes the activity and effectiveness of the Facebook and Instagram pages of the Portuguese wine certifying entities between January and March 2022 using the updated PRGS (presence, response, generation, suggestion) model, updated with engagement, interaction, and efficiency. Results show that Facebook stands out as the main social network for wine-certifying entities, with wider communities and more posts. However, when it comes to reactions, Instagram shows superior numbers for most wine-certifying entities' pages. Instagram indicators show consistent and interesting results, indicating that it is a solid channel for Portuguese wine-certifying entities. These findings shed light on how to improve their online presence and have a more balanced presence on both social media platforms.
Assessing the Effect of the COVID-19 Crisis in Airline Price-Setting Strategies to Tourism Destinations
Authors: Gundelfinger Javier , Fernández Xose Luis
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought an unprecedented crisis in both the tourism travel and aviation sectors. Understanding how firms compete guaranteeing mobility in an uncertain situation like the current one is a fundamental question in the field of socioeconomic planning and development. Using two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression analysis, this research studies the relationship between the incidence of COVID-19 in tourism destinations and the airline pricing policy. To this end, big data and business analytics techniques were used to obtain 2,668 price observations from 13 European airports to the five main Spanish sun and beach destinations. The results suggest a high inverse relationship between the incidence of the virus in the destination region and the mobility and price of the airline ticket. Other factors like economic activity, fleet capacity, and the distance between origin and destination have also been decisive in airlines' price-setting strategies during the current pandemic.
The Relationship Between Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in the Airline Industry
Authors: Bakır Mahmut
Published: April 2023

This chapter aims to examine the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction in the airline industry through a meta-analysis. To this end, a protocol was applied following the PRISMA 2009 guidelines, and the author analyzed 14 studies with a total sample size of 6552 eligible for analysis from the Web of Science (WoS) database. In this chapter, the “Fisher z” transformation was used to calculate the overall effect size. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies' effect sizes, the random effect model was used as the analysis model. The results revealed that publication bias does not pose a significant threat. In addition, a strong positive relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction was established (Cohen's d=0.765, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.641, 0.888). This chapter contributes to the literature by increasing the validity of the existing studies and determining the overall effect size of the relationship between variables of interest by integrating the findings of 14 studies from the research domain.
An Investigation of the Socio-Cultural Impacts of the Digital Transformation in Developed, Developing, and Middle
Authors: Arabiun Abolghasem , Hosseini Elahe , Mahmoodi Kiandokht , Mohsen Brahmi
Published: April 2023

The fact that the emergence, popularity, widespread accessibility, and extensive utilization of digital technologies has revolutionized life in the early third millennium goes without saying. It is also not news to anyone that digitalization has managed to sneak into each and every aspect of modern life, and in one way or another, influence it. Admittedly, society and culture are no exception to this, and given these two components cover various aspects of individuals' lives, probing the whats, whys, and hows of digitalization impacts on the seems to be genuinely crucial. To this end, the present study explored different layers and facets of these impacts in three classes of nations. In developed nations, how digital technologies shadowed tourism, cultural diplomacy, values, communication and interactions, digital media, and preservation of culture were discussed. For developing nations, smart technologies and government services, expansion of education, booming of tourism, delivery of indigenous knowledge, and value system in cultural communities were probed.
The Relationship Between Total Quality Management Practices and Their Impacts on Product Innovation
Authors: Tajouri Oumayma
Published: April 2023

The relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and product innovation is conflictual. Although some scholars have confirmed that TQM promotes product innovation, many others have reported that TQM and product innovation are negatively associated. Furthermore, most of these studies have not studied the direct and indirect impact of TQM practices on product innovation and they have neglected the interrelation between quality practices. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the causal relation between TQM practices and product innovation in the Tunisian ISO 9001-certified industries. Using a self-administered survey to sample ISO9001-certified industries, the present investigation tests ten hypotheses linked TQM practices and product innovation. The present study supports the significant and positive relations among TQM practices. Then, only the impact of data and analysis on both incremental and radical product innovation was supported.
Sealing the Gap on Teacher Attrition
Authors: Nazarian Meghry , Bahri Honey , Abunamous Muza A. E.
Published: April 2023

Teachers globally are leaving the teaching profession at an alarming rate. This increasing trend has become an international concern that has serious repercussions for the quality of instruction globally. Research shows that teacher turnover can adversely affect staff morale, community relationships, and school overall performance. This chapter sheds light on effective leadership behaviours that help to deter the phenomenon of teacher turnover. Results indicated that school principals should create positive working conditions by providing administrative support, guiding with examples, communicating openly, and building spaces for mutual staff collaboration.
From Datafication to School Improvement
Authors: Badawy Hesham R.I. , Alkaabi Ahmed M.
Published: April 2023

This chapter examines datafication effects on educational practices. While the use of data and technology-enabled personalized learning environments increased accountability and guided educational practices and policies, it raised concerns about privacy, data quality, and potential misuse. Therefore, the reconfiguration of data use in schools involves data quality, collection, management, analysis, interpretation, visualization, integration, and literacy. Schools should make effective decisions and support student learning and educational improvement by taking a holistic and collaborative approach, involving all stakeholders and ensuring ethical and responsible use of data. The chapter makes recommendations for improving outcomes and developing a productive learning environment, including embracing a growth mindset, emphasizing student-centered decision making, fostering a culture of improvement, involving all stakeholders, using data to support learning and well-being, utilizing real-time data and feedback, leveraging technologies, and utilizing creative analysis techniques.
Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women Leaders to Drive School Improvement
Authors: Abdallah Asma Khaleel , Farhan Ayda Farouq
Published: April 2023

Promoting female leadership has the potential to impact society positively through pay equity, diversified workforce, and improved workplace culture. The topic is gaining attention as gender equity plays a crucial role in upgrading societal standards. This chapter explores how promoting female leadership can improve education in schools. Female leaders handle stakeholders in a compassionate and emotional way, impacting academic and personal development positively. The study identifies barriers women face in leadership positions and recommends suitable suggestions for school management to promote female leadership.
The Emergence of the Work from Home (WFH) Phenomenon during Covid-19 and Its Effect on the Information Technology Industry: A Review of Literature
Authors: Wijegunawardhana Ravindranath
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created profound disruptions in the global economy. Along with massive job losses, it has drastically changed traditional work arrangements. Lockdown procedures and social distancing policies have forced companies to redesign their business models to maintain sustainability. As a result, the work-from-home (WFH) concept has become a viable solution to boost employment and increase worker productivity. The information technology (IT) industry has quickly adopted the WFH concept since workers have greater access to the Internet and IT infrastructure, along with strong technical skills. This case study, therefore, reviews the effects of working from home on the Sri Lankan economy with a special emphasis on the IT industry. A case study was used under the qualitative approach by reviewing secondary sources, including research articles, newspapers, websites, annual reports, and other publications. Based on the results, this paper is convinced that although there are positive and negative consequences of the WFH concept on the economy, the majority of these consequences are positive. As well as it was evidenced that most IT companies in different countries have been widely successful while allowing their employees to work from home during the pandemic. They have been able to address customers' demands while strengthening the national economy. Further findings reveal that while the WFH concept poses challenges, it also offers many benefits to organizations. This paper provides suggestions to make WFH a more widespread model.
Factors Affecting the Performance of Employees in Lean Success: Case Study of a Leading Sri Lankan Apparel Manufacturing Company based on Value Stream Mapping
Authors: Dias K. S. G. C. , Kuruppu G. N. , Malawige I. R. , Perera H. S. C.
Published: April 2023

This study is an attempt to identify the factors affecting the success of lean for employee performance, by bridging the empirical gap in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. Following an interpretive research paradigm, this research is based on a case study analysis carried out concerning a lean case factory that is under a leading apparel manufacturing company in Sri Lanka. The primary data was collected through structured interviews conducted with a sample of seven key process owners and the operational details of this factory were gathered as secondary data; and the main factors affecting have been distinguished in qualitative analysis in this research. As per the findings, the key factors that affect the lean performance of employees are involvement and support of top management, lean culture, knowledge of lean tools, lean training, involvement of lean consultants, and integration with supplier and customer processes. Further, this study has developed a theoretical framework that can be implied to the existing case factory as well as new organizations in different industries that seek enhancement of employee performance and thereby the overall factory performance through lean implementation.
A fatal case of Vibrio cholerae bloodstream infection
Authors: Del Sambro L. , Capozzi L. , Bianco A. , Fedele A. , Aprile V. , Pisanò D. , Palumbo C. , Parisi A.
Published: April 2023

Not available.
Klebsiella pneumoniae ipervirulenta: una nuova emergenza? L’esperienza della Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo di Pavia
Authors: Mileto I. , Kuka A. , Merla C. , Corbella M. , Baldanti F. , Cambieri P.
Published: April 2023

Not available.
Epidemiologia delle co-infezioni nei pazienti affetti da Covid-19
Authors: Sciabica I. M. , Carbotti M. , Malandrin S. M. I. , Mercato A. , Tallarita M. , Vecchio Nepita E. , Buttari N. , Cavallero A.
Published: April 2023

Not available.
Comparison between Real Time PCR and culture analysis to detect dermatophyte infections
Authors: Pontone M. , Abril E. , Giglio A. , Cavallo I. , Sivori F. , Prignano G. , Mastrofrancesco A. , La Greca I. , Tufi V. , Pamparau L. , Celeste I. , Petrolo S. , San Gallicano Microbiology Team , Di Domenico E. G. , Pimpinelli F.
Published: April 2023

Not available.
Prevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus infection in a cohort of onco-hematologic paediatric patients
Authors: Colagrossi L. , Forqué Rodriguez L. , Coltella L. , Ranno S. , Linardos G. , Di Maio V. C. , Gentile L. , Landi S. , La Rosa K. Y. , Merli P. , Agrati C. , Locatelli F. , Perno C. F. , Russo C.
Published: April 2023

Not available.
Rilevamento basale dell'RNA virale plasmatico di SARS-CoV-2 in pazienti con insufficienza respiratoria grave o moderata come fattore prognostico dell'outcome clinico
Authors: Strola C. , Briasco M. , Crobu M. G. S. , Faolotto G. , Macaluso P. , Mercandino A. , Ravanini P. , Riggi M. , Andreoni S.
Published: April 2023

Not available.
Uncommon Association between Crohn’s Disease and Takayasu Arteritis with Ostial Left Main Disease
Authors: Elsayed Mohammed Adel , Al Jarallah Mohammed , Dashti Raja , Mousa Ahmed Said Taha , Al-Rushaidan Sulaiman Abdulrazzaq Sulaiman , Rajan Rajesh
Published: April 2023

Crohn’s disease (CD) and Takayasu arteritis (TA) are distinct clinical entities. The likelihood of both diseases coexisting is low, and although CD co-occurs with all types of vasculitis, TA is the most common subtype. Herein, we report the case of a 31-year-old female who was diagnosed with TA following an initial diagnosis of CD. Coronary angiography revealed subtotal ostial left main stenosis and chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery with collaterals from the left system. An urgent coronary artery bypass graft was planned.
Modified work–rest schedule of the handloom weavers
Authors: Durlov Santu , Gangopadhyay Somnath , Sahu Subhashis
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

A sustainable work schedule is created by employing proper work and recuperation cycles, as well as balancing high- and low-effort tasks. The work of the handloom weaver was physically and mentally taxing. However, they do not take breaks and work nonstop. Short breaks are good for both physical work and job-related mental and cognitive stress. Therefore, a quick break is used as an intervention.

METHODS:

Participants in this study included 100 handloom weavers. A modified work–rest plan consists of 50 min of labor and 10 min of rest per hour. To order to calculate Brouha's index, recovery heart rate data were collected after work for 3 min while the participant was seated. Using the flicker-fusion frequency test, visual tiredness was assessed.

RESULTS:

A newly developed work–rest cycle lessens tiredness and becomes more effective over time. The newly created work–rest plan for the handloom weavers dramatically reduces perceived exertion and energy expenditure.

CONCLUSION:

The modified work–rest schedule decreased cardiovascular and mental stress. This work–rest schedule will therefore reduce fatigue and help with the work if it is used in this sector.
Clinician's Perspective on Neuropathic Pain and Use of Lidocaine 5% Patch with Hydrogel Technology in Postherpetic Neuralgia
Authors: Kothari Kailash , Munshi Shirazahmed A. , Raj Manish , Deshmukh Prakash Rajendra , Ranade Manjiri Neelesh , Nevagi Venkatesh
Published: April 2023

Background:

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a condition that affects the quality of life (QoL) of many patients. It is often difficult to treat effectively due to the complexity of this disorder. This study was aimed to assess clinician's perspectives on NP, particularly for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), posttraumatic neuralgia (PTN), and painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Further, the study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lidocaine 5% patch with hydrogel technology in PHN.

Materials and Methods:

These two aspects were assessed through two prospective survey-based questionnaire studies that were conducted from January 2018 to December 2018 with clinicians from relevant specialties across India. Data were collected from clinicians' inputs based on their clinical practice and statistically analyzed.

Results:

More than half of the clinicians reported prolonged duration of NP in PHN, PTN, and PDN conditions. After applying lidocaine 5% patch with hydrogel technology, around 83.58% of clinicians opined that patients experienced a cooling and soothing effect due to the presence of a hydrogel layer in the patch. A significant reduction in pain score was reported by 76.11% of clinicians and 79.1% of them agreed that there was pain relief during the intermittent patch-free period also. The majority of the doctors (74.6%) reported an absence of any side effects.

Conclusion:

Study findings revealed that topical application of lidocaine 5% patch with hydrogel technology is safe and effective in PHN.
Painful Traumatic Neuroma formed in Chronic Osteomyelitis Surgical Scar Treated by Pulsed Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Varma Rachna , Varma Gauri , Dara Sudheer , Chandra Minal
Published: April 2023

Traumatic neuromas are sometimes formed in the surgical scars. Peripheral nerve injuries lead to complex clinical presentation. They are benign tumors which are formed by critical nerve tissue interaction and are extremely painful. They are formed by intraneural or extraneural scar formation affecting the nerve-gliding plane. Their main clinical presentation is neuropathic pain. This condition is also termed as “painful scar neuropathy.” There have been different approaches to treatment depending on the type of lesion whether it is perineural, endoneurial, or combined and type of pain due to traction or trauma, rest pain, and severity. Varying degrees of therapeutic success has been described in literature using different techniques. There is no consensus on the best therapeutic approach to treat neuropathic pain due to scar tethering. Patient counseling about the condition and the need for multiple interventions, if needed, is essential. Here, we report a case of a 16-year-old female with traumatic neuroma of superficial peroneal nerve formed in the surgical scar of chronic osteomyelitis presenting with severe pain and paresthesia treated by pulsed radio frequency (PRF). PRF is a novel therapeutic method to treat many conditions in pain medicine as it offers treatment without motor deficits and deafferentation syndrome.
Efficacy of Ganglion Impar Block in Perineal Pain of Various Etiologies
Authors: Matche Pratibha , Thammaiah Srinivas Hebbal , Kalpana K. , Kalvapudi Devaki , Lawange Sunita
Published: April 2023

Perineal pain is a complex clinical condition causing significant functional impairment and frustration to the patient. The diversity of presentation and etiologies poses a challenge to the treating physician. Ganglion Impar is a solitary retroperitoneal structure in front of sacrococcygeal junction behind the rectum. It provides nociceptive and sympathetic supply to the perineal structures. Interventional pain management in the form of fluoroscopy guided Ganglion Impar block has been shown to benefit in patients with perineal pain. Here we describe a case series of Ganglion Impar block in four patients with various etiologies analysing its safety and efficacy. In this case series, four patients visiting the pain clinic in a tertiary care hospital with complaints of perineal pain of various etiologies were included. All the patients were given Ganglion Impar block under fluoroscopy guidance. NRS was assessed before the block, immediately after the block, and at time intervals of three months, six months, and one year post block. Any complications during the procedure and the follow up period were noted. All four patients had very good pain relief after block. The mean NRS value before the block was 8 ± 0.701. Ten minutes after the procedure, mean NRS value was 2.75 ± 0.95. NRS scores at three months, six months and one year follow-up intervals were 1.5 ± 1.29, 1.25 ± 1.25, and 1 ± 1.41 which is statistically significant. There were no complications. Fluoroscopy guided Ganglion Impar Block is a safe and effective intervention in the management of acute and chronic perineal pain of various etiologies providing good pain relief.
Evaluation of Effectiveness of Dry Needling in the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Deshpande Archana Niteen , Lawange Suneeta Ashok
Published: April 2023

Aim:

The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) in the management of chronic low back pain (LBP).

Materials and Methods:

Forty patients with chronic LBP (CLBP) (already treated with analgesics and physiotherapy by other clinicians) with myofascial trigger points were given five sessions of DN for 20 min each on every 3rd day. The effect on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), and disability was observed with the help of numerical rating score (NRS), ROM score, and Owestry Disability Index respectively at 1, 4, and 12 weeks interval.

Results:

The NRS decreased from a mean of 7.39 to 3.68 at the end of 4 weeks and then 2.32 by 12 weeks showing a significant relief in the pain intensity. The ROM improved from the mean of 4.95 to 2.38 at 4 weeks and to 1.34 by 12 weeks. The mean Oswestry disability index was 38.95 before the treatment and significantly reduced to 17.70 after 12 weeks. The use of paracetamol and hot fomentation was very minimal in the majority of patients.

Conclusion:

DN is an effective intervention for the management of chronic LBP with myofascial component up to 12 weeks, irrespective of age or gender after the red flags ruled out.
Conventional Radiofrequency Ablation of the Articular Sensory Branches of the Obturator and Femoral Nerves under Fluoroscopic Guidance for Chronic Hip Joint Pain in a Case of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Taran Anshul , Sarkar Biplab , Nandi Gargi , Goswami Subrata
Published: April 2023

Chronic hip pain is often a debilitating problem, especially ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and few patients with the problem are not good surgical candidates. Hence, other conservative approaches should be used. We report the case of a 37-year-old male, a known case of AS, who presented with severe hip pain along with other joint involvements. The hip joint pain was managed with radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the articular sensory branches of the hip joint after initially tested with positive diagnostic block. This case emphasizes the role of RF ablation as a safe alternative to hip replacement.
Morphometric Analysis of Normal and Variant Anatomy of Posterior Cerebral Artery and the Incidence of Fetal Posterior Cerebral Artery in Uttar Pradesh Region
Authors: Pankaj Arvind Kumar , Sangma Sarah Sko , Chopra Jyoti , Sehgal Garima
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

The aim is to study morphometric analysis of normal and variant anatomy of posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and incidence of fetal PCA (FPCA) in Uttar Pradesh region. The PCA and its cortical branches supply blood to the occipital lobe, inferomedial temporal lobe, and portions of posterior inferior parietal lobe. Fetal-type PCA is a common anatomic variation of PCA that is closely associated with intracranial aneurysm. The present study provides the description of PCA regarding its normal morphology, morphometry, and variations in Uttar Pradesh region.

Material and Methods:

The study evaluated 100 computed tomography angiograms.

Results:

Among arteries that displayed normal anatomy, mean diameter of PCA was observed to be 4.29 ± 0.74 mm on the right side and 2.47 ± 0.74 mm on the left side. Mean diameter in males and in females was found to be 2.48 ± 0.73 mm and 2.47 ± 0.74 mm, respectively. In 56.5% of cases, the diameters of P1 segment of PCAs ranged from 2.1 to 3 mm whereas >3 mm diameter was observed in 18.5% cases. Nineteen percent cases showed 1.1–2 mm. In 6% cases, hypoplasia (≤1 mm) of PCA was observed. FPCA was observed in 26% cases. Unilateral observed in 17% cases and bilateral in 9% cases and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.000).

Discussion and Conclusion:

Anomalies of PCA may assume considerable significance in surgeries of head and neck, which require ligation of internal carotid and common carotid artery. Awareness of these anatomical variations described shall prove to be useful for any cerebrovascular procedures.
Morphologic and Morphometric Evaluation of the Carotid Artery Wall
Authors: Nakkas Hilal , Celikkan Ferda Topal , Apaydın Nihal , Evirgen Oya
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

A variety of changes occur on the elastic artery wall with age. Ultrastructural studies made in this area are mostly animal based. We aimed to evaluate wall changes and three-dimensional organization of the elastic lamellae with aging in humans.

Material and Methods:

Common carotid arteries were obtained from 17 human cadavers which were grouped as G1 (n = 6), 30–39 years; G2 (n = 5), 40–49 years; and G3 (n = 6), >50 years of age. Samples were evaluated under light and scanning electron microscopes.

Results:

Examination of G1 revealed intimal thickening and foamy cell infiltration. G2 and G3 had plaques bulging into the lumen and interlamellar space was widened. The lamellae were more straight. There was a positive correlation between intimal thickness and age. Elastic fiber content decreased with aging. Scanning electron microscopic analysis confirmed the findings. G1 and G2 had a smooth surfaced internal elastic lamina with uniform fenestrations whereas G3 contained numerous irregular fenestrae.

Discussion and Conclusion:

With this study, we showed some other wall structure changes beside plaque formation by aging. Which layer is affected the most was not clear at previous clinical studies because using ultrasonography (USG) cannot address the layer. Microscopic evaluation of this study revealed that when a wall thickening is detected by USG, it is due to intimal thickening. The specific vessel layer structural changes are important for proper treatment.
Anthropometric Parameters of Idiopathic Familial Short Stature Females and Its Correlation with Height and Comparison with the Control Group
Authors: Sharma Karishma , Chandra Rishita , Singh Brijendra , Mani Yadav Shashi Ranjan , Naithani Manisha , Kishore Surekha , Mishra Vivek , Mohan Kriti , Verma Prashant Kumar
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Familial Short stature is considered one of the most common causes of Short Stature along with the constitutional delay in growth and puberty (CDGP) from which it can easily be distinguish. The core parameters of anthropometry represent diagnostic criteria for obesity and other non-communicable diseases. To measure the anthropometric parameters in the patients with idiopathic clinically non-syndromic familial short-stature and to correlate those parameters with their height and compare them with the control group.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among Familial Short Stature females of 5-18 years age group referred from Paediatric and Genetic OPD of AIIMS, Rishkesh. Non-parametric tests were applied for comparing the variables and correlation coefficients were obtained. Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of Standing Height (cm) (W = 376.000, P = <0.001), BMI (Kg/m2) (W = 1128.500, P = 0.002), with the median BMI (Kg/m2) and Waist/Height Ratio (W = 1164.500, P = <0.001), with the median Waist/Height Ratio being highest in the Short-Stature group. There was moderate to strong positive correlation between standing height and other anthropometric parameters. The mean waist to height ratio of 0.6 among short stature and 0.5 among the control group, with short stature having more odds of getting overweight and also shows a greater predilection of short-stature group for developing Cardio-vascular diseases.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Familial short stature though being a manifestation of some underlying cause, can fall in a non-syndromic group until further studies including karyotyping, next-generation sequencing etc. Extensive research for appropriate categorization and how this can effectively help combat the burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases should be done.
Intracapsular Ossicle of the Knee Joint
Authors: Chiman Kumari , Aggarwal Anjali , Tulika Gupta , Daisy Sahni
Published: April 2023

An accessory skeletal element in relation to a joint may alter the dynamics of the joint besides altering the diagnosis and treatment plan. Presence of any such variation has to be kept in mind so that unnecessary delay in intervention for any pathological conditions can be avoided. The occurrence of an accessory bone in the body has been reported by some authors. Its presence can be of medicolegal importance. Such bones may be mistaken for fracture. During routine dissection of the knee joint in the graduate teaching course, a bony element was found in the posterior aspect of the joint. The dimension of the bone-like structure was measured using digital vernier callipers. The structure was then processed for histological interpretations. It was hard in with a dimension of 15 mm. On histological examination, the sections showed characteristics of a matured bone.
Evaluation of Pharyngeal Airway by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography after Mono- and Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Sari Merve , Sen Esengül , Akbulut Nihat , Bayrak Seval , Demir Osman
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of the pharyngeal airway obtained using mono-and bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal malocclusion.

Material and Methods:

The analysis was conducted on cone-beam computed tomography images taken preoperatively and postoperatively of patients undergoing mono-or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. The pharyngeal airway was divided into four airway volume segments and measured by planimetry.

Results:

The bimaxillary surgery group showed an increase in nasopharynx and velopharynx volumes and a decrease in glossopharynx and hypopharynx volumes (P < 0.05). The mandibular setback surgery group showed decreases in glossopharynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx, and pharynx volumes (P < 0.05). The mandibular advancement surgery group showed increases in glossopharynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx, and pharynx volumes (P < 0.05). The maxillary advancement surgery group showed increases in nasopharynx, velopharynx, and pharynx volumes (P < 0.05).

Discussion and Conclusion:

Mandibular setback surgery had a narrowing effect on the pharyngeal airway volume. Maxillary advancement surgery compensated for the constrictive effect of mandibular setback surgery on both the oropharynx and pharynx volumes. Although maxillary and mandibular advancement surgery affected different sites, these were the operations that contributed most to the increase in pharyngeal volume.
Unusual Multiple Arterial Variations of the Upper Limb
Authors: Çandır Buse Naz , Sağlam Latif , Gürses İlke Ali , Gayretli Özcan
Published: April 2023

During routine dissection of a 64-year-old male cadaver, multiple variations were observed in the arteries of the upper extremities. The first part of the axillary artery did not give any branches. The second part, after giving superior thoracic and thoracoacromial arteries divided into deep and superficial brachial arteries. Superficial brachial artery gave lateral thoracic artery and continued into the arm. After giving anterior circumflex humeral artery, the deep brachial artery trifurcated into the subscapular artery, posterior circumflex humeral artery, and profunda brachii artery. Understanding upper limb arterial variations are important for performing safer clinical procedures.
Effect of Different Doses of Aluminum Chloride on Neurodegeneration in Hippocampus Region of the Rat Brain
Authors: Massand Amit , Basera Mallika , Grace Sonal , Kumarachandra Reshma , Sudha K. , Rai Rajalakshmi , Murlimanju BV , Sowndarya K.
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Aluminum (AL) compounds are widely used as food additives, cosmetics, antacids, and buffered aspirins. Chronic consumption of AL may lead to its accumulation in tissues causing AL toxicity. The study aims to investigate the toxic effect of AlCl3 on hippocampus region of rat brain by qualitative and quantitative analysis of neurons.

Material and Methods:

Adult male albino Wistar rats were divided into three groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 was the control, Group 2 rats received 100 mg/kg b. w, and Group 3 received 300 mg/kg b. w of AlCl3 orally for 30 days. The neuronal count was done at the CA1, CA2, CA3, and CA4 regions of hippocampus by staining with cresyl violet stain. Neuronal damage in the AlCl3 groups was compared with the control group.

Results:

A significant damage was observed in all the regions of hippocampus both in Groups 2 and 3 compared to the control group (P < 0.00001). Further higher dose of AL caused marked neuronal damage in CA1 (P < 0.03) and CA3 (P < 0.05) regions compared to the lower dose of AL. The neurons in the CA3 and CA1 regions were most vulnerable to AL toxicity and the CA2 region of the hippocampus had a maximum number of viable neurons indicative of resistance to AL toxicosis.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Consumption of higher dose of AL even for a short term could have variable degrees of deleterious effects on different regions of the rat brain. This study sets a background for an in-depth exploration on toxicology of AL compounds on human participants which could be of public health importance.
Anatomical Evaluation of Sphenoid Sinus, Foramen Rotundum, and Vidian Canal for Ventrolateral Skull Base Surgery: A Radiological Study
Authors: Ipek Eda Duygu , Ceri Nazli Gulriz , Kasar Zehra Seznur
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

We aimed to evaluate the pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus (SS) and configuration of the vidian canal (VC) and foramen rotundum (FR).

Materials and Methods:

This study was performed on a total of 259 coronal and sagittal computed tomography (CTs) scans that we divided into rhinosinusitis (RS), nasal septum deviation (NSD), nasal polyposis (NP), and control (C) groups. We performed various morphometric measurements on CTs and evaluated the SS pneumatization and the position and protrusion of the FR and VC.

Results:

The mean age was found to be 42.42 ± 1.28 and 44.06 ± 1.45 in 149 males and 110 females, respectively. Significant differences were found among all morphometric measurements in the right and left side measurements and between genders except for the distance between VC and FR on both sides. The rotundum angle and bilateral VC distance values were found to be high in the NP and NSD groups. There was a difference in the distribution of categorical data between patient groups. We found prevalence of the FR and VC Type I as 3.3% and 13.3%, Type II as 35.5% and 43.65%; Type III as 61.2% and 43.05%, respectively. The position of FR was medial in 45.15%, online in 35.95%, and lateral in 18.9% of cases and SS pneumatization with lateral recess in 41.6%, tangent in 16.7%, and less pneumatized in 41.7% of cases in total.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Our findings show that the configuration of the structures, which are important anatomical landmarks for ventrolateral skull base surgery, changes in patients with anatomical variations and inflammatory sinonasal diseases.
Stereological and Comparative Evaluation of the Carpal Tunnel in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Magnetic Resonance Images
Authors: Güven Gürsel A. K. , Emirzeoglu Mehmet , Terzi Murat , Selçuk Mustafa Bekir , Sahin Bünyamin
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

In this study, the relation between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) severity and the carpal tunnel volume (CTV), volume and the volume fraction of the carpal tunnel contents on subjects with CTS and healthy individuals were examined.

Material and Methods:

30 female patients diagnosed with CTS clinically and electrophysiologically and 16 healthy female patients were included in this study. In patient group, 50 and in control group 30 hand wrists were examined. CTS severity was ranked electrophysiologically. T1-weighted axial magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were examined by the Cavalieri principle.

Results:

CTV in the patient group (4.26 ± 0.57 cm3) was found to be lower than that of the control group (4.66 ± 0.73 cm3), while the volume (0.41 ± 0.07 cm3) of the median nerve (Vnm) in the patient group was found to be higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Besides, the volume and volume fraction of the median nerve increase when the CTS severity increases (r = 0.610; r = 0.778).

Discussion and Conclusion:

Our study has shown that stereological studies with MRI are successful in determining the CTV in differentiating patients and healthy people. In addition, the volume and volume fraction of the median nerve were found to be quite effective in differentiating the severity of CTS. It is anatomically confirmed that when the severity of CTS increases, the space volume fraction of the carpal tunnel decreases.
Unusual Additional Distal Aponeurotic Slips of Biceps Brachii
Authors: Singh Ritu , Singh Pooja , Verma Ranjana , Diwan Rakesh Kumar
Published: April 2023

Biceps brachii muscle is basically a powerful supinator. Although there is ample literature on variant origin of biceps brachii, variant insertion pattern was minimally reported. Here, we report a case, in which apart from usual insertion of biceps brachii, three distal accessory aponeurotic slips were found on the right arm of 55-year-old embalmed male cadaver. Two slips were arising from the lateral most part of bicipital aponeurosis traversing across the cubital fossa superficial to the brachial artery and median nerve and get attached to deep fascia covering the brachioradialis and pronator teres. Third accessory aponeurotic slip arises from the lateral side of biceps brachii muscle belly, traversing superficial to the musculocutaneous nerve and get attached to deep fascia covering the lateral border of brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis longus. These extra slips may affect the kinematics of biceps brachii muscle and adds to the differential diagnosis of variety of clinical symptoms of neurovascular syndrome.