bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Implanted Cardioverter Defibrillator Shocks after Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Sun Jianying , Ma Juan , Wei Feiyu , Ma Yazhe , Zhang Xi , Gao Xiaolong , Ma Tao , Guo Jia , Li Xiuhua , Fan Jie
Published: July 2024

Background:

The relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) shock remains unclear. We analyzed the characteristics of patients receiving shocks after SARS-CoV-2 infection to explore the causes of these shocks and to provide information for subsequent treatment.

Subjects and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the data from seven patients hospitalized at First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province between December 2022 and January 2023 after experiencing ICD shocks or ventricular arrhythmias following SARS-CoV-2 infection. We collected baseline information, data related to device parameters and events, and laboratory results to analyze the causes of electrical shocks.

Results:

All patients received ICD implantation at our hospital. The mean age of the patients was 67 ± 10 years. Four patients underwent implantation for primary prevention and three for secondary prevention. These patients received 80 ICD shocks after SARS-CoV-2 infection, 71 (89%), and 9 (11%) of which were the treatment for ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, respectively. There were 54 antitachycardia pacing treatments, of which 48 arrhythmic events were terminated through antitachycardia pacing, and 6 were not. Laboratory data revealed six patients had blood potassium levels below 4.0 mM. Five patients had blood calcium levels below 2.11 mmol/L. Four patients had elevated troponin concentrations (0.030–0.297 ng/mL). All patients had significantly elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels (608.8–25,758 pg/mL). Six patients had a QT interval of >440 ms and a mean QT interval of 460 ± 46 ms.

Conclusion:

SARS-CoV-2 infection may be associated with ICD shocks. Clinicians should pay close attention to patients with ICDs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and actively eliminate arrhythmogenic triggers to minimize the likelihood of ICD shock.
Ayurvedic Management of Guttate Psoriasis (Kitibha Kushtha) in Children: A Case Report
Authors: Chaudhary Naresh B. , Patir Nikita , Kori Virendra K. , Bhinde Sagar M. , Rani Renu
Published: July 2024

Every day, the number of people with autoimmune diseases increases. It is still unclear what specifically causes autoimmune diseases. One such condition is guttate psoriasis. It has a correlation with Kitibha Kushtha in Ayurveda. It occurs most often in children and young adults. Panchakarma is a well-known measure to improve the quality of life and prevention of recurrence in chronic diseases. As per the case study, an adolescent girl aged 13 years complained asymmetrical grouped skin lesions with a blackish-brown area covered by lesions on the dorsal and ventral aspects of B/L hands, more on the feet and in groin region and some on the back and all over the body for 10 months. Skin lesions were not associated with any discharge or itching. The patient was treated with Ayurveda interventions. Two sittings of Virechana along with Ayurvedic oral and local medicines and wholesome dietary regimen were given for 4 months. Encouraging relief from the above symptoms was observed after treatment. The patient has shown well tolerance and satisfactory adherence to the given treatment. No adverse event was reported during the course of therapy.
Opinion of medical students and instructors on the challenges of in-person learning postcoronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Alsunni Ahmed A. , Latif Rabia , Aldossary Deena A. , Aloraifi Lama I.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Several universities switched back to face-to-face teaching in 2022 after 2 years of online classes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis. There is no data from these students/teachers on the challenges in postpandemic face-to-face teaching and learning. The current study’s aim was to identify the challenges of face-to-face teaching and learning postpandemic from the perspective of students and instructors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Undergraduate medical students (n = 210) registered in Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University and instructors (n = 72) filled out online questionnaires from November 2022 to March 2023 on teaching–learning challenges in the postpandemic period. The questionnaires asked students about their interest in education, scores, degree of shyness, how clear the voices of the instructors wearing face masks were, fear of COVID-19, preferred mode of teaching, and advantages/disadvantages of face-to-face teaching. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables; Chi-square test was applied to assess association between categorical variables.

RESULTS:

Students reported a decrease in their educational interest postpandemic (47.1%), diffidence in interaction (42.4%), blurred teachers’ voices because of the face masks (63.3%), and lack of teachers’ empathy (47.6%). There was a significant association between preclinical year students and a decrease in educational interest (P = 0.002), diffidence in class interactions (P = 0.001), and fear of contracting COVID-19 infection while interacting with teachers (P = 0.04). Instructors complained of a decrease in students’ interest in education (65.3%), especially the instructors of the clinical years (16.7% vs. 2.1%; P = 0.022). About 10% students reported taking leave from university on purpose due to fear of contracting COVID-19 infection; students and instructors both supported lecture recordings (98.6% and 63.9%, respectively). The students’ and instructors’ preferred platform for learning was “hybrid” (80.5% and 63.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSION:

Challenges faced by the students include decreased interest in learning, drop in scores, muffled voices because of the face masks, increased shyness, waste of time in commutes, lack of flexibility in schedules, increased workload, and fear of catching COVID-19 infection. There is strong support for hybrid/blended learning and recording lectures.
The diagnostic accuracy of the Arabic version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire for screening for pediatric sleep-related breathing disorders in Saudi children
Authors: Alkhateeb Ahmed A. , Alrusayyis Danah F. , Alrashedi Essa A. , Alkhunaizi Lama T. , Alali Shahad M. , Alghamdi Amal A.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) is a valid, reliable tool for screening for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) translated into several languages since 2000. The diagnostic accuracy of an Arabic version of the PSQ has never been tested. Our aim was to translate the original version of PSQ into Arabic (Arabic-PSQ), validate it as a reliable screening tool, and compare it to the gold standard diagnostic method for SRBDs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a prospective longitudinal study of 54 children (2–14 years) who were to undergo polysomnography (PSG). SRBD was assessed by administering the Arabic version of PSQ to the parents of these children. The validity and reliability of the Arabic-PSQ were assessed. Data were analyzed using Stata 16. Correlation between with polysomnographic indices and PSQ scores, as well as measurement of the diagnostic accuracy were determined. Receiver operating characteristic analysis between the mean PSQ scores and binary PSG results was done and the area under curve (AUC) value was calculated.

RESULTS:

Thirty-four (63%) children were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea by PSG (Apnea–Hypopnea Index [AHI] ≥1), 26 of whom were accurately identified with the Arabic-PSQ (76.5%). Arabic-PSQ showed comparable validity and reliability. Using a cutoff of 0.33, the score showed a significant correlation with AHI: Rs: 0.30 (P = 0.029). The sensitivity was 76.5%, the specificity was 50%, the positive predictive was 72.2%, the negative predictive value was 55.6%, the positive likelihood ratio was 1.63, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.37.

CONCLUSIONS:

The Arabic-PSQ is a valid tool for the screening of Arabic-speaking populations for SRBD. It is valuable for directing the diagnostic approach in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Impulsiveness, suicide, and aggression in a sample of patients with disorders of methyl amphetamine use
Authors: Ali Moatazbellah I. , Rashad Mahmoud M. , Alzain Nasser M. , Al-Awad Feras A. , Alzaharani Mohammed A. , Alshamarani Abdulsalam S. , Almuqahwi Mohammed S. , Afifi Shrief Y.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Research has showed a link between patients with methamphetamine dependence and the risk of impulsiveness, aggression, and the risk of suicide. But, this link has not been studied in patients abusing methamphetamine, and it is unknown how impulsiveness, aggression, and the risk of suicide affect them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This cross-sectional study included 130 adult patients diagnosed with the disorder of the use of amphetamine, methamphetamine, cannabinoids, alcohol, other substances, and polysubstance admitted in the Addiction Department for Mental Health. Participants were interviewed for detailed psychiatric history using a structured questionnaire comprising of structured clinical interview for diagnosis I, Arabic version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation for the evaluation of suicidal ideation and behavior, and the Aggression and Hostility scale for adolescents and youth. SPSS was used for data analysis; Initial analysis included descriptive statistics: frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test assessed for association between categorical variables, whereas one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)/ Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare continuous variables.

RESULTS:

Patients who used methamphetamine either alone (23%) or with polysubstance (42.6%) were associated with higher suicidal risk than patients who did use other substances than methamphetamine (36.1%). A comparison of the three groups on impulsivity, showed significant difference regarding total scores, motor preservation, and non-planning self-control. No significant differences found between three groups on the aggression scores.

CONCLUSIONS:

There was a higher rate of impulsivity and suicidal risk in patients with methamphetamine dependence in comparison to dependence on other substances, while there was no difference with regard to aggression between patients with methamphetamine dependence and those dependent on other substances. This finding raises the issue of methamphetamine use disorder as a new substance of dependence.
Analysis of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma using Immunohistochemistry to Identify Double Expressor Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma among Germinal Centre and Non Germinal Centre B Cell Subtypes
Authors: Rani E R Jyothi , Scaria Jasmin , Sathi P P
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) within non-Hodgkin lymphoma has several morphologic and clinicopathologic variants. DLBCL has two prognostically important subtypes, germinal center B cell (GCB) and nongerminal center (Non-GCB) with the non-GCB having an inferior outcome. Immunohistochemical co-expression of cellular myelocytomatosis (CMYC) and BCL2 in DLBCL has poor prognosis and is considered as double-expressor lymphoma (DEL).

Aims and Objectives:

This study was done to identify DEL using immunohistochemistry among GCB and non-GCB DLBCL and to assess their treatment response.

Methods and Material:

A retrospective analysis of 97 DLBCL cases received in our department was done. Formalin-fixed paraffin blocks were used to prepare Hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections, immunohistochemical subtyping (into GCB and non-GCB using CD10, BCL6, and MUM1) and further to identify DEL (using CMYC and BCL2).

Statistical Analysis:

Analysis was done using Chi-square test (Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18), and P <.05 was considered significant. Kaplan-Meier test was used to estimate overall survival.

Results:

Of the total 97 DLBCL cases analyzed, 33 (34%) were DEL and 64 (66%) were non-DEL. Of the DEL, 13 (13.40%) were GCB subtype and 20 (20.6%) were non-GCB. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall survival and treatment response between DEL and non-DEL.

Conclusions:

In this study, we found that DEL constituted about one-third of the total DLBCL and within the DEL non-GCB subtype was more common. Further studies should be performed in large population to study the difference in clinical outcome.
IgG4-related Renal Disease Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Sen Arijit , Kotian Vineet Gopal , Kashif Ahmed Waheed , Datt Bhaskar
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a clinical entity that involves multiple organs and is characterized by high levels of serum IgG4. We present a case of an elderly male reporting fatigue and weight loss, who after extensive workup, was diagnosed as a case of IgG4-related renal disease on kidney biopsy.

Clinical Profile:

A 73-year-old male patient, a reformed smoker with a history of acute coronary syndrome and bronchial asthma, presented with fatigue and weight loss for 6 months. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Investigations revealed mild anemia, azotemia, hyperglobulinemia, bland urinary sediment, insignificant proteinuria, and symmetrically enlarged kidneys. A kidney biopsy was performed, which demonstrated features of IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN). Simultaneous serological investigations revealed a Kappa/Lambda ratio of 2.12, IgG–3110 mg/dL, and IgG4–3.56 g/L. The patient was treated with oral prednisolone for 6 months.

Discussion:

IgG4-related disease is a multisystem immune fibro-inflammatory disorder of the elderly with a male preponderance, which involves all organs except the synovium. IgG4-related TIN presents with an insidious rise of creatinine, elevated IgG4 levels, peripheral eosinophilia in 40% of individuals, anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) positive status in many, and hypocomplementemia. It is characterized by lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with IgG4+ plasma cells with IgG4/IgG ratio >40%, eosinophilic infiltrate, storiform fibrosis, and immune complexes in the tubular basement membrane. The mainstay of treatment is oral corticosteroids, with relapse noted in the majority, followed by a chronic indolent course.

Conclusion:

IgG4-related diseases are an emerging entity and have only been recently recognized. Awareness of the disease and a high index of suspicion is essential for early diagnosis to avoid irreversible organ damage.
Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy Presenting as Catatonia: A Rare Presentation of a Common Disease
Authors: Srinath K. M. , Subramanian Vathul B. , Siddappa Adarsh L. , Sangappa Sunila B.
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

A rare type of encephalopathy that typically manifests with neuropsychiatric symptoms is Hashimoto’s encephalopathy, also known as steroid-responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune disease (SREAT). The majority of individuals with SREAT are typically euthyroid when they first appear, while the condition can manifest at any level of T3, T4, or thyroid-stimulating hormone. A significant diagnostic factor for this uncommon disorder is elevated thyroid antibodies, which are supported by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cerebrospinal fluid analysis (CSF), and electroencephalogram (EEG) results indicative of diffuse encephalopathy. An effective dose of steroids works for the majority of patients. In this case, a 43-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism who is on disease-modifying medication presented with symptoms that were similar to those of catatonia. After careful consideration, the patient was put on intravenous pulse steroids with the suspicion of SREAT after ruling out other metabolic reasons. Steroid therapy produced a substantial improvement in the patient, who was discharged with a premorbid condition. This case is distinctive due to its appearance, occurrence, therapeutic response, and the existence of another autoimmune illness like rheumatoid arthritis. Hashimoto’s encephalopathy (SREAT) is a rare manifestation of a common disease. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, our patient was diagnosed with catatonia (DSM-5). She displayed posturing, catalepsy, mutism, stupor, and agitation. It is crucial to comprehend this rare disease, which affects 1 in every 2 lakh people, because it could be confused for a primary psychiatric disorder.
Burden of Care, Quality of Life, and Coping Strategies among Spouses of Alcohol-Dependence Patients in Tertiary Health Care Centre
Authors: Singh Pratishtha , Javadekar Archana , Chaudhury Suprakash , Saldanha Daniel
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Caregiving to a patient with substance-abuse is quite stressful and places an additional burden to the caregiver which in turn have a huge impact on their quality of life. To overcome this burden and improve their quality of life, caregivers adopt some coping strategies.

Aim:

To study the burden of care, coping strategies and quality of life among spouses of alcohol-dependence patients.

Methodology:

In this case control study, 100 spouses of diagnosed alcohol-dependence patients were taken as cases and the same number of age and sex-matched spouses of normal healthy individuals were taken as controls. AUDIT – C scale was applied to diagnose alcohol dependence in patients. M.I.N.I scale used on spouses, to rule out any chronic psychiatric illness. Burden Interview Schedule (BIS), EUROHIS-QOL scale, and Brief COPE Scale were used to find the burden on spouses, their quality of life, and coping strategies used by them.

Results:

In this study, the mean burden of care score (BIS) was significantly higher in cases (35.11 ± 4.97) as compared to that in controls (16.56 ± 9.98). Mean scores for BIS subdomains were also significantly higher in cases as compared to that in controls. There was no significant difference in the EUROHIS-QOL ratings between the cases and controls. Mean BRIEF COPE scale scores were significantly lower in cases (77.39 ± 18.10) as compared to that in controls (82.89 ± 16.43). The only difference between the two groups that was statistically significant was the avoidant coping score.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study showed that spouses of alcohol-dependent patients experience a high burden of care in all subdomains. Adaptive coping strategies were mainly taken by spouses of alcohol dependence patients, to cope with the situation. The quality of life of spouses of alcohol-dependent patients was not affected.
Comparative Evaluation of Gall Bladder Retrieval from Epigastric vs Umbilical Port After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Nehra Amit , Verma Surender , Kochar Shubham , Yadav Umesh , Godara Somya , Godara Rajesh
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has now become gold standard treatment for gallstone diseases. Although few recent articles suggest that after laparoscopic cholecystectomy gall bladder (GB) retrieval from umbilical port is better, but the evidence is inconsistent. The objective of this study was to compare specimen retrieval from epigastric vs. umbilical port in terms of postoperative pain, time taken, and ease of retrieval.

Methods:

Total 200 patients aged 16-80 years were randomized by drawing lottery slips by a third person from a box containing 200 sealed envelopes (100 for each group). Those with acute cholecystitis, empyema, mucocele, suspected malignancy, and conversion to open and chronic analgesic users were excluded. Surgery was done by consultant surgeon under standard general anesthesia with four-port technique and GB was extracted either through epigastric or umbilical port as per draw. The difficulty in specimen retrieval was graded by operating surgeon on subjective linear scale and postoperative port site pain was assessed by resident blinded to intervention with Visual Analog Scale.

Results:

Both groups were well matched regarding age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities. Mean time taken to retrieve in epigastric group was 36.76 ± 6.26 vs. 22.48 ± 5.76 seconds in umbilical group (P < .01). We observed easy retrieval via umbilical port compared to epigastric (score 2.72 ± 1.42 vs. 6.48 ± 1.32, P. 001). Epigastric group patients had Visual Analog Scale 6.56±0.768, 5.60 ± 1.225, 4.56 ± 1.325, and 2.72 ± 1.308 vs. 4.16 ± 1.214, 2.72 ± 1.275, 1.76 ± 1.234, and. 92±0.759 at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours in umbilical group. The P value at different timings were. 001, thus indicating less pain in umbilical group.

Conclusion:

Umbilical port is better than epigastric port in terms of time taken for GB retrieval, ease of retrieval, and postoperative pain.
Trend of Publication of Indian Biomedical Literature in Questionable Journals: A Journey From 2015 to 2022 and a Way Forward
Authors: Mondal Himel , Mondal Shaikat , Mondal Sarika
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Research publication is an important aspect of academic life as it aids in career progression. A high volume of publications by Indian authors is found in questionable journals. In 2020, the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India modified the list of accepted bibliographic databases, with one significant change being the exclusion of Index Copernicus. Our research question focused on whether this change had any impact on the publication patterns in questionable journals.

Aim:

This study aimed to observe the number of publications in the questionable journal before and after the change in the accepted database by the NMC.

Methods:

We prepared a final list of 12 questionable journals using extensive criteria to classify a journal as questionable. The journal issues from 2015 to 2022 were scrutinized to determine the number of original research articles, reviews, case reports, short communications, editorials, and letters to the editor.

Results:

There was a gradual increase in the percentage of publications from 2015 to 2018, followed by a plateau that lasted for three years (2018–2020). However, there was a sudden decrease in publication numbers in 2021, reaching its lowest point in 2022 (χ2 [7] = 658.2, P < 0.0001). The majority of the articles were original research articles (94.54%), while only 3.27% of publications consisted of case reports and 1.45% were review articles. It is noteworthy that none of the journals published any editorials or letters to the editor.

Conclusion:

A change in the accepted bibliographical database by the NMC may be one of the reasons for the decline in publications in questionable journals. It is important for stakeholders to prioritize the promotion of sound research output from medical institutions rather than solely focusing on the number of publications. In this article, we have presented a holistic approach to address this issue.
An Enigma of Emerging Emergency-BRASH SYNDROME: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Angadi Bharath , Punith KG , Manjunatha B H , Diggi Mahadev , Amithkumar CS , Rajesh R
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

The BRASH (bradycardia, renal failure, AV nodal blockade, shock, and hyperkalemia) syndrome is a synergy between hyperkalemia and AV nodal blockers, leading to bradycardia. Though treatment is mainly supportive care, understanding the pathophysiology and correcting the precipitating causes will help prevent the patient from progressing to a catastrophic outcome.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study conducted in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital. Medical records of cases admitted from the emergency medicine department from January 2021 to July 2022 with bradycardia and hyperkalemia were retrieved from hospital software systems. Data regarding presenting symptoms, vitals, laboratory and radiological investigations, and treatment received were noted, and the data was analyzed.

Results:

This study includes a total of seven cases that fit the definition of BRASH syndrome. The majority were elderly co-morbid patients with a median age of 53 (49-79) years, on anti-hypertensives, with varied presentations. They had mild to moderate hyperkalemia, with a mean value of 7.15 ± 2.31 mEq/L. Acute kidney injury was evident, with a mean creatinine value of 3.55 mg/dl. Initial ECG revealed bradyarrhythmias, with five junctional bradycardias and two sinus bradycardias. Among the seven cases, three were managed conservatively, three were dialyzed, and one underwent transvenous pacing. Six cases recovered and discharged home, with one mortality.

Conclusion:

BRASH syndrome is an under-recognized entity. Early recognition and treatment can avoid invasive procedures like pacing and dialysis and also prevent morbidity and mortality.
Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Approach in Pituitary Apoplexy – A Case Report
Authors: Shinde Vinod , Ingale Mayur , Suresh Anvitha , Ranade Deepak
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare endocrine emergency that is occasionally life-threatening, most often involving pituitary macroadenomas. Most pituitary macroadenomas are nonsecretory and are diagnosed in the late stages. They remain undiagnosed until they cause compression of the surrounding vital structures and lead to subsequent symptoms. The clinical feature depends on the size of the tumor and the direction of the spread. There are two approaches for surgery. The less invasive endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach is favored more than the transcranial approach.

Case Report:

46-year-old female patient presented to the outpatient department (OPD) with complaints of headache and drooping of the right eyelid for 1.5 months. On neurological examination, right severe ptosis was present and extraocular movements of the right eye are restricted for the muscles supplied by the third nerve. Pupils were reactive to light. On perimetry, the left eye showed temporal hemianopia. Right eye perimetry was not done due to ptosis. MRI Brain gave differential diagnosis as pituitary macroadenoma with hemorrhage or necrosis and pituitary apoplexy without macroadenoma. Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal excision of the tumor under general anesthesia was performed.

Conclusion:

MRI brain is the preferred imaging for cases with high suspicion of pituitary apoplexy. Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal excision of the tumor is an excellent choice for surgical resection of pituitary adenomas, with improved rates of complete tumor removal and reduced incidence of complication.
A New Deepfake Detection Method Based on Compound Scaling Dual-Stream Attention Network
Authors: Wang Shuya , Du Chenjun , Yunfang Chen
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION: Deepfake technology allows for the overlaying of existing images or videos onto target images or videos. The misuse of this technology has led to increasing complexity in information dissemination on the internet, causing harm to personal and societal public interests. OBJECTIVES: To reduce the impact and harm of deepfake as much as possible, an efficient deepfake detection method is needed. METHODS: This paper proposes a deepfake detection method based on a compound scaling dual-stream attention network, which combines a compound scaling module and a dual-stream attention module based on Swin Transformer to detect deepfake videos. In architectural design, we utilize the compound scaling module to extract shallowlevel features from the images and feed them into the deep-level feature extraction layer based on the dual-stream attention module. Finally, the obtained features are passed through a fully connected layer for classification, resulting in the detection outcome. RESULTS: Experiments on the FF++ dataset demonstrate that the deepfake detection accuracy is 95.62%, which shows its superiority to some extent.CONCLUSION: The method proposed in this paper is feasible and can be used to detect deepfake videos or images.
Elementos de identidad nacional y cultural en la ficción televisiva española distribuida por la plataforma RTVE Play
Authors: Higueras-Ruiz María José , Lomas Martínez Santiago , Martín-García Teresa , Marcos-Ramos María
Published: July 2024

Introducción: Durante la última década han proliferado diversas plataformas audiovisuales en el entorno mediático español, entre ellas, RTVE Play, servicio gratuito ofertado por la corporación Radio Televisión Española. En ella, se ofertan decenas de producciones audiovisuales financiadas por la institución, emitidas por su cadena de televisión lineal o creadas expresamente para Internet. Metodología: Este artículo analiza una muestra de las 30 series estrenadas entre 2018 y 2022 para investigar qué rasgos de construcción de identidad nacional y cultural española pueden hallarse en ellas. Así, se explora qué referentes y discursos sobre lo nacional están disponibles en las obras audiovisuales de RTVE Play. Partiendo de una ficha de codificación aplicada al análisis de los capítulos pilotos de las ficciones de la muestra, se analizan categorías como antropónimos, localizaciones, lengua, símbolos nacionales, cuestiones sociales planteadas en la narrativa, entre otras. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos evidencian poca abundancia de elementos marcadamente identitarios y escasa diversidad en la representación de formas culturales autóctonas de algunas regiones del país con notorias especificidades. Conclusiones: Algunos aspectos que exceden las categorías utilizadas, como el protagonismo recurrente de mujeres en roles con marcada agencia, sugieren posibles líneas de desarrollo para estudios futuros sobre las ficciones más recientes financiadas por RTVE.
Prediction and Improvement of Structure-Borne and Airborne Whines of
an Electric Vehicle for Virtual Development
Authors: Yoo Ji Woo , Chae Ki-Sang , Choi JaeHyuk , Kim Myunggyu , Cho Seunghyeon , Coster Christophe , Van Gils Anneleen
Published: July 2024

Many sources and paths cause interior cabin noise. Some noise from an electric
vehicle is unique and different from a vehicle with an internal combustion
engine. Especially, whine noise occurs due to the particular orders of the
electromagnetic force of an electric motor and transmission gears, which is
tonal and usually reaches high frequencies. This paper covers structure-borne
(SB) and airborne (AB) aspects to estimate whine, and the difference between the
two characteristics is distinguished. The focus lies mainly on the process of
virtual vehicle development and application for performance improvement. First,
to predict SB whine, an e-powertrain is modeled as a finite element model (FEM),
and electromagnetic (EM) forces are calculated. A vehicle model is also modeled
as an FEM, in which interior sound packages are carefully modeled as they play
an important role in the medium-frequency region. The e-powertrain and vehicle
models (being simulated separately) are combined to obtain cabin noise up to 1.5
kHz. Design studies show that the stiffness of mount insulators and the panel
stiffness of the vehicle can be substantial design variables to reduce the SB
whine. Second, the study highlights a simulation method to predict interior
airborne whine up to 8 kHz by combining the FEMs of the e-powertrain and the
vehicle’s exterior cavity with a statistical energy analysis (SEA) model of a
vehicle. Path contribution can be identified by defining source strength and
acoustic transfer function of airborne paths. Design modifications, including
encapsulation of the e-powertrain, show this simulation process could be
practically useful to reduce the airborne whine at high frequencies.
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Involving a Celio-Mesenteric Trunk-a Lesson Learnt
Authors: Das Uddalok
Published: July 2024

Celio-mesenteric trunk (CMT) is a rare vascular variation of the ventral branches of the abdominal aorta that supply blood to the mesentery and the gut. This rare variation is seen in 2/100.000 population. The presence of this anomaly is associated with an increased risk of mesenteric ischemia in the case of proximal occlusion. Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome is a controversial entity characterized by compression of the celiac axis by MAL causing post-prandial pain. We report the fourth case of MAL compression syndrome involving a CMT in the world.
Virologic re-suppression and the associated factors among children aged 1-9 years on Antiretroviral Therapy in The Aids Support Organization Soroti Region, Uganda: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Ruth Acham Winfred , Nalugya Aisha , Nyatia Ricky , Bunani Nelson
Published: July 2024

Background: Children living with HIV experience low viral load re-suppression after a high viral load compared to the rest of the population. We determined the proportion with re-suppressed viral load and associated factors among children 1-9 years on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in The Aids Support Organization (TASO) Soroti Region.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 401 records of children that initially had high viral load > 1000copies/ml for the period January 2016 to December 2018. Modified Poisson regression was performed to determine factors associated with virologic re-suppression.
Results: The prevalence of virologic re-suppression was 97/401 (24.2%). More than half, 213 (53.1%) of the children were females and 197/401 (49%) were aged between 8 and 9 years. Factors associated with virologic re-suppression were; being on protease inhibitor (PI) based regimen [APR 2.87, 95% CI 1.76-4.79], good adherence [APR1.71, 95% CI 1.22-2.51] and caregiver HIV seropositive status [APR 2.56, 95% CI 1.69-3.91].
Conclusion: Virologic re-suppression was low compared to the UNAIDS target. Taking PI-based regimen, good adherence and HIV seropositive status of the caregiver were predictors of virologic re-suppression. Close viral load monitoring of children on ART and intensified targeted adherence support to caregivers is vital to improving virologic re-suppression.
Keywords: Virologic re-suppression; Human Immunodeficiency Virus; children.
Malaria Control Programme in Nigeria: uptake of prevention strategies - a systematic review
Authors: Ugwu Collins , Ugwu Ngozi , Ogbu Ogbonnaya , Chukwu Onyedikachi , Chika-Igwenyi Nneka , Afolabi Olaronke , Igwe Daniel , Ekwe Esther , Ezekwesili Ngozi , Uneke Chigozie , Isiguzo Godsent
Published: July 2024

Background: Malaria presents a colossal burden to Africa, including Nigeria. The objective of this study was to review relevant publications to identify specific malaria control strategies in Nigeria and to determine their level of uptake.
Methods: A Medline Entrez Pubmed search was conducted to identify studies from July 2013 to June 2018 investigating malaria control strategies. The search yielded 123 publications and twelve publications that met the inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed and results presented.
Results: Five publications investigated the level of uptake of IPTp-SP and all reported low uptake of IPTp-SP. Five other publications investigated the uptake of LLINs, of which two reported good uptake. Two studies were on the uptake of mRDT or microscopy before Artemesinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and reported good uptake. Factors associated with poor uptake of malaria preventive strategies included a poorly-financed and poorly structured healthcare system, poor antenatal clinic visits, unavailability of the antimalaria drugs and nets, ignorance, poverty, cultural/religious belief and cost of mRDT and microscopy.
Conclusion: Though malaria control strategies are available in Nigeria, there was insufficient uptake of these preventive strategies. Awareness creation and education on the importance of preventive strategies and their efficient utilization will help reduce Nigeria’s malaria burden.
Keywords: Anaemia; malaria control strategies; Nigeria; Uptake.
Birth preparedness and its association with place of delivery among women in rural and urban communities of Ogun east senatorial district Nigeria
Authors: O Adefala Ngozi , Ashipa Temitope , J Sodeinde Kolawole , E Bamidele Fikayo , Y Omotosho Adebola , O Osinaike Abiodun , C Nwankpa Chimaobi
Published: July 2024

Background: Birth preparedness promotes the timely use of skilled maternal and neonatal care, reduces delays in receiving care; reduces maternal death, and ensures women have professional delivery thus reducing obstetric complications. Making the right decisions regarding the place of delivery influences the outcome of labour and childbirth.
Objectives: To assess the practice of birth preparedness and its association with the place of delivery among women in rural and urban communities of Ogun East Senatorial District.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out among 750 women in the rural and urban communities selected using a multistage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire adapted from the safe motherhood questionnaire of the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) and the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 was used. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22.0 and the statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated and results were presented in frequency tables.
Results: Urban respondents were older (mean age 31.07±6.115 years) than their rural counterparts (mean age 30.69±6.312 years). The difference in the mean ages was not statistically significant (p=0.401). Urban respondents were significantly better prepared during their last pregnancy than rural respondents (p=0.022). The majority of respondents in both rural (n=288, 76.8%) and urban areas (n=296, 78.9%) utilized health facilities as a place of delivery during their last pregnancy; the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Disparities existed in this study between rural and urban areas in the practice of birth preparedness. This calls for more health education interventions to increase the practice of birth preparedness in rural areas, having an ideal birth plan, which targets health facility delivery.
Keywords: Birth preparedness; practice; place of delivery; utilization of skilled birth attendance.
Postnatal neonatal outcomes of a targeted mobile phone intervention use in antenatal care amongst pregnant women in a pastoralist community in narok county, Kenya: a randomized control trial
Authors: Muvengei Daniel , Karanja Simon , Wanzala Peter
Published: July 2024

Background: Complications in pregnancy, at childbirth and the pueperium cause high mortality and morbidity among women and neonates globally especially in the Lower and Middle Income Countries. Antenatal care is a key high impact strategy to improve maternal and child health. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of a targeted mobile phone intervention use in the provision of antenatal care on attendance and subsequent postnatal outcomes among pregnant women in a pastoralist community.
Methods: We conducted a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) in four hospitals in Narok County, Kenya. Pregnant women were recruited early in pregnancy and followed upto 42 days after delivery. Recruitment started in June 2018. There were two study groups; the intervention and non-intervention groups with the non-intervention group receiving the routine care.
Results: Two-hundred-and-sixty-two of the 280 study participants completed the study (93.6% response rate). The difference in proportion of study participants who had neonatal mortality at birth between the two study arms was 9.32% (95% CI 1.91-16.74%) between the intervention (6.06%) and the non-intervention (15.38%) study arms (p value = 0.015).
Conclusion: A targeted mobile phone intervention used in antenatal care was associated with improved antenatal care attendance and better neonatal outcomes.
Keywords: Postnatal neonatal outcomes; targeted mobile phone intervention; use in antenatal care amongst pregnant women; in a pastoralist community in Narok county; Kenya.
Effect of breastfeeding and maternal characteristics on diarrhoea morbidity among children aged 0-2 years in Namibia
Authors: Oyedele Opeoluwa
Published: July 2024

Background: Despite it being treatable and preventable, morbidity from diarrhoeal disease still remains one of the leading killers of young children in developing countries.
Objectives: To examine the effect of breastfeeding and maternal characteristics on diarrhoea morbidity among 0-2 years old children in Namibia.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design with a multivariable log-binomial model was used to examine the effect of breastfeeding and maternal characteristics on diarrhoea morbidity among 0-2 year old children from data collected from the 2013 NDHS.
Results: Breastfeeding and maternal related characteristics such as breastfeeding status, sharing toilet facilities with other households, total children ever born, health insurance cover and main language spoken in home had lower risks on child diarrhoea morbidity, while characteristics such as type of place of residence, highest educational level, electricity & refrigerator in the household, religion, wealth index, type of mosquito bed net(s) slept under last night, mother's age at first birth, current age of child, child’s residency and drugs taken for intestinal parasites in last 6 months had higher risks and region had mixed risks.
Conclusions: Since studies have shown that the possibility of reducing the risk of morbidity related to diarrhoeal infections in children requires well-informed parents, all relevant organizations and governmental ministries that deals with health services and children’s well-being should make use of mass media like radio and television to constantly spread consistent messages on breastfeeding and advocate for better implementation of sanitation and hygiene practices among mothers with children aged 0-2 years, especially in rural and poorest areas of the Kavangos (East/West) and Caprivi/Zambezi regions.
Keywords: Breastfeeding; diarrhoea; log-binomial model; maternal characteristics; child diarrhoea morbidity; Namibia.
The impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns on Antiretroviral-Therapy (ART) adherence by HIV/AIDs patients on ART in the city of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mjabuli Jamela , Macide Artac Özdal
Published: July 2024

Background: Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world. HIV treatment was initiated in 2004 and expanded to 94% coverage rate by the 2020.
Objectives: i) to determine the level of treatment adherence during COVID-19-induced lockdowns and ii) to investigate the key determinants of adherence to ART during COVID-19-induced lockdowns.
Methods: The cross sectional study involved 392 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and was conducted at nine health facilities in Bulawayo City. Data was analysed using the Shapiro-wilk test for normality, Chi-squared test, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO), Bartlett's test, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, scree plot, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.
Results: 94.6% of the respondents took their ARTs on time, and 90.6% did not miss any treatment review. The factors influencing treatment adherence were health systems (beta value 0.334), Family support (beta value 0.138) and knowledge/understanding of treatment (beta value 0.109). Health outcome concerns (beta value -0.194) and food security and livelihoods (beta value 0.191).
Conclusion: Three factors had a positive impact on treatment adherence namely, functional health systems, family support, and knowledge or understanding of health treatment, while two factors namely health outcome concerns and food security and livelihoods negatively impacted treatment adherence.
Keywords: Impact of COVID-19-induced lockdowns; HIV/AIDs patients; Bulawayo; Zimbabwe.
Digitalization and Tax Administration in the Gambia
Authors: Ogbeta Oghenekevwe , Ayeni Oluwadare
Published: July 2024

This study extensively explored the potential of digitalization in The Gambia Revenue Authority's tax administration, amidst concerns over the practical application of digital tools and their underutilization, which have hindered the realization of improved revenue mobilization and efficient tax processes in The Gambia. The research, adopting a mixed-method design, aimed to understand the intricate relationship between digitalization and tax administration in The Gambia. With specific objectives, including identifying driving factors, examining effects, and evaluating the correlation with GRA's performance, the study adopted quantitative and qualitative analyses. Similarly, the study population is two thousand, one hundred and eighty-eight (2188). Using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula, out of 2188 population of the study, three hundred and twenty seven (327) were selected as the sample size. This encompassed individuals drawn from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, GRA staff, and corporate taxpayers using a stratified and proportionate-to-size sampling approach. Hypotheses analysis revealed a statistically significant and positive effect of digitalization on tax administration, indicating improved efficiency and GRA effectiveness. Also, Spearman's rank-order correlation affirmed a positive relationship between digitalization and tax administration. Furthermore, qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews highlighted drivers such as international financial body stipulations, modernization imperatives, trust-building, accurate record-keeping, and alignment with global standards. Recommendations include training programs for GRA staff, public awareness campaigns, and enhancing user experiences for e-payment systems, among others.
Emerging Trends in Sino-Nigeria Relations: Implications for new Economic Development Options
Authors: Ibiam Okechukwu , Agudiegwu Moses , Emmanuel Ibeh , Nwankwo Felix , Nwosu Chiedozie , Sampson Amulu , Nwobi Uchechukwu
Published: July 2024

Emerging trends in Sino-Nigeria relations, anchored on the intricacies of China’s Foreign Direct investment (FDI), powered by China’s ‘Going Global’ strategy envisioned by globalists as beneficial for both parties’ economic development, constitute serious concerns for critical analysts of African development who see the same as China’s covert promptings of Nigeria into eternal bondage. Data obtained through ex -post facto research methodology were analyzed under the model of national interest which posits that as statesmen are governed by their respective national interest, which they pursue through various means in all their foreign relations. In the course of this study, the findings showed that China is pursuing series of tactically convoluted trade relations, investments and development financing for Nigeria, in return for her unfettered access to the extraction and expropriation of Nigeria’s mineral resources for her vested interests. Furthermore, China is stage-managing Nigerian leaders through a labyrinth of subtleties and covert display of her super power capabilities to subjugate the nation. Through multi-pronged agreements that carry ominous clauses, Nigerian leaders are entwined into long term agreements for loans, infrastructural transformation and development financing, which critical analysts see as Greek gifts with ominous outcome. This remains the lot of many African nations in similar quagmire and hegemony powered by China’s ‘Going Global Strategy’, that needs to be checkmated based on a re-evaluation and re-negotiation of agreements between China and Nigeria to avoi