bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological Analysis of Reactive-Proactive Coping of Drug-Dependent Men
Authors: Bekhter A.A.
Published: January 2021

Difficulties in the rehabilitation and treatment of drug addicts are associated with the peculiarities of their behavior, which are a consequence of a change in their personality. The author conducted an empirical study on two groups of drug-dependent men with
a combined form of drug addiction at the stage of treatment (n=30) and rehabilitation with a remission period of about a year (n=30); healthy male volunteers (n=30) acted as
a control group. The study was conducted on the basis of the Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital, Khabarovsk Territory, Department of Medical Rehabilitation for people with drug addiction disorders in Khabarovsk. All men participating in the study had a higher education, a family, and the average age of all subjects was 32 ± 10.1 years. The study used: Kellerman-Plutchik's “Life style Index” methods (adapted by Wasserman L.I., Eryshev O.F., Klubova E.B. et al., 2005); coping test by Lazarus R. and Folkman S. (adapted by T.L. Kryukova, Kuftyak E.V., Zamishlyaeva M.S., 2005); questionnaire “Proactive coping behavior” Greenglass E., Schwarzer R. et al. (adapted by Belinskaya E.P., Vecherin A.V., Agadullina E.R., 2018). The main features of reactive-proactive coping in groups of drug addicts are defined: in the first group, coping is emotionally-oriented and cognitive-oriented in nature with a focus on social and emotional support, the protection mechanisms “denial”, “projection”, “substitution”, “intellectualization” prevail; in the second group, the intensity of avoidance strategies in combination with proactive overcoming without a focus on external support is identified, intellectual defenses are combined with strategies for reflective analysis. The main differences between the two groups of drug addicts are in the nature of the relationship between defense mechanisms and reactive-proactive coping strategies, in the variation of reactive strategies and their orientation, in the features of building proactive behavior. Understanding the features of reactive-proactive coping with drug addicts can greatly facilitate the work of a psychologist in remedial and rehabilitation activities with patients focused on life planning during remission.
Russian Adaptation of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale
Authors: Radchikova N.P. , Adashinskaya G.A. , Sanoyan T.R. , Shupta A.A.
Published: January 2021

The article presents the results of the adaptation of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, which consists of three subscales (Rumination, Magnification and Helplessness) in a sample of 219 people (80,4% females). The average age of the participants was 22,05 years (median= 19,00 years, standard deviation=6,74; age range from 18 to 54 years). The Russian-language version of the Pain Catastrophizing Scale shows acceptable reliability for the scales (Cronbach’s alpha = 0,82; 0,67 and 0,83, respectively), and high reliability in general (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). Estimates of pain catastrophizing are positively correlated with the estimates of pain strength and intensity (McGill Pain Questionnaire, adapted by
V. Kuzmenko in 1986), as well as with the level of self-control (Brief Self-Control Scale by J.P. Tangney, R.F. Baumeister and A.L. Boone, adapted by T. Gordeeva et al. in 2016): catastrophizing people, as a rule, have a lower level of self-control. Fit indices of confirmatory factor analysis (RMSEA=0,08; χ2/df=2.5; GFI=0.90; SRMR=0.7) characterize one- and three-factor models of pain catastrophizing as reasonable. Women showed
a higher level of catastrophic pain in general, and differences were also found on the scale of Rumination, while there were no statistically significant differences on the scales of Magnification and Helplessness. Pain Catastrophizing is also positively correlated with anxiety and depression (HADS adapted by M. Drobizhev in 1993).
Augusta Viktorovna Yarmolenko: Selected Pages of a Scientific Biography ((to the Anniversary of 120th birthday))
Authors: Kats E.E. , Kolosova T.A. , Sorokin V.M.
Published: January 2021

The article is devoted to the scientific heritage and life path of the professor of the faculty of psychology A.V. Yarmolenko. The scientific research of A.V. Yarmolenko was largely determined by the ideas of her teacher V.M. Ankylosing spondylitis - the founder of the St. Petersburg psychological school. First of all, these are the ideas of an integrated approach, as well as the study of pathological phenomena as a method of understanding normal psychology. The position that the mental development of abnormal and normal children proceeds according to the same laws is also important. A.V. Yarmolenko carried out the first multilateral clinical and psychological study of the ontogenetic characteristics of children with simultaneous visual and hearing impairment.
Rene Serrigny. A case of progressive paralysis, developed during secondary syphilis, quickly proceeds; an apoplectiform seizure with a fatal outcome, Dzhaksonovskaya epilepsy. (Un cas de paralysie general sur- venue pendant une syphilis secondaire, marche rapid, ictus apoplectiforme avec issue fatale; epilepsie Jacsonniene) - Annul. med. psycholog. 1900. No. 3. 385-—395
Authors: Malyev V.
Published: January 2021

Usually, paralysis develops in syphilitics after 6-10 years after infection, being in these cases b. m. the final stage of syphilis. The author's observation is interesting precisely because it seems that progressive paralysis developed shortly after infection and quickly ended fatally. The author could find only two cases like this (Christian'a).
Static Ground Displacement for an Induced Earthquake Recorded on Broadband Seismometers
Authors: Zecevic Megan , Eyre Thomas S. , Eaton David W.
Published: January 2021

Using geodetic methods, significant static ground deformation has been observed for many large natural earthquakes. Some of the largest earthquakes induced by hydraulic-fracturing operations have been observed in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin; however, because of the size and depths of these events, the associated static ground deformations have not yet been observed using traditional geodetic techniques. A seismic processing technique, developed for small volcano-seismic events, has the potential to resolve micrometer-scale static displacements using broadband seismic data. In this study, we test this processing method using vertical component broadband recordings of an Mw 4.1 event acquired at four nearby broadband seismometers. Estimated static displacements at the four stations are compared with the theoretical surface displacement field for a dislocation on a finite rectangular source within a homogeneous, elastic half-space. The theoretical displacements have the same polarities as the measured displacements across the seismic network and have similar amplitudes for three of the four stations. However, one station yielded unstable results, which shows that care must be taken when using this method. These results suggest that this processing method has potential for obtaining surface deformation for small to moderate-sized earthquakes using broadband data.
Experimental Study on Flow and Sediment Distribution at Off-Take Channel
Authors:   University of Waterloo, ON, CA. she is also with Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh, Malik Lamisa , Matin M. Abdul
Published: January 2021

River off-take is one of the complex features in fluvial systems and the distribution of flow, and sediments along the branches are still a matter of research. This paper deals with a physical simulation on an off-take channel for understanding the flow and sediment distribution in the vicinity. Laboratory-based test runs have been carried out by changing the discharges and the angles off-take. A total of eighteen test runs have been conducted for three discharge conditions with three off-take angles. Two equations for predicting water and sediment discharge ratios have been proposed as a function of Froude number, channel geometry and off-take angel. Flow visualizations have also been carried out in the vicinity of the off-take for understanding erosion and sedimentation pattern. Flow and sediment movement patterns were carefully observed during the simulation and four distinguished zone formations have been noted in the vicinity. Finally, validations of the developed equations have been done with the field data from selected river off-take systems of Bangladesh. Validation results of field data show mean discrepancy ratios of 0.83 for the discharge equation and 0.89 for sediment equation during low flow.
Proactive Learning Culture: Practical Learning and Experience from Research into Senior Projects
Authors:   the Faculty of Information Technology, Rajabhat Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 44000, Thailand, Nuankaew Wongpanya , Bussaman Sittichai , Teeraputon Direk , Nuankaew Pratya
Published: January 2021

Senior projects allow students to move the learning process from basic knowledge to an interdisciplinary approach. The purpose of the research is to survey the attitude and perception as collaboration between researchers and students to develop a clustering model for advisors and students, and to develop factors that are significant to predict the right match in the senior projects course. Data collection was with a questionnaire consisting of 463 samples from 7 administrators, 68 lecturers, 26 staff and 362 students from two universities: The Rajabhat Mahasarakham University, and the University of Phayao. The research methodology is designed and divided into three sections: preparation, implementation, and conclusion. The result shows that the satisfaction and the overall acceptance level were at a high level (mean = 4.04, S.D. = 0.88). Moreover, the developed model has the highest level of efficiency (accuracy = 98.06%). For future research projects, the researchers are committed on the development of learners’ achievement and aims to promote a learning culture based on the results of this research, and active learning of educational institutions.
The Relation between ICT Usage and 15-Year-Old Students' Science Self-efficacy
Authors:   International College, Krirk University, Bangkok, 10220 Thailand. She is also with Liupanshui Normal University, Guizhou, China, Zheng Yuanyuan , Chen I-Hua
Published: January 2021

Self-efficacy is a perceived competence in performing a particular task, and science self-efficacy can determine the engagement to students' science learning. Based on the theory of learning life approach, this study proposed a conceptual framework to clarify the role of information and communication technology (ICT) on forming science self-efficacy. Furthermore, we compared the difference between boys and girls in the pathways in the proposed framework. 15-year-old secondary school students in China released by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (PISA) in 2015 were as the participants. After weighting, there were 790,611 secondary school students involved in this study (415,066 boys and 375,545 girls) to test the model fit with structural equation models and multi-group analysis by using Lisrel 8.80. Results showed that: 1. The correlations between science self-efficacy and ICT self-regulated ability, out-school ICT science learning behavior, and inquiry-based teaching were significantly positive related. Science self-efficacy was significantly negative correlated with out-school ICT leisure activities. 2. The proposed framework not only had ideal model fit on the whole participants but also on boys and girls. 3. The coefficient of boys of positive impact of out-school ICT leisure activities on ICT self-regulated ability, out-school ICT science learning behavior on science self-efficacy, and the positive impact effect of out-school ICT leisure activities on the indirect positive impact of science self-efficacy were all lower than girls. According to our findings, it is suggested that teachers should not only use inquiry-based teaching strategies in science classrooms, but also encourage students to independently apply ICT's scientific learning behaviors out-school, which is particularly important for girls.
Tracheocutaneous fistula closure by two hinged turnover flap and a fasciocutaneous pivot flap
Authors: Gupta Manish , Singh Anshul
Published: January 2021

Tracheocutaneous fistula is a known complication in patient who are tracheostomised for long duration.

A 18-year-old girl presented in our department who was tracheostomised 2 years back, to secure airway, following a road traffic accident and tracheal injury. She underwent multiple surgeries to maintain upper airway, which were successful, but developed a tracheocutaneous fistula due to prolonged tracheostomy. Surgical closure of the fistula was done using a two hinged turnover flap and a fasciocutaneous pivot flap. The patient was discharged on 6 day of the surgery with no complication and no recurrence.

Our technique explains one of the many procedures used to close a tracheocutaneous fistula, mentioned in literature. It is minimally invasive and is associated with minimal chance of tracheal stenosis and recurrence.
Response Characteristics of Inverted-base Asphalt Pavement Structure in Cold Area under Multi-axle Loads
Authors: Wang Lin , Shan Chao , Zheng Chuanfeng
Published: January 2021

In cold areas, semi-rigid base asphalt pavement is prone to generate reflection cracks due to thermal contraction and dry shrinkage, and the base layer cracks can cause surface layer cracking and shorten the service life of the pavement. Aiming at understanding the response characteristics of asphalt pavement structure under multi-axle loads in cold areas, this paper took semi-rigid base asphalt pavement and inverted-base asphalt pavement as the research objects, and employed ANSYS to conduct finite element analysis on them to figure out the response characteristics of the asphalt pavement structure under the condition of different multi-axle loads and graded macadam base course. The research results showed that, the action of multi-axal loads increased the tensile stress of the base layer of the asphalt pavement and the tensile stress of the base layer of the semi-rigid base asphalt pavement, and increased the road surface deflection, which had resulted in insufficient bearing capacity of the pavement structure, and thus causing significant damages to the asphalt pavement; analysis of the response characteristics of the two types of asphalt pavement showed that, adding a graded macadam base course as the stress-absorbing layer is conductive to reducing the tensile stress of the base layer of the semi-rigid base asphalt pavement and effectively delaying or inhibiting reflection cracks generating on the pavement. The study of this paper provided a theoretical reference for the design and construction of asphalt pavement.
The study of the influence of ZnCl2 content in a flux for brazing of Al-Mg alloys on its technological properties
Authors:   Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), Stepanov M. A.
Published: January 2021

Aluminum-magnesium alloys are ductile alloys with good weldability, corrosion resistance, and a high fatigue strength level. Aluminum-magnesium alloys contain up to 6 % magnesium. The higher its content, the stronger is the alloy. However, these alloys with high magnesium content are difficult to solder. Therefore, the task is to create flux compositions for high-temperature brazing of these alloys providing high-quality brazed joints. The work investigated the influence of the ZnCl2 activator on the technological properties of the flux. The authors tested the flux compositions with ZnCl2 content of 0 to 12 %. The tests were carried out on the AMg2 alloy using the AK12 solder. The authors evaluated the influence of ZnCl2 content on the spreading area of solder, the spreading uniformity, and the surface condition. The study revealed a significant increase in the spreading area of solder when introducing the ZnCl2 activator into the flux and the introduction of 4 % zinc chloride made it possible to increase the spreading zone of a solder drop by 50–55 %. The authors considered the samples brazed with a flux that did not contain ZnCl2 and using flux with the addition of 4 % ZnCl2. Activator content in the flux increased by 4 % before reaching 12 %. The study identified the strong interaction between the flux and the base metal with the release of gaseous products leading to the pore formation. As a result of the work, it was revealed that ZnCl2 significantly affects the flux properties, allowing increasing the solder spreading area; however, in the result of reactions with the formation of gaseous products, it can lead to the porosity of the brazed joint.
The technologies of improving the process of air-fuel mixture combustion in spark ignition engines
Authors:   Togliatti State University, Shaikin A. P. , Galiev I. R. ,   Togliatti State University, Pavlov D. A. ,   Togliatti State University, Sazonov M. V. ,   Togliatti State University
Published: January 2021

The paper considers the turbulence intensity and the fuel chemical composition impact on the flame propagation velocity at the initial and main combustion phases when changing the air-fuel mixture composition. The relevance of the study is caused by the fact that currently, the improvement of conventional engine operation characteristics is mainly achieved through the improvement of the fuel mixture combustion process. However, there are no data on the influence of chemical and gas-dynamic factors on the peculiarities of flame propagation at the initial and main combustion phases. The gas reciprocating internal combustion engine was the object of the research, and the subject of the study was the fuel combustion process. Fuel chemical composition changed due to the promoting addition of hydrogen to the natural gas and variations of the excess-air coefficient. The experiments carried out on the UIT-85 power plant (i.e. under the simulated internal combustion engine conditions) show that the promoting addition of hydrogen stronger influences the flame velocity in the initial combustion phase compared to the second combustion phase, as a combustion source in the first phase is a laminar flame bent front and depends only on chemical and thermo-physical properties of the fuel-air mixture. The analysis of experimental data showed the dual impact of turbulence intensity on the flame propagation velocity. In particular, at the beginning of the combustion process, the fluctuating velocity scarcely influences the flame propagation velocity, as opposed to the main combustion phase, where the flame propagation velocity increases at the increase of turbulence intensity.
THE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY ELECTIVE COURSE AS AN INTERMEDIATE STAGE OF FORMATION OF INDEPENDENT WORK OF THE STUDENTS OF FACULTY OF PEDIATRICS
Authors:   Ural State Medical University, Ermishina E. Yu. , Borodulina T. V. ,   Ural State Medical University, Naronova N. A. ,   Ural State Medical University, Belokonova N. A. ,   Ural State Medical University, Badjina T. A. ,   Ural State Medical University
Published: January 2021

Within the conditions of a changing situation and distance learning implementation, the problem of organizing the independent work of the students becomes relevant. The paper analyzes the importance of the availability of the Environmental Chemistry elective course taught in the second semester for the formation of independent work of the first-second-year students of the Faculty of Pediatrics of the Ural State Medical University. The authors carried out the analysis of the efficiency of study this discipline clustered with other chemical disciplines: Chemistry – the first semester, and Clinical Aspects of Physical and Colloid Chemistry – the third semester. The study of these disciplines conforms to the implementation of three stages of formation of independent work of the students – the propaedeutic, practice-activity, and training-research. The authors analyzed the results of the survey and performance at the second and third stages, carried out the comparative monitoring of the efficiency of distance educational technologies used in the process of teaching the Environmental Chemistry elective course. The readiness of the Environmental Chemistry discipline for distance training made it possible to quickly organize an independent work of the students with the remote access laboratory-based work in the spring of 2020. The study showed that only 30–40 % of freshers attended the intermediate practice-activity stage, and skipping this stage causes poor preparation of the first-year students of the Faculty of Pediatrics and the inability to correctly expressing themselves at the training-research stage. Each stage of organizing the independent work of the students aims at the progressive formation of particular competencies necessary to perform job functions and labor actions according to the occupational standard 02.008 District Pediatric Physician. The independent work of the students organized using new information technologies, at the second, practice-activity, stage, develops the students’ desire for independent cognitive activity, and promotes performance improvement.
SOME ASPECTS OF CREATION OF LEARNING VIDEO CONTENT IN THE PROCESS OF EDUCATION
Authors:   K.D. Ushinsky Yaroslavl State Pedagogical University, Razumova A. B. , Ritskova T. I. ,   K.D. Ushinsky Yaroslavl State Pedagogical University
Published: January 2021

The study reveals the problem of organizing the efficient educational process using distance learning technologies based on video content. The paper presents the characteristics of e-learning and distance learning technologies. The study shows that e-learning, being flexible and variable, requires updating the content of education. Teachers need to master new telecommunications technologies, improve digital and information competencies. The authors show that video content genres being the synthesis of various types of visualization allow best solving teaching objectives within the educational process using e-learning technologies. The relevance of the latter is particularly obvious at present. The authors describe such types of video genres as a webinar, video-case, fast, conversation, interview, documentary webinar, and scripted video clip. The paper reveals the process of creation of a learning webinar with the participation of a lecturer and a student, describes the stages of script development, content design, video shooting, and editing. The development and rendering of learning programs to eContent causes the change in the role of a teacher; communication opportunities extend. The lecturer needs to customize innovative technologies to his/her methodological activity. The student’s participation in the process of preparing the materials supporting the teacher’s lecture gives an opportunity both to broaden knowledge in subject matter and to learn the fundamental aesthetic and technological principles and procedures of eContent creation. The presented material allows concluding that joint participation in the development of teacher’s and student’s webinars is an efficient means of formation of a set of skills of eContent communication and processing highly demanded in the modern educational process.
Study on Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Type-2 Diabetes
Authors: Chander Senthil , Venkatesan Kalpana Dev , Paul Christina Mary
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading endocrine disorders worldwide. Thyroid dysfunction is a common endocrine disorder affecting the general population next to diabetes. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among patients with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS This analytical cross sectional study was conducted from June 2019 to Dec 2019. One hundred and fifty type–2 diabetes patients who attended the outpatient clinic of General Medicine Department, ACS Medical College and Hospital were included in the study. A detailed history and examination was done after getting informed consent. Blood samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for the evaluation of thyroid profile. RESULTS Thyroid dysfunction was found in 27 % of the patients with diabetes. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common thyroid dysfunction reported (14.7 %) followed by clinical hypothyroidism (10 %), subclinical hyperthyroidism (2 %) and clinical hyperthyroidism (0.6 %). CONCLUSIONS Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients with type-2 diabetes. A substantial proportion of the diabetic patients with thyroid dysfunction have subclinical hypothyroidism. Unidentified thyroid dysfunction could negatively impact diabetes and its complications. Therefore, early and routine screening of thyroid is recommended in all patients with diabetes to reduce the burden of the disease. KEYWORDS Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, Thyroid Dysfunction, Hypothyroidism
Alterations in Serum Electrolyte Homeostasis in Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients - A Cross-Sectional Study in VIMSAR, Burla
Authors: Pattanaik Labanyabati , Acharya Madhusmita , Yadav Manoj Kumar , Mishra Prafulla Kumar , Nayak Madhab
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a widely prevalent lifestyle disease associated with high morbidity and mortality due to dead end complications like acute coronary syndrome, chronic kidney failure and acute stroke. Diabetes mellitus patients frequently develop problems of dyselectrolytemia which is common among hospitalised patients with decompensated diabetes. But there is little information on the prevalence of electrolyte disturbances among diabetes patients. Our aim is to find out the pattern of dyselectrolytemia among type 2 diabetes patients and to know if there is any association of blood glucose level with dyselectrolytemia. METHODS An analytical cross-sectional study was done among type 2 diabetes patients admitted in the department of medicine. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated haemoglobin level (HbA1c), blood sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and calcium (Ca2+) were analysed. Occurrence of dyselectrolytemia was compared between patients of very much controlled versus uncontrolled blood glucose levels. RESULTS Out of 199 patients included in the study, 112 (56 %) had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) with HbA1c level > / = 7.0 %. Occurrence of hyponatremia, hypokalaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypocalcaemia and hypercalcemia were 35 %, 13 %, 7 %, 16 % and 2 % respectively. In diabetes patients, hyponatremia was seen more commonly in patients with uncontrolled DM than those with very much controlled blood glucose (52.67 % versus 12.64 %, p < 0.001). The extent of patients with hypokalaemia or hyperkalaemia didn't vary between the two groups. Patients on insulin treatment were more likely to have hyponatremia than noninsulin patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Type 2 DM patients specifically those who have uncontrolled diabetes mellitus have an increased chance to develop dyselectrolytemia. The most well-known electrolyte disturbances seen were hyponatremia followed by hypocalcaemia in our study and they were generally predominant among patients with uncontrolled DM. KEYWORDS Type 2 Diabetes, Dyselectrolytemia, Hyperglycaemia, Fasting Blood Glucose, Hyponatremia
An Analytical Study Carried Out to Identify Symptoms of Occupational Lung Diseases and Preventive Measures among Workers Involved in Marble Industries in Rajsamand District of Rajasthan
Authors: Gupta Kalika , Parmar Mitin , Bhavsar Pranav , Chaudhary Milan
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Occupational lung diseases are diseases affecting the respiratory system, including occupational asthma, black lung disease and many more. Workers exposed to marble dust stand an increased risk of suffering from asthma symptoms, chronic bronchitis, nasal inflammation and impairment of lung functions. The recognition of occupational causes can be made difficult by years of latency between exposure in the workplace and the occurrence of disease. Through this study, authors have established the importance of early identification of symptoms of occupational lung diseases and the importance of preventive measures that can be applied to reduce incidence of such diseases. METHODS This was a cross sectional community-based study conducted on 340 marble mining or cutting workers of Rajnagar [Morwar], Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, for a duration of three months. Workers were clinically examined and asked about environmental conditions and use of preventive measures through a questionnaire designed by the investigators and with the help of pamphlets and videos, educational interventions were provided. RESULTS Almost 90 % of the workers didn’t use protective measure like mask or shield. Among the 10 % workers who were using safety measures, 60 % were using face mask and 20 % were using apron at the work place. After the educational intervention given by investigators, around 63 % had started using various safety measures. CONCLUSIONS Early interventions after development of symptoms are important as they can decrease chances of further worsening of the condition. Health education, periodic health check-ups and use of protective measures are the essence in preventing occupational lung diseases. KEYWORDS Occupational Lung Disease, Cough, Marble Workers, Silicosis
Acute Appendicitis - Diagnostic Value of Direct and Indirect Ultrasonographic Signs - A Retrospective Study in Bangalore Rural
Authors: Venkateswaran Prashanth , Anuradha Vinjamuri , Shirbur Puneet
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Acute appendicitis is one of the commonest causes of pain abdomen. Appendicitis has a good prognosis but a delay in diagnosis may result in risk of perforation, peritonitis, abscess formation, sepsis, and even death. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted from December 2019 to April 2020 in MVJ Medical College and the pre-operative ultrasonographic images of all the patients who underwent surgery for suspected acute appendicitis were reviewed. A total of 50 such cases were found and included in the study. The direct signs were enlarged appendix, hyperaemia of wall of appendix, non-compressibility and appendicolith. The indirect signs were increased echogenicity and thickening of mesenteric fat in right iliac fossa (RIF), increased vascularity in RIF, thickening of caecal wall, RIF probe tenderness, free fluid in the RIF and mesenteric lymphadenopathy. RESULTS 32 (64 %) were in the adult age group and 18 (36 %) patients were in the paediatric age group (below 18 years); the mean age was 38 years. 68 % (34) of the study population were males and 32 % (16) were females. At least one direct sign was present in 86 % of the cases, 2 and 3 direct signs were seen in 80 % and 56 % of the cases respectively. At least 1 indirect sign was noted in 97 % of the cases, 2 and 3 indirect signs were seen in 90 % and 70 % of the cases respectively. 2 cases had no indirect signs and all indirect signs were present in none of the cases studied. In the absence of direct signs, RIF probe tenderness (98 %) and increased echogenicity & thickness of mesenteric fat in RIF (86 %) were the most noted indirect signs in acute appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS There was a high incidence of indirect ultrasonography (USG) signs, of which the sign with maximum incidence was probe tenderness in 98 % of the cases, and increased mesenteric fat echogenicity in the RIF in 86 %. Among direct signs of acute appendicitis enlarged appendix (95 %) had the highest incidence followed by non-compressibility of appendix (90 %). KEYWORDS Acute Appendicitis, Ultrasound
Assessment of Microvascular Density in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Jojan Neenu , Sukumaran Geetha
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly malignant but rare tumour arising from the bile duct, with a dismal prognosis owing to the advanced stage at presentation. A complete surgical resection is the only curative treatment available till date. There is an increase in the incidence of this tumour, especially intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The objective of the present study was to assess the microvascular density in cholangiocarcinoma and its relationship to grade, which itself is a separate and important prognostic factor. METHODS All the specimens of cholangiocarcinomas received in the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Trivandrum, during a two-year period is included in the study (n = 26). Grading of tumours was done from H & E sections. Microvascular density was assessed using immunostaining with CD34 and counted using the method published by Weidner et al. RESULTS A total of 26 cases were studied. There was a male preponderance (57.7 %) with a mean age incidence of 55.77 years. Most of the tumours were located extra hepatically. 53.8 % were moderately differentiated tumours. Only 15 % of tumours showed lymph node metastases. Median microvascular density score was 15 vessels per high power field. High microvascular density was found in higher grade tumours. Although 75 % of the cases with lymph node metastases had high microvascular density, there was no significant correlation between microvascular density and nodal metastases, probably due to few cases of nodal metastases in the present study. CONCLUSIONS This study concludes that microvascular density in cholangiocarcinoma has a positive correlation with the grade of the tumour which itself is a significant prognostic factor. Hence, microvascular density can be used as a prognostic indicator especially in cases of incomplete resection and inadequate lymph node harvest. It may also be helpful in studying the possibility of newer therapeutic measures like anti-angiogenic treatment modalities. KEYWORDS VD, CD34, Grade, Cholangiocarcinoma
Addition of Dexamethasone to Prophylactic Granisetron in Children Undergoing Ocular Surgeries – A Randomised Controlled Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Shiv Kumar Koilada , Anand Rajan , Bagchi Debasis
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Postoperative nausea and vomiting are highly prevalent after ophthalmic surgeries in the paediatric age group. In this randomised, double-blind prospective clinical trial, we studied and compared the efficacy of granisetron and combination of granisetron with dexamethasone to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after paediatric ocular surgeries. METHODS Sixty paediatric patients (06 - 12 yrs. of age) undergoing elective ocular surgeries were randomly allocated to one of the two groups of 30 patients each. Group (G) received granisetron 40 mcg kg–1 intravenously as a bolus before induction of anaesthesia. Group (G + d) received granisetron 40 mcg kg–1 & dexamethasone 0.1 mg kg–1 intravenously as a bolus before induction. Student t-test, Fisher exact test were used wherever applicable for statistical analysis using SPSS version 15.0. RESULTS A complete response (defined as no post-operative nausea and vomiting and no need for another rescue antiemetic) was achieved in 63.3 % of patients who received granisetron alone and in 96.7 % of patients who received granisetron plus dexamethasone. We found nil difference in complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS We found that addition of dexamethasone to granisetron is more effective and beneficial than granisetron alone in preventing postoperative emesis in 1st 24 hours. KEYWORDS Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting, Anaesthesia, Granisetron, Dexamethasone
Ultrasound Assessment of Kidney Sizes in Different Age Groups without Renal Disease
Authors: Nazma Nazma , Hariprasad Palakurthy
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Ultrasound imaging is a lightweight, effective, non-invasive, and radiation-free imaging tool. It helps to diagnose and treat many renal disorders, as it is known that renal size is closely related to its function. Study was carried out among individuals who do not have renal disease to investigate the normal parameters of the renal size and cortical thickness by ultrasound and determine the normal curves for these parameters that can be compared with those of patients with renal disease. METHODS This was a prospective observational study carried out in the departments of nephrology and radiology. A total of 500 balanced normotensive, male and female volunteers, between the ages of 18 and 80 years, were enrolled in the study. RESULTS Body mass index, left length, left breadth, right cortical thickness, left cortical thickness and body surface area is statistically significant with respect to gender. There is a difference between the right length, breadth, and left breadth that is not statistically significant with respect to gender. Body mass index is negatively correlated with the right breadth and left cortical thickness. The right length is positively correlated with body mass index, left length, left breadth, and right cortical thickness. Further, it is negatively correlated with the right breadth, left breadth, and left cortical thickness. Right breadth is positively and significantly correlated with body mass index, left length, left breadth, and right cortical thickness. Further, it is correlates negatively with the right length and left cortical thickness. CONCLUSIONS Our study concludes that when the height and weight of the subject were correlated with renal volume and length in both sexes, there was an important positive relationship. This association between renal volume and the height and weight of the subject was relatively stronger. KEYWORDS Renal Disease, Ultrasound, Renal Length, Cortical Thickness
Caesarean Section Analysis of the Rate According to Robson Ten Group Classification
Authors: R Srividhya , K Jhansi Rani
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND In current and subsequent births, Caesarean sections bear their own risks for maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. In contrast with vaginal delivery, Caesarean section has increased risk of blood transfusion, hysterectomy and death and the risk of uterine rupture, placenta accreta and placenta previa in future pregnancies is also increased. We wanted to analyse the Caesarean section rate using Robson ten group classification system & identify the leading groups contributing to high caesarean section rates using Robson ten group classification system. METHODS This observational descriptive study enrolled 11,090 women who underwent delivery, of whom 5117 (46.14 %) women delivered vaginally and 5973 (53.86 %) women delivered through Caesarean section. RESULTS Overall caesarean section percentage was 53.86 %. Major contributors for the CSR were Group 5, 2 and 1 in that order. CS rate in Group 5 and 1 is relatively increased. Ratio of relative size of Group 1 and 2 is 1:2 indicating a greater number of prelabour caesarean sections in nulliparous women. Caesarean section rate in Group 1 and 2 was 15.7 % and 20.1 % respectively. The main indications for caesarean sections being fetal distress, non-progressive labour and severe oligohydramnios / anamnios. Relative size of Group 1 and 5 was 47.3 % stating that most of the obstetric population was in Group 1 and 5. Caesarean section rate in Group 3 and Group 4 was relatively higher than expected; this may be due to our institute being a referral center. Group 5 contributed 45.7 % to overall caesarean section rate. CONCLUSIONS Standardisation of indication of Caesarean deliveries, regular audits and definite protocols in hospital will aid in decreasing the Caesarean section rate in hospital. KEYWORDS Kidney Size, Ultrasound Assessment, Age Groups
Clinical Profile and Practices of Safety Measures of Patients Who Have Attended Outpatient Unit of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South India during National Lockdown Period
Authors: B.S. Sindhu , S Sujatha , Alex Soumya , Rajendran Gadha Lakshmi
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, was converted to a Covid hospital but there was no shutdown or restriction of functioning of routine nonCovid treatment services. Objectives were to study the clinical profile of patients visiting ENT outpatient department during national lockdown period, evaluate the usage of safety practices by patients to protect from Covid-19 infection and determine the proportion of patients using teleconsultation services. METHODS This is a descriptive study. All patients, who attended and / or given dates to visit the ENT outpatient department during study period were included in the study. Data collected was analysed using SPSS software version 25. RESULTS Among patients who visited the outpatient department, 54.3 % were males. Majority belonged to age group of above 40 years. 82 % of old patients on followup could not attend outpatient because of lack of transportation. Majority of new cases were road traffic accidents and acute infections of ear and nose. Although majority had access to treatment from hospitals in their locality, they did not utilise the option. 98 % were aware of COVID-19 infection and were practicing safety precautions. Only 13 patients out of 219 were using the facility of teleconsultation. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a wide gap in the present method of implementation of referrals to tertiary care. E medicine and teleconsultation services should be encouraged and used effectively. High rate of adoption of the safety measures among the public was another highlight obtained from this study. KEYWORDS Clinical Profile, COVID-19, Government Medical College, National Lockdown, Safety Practices
“Pirogov's Legacy: Past, Present, Future” – Ten Years After the Anniversary International Conference (to the 210th Anniversary of the Birth of N.I. Pirogov)
Authors: Fomin N. F.
Published: January 2021

The article is dedicated to the anniversary date, the 210th anniversary of the birth of the genius of Russian medicine, doctor and surgeon, anatomist and teacher, an outstanding citizen and ardent patriot of Russia – Nikolai Ivanovich Pirogov. On November 25, 2010, on the day of the 200th anniversary of the scientist, a memorial plaque was installed at the Department of Operative Surgery of the Academy, made in the Urals at the expense of cadets and being the only material monument in our country that reminds of this event. The article describes thelife path and stages of scientific activity of N.I. Pirogov, his contribution to science and the unconditional significance of his work for the development of clinical medicine and morphology. The international scientific conference “Pirogov's Legacy: Past, Present, Future”, held in November 2010, was a major event in the scientific life of many department teams of the Military Medical Academy and became a memorable part of the anniversary scientific events of St. Petersburg dedicated to the great scientist and organized by the Pirogov Surgical Society and the medical community of the city. This article presents the scientific works of N.I. Pirogov, which can rightfully be considered fundamental in the formation of modern morphology and medicine.
In Vitro Bacterial Leakage at the Implant-Abutment Connection of Two Dental Implant Systems with Internal Connection
Authors: Khajavi Azadeh , Mohseni Shabnam , Peymani Amir , Amjadi Mehrak
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Bacterial leakage at the implant-abutment interface is one of the main causes of peri-implant inflammation. One of the factors that influences bacterial leakage is the structural design of the interface. Considering the limited studies that have examined slip-joint connections, a comparative study of bacterial leakage was performed on two different systems namely Zimmer (Tapered Screw-Vent, Zimmer Dental) with slip-joint connection and Argon (Konus K3pro, Argon Implants) with conical connection.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-two implants were selected in 2 groups (11 Zimmer with slip-joint connection, and 11 Argon with conical connection) with similar platforms. Escherichia coli (E. coli) suspension (2 μL) was pipetted into the internal lumen of implants. The abutments were screwed onto the implants with a closing torque of 30 Ncm. The assemblies were placed in culture broth for 6, 24, 48 and 72 h, and 7 and 14 days. The colonies were counted and analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test (a=0.05).
Results: Microleakage was observed in 20% of the samples of conical connection group after 6 h to 2 days, and in 50% of the samples in slip-joint connection group after 3 to 7 days. There was a significant difference in bacterial leakage rate between the two implant groups (P<0.001) but no significant difference was seen in bacterial leakage over time (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Type of connection had a significant effect on bacterial leakage, but the rate of bacterial leakage did not significantly change over time.
Evaluación del algoritmo de desambiguación de autores de AMiner en un metabuscador académico de Ciencias de la Computación
Authors: Canteros Ana , Zamudio Eduardo , Kuna Horacio Daniel
Published: January 2021

La desambiguación de autores es un problema de gran relevancia para los sistemas de recuperación de información del ámbito académico. El algoritmo de desambiguación de nombres de AMiner representa uno de los enfoques basados en Aprendizaje Automático con mayor impacto en la actualidad. En este trabajo, se presenta una evaluación del algoritmo de desambiguación de nombres de AMiner para la desambiguación de autores en el contexto de un metabuscador académico del área de las Ciencias de la Computación. Los resultados experimentales con datos generados por el metabuscador académico dan cuenta de un desempeño promedio similar a la referencia. Asimismo, las evaluaciones experimentales permitieron identificar casos especiales de nombres de autores en el que el algoritmo presenta un bajo desempeño en comparación con el promedio. Este hallazgo permitió identificar una asociación aparente entre el bajo desempeño del algoritmo en contextos de varios autores con un mismo nombre y con pocas publicaciones.
An Overview of Medical Malpractice Law in the United States Including Legislative and the Health Care Industry’s Responses to Increased Claims
Authors: Heller Thomas Allan
Published: January 2021

Medical Malpractice claims are frequently asserted in the United States. At various time and places, an extraordinarily high number of claims and payouts led to what some have called medical malpractice crises. Consequently, in some geographical locations physicians either could not purchase malpractice insurance as carriers withdrew from the market, or, insurance became increasingly expensive and the overall costs associated with the delivery of health care continued to rise. Other undesirable consequences of these crises included a shortage of qualified physicians in certain parts of the country. Many of the states responded to these problems legislatively through a long series of tort reform measures. The health care industry itself has evolved in numerous ways. In particular, many health care providers have turned away from traditional private insurance models to self-insured models such as captives. Further, the industry has continued to consolidate, with fewer, but larger hospitals and clinics, and with an increasing number of physicians employed directly by hospitals and large clinics. The results of all of these changes have had mixed results.