bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DISKRIMINASI PENEGAKAN HUKUM DALAM PENANGANAN PENCURIAN ARUS LISTRIK DI DISTRIK DILI
Authors: Da Silva Fatima Nuno Saldanha
Published: February 2018

Diskriminasi Penegakan Hukum Dalam Penanganan PencurianAliran Listrik Di Distrik Dili Timor-Leste, tentang perlakuan terhadap sesama warga negara secara (Diskriminasi) karenakesejahteraan rakyat harus menjadi hukum tertinggi dalam suatu negara “salus publica suprema lex”. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitianhukum yuridis Empirik. Sifat penelitian ini adalah deskriptif yang mempergunakan data primer dan data sekunder.Hasil penelitian nenunjukan bahwa Setiap pelayanan yang diberikan pemerintah melalui Electricidade de Timor Leste(EDTL) sebagai penyalur energi kelistrikan mulai dari pembangkitan transmisi dan distribusi energi listrik yangmenjadi sumber pasokan ke seluruh masyarakat yang menyebar luas di Distrik Dili Timor Leste pada kenyataanya menyimpang dari amanat konstitusi yang ada untuk kesejahteraan rakyat. Penyimpangan yang terjadi ditindaklanjuti dengan tindakan hukum yang  tidak adil terhadap berbagai tingkatan/golongan yang ada dalam masyarakat sebagai pelanggan. Ketidakadilan dalam penanganan yang semestinya pada dasarnya terjadi karena adanya interfensi kekuasaan, baik ekonomi maupun politik.
Experimental Investigation into the Influence of Roundness and Sphericity on the Undrained Shear Response of Silty Sand Soils
Authors: Cherif Taiba Abdellah , Mahmoudi Youcef , Belkhatir Mostefa , Schanz Tom
Published: February 2018

Particle shape represents one of the key parameters that significantly influences the mechanical response, shear strength, deformation, and settlement characteristics of cohesionless soil deposits when subjected to static or dynamic loading conditions. Shear behavior of coarse-grained soils (gravel, gravelly sand, sandy gravel, sand, silty sand, or sandy silt) depends heavily on the two essential particle shape characteristics, which are termed roundness and sphericity. However, there are limited published studies available in the literature that deal solely with the effects of particle shape on shear-strain characteristics and shear behavior of granular soil deposits. Therefore, the veritable role of the particle shape parameter on soil behavior remains incomplete and requires further investigation. The present research work attempts to investigate the effects of particle shape on shear response of different categories of sand-silt mixtures under static triaxial loading conditions. For this purpose, a series of undrained compression triaxial tests was carried out on mixtures of Chlef (Algerian) rounded sand, Fontainebleau (France) subrounded sand, and Hostun (France) subangular sand mixed with low-plastic (Ip=5 %) rounded silty fines. All the sand-silt mixture samples were reconstituted at an initial relative density (Dr=52 %) and subjected to a constant confining pressure (P’c=100 kPa). An evaluation of particle shape characteristics of the tested materials (sand and silt) was performed using a digital microscope device. Two new indexes, termed combined roundness and combined sphericity based on the combination of sand and silt to account for the coupled effects of particle shape and fines content, were proposed. The test results are used to correlate the undrained shear strength of the silty sand soils to the particle shape characteristics. Therefore, particle shape appears to be an important soil index property that needs to be adequately identified, particularly for silty sand–silt mixture soils. The systematic identification of particle shape characteristics leads to a better understanding of silty sand behavior.
Positive Allosteric Modulation as a Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Warikoo Natasha , Brunwasser Samuel J. , Benz Ann , Shu Hong-Jin , Paul Steven M. , Lewis Michael , Doherty James , Quirk Michael , Piccio Laura , Zorumski Charles F. , Day Gregory S. , Mennerick Steven
Published: February 2018

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate receptors important for synaptic plasticity, memory, and neuropsychiatric health. NMDAR hypofunction contributes to multiple disorders, including anti-NMDAR encephalitis (NMDARE), an autoimmune disease of the CNS associated with GluN1 antibody-mediated NMDAR internalization. Here we characterize the functional/pharmacological consequences of exposure to CSF from female human NMDARE patients on NMDAR function, and we characterize the effects of intervention with recently described positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of NMDARs. Incubation (48 h) of rat hippocampal neurons of both sexes in confirmed NMDARE patient CSF, but not control CSF, attenuated NMDA-induced current. Residual NMDAR function was characterized by lack of change in channel open probability, indiscriminate loss of synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDARs, and indiscriminate loss of GluN2B-containing and GluN2B-lacking NMDARs. NMDARs tagged with N-terminal pHluorin fluorescence demonstrated loss of surface receptors. Thus, function of residual NMDARs following CSF exposure was indistinguishable from baseline, and deficits appear wholly accounted for by receptor loss. Coapplication of CSF and PAMs of NMDARs (SGE-301 or SGE-550, oxysterol-mimetic) for 24 h restored NMDAR function following 24 h incubation in patient CSF. Curiously, restoration of NMDAR function was observed despite washout of PAMs before electrophysiological recordings. Subsequent experiments suggested that residual allosteric potentiation of NMDAR function explained the persistent rescue. Further studies of the pathogenesis of NMDARE and intervention with PAMs may inform new treatments for NMDARE and other disorders associated with NMDAR hypofunction.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAnti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARE) is increasingly recognized as an important cause of sudden-onset psychosis and other neuropsychiatric symptoms. Current treatment leaves unmet medical need. Here we demonstrate cellular evidence that newly identified positive allosteric modulators of NMDAR function may be a viable therapeutic strategy.
What is actually the warning label on the package of cigarettes?
Authors: Tanasic Branislav R.
Published: February 2018

The year 1965 was very significant in the history of the tobacco industry. It was passed Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, which obliged the tobacco corporations to set up the labels on the health warning on every packet of cigarettes intended for sale in the USA. To remind you, this was passed Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, which obliged the tobacco corporations to set up the labels on the health warning on every packet of cigarettes intended for sale in the USA. This work examines the real effect of health warning label on the package of cigarettes. Why such a clear and unambiguous warning text has no influence on reducing the number of smokers.  What is the secret of the controversial nature of this label? These are the main questions that this research is trying to resolve. The study involved 50 participants, aged 20 to 40 years, active cigarette smokers  with dominant right hand. EEG recorded respecting the prescribed standard of electroencephalographic scanning.Research has shown to what extent the warning label does not affect the smokers to reduce the number of cigarettes but actually incentive the desire to smokers to light up a new cigarette. Conducted  EEG monitoring just proved that the warning label is actually hidden message  which smokers cannot resist, and this is a feature of the first-class subliminal message.
Neutrophil CD64 – A potential biomarker in patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections? – A literature review
Authors: Dimitrov Evgeni , Enchev Emil , Halacheva Krasimira , Minkov Georgi , Yovtchev Yovcho
Published: February 2018

Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIaIs) respresent a serious cause of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and well-timed treatment can improve patients’ outcome, whereas the delay in management often result in rapid progression to circulatory collapse, multiple organ failure, and death. Neutrophil CD64 antigen expression has been studied for several years as infectious and sepsis biomarker and has several characteristics that make it good for clinical employment. It has been suggested to be predictive of positive bacterial cultures and a useful test for management of sepsis and other significant bacterial infections. Our review concluded that the neutrophil CD64 expression could be a promising and meaningful biomarker in patients with cIaIs. It shows good potential for evaluating the severity of the disease and could give information about the outcome. However, more large studies should be performed before using it in clinical practice.
Streptococcus pneumoniae quorum sensing and biofilm formation are affected by Thymus daenensis, Satureja hortensis, and Origanum vulgare essential oils
Authors: Sharifi Aram , Ahmadi Ali , Mohammadzadeh Abdolmajid
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Thymus daenensis L., Satureja hortensis L., and Origanum vulgare L. essential oils (EOs) on the planktonic growth, biofilm formation, quorum sensing (QS), and competence system (CS) of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The anti-biofilm activity of EOs was determined by Microtiter-Plate Test (MtP) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The QS and CS inhibitory activities were determined on the pre-grown biofilm by gene expression analysis using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, the major components of the tested EOs were detected. The MtP and SEM detected a significant inhibitory effect of the three EOs on biofilm formation at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The most anti-biofilm activity was seen for T. daenensis. LuxS and pfs genes (genes involved in QS) downregulated the following treatment with MIC/2 of Thymus and Satureja EOs. Thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, pulegone, and 1,8-cineole were the major components of the tested EOs. The used EOs seem to be good candidates for preventing biofilm formation and subsequent colonization of S. pneumoniae. This study introduced T. daenensis and S. hortensis as new anti-biofilm and QS inhibitor agents with a natural origin.
Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome: the 60th anniversary of Eaton and Lambert's pioneering article
Authors: Lorenzoni Paulo José , Kay Cláudia Suemi Kamoi , Werneck Lineu Cesar , Scola Rosana Herminia
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT This historical review describes the contribution of Drs. Lee M. Eaton and Edward H. Lambert to the diagnosis of myasthenic syndrome on the 60th anniversary of their pioneering article (JAMA 1957) on the disease. There are important landmarks in their article on a disorder of the neuromuscular junction associated with thoracic neoplasm and the electrophysiological criteria for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). After 60 years, the main electrophysiological criteria described in Eaton and Lambert's pioneering article are still currently useful in the diagnosis of LEMS.
“Em público, é preciso se unir”: conflitos, demandas e estratégias políticas entre religiosos de matriz afro-brasileira na cidade do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Miranda Ana Paula Mendes de , Boniolo Roberta Machado
Published: February 2018

Resumo A cidade do Rio de Janeiro tem sido palco de conflitos e processos de mobilização política de religiosos de matriz afro-brasileira, que reivindicam políticas públicas voltadas ao direito de expressar sua religiosidade no espaço público. O objetivo deste artigo é o de problematizar, a partir de distintas experiências etnográficas, como se dá o processo de construção de discursos relacionados à reivindicação de direitos, envolvendo grupos cuja socialização política é distinta daquelas observadas entre grupos considerados mais “engajados” dos movimentos negros, mas cujas ações também produzem resultados na constituição de um campo político que inclui a dimensão religiosa. Neste sentido, produzimos uma reflexão acerca dos distintos e múltiplos modos de fazer e pensar a política, tomando como objeto a invenção de uma tecnologia de governo, deveras introjetada na vida social e nas práticas profissionais, que são as reuniões, e suas derivações, aqui associadas a eventos públicos. Ao tratá-las como mecanismos de governo foi possível analisar como os discursos acerca da cidadania são apresentados por seus representantes oficiais (policiais, políticos, professores, funcionários públicos, etc.) e apreendidos pelos religiosos de matriz afro-brasileira em dois contextos etnográficos distintos, que podem ser pensados como equivalentes na medida em que engendram práticas e gramáticas próprias.
O que faz a espiritualidade?
Authors: Toniol Rodrigo
Published: February 2018

Resumo Desde os anos de 1980, amplia-se o reconhecimento da espiritualidade como um tópico pertinente às questões de saúde. Nesse período, pesquisadores das ciências médicas passaram a se dedicar ao tema, a OMS o incluiu em seus documentos, e políticas públicas de saúde fizeram dele uma dimensão permanente do cuidado. Cada uma dessas formulações contribui para legitimar a sentença espiritualidade é saúde. Não estaria esse processo também instituindo novas articulações entre Estado e religião? Neste texto, abordo essa questão a partir da oferta e uso do reiki em um hospital público de Porto Alegre. A partir desse contexto, apresento reflexões sobre o modo pelo qual a ideia de espiritualidade estabelece configurações singulares para a presença da religião no espaço público.
Soybean agronomic performance in response to seeding rate and phosphate and potassium fertilization
Authors: Ferreira André S. , Balbinot Junior Alvadi A. , Werner Flávia , Franchini Júlio C. , Zucareli Claudemir
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT Most studies that found soybean high phenotypic plasticity under different seeding rates adopted the same fertilization levels used for the recommended seeding rates. Therefore, the interaction between these factors is little known. This study aims to assess the interaction between seeding rate and levels of phosphorus and potassium fertilization on soybean growth, grain yield and contents of protein and oil in the grains. The experiment was carried out under a randomized complete block design, in a split-plot scheme, with six replicates. Four seeding rates (150, 300, 440 and 560 thousand viable seeds ha-1) were used in the plots, and two levels of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer were applied in the subplots to meet the export of 3 and 6 t ha-1 of grains (level 1 = 30 kg ha-1 of P2O5 + 60 kg ha-1 of K2O; and level 2 = 60 kg ha-1 of P2O5 + 120 kg ha-1 of K2O). There was no interaction between the experimental factors. Increase in fertilizer doses did not alter the evaluated characteristics, regardless of the seeding rate. Seeding rate did not change grain yield or protein and oil contents, but at low densities there was an increase in the number of pods per plant, apparent harvest index and SPAD index.
Performance of methods for estimation of table beet water requirement in Alagoas
Authors: Santos Daniella P. dos , Santos Célia S. dos , Silva Leiliane M. da , Santos Márcio A. L. dos , Santos Cícero G. dos
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT Optimization of water use in agriculture is fundamental, particularly in regions where water scarcity is intense, requiring the adoption of technologies that promote increased irrigation efficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate evapotranspiration models and to estimate the crop coefficients of beet grown in a drainage lysimeter in the Agreste region of Alagoas. The experiment was conducted at the Campus of the Federal University of Alagoas - UFAL, in the municipality of Arapiraca, AL, between March and April 2014. Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was estimated in drainage lysimeters and reference evapotranspiration (ETo) by Penman-Monteith-FAO 56 and Hargreaves-Samani methods. The Hargreaves-Samani method presented a good performance index for ETo estimation compared with the Penman-Monteith-FAO method, indicating that it is adequate for the study area. Beet ETc showed a cumulative demand of 202.11 mm for a cumulative reference evapotranspiration of 152.00 mm. Kc values determined using the Penman-Monteith-FAO 56 and Hargreaves-Samani methods were overestimated, in comparison to the Kc values of the FAO-56 standard method. With the obtained results, it is possible to correct the equations of the methods for the region, allowing for adequate irrigation management.
Agronomic characteristics of common bean and castor bean hybrids in intercropping and monocropping
Authors: Lisboa Cristiane F. , Silva Deyner D. A. , Teixeira Itamar R. , Silva Alessandro G. da , Mota José H.
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT Common bean has great importance in the Brazilian economy and castor bean is still emerging in Midwestern Brazil, but with great potential of exploitation by farmers due to the prevailing climatic conditions and flat topography. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of common bean cultivars and castor bean hybrids in intercropping and monocropping under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Cerrado region. The randomized block design was used in 4 x 2 + 6 factorial scheme, with three replicates. Treatments were composed of four cultivars of common beans (BRS Pérola, BRS Esteio, BRSMG Realce and BRS Pitanga) intercropped with two castor bean hybrids (Tamar and Ag Ima), plus the respective crops in monocropping. In common bean cultivars, plant height was influenced in the intercropping with castor bean hybrids; however, agronomic characteristics of the castor bean hybrids were not influenced by common bean cultivars. The intercropping between common bean cultivars (BRS Esteio, BRSMG Realce and BRS Pitanga) and castor bean hybrids (Tamar and Ag Ima) was classified as viable by the area equivalence index, since this index presented values greater than 1.0 for the intercropping between these cultivars. This fact indicates that it would take more than one hectare in monocropping to produce the same amount than one hectare in intercropping.
Agronomic performance of Italian zucchini as a function of phosphate fertilization
Authors: Souza Francisco I. de , Grangeiro Leilson C. , Souza Valdívia de F. L. de , Gonçalvez Francisco das C. , Oliveira Fábio H. T. de , Jesus Priscila M. M. de
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT The objective of this research was to evaluate the agronomic performance of Italian zucchini as a function of phosphate fertilization. The experiments were carried at the Rafael Fernandes Experimental Farm, Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region, Mossoró, RN, Brazil, from August to November 2015 and from July to September 2016. The experimental design was randomized blocks in 2 x 5 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the combination of two cultivars (Caserta and Alícia) and five doses of phosphorus (0, 40, 78, 120 and 150 kg ha-1 of P2O5). Phosphorus doses associated with the maximum marketable yields estimated were smaller for Alícia than for Caserta in the period from August to November 2015. In the period from July to September 2016, these estimated doses were higher for Alícia compared with Caserta. Alícia, regardless of crop season, was superior to Caserta. Zucchini cultivation from July to September of 2016 resulted in higher fruit yield in comparison to the period from August to November 2015.
Adaptability and phenotypic stability of sugarcane clones
Authors: Regis Jiuli Ani Vilas Boas , Andrade João Antonio da Costa , Santos Adriano dos , Moraes Aparecido , Trindade Rafael William Romo , Henriques Hermano José Ribeiro , Polis Bruno Henrique , Oliveira Luiz Carlos
Published: February 2018

Abstract: The objective of this work was to select superior sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) clones with good stability and adaptability, considering the genotype x environment interaction in two productive cycles. Twenty-five early clones plus five control clones were evaluated during two cuts (ratoon cane and plant cane) in 24 environments. A randomized complete block design was used, with three replicates. Tons of stems per hectare and tons of pol per hectare were evaluated. To verify adaptability and stability, the bisegmented regression and the multivariate (AMMI and GGE biplot) methods were used. According to the three methods, which are complementary regarding the desired information, the most promising clones in terms of stability and general adaptability are G5, G12, and G13; the last two are closest to the ideal genotype. The G13 clone is highly productive in favorable and unfavorable environments, presenting the highest averages for ton of stems and pol per hectare. The G3, G4, G10, G15, G17, G18, G22, G23, G25, G26, and G30 clones are not recommended for the 24 evaluated environments.
Escherichia coli as uropathogen: antibiotic susceptibility profiling
Authors: Jha Anuja , Agrawal Manju , Neral Arvind , Hishikar Rajesh , Maheshwari Basant
Published: February 2018

Background: Empirically chosen antibiotics based on the local resistance pattern of uropathogens remain the principle treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI).Methods: Antibiogram of most frequent uropathogen was determined. Based on the antibiogram result, authors compared effectiveness of drugs recommended for UTI by National centre for disease control (NCDC), India, and assessed age and gender based variability in the effectiveness of these drugs.Results: 1278 urine samples were accounted, of which 405 samples showed significant growth. E. coli was the most common uropathogen (n=146, 36%) followed by enterococcus species (31%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10%). Using McNemar’s test authors found that nitrofurantoin (90% sensitivity) was statistically the most effective drug among drugs recommended by NCDC for uncomplicated cystitis. Furthermore, authors used Fisher’s exact test on adults and paediatrics and found that significant difference in effectiveness was observed for nitrofurantoin (p-value <0.001) and cotrimoxazole (p-value 0.034). Using logistic regression, authors found that with age, effectiveness of ciprofloxacin and cotrimoxazole deteriorate significantly (p-value 0.021 and 0.002 respectively). Additionally, authors observed that cotrimoxazole has significantly better efficacy in males compared to females (p-value 0.022).Conclusions: In accordance with present study, nitrofurantoin can be used as first line treatment for uncomplicated cystitis. Age and gender should be considered while prescribing empirical treatment for UTI. Periodic surveillance should be carried out to identify the on-going pattern of antibiogram to update the guideline for empirical therapy.
Efficacy of Vitamin C and Vitamin E as an add on therapy in diabetic foot ulcer and red blood cell morphology as a biomarker of oxidative stress: a randomized, open label, comparative pilot study
Authors: B. Vasanthi , T. J. Ainsy Goldlin
Published: February 2018

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of increased morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Foot ulcer is one of the long term complications of diabetes. Oxidative stress plays a major role in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its long term complications. Impaired wound healing in diabetic individuals is due to ischemia and hypoxia occurring as a consequence of oxidative stress. Vitamin C and E have antioxidant property. This study aims to assess their efficacy in healing of diabetic ulcer. Objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin C and E in healing diabetic foot ulcer.Methods: 60 adult patients with diabetic foot ulcer were randomized to test and control groups (30 in each). Treatment period was 12 weeks + 4 weeks follow up per patient. After obtaining written informed consent, patients in test group received Vitamin C (500mg BD) and Vitamin E (400mg BD) for 12 weeks along with standard treatment for diabetes and antibiotics for foot ulcer.Results: At the end of 12 weeks, increase in healing of foot ulcer assessed by percent reduction of ulcer area in study group 72.50% than control group 39.67% (p<0.001) was observed. There was a significant reduction of fasting blood glucose, Oxidative stress induced damage to RBCs and BP in the study group compared to control group. No serious adverse effects occurred.Conclusions: Vitamin C and E reverse oxidative stress induced morphological changes in RBCs, improve anemia and increase blood flow to ulcer area. Hence they are highly effective in healing diabetic foot ulcer along with standard therapy.
Crossword puzzle: a tool for enhancing medical students' learning in microbiology and immunology
Authors: S. Mohan B. , Nambiar Vinod , Gowda Shivaraj , Arvindakshan Rajeev
Published: February 2018

Background: Incorporation of active-learning methods into classroom allows students to be motivated and enhances their learning experience. Crossword puzzles are found to be an interesting educational tool for teaching medical students as it evokes interest, motivates, enhances their critical thinking, allows a better understanding of concepts, and helps in reinforcing the material acquired during lecture. Aims and Objectives of the research work was intended to implement and evaluate the use of crossword puzzle as a tool in effective learning of Microbiology and Immunology.Methods: Using free online resources, crossword puzzles were created and provided to the students during microbiology and immunology lectures. Students’ perceptions of the crossword puzzle activity were assessed through an 8-item questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale. The data was collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed.Results: More than 85% of the students indicated that crossword puzzles enhanced their learning, oriented them to the important topics, and served as good tool in effective learning of microbiology and immunology.Conclusions: Students perceived that crossword puzzles enhanced their learning of microbiology and immunology. Use of crossword puzzles provides a simple, creative, and effective means to incorporate active learning of microbiology and immunology in the classroom.
Prevalence of type and etiology of lung cancer among the patients presented to a tertiary care hospital at central Kerala: a descriptive study
Authors: Thomas Vadakkan Devassy , Jose Binila , Rennis Davis Kizhakkepeedika
Published: February 2018

Background: Lung cancer remains the most common cause of premature mortality in men in developing countries. This study was aimed to evaluate the type and etiological factors of lung cancer in patients presented to a tertiary care hospital of central Kerala.Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in patients who were diagnosed as lung cancer. The medical records of such patients were reviewed. The data such as age, gender, etiological risk factors and type of lung cancer were collected. Patients with incomplete reports or repeated tests, or histopathological findings were negative for lung cancers were excluded from the study.Results: Total 228 patients were included in the study with age of 64.71± 9.75. The male (198) and female (30) ratio was 6.6:1, indicated the male dominance. Among the histological types, the squamous cell carcinoma was 29% (68/228) found as the most prevalent type which is followed by adenocarcinoma 26 % (61/228). The right side (132/228) lobe was the major segment than the left side (91/228). Similarly, incidence in the central region (128/228) was more than the peripheral region (69/228). Among the right side, the upper lobe was dominant when compared to the lower or middle lobe. The lower left lobe incidence was found in 47/228 cases. Among the total, 188 cases were tobacco smokers while the remaining were nonsmokers.Conclusions: Squamous cell carcinoma with right side upper lobe of lung was prevalent among the lung cancer cases. Tobacco smoking was found to be the major etiological factor.
Computed tomographic scanning measurement of skull bone thickness: a single center study
Authors: Farzana Fowzia , A. Shah Bashir , Shadad Shaheen , Zia ul Haq Peerzada , Sarmast Arif , Ali Zulfiqar
Published: February 2018

Background: Computerized tomography scan (CT scan) can be useful for the measuring the calvarial thickness in human beings. This could help in identifying the racial and the gender variations in calvarial thickness in a population. The data obtained about calvarial thickness study in human population may be useful for researchers, anatomists, anthropologists, surgeons and manufacturers of surgical screws.Methods: This was an observational study carried out on 104 subjects, with a normal computerized tomography CT scan of the head. Any subject with a skull fractures or an underlying intracranial lesion were excluded from study. A total of 52 males and 52 females who presented in the radiology department for CT head were studied in a consecutive manner. The thickness of skull bone was measured on console (Somatom, Siemens 16 slice).Results: Our study population consisted of 52 male and 52 female subjects. The mean age for males was 48.03 (Range 18-70) years and while as the mean age of females was 47.37 (Range 18-73) years. We did not find any difference in the thickness of the frontal bone at upper third, middle third and lower third between the two sexes. However, the posterior third parietal bone, the anterior and middle third occipital bone was significantly thicker in females when compared to males.Conclusions: Our study suggests that the anterior third of the parietal bone has a more calvarial thickness on the right side than on the left side in both males and females. However, the female calvarium has a significantly thicker calvarium at the posterior third parietal; anterior and middle third occipital bones when compared to male counterparts showing a sexual dimorphism in our study population.
Polynomial approach modeling among diabetic patients associated with age in rural hilly population of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand
Authors: Pandey Shubham , Singh Ankit , Gaur Ashish
Published: February 2018

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a form of infections that includes issues with the hormone insulin. It is described by constant rise of blood glucose level surprising ordinary esteem. In this paper, an exertion has been made to fit scientific model to diabetic patients and additionally its total dispersion for both genders related with time of rural population from Dehradun district, Uttarakhand.Methods: For this reason, the information have been taken from field overview in rural hilly population of Dehradun district. In this investigation, an endeavor has been given to demonstrate that the polynomial model is attempted to fit to the conveyance of diabetic patients related with age and also its cumulative distribution.Results: The fitted model provides statistically significant values with R2=0.9997 and ρcv2= 0.994857. This is the polynomial of degree four, i.e. bi-quadratic polynomial model. The polynomial model is assumed for the cumulative distribution of diabetic patients associated with age and the fitted model provides statistically significant values providing R2= 0.99998 and ρcv2= 0.999983 and shrink-age coefficient=0.00001414. This is the polynomial of degree three, i.e. cubic polynomial model. From this statistic we see that the fitted models are highly cross-validated, and their shrinkages are 0.004842857 and 0.00001414 for the models (1) and (2) respectively.Conclusions: It is discovered that the distribution of diabetic patients for both genders related with age takes after bi-quadratic polynomial model. In addition, it is found that cumulative distribution of diabetic patients takes as cubic polynomial model. Cross validity prediction power is utilized to the fitted model to verify the stability of the model in this study.
A clinical study of Fournier’s gangrene and use of honey dressing in treatment
Authors: Ugane Subodh P. , Kalbagwar Shrikant K. , Kurane Sanjot B.
Published: February 2018

Abstract- backgroundFournier’s gangrene is necrotizing fasciitis involving genitals and perineal regions.  Fournier’s gangrene is a surgical emergency. If not treated immediately it spreads rapidly causing septicemia leading to death. Mainstay of treatment is surgical and regular dressing. Various dressing materials are available like eusol,  in our study we use Honey as dressing material. This is a small work to attempt to study incidence, etiology and pathogenesis and use of dressing for the treatment of Fournier’s Gangrene.Materials and methods in our study we study 40 male patients of Fournier’s gangrene. We studied clinico- pathology of disease and use of honey dressing for the management of Fournier’s gangrene. Out of 40 patients 18 were treated with honey as dressing material and remaining 22 with eusol.Results- 40 patients were admitted and majority of patients were in age group > 60 years mean age was 54.08 _ 15.47 years. Majority of patients belonged to lower socioeconomic class 82.5%. Most of patients presented in hospital within 7 days of initial symptoms. In this study etiological causes found in 85% of patients and among which most common were urogenital causes 32.5%. Majority of patients had chronic alcoholism and bad hygiene as predisposing factors. 25% were associated with diabetes mellitus. In this study 12% of patients were HIV positive. Most common organism found in pus culture was E.coli (42.5%) followed by Coagulase negative Staphylococci in 32.5%, Klebsiella in 12.5%, Pseudomonas in 7.5% and no organism were isolated in 5%.Mean days required for healthy granulation by honey dressing was 9.62+- 4.5 days and for eusol was 10.5 +- 3.79 days. In our study mortality was 22.5%.
Ultrasound and elastography imaging of carcinoma tongue with pathological correlation-a case report
Authors: Gupta Ayush , V. Phatak Suresh , Gupta Nipun , Rawekar Shishir
Published: February 2018

Here we are presenting a case of 45 years old female with history of ulcerative lesion on right lateral border of the tongue for 6 months with metastatic lesion in the liver. USG and Elastographic imaging findings are discussed.
A qualitative study to conceptualize levels of awareness, acceptance and expectations in parents of children with cerebral palsy in Gujarat, India
Authors: Ramanandi Vivek H. , Jayswal Maitry D. , Panchal Dhara N.
Published: February 2018

Background: Caring for a child with a disability presents a multifaceted challenge for managing and coping with the child’s functional limitations and possible long term dependence to the caregiver and family. A wide range of psychosocial problems are experienced by the parents of children with CP. As an important member of the rehabilitation team, Physiotherapists comes in regular and long term contact with family and care givers of the CP child. This increase responsibilities of a physiotherapist from more than just dealing with sensory-motor rehabilitation of a CP child to understand need and expectations and guide/counsel the caregiver, parents or family as and when needed. Studies like this can provide valuable information for designing a family centered care program for children with CP. Objective of present study was to identify the main concepts which represent levels of awareness, acceptance and their expectations in parents of children with cerebral palsy in Gujarat.Methods: Qualitative research design using in-depth semi structured interviews was used for the study. Total 21 parents were selected using purposive sampling and were interviewed till data saturation was achieved. The main descriptive elements regarding their levels of awareness, acceptance and expectations were extracted using content analysis method.Results: Common themes such as disturbed social relationships, health problems, financial problems, worries about future of the child, need for more support services, and lack of adequate number of trained physiotherapists were experienced by the parents.Conclusions: A wide range of experiences were described by the parents of children with CP. Studies like this can provide valuable information for improving depth and quality of rehabilitation services by a physiotherapist through a family centered care program for children with CP.
Study of renal profile in septicemic neonates
Authors: Bhutada Sharwari J. , Bokade Chandrakant M.
Published: February 2018

Background: Neonatal sepsis can cause multiorgan involvement causing neonatal morbidity and mortality. The kidneys are an important organ affected in septicemic newborns. In this study we evaluated the renal functions and its association with various risk factors along with outcome in septicemic neonates.Methods: This study was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The sample size was 276 cases of septicemic new-borns and study duration was 2 years. The profile of acute renal failure (ARF) and various risk factors were studied in a sample of 276 septicemic neonates. Detailed clinical examination and investigations were done to confirm the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and the occurrence of ARF was studied among these septicemic newborns. Risk factors like birth weight, gestational age, shock, etiological agents, DIC were studied for the occurrence of ARF and mortality in ARF patients among septicemic neonates.Results: 30.07% of septicemic neonates developed ARF. DIC (p value=0.014), shock (p value=<0.0001), gestational age (p value=0.005), birth weight (p value=0.003), were found to be analytically significant for the occurrence of ARF. Birth weight (p value=0.006), age of onset of sepsis (p value=0.019), shock (p value =<0.0001), oliguria (p value =<0.0001), and DIC (p value=0.015) were significant predictors of mortality in ARF among septicemic neonates.Conclusions: Awareness and early identification of various risk factors and ARF in septicemic neonates can prevent morbidity and mortality among neonates.
Nutritional status and its influencing factors among adolescents in rural field practice area of a medical college in Karnataka, India
Authors: B. L. Anantha Narayana Gowda , B. N. Yamuna
Published: February 2018

Background: Good nutrition and dietary behavior are important during adolescence to achieve full growth potential and appropriate body composition and to promote health and well-being. Thus, the present study was conducted in order to assess the nutritional status and its influencing factors among the school going adolescents.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among the school going adolescents (Class V to Class X) in the rural field practice area of Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur from June 2015 to May 2016. Representative sample was drawn proportionately from each of the strata (school, class and gender). Anthropometric measurements, dietary assessment and clinical examination of study participants were made, and other information was collected using semi structured questionnaire. BMI-for-age and height-for-age were considered as the indicators and WHO Anthroplus software was used to calculate and assess the nutritional status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.Results: The prevalence of thinness and stunting were 32.3% and 25.8% respectively. The prevalence of overweight was 4.8%. The risk of malnutrition was significantly high among adolescents from BPL families, larger family size and the birth order of three and more (p <0.05).Conclusions: There is an immediate need to address the high burden of under-nutrition in adolescents of both sexes in schools by routine annual monitoring of nutritional status, appropriate management of affected child, providing nutritional counselling for underweight adolescents.
Maternal hypothyroidism and neonatal outcome
Authors: R. Shravani M. , D. Tharashree C. , T. Yashodha H.
Published: February 2018

Background: Hypothyroidism is widely prevalent in pregnant women and the rate of detection, especially in a developing country like India, has not kept pace with the magnitude of the problem. The present study was conducted to evaluate thyroid function in neonates born to mothers with hypothyroidism.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in KIMS Hospital Tertiary care center for 6 months. A total of 106 neonates born to mothers with hypothyroidism were included in the study. Thyroid functions of these babies were assessed at 72 hours of life.Results: In present study, 11.8 % of mothers were hypothyroid of which 87 % were subclinical hypothyroidism and 13 % of overt hypothyroidism due to adaptation of universal screening rather than targeted screening for hypothyroidism which would otherwise go unrecognised and untreated.Conclusions: All the babies had normal TSH and T4 levels which was probably due to early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment to the mothers with hypothyroidism.
Vitamin E levels in patients with controlled and uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Iranparvar Alamdari Manouchehr , Habibzadeh Shahram , Shahbazzadegan Bita , Mazani Mohammad , Bigdeli Amir , Shahbazi Ali
Published: February 2018

Background: Diabetes type 2 associates with increased oxidative stress and reduced antioxidant. Vitamin E supplementation reduces oxidative stress in diabetic patients. We intended to measure the level of this vitamin in these patients to assess its relationship in control of patients' diabetes by designing present study.Methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study and carried out on 186 patients with diabetes type 2 diagnosis. The levels of HbA1C (measured by HPLC method), TG, cholesterol, HDL, LDL and Cr were measured, and given to that the level of HbA1C lower than 7 (controlled group) and or more than 7 (uncontrolled group), patients were divided in two groups. Were designed a check list involved questions such as age and information of each patient associated with measured vitamin E level were entered into the check list and after that were analyzed data.Results: In the existing study 186 diabetic patients were examined. From within examined patients, 129 (69.3%) were women and the rest were men and average patients age were 53.33±11.2. In this study was observed there was no direct correlation between the level of cholesterol (p=0.284), LDL (p=0.538( and HDL (p=0.362) with controlled DM II in patients while in uncontrolled diabetic the triglyceride levels was more than those with controlled blood sugar significantly (p=0.046(. The average vitamin E level in patients was 1488.6±692.2 nmol/l its lowest level 114.4 nmol/l and the highest level was 6235 nmol/l.Conclusions: The results of this study show that the vitamin E levels no significant difference between control and non-control diabetic patients.
Patient satisfaction in health care facility in hilly areas of Uttarakhand
Authors: B. Venkatashiva Reddy , Gupta Arti , Semwal Vandana , Singh Amit Kumar
Published: February 2018

Background: Patient satisfaction is a proxy indicator of the quality of doctor or hospital performance. The present study aimed at to assess the patient satisfaction in the outpatient department of rural and urban health training centre, Uttarakhand, North India.Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study. Simplified questionnaire was used for interviewing patients. For measurement of patient satisfaction in the outpatient department patient satisfaction questionnaire 18 was used with additional indices for nursing and paramedical staff.Results: A total of 200 patients participated in the study. Overall majority of them were females 112 (60%). Mean age of the patients was 40.4±19.5 years. Mean distance travelled to reach health facility was 13.5±21.6 km. The mean score for general satisfaction was 3.96±0.63, for financial aspects was 3.82±0.71, for accessibility and convenience was 3.81±0.65, for interpersonal manner of doctor 4.29±0.78, for communication of doctor 4.38±0.67, for technical quality was 4.05±0.58 and for time spent during the visit was 4.21±0.70. In the hierarchical stepwise multiple linear regression analysis the final model explained 85% of the variance in patient satisfaction.Conclusions: Overall, patients expressed satisfaction with the care provided. These ratings may reflect modest patients' expectations as well as acceptable circumstances and performance.
Derivation of cut-off value for a 10 item opinion based ordinal survey questionnaire
Authors: Arumugam Balaji , E. Suganya , Nagalingam Saranya
Published: February 2018

Background: Questionnaire is the most common tool for data collection in most of the study designs. In spite of the advantage of using a standardized questionnaire for generalising the study findings, the major disadvantage is that all the population is never the same and its similarity exists only with the presence of heterogeneity, hence, any universal cut-off value cannot be used for the diverse population. This makes it clear that determination of cut-off value for any content validated questionnaire to the specified study population is essential, in order to make the study tool more effective.Methods: This study was done to determine the cut-off value of psychometric scale of selfie addiction, which was content validated. A detailed mathematical model was used to determine the cut off value. Item analysis was done. Discrimination index, weightage of each item and correction factor was calculated to determine the cut-off value.Results: The total weighted score, total raw score and correction factor are 28012.62 and 31,046, 0.9 respectively. The total adjusted scale cut-off is 30.43 (rounded as 30). The cut-off value based on crude mid-value is 25 and the cut off value determined for the standardised population is 21.Study population with cut-off value of >30 are considered to be a selfie addict, and those who have obtained a total score ≤30 are considered to be normal (non-selfie addict).Conclusions: Present study is one of its kind, in determining the cut-off value for a content validated psychometric scale without any gold standard. The above derived cut-off value of 30 for the psychometric scale of selfie addiction is valid for the specified population, as the Cronbach’s alpha, discrimination index and the correction factor is above 0.75.
A study on traditional beliefs and practices in newborn care among mothers in a tertiary health care centre in Vijayapura, North Karnataka
Authors: N. Nethra , Udgiri Rekha
Published: February 2018

Background: Culture is defined as a shared system of beliefs, values and behavioral expectations that provide social structure for daily living. Not all customs and beliefs are harmful. Some of them have positive values while others may be of no role or positively harmful for neonate’s health in various forms like physical, psychological, social development. The objective of the study was to explore the traditional beliefs and practices in new born care.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at post-natal ward of BLDEU’s Shri B M Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura from June 2015 to July 2015. A total of 200 mothers were interviewed and data was collected after obtaining the consent.Results: In the present study, majority of the mothers were in age group between 19-22 years (45%). 16% of the mothers discarded the colostrum believing it is harmful. Application of kajal to the newborn’s face and eyes will be practiced among 88%. 75% of the mothers practiced pouring oil into the ears.Conclusions: Findings of our study highlights some of the good practices in the newborn care which can be motivated, at the same time the harmful practices can be avoided by educating and counselling the mother and her family members.