bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The transmission of Rayleigh waves across an ocean floor with two surface layers
Authors: Stoneley Robert
Published: May 2021

The theoretical part of this paper is a discussion of the propagation of waves of Rayleigh type in an elastic medium with a horizontal double surface layer, above which is a uniform layer of liquid This model is based on seismic determinations of the velocities of explosion waves in the layers below the ocean bottom, and the equation giving the wave velocity as a function of wave length is derived as a determinantal equation of the eleventh order.

The numerical solution of this equation and the application to the propagation of Rayleigh waves across the ocean floor will be given in Part II.
Theory of the electromagnetic seismograph
Authors: Eaton J. P.
Published: May 2021

Although the development of the first moving-coil electromagnetic seismograph and a primitive theory to account for its behavior date back almost fifty years, the responses of only a few simple types of these instruments have had adequate theoretical treatment. This lack of theory restricted, but did not stop, the development of other designs for which no adequate theory existed. Confusion and controversy have arisen over the behavior of these later designs. Some work has been done on obtaining magnification curves for these instruments directly by the use of shaking tables or other artificial driving devices. On the whole, however, instruments of this type now in use simply are not calibrated.

An attempt guided by the work of previous investigators has been made to clarify further the behavior of electromagnetic seismographs by extending the theoretical treatment. Three new types of seismographs (more properly “adjustments” of seismographs), each of which includes the classical Galitzin as a limiting case, are proposed. Methods for adjusting and calibrating these instruments are outlined.

Since overcritical damping is employed in two of the adjustments proposed, a method is given for determining the damping constant of an overdamped galvanometer or seismometer.
T phases at Bermuda and transformation of elastic waves
Authors: Shurbet D. H. , Ewing Maurice
Published: May 2021

The T phases recorded at Bermuda from sixteen earthquakes are examined. The mode of propagation and the propagation paths of the phases are discussed, special attention being paid to the area of entrance into the water and the velocity through the rock. It is shown that the P phase, as it advances from the deep ocean toward a steep slope, is transformed to the T phase. It is also shown that Lg is sometimes transformed to the T phase.

Two phases recorded at Palisades, Halifax, and Ottawa are examined and it is shown that the phases observed at these stations result from transformation of a T phase to a phase traveling through the continent with a velocity of about 3.5 km/sec.
Engineering aspects of the Dixie Valley-Fairview Peak earthquakes
Authors: Steinbrugge K. V. , Moran D. F.
Published: May 2021

abstract

Few man-made structures existed in the epicentral regions, since the population was fairly small. Damage to structures was generally minor or nonexistent despite the geologic and seismographic evidences of a major earthquake. It is curious that the major structural damage in terms of dollar loss appears to have occurred at Sacramento, California, which is about 185 air line miles from the surface faulting.

This study has been restricted to the building structures in the epicentral region plus significant structural damage elsewhere.
A study of earthquake mechanism using S wave data
Authors: Adams Wm. Mansfield
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this paper is to determine from the seismograms of a tectonic earthquake the line of the motion which generated the observed S waves (tectonically, the A axis). By noting certain geometrical relationships between the faulting motion and the emitted S waves, it is possible to derive a method which determines the line of the generating motion from observations of the generated S waves. The results of the application of the proposed method of S wave analysis should, theoretically, make it possible to determine which of the two solutions given by the P wave method of analyzing the tectonic mechanism of earthquakes is the correct solution. The proposed procedure is applied to data collected from the original seismograms of four earthquakes as recorded at seismic observatories throughout the world. There is such poor agreement between the S wave results and the previous P wave solutions that it is necessary to conclude that one or more of the following is true: either the mechanism assumed is not the type actually occurring; the phase identified as the S wave does not correspond to the first P wave motion; the P wave method is incorrect or inadequate; or the S wave method is incorrect or inadequate. To select among the various possibilities necessitates a discussion of the relative merits, defects, and potentialities of the two methods.
Attenuation, dispersion, and the wave guide of the G wave
Authors: Satô Yasuo
Published: May 2021

Using the strain seismograms of the New Guinea earthquake of 1938 and the Kamchatka earthquake of 1952, the decrement of the G wave in the mantle of the earth was determined from the comparison of the amplitude of Fourier components, which are obtained by analyzing the G phases at different epicentral distances. The value of 1/Q thus obtained is a little larger than that given by M. Ewing and F. Press using mantle Rayleigh waves, but is not much different. The phase velocity was also calculated using the argument of the Fourier transform. The dispersion curves obtained from (G1 and G3), (G2 and G4) of the New Guinea earthquake and (G1 and G3) of the Kamchatka earthquake agree quite well, giving a nearly constant group velocity 4.4 km/sec. as was anticipated. Theoretical consideration of the distribution of shear velocity that serves as the wave channel for the guidance of the G wave was given, and the shear velocity was calculated applying the method of T. Takahashi to the dispersion curve derived from the condition of constant group velocity, which is a direct consequence of the fact that the G wave shows almost no dispersion. The Vs(z)/V0 curve which was derived theoretically agrees well with the curve given by the distribution of shear velocity of Jeffreys-Bullen in the range between one and several hundred kilometers.
Wave velocities in the earth's core
Authors: Gutenberg B.
Published: May 2021

More than 700 seismograms of 39 shocks recorded mainly in southern California at epicentral distances between 105 and 140 degrees are used to investigate records of phases which have penetrated the earth's core. Properties of PKIKP, SKP, SKIKP, PKS, and PKIKS are discussed. Portions of travel-time curves of these phases are revised. Travel times of waves starting and ending at the surface of the core, and wave velocities in the core, are recalculated. Between about 1,500 and 1,200 km. from the earth's center in the transition zone from the liquid outer to the probably solid inner core, waves having lengths of the order of 10 km. travel faster than longer waves. This is probably caused by a rather rapid increase in viscosity toward the earth's center in this transition zone.
The effect of surficial sedimentary layers on continental surface waves
Authors: Oliver Jack , Ewing Maurice
Published: May 2021

Surface waves in the 1/2-second to 12-second period range, recorded at several stations in eastern North America from the eastern Tennessee shock of June 23, 1957, are the bases for several deductions concerning the effect of sedimentary layers on continental surface wave propagation. These are: (1) The velocities of surface waves of the fundamental Love and Rayleigh modes having periods less than about 10 seconds may be strongly affected by sedimentary layers of average thickness. The decrease in velocity accounts, at least in part, for the prolongation of surface-wave trains in this period range when sedimentary layers of appreciable thickness have been traversed. (2) Higher-mode propagation for both types of surface waves is a possible explanation for the velocities, frequencies, and amplitudes of the phase Sg at moderate epicentral distances, and of its long-distance counterpart the high-frequency component of Lg. The lower-frequency components of Lg have been explained previously by other aspects of normal-mode propagation in the crust. (3) Study of dispersion of short-period surface waves can result in fairly detailed knowledge of velocity-depth relation within the sedimentary column and may also reveal information on anisotropy. (4) The results of this study must bear heavily on studies of microseism propagation. As an example, the increase of microseismic activity along the entire east coast of the United States when a storm moves onto the continental shelf may be attributed to channeling of the waves in the deep sedimentary trough beneath the shelf.
Seismic wave travel times from nuclear explosions
Authors: Carder Dean S. , Bailey Leslie F.
Published: May 2021

A large number of seismograph records from nuclear explosions in the Nevada and Pacific Island proving grounds have been collected and analyzed. The Nevada explosions were well recorded to distances of 6°.5 (450 mi.) and weakly recorded as far as 17°.5, and under favorable circumstances as far as 34°. The Pacific explosions had world-wide recording except that regional data were necessarily meager.

The Nevada data confirm that the crustal thickness in the area is about 35 km., with associations of 6.1 km/sec. speeds in the crust and 8.0 to 8.2 km/sec. speeds beneath it. They indicate that there is no uniform layering in the crust, and that if higher-speed media do exist, they are not consistent; also, that the crust between the proving grounds and central California shows a thickening probably as high as 70 or 75 km., and that this thickened portion may extend beneath the Owens Valley. The data also point to a discontinuity at postulated depths of 160 to 185 km.

Pacific travel times out to 14° are from 4 to 8 sec. earlier than similar continental data partly because of a thinner crust, 17 km. or less, under the atolls and partly because speeds in the top of the mantle are more nearly 8.15 km/sec. than 8.0 km/sec. More distant points, at 17°.5 and 18°.5, indicate slower travel times—about 8.1 km/sec. A fairly sharp discontinuity at 19° in the travel-time data is indicated. Travel times from Pacific sources to North America follow closely Jeffreys-Bullen 1948 and Gutenberg 1953 travel-time curves for surface foci except they are about 2 sec. earlier on the continent, and Arctic and Pacific basin data are about 2 sec. still earlier. The core reflection PcP shows a strong variation in amplitude with slight changes in distance at two points where sufficient data were available.
Determination of the energy in body and surface waves
Authors: De Noyer John
Published: May 2021

Part II of this paper is concerned with the application of the methods for estimating the energy in seismic waves that were presented in Part I. Numerical results for the energy in the various phases of several earthquakes have been obtained.
Numerical integration of the equation of motion for surface waves in a medium with arbitrary variation of material constants
Authors: Satô Yasuo
Published: May 2021

The calculation of surface-wave dispersion is difficult when the waves propagate in media whose physical properties change with depth, and only a few solutions are available for fairly simple cases.

These computations may now be performed with the aid of high-speed computers, even for media whose material constants change arbitrarily with depth. The dispersion of both Love waves and Rayleigh waves has been obtained for such cases by the numerical specification of surface displacement followed by numerical solution of the equations of motion.

For example, with respect to the problem of Love waves, besides the ordinary boundary condition that the stress vanishes at the free surface, an extra condition is stated which requires that the displacement amplitude be unity at the surface. The equation of motion is then solved numerically for tentative values of frequency and wave number, and this solution produces the distribution of displacement amplitude in the half space. For all combinations of frequency and wave number which are not solutions, the values of computed displacement do not converge and tend to become positively or negatively infinite for increasing depth below the free surface. To obtain a solution, one of the parameters—for instance, wave number—is fixed, and frequency is varied in small steps until the computed displacement converges to zero at great depths. This combination of parameters fulfills all the standard boundary conditions and is the required solution. The problem of sound waves in an elastic liquid can also be solved with only a minor change in the physical properties.

The dispersion of Rayleigh waves propagating in a heterogeneous substance can also be obtained by a similar method. In this case, another parameter is needed, namely, the ratio of the amplitude of horizontal and vertical components of displacement at the free surface. Denote this quantity by a, and the phase velocity by c. Wave number is fixed, and a two-dimensional search in the a-c plane is used to locate the point that produces a convergent solution. For limited media a solution is required which satisfies the boundary conditions at the other surface.

Love waves in a medium with constant density and linearly increasing rigidity. Sound waves in a medium whose density and velocity are given by experimental curves. Rayleigh waves in a medium having constant density and equal rates of increase for λ and μ. Using an IBM “650,” it takes a few minutes to get a point for cases 1 and 2, and from thirty minutes to two hours per point for Rayleigh-wave dispersion.
Radiation from a strike-slip fault
Authors: Knopoff Leon , Gilbert Freeman
Published: May 2021

abstract

Huygens' principle for elastodynamics has been applied to the problem of the radiation resulting from the introduction of a tear fault of finite length into an otherwise homogeneous medium. The fault has the following properties: (1) it is a surface across which the normal stresses vanish; (2) it has a rectangular shape with one dimension increasing at a constant rate in the direction of faulting; (3) the times of initiation and termination of the fault are both finite. The relative displacement on opposite sides of the fault is prescribed to be a step function of time. This configuration may be imaged in the earth's surface by symmetry, so that the problem is reducible to that of a propagating strike-slip fault of finite length in an infinite elastic medium. The observed events are the P and S waves from the two ends of the fault. Simplified “first motion” responses are computed and compared with solutions derived from the usual theory of force couples.
A note on the response of an elastic overburden of varying rigidity to an arbitrary ground motion
Authors: Ambraseys N. N.
Published: May 2021

The autofrequencies of an elastic layer of soil of finite depth and of linearly varying modulus of rigidity are found theoretically in the case (i) when the rigidity of the material increases, or (ii) decreases with depth. Also, it is shown that an approximate expression for the autofrequencies based on the mean of the limiting values of the rigidities holds within a few per cent of the true autofrequencies for small values of the rigidity ratio. The response equations for the overburden are also found in terms of the velocity spectrum of the region, or else in terms of a generalized disturbing function go(t).
Seismological interpretation of earthquake-induced water-level fluctuations in wells
Authors: Eaton J. P. , Takasaki K. J.
Published: May 2021

Magnitudes for normal-depth earthquakes computed from the amplitude of water-level fluctuations induced in a well tapping a confined aquifer in Honolulu, Hawaii, agree closely with those assigned by Pasadena. The maximum fluctuations in the well are produced by long-period Rayleigh surface waves. The response of the well to earthquake waves diminishes rapidly as wave length decreases.
A comment on the flattening of the group velocity curve of mantle Rayleigh waves with periods about 500 sec.
Authors: Takeuchi H.
Published: May 2021

A scale-ratio consideration and a calculation on statical deformations of the earth by surface loads suggest that the flattening of the group velocity curve of mantle Rayleigh waves with periods about 500 sec. is not due to the existence of the earth's core, as has been suggested.
Seismic evidence for the tectonics of Central and Western Asia
Authors: Scheidegger A. E.
Published: May 2021

A statistical analysis of the null axes of the fault-plane solutions of earthquakes in any one area permits determination of the average tectonic motion direction of that area. In the present paper this method has been applied to areas in central and western Asia for which several hundred fault-plane solutions are readily available in the literature. The investigation yields the result that (seismically) calculated tectonic motion directions in a series of small areas that are part of a larger unit are consistent with each other and that there is in every case an excellent correlation with the tectonic motion of the area as postulated from geological studies. This appears to justify completely the seismic method.

The seismically determined tectonic motion in central Asia appears to be mainly in a north-south direction. The motion refers to the present time (since the earthquakes occur at the present time), but it is the same as that postulated in geology for an explanation of the folding of the central Asian mountain ranges. This demonstrates that the stress system which created the central Asian mountains is active at the present time.
Hearing Their Voices: Exploring the Patient Narratives of Adolescent and Young Adults Who Have Undergone Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery—A Case Series
Authors: Johnson Veronica , Northam Kayla , Smith Joice , Newsome Faith , Gomez Gricelda , Stanford Fatima
Published: May 2021

Background: Severe obesity in adolescence and young adulthood is undertreated which leads to obesity-related chronic diseases that progress into adulthood. Many organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) support early consideration of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in the pediatric population to reduce morbidity and mortality. Methods: Five diverse patients who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) in the form of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) contributed patient narratives that captured their life, with a focus on health related quality of life, before and after MBS. Results: MBS leads to significant improvement in health status via decreased mortality and improved health related quality of life. Conclusion: The perspectives of those patients who have undergone surgery in adolescence and young adulthood are not adequately captured in the medical literature. While the featured voices are not representative of all, their narratives may increase awareness and utilization of MBS in the treatment of severe obesity in the pediatric population.
Addressing Racial/Ethnic Equity in Access to COVID-19 Testing Through Drive-Thru And Walk-In Testing Sites in Chicago
Authors: Kim Sage , Watson Karriem , Khare Nidhi , Shastri Shreyas , Goia Pintpo Carla Da , Nazir Noreen
Published: May 2021

Mile Square Health Center (MSHC), a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) run by the University of Illinois Hospital (UIH) in Chicago, established Drive-Thru and Walk-Up COVID-19 testing sites. The primary aim of the UIH/MSHC testing project was to increase testing capacity in the most affected, racial/ethnic minority communities. More than 7,500 tests were performed over a six-month period. Half of those who were tested were Black and Latinx residents. The majority of those tested at the Walk-Up sites were Black, while “Other” race group tended to get tested in Drive Thru testing sites. Latinx residents had the highest positivity rate, followed by Other race group. Younger age groups were more likely to have higher positivity rates. Overall, UH/MSHC testing results reflected the overall Chicago COVID-19 testing results. Our findings substantiate the need to advocate for equitable resource allocation to counter the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 infection among minority communities. FQHCs were shown to be an effective approach to reduce structural barriers to COVID-19 testing and subsequently reduce disparities. Going forward, FQHCs can be key to ensuring COVID-19 vaccine outreach and dissemination.
Very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3 mediates onco-sphingolipid metabolism in malignant glioma
Authors: Kolar Elizabeth , Shi Xiaohai , Clay Emily , Moser Ann , Lal Bachchu , Nirujogi Raja , Pandey Akhilesh , Bandaru Veera , Laterra John , Pei Zhengtong , Watkins Paul
Published: May 2021

Gliomas are the largest category of primary malignant brain tumors in adults, and glioblastomas account for nearly half of malignant gliomas. Glioblastomas are notoriously aggressive and drug-resistant, with a very poor 5 year survival rate of about 5%. New approaches to treatment are thus urgently needed. We previously identified an enzyme of fatty acid metabolism, very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3 (ACSVL3), as a potential therapeutic target in glioblastoma. Using the glioblastoma cell line U87MG, we created a cell line with genomic deletion of ACSVL3 (U87-KO) and investigated potential mechanisms to explain how this enzyme supports the malignant properties of glioblastoma cells. Compared to U87MG cells, U87-KO cells grew slower and assumed a more normal morphology. They produced fewer, and far smaller, subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. Acyl-CoA synthetases, including ACSVL3, convert fatty acids to their acyl-CoA derivatives, allowing participation in diverse downstream lipid pathways. We examined the effect of ACSVL3 depletion on several such pathways. Fatty acid degradation for energy production was not affected in U87-KO cells. Fatty acid synthesis, and incorporation of de novo synthesized fatty acids into membrane phospholipids needed for rapid tumor cell growth, was not significantly affected by lack of ACSVL3. In contrast, U87-KO cells exhibited evidence of altered sphingolipid metabolism. Levels of ceramides containing 18-22 carbon fatty acids were significantly lower in U87-KO cells. This paralleled the fatty acid substrate specificity profile of ACSVL3. The rate of incorporation of stearate, an 18-carbon saturated fatty acid, into ceramides was reduced in U87-KO cells, and proteomics revealed lower abundance of ceramide synthesis pathway enzymes. Sphingolipids, including gangliosides, are functional constituents of lipid rafts, membrane microdomains thought to be organizing centers for receptor-mediated signaling. Both raft morphology and ganglioside composition were altered by deficiency of ACSVL3. Finally, levels of sphingosine-1-phosphate, a sphingolipid signaling molecule, were reduced in U87-KO cells. We conclude that ACSVL3 supports the malignant behavior of U87MG cells, at least in part, by altering cellular sphingolipid metabolism.
Anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the ethanol root bark extract of Salacia lehmbachii in rats and mice
Authors: G. C. Subarna Akuodor , S. C. Ohadoma , C. C. Ofor , A. U. Megwas , L. C. Chukwu , M. A. Ramalan , O. Okoroafor Dorcas , K. C. Chilaka
Published: May 2021

Background: The decoction of the roots of Salacia lehmbachi is used in traditional medicine for the treatment different diseases such as malaria pains diabetes and microbial infections.Methods: Phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity tests were carried out on the ethanol root extract of the plant. Anti-nocicetive activity using acetic acid induced writhing and tail immersion method in mice, anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats and xylene induced ear oedema test in mice and antipyretic activity using Brewer’s yeast and D-amphetamine induced pyrexia in rats were determined at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses of the root extract.Results: The ethanol root extract contain alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The oral acute toxicity tests was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The root extract and the standard drug (Aspirin) significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) decreased the number of writhes caused by acetic acid. The extract and morphine significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) prolonged reaction time in tail immersion model. The extract produced significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) dose dependent inhibition of oedema which was comparable to aspirin in carrageenan induced paw oedema model. The root extract also demonstrated significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) effect in xylene induced mouse ear oedema test compared to dexamethasone. The extract significantly decreased high temperature in both Brewer’s yeast and d-amphetamine induced pyrexia.Conclusions: Findings show that S. lehmbachii may provide a good source of plant compounds with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities.
Antidepressant like activity of Buspirone but not ondensetron in combination with Fluoxetine or Desipramine in mice
Authors: Verma Veena , Banerjee Biswadeep , Mehta Ashish K.
Published: May 2021

Background: The involvement of one or more 5-HT receptor sub-types in the pathophysiology of depression is still unclear. The study was performed to investigate the effect of ondansetron and buspirone on depression, and their interaction with fluoxetine or desipramine.Methods: The mice were administered ondansetron, buspirone alone and in combinations with fluoxetine or desipramine for 21 days, and the antidepressant effect was assessed by the immobility period and the sucrose consumption, on the tail suspension test (TST) and the chronic mild stress (CMS) models, respectively.Results: Both ondansetron and buspirone when given alone demonstrated slight non-significant decrease in the immobility time. Ondensetron when given in combination with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg; i.p.) and desipramine (15 mg/kg; i.p.), showed significant decrease in immobility time in comparison to the control group only. On the other hand, both the combinations of buspirone, either with fluoxetine or desipramine showed significant decrease in the immobility time when compared to the respective group. In CMS, the fluoxetine, desipramine, ondansetron, and buspirone showed gradual increase in the sucrose consumption, at the end of 4th, 5th, and 6th week, but the significant effect was observed only at the end of 6th week, as compared to the control. The combination of buspirone with desipramine but not with fluoxetine showed significant increase in sucrose consumption when compared to respective group.Conclusions: Therefore, the study indicates that both buspirone and ondansetron have a potential antidepressant like action, although buspirone has shown better antidepressant activity than ondansetron as observed in various combination groups.
Randomized, single-dose, two-period, two-sequence crossover bioequivalence study evaluating two oral formulations of lamotrigine in healthy volunteers
Authors: Panchatcharam Murgan , M. Sasidharan , . Sakthimanikandhan
Published: May 2021

Background: Lamotrigine is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. The mechanism of action is to block voltage activated sodium channels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of 2 oral formulations of lamotrigine 25 mg in healthy volunteers.Methods: A single-dose, two-period, randomized crossover study design in - healthy Indian adult volunteers was conducted at Amaris Clinical, a division of Caplin Point Laboratories Ltd., Chennai. A validated high performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with mass spectrometry was used. Lamotrigine concentration in plasma. Adverse events were determined by measuring vital functions after dosing. A total of 24 subjects were included.Results: The mean and 90% confidence intervals of the test / reference ratios for these parameters were as follows: The mean Cmax and Tmax of the test were 758.606 (157.453) ng / ml and 1.17 (0.50-5.00) hours, respectively. The mean Cmax and Tmax of the reference were 775.993 (151.654) ng / ml or 0.88 (0.25-4.00) hours. The mean AUC0-72 was 24142. 031±3641.691 (ng.hr/mL) for the test formulation and 24202.099±3742.957 (ng. h / ml) for the reference formulation. The mean test / reference ratios for Cmax and AUC0-72 were 97.92 and 99.82 respectively. The 90% parametric CIs for Cmax and AUC0-72 were 90.17-105.68% or 97.87-101.81%.Conclusions: The 90% confidence intervals ranged from 80-125% and it was concluded that the test product was bioequivalent to the reference product in these healthy adult male volunteers.
Evaluate the bacterial infections in Indian cirrhotic patients: a prospective study
Authors: Deepak G. Chemmanthitta , Rashmi Bhat , Sonia Sivichan , Stanly Sharon Mary , Jose Shaalumol , Amit Ranjan , Pereira R. Nicole
Published: May 2021

Background: Bacterial infections (BI) are more prevalent in liver cirrhosis (LC), high among hospitalized patients. The aim of the study was to explore epidemiological pattern of BI in hospitalized patients with LC with identification of the causative agents. Objective of the study was evaluation of therapeutic/empirical approaches for infections.Methods: Inputs from the body fluid analysis and culture reports were recorded. Child Pugh score (CPS) was used to assess the severity of liver disease. Antibiotic treatment strategy was analysed, prescribed antibiotics were checked for contraindications using Lexicomp software.Results: Of 60 enrolled patients, four had mixed infection and 55% were culture positive. There was a male preponderance (83.3%). BI was more frequent in those aged 51-60 years (38.3%) and >60 years (35%). Higher proportion of patients (60%) belonged to class C of CPS followed by class B (31.7%). The most common causative organisms identified were E. coli (28.5%), K. pneumonia (14.2%), Enterococcus spp (11.4 %) and less common were K. oxytoca, Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, gram-positive cocci, gram-negative cocci, P. aeruginosa, S. hemolyticus, ß-hemolytic streptococcus spp. Majority of subjects had spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (36.7%) followed by urinary tract infection (21%), lower respiratory tract infection (18.3%), Sepsis (13.3%), cellulitis (3.3%) and acute gastroenteritis (1.7%). Cephalosporin's (61.7%), (rifaximin) (51.7%), penicillin and β lactamase inhibitors (36.7%) were the common prescribed antimicrobials.Conclusions: There is a positive association between the risk of BI and severity of liver damage.
Assessment of the effect of calcium on the anti-inflammatory activity of etoricoxib in albino rats
Authors: Naringrekar Sonali , Mamtora Jayesh
Published: May 2021

Background: It would be worthwhile to investigate if it is possible to obtain an anti-inflammatory effect with a lower dose of etoricoxib after it has been combined with calcium, the effect of which is equivalent to higher dose of etoricoxib. Hence the aim was to study effect of calcium and calcium gluconate on the anti-inflammatory activity of etoricoxib.Methods: Animals were distributed in five groups each group containing six rats. Experiments were conducted between 9:00 to 16:00 hours. All animal procedures were performed in accordance with the recommendations for proper care and use of laboratory animal .The doses of drugs employed in the study were based upon the human dose after conversion to that of rat.Results: The results of present study indicate that calcium gluconate (50 mg/kg) combined with etoricoxib (5 mg/kg) possesses significant anti-inflammatory property both in acute and subacute models of inflammation which was comparable to that of etoricoxib (8 mg/kg).Conclusions: From the present study it is concluded that calcium gluconate (50 mg/kg) possesses an anti-inflammatory activity. Lower dose of etoricoxib (5 mg/kg) if combined with calcium gluconate (50 mg/kg) can produce significant anti-inflammatory effect. The advantages of such combined preparations are obviously a reduction in the dose of etoricoxib that could still produce significant anti-inflammatory action and a possible protection against COX -2 inhibitor induced prothrombotic events. It is worthwhile to evaluate such preparations through clinical trials.
2-Deoxy-d-glucose: from diagnostics to therapeutics
Authors: Goel Rajeev
Published: May 2021

Glucose is the most common source of cellular energy and a substrate for many biochemical processes. Abnormal glucose signalling has been found in many diseases including cancers and inflammatory diseases. A glucose analog, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) which interferes with the cellular glucose metabolism has shown promising results both as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent in certain diseased conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer disease, etc. More recently, Viral-infected cells have also been found to increase their glucose uptake and recently Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval for the therapeutic use of 2DG in managing severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection which has received worldwide attention and has been declared a public health emergency of global concern. An attempt has accordingly been made in this article to review the diagnostic and therapeutic potentials of 2-deoxy-glucose with special emphasis on to its implications in SARS-CoV-2.
A retrospective study of comparison of collagen dressing versus conventional dressing for skin graft donor site
Authors: Dave Tushar J. , C. A. Shashirekha , K. Krishnaprasad
Published: May 2021

Background: Split-skin grafting is commonly employed for covering skin defects in case of ulcers, deep burns and following trauma. It involves harvesting of the epidermis and upper 1/3rd of dermis resulting in a wound called donor site wound (DSW). These wounds pose a kind of burden to patients during the process and after the process of wound healing. These wounds tend to cause pain, are at risk of getting infected, pruritis and cosmetic inconvenience. DSW has been managed with closed or open dressings. Out of many methods, we aim to compare the efficacy of collagen dressing with that of conventional dressing in this study.Methods: A retrospective study including 30 subjects were stratified into 2 groups; group A-collagen dressing and group B- conventional dressing. Patients aged between 18 to 60 years undergoing split thickness skin grafting were included. Patients who are immunocompromised, diabetic, with underlying skin disease and infected wounds were excluded. The outcome was compared in terms of pain, pruritis and scar assessment using Vancouver scar scale.Results: In the present study there was significant difference in median pain score, pruritus and median Vancouver scar score in collagen group compared to conventional group at all the intervals. Also, the incidence of surgical site infection was lower in the collagen dressing group.Conclusions: Collagen dressing is superior compared to conventional dressing in terms of lower pain score, pruritus score and Vancouver scar score.
Morbidity and mortality pattern of intramural and extramural neonate: a prospective observational study
Authors: Meshram Rajkumar M. , Jain Dipty L. , Apte Mohini U. , Denge Abhishek
Published: May 2021

Background: Neonatal period carries higher risk of death inspite of advances in perinatal and neonatal services. The objective of the study was to assess the morbidity/mortality pattern of intramural and extramural neonates.Methods: Prospective observational study was undertaken on all intramural and extramural neonates who fulfill the inclusion criteria at a tertiary institute for one year. Morbidity and mortality patterns were analyzed.Results: A total 1770 intramural and 997 extramural neonates required admission during the study period. Mortality rate in intramural neonate was 22.26% while in extramural neonate was 28.79%. The male to female ratio was 1.27:1 in intramural while 1.3:1 in extramural neonates. Preterm neonates with extremely/very low birth weight were predominant in intramural group and term neonates in extramural group (p<0.001). Maternal illness during pregnancy were significantly more in mothers of extramural neonates compared to that of intramural neonates (p<0.001). Lethargy and hypothermia was significantly more in extramural group (p<0.001) while respiratory distress was significantly higher in intramural group (p=0.01). The leading causes of admission in intramural neonates was prematurity with respiratory distress syndrome (31.64%) while sepsis (37.01%) in extramural group of neonates. Preterm birth complication (51.52%) was the common cause of mortality in intramural neonates while sepsis (42.16%) in extramural neonates.Conclusions: Sepsis is the most common cause of morbidity/mortality in extramural neonates while prematurity and its complication in intramural neonates.
Incidence and risk factors of hypoglycemia among neonates: a hospital based prospective study
Authors: Gada Sandeep , Potpalle Dnyaneshwar , Gunda Priyanka
Published: May 2021

Background: Among neonates, one of the common metabolic problem is hypoglycemia. Hence basic care of the neonate involves monitoring of blood glucose. If not diagnosed and treated early, it may lead to problems associated with physical growth and neurodevelopment. The objective was to study incidence and risk factors of hypoglycemia among neonates.Methods: This was a prospective study carried out at a tertiary care center. 100 neonates were included. Standard glucometer was used to measure blood glucose in mothers and neonates. For mothers, it was measured at time of delivery. For neonates, it was measured at zero, three, six, twelve and twenty four hours of birth. Standard treatment protocol was followed for neonatal hypoglycemia.Results: Incidence of hypoglycemia at birth was 17%. As maternal blood glucose increased, neonatal glucose decreased. Important risk factors found for hypoglycemia in neonates were being born by lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), low for gestational age (LGA) babies and small for gestational age (SGA) babies, pre-term and post term babies. But these risk factors were not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05).Conclusions: Blood glucose varied widely in the neonates. Important risk factors found for hypoglycemia in neonates were being born by LSCS, LGA babies and SGA babies, pre-term and post term babies.
A study of the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in a tertiary care centre in Karnataka
Authors: R. Manjunathaswmy , Rao Anjana H. , Hegade Vinayaka P. , Kumar Pradeep , Patil Ravindra B.
Published: May 2021

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity is a preventable cause of childhood blindness. Proper understanding of the classification, risk factors and treatment methods is a must in tackling this disease. The aim of this study was to know the incidence of ROP in preterm infants in a tertiary care centre and to improvise the selection criteria in future in Indian babies.Methods: A retrospective study of all infants admitted to the NICU from 2016 to 2018 who met the criteria for ROP screening were included in the study. Examination of the eyes was done by a trained technician using a Ret Cam digital imaging in collaboration with KIDROP, Narayana Nethralaya and later interpreted by trained ophthalmologists using the concept of teleopthalmology. Babies were followed up and screened accordingly. Qualified infants were treated with argon laser photocoagulation within 48h of diagnosis. They were followed until the disease was successfully treated.Results: In current study, incidence of ROP was found to be 10.2%. The gestational age ranged from 28-36 weeks with a mean of 30.5±1.5 weeks. In current study, the most prevalent prenatal risk factor was multiple gestation and postnatal risk factors was anemia, low birth weight ,low gestational age and the use of oxygen therapy.Conclusions: Screening for ROP, in India, should be performed in all preterm neonates who are born <34 weeks gestation and/or <1800 grams birth weight; as well as in babies 34-36 weeks gestation or 1800-2000 grams birth weight if they have risk factors for ROP.
Early infantile presentation of 3-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase deficiency: a case report
Authors: Chandel Anuragsingh , Shirsat Ashwini , Chouhan Varsha , Bang Akash
Published: May 2021

3-methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase (3-MCC) deficiency is an inborn error of leucine amino acid metabolism. An isolated enzyme deficiency should be differentiated from biotin metabolism disorder which has all of the four carboxylase deficiencies. With the advent of tandem mass spectrometry (TMS), high number of infants have been diagnosed with 3-MCC deficiency. Most neonates having 3-MCC deficiency appear normal, studies have shown an increased risk of developmental and metabolic abnormalities. Universal newborn screening is not routinely done in India. Many infants with 3-MCC deficiency may be missed at birth and may present with symptoms later in life. We reported a case of four and a half month old male infant with seizures due to 3-MCC deficiency. Very few data on 3-MCC deficiency is available in India and hence this case report.
Granulomatous vulvitis and Gullain-Barre syndrome in pediatric Crohn’s disease: a case report
Authors: Bandla Pujitha , Sarangi Bhakti , Shankar Guruprasad H. , Sharma Varsha
Published: May 2021

Granulomatous vulvitis/cheilitis may occur rarely as an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn’s disease (CD) and may precede the development of gastrointestinal symptoms. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is associated with a wide variety of illnesses including inflammatory bowel disease. Though the immunologic abnormalities in inflammatory bowel disease may encompass both granulomatous inflammation as well as autoimmune components, the combination of CD, GBS and granulomatous vulvitis/cheilitis in the same patient has not been described in literature. We hereby reported a 14 year old girl with granulomatous vulvitis/cheilitis for 4 years preceding the development of gastrointestinal manifestations of CD, who also had GBS during the course of hospitalization.
Effect of a nurse-led pre-chemotherapy education programme on quality of life and psychological distress of patients with breast cancer; a pilot based randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rani Ruchika , Kaur Sukhpal , Gupta Manoj
Published: May 2021

Background: Breast cancer has seized the whole world and affecting almost one in four women, globally. Many patients receive chemotherapy as treatment regimen. Oncology nurses are responsible to meet the educational needs of newly diagnosed patients and alleviate their anxiety. Objectives of the study were to assess the effects of Nurse-led pre-chemotherapy education programme on quality of life and psychological distress among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on newly diagnosed breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy for the first time at AIIMS, Rishikesh India. Data was obtained from thirty patients (16 in experimental and 14 in control group) by using standardized scale i.e., European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire C-30 (EORTC QLQ C-30)-version-3 and hospital anxiety and distress scale (HADS) to assess quality of life and psychological distress among patients at baseline (before first cycle of chemotherapy) and at chemotherapy cycle 4.Results: The mean scores of qualities of life significantly enhanced in experimental group as compared to control group, in terms of global health status (p=0.00), functional scores (p=0.00) and symptom scores. Similarly, the mean HADS score was significantly less in experimental group as compared to control group (p=0.05).Conclusions: It is concluded that the nurse-led pre-chemotherapy education programme is effective to improve quality of life and reduce psychological distress among patients receiving chemotherapy.
Quality of sleep among caregivers of Alzheimer disease patients: cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhazzani Adel Ali , Alqahtani Mohammed Saeed
Published: May 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and represents a major health burden. Characterized by gradual decline in cognitive function, leading to dependency and changes in behavior and personality. Patients with AD need continuous care, which may affect the caregiver’s quality of life, including sleep quality. The aim of this study was to assess sleep quality among AD patients’ caregivers and its determinants in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 caregivers of AD patients at Abha Mental Health Hospital. The caregivers’ sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A global PSQI cutoff value of 5 or higher was considered as indicative of poor sleep quality.Results: Female caregivers’ constituted 53.6% of the sample, and 50% were below the age of 40 years. The majority of the caregivers (64.5%) reported that they had experienced sleep disturbances during past month and 10% needed medication approximately three or more times a week to help them sleep. Almost two-thirds of the caregivers (60%) spent more than 10 hours daily with their patients. Regarding sleep hygiene, 40.9% of the caregivers rated their sleep quality as poor and only 10.9% had good sleep quality.Conclusions: The burden on caregivers of AD patients is considerable and often under-recognized; in particular; most caregivers in the Saudi population were young and of working age. Poor sleep quality affected the caregivers’ day life activities but typically remained undertreated.
Psychological impact of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-frontline healthcare workers: results of a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Thakar Sumit , Singh Shreyas , Dalton Avan Erhunmwunsee , K. Kiran Kumar
Published: May 2021

Background: The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of people physically and many more psychologically. Health care workers (HCWs) are amongst those bearing the brunt of the pandemic-induced psychological trauma. This study was one of the first to analyze the psychological effects of the second pandemic wave in India on non-frontline HCWs, a group that has not received much consideration so far.Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was performed on a COHORT of 139 HCWs involved in non-covid services during the early phase of the second pandemic wave. In addition to information on demographics and other baseline characteristics, the survey included questions from the depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 items (DASS-21).Results: The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety and stress in the COHORT were 14.33%, 15.82% and 12.23% respectively. Clinical HCWs had higher mean anxiety scores than the non-clinical group (p=0.01), while the depression and stress scores were similar across all groups (p=0.23 and 0.21, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated correlation of multiple factors with the DASS-21 scores, of which covid positivity and a longer time spent on covid-related information correlated well with all the DASS-21 scale scores (p<0.05).Conclusions: This study demonstrates reasonable prevalence rates of depression, stress and anxiety amongst non-frontline HCWs in the setting of the second covid wave in India. Clinical HCWs seem to be more prone to pandemic-induced anxiety during this wave. There is an urgent need for promoting psychological coping strategies amongst all classes of HCWs.