bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
five-year overview of fatal thermal and electrical burns in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Keyes Craig , Liphoko Khumo L.
Published: May 2021

Thermal and electrical burn injuries affect millions of people globally each year. South Africa is a developing country where fatal fires are common. Despite the pervasiveness of fatal thermal and electrical burns in South Africa, there is a paucity of information regarding the frequency of such fatal burns in the City of Johannesburg. We aimed to describe the demographics and frequency of fatal thermal and electrical burn cases received at the Johannesburg Forensic Pathology Services Medico-Legal Mortuary for medico-legal death investigations, and compare the burn mortality rates between Johannesburg and those reported in Cape Town, Pretoria, and Mpumalanga. This study was a 5-year (2010–2014) retrospective review of 185 forensic medico-legal case files of fatal burns (156 thermal burn cases and 29 electrical burn cases) received at the Johannesburg Forensic Pathology Services Medico-Legal Laboratory. The demographics at the greatest risk of fatal burns in Johannesburg, South Africa are black (2.11 per 100 000) and male (1.03 per 100 000) individuals, and those in the 30–39-year age group (3.6 per 100 000). Children aged 0–9 years had a high mortality rate due to thermal burns (3.44 per 100 000). The most common type of fatal burns is thermal in nature, as a result of flames (1.62 per 100 000). Electrical burns are relatively rare (0.3 per 100 000). Burns are prevalent in the winter months, most notably in August. Burn wounds are common on the head, chest, back, and abdomen. Johannesburg has an overall lower burn mortality rate and incidence frequency than Cape Town, Pretoria, and Mpumalanga. This study is the first to report on fatal burns in Johannesburg, South Africa.Significance:

A description is provided of fatal thermal and electrical burns of individuals whose deaths were investigated at the Johannesburg Forensic Pathology Services Medico-Legal Mortuary.

The results highlight the demographic groups at risk of fatal burns in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Johannesburg has a lower fatal burn incidence and mortality rate than Cape Town, Pretoria, and Mpumalanga; however, young people, particularly male individuals, are at greatest risk.
Orthopaedic device innovation in South Africa: A study of patenting activity
Authors: Salie Faatiema , De Jager Kylie , Douglas Tania S.
Published: May 2021

We assessed knowledge development and exchange among actors who patent orthopaedic devices in South Africa over the period 2000–2015. A social network analysis was performed on bibliometric data using co-inventorship on patents as an indicator of collaboration between different organisations, with a focus on the spatial and sectoral contexts. Network metrics and innovation system indices are used to describe knowledge development and exchange. The results show that university, healthcare and industry organisations have primarily been responsible for increased patenting over time. The key actors were a set of industry actors – a national actor and its US partner – who have patented many devices jointly. National universities were found to make a small contribution, and science councils were found to be absent, despite the efforts in the changing innovation landscape to encourage publicly financed research organisations to protect their intellectual property. The collaboration networks were found to be sparse and disjointed, with many actors – largely from the private healthcare sector – patenting in isolation.Significance:

The considerable number of patents filed by private sector clinicians in orthopaedic device innovation in their personal capacity is highlighted.
Few patents emanate from national universities, and science council actors are largely absent, despite the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act to protect intellectual property emanating from public research organisations.
Patenting networks are more fragmented than are scientific publication networks.

Open data set: https://doi.org/10.25375/uct.14417246.v1
The Great Explanatory Dictionary of the Yakut Language: A New Achievement of Yakut Lexicography
Authors:   Institute for Humanities Research and Indigenous Studies of the North of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Yakutsk, Russian Federation), Monastyrev Vladimir D. , Vasilieva Nadezhda N. ,   Institute for Humanities Research and Indigenous Studies of the North of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Yakutsk, Russian Federation), Ammosova Iya V. ,   Institute for Humanities Research and Indigenous Studies of the North of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Yakutsk, Russian Federation)
Published: May 2021

The present article describes the Great Explanatory Dictionary of the Yakut Language. The Dictionary is the outcome of 46 years of work done by lexicographers at the Institute for Humanities Research and Indigenous Studies of the North, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The editor of the Dictionary is Pyotr A. Sleptsov, professor, Doctor of Philological Sciences, member of the Academy of Sciences of Sakha Republic. The Dictionary includes 15 volumes of about 800 sheets, 9,500 pages in total, containing some 80 thousand words and phraseological units. The Dictionary provides a full description of Yakut vocabulary in all its centuries-old richness. The lexical units are from various sources: phraseological units, compounds, archaisms, rarely used words or folk terminology, as well as common dialect words. The authors point out that the Dictionary employs almost all literature written in Yakut: published folklore texts of various genres; translations of classic Russian and world literature; works of all Yakut writers, from classic to modern. The Dictionary is based on the academic card index which presently includes over three million cards with citations showing the lexical and phraseological stock of the Yakut language in its fullness. It would not be possible to create such a huge lexicographic work without a high level of theory of the Yakut language and the present lexicographic tradition that has been bilingual since its foundation. The article shows the relevance of the great multi-volume lexicographic work, describing some characteristics of Yakut vocabulary as reflected in the Dictionary. Also, examples of lexicographic presentation of certain groups of vocabulary are provided. These include a bulk of figurative words and their verbal derivatives, a large number of modal words, particles, and word groups, compound words and terms, phraseological units. The authors of the Dictionary paid great attention to words denoting various ethnographic notions. These words denoting realities that in many cases disappeared from modern life as well as purely Yakut phenomena needed encyclopedic, or close to that, treatment. The Dictionary is targeted at the widest audience. However, its academic reference direction is also important since it will become an essential source for comparative studies of the lexico-semantic system in three large language families: Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic languages, at the intersection of which Yakut developed.
Sexual dysfunctions in young university women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Purificação Emanuelle Rocha , Santos Adriana Saraiva Aragão dos , Ferraz Daniel Dominguez
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in young college women. METHODS: This is a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study. A total of 111 heterosexual women, students of the physiotherapy course of the Federal University of Bahia participated in this study. Each participant answered two self-administered questionnaires “Investigation of associated factors” and “Sex ratio - female version” between September and October 2019. RESULTS: A prevalence of 8% of sexual dysfunction was found in this population. The symptom of evacuatory effort was associated with worse performance / sexual satisfaction by the total SQ-F score (p=0.03) and when assessed by grouping of questions an association was found between evacuatory effort and worse arousal (p=0.01), evacuatory effort and pain (p=0.04); urinary urgency and pain (p=0.04); violence and arousal (p=0.05); and violence and less satisfaction/orgasm (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there is a low prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the studied population, but there is an association between symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual dysfunction in young women.
Bodies, Objects, and the Significance of Things in Early Middle English Reclusion: An Introduction
Authors: Sauer Michelle M. , Bledsoe Jenny C.
Published: May 2021

This essay traces the history of the “materialist movement” in medieval studies, working chronologically and thematically to provide a full context for the coedited volume as a whole. Having established the tradition, Bledsoe and Sauer tackle an expanded definition of materiality, one that includes voice and embodiment and sensory input, thereby centering not only objects, but also the many interactions of bodies and objects. This more complete vocabulary of materiality is applied to medieval Christianity, particularly reclusion and monasticism. Also providing an overview of the anchoritic vocation and major texts under consideration, including Ancrene Wisse, Bledsoe and Sauer engage with the principles underpinning their collected volume of essays and outline its connected themes and methodologies. Finally, the authors suggest several future directions for studies, including other possible extensions of materiality as well as additional geographical and cultural dimensions.
castillo de Tébar y su torre en la sierra de Almenara (Águilas, Murcia): aspectos arqueológicos y arquitectónicos
Authors: Almela Legorburu Iñigo , Martínez Bernal Lucía
Published: May 2021

El castillo de Tébar se encuentra en un cruce de caminos entre las localidades de Águilas, Lorca y Mazarrón, dominando un territorio que en época medieval estuvo poblado por comunidades rurales. De tal modo, entre los siglos XII y XIII pudo constituir un ḥiṣn dependiente de la ciudad de Lorca y estuvo dotado de un castillo que siguió en uso durante el periodo castellano. Actualmente son varias las estructuras que se conservan en el recinto fortificado, aunque destacan especialmente los vestigios de una torre. El presente trabajo ha tratado de llevar a cabo una documentación y análisis de los restos, que han permitido reconocer una obra de gran valor arquitectónico y su evolución.
FEATURES OF FAMILY POLICY IN EUROPE
Authors: Batychenko Svitlana
Published: May 2021

Goal. Analysis of the peculiarities of family policy in European countries, such as France, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain.

Method. The study is based on general scientific methods, namely, analysis and synthesis, descriptive, analytical. And also socio-geographical - comparative-geographical.

Results. Family policy in European countries focuses on the life position of young people, promotes gender equality, creates opportunities to combine work, education and family activities through a well-developed infrastructure. The establishment of the modern family model in which both parents work and the expansion of public education and services for children and families reduce relatively high child poverty, create new jobs in services, and reduce social inequality. Although European countries pursue a common family-gender strategy, they also have their own traditional model of family protection. The Scandinavian model is characterized by comprehensive support for working parents with young children (under the age of three) through a combination of material mechanisms, holidays and wide access to childcare facilities. An important aspect is the policy of gender equality and women's integration in the labor market. The main source of funding for family policy - taxes. Anglo-Saxon - is characterized by deliberately less financial support from families by the state, giving priority to low-income families. The main idea is the non-interference of the state in family and marriage processes and ensuring the well-being of families through the general development of the welfare of society. "Napoleonic" - use intangible forms of support: tax benefits, targeted loans. France has the highest level of state support for families with children and support for working women. The principle of subsidiary security is professed. Taxes and financial contributions are used. The German fiscal system does not encourage couples to work equally, as the tax burden on domestic work is much higher for two full-time employees. Parental leave allows mothers to leave the labor market for up to three years for one child.

Scientific novelty. Analysis and comparison of family policy features in European countries.

Practical significance. Implementation of family policy measures in domestic practice based on the experience of European countries, choosing the most successful option. The best option is to improve the demographic situation in the country.
ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE WATER QUALITY OF ROSTAVYTSIA RIVER
Authors: Smilii Pavlo , Melniychuk Mykhailo
Published: May 2021

Purpose – perform ecological assessment of the surface waters of the Rostavytsia river within the Zhytomyr region.

Method. Environmental assessment of the surface water of the Rostavytsia river was carried out using the system of classification of standards for the assessment of surface water quality of Ukraine. On the basis of common environmental criteria, the methodology makes it possible to compare the quality of water at different sites of water bodies, in water bodies of different regions. The calculation of the ecological assessment of water quality was carried out within three blocks: block of salt composition (І1), block of trophic-saprobiological (ecological-sanitary) indicators (І2) and block of indicators of content of specific substances of toxic action (І3). The results are presented in the form of a combined environmental assessment based on the final conclusions of the three blocks and based on the calculation of the integrated environmental index (IE).

Results. Omprehensive studies on changing the water quality of the Rostavytsia river were conducted within the Zhytomyr region during 2016-2017. The water quality of the river according to the final values of the integral indicators of water quality of the three blocks varies within the II and III quality classes. The total environmental indices (IE) for the mean and worst indices are 3,2 and 3,3 respectively. In general, the water quality along the main channel of the Rostavytsia river within the Zhytomyr region corresponds to the second class, 3 categories, 3 subcategories according to the average quality indicators and 3(4) subcategories by worst performance. The total values of the integral surface water quality indicators of the Rostavytsia river indicate their contamination by trophic-saprobiological components.

Scientific novelty. For the first time, on the basis of analytical studies and stock materials, an ecological assessment of the surface waters of the Rostavytsia river within the Zhytomyr region was carried out by three blocks of indicators: salt composition, trophic-saprobiological indicators and specific toxic substances. The integral ecological index is determined. The trends of pollutants accumulation in the surface waters of the Rostavytsia river have been established.

Practical significance. The conducted researches allowed to analyze and evaluate the ecological status of the surface waters of the Rostavytsia river within the Zhytomyr region, which will allow to establish ecological standards of water quality and on this basis to determine the main directions for improvement of water resources and to substantiate the system of recommendations aimed at improving the ecological status of the studied basin.
Socialization of the Russian Civil Law as the Basis of its Modernization
Authors: Bogdanov E. V.
Published: May 2021

The paper substantiates the conclusion that the main direction for the modernization of civil law now is reflected in its socialization, which leads to the incorporation of public interests into the legislation to a greater extent than it is at present. In this regard, it is necessary to solve the problem of socialization of private property, which, in turn, will allow enshrining the provision concerning the social purpose of entrepreneurial activities in the legislation.

Civil law socialization will also make it necessary to change approaches to defining the principles of civil law. Paragraph 1 of Art. 1 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation provides for a list of foundations (principles) of civil law, but this list does not have any unifying ground that would allow us to assert the existence of a system of civil law principles, and it does not bear an expressed social burden. The paper substantiates the conclusion that the principle of the social state should be considered as a unifying principle promoting the principle of solidarity that, in turn, gives rise to the principles of good faith and justice.

The paper also draws attention to the digitalization of public life, which has given rise to new problems. One of such problems includes compensation for harm caused to citizens and legal entities by devices, machines, etc. with artificial intelligence constituting not increased, but special danger for others, that should also include special responsibility. The special danger herein is preconditioned by the use of artificial intelligence, the possibility of its intended actions, for example, due to failures in the program or unauthorized change of the program from the outside. To this end, similar to the provision of Art. 1079 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, strict (no-fault) liability must be imposed on the persons concerned. The liability should not be individual, that is, the liability of an entity exploiting a device under consideration, but solidary one applied to all persons taking part in the work on artificial intelligence.
STARD 2015 guidelines for reporting diagnostic accuracy studies: explanation and elaboration. Translation to Russian
Authors: Cohen Jérémie F. , Korevaar Daniël A. , Altman Douglas G. , Bruns David E. , Gatsonis Constantine A. , Hooft Lotty , Irwig Les , Levine Deborah B. , De Vet Henrica C. W. , Bossuyt Patrick M.M.
Published: May 2021

Diagnostic accuracy studies are, like other clinical studies, at risk of bias due to shortcomings in design and conduct, and the results of a diagnostic accuracy study may not apply to other patient groups and settings. Readers of study reports need to be informed about study design and conduct, in sufficient detail to judge the trustworthiness and applicability of the study findings. The STARD statement (Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) was developed to improve the completeness and transparency of reports of diagnostic accuracy studies. STARD contains a list of essential items that can be used as a checklist, by authors, reviewers and other readers, to ensure that a report of a diagnostic accuracy study contains the necessary information. STARD was recently updated. All updated STARD materials, including the checklist, are available at http://www.equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/stard. Here, we present the STARD 2015 explanation and elaboration document. Through commented examples of appropriate reporting, we clarify the rationale for each of the 30 items on the STARD 2015 checklist, and describe what is expected from authors in developing sufficiently informative study reports. This article is the reprint with Russian translation of the original that can be observed here: Cohen JF, Korevaar DA, Altman DG, et al. STARD 2015 guidelines for reporting diagnostic accuracy studies: explanation and elaboration. BMJ Open 2016;6:e012799. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012799
Use of amplitudes: Part II, focal depths*
Authors: De Bremaecker J. Cl.
Published: May 2021

By using the Pn vs. Δ curve found in Part I of this paper and by assuming the focal depth of one seism, the focal depths of the other seisms are found by comparing the amplitude of Pn and that of the surface waves. The depths found are reasonable and the scattering of the results is small.
History of earthquakes in Kansas*
Authors: Merriam Daniel F.
Published: May 2021

Thirty-eight earthquakes which have affected Kansas are listed and described; 22 of these have occurred within the state's boundaries since 1867. There were 2 moderately strong ones—on April 24, 1867, and January 7, 1906. A frequency plot reveals that a moderately strong earthquake occurs in the state approximately every 40 to 45 years.

A correlation of earthquakes with structural features in Kansas indicates that the Nemaha anticline is still tectonically active and that the earthquakes are probably occurring along a series of faults on the east side of the structure. Other positive structural elements such as the Cambridge arch and Central Kansas uplift are considered passive. The state, as a whole, is and probably always has been relatively stable.
Dynamic pressures on accelerated fluid containers
Authors: Housner G. W.
Published: May 2021

An analysis is presented of the hydrodynamic pressures developed when a fluid container is subjected to horizontal accelerations. Simplified formulas are given for containers having twofold symmetry, for dams with sloping faces, and for flexible retaining walls. The analysis includes both impulsive and convective fluid pressures.
The aftershock sequence of the Kamchatka earthquake of November 4, 1952
Authors: Båth Markus , Benioff Hugo
Published: May 2021

Aftershock epicenters of the Kamchatka earthquake of November 4, 1952, are distributed over an area approximately 1,030 kilometers in length by 240 kilometers in width. Assuming that this distribution represents the active strain zone, the total average strain, average elastic energy, and average stress of the rocks before slip were 11.9 × 10−5, 1.35 × 102 ergs/cm.3, and 12.6 kg/cm.2, respectively.

The strain-release curve of the sequence has been constructed using observations from Uppsala and Kiruna. The data include more than 400 shocks with magnitudes 6.0 and greater which have occurred up to December, 1956. The curve exhibits three segments each of the form ΣJ1/2 = A + B log t, where J is the energy and t is the time measured from the time of the principal earthquake. The slope B changes abruptly at t = 0.4 days and at t = 195 days, the latter change being particularly pronounced. Moreover, this was accompanied by other evidence suggesting a change in mechanism. The coefficients B have almost the exact ratio of 1 : 2 : 5 in the three intervals 0-0.4, 0.4—195, and after 195 days. The aftershock activity has its highest concentration in the vicinity of the principal earthquake and tapers off toward both ends of the active fault segment. The majority of the aftershocks have clear pP impulses occurring generally 9 to 13 sec. after P, indicating that the foci were in or close to the Mohorovičić discontinuity. The rate of strain accumulation and release for the time interval from 1897 to 1956 for the entire Kamchatka-northern Japan stress system shows a slow decrease with time. Comparison of the rate of the entire system with that of the aftershock sequence leads to an approximate estimate of the possible duration of the sequence.
A note on the Virginia earthquake of 1833
Authors: MacCarthy Gerald R.
Published: May 2021

abstract

A moderately strong earthquake occurred in central Virginia shortly after 6:00 a.m. on August 27, 1833. It had an intensity of about 6, and was felt over more than 52,000 square miles. This shock is described in terms of contemporary accounts.
Seismological evidence for the tectonics of the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Scheidegger Adrian E.
Published: May 2021

From a series of fault-plane solutions of earthquakes in any one area, it is possible to determine the tectonic displacement of that area by a least squares solution. This method has been applied to the areas marginal to the Northwest Pacific Ocean. It turns out that the directions of the tectonic displacement in the Kurile Islands, Honshu, the Marianas Islands, and the Philippines are more or less parallel: the direction is approximately N 14° W. This is a rather startling result: it appears that the whole Northwest Pacific Ocean is moving en bloc with regard to its margin. A determination of the motion for Sakhalin gives an entirely different direction (N 36° E), which is an indication that the tectonic motion of Sakhalin is unrelated to that of the Pacific Ocean.
Note on a type of surface waves traveling in a semi-infinite solid of varying elasticity and density
Authors: Mitra M.
Published: May 2021

The propagation of a type of waves similar to Love waves in a homogeneous semi-infinite medium with a single surface layer in which µ, ρ both vary exponentially with the depth has been considered. The period equation has been solved numerically for the first mode only, and results have been compared with Jeffreys' values for Love waves.
Application of ray theory to the problem of long-range propagation of explosive sound in a layered liquid
Authors: Pekeris C. L. , Longman I. M. , Lifson H.
Published: May 2021

In order to test the applicability of ray theory even to extremely large ranges, we have applied it to the problem of determining the exact shape of the pressure pulse received at a range r equal to 460 times the depth of the layer H, in the case of an explosion in a layered liquid. The time variation of the pressure at the source was assumed to be given by a Heaviside unit function. Comparison is made with a previous solution of this problem which was obtained, for the identical conditions, by the use of the normal mode theory. The exact ray-theory solution exhibits the well-known characteristic features of a ground wave followed by a dispersive water wave, but the pattern of the received pressure pulse is more ruffled than in the normal mode solution, in which the higher modes, as well as branch-line integrals, were neglected. The applicability of ray theory to long-range propagation is made feasible by virtue of the mutual cancellation at long ranges of all but a group of the last-arriving rays.
Comparison of spectra of an earthquake T-phase with similar signals from nuclear explosions
Authors: Milne Allen R.
Published: May 2021

Hydrophones from a surface vessel in 1,300 fathoms of water off Juan de Fuca Strait detected, in the course of the “Hardtack” series of tests in the Marshall Islands, three acoustic signals which had peaks in their energy spectra at frequencies less than 20 cps. Two of these appear to have originated from nuclear explosions; the third, though having a similar energy spectrum, was apparently a T-phase from an earthquake near Cape Mendocino with its epicenter at 40° 16′ N, 124° 12′ W, and an origin time of 23:04:46 on May 24, 1958.

Travel-time measurements and signal spectra indicate that the nuclear explosions originated within Eniwetok Atoll. The coupling of their signals to the water path apparently was similar in nature to that of the earthquake T-phase, but the duration of the signals from the nuclear explo sions was considerably less.
Herbal immunomodulators as add on treatment in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 confirmed cases: findings from a prospective single centre clinical trial
Authors: Reddy M. Ravi Kumar , Venkatesh K. R. Hari , Jothilakshmi J.
Published: May 2021

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Sri Sri TattvaTM immunity products, a combination of single herb and poly herb formulations in COVID-19 patients by assessing their clinical features and immune markers. The products when administered orally for a period of 14 days in COVID-19 patients demonstrated significant improvement in clinical symptoms.Methods: Patients with fever, cough, sore throat started responding to the treatment from day 3 and most of the patients were clinically free of symptoms by day 7. Early recovery from signs and symptoms was observed in most of the patients. Sri Sri TattvaTM immunity products has also demonstrated an excellent clinical improvement and immune markers including tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alfa), interleukin (IL-6), interferon (IFN-beta), D-dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenease (LDH) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in COVID-19 patients.Results: The final results of this study showed that Sri Sri TattvaTM immunity products reduced the time to clinical cure and number of days in achieving negative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by early viral clearance when given along with standard of care thus reduced the duration of hospitalization.Conclusions: In the present study, 82% of COVID-19 patients cleared the virus within 10-14 days of study period reducing the duration of hospitalization. None of the patients progressed to severe COVID-19 and succumbed to the disease. This clearly indicates that Sri Sri TattvaTM immunity products when administered orally along with standard of care has definitive role in the management of COVID-19 patients.
Lithium carbonate toxicity in an elderly patient: a case report
Authors: Bhardwaj Ankit , Roy Vandana , Ghadlinge’s Manik S. , Dua Anubhav
Published: May 2021

A case report of a 73-year-old man admitted in the intensive care unit with acute renal failure and lithium toxicity is reported. Lithium is a gold standard drug for bipolar disorder. It has a narrow therapeutic index and requires blood level monitoring frequently. Hemodialysis is the last resort in management of lithium toxicity but in between high rebound levels during the dialysis result in persistent CNS toxicity.
Cyst of canal of Nuck-a rare clinical entity: case series and review of literature
Authors: Albal Manisha , Bansod Prasad Y. , Singh Pratik , Dhole Rahul
Published: May 2021

A small evagination of parietal peritoneum forms the canal of Nuck. By the first year of life this extension condenses into a fibrous cord. Cyst of canal of Nuck is a rare developmental anomaly. The inguinal canal is traversed by the spermatic cord in male and the round ligament of uterus in female. The processus vaginalis accompanies the round ligament through the inguinal canal through into the labium majus. This evagination of parietal peritoneum forms the canal of Nuck in the female. These cases are rarely seen in surgical practice. In this case series we described three clinical scenario of canal of Nuck and their management.
Comparison of responses of parents of hearing and hearing impaired children for the questionnaire 'awareness of aspects related to hearing'
Authors: Devi Neelamegarajan , Fakruddin Darga Baba , Nagaraju Basaiahgari , Belpu Navya , Raj Brunda L. , Ravi Jahnavi Ajeta
Published: May 2021

Background: Congenital hearing loss has a profound enervating impact on the child and the family's global development in many domains. If identified during the earlier years of life and apt rehabilitative measures are sought, it would aid in the child's near-normal development and optimize the educational placement. However, parental involvement in this process is crucial. The present study aimed to ‘develop, administer and compare the scores of the questionnaire on ‘Parent’s awareness on aspects related to hearing’ among the parents of children with normal hearing and hearing impairment.Methods: A total of eighty participants, divided into group I (parents of normal hearing children) and group II (parents of children with hearing impairment), participated in the study.Results: Mann-Whitney test showed that there was a significant difference between the groups for all the subsections. The receiver operating characteristic curve was analyzed, and the cut-off scores of 26.5 were obtained. The sensitivity of 0.825 and 1-specificity of 0.225 was achieved.Conclusions: More awareness to be created among the parents of normal-hearing children not only on the risk factors of hearing loss but also on the educational options which would hoist towards inclusion.
Study of respiratory disease pattern in children aged 2 months-5 years admitted in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: S. R. Raja , J. Shabin , M. Mathivanan , M. Muthu Rama Subramanian
Published: May 2021

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) is one of the leading causes of under 5 mortality globally and in India. India accounts for 20% of deaths globally due to pneumonia. Reviewing the prevalence and profile of pneumonia admissions in a tertiary care hospital will reflect the burden in the community and thereby help to plan optimal use of resources and adopting proper preventive measures. Aim of study was to identify prevalence, various risk factors involved, morbidity and mortality of acute respiratory infections in children 2 months to 5 years old.Methods: A prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital of southern Tamil Nadu, India over a period of 18 months (January 2016 to June 2017). All cases between the age group of 2 months to 5 years admitted to Paediatric department were included in the study. Demographic and clinical features were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0.Results: A total of 2793 children were included, of which the prevalence of acute respiratory infection was 10.95% (306 children). Pneumonia was the most common diagnosis (38.5%) followed by bronchiolitis (15.3%). Mortality rate was 5.9% among the ARI cases. There was a significant influence of exclusive breast feeding and malnutrition over the morbidity and mortality of ARI cases.Conclusions: Identifying ARI cases with risk factors for developing severe and very severe pneumonia and children with risk factors for high mortality need to be referred to tertiary care centres as early as possible for better outcome.
Kangaroo mother care in COVID-19 pandemic, accepting the new normal
Authors: Nayyar Sidharth , Kadam Sandeep , Kumawat Rakesh , Anusha R.
Published: May 2021

Background: Kangaroo mother care is an evidence-based, low cost and high impact approach that has shown significant reduction in preterm mortality. Practising KMC in COVID 19 era, is a challenge for mothers and the NICU’s. Aim of the study was to assess the effect of this pandemic on the practice of KMC in our NICU and opine about the possible barriers.Methods: It was a retrospective observational cohort study. Data was collected from the NICU records. Neonates fulfilling the inclusion criteria were classified as pre COVID-19 epoch (January 2020 to March 2020) and post COVID-19 epoch (April 2020 to June 2020). KMC hours provided were compared between the two groups.Results: Forty-six neonates were included in epoch 1 and Forty-two in epoch 2. Outcomes were analysed between the groups for primary measures, cumulative KMC hours reduced significantly in after COVID-19 period compared to the other group (median of 2 hours v/s 17 hours respectively), p value<0.001. Similarly, time to introduce first feeds increased from 6 hours in epoch 1 to 12 hours in epoch 2, p value=0.004.Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic has affected the duration of KMC inside the NICU. Lack of clear guidelines/training about continuing KMC in COVID times has further lead to decrease in KMC duration as reported in the present study. Training and awareness regarding the benefits of KMC which outweigh its possible risks and proper sanitization and hand hygiene for both healthcare providers and KMC providers need to be enforced to continue this good practice in the NICU’s and the community.
Urinary ascites in a neonate with posterior urethral valve
Authors: Qurram Syed M. , Lakshmi C. V. S. , Nazneen Farhana , Khan Mohammed U.
Published: May 2021

Urinary ascites in a newborn is an extremely rare condition, most commonly due to posterior urethral valves, due to transmission of high intravesical pressure to calyceal fornices, and subsequent urinary ascites either by calyceal perforation or filtration through walls of urinary tract and their rupture. We describe a newborn male baby, who presented with huge abdominal distension at birth, and diagnosed as urinary ascites on paracentesis. Baby was asphyxiated and required resuscitation at birth, and ventilatory support for 4 days in v/o significant abdominal distension. Micturating cystourethrogram (MCUG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed posterior urethral valves. Baby also had a left sided urinoma and grade 4 vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on MCUG. Post paracentesis and drainage of 400ml of ascetic fluid, and urinary catheterization, baby had significant improvement of deranged renal parameters, and diuresis, and could be weaned from ventilation. In v/o inability to negotiate a urethroscope, a vesicostomy was done for urinary drainage and fulguration of valves planned on follow-up.
Laron syndrome: a case report
Authors: Puttappanavar Ashok V. , Basavanagowda Thanuja , Shree Sushma , RamaRaj Savitha Mysore , . Prashanth
Published: May 2021

Laron syndrome (LS) is a rare, genetic disorder inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The disease is caused by mutations of the growth hormone (GH) gene, leading to GH/insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF1) signalling pathway defect. A 13-month-old, male child, born of second-degree consanguineous marriage presented with short stature (57 cm, below- 3 SD) with normal head size, mild motor developmental delay, micropenis and bone age of 9 months. Basal GH was 28.7 ng/ml (normal 1-13.6 ng/ml). IGF-1 was less than 20 ng/ml (normal up to 170 ng/ml). GH stimulation test done using clonidine revealed increased levels. Post stimulation levels at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min (ng/ml) were 29.3, 37.9, 29.3 respectively, which was suggestive of resistance to GH that is laron dwarfism. Treatment is focused on improving growth and generally includes injections of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This case is being reported for its rarity and early detection.
Perception of risks and safe handling practices of corpses among morticians in Ibadan, Oyo state
Authors: Akinyemi Oluwasun Oladapo , Adenaike Esther M. , Ilesanmi Olayinka S. , Ojezele Samuel O.
Published: May 2021

Background: It is well known in many Sub-Saharan countries that many morgues that are designed and built to earlier standard are no longer compatible with current occupational health and safety practices. This study therefore aimed to investigate the perception of risks involved and safe handling of corpses among morticians in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 42 morticians in Ibadan in 2017 using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from morticians. A key informant interview was also conducted with each supervisor of the various facilities.Results: Respondents’ mean age was 42.1±11.4 years, 39 (95.1%) were males, and 14 (35%) had no formal education. The most dangerous communicable diseases that the respondents were aware of included Lassa fever among 38 (95.0%), Ebola among 35 (87.5%), tetanus among 34 (85.0%), tuberculosis among 31 (77.5%), and hepatitis B among 25 (62.5%). In all, 36 (90%) of the respondents had inhaled chemicals during work leading to cough, excessive sneezing and eye irritation. Protective gown was well known among all 42 (100%) respondents. Work-associated injuries such as sharp injury, splash of chemicals, slip, trip and falls were least ranked. Some of the facilities (33%) had written program based on the requirement of the World Health Organization.Conclusions: Government, stakeholders and bodies responsible for managing mortuaries should not only pass law and enforce them but also provide avenues (seminars, lectures, webinars etc.) where knowledge can be shared and modern industry safe practices can be achieved.
Coping strategies available for women living with HIV/AIDS experiencing intimate partner violence in the Singida region, Tanzania
Authors: Kosia Agnes L. , Frumence Gasto , Nyamhanga Tumaini , Semakafu Ave Maria , Kakoko Deodatus
Published: May 2021

Background: Intimate partner violence is a major public health problem in Tanzania, yet little is known about the coping strategies among women living with HIV/AIDS who experiencing IPV. The objective of the study was to explore the coping strategies employed by women living with HIV/AIDS experiencing IPV who attended care and treatment services in the Singida region.Methods: A qualitative phenomenology study design was performed in which data were collected through in-depth interviews with 35 women living with HIV/AIDS who also experienced IPV. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.Results: We found that women living with HIV/AIDS experienced IPV used family members, such as their mothers, sisters, and brothers as a coping mechanism to express their pains. Spiritual leaders counselled them spiritually and psychologically and they were advised on how to live with their violent partners. Other coping mechanisms included reporting to the police and the legal system, and the use of support groups. Through support groups, they obtained relief from depression, loneliness, isolation, stigma and discrimination.Conclusions: This study concludes that coping mechanisms helped women living with HIV/AIDS to reduce the stress associated with HIV/AIDS and intimate partner violence. The government of Tanzania should strengthen policies related to IPV and HIV/AIDS among all women in Tanzania. Moreover, local government authorities should build safe homes for all survivors of intimate partner violence throughout the country.
Menstrual hygiene awareness, management and challenges among adolescent girls in rural areas in Ambala, India
Authors: Thaman Varidhi , Mittal Anjana , Chitkara Ishika , Chahal Prerna
Published: May 2021

Background: The present study was undertaken to encourage articulation of needs and problems of adolescent school girls in rural areas in Ambala district, India, advancing good menstrual hygiene and generating evidence on menstrual hygiene awareness, management and challenges.Methods: This study was an observational cross-sectional study, conducted from July to September 2018, in two rural schools (school 1 and school 2) in Ambala, Haryana, India. A structured pre validated questionnaire was administered to the group of participating girl subjects of 11- 17 years; the questionnaire was explained to them, followed by a short animated film ‘Mythri’ in Hindi of 20 minutes imparting knowledge on MHM. The data was analyzed and the report was presented to the schools with recommendations.Results: We observed better MHM facilities in school 2 than school 1. Provision of good infrastructure and MHM facilities in schools, reduces the absenteeism of girls during menstruation. A statistically significant difference in girl students absenteeism for an average of 2.15 (66.66%) days/ month in school 1, and an average of 1.44 (21.05%) days/month in school 2 is reported. Sanitary pads usage of 50%-83% girls is reported; this may probably be because of percolation of information and knowledge about good hygienic ways. Disposal of absorbent material still poses a big issue. Social taboos were reported by 84.44% girls in school 1 and by only 32.89% girls in school 2.Conclusions: The insights from our study suggests a better MHM education in schools to create more awareness, judicious allocation of resources in schools, providing better infrastructure and basic support to manage menses effectively and with dignity.
Sexual behaviour and practices among adolescents and young people: study and results from a tertiary care centre of north India
Authors: Agarwal Neni , Brar Balvinder Kaur , Kumar Sumir , Rajoa Onkar Singh , Chahal Anahita
Published: May 2021

Background: Adolescence and young age is a time of opportunity and risk. During this time, attitudes, values and behaviours that forms a young person's future begin to develop and take shape. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of health related issues in adults are largely due to behaviours initiated during adolescence. Age of sexual debut is generally low, yet there is dearth of knowledge on sexuality.Methods: This prospective study was conducted on adolescents and young people visiting the dermatology out patient department of a tertiary care centre in north India over 6 months duration with the help of a self administered questionnaire regarding sexual health and practices followed by imparting knowledge regarding safe sexual practices by the author.Results: Sexual debut is usually with an elder as noted in the study. Youngsters engage in unhealthy sexual behaviours, characterized by early age at sexual initiation, unsafe sex and multiple sex partners, Reasons given for this include curiosity, peer influence, pleasure and financial benefit, amongst others.Conclusions: Similar patterns of sexual behavior have been seen in all parts of the world, the findings being similar in developed as well as developing nations. Despite the ongoing programs and initiatives taken by the Indian government, this article points to the need of increasing sexual awareness by incorporating sexual education as a part of the early education curriculum, by helping and including parents to overcome the social and cultural barrier between them and their children. Encouraging contraceptive use and hence improving adolescent and young people’s reproductive and sexual health in the country.
Effect of computerized biofeedback relaxation on stress related physiological parameters
Authors: Kumar Mahendra , Srivastava Priyamvada , Sahu Manoj K. , Tripathi Saparya
Published: May 2021

Background: Mental health diseases such as insomnia, anxiety, stress and depression all have a close relationship with the autonomic nervous system. The physiological parameters of autonomic activity viz. galvanic skin resistance, electromyography, respiration and pulse rate can be regulated with the help of computerized biofeedback relaxation training. The main objective of this study was to see the effect of computerized biofeedback relaxation training on psychophysiological parameters of autonomic activity.Methods: In the present study 40 high stress post graduate students were selected. All participants were randomly divided into two group i.e. computerized biofeedback relaxation training (group-1) and placebo group (group-2). Forehead muscle tension, respiration rate, pulse rate and galvanic skin resistance were assessed, and inventories measuring stress were administered pre-randomization. Descriptive, Paired sample ‘t’ test, F-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data with the help of SPSS 16 version.Results: Biofeedback group reported a signiﬁcant change in muscle tension (p=0.27), respiration rate (p=0.01) and galvanic skin response (p=0.35) after relaxation but at the same time control group reported moderate increase in muscle tension. Additionally, the computerized biofeedback group was able to maintain the stress level while the control group had a signiﬁcant increase in the stress level over the 10 days of relaxation training.Conclusions: Biofeedback relaxation useful alternative therapy for management of stress and emotional disturbance in graduate students. During a stressful period this may also be helpful to promote overall psychological health.