bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing pregnancy stress in pregnant women in Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kang Sook Jung , Yang Min Ji
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between maternal knowledge and social support on pregnancy stress among pregnant women in Korea.Methods: The participants in this study were 148 pregnant women in Korea, recruited from online communities on pregnancy and/or childbirth, from June 2019 to April 2020. The collected data were analyzed using the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression with SPSS 25.0 program. Results: Participants were at average 18.25±8.28 weeks gestation, 56% were in the second trimester, 31% had one or more health issues in the current pregnancy (e.g., hyperemesis gravidarum), and 76% were first-time mothers. Participants had moderate levels of pregnancy stress (mean, 23.09±7.11 points out of 48) and maternal knowledge (mean, 14.42±4.67 points out of 21), whereas social support was somewhat high (mean 45.88±7.81 points out of 60). Pregnancy stress was weakly negatively correlated with social support (r=–.37, p<.001). Main source of pregnancy information (β=–.21, p=.011), marital satisfaction (β=–.18, p=.036), and social support (β=–.19, p=.038) were identified as significant factors affecting pregnancy stress, and these variables had an explanatory power of 22.7% for pregnancy stress.Conclusion: Based on these findings, nurses should assess pregnancy-related stress during pregnancy and consider main source of pregnancy information and marital satisfaction when providing education or counseling. Moreover, strategies to reduce pregnancy stress through social support are needed to improve the quality of life for pregnant women.
Demodex: The worst enemies are the ones that used to be friends
Authors: Paichitrojjana Anon
Published: March 2022

Demodex mites are common ectoparasites of the human pilosebaceous units. Most adults are infested with Demodex mites without clinical symptoms. Demodex mite will only become a pathogenic organism when there is an abnormal increase in the number of Demodex mite density. This situation happens when the equilibrium between Demodex mites, skin microenvironment and human immunity system changes. Demodex infestation can cause multiple skin disorders, which are grouped under the term demodicosis or demodicidosis. Clinical manifestations of demodicosis can mimic other known skin diseases such as folliculitis, rosacea, perioral dermatitis, which is why it is often misdiagnosed. Diagnosis criteria consists of relevant correlation of suspected clinical skin lesions, confirmed by the presence of abnormal proliferation of Demodex mites and by clinical cure after acaricidal treatment together with normalization of Demodex mite density. Dermatologists should be aware that demodicosis is not an uncommon skin disease, and there are still many unknowns about it that should be researched further.
Assessment of the Asymmetry of the Lower Jaw, Face, and Palate in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Golshah Amin , Hajiazizi Roghaye , Azizi Bahram , Nikkerdar Nafiseh
Published: March 2022

Background:

This study aimed to assess the asymmetry of the lower jaw, face, and palate in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using photography, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and digitized three-dimensional casts.

Methods:

This case–control study was conducted on photographic, CBCT, and digital cast records of 14 UCLP patients and 24 healthy controls between 10 and 16 years. Totally, 65 variables were measured on photographs, CBCT scans, and on digitized casts. Measurements were compared between the two groups and within each group between the two sides. For easier measurement, in patients who had right side CLP, the cleft was transferred to the left side and in subjects without cleft, mild chin deviation was transferred to the left side.

Results:

The anteroposterior dimensions of the two condyles in the UCLP group were greater than those in the control group, while the mediolateral dimensions of the left condyle and ramus height, mandibular body length, and total length of the mandible in the control group were greater than those in the UCLP group. Right ocular, nasal, and angular variables were greater in the UCLP group. Other variables except for the palatal width from the right canine to midline were greater in the control group.

Conclusion:

Our findings highlighted the presence of asymmetry in the nasal and palatal areas in patients with UCLP while these patients had no significant difference with healthy controls in the relationship of condyles with the temporomandibular fossa.
Rate of Compliance with Infection Control Practices while Taking Dental Radiographs in a Dental Health Care Center, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Doppalapudi Radhika , Vundavalli Sudhakar , Salloum Mahmoud Gamal , Alazmi Ghanam
Published: March 2022

Background:

Infection control guidelines are aimed at preventing cross-contamination in clinical settings. Radiographs are indispensible part of oral diagnosis and assessing prognosis. Strict adherence to infection control protocol while taking dental radiographs are mandatory.

Aims and Objectives:

To assess the rate of compliance with infection control practices while taking dental radiographs in the dental clinic center of a teaching institution in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

An observational study was undertaken for the infection control practices in the dental radiology wing of a university teaching center in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from dental faculty, dental assistants, and dental students working in dental clinics. Both pretested questionnaire and by direct observation of infection control practices was used for data collection. Chi-Square test for categorical variables and Independent samples t-test for compare mean self-reported infection control practice scores were used. Binary logistics regression was used to identify the factors influencing participant's compliance with infection control practices. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

129 participants were included in this study, among those 26 were faculty, 19 were dental auxiliaries and 84 were dental students. On direct observation, the overall compliance rate was 79.5%; Dental auxiliaries have the highest compliance rate (94.5%) followed by dental faculty (88.5%) and students (68.6%). Binomial logistic regression predicted that females had 2.94 times more compliance than male counterparts, which is statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Students and faculty need continuing dental education programs for reinforcement on infection control practices.
Olaparib
Authors: Sharma Vibhor , Sharma Aparna
Published: March 2022

Olaparib is an oral anticancer drug that inhibits the poly adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase protein (PARP). It is approved for use in advanced ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. For this review, we comprehensively searched the PubMed database and Google for randomized trials and meta-analyses using the keywords “breast cancer,” “pancreatic cancer,” “ovarian cancer,” “prostate cancer,” and “olaparib.” A total of 78 randomized studies, meta-analyses, and other studies were identified, of which 70 were finally included. In this review, we have attempted to elucidate the history, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse event profile, and special scenarios nvolving the use of olaparib. In addition, we have briefly reviewed the existing literature for its use in ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers.
Novel artificial intelligence algorithm for automatic detection of COVID-19 abnormalities in computed tomography images
Authors: Bharadwaj KSS , Pawar Vivek , Punia Vivek , Apparao MLV , Mahajan Abhishek
Published: March 2022

Background:

Chest computed tomography (CT) is a readily available diagnostic test that can aid in the detection and assessment of the severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Given the wide community spread of the disease, it can be difficult for radiologists to differentiate between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in the oncological setting.

Objective:

This study was aimed at developing an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that could automatically detect COVID-19-related abnormalities from chest CT images and could serve as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19. In addition, we assessed the performance and accuracy of the algorithm in differentiating COVID-19 from non-COVID-19 lung parenchyma pathologies.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 1581 chest CT images of individuals affected with COVID-19, individuals affected with non-COVID-19 pathologies, and healthy individuals were included in this study. All the digital images of COVID-19-positive cases were obtained from web databases available in the public domain. About 60% of the data were used for training and validation of the algorithm, and the remaining 40% were used as a test set. A single-stage deep learning architecture based on the RetinaNet framework was used as the AI model for image classification. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated using various publicly available datasets comprising patients with COVID-19, patients with pneumonia, other lung diseases (underlying malignancies), and healthy individuals without any abnormalities. The specificity, sensitivity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were measured to estimate the effectiveness of our method.

Results:

The semantic and non-semantic features of the algorithm were analyzed. For the COVID-19 classification network, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC were 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85–0.97), 0.995 (95% CI: 0.984–1.0), 0.972 (95% CI: 0.952–0.988), and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.945–0.986), respectively. For the non-COVID classification network, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.931 (95% CI: 0.88–0.975), 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90–0.974), and 0.935 (95% CI: 0.90, 0.965), respectively.

Conclusion:

The AI algorithm developed in our study can detect COVID-19 abnormalities from CT images with high sensitivity and specificity. Our AI algorithm can be used for the early detection and timely management of patients with COVID-19.
Clinical profile and outcomes of COVID-19 infection during the first wave in children with hematological illnesses and cancer
Authors: Bhayana Swati , Kalra Manas , Sachdeva Pallavi , Sachdeva Anupam
Published: March 2022

Background:

Patients with cancer are at a higher risk of getting infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 owing to their immunocompromised state. Providing care to these patients amidst the first wave of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was extremely challenging.

Objectives:

This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical profile and disease-related outcomes of pediatric patients with hematological illnesses and cancer.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in North India during the first wave of the pandemic from March 2020 to December 2020. Children aged up to 18 years, who were treated for a hematological illness or malignancy or underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and tested positive for COVID-19 regardless of symptoms were included in the study. Baseline demographic data related to the age, diagnosis, treatment status, and chemotherapy protocol used were collected. Outcomes including the cure rates, comorbidities, and sequelae were recorded.

Results:

A total of 650 tests for COVID-19 were performed for 181 children; 22 patients were found to be COVID-19 positive. The most common diagnosis was acute leukemia (63.6%). None of the patients developed COVID-19 pneumonia. The majority of patients had asymptomatic infection and were managed at home. Among those with a symptomatic infection, the most common symptoms were fever and cough. A total of 3 (13.6%) patients needed oxygen therapy, one developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome of children leading to cardiogenic shock. Three patients required intensive care or respiratory support; all the patients had favorable clinical outcomes. The median time from the onset of COVID-19 to a negative result on the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test was 21.3 days. Cancer treatment was modified in 15 patients (68.2%).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that children with hemato-oncological illnesses rarely experience severe COVID-19 disease. The impact of the first wave of COVID-19 primarily manifested as disruptions in the logistic planning and administration of essential treatment to these children rather than COVID-19 sequelae.
Role of Wound, Ischemia, and Foot Infection Scores in Predicting Major Limb Loss Despite Appropriate Revascularization
Authors: Lazarus Emmanuel , Premkumar Prabhu , Selvaraj Dheepak , Samuel Vimalin , Kota Albert Abhinay
Published: March 2022

Background:

Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) scores correlate well with amputation risk in patients with peripheral vascular disease. A certain subset will eventually require a major amputation despite revascularization. These patients may be offered the option of an upfront primary amputation and early rehabilitation. We sought to assess the WIfI staging and the novel WIfI composite scoring in identifying this subgroup.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with lower limb peripheral vascular disease with chronic lower limb extremity wounds who underwent revascularization procedures with the intent of limb salvage were included. Retrospective data of prospectively maintained preoperative WIfI scores, details of vascular intervention and occurrence of major amputation over 1 year from April 2018 to March 2019 was collected. Follow-up data were obtained for 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

Hundred thirty-seven patients were included. One hundred and one underwent an endovascular procedure, 17 underwent an aortobifemoral bypass, 16 underwent an open bypass procedure, and 3 were hybrid procedures. About 16.5% (23 patients) required a major amputation despite revascularization within 6 months of intervention. The mean total component score (out of 9) in these patients who required amputation was significantly higher (7.73 vs. 5.15, P < 0.05). Higher infection score preoperatively (2.17 vs. 0.88, P < 0.05) and higher wound score (2.7 vs. 1.63, P < 0.05) were significant. Mean ischemia scores were not significantly different between the two groups (2.87 vs. 2.65). The most common cause of amputation was infection (20 out of 23 events), and most of the amputations occurred in the first 1 month following. Three patients died within the 1-year follow-up period.

Conclusion:

Patients with higher total WIfI scores >7, higher wound, and infection components at presentation may have poor outcomes following revascularization.
Repair of Large Ruptured Infected Pseudoaneurysm of Iliac Artery with Transposition of Internal Iliac Artery after an Allograft Nephrectomy
Authors: Singh Devender , Aryala Shalini
Published: March 2022

Pseudoaneurysms following allograft nephrectomy are rare and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Ruptured iliac artery pseudoaneurysm in a septic patient is a challenge to treat due to limited options. This case report highlights a novel technique of using ipsilateral internal iliac artery to repair an infected pseudoaneurysm of the iliac artery related to explanted renal transplant.
Retrograde Tibiopedal Access for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Abdelmonem Mostafa , Shahat Mohammed , Elashry Mohamed G , Ali Haitham
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The objective of the current study was to report single-center data concerning the efficacy, safety, and midterm outcomes of retrograde tibiopedal access, after failed antegrade attempts, for management of infrainguinal chronic total occlusions (CTOs) in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

Methods:

This prospective, observational study was conducted between July 2016 and June 2019 and included 178 patients with infrainguinal CTO in whom a percutaneous tibiopedal access was attempted as a consequence of failed recanalization using an antegrade approach due to ostial lesions or failed re-entry.

Results:

The study reported access, crossing, and treatment success of 93.8%, 89.9%, and 88.8% of all tibiopedal access attempts, respectively. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 43.8% ± 3.9%, 64.2% ± 3.8%, and 71.7% ± 3.5% at 24 months, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis yielded an overall amputation-free survival of 71.1% ± 3.5% at 24 months.

Conclusion:

Retrograde tibiopedal access is an effective and safe approach as associated with high access, crossing, treatment success, and low complication rates. This approach is considered as a bailout technique during endovascular procedures in recanalization of infrainguinal CTOs, after failed antegrade attempts, in patients with CLTI.
Aggressive Management of Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis – A Case Report and Systemic Review
Authors: Shahat Mohammed
Published: March 2022

Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is rapidly growing health issue. The number of secondary UEDVT is outnumbering the incidence of primary deep vein thrombosis in upper limbs. Central venous catheter, malignancy is the most accused etiology for marked growth in the incidence of upper limb DVT. We are reporting a unique case for UEDVT and its management by thrombolysis in malignant patient with unique complication occurred (arteriovenous fistula) which was managed by covered stent in the artery.
Utility of Ankle Brachial Index in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease in a Resource Limited Setting
Authors: Bhat Mudasir Hamid , Parry Arshed Hussain , Maqsood Shadab , Ganie Farooq Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Background:

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) constitutes a significant healthcare problem with immense health and economic implications. Owing to ill-equipped healthcare systems in poor countries the diagnosis of PAD demands the availability of a reasonably reliable and inexpensive diagnostic test. Ankle brachial index (ABI) is a simple, inexpensive office-based test for the diagnosis of PAD. The study was aimed to evaluate the reliability of ABI for the diagnosis of PAD using Doppler ultrasound (DUS) as the gold standard.

Methods:

The ABI of patients suspected of having lower limb PAD was measured followed by DUS examination. The sensitivity and specificity of ABI for the diagnosis of PAD was calculated by comparing it with DUS which was used as the reference or standard diagnostic test.

Results:

The ABI of a total of 200 limbs from 100 patients was recorded followed by DUS examination. One hundred and thirty-two limbs (66%) had PAD on DUS which was graded as mild, moderate, and severe in 45.5%, 27.2% and 30.3% respectively. Out of 132 patients who had PAD on Doppler, 96/132 (72.8%) were correctly labelled as PAD on ABI, whereas 36/132 (27.2%) received an erroneous diagnosis of normal on ABI. Conversely, only 6/60 (10%) patients who were labelled as PAD on ABI had a normal arterial system on DUS. The ABI yielded a low overall sensitivity of 72.7% and a high specificity of 90%. The sensitivity was relatively low for mild PAD (52.7%), however, for moderate and severe PAD, ABI demonstrated a high sensitivity of 88.9% and 100% respectively. Overall agreement between ABI and DUS for the diagnosis of PAD was good (k = 0.67).

Conclusion:

ABI demonstrated a good sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of PAD especially in patients with moderate-severe PAD. Combined with the advantages of ready availability, low cost, and technical feasibility the use of ABI should be maximized in routine clinical practice to clinch the diagnosis of PAD in suspected individuals.
Traumatic Axillary Artery Repair
Authors: Munjal Ridhika , Kisku Navnita , Pramanik Subrata , Gupta Anubhav
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Only 15%–20% of the arterial injuries of the upper limbs are due traumatic axillary artery injury. Out of all ninety four percent are due to penetrating wounds, while the remaining 6% are caused by blunt traumas. Four cases with traumatic axillary artery injury are reported here.

Materials and Methods:

Four patients diagnosed with traumatic axillary artery injury underwent vascular repair presented between October 2019 and September 2020 are included in this study.

Results:

Fifty percent of patients presented with blunt trauma, whereas 50% with penetrating injury. Only one patient had associated bone injury. Hundred per cent of the patients had absent peripheral pulsation, while 50% of patients presented with warm upper extremity and normal capillary refill time. Seventy-five percent of patients involved had trauma to 1st part of axillary artery, whereas one patient suffered trauma to 2nd part. Two incisions, i.e. supraclavicular and infraclavicular incisions were taken to take proximal control of subclavian artery in two patients with trauma to 1st part of axillary artery. Only one patient underwent vascular repair with reverse saphenous vein graft, rest all patients underwent end-to-end axillary artery repair. Twenty-five percent of patients had associated brachial plexus injury and bone injury, respectively, which were taken care off along arterial repair. Hundred percent of the patients had good vascular outcome postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Patients presenting with trauma to periclavicular region must be thoroughly examined for associated axillary artery injury and if diagnosed with same must undergo prompt surgical exploration and arterial repair. For good proximal control, it is advisable to go for both supraclavicular and infraclavicular incisions in case of injury to 1st part of axillary artery.
Investigation of Routine Blood Parameters for Predicting Embolic Risk in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Etli Mustafa
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NV-AF) is an important risk factor for cardiac thromboembolic disorders. However, there is not an exact biomarker for evaluating risk in these patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the routine blood test and inflammatory markers in NV-AF patients with or without embolic complications.

Materials and Methods:

Routine complete blood count (CBC) and a clinical biochemistry analysis of 214 NV-AF patients (151 with embolic complication and 63 without embolic complication) were recorded retrospectively. Obtained results compared between NV-AF with embolic group and NV-AF without an embolic group.

Results:

The most of the CBC and biochemical markers were found as similar (P > 0.05) between groups except white blood cell count, lymphocyte ratio (Lym%), neutrophil ratio (Neu%), eosinophil ratio (Eus%), neutrophil count (Neu), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, low-density lipid, sodium (Na), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, plasma iron levels, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The inflammatory markers, especially NLR, seem to be useful for embolic risk stratification in NVAF patients.
Modeling of COVID-19 new cases and deaths in top 10 affected countries
Authors: Thatkar Pandurang V. , Pawar Dattatray D. , Tonde Jeevan P.
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

This study aimed to develop a model utilizing the data from the top 10 countries (as of August 22, 2020) with the maximum number of infected cases. These countries are the United States of America, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Spain. The model is developed using the newly infected cases, new deaths, cumulative infected cases, and cumulative deaths due to COVID-19 starting from the day on which the first infected cases of COVID-19 in each of these countries is diagnosed to the date August 19, 2020.

Materials and Methods:

This study includes data such as the newly infected cases, new deaths, cumulative infected cases, and cumulative deaths due to COVID-19 starting from the day on which the first infected case of COVID-19 in each of these countries is diagnosed to the date August 19, 2020, in the top 10 most affected countries. The data were obtained from World Health Organization (WHO) website. To fit the data into a regression model, IBM SPSS Statistics 21.0 was used. The linear, logarithmic, quadratic, and cubic curves were fitted to the newly infected COVID-19 cases and daily deaths due to COVID-19. In choosing the best-fitted model, the coefficient of determination (R-square) was used.

Results:

Cubic regression model is the best fit model for new infected COVID-19 cases as well as COVID-19 deaths. It has the highest R-square value as compared to the linear, logarithmic and quadratic.

Conclusion:

To control the spread of infection, there is a need for aggressive control strategies from the administrative departments of all countries.
Hearing loss and tinnitus among pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Panda Swaha , Jena Pragnya Paramita
Published: March 2022

Background:

Hearing impairment and tinnitus are common otological manifestations found in the outpatient Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Hearing loss and tinnitus have been documented among coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. However, these clinical manifestations were rarely investigated among pediatric patients with COVID-19 infections.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of hearing impairment and tinnitus among children with COVID-19 infection at a teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods:

This is a prospective and descriptive study where 192 children with COVID-19 infections were evaluated for hearing loss and tinnitus. There were 44 (22.91%) children with COVID-19 infections presenting with hearing loss and tinnitus. All of the children were confirmed as COVID-19 infection with the help of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction of the nasopharyngeal swab. Detailed history taking and clinical examination of the ear were done for the assessment of hearing loss and tinnitus and its outcome was analyzed.

Results:

Out of 44 children, 20 (45.45%) were presented with tinnitus, 16 (36.36%) were presented with hearing loss, and 8 (18.18%) were presented with both hearing loss and tinnitus. Out of 44 pediatric patients with hearing loss and/or tinnitus, 26 (59.09%) were males and 18 (40.90%) were females with a male child to female child ratio of 1.44:1. The mean age of the participants was 9.16 years with an age range from 5 to 18 years. The sporadic type of tinnitus is more common than any other type.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the presence of subjective neurological features like hearing loss and tinnitus can be found in children with COVID-19 infection. More studies are required to confirm the exact pathophysiology mechanism underlying this subjective symptom in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection.
Mucormycosis in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Lokhande Ganesh Shrihari , Bavaskar Yogita Gopal , Malkar Vilas Raghunath , Ramanand Jaiprakash , Surwade Jitendra Bhaskar , Saji Daniel Arun , Suryawanshi Sandeep
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first reported in Wuhan, in China, rapidly spread to other parts of the world forming a global pandemic. Secondary fungal or bacterial infections or coinfections are important challenges increasing the patients’ morbidity and mortality in COVID infection patients. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to increases in the cases of mucormycosis in India; rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis is considered the most common type of mucormycosis, which is acquired by inhaling fungal spores in the paranasal sinuses.

Objectives:

The aims of this study were to assess the clinical and demographic profile of the patient with mucormycosis admitted to Government Medical College, Jalgaon and to identify the risk factors observed in the admitted patient with mucormycosis.

Materials and Methods:

The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the patients admitted for the treatment of mucormycosis in Government Medical College and Hospital, Jalgaon, Maharashtra. A total of 91 patients admitted from April 15, 2021 to June 15, 2021 were enrolled as study participants.

Result:

More than half of the study participants were having complaints of swelling and pain over the cheek and face at the time of admission, whereas 20% were having pain in the nose, growth/swelling, and discharge from nose followed by toothache and loss of teeth in 13% of the study participants. More than 50% of patients were diabetic and 91% have a history of steroid use for the treatment of COVID-19. 57% of the study participants were having a history of diabetes.

Conclusion:

The physician should be more attentive for mucormycosis among the post-COVID-19 patients with diabetes patients and/or presenting with pain in the facial or orbital region or blackish or bloody nasal discharge.
A retrospective analysis of facial palsy in patients of squamosal chronic suppurative otitis media with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rathod Jitendra Kerba , Bavisetty Lakshmi Vasavi , Bohra Rajendra B.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Facial nerve palsy is a common intra-temporal complication of untreated chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) causing erosion of the fallopian canal and its pressure effects leading to facial weakness. There is a less favorable outcome in patients of CSOM with diabetes as they are more prone to neural degeneration. In such patients, early surgical decompression of the facial nerve helps in resolving facial palsy to some extent. In our study of 22 patients, we analyzed the prognosis and advantage of doing early surgical facial nerve decompression along with modified radical mastoidectomy in patients of unsafe CSOM with diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods:

We present a retrospective study of 22 patients with a squamosal type of CSOM with diabetes mellitus who came to the outpatient department, from June 2019 to March 2021, with complaints of ear discharge and facial palsy grades 3–5, in whom we did early surgical facial nerve decompression along with modified radical mastoidectomy. We observed the incidence of facial palsy and recovery after facial nerve decompression with limited use of steroids in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Results:

In our retrospective study of 22 patients with squamosal type of CSOM with diabetes mellitus with complaints of facial palsy, 10 were males and 12 were females. Patients were assessed clinically using House–Brackmann grading: 55% are of grade III, 31% are of grade IV, and 14% are of grade V. About 82% of the patients from our study had lesions at the tympanic segment, 9% patients had lesions at the vertical segment, 4.5% patients had lesion at the first genu, and 4.5% patients had lesion at the second genu. In our study, 95% of the patients from the study improved with early facial nerve decompression along with modified radical mastoidectomy, 55% of the patients improved to grade I, 36% of the patients improved to grade II, and 9% of the patients improved to grade III.

Conclusion:

In squamosal-type CSOM patients with facial palsy, early facial nerve decompression along with modified radical mastoidectomy within 12 weeks of development of facial palsy provides better results than just modified radical mastoidectomy as it increases recovery rate and reduces the need for post-operative steroids which is an advantage in diabetics.
Enrollees’ knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to uptake of National Health Insurance Scheme in north-central Nigeria
Authors: Ewulum Kenny , Abiodun Olaiya P. , Ogunniyi Abiodun O. , Ajani Olumide F. , Yashim Andrew N. , Tomori Michael O. , Oyewande Azeezat A. , Udah Chidinma A. , Igbinovia Friday I. , Enejoh Doreen O. , Gwa Zachary T. , Afelumo Olaide L. , Sanni Felix O.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Enrollees’ knowledge, behavior, and perception of health insurance substantially influence a decision about the uptake of sustainability of the program. This study assessed enrollees’ knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) uptake in Benue State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

The study was a descriptive survey conducted among hospital clients enrolled in the formal sector program of the health insurance scheme in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect respondents’ demographic information and data related to the knowledge, satisfaction, and barriers to the uptake of NHIS in Nigeria. IBM-SPSS version 25.0 was used to analyze the data.

Results:

The study comprised 53.2% males, and 46.8% were females. The majority (82.9%) of the enrollees were aware of the objectives of the NHIS, but only 33.4% were aware of their benefits as enrollees and only 56.0% were satisfied with NHIS services. Factors that significantly influenced enrollees’ satisfaction include sex, age, education level, income, and knowledge of enrollees’ entitlements (P < 0.05), but the family size and knowledge of the objectives of the NHIS were not significantly associated with the level of satisfaction (P > 0.05). The most common barriers to the uptake of the NHIS include cultural and religious norms (67.4%) and poor social infrastructures (60.6%).

Conclusion:

This study revealed that the enrollees had poor knowledge of their entitlements for enrolling in the NHIS and a low level of satisfaction. There is a need for more awareness interventions across Nigeria to sensitize citizens of the scheme’s importance, objectives, and benefits.
Sunlight
Authors: Guc Zeynep Gülsüm , Guc Hasan
Published: March 2022

Objective:

We assessed the relationship between serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (OH) D levels and the presence of malignancy in patients who underwent surgery for cutaneous skin lesions.

Materials and Methods:

Three-hundred and ninety-eight patients operated on for cutaneous lesions, had serum 25 (OH) D levels on file, had no known parathyroid pathology, did not concomitantly take bisphosphonate or Vitamin D supplement, and had accessible pathology results were reviewed upon their consent for the retrospective analysis of their data. Demographic characteristics, diagnosis dates, lesion localizations, pathology results, and serum 25 (OH) D levels were noted. Optimal cutoff value for Vitamin D levels was calculated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and pathology results of the excised lesions and patient characteristics were analyzed according to this value.

Results:

ROC analysis showed 90% sensitivity and 64% specificity for vitamin D levels of 18.64 ng/ml (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.905; 95% confidence interval 0.87–0.93, P < 0.001). Review of lesions for pathological characteristics showed 207 (52%) benign and 191 (48%) malignant. While no significant relationship was observed between gender and vitamin D levels, a significant difference was identified between advanced age and low Vitamin D levels and the presence of malignancy (P < 0.001). The one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's post hoc analysis revealed higher incidences of malignant lesions in the group with low serum 25 (OH) D levels (P < 0.001), in patients aged 65+ years (P < 0.001), in cases localized to the head and neck (P = 0.026), and in males (P = 0.047).

Conclusion:

We identified a statistically significant relationship between low serum 25 (OH) D levels and the development of cutaneous malignancy.
Planktic Foraminiferal Content in a Mature Agulhas Eddy from the SE Atlantic: Any Influence on Foraminiferal Export Fluxes?
Authors:   Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Lončarić Neven
Published: March 2022

The Agulhas eddies, large-scale rings of warm salty water, occasionallyintrude into the Benguela Current system from the Indian Ocean and progress northwards across the Cape Basin and the Walvis Ridge. This inter-ocean exchange of heat and salt along the Cape of Good Hope is considered to play a crucial role for the global thermohaline circulation. Yet, the modern faunal composition of mature eddies from the northern Cape Basin and Walvis Ridge was uninvestigated in spite of the global importance of the Agulhas inflow, preventing firm micropalaeontological study of the palaeoceanographic variability of the ocean exchange in this area.This paper describes the composition of the modern planktic foraminiferal assemblages collected from a mature Agulhas eddy when it entered into the northern Benguela Current system. The effect of the eddy’s gradual decay on the foraminiferal communities in the upper water column is specifically examined, using plankton tow and CTD-rosette profiles, obtained within and outside the ring. In addition,exported foraminiferal fluxes beneath the eddy were investigated in order to determine their impact on the accumulation assemblages as recorded in sediment traps moored near the sea floor and in the core-top sediment from a box corer.The examined mature eddy “W” was clearly evident on the satellitealtimetry images by its elevated surface. It was distinguished from the surrounding ocean by a slightly higher salinity, deeper surface mixed layer and higher planktic foraminiferal standing stocks. Similarto planktic foraminiferal fauna in freshly formed eddies from the Agulhas retroflection, species such as Globigerinoides trilobus s.l., Globigerinoides ruber, Orbulina universa, Globigerinella siphoni-fera and Globorotalia scitula dominated in the ring “W” assemblages. However, Globorotalia menardii, a species previously believed to be characteristic for the Agulhas leakage into the S. Atlantic, was virtuallyabsent in the eddy “W” fauna. Also Globorotaloides hexagona, a species endemic in Indian Ocean waters, was not found in the water column, in the export flux or underlying sediment. The February to July foraminiferal flux patterns recorded by the sediment traps mirror the February standing stocks from the water column. Here in contrast, the core-top results show dominance of intermediate/cold water speciesthat originate from the seasonal spring bloom. This signal prevailsin sediment to the extent that any potential Agulhas eddy signaturein the sediment was overprinted.
Задача оптимального стартового управления для двумерных уравнений Буссинеска
Authors: Baranovskii Evgenii Sergeevich
Published: March 2022

Рассматривается задача оптимального стартового управления для двумерных уравнений Буссинеска, описывающих неизотермические течения вязкой жидкости в ограниченной области. На основе изучения свойств допустимых кортежей и оператора сдвига доказана разрешимость задачи оптимизации при естественных допущениях относительно данных модели. Выведено вариационное неравенство, которому удовлетворяет оптимальное управление при условии, что целевой функционал определяется финальным наблюдением. Кроме того, получены достаточные условия единственности оптимального управления.
Библиография: 28 наименований.
Effect of phosphate solubilizing bio-inoculants and vermicompost application on mineral uptake and growth of coffee (Coffea arbica L.) seedlings under greenhouse condition
Authors: Abawari Reshid Abafita , Assefa Fassil , Muleta Diriba
Published: March 2022

Arabica coffee (Coffea Arabica L.) is an economically important crop with the highest export revenue in Ethiopia. This study was designed to evaluate the bacterial and fungal phosphate solublization efficacy and to determine yield attributes of coffee seedlings under glasshouse conditions. The study was conducted at Jimma Agricultural Research Center.  The experiment was done with completely randomized design (crd) in three (3) replications. Three potent bacterial isolates viz., rchvcb1, RScB1.19 and RMaB2.11 and three potent fungal isolates viz., rscf1.19 rlvcf2 and rchvcf2 were obtained from Jimma University, Veterinary Medicine, Microbiology Laboratory. The three bacterial isolates were tested for antimicrobial resistance pattern and for their potential to serve as bio-control agents. All the bacterial isolates showed 100% resistance to all the six antimicrobials tested. The growth of pathogenic Fusarium xyloriodes was slightly inhibited by rscf1.19. Single inoculation of rscf1.19+Phosphate  fertilizer and dual inoculation of rscf1.19 and rchvcb1 with P fertilizer significantly (p<0.05)  increased plant height, root length, stem girth, leaf number, leaf area, fresh and dry weights of coffee seedlings. However, all the treatments combined with vermicompost showed suppressive characteristics with no   seedlings emergency at all. rscf1.19 and rchvcb1 can be recommended as bio-fertilizers after conducting necessary field trials in order to    reduce the cost required for chemical fertilizers.
Early hunters and herders of northern Ethiopia: The fauna from Danei Kawlos
Authors: Negash Agazi , Marshall Fiona
Published: March 2022

It is generally agreed that Ethiopia is one of the world’s primary centers of prehistoric plant domestication. It is also known that domestic fauna (cattle and domestic caprines) were brought in from outside. Unfortunately, very few Holocene archaeological sequences have been excavated in the Horn. Even fewer sites have yielded domestic fauna dating to > 3000 years ago. The excavations at the site Danei Kawlos in northern Ethiopia provide new Holocene archaeological sequences for Northern Ethiopia and document the presence of cattle, sheep and goat with a direct date of 3358 ± 47 BP on a Bos molar. We discuss here the zooarchaeological data from the site.
On the Effectiveness of the Solution-Focused Approach and Coaching in the Work of Social Services
Authors: Szpunar Małgorzata
Published: March 2022

The article is a comparative analysis of two methods of working with a social assistance client: coaching and solution-focused approach. It describes the stages of the methodological procedure, and shows the approach to the motivation to change in both approaches. Showing the differences between internal and external motivation in the case of social assistance clients is particularly important, as they are often people characterized by learning helplessness and with low social competence. Therefore, working on change is extremely difficult, and social and legal expectations generate many paradoxes of professional action. The solution, however, is not to control and monitor the customers’ progress, but to change the approach of defining goals for change for customers. In coaching and PSR, key goals are the client’s goals and this article explains the rationale behind this position. Then, it describes the assumptions of both approaches and presents similar techniques used in working with the client. These techniques are easy to adapt to the methodical work of social workers and assistants when they share the assumption that the client is the expert of their life, and thus of change and the path to change. It describes the structure of the change process in both approaches. The article is intended to encourage such an approach to working with clients, as it is effective, as well as releasing social workers from responsibility for clients’ failures, protecting against burnout, and easy to apply. In addition, many institutions of social assistance are leaning towards working with these methods, towards formulating goals in line with harm reduction, rather than radical changes.
A Multidisciplinary Perspective of the Existential Loneliness of Older People
Authors: Virbalienė Akvilė , Šiurienė Aurelija , Bubnys Remigijus
Published: March 2022

Research by psychologists in the late 1990s has shown that older people have significant needs that cannot be met by psychotherapy, social work or other areas of help, as older people face meaning, dignity, religion, love necessity, morality, death and other existential issues (Erichsen, Buessing, 2013). Most often, professionals working with the elderly have noticed a problem of loneliness caused by self-alienation and self rejection (Moustakas, 2008). These experiences clearly illustrate the phenomenon of existential loneliness in the lives of the elderly. If the problem of existential loneliness is not solved, it causes psychosocial problems that turn into existential anxiety and cause a sense of meaninglessness, which Yalom (1980) identifies as one of the four existential “gifts” next to death, freedom, and isolation. Studies focusing on the loneliness of older people in the European context are rare. However, the existential needs and existential loneliness of the elderly are discussed instead by Edberg & Bolmsjö (2019) and Sjöberg et al. (2019) . The aim of this study is to reveal a multidisciplinary perspective on the existential loneliness of elderly wives. A scientific analysis of the literature was performed. The method of this study was chosen to reveal the phenomenon of existential unity from a multidisciplinary perspective, revealing the holistic, existential nature of loneliness. Existential loneliness is associated with a social problem, the origins of which lie in diminished social skills and individual differences between the individuals. The loneliness of the elderly is closely linked to the value system of society and the spread of solidarity in society. From a sociological point of view, existential loneliness is treated as a multi-faceted construct related to the historical and cultural context of society and is therefore in a constant negative transformation within social groups. From the point of view of psychology, existential loneliness is related to the possibilities of a person’s development, deeper self-knowledge, discovery of creativity, on the other hand, existential loneliness has a negative connotation of sadness, helplessness, grief, meaninglessness, or suffering. In the philosophical-theological perspective of the perception of existential loneliness, two aspects emerge related to loneliness as an inevitable existential part of a person and isolation from oneself. From a Christian point of view, this is equated with the need for religious loneliness, whose
Nature of Employee Engagement: Rethinking its Levels
Authors: Keppetipola Manoaj , Iddagoda Anuradha
Published: March 2022

Employee engagement is a human resource facet. Engaged employee is the dream of every Chief executive officer. The reason is the consequence of the employee engagement, namely employee job performance and organizational financial performance. Engaged employee is the instrument of organizational success. This study is to present levels of employee engagement. To present an insight on employee engagement through a thorough desk research is another aim of the study.
Educational Aspects of Supported Employment as an Exemplification of Actions for the Policy of Social Cohesion Based on Polish Experiences
Authors: Sikora Jan
Published: March 2022

The subject of the article are the considerations regarding the involvement of the education system in the implementation of the social cohesion policy on the example of Polish experiences. An example of a such involvement is the activity in the process of implementing the Supported Employment project, an important element of which is the preparation of job trainers to perform professional tasks. Against the background of the conducted research, the methods of determining the content of education in the process of preparing job trainers and the instruments needed for the professional organization of the work environment for the mentees of the trainer were presented. Attention has been paid to the principle of departing from direct social transfers for the benefit of social and professional activation of the people at risk of social exclusion due to disability, adopted in the modern social policy, for example in supported employment. Also, there was emphasized the importance of education for shaping attitudes conducive to social inclusion of marginalized people.