bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ammonia Ices Revisited: New IR Intensities and Optical Constants for Solid NH3
Authors: Hudson Reggie L. , Gerakines Perry A. , Yarnall Yukiko Y.
Published: February 2022

Solid ammonia (NH3) is the only nitrogen-containing polyatomic molecule reported in both interstellar and solar system ices. However, an examination of the literature reveals significant omissions and difficulties in earlier work that can hinder quantitative measurements of solid NH3 by infrared (IR) methods by both astronomical observers and laboratory spectroscopists. Here we reinvestigate the IR spectra of NH3 ices in amorphous and crystalline forms to determine mid- and near-IR intensities. The IR absorption coefficients, band strengths, and optical constants are presented for both amorphous and crystalline NH3, along with new density and refractive index (λ = 670 nm) measurements needed to quantify our IR results. We find that two widely used approximate IR band strengths for amorphous NH3 are nearly 30% higher than measured values after corrections for the compound’s density. We have also used our new results to rescale two NH3 near-IR band strengths in the literature, finding that they increase by about 60%. Some applications of our new results are described along with suggestions for future studies. Optical constants are available in electronic form.
Application of Explicit Symplectic Integrators in a Magnetized Deformed Schwarzschild Black Spacetime
Authors: Huang Zongqiang , Huang Guoqing , Hu Airong
Published: February 2022

Following the latest work of Wu et al., we construct time-transformed explicit symplectic schemes for a Hamiltonian system on the description of charged particles moving around a deformed Schwarzschild black hole with an external magnetic field. Numerical tests show that such schemes have good performance in stabilizing energy errors without secular drift. Meantime, tangent vectors are solved from the variational equations of the system with the aid of an explicit symplectic integrator. The obtained tangent vectors are used to calculate several chaos indicators, including Lyapunov characteristic exponents, fast Lyapunov indicators, a smaller alignment index, and a generalized alignment index. It is found that the smaller alignment index and generalized alignment index are the fastest indicators for distinguishing between regular and chaotic cases. The smaller alignment index is applied to explore the effects of the parameters on the dynamical transition from order to chaos. When the positive deformation factor and angular momentum decrease, or when the energy, positive magnetic parameter, and the magnitude of the negative deformation parameter increase, chaos easily occurs for the appropriate choices of initial conditions and the other parameters.
The Effectiveness of Postpartum IUD Compared to Interval IUD in ‘Aisyiyah Hospital Klaten
Authors: Brahmana Ivanna Beru , Majdawati Ana , Inayati Inayati
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Postpartum IUD (PPIUD) insertion is performed 10 min after the placenta is born until 48 h postpartum, interval method is installed after 4 weeks postpartum. The use of this contraception will provide a distance between pregnancies not to be too close.

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of PPIUD and the interval on complaints and complications in acceptors.

METHODOLOGY: This study used a cross-sectional design. The subjects were women who gave birth vaginally and cesarean section at the ‘Aisyiyah Hospital Klaten with PPIUD and interval acceptors installed. Complaint data obtained through history taking, complications obtained from ultrasound, inspeculo examination, and vaginal swab. Data were analyzed by univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine subjects consisted of 82 (63.6%) PPIUD and 47 (36.4%) interval. On ultrasound examination, 126 (97.7%) subjects had no abnormalities, two (1.6%) had abnormalities, and one (0.8%) found ovarian cysts. On inspeculo examination, 89 (69.0%) subjects found no erotion, and 40 (31.0%) did not find abnormalities. Vaginal swab examination showed that 119 (92.2%) subjects had pathogenic bacteria, ten (7.8%) were normal. The fungus was positive in 75 (58.1%) subjects, and no fungus was in 54 (41.9%), while in NGO, positive was 18 (14.0%) subjects, and negative was 111 (86.0%). There was a significant relationship that the type of IUD insertion had husband’s complaints (p = 0.021), the erosion incidence (p = 0.011), the presence/absence of threads (p = 0.01), and the presence of fungus (0.00). PPIUD is more effective than interval IUD.

CONCLUSION: PPIUD is more effective in terms of the lack of complaints from the husband, the incidence of erosion, the presence or absence of threads, and found of fungus on the vaginal swab than interval IUD.
Carative Caring and Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Self Efficacy and Self Care of Covid-19 Patients
Authors: Kartini Yanis , Faizah Imamatul , Nursalam Nursalam , Ahsan Ahsan , Sari Ratna Yunita
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia is increasing in which it has an impact on psychosocial conditions for everyone. COVID-19 patients feel low and afraid because of without family assistance while being treated in the room so that the patient's self-efficacy and confidence decrease in carrying out patient self-care.
Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of giving carative caring and cognitive behavioral therapy on self-efficacy and self-care for COVID-19 patients.
Methods: The sampling technique used consecutive sampling to determine the sample according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, with a total sample of 106 respondents who were divided into 53 intervention groups and 53 control group respondents. The instruments used in this study were the caring behaviors assessment tool to measure carative caring. General self-efficacy was used to measure self-efficacy and exercise of self-care agency was used to measure self-care for COVID-19 patients. The data were analyzed using the t-test with a significant level of p<0.5.
Main Findings: The results showed that in the group the difference in the mean self-efficacy before and before the intervention was 10.17, while the difference in the mean of self-care before and after the intervention was 10.81. In the control group, the difference in the mean of self-efficacy before and after the intervention was 0.13, while the difference in the mean of self-care before and after the intervention was 0.02. Analysis of the data obtained showed that carative caring and cognitive-behavioral therapy had an effect on self-efficacy and self-care for COVID-19 patients with a p-value = 0.00.
Conclusion: Research that aims to analyze the effect of giving carative caring and cognitive behavioral therapy on self-efficacy and self-care for COVID-19 patients proves that carative caring and cognitive behavioral therapy have an effect on self-efficacy and self-care for COVID-19 patients.
Determinants of Incident Stunting in Elementary School Children in Endemic Area Iodine Deficiency Disorders Enrekang Regency
Authors: Abri Nur , Sirajuddin Saifuddin , Bahar Burhanuddin , Jafar Nurhaedar , Russeng Syamsiar S. , Zakaria Zakaria , Hadju Veni , Salam Abdul , Thaha Abdul Razak
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Stunting is a global health emergency, including in Indonesia. The prevalence of childhood stunting in 2019 in Enrekang amounted to 44.8%. Enrekang Regency is the area with the highest stunting and is an endemic area. Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is thought to be correlated with the incidence of stunting.

AIM: This study aims to identify the determinants of stunting in elementary school children in IDDs endemic areas in the Enrekang Regency.

METHODS: An observational analytic study with a cross-sectional approach. The subjects of this study were mothers and their children aged 6–12 years. 100 total samples were collected based on the purposive sampling method. Collecting data using a questionnaire, FFQ, iodine test kit, microtia, and palpation. Data analysis using chi-square and logistic regression.

RESULTS: The results showed that there was a relationship between maternal height (p = 0.020), diet (p = 0.049), PHBS practice (p = 0.012) on the incidence of stunting. While the use of iodized salt (p = 0.510) and palpation of the thyroid gland (p = 1000) were not associated with stunting. Lack of PHBS practices for children has a 6333-fold chance of experiencing stunting, while stunted mothers have a 5.583-fold chance of giving birth to stunting children.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a relationship between mother’s height, child’s diet, and PHBS practice with stunting. Analysis of determinants related to the incidence of stunting is very important so that it becomes input and empirical evidence to the regional governments in formulating policies to overcome the problem of stunting, which is the highest in South Sulawesi.
The curse of the uncultured fungus
Authors: Abarenkov Kessy , Kristiansson Erik , Ryberg Martin , Nogal-Prata Sandra , Gómez-Martínez Daniela , Stüer-Patowsky Katrin , Jansson Tobias , Põlme Sergei , Ghobad-Nejhad Masoomeh , Corcoll Natàlia , Scharn Ruud , Sánchez-García Marisol , Khomich Maryia , Wurzbacher Christian , Nilsson R. Henrik
Published: February 2022

The international DNA sequence databases abound in fungal sequences not annotated beyond the kingdom level, typically bearing names such as “uncultured fungus”. These sequences beget low-resolution mycological results and invite further deposition of similarly poorly annotated entries. What do these sequences represent? This study uses a 767,918-sequence corpus of public full-length fungal ITS sequences to estimate what proportion of the 95,055 “uncultured fungus” sequences that represent truly unidentifiable fungal taxa – and what proportion of them that would have been straightforward to annotate to some more meaningful taxonomic level at the time of sequence deposition. Our results suggest that more than 70% of these sequences would have been trivial to identify to at least the order/family level at the time of sequence deposition, hinting that factors other than poor availability of relevant reference sequences explain the low-resolution names. We speculate that researchers’ perceived lack of time and lack of insight into the ramifications of this problem are the main explanations for the low-resolution names. We were surprised to find that more than a fifth of these sequences seem to have been deposited by mycologists rather than researchers unfamiliar with the consequences of poorly annotated fungal sequences in molecular repositories. The proportion of these needlessly poorly annotated sequences does not decline over time, suggesting that this problem must not be left unchecked.
Moral Courage in Healthcare: Acting Ethically Even in the Presence of Risk
Authors: Murray John
Published: February 2022

Healthcare professionals often face complex ethical dilemmas in the workplace. Some professionals confront the ethical issues directly while others turn away. Moral courage helps individuals to address ethical issues and take action when doing the right thing is not easy. In this article the author defines moral courage, describes ongoing discussions related to moral courage, explains how to recognize moral courage, and offers strategies for developing and demonstrating moral courage when faced with ethical challenges
“Check the Writing Boards from the Time of Nebuchadnezzar”: an Inventory of Administrative Writing Boards in the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures
Authors: Nielsen John P. , Kozuh Michael
Published: February 2022

Dans cet article, nous publions le texte du Spurlock Museum 1913-14-1574 (CDLI No. P421426) de l’Université de l’Illinois, un inventaire d’écritoires administratives conservées dans des boîtes en roseau provenant du temple Eanna d’Uruk, datant probablement de la fin du règne de Nabuchodonosor II. Après avoir discuté des problèmes philologiques du texte, l’article le replace dans son contexte de trois manières principales : premièrement, en ce qui concerne les questions relatives aux « écritoires de l’époque de Nabuchodonosor », une référence administrative assez courante dans les archives postérieures d’Eanna ; deuxièmement, ce qu’il suggère sur l’utilisation des écritoires administratives en général ; puis, troisièmement, ce que le texte révèle sur les procédures comptables et la catégorisation de l’activité administrative à l’Eanna d’Uruk en particulier et, plus généralement, sa signification pour l’histoire de la comptabilité et de la gestion des ressources dans les institutions complexes de l’Antiquité.
Les proliférations du social
Authors: Cingolani Patrick
Published: February 2022

Le braconnage de la culture populaire indique une réappropriation sociale. Il s’inspire du bricolage de Lévi-Strauss, et se distingue de la pensée de l’usage chez Bourdieu et Foucault. Il permet ainsi de cerner l’actualité d’une hérésie démocratique.
Scrutin binominal et redécoupage des cantons : genèse de la réforme de 2013
Authors: Chevalier Pauline
Published: February 2022

Le mode de scrutin départemental modifié en 2013 a mis en place un binôme paritaire en termes de genre et le redécoupage des cantons. L’arrivée de François Hollande à l’Élysée en 2012 et la suppression du conseiller territorial ont ouvert une fenêtre d’opportunité pour répondre à des problèmes rattachés au mode de scrutin uninominal précédent : parité et déséquilibre démographique des cantons. Opération inédite depuis la création des départements, le redécoupage cantonal global a toutefois été contraint par des règles institutionnelles. Si le découpeur a su garder une marge d’action pour prendre en compte des calculs partisans, compte tenu du caractère sensible de ces opérations, celles-ci sont restées limitées.
Sanità, malasanità e dintorni
Authors: Fiori Angelo
Published: February 2022

Non disponibile
Riflessioni sull'intervento del Ministro olandese della Giustizia M.H. Hirsch Ballin
Authors: Lombardi Ricci Mariella , Grillo Andrea
Published: February 2022

Sollecitati dalla crescente attenzione, anche da parte dell'opinione pubblica, al dibattito sul tema della eventuale legalizzazione della eutanasia, gli Autori commentano il documento del ministro olandese Hirsch Ballin, che presenta il recente provvedimento legislativo con cui i Paesi Bassi hanno avanzato una sia pur minima regolamentazione giuridica della prassi eutanasica. Gli Autori procedono ad individuare nel Documento un mutamento di prospettiva che - se recepito nella prassi concreta - realizza uno di quegli slittamenti verso l'allargamento dell'atto eutanasico. Esso pare ravvisabile nel concetto "essere di peso" riferito alla condizione del malato e che finisce per sovrapporsi al concetto di "sofferenza senza speranza", solitamente richiamato dai sostenitori della legalizzazione dell'eutanasia. Ci si sofferma in particolare sull'uso dei concetti di "forza maggiore", "stato di necessità" e - indirettamente - di "legittima difesa", richiamati dal Documento in funzione dell'esclusione della punibilità dell'équipe medica. In essi gli Autori ravvisano, anzitutto, intrinseche contraddizioni sul piano giuridico, dovute anche al sistema giuridico olandese, solo parzialmente confrontabile con il sistema giuridico italiano. In secondo luogo sollevano perplessità sul piano teologico-morale e sul significato culturale dell'intervento del Ministro, mettendo in luce non solo il concretizzarsi dei rischi impliciti di una normativa eutanasica, ma anche la necessità di una serena riflessione sul senso della vita umana.
Libertà e dolore alla luce del "Principio Antropico"
Authors: Zatti Mario
Published: February 2022

Il principio antropico afferma che l'Universo ha le caratteristiche che osserviamo perché noi siamo qui. Al di fuori di tutti i possibili universi, noi siamo in grado di sperimentare solamente la ristretta serie permessa agli osservatori. Il Principio può essere applicato allo studio delle connessioni tra alcune condizioni come la contingenza e l'indeterminatezza della materia da un lato e dall'altro la possibilità di esistenza dei soggetti liberi. Possedere la libertà sotto forma del controllo della realtà fisica da parte della volontà ed una Natura con relazioni causa-effetto puramente meccanicistiche potrebbe non essere adeguato. Ciò che è certamente necessario (sebbene non sufficiente) è che lo strumento materiale della libera volontà non dovrebbe essere rigorosamente deterministico. E' stata avanzata l'ipotesi (Eccles) che gli eventi mentali agiscono sugli eventi sinaptici probabilistici in maniera analoga ai campi di probabilità della meccanica quantistica. Anzi, l'attività caotica può essere parte della normale funzionalità del sistema nervoso. L'"hardware" mentale umano è così rappresentato da una struttura che in virtù della sua indeterminatezza (grossolanamente parlando) lascia libertà d'azione alla libertà. L'incompletezza, l'indeterminazione e la imprevedibilità algoritmica che garantisce la libertà e la creatività implica un mondo di relativa instabilità, precarietà ed errore, cioè dal punto di vista biologico la corruzione delle forme, il dolore e la morte. La radice del dolore è in tal modo correlata a quella della libertà, poiché il dolore rappresenta l'alto prezzo che la materia dell'Universo deve pagare in ordine alla predisposizione all'esistenza di esseri liberi. In virtù del Principio antropico, possiamo dire che l'Universo compatibile con la libera volontà deve essere un luogo di dolore e di morte.
Ten years after the Warnock Report: is the human neo-conceptus a person?
Authors: Sutton Agneta
Published: February 2022

Il lavoro si articola in due parti. Nella prima viene analizzata la discussione attuale sull'embriogenesi. Vengono poi esaminate e trovate insufficienti le argomentazioni a favore dell'uso del termine "pre-embrione" per riferirsi ai primissimi stadi della vita umana nascente. Infatti, il termine " pre-embrione" stato coniato per piantare un cuneo concettuale tra il prodotto del concepimento precoce e l'embrione dopo i 14 giorni dalla fecondazione ed, in tal modo, giustificare la scelta dei 14 giorni come limite (proposto dal Wamock Report) per fare ricerca sull'embrione. I sostenitori del concetto di pre-embrione asseriscono che il neo-concepito non è un organismo individuale e che c'è discontinuità nello sviluppo dall'entità unicellulare (lo zigote) all'organismo multicellulare esistente dopo circa 14 giorni dal concepimento. L'autore argomenta, invece, che una volta formato lo zigote esiste un nuovo organismo, differente dai due gameti considerati separatamente, allo stesso modo del feto, del bambino o dell'adulto nel quale esso si sviluppa. Perciò non c'è discontinuità nel processo embriogenetico dallo stadio di zigote a quello fetale ed oltre. La seconda parte del lavoro analizza il termine "persona" ed "essere umano". Inoltre viene confutata l'ipotesi, avanzata da alcuni, della diversa denotazione dei due termini. Invece, si argomenta che la parola "persona" è applicabile all'essere umano fin dal tempo del concepimento e che le conoscenze di cui disponiamo attualmente sull'embriogenesi suggerirebbero l'animazione immediata della persona.
Staghorn stone in megapolycalicosis in a child: Still the case for open surgery? Case report
Authors: Marte Antonio
Published: February 2022

We here report a rare case of congenital megapolycalicosis in a 14-year-old girl complicated by a 24-mm staghorn stone and numerous calculi at the level of all caliceal groups that had become symptomatic in recent weeks with malaise, hematuria, and urinary tract infection. Among the various therapeutic options, we opted for open surgery. The staghorn stone was removed by pyelotomy, and washout of the caliceal cavities released numerous microcalculi of 1.5−9 mm in size that were then removed. To our knowledge, this is the first case of pediatric megacapolycalicosis complicated by staghorn stone, which presents complex problems for the diagnosis and therapy.
Light-Based Home-Use Hair Removal Devices
Authors: Kaliyadan Feroze , AlTurki Hissah Saleh , AlKhaldi Reem Dayel , Al-Dawsari Najla A.
Published: February 2022

Background:

The use of light-based home-use hair removal devices has seen a significant increase in the last decade all over the world. Home-based devices would be especially more relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, with patients having less access to laser hair removal in clinics. This survey attempted to evaluate the practices-related use of light-based home-use hair removal devices in our region and also to assess patient satisfaction related to the same.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional survey using an electronic questionnaire.

Results:

Out of a total of 111 valid responses, 39 had used light-based home-use hair removal devices. The most common type used was intense pulse light-based devices. On a scale of 1–10, the average satisfaction with the product for hair removal was 6.07. Incidence of side effects was very low (only 4 out of 39 mentioned side effects), and the most common side effects mentioned were redness, “bumps,” burns, and discoloration on the lased sites.

Conclusions:

The frequency of use of light-based home hair removal devices is quite high in our region. Patients seem to be satisfied with the same, and the incidence of side effects is low in our population.
Combination therapy with platelet-rich plasma and minoxidil leads to better clinical results than monotherapy with these methods in men with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Elena E Pakhomova , Irina O Smirnova
Published: February 2022

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a new method for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the effectiveness and safety of which continues to be studied. Information on comparative efficacy when combining PRP with other methods of treatment is limited. The aim of the study was a comparative evaluation of the clinical efficacy of minoxidil, PRP therapy, and their combination in the treatment of men with AGA.

Materials and Methods:

The study included 69 men. The patients were divided into three observation groups: the main group (25 people, received applications of a 5% solution of minoxidil in combination with PRP injections), the comparison group (22 people, received intradermal injections of PRP), and the control group (22 people, received applications of a 5% solution of minoxidil). The clinical efficacy of the therapy was evaluated by the dynamics of morphometric indicators of hair growth using a digital camera and the software.

Results:

It was established that after complex therapy in the form of minoxidil applications and injections of PRP, the hair density increased by 32% (P = 0.00004), the diameter of the hair shafts by 26% (P = 0.00004), the share of vellus hair decreased by 30% (P = 0.00082), and the proportion of telogen hair decreased by 39% (P = 0.00008). The results of using complex therapy significantly exceeded the clinical effect of platelet-rich plasma and topical applications of a 5% solution of minoxidil.

Conclusions:

The data obtained allows suggesting that PRP and minoxidil potentiate each other's action when used together and their complex application seems promising for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
Cannabis Use among Patients with Alopecia Areata
Authors: Han Jane J. , Faletsky Adam , Mostaghimi Arash , Huang Kathie P.
Published: February 2022

Importance:

Little is known about cannabis use among patients with alopecia areata (AA). These patients often experience significant psychosocial burden and may seek alternative therapies beyond that of traditional medical treatments, such as cannabis.

Objective:

To characterize cannabis use among patients with AA.

Design:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted from March 9, 2021, to March 22, 2021, using a web-based survey distributed to adult patients with AA using the National AA Foundation's email listserv and social media platforms.

Results:

1,087 participants completed the survey (completion rate: 88.1%). Most participants were female (n = 870, 83.3%) and Caucasian (n = 771, 73.8%), with a mean age of 47.6 ± 15.5 years. 65.9% (n = 689) of participants with AA had a history of cannabis use and among those, 51.8% (n = 357) were current cannabis users. The most common reason for cannabis use among current users was for AA-related symptoms (n = 199, 55.7%), with the greatest perceived improvement in symptoms of stress (n = 261, 73.1%) and anxiety, sadness, and depression (n = 234, 65.6%). 80.4% (n = 287) indicated that cannabis had no impact on their hair loss.

Conclusion:

Cannabis use is common among patients with AA and is often used to alleviate the psychosocial symptoms related to AA, despite the lack of perceived improvement in hair regrowth.
Traumatic Cervical Spine Injury
Authors: Nanda Ankur , Srivastava Sudhir Kumar , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Dave Bharat R. , Chhabra Harvinder Singh , Onders Raymond , Manghwani Jitesh , Marathe Nandan Amrit , Karthik R. , Muttha Mohit Navinchand
Published: February 2022

This section of the symposium deals with different clinical situations related to the management of traumatic cervical spine cord injury (SCI) and its complications. These cases give an overview of the clinical dilemmas that test our decision-making abilities in dealing with patients with cervical SCI and its associated complications. The patients were managed in various centers across India with different infrastructures and facilities. They are managed by different experts in the field of spine surgery. This should help the reader in providing a wider perspective in the management of vertebral lesions of traumatic cervical SCI. This section also helps in understanding the newer advances in dealing with the dreaded complication of invasive long-term ventilation in a patient with cervical SCI. The spine clinic ends with comments by the authors on key takeaway points from each case scenario, and some literature supported recommendations for the management of traumatic cervical SCI.
Approach to upper cervical trauma
Authors: Vijay Kumar Gomatam R.
Published: February 2022

Upper cervical spine injuries are relatively common and are often the result of blunt trauma. These injuries can be neurologically devastating and can have a high mortality. Management of these injuries requires an in-depth understanding of the complex anatomy of this region, delineation of the injury morphology, and classification after appropriate imaging. The treatment, surgical or conservative, is based on the neurological injury and structural instability. Bony injuries of the upper cervical spine, such as the occipital condylar fractures, fractures of the atlas, majority of odontoid fractures, and traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis, respond well to nonsurgical management by external immobilization. In contrast, ligamentous injuries of the atlanto-occipital joints or the transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) have a poorer prognosis for healing and often require surgical intervention.
Acute Postoperative Cauda Equina Syndrome Following an Elective Gynecological Procedure
Authors: Garry Conor B. , Cho Woojin , Job Alan V. , Sharan Alok D.
Published: February 2022

We report a patient with cauda equina syndrome who presented immediately following hysterectomy. Intraoperative cauda equina syndrome is very rare, and to our knowledge, this is the first case reported following a gynecological procedure, which was unequivocally caused by a herniated intervertebral disc. A 72-year-old woman with a history of chronic low back pain and degenerative disc disease was referred to the orthopedic service after developing urinary retention, decreased rectal tone, and diminished bilateral lower extremity sensory and motor function following hysterectomy for the management of endometrial carcinoma. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large central disc herniation at L2/3. Due to a delay in recognition of the progressive neurological deterioration that began immediately postoperatively, decompressive surgery was performed between 48 and 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. Emergent surgical decompression including laminectomy and microdiscectomy resulted in improved bowel and urinary function but no improvement in lower extremity strength or sensation. Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but devastating condition whose recognition and management requires vigilance, communication, and early surgical involvement. This case presents novel information that cauda equina syndrome can occur immediately postoperatively from disc prolapse during unrelated procedures.
Effect of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) on gynecomastia and levels of sex hormone in chronic liver disease
Authors: Ratha Kshirod Kumar , Kumar P. P. Pradeep , Sahu Suchanda , Rao S. Krishna , Otta Susmita P. , Binitha P. , Rao Meda Mruthyumjya
Published: February 2022

Gynecomastia, a benign hypertrophy of male breast tissue is an issue with considerable discomfort ranging from social embarrassment to the possibility of malignant transformation. The basic pathophysiology being the decreased testosterone activity following an imbalance in estrogen androgen ratio. Among the various causes for such manifestations, the commonest are Chronic Liver Diseases (CLDs) and at times may be drug-induced. Ayurveda considers such manifestations under the dysfunctions of Shukra dhatu (~altered hormonal balance). Gynaecomastia with loss of libido can be reported by patients with a history of CLDs owing to altered testosterone levels. Here, a case of gynecomastia with underlying CLD and extra hepatic portal vein obstruction is presented, who was managed with 1000 mg aqueous extract of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris L.) for three months. Good response in serum testosterone level and in reversing gynecomastia was observed showing beneficial effect of the herb in managing the condition.
A case report on role of Pathya - apathya in the management of Grahani roga
Authors: Kulkarni Medha , Sabarwal Gunjan , Rai Ankita , Mahto Raja Ram
Published: February 2022

Grahani is comparable to irritable bowel syndrome, where impaired Jatharagni plays an important role. Irregularity in diet and faulty lifestyle leads to vitiation of Jatharagni which produces Ama (~metabolic toxins). A 29-year-old male patient with chief complaints of the frequent evacuation of stool (5–6 times per day) along with pain in the abdomen with occasional vomiting for 2–3 years was presented to the outpatient department. The patient was taking conventional treatment for the past five years without much relief. Personalized diet plan was suggested that aimed to balance the Agni (~digestive and metabolic capacity) and to manage the related symptoms. After five months of treatment, signs and symptoms of the disease were significantly decreased. In diseases related to gastrointestinal tract, diet plays a crucial role. Thus, meticulous dietary planning, lifestyle modification, along with medicinal management considering the Agni and Bala (~strength) provides significant results in the management of Grahani roga.
Integrated therapy for post-COVID complications
Authors: Verma Anita , Shete Sanjay Uddhav , Doddoli Gururaj , Pandey Santosh , Bhutada Jagdish , Bhogal Ranjeet Singh
Published: February 2022

People who contract COVID-19, including those with mild infections, suffer from post-COVID complications for months after they recover. These complications include chest pain, breathlessness, pulmonary fibrosis, vision problems, joint pain, loss of smell sensation, fatigue, body pain, headache, mood changes, and memory loss. The present case study is aimed at devising an integrated therapy protocol to assist in regaining overall health during post-COVID-19 recovery phase. A 56-year-old male was enrolled in post-COVID Yoga relaxation program for 13 days with complaints of fatty liver, lung fibrosis, and shortness of breath. During COVID-19, he was on ventilator support and recovered after 15 days of intensive care unit care. He was having generalized weakness and needed walking assistance upon admission. The patient was assessed for Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and pulmonary function at the baseline and after the completion of 13 days of Yoga and Ayurveda therapy. The patient showed significant improvement in forced vital capacity, slow vital capacity, and maximal voluntary ventilation after 13 days of integrated therapy. Further, a significant increase in time domain markers of HRV and a significant reduction in Low Frequency (LF) and ratio of LF to High Frequency (LF/HF) with the simultaneous increase in HF was observed. This implies an autonomic balance shift from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic system. Integrative therapy of Yoga and Ayurveda was found to be effective in mitigating the post-COVID-19 complications in this patient. The patient showed improvement in HRV and pulmonary function after integrative therapy for 13 days. Thus, Yoga and Ayurveda therapy proved to be promising and efficacious treatments in the present case study.
L’impact des troubles de l’humeur sur le devenir à 12 mois de patients en demande de traitement pour un trouble lié au jeu d’argent / The effect of mood disorders on outcome at 12 months on patients seeking treatment for a gambling disorder
Authors: Fron-Martineau Mathilde , Billieux Joël , Leboucher Juliette , Dubuy Yseulys , Hardouin Jean-Benoit , Challet-Bouju Gaëlle , Grall-Bronnec Marie
Published: February 2022

Les troubles addictifs et de l’humeur sont fréquemment cooccurrents. Le trouble lié au jeu d’argent est ainsi souvent accompagné de troubles de l’humeur, notamment d’épisode dépressif majeur, de trouble bipolaire ou de comportement suicidaire. De nombreuses études ont observé leur association, évalué leur prévalence et leur chronologie d’apparition, mais peu ont exploré l’impact d’un trouble de l’humeur, ou thymique, sur l’évolution du trouble lié au jeu d’argent. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer le devenir à 1 an (rémission précoce) d’une cohorte de joueurs pathologiques traités, en fonction de la présence ou non d’antécédents de trouble de l’humeur à l’inclusion. Dans cette étude longitudinale monocentrique, le trouble lié au jeu d’argent et les troubles thymiques ont été évalués à l’inclusion et 12 mois après, au cours d’un entretien clinique standardisé. Près de 100 patients (N = 94, 45 sans trouble de l’humeur et 49 avec trouble de l’humeur) se sont présentés aux 2 visites. À 1 an, une rémission précoce du trouble lié au jeu d’argent a été observée chez 42 patients, avec un taux de rémission de 39 % en cas de présence et de 51 % en cas d’absence d’antécédent de trouble de l’humeur. Nous n’avons pas démontré qu’un antécédent de trouble de l’humeur à l’inclusion était un facteur prédictif de la rémission précoce du trouble lié au jeu d’argent. Le potentiel manque de puissance de notre étude peut expliquer ce résultat. Cependant, les prédicteurs de rémission précoce identifiés dans cette étude étaient la vie en couple, l’absence de trouble anxieux et l’absence de trouble lié à la consommation d’alcool.
Problem gambling, risk behaviours, and mental health in adolescence: A person oriented study
Authors: Giannotta Fabrizia , Åslund Cecilia , Hellström Charlotta , Larm Peter
Published: February 2022

Adolescent gambling is becoming a public health problem. While comorbidities with other externalizing behaviours have been ascertained, few studies focus on adolescents with a multi-problem behaviour pattern, i.e., alcohol and tobacco use, in addition to antisocial behaviour, which includes problem gambling. The purpose of this study was to identify adolescents with multi-problem behaviours, i.e., alcohol abuse, daily smoking, antisocial behaviour, and problem gambling and to investigate the differences in relation to gender. Unlike most studies on this topic, we adopted a person-oriented approach to identify groups of adolescent boys and girls who reported multi-problem risk behaviours, i.e., alcohol abuse, daily smoking, antisocial behaviour, and problem gambling. Moreover, we explored to what extent these adolescents exhibited mental health problems, i.e., depressive, psychosomatic, and ADHD symptoms, as well as sleep problems. The sample consisted of 1,526 adolescents from two age cohorts, 15- to 16-year-olds (n = 711, 47%) and 17- to 18-year-olds (n = 815, 53%). Latent Variable Mixture Modeling (LVMM) revealed one group with low rates of all risk behaviours and three groups with multi-problem behaviours. Among the latter three groups, two reported problem gambling and had higher levels of mental health problems. These results suggest that gambling can be added to the constellation of risk behaviours in adolescence and might be more associated with mental health problems than other externalizing behaviours.
Understanding sports betting among young male student-teachers in Ghana
Authors: Acheampong Ernest Yeboah , Sarpong Emmanuel Osei , Mahamah Memunatu
Published: February 2022

Drawing on sports betting, leisure studies and rationality concept provides information to understand how those training to be teachers are gradually gravitating towards gambling to the detriment of their studies at the university. A thorough analysis of 42 young male adults interviewed at betting shops in the university community revealed how they have become involved in sports betting activities for additional financial rewards. Results show that peer pressure is a strong persuader drawing new student teachers to sports betting activities, which makes it difficult for them to effectively focus on their studies. This has resulted in certain of the students getting poor grades, loss of concentration in class, strained relationships, increased exclusion or rejection from study groups, as well as significant negative effects on academic work, health and well-being, family, and society at large. This study recommends that stakeholders in education address this increasing social issue among young male adults through effective preventive strategy and educational promotion as an intervention to avoid thwarting the progress of the new educational reforms in Ghana.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Screen Time: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Observational Study Among College Students From India
Authors: Singh Swarndeep , Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Kattula Dheeraj , Ganesh Ragul , Bhargava Rachna , Abhijita Bandita , Gupta Amulya , Gupta Abhinav
Published: February 2022

In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the amount and pattern of screen time among college students. The relationship between increased screen time and quality of life (QoL), COVID-related stress, and personality traits were also explored. A cross-sectional online survey-based study was conducted among Indian college students who were recruited by purposive sampling. Details regarding socio-demographics, amount and pattern of screen time usage, change in screen time patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, and COVID-related stress were collected. In addition, personality traits and QoL were assessed with validated questionnaires. A total of 731 responses (51% female, mean age 20.7 years) were analysed. Of the participants, 93.2% self-reported an increase in daily screen time during COVID-19. The predominant reasons for the increased screen time were educational screen time (89.6%), streaming or watching videos for entertainment (82.8%), use of social media for non-communication purposes (78.1%), communication with friends and/or family members (76.2%), reading or watching news (65.9%), and interactive recreational screen time (44.7%). A small but significant negative correlation between increased screen time and QoL (rs = -0.154, p < .001) was found. Increased screen time due to the use of social media for non-communication purposes was associated with poorer QoL (U = 32947.50; p = .02) and greater COVID stress (U = 32381.50; p = .01). Educational screen time was the most common cause for increased screen time among college students and was not associated with negative effects on QoL. The context and purpose of screen time appears to be important in ascertaining the impact of screen time on QoL.
Surdité bilatérale révélant une sidérose superficielle du système nerveux central : une observation clinique
Authors: Tomboravo Christian , Ony Narindra Lova Hasina Rajaonarison Ny , Rasolonjatovo Andry Nampoinanirina , Ahmad Ahmad
Published: February 2022

Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a rare pathology due to a chronic subarachnoidhemorrhage involving deposits of hemosiderin on the surface of the brain, the cranial nerves and the spinal cord. It causes the progressive appearance of symptoms of which the most classic associate hearingloss, cerebellar ataxia and pyramidal syndrome. We report a case of a 43-year-old man presenting a bilateral hearingloss of progressive worsening. Radiological exploration allowed the diagnosis of superficial siderosis of the central nervous system.

La sidérose superficielle du système nerveux central est une pathologie rare liée à une hémorragie sous-arachnoïdienne chronique entrainant des dépôts d’hémosidérine à la surfacedu cerveau, des nerfs crâniens et de la moelle épinière. Elle entraine l’apparition progressive des symptômes dont la plus classique associe la surdité, l’ataxie cérébelleuse et le syndrome pyramidal. Nous rapportons le cas d’un homme de 43 ans, présentant une surdité bilatérale d’aggravation progressive dont l’exploration radiologique a permis de poser le diagnostic de sidérose superficielle du système nerveuxcentral.
Déficiences auditives dues à l’usage des baladeurs numériques chez les élèves des Humanités : étude transversale du Groupe Scolaire du Mont Amba à Kinshasa
Authors: Mbuinga Dominique Binda , Mpwate Mireille Avilaw , Matanda Richard Nzanza
Published: February 2022

Context and objectives. Excessive exposure to noise is the leading cause of hearing loss in recreational settings in adolescents. However, data on hearing loss linked to the use of digital music players remain scarce in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the degree of hearing loss due to the use of digital music among high school students. Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study involving 511 consecutive candidates and 814 ears, attending the Mont Amba school Group in Kinshasa was conducted between November 2016 and May 2017. Sociodemographic, clinical and audiometric data were analyzed. Student t-test was used to compare the averages. Results. The prevalence of hearing loss was 16.9%. The average hearing loss was 16.2 ± 3.7 dB. The average age of students understudy was 16.9 ± 1.2 years. The main clinical signs observed were tingling in the ears (27.8%) and tinnitus (27.2%). Hearing loss was more pronounced when sound intensity was significantly greater than 85 dBA (p = 0.02) and the listening time more than one hour per day (p = 0.03). Conclusion. the use of digital music players is a common cause of hearing loss in adolescents. Hence, it is imperative to put in place preventive and awareness measures for behavior change in young people.

Contexte et objectifs. L’exposition excessive aux bruits des baladeurs numériques constitue, dans un cadre récréatif, la cause majeure de surdité chez les adolescents. Elle est cependant paradoxalement peu étudiée dans les pays d’Afrique subsaharienne. La présente étude a évalué le degré du déficit auditif dû à l’usage des baladeurs numérique chez les élèves des humanités. Méthodes. Cette étude transversale analytique a inclus 511 élèves et 814 oreilles du groupe scolaire du Mont Amba, entre novembre 2016 à mai 2017. Les variables sociodémographiques, cliniques et audiométriques ont été analysées. Les tests t de Student a servi à comparer les moyennes. Résultats. La prévalence du déficit auditif était de 16,9%. La perte auditive moyenne était de 16,2 ± 3,7 dB. L’âge moyen des sujets était de 16,9 ± 1,2 ans. La symptomatologie était dominée par les picotements à l’oreille (27,8%) et les acouphènes (27,2%). La perte auditive était significativement plus accentuée lorsque l’intensité du son était supérieure à 85 dBA (p=0,02) et une durée d’écoute de plus d’une heure par jour (p=0,03). Conclusion. L’usage des baladeurs numériques constitue une cause fréquente de surdité chez les adolescents. D’où la nécessité de mettre en place de mesures préventives et de sensibilisation pour le changement de comportement chez les jeunes.
Malaria rapid diagnostic test positivity rate among febrile patients seen at the Paediatric emergency unit of a tertiary care facility
Authors: Obu D.C. , Asiegbu U.V. , Okereke B.E. , Ukoh U.C. , Ujunwa F.A. , Afefi C.O. , Enya V.E. , Item S. , Efunshile A.M.
Published: February 2022

Background: Malaria, a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the female Anopheles mosquito is one of the infectious causes of fever in children. In Nigeria, malaria remains one of the most important health problems, accounting for 25% of infants and 30% of under-five mortalities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria among febrile children presenting at the children's emergency room (CHER) of a tertiary health facility in Abakaliki using a malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT).

Methodology: This was a retrospective study that involved children presenting with fever in CHER over a 3-year period. A total of 1,273 febrile children below 18 years of age were tested with a malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) kit during this period. Medical records of the patients were assessed to retrieve information such as age, gender, and clinical diagnoses. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.

Results: A total of 707 (55.5%) were males and 883 (69.4%) were below 5 years of age. The overall prevalence of malaria by the mRDT test was 26% (n=331). Uncomplicated malaria, 283 (22.2%) was the commonest clinical diagnosis made while the least was malnutrition 3 (0.2%). Children aged 10-<18 years were predominantly affected as mRDT positivity rate was significantly higher in children age group 10-<18 years (40.4% 76/189) than other age groups (X2=44.76, p<0.001). Similarly, the rate was significantly higher (OR 9.625, 95% CI 7.233-12.808, p<0.0001) in children with the clinical diagnosis of malaria (55.2%, 235/426) than those with the clinical diagnosis of other illnesses (11.3%, 96/847), and significantly higher (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.1186-0.3043, p<0.0001) among those clinically diagnosed with complicated (79.7%, 114/143) than those with uncomplicated malaria (42.8%, 121/283).

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of malaria among febrile children presenting at the CHER of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Children age group 10-<18 years were predominantly affected. The use of mRDT should be encouraged both as a screening and diagnostic tool with a protocol such that febrile children who have positive results are confirmed as having malaria while those with negative results are further evaluated with microscopy.
Benefits of the West Africa agricultural productivity programme on fisherfolks in Kainji Lake Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Faleke Sunday Akinola , Nwabeze Godfrey Onyekachukwu , Buhari Habeeb Lola
Published: February 2022

The study assessed the benefits of West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP) through inputs, training and services received; attitude; satisfaction; and constraints of respondents in WAAPP. Four National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR) adopted villages were selected purposively, namely; Monai, Mussawa, Tunga Alhaji Dambaba, and Cover Dam out of eight established villages due to large number of WAAPP activities in the area. The total number of respondents sampled in selected adopted villages was 120. Data collected were analysed using percentage, standard deviation and mean. Results of the study revealed that the majority (88.2%) of the respondents received improved fingerlings and fish feeds from WAAPP and 67.7% of the respondents had favourable attitude towards the programme. About 59% were favourably satisfied, and 56% derived high level of benefit from the programme. About 47% were severely constrained by inadequate capital to sustain the programme projects.