bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sugary Beverage Advertising to Black and Hispanic Youth in the United States: A Call for Action
Authors: Acholonu Nonyerem O. , Stanford Fatima Cody
Published: September 2022

The obesity epidemic remains a major public health issue worldwide, and it is pronounced in the United States. As rates of obesity continue to increase, children now experience obesity at younger ages, which predisposes them to early-onset obesity-related diseases. Of note, Black and Hispanic children experience obesity at higher rates compared with their White counterparts. Although there are many factors that contribute to higher rates of obesity, the increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is one such contributor. Despite the dire state of obesity in these populations, sugar-sweetened beverage companies continue to increase their advertisements to Black and Hispanic children, which can negatively influence the childhood obesity epidemic. This article discusses the effect that sugar-sweetened beverages and their advertisements have on children in underrepresented communities.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2022;51(9):e370–e372.]
Common and Consequential Fractures That Should Not Be Missed in Children
Authors: Tougas Caroline , Brimmo Olubusola
Published: September 2022

Missed or delayed diagnosis of fractures in children is not uncommon owing to their immature skeletons, unique fracture patterns, and distinctive radiologic findings. The term occult is used to describe radiographically subtle fractures. Some of these fractures can be associated with excellent outcomes despite the pitfalls of delayed diagnosis. However, a subset of these injuries have more guarded prognoses when missed, despite their harmless radiographic appearance. A high index of suspicion should be maintained when treating pediatric extremity injuries with clinical findings disproportionate to a benign-appearing radiograph. Moreover, overreliance on radiology reports can perpetuate diagnostic error. In cases of discrepancy, timely follow-up for repeat examination or immediate advanced imaging can help avoid missed diagnoses. Most critically, the one diagnosis not to miss is nonaccidental trauma, as continued exposure to abuse puts the child at risk of further injury and death.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2022;51(9):e357–e363.]
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Guide for the Pediatric Primary Care Provider
Authors: Sacks Hayley , Pargas-Colina Carlos , Castañeda Pablo
Published: September 2022

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common congenital abnormality in newborns. Untreated DDH can cause significant impairments, including chronic hip pain, osteoarthritis, limb length discrepancy, altered gait, and joint contractures. Treatment outcomes are significantly worse with increasing delay in presentation, making early screening and detection critical. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive guide for the pediatric primary care provider on the cause, diagnosis, and management of DDH. Screening practices, physical examination, imaging modalities, and treatment will be discussed. A missed hip dislocation in a walking-age child is a devastating but preventable event; pediatric primary care providers should have a high index of suspicion for DDH and promptly refer any patient with concerning findings to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2022;51(9):e346–e352.]
Pediatric Musculoskeletal Injuries
Authors: Kamath Chethana , Liu Amy
Published: September 2022

Musculoskeletal injuries are a common reason for emergency department and primary care visits in the pediatric population. The prevalence of these injuries is likely related to children and adolescents participating in sports activities, physical activity, and exercise that can lead to these injuries. It is important for health care professionals and practitioners to understand the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, but also to understand when to refer for expert consultation.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2022;51(9):e330–337.]
Validation of the Brazilian Oral Health Literacy-Adults Questionnaire
Authors: Almeida Eliete Rodrigues , Sistani Mohammad Mehdi Naghibi , Bendo Cristiane Baccin , Pordeus Isabela de Almeida , Firmino Ramon Targino , Paiva Saul Martins , Ferreira Fernanda Morais
Published: September 2022

Background:

Recognizing that a deficit of reading and numeracy skills is associated with poorer oral health, contemporary researchers have identified additional components as important attributes of oral health literacy (OHL). So, the use of comprehensive functional OHL tools is crucial. The Oral Health Literacy-Adults Questionnaire (OHL-AQ) evaluates reading comprehension, numeracy, listening and decision-making skills.

Objective:

Describe the validation process of the OHL-AQ Brazilian version (BOHL-AQ).

Methods:

The cross-culturally adapted version, BOHL-AQ, was applied to 180 employees age 18 to 71 years (mean = 37.2; standard deviation [
SD
] = 11.7) from a private university located in the Southeast of Brazil. Psychometric properties were evaluated through the analysis of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha), reproducibility (test-retest), convergent validity (BREALD-30; education level), discriminant validity (family income; dental services), predictive validity (self-perception; literacy questions) and construct validity (Exploratory Factor Analysis). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) evaluated the dimensionality of the BOHL-AQ, with Promax method for rotation. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics software and the Mplus program.

Key Results:

BOHL-AQ mean score = 11.84 (
SD
= 3.1); administration mean time = 8 minutes (
SD
= 1.6); good internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.73) and excellent reproducibility (kappa = 0.89; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.97). Preliminary tests showed that data were suitable for PCA (Kayser-Meyer-Olkin measure = 0.75; Barlett's Test of Sphericity significant [
p
< .001]). CFA showed that the instrument had a four-factor solution with excellent model fit estimates (χ
2
= 636.587154.16,
p
value = .00117, Comparative Fit Index = 0.9787, Tucker Lewis index = 0.97, and Root Mean Square Error of the Approximation = 0.03). BOHL-AQ high scores significantly correlated to high education level, dental visit within the last year and for preventive reason, more independence and self-confidence on reading and filling out health forms, and better oral health self-perception (
p
< .05).

Conclusions:

The BOHL-AQ showed to be a fast and reliable instrument to assess a comprehensive functional OHL at Brazilian community and clinical settings. [

HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2022;6(3):e224–e231.

]

Plain Language Summary:

Recognizing the need of advancing knowledge related to OHL, this study aimed to describe the validation process of the BOHL-AQ. Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties evaluation presented satisfactory results. The BOHL-AQ proved to be a fast and valid instrument to measure comprehensive functional OHL in the Brazilian context.
Complete convergence for weighted sums of negatively dependent random variables under sub-linear expectations
Authors: Xu Mingzhou , Cheng Kun , Yu Wangke
Published: September 2022

In this article, we study complete convergence and complete moment convergence for negatively dependent random variables under sub-linear expectations. The results obtained in sub-linear expectation spaces extend the corresponding ones in probability space.
Some new results of difference perfect functions in topological spaces
Authors: Bani-Ahmad Feras , Alsayyed Omar , Atoom Ali A.
Published: September 2022

Everyday problems are characterized by voluminous data and varying levels of ambiguity. Thereupon, it is critical to develop new mathematical approaches to dealing with them. In this context, the perfect functions are anticipated to be the best instrument for this purpose. Therefore, we investigate in this paper how to generate perfect functions using a variety of set operators. Symmetry is related to the interactions among specific types of perfect functions and their classical topologies. We can explore the properties and behaviors of classical topological concepts through the study of sets, thanks to symmetry. In this paper, we introduce a novel class of perfect functions in topological spaces that we term D-perfect functions and analyze them. Additionally, we establish the links between this new class of perfect functions and classes of generalized functions. Furthermore, while introducing the herein proposed D-perfect functions and analyzing them, we illustrate this new idea, explicate the associated relationships, determine the conditions necessary for their successful application, and give examples and counter-examples. Alternative proofs for the Hausdorff topological spaces and the D-compact topological spaces are also provided. For each of these functions, we examine the images and inverse images of specific topological features. Lastly, product theorems relating to these concepts have been discovered.
Convergence of online learning algorithm with a parameterized loss
Authors: Wang Shuhua
Published: September 2022

The research on the learning performance of machine learning algorithms is one of the important contents of machine learning theory, and the selection of loss function is one of the important factors affecting the learning performance. In this paper, we introduce a parameterized loss function into the online learning algorithm and investigate the performance. By applying convex analysis techniques, the convergence of the learning sequence is proved and the convergence rate is provided in the expectation sense. The analysis results show that the convergence rate can be greatly improved by adjusting the parameter in the loss function.
Semantic Network Model for Sign Language Comprehension
Authors: Kang Xinchen , Yao Dengfeng , Jiang Minghu , Huang Yunlong , Li Fanshu
Published: September 2022

In this study, the authors propose a computational cognitive model for sign language (SL) perception and comprehension with detailed algorithmic descriptions based on cognitive functionalities in human language processing. The semantic network model (SNM) that represents semantic relations between concepts is used as a form of knowledge representation. The proposed model is applied in the comprehension of sign language for classifier predicates. The spreading activation search method is initiated by labeling a set of source nodes (e.g., concepts in the semantic network) with weights or “activation” and then iteratively propagating or “spreading” that activation out to other nodes linked to the source nodes. The results demonstrate that the proposed search method improves the performance of sign language comprehension in the SNM.
Development of an Innovative Environment for a Knowledge-Driven Economy in Belarus
Authors: Samakhavets Maryia , Hrechyshkina Olena , Vemić Milan
Published: September 2022

This paper is intended to investigate the current status and prospects of the development of an innovative environment for a knowledge-driven economy in Belarus. The estimation of the innovative environment is based on Belarusian official statistical indicators and state program documents. The results indicate the need to further improve the environment for the development of innovations in Belarus on the basis of the institutional framework formation for stimulating innovations. The new innovation coordination model in consideration of the “innovation council” is put forward with regard to Belarus. The authors take into consideration the accomplishment of the EU concept towards innovations driving a knowledge-driven economy. The substantial benefits for various Belarusian actors that could be ensured by the open innovative development are determined.
Verbal vs. Nonverbal Cues in Static and Dynamic Contexts of Fraud Detection in Crowdsourcing
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Xu Yun , Zheng Haichao , Li Liting
Published: September 2022

As an important mode of open innovation, crowdsourcing can effectively integrate external resources, enabling enterprises to obtain stronger competitiveness and more benefits at a faster speed and lower cost. However, this mode has inevitable intellectual property protection challenges, especially on contest-based crowdsourcing platforms. Previous studies mostly focused on the protection of the rights of sponsors while ignoring the rights of workers, rarely paying attention to sponsor fraud, which may reduce the enthusiasm of participants and eventually turn crowdsourcing;' into a lemon market. This study proposes several fraud detection models to address this problem on contest-based crowdsourcing platforms. Furthermore, this paper explores and compares the value of four types of information as deception cues in crowdsourcing contexts via data mining technology and machine learning methods. The results benefit participants in crowdsourcing markets and contribute to fraud detection research and open innovation in the knowledge economy.
Strong Basal/Tonic TCR Signals Are Associated with Negative Regulation of Naive CD4+ T Cells
Authors: Zinzow-Kramer Wendy M , Kolawole Elizabeth M , Eggert Joel , Evavold Brian D , Scharer Christopher D , Au-Yeung Byron B
Published: September 2022

T cells experience varying intensities of tonic or basal TCR signaling in response to self-peptides presented by MHC (self-pMHC) in vivo. We analyzed four subpopulations of mouse naive CD4+ cells that express different levels of Nur77-GFP and Ly6C, surrogate markers that positively and inversely correlate with the strength of tonic TCR signaling, respectively. Adoptive transfer studies suggest that relatively weak or strong Nur77-GFP intensity in thymocytes tends to be maintained in mature T cells. Two-dimensional affinity measurements were lowest for Nur77-GFPloLy6C+ cells and highest for Nur77-GFPhiLy6C− cells, highlighting a positive correlation between apparent TCR affinity and tonic TCR signal strength. Despite experiencing the strongest tonic TCR signaling, Nur77-GFPhiLy6C− cells were least responsive to multiple concentrations of a cognate or suboptimal pMHC. Gene expression analyses suggest that Nur77-GFPhiLy6C− cells induce a gene expression program that has similarities with that of acutely stimulated T cells. However, strong tonic TCR signaling also correlates with increased expression of genes with inhibitory functions, including coinhibitory receptors. Similarly, assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing analyses suggested that increased tonic TCR signal strength correlated with increased chromatin accessibility associated with genes that have positive and inhibitory roles in T cell activation. Strikingly, Nur77-GFPhiLy6C− cells exhibited differential accessibility within regions of Cd200r1 and Tox that were similar in location to differentially accessible regions previously identified in exhausted CD8+ T cells. We propose that constitutive strong tonic TCR signaling triggers adaptations detectable at both the transcriptional and epigenetic levels, ultimately contributing to the tuning of T cell responsiveness.
MARCH1 Controls an Exhaustion-like Program of Effector CD4+ T Cells Promoting Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Castellanos Carlos A , Hiam-Galvez Kamir J , Ishido Satoshi , Satpathy Ansuman T , Shin Jeoung-Sook
Published: September 2022

Persistent antigenic signaling leads to T cell exhaustion, a dysfunctional state arising in many chronic infections and cancers. Little is known concerning mechanisms limiting exhaustion in immune-stimulatory diseases such as asthma. We report that membrane-associated RING-CH1 (MARCH1), the ubiquitin ligase that mediates surface turnover of MHC class II (MHCII) and CD86 in professional APCs, plays an essential role in restraining an exhaustion-like program of effector CD4+ T cells in a mouse model of asthma. Mice lacking MARCH1 or the ubiquitin acceptor sites of MHCII and CD86 exhibited increased MHCII and CD86 surface expression on lung APCs, and this increase promoted enhanced expression of immune-inhibitory receptors by effector CD4+ T cells and inhibited their proliferation. Remarkably, ablation of MARCH1 in mice with established asthma reduced airway infiltration of eosinophils and Th2 cells. Thus, MARCH1 controls an exhaustion-like program of effector CD4+ T cells during allergic airway inflammation and may serve as a therapeutic target for asthma.
Influence of rehabilitation on mental state in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc damage
Authors: Bakova Desislava , Mihaylova Anna , Yaneva Antoniya , Mateva Nonka
Published: September 2022

The present study aims to investigate the mental state changes in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc damage after rehabilitation program using a self-administered questionnaire IRES-3. The study was conducted in the Specialized Hospitals for Rehabilitation – National Complex EAD, branches Hissar and Banite, Bulgaria. It included 124 patients – 34 men and 90 women, aged from 35 to 85 years. The questionnaire IRES-3, validated by the authors for the Bulgarian population, was used for measurement of the subjective evaluation of the rehabilitation effect. Measurements were performed at the beginning, end and three months after rehabilitation (RH). The subjective evaluation of the patients’ mental state included the following scales: depression, fear, exhaustion of vitality, self-confidence and symptom: cognitive functioning. We found a statistically significant improvement of the scores three months after rehabilitation compared to the beginning of rehabilitation for all scales. The only exceptions are the scales exhaustion of vitality and symptom: cognitive functioning. We found a statistically significant improvement of the self-rated mental state after performed rehabilitation in patients with chronic diseases.
The effect of Lactobacillus casei and Bacillus coagulans probiotics on liver damage induced by silver nanoparticles and expression of Bax, Bcl2 and Caspase 3 genes in male rats
Authors: Oliaei Reyhaneh , Keshtmand Zahra , Shabani Ronak
Published: September 2022

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus casei probiotics on liver damage induced by silver nanoparticles and expression of Bax, Bcl2 and Caspase 3 genes in rats. 32 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four healthy groups (control), the group receiving silver nanoparticles treated with L. casei, the group receiving silver nanoparticles treated with B. coagulans and the group receiving only silver nanoparticles. The effect of nanoparticles was induced by intraperitoneal injection of silver nanoparticles prepared from nettle at a dose of 50 mg/kg and entered the liver tissue through the bloodstream. Two days after injection, probiotic treatment with 109 CFU was performed by gavage for 30 days. One day after the last gavage, rat liver tissue weight was assessed. Also, the total amount of RNA was extracted from treated, and healthy tissues, as well as induced silver nanoparticles tissues, then evaluated by Real Time PCR. Data were evaluated using one-way Anova, Tukey test. Based on the biochemical results of this study, exposure of rats to different concentrations of silver nanoparticles compared with the control group caused a significant increase in the serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), especially at high concentrations. Evaluation of damage and histopathological lesions showed that silver nanoparticles in different concentrations caused different damage to liver tissue, so that, necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular degeneration were observed at different concentrations by silver nanoparticles. In the present study, the effects of L. casei cell extract on increasing the expression of Bax proapoptotic gene and decreasing Bcl2 gene expression in cancer cells and inducing programmed cell death were shown. In this study, the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 genes in the group receiving silver nanoparticles and in the groups treated with probiotics showed significant changes compared to the control group. It can be concluded that the function of silver nanoparticles and the effects of relative improvement of probiotics are from the internal route of apoptosis and factors such as dose, nanoparticle size and nanoparticle coating have an important role in the toxicity of silver nanoparticles, thus the destructive effects on liver tissue could be increased by increasing the concentration of silver nanoparticles.
Key technology of crop precision sowing based on vision principle
Authors: Li Bing , Li Jiyun
Published: September 2022

In the process of precision planting of crops, due to many external environmental interference factors, low precision of sowing technology and large relative errors, the growth of crops is seriously affected. To solve this problem, machine vision technology is introduced to study the key technology of crop precision sowing based on vision principle. After preprocessing the crop image, the corresponding histogram is established. The segmentation threshold method is used to gray the image and determine the best threshold, so that the image has a good recognition effect. According to the growth height and color analysis of crops in the image, predict the growth of crops and realize the precision sowing of crops. The comparative experimental results show that under the application of the new sowing technology, the estimation accuracy of crop planting area is high, the recognition accuracy of planting position is also high, and the fertilization uniformity is close to the actual data, which can provide an important basis for improving the quality of crop sowing.
Frequency of ANA/DFS70 autoantibodies in Colombian patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease
Authors: Rincón-Riaño D. , Fernández-Ávila D.G. , Acero-Molina D. , Bello Gualtero J.M. , Romero-Sánchez C.
Published: September 2022

The objective was to describe the clinical characteristics and the frequency of the ANA/DFS70 autoantibodies in patients affected by undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) in a tertiary hospital in Colombia. This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled patients who fulfilled the classification criteria for UCTD. ANAHEp- 2 test and the modified assay for ANA/DFS70 autoantibodies were performed through the indirect immunofluorescence technique. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, and the antibodies to anti-extractable nuclear antigens, DNA, phospholipids (IgG, IgM, IgA), and cyclic citrullinated peptide were also evaluated. Fifty-three patients were studied; 42/53 (79%) tested positive for ANA and 5/42 (11.9%) for ANA/DFS70 antibodies with a dense fine speckled fluorescent pattern (AC-2) in ANA HEp-2 test that was confirmed by a modified HEp-2-DFS70 assay. Patients had arthralgia (87%, n=47), non-erosive arthritis (66%, n=34), xerostomia (64%, n=34), xerophthalmia (42%, n=22), and Raynaud’s phenomenon (17%, n=9). Arthralgia, xerophthalmia, xeroderma, and absence of disease evolution to a specific disease over five years were more frequent in patients with a positive result for the anti-DFS70 antibodies. The ANA/DFS70 autoantibodies were more frequent in patients with UCTD compared to other rheumatic diseases for which they were initially evaluated. More studies are required to support the predictive role of this antibody to the absence of progression to a well-defined connective tissue disease.
Atlantoaxial instability secondary to Bartonella henselae osteomyelitis managed surgically by atlantoaxial instrumentation
Authors: Mathkour Mansour , Chu Julie , Scullen Tyler , Ibrahim Naser , Werner Cassidy , Carr Christopher J. , Huang Brendan , Abou-Al-Shaar Hussam , Dallapiazza Robert F. , Maulucci Christopher M. , Singh Manish
Published: September 2022

Cat scratch disease (CSD), caused by Bartonella henselae, may atypically present with vertebral osteomyelitis. Antibiotic regimens are tailored to presentation, which is markedly variable and not well defined for any atypical disease. In cases of spinal instability, the use of antibiotics alone may not be sufficient. Atlantoaxial instability caused by osteomyelitis is a rare complication of CSD. In this report, we describe the rare case of vertebral osteomyelitis complicated by atlantoaxial instability, requiring both antibiotics and atlantoaxial fusion. We discuss our case, surgical technique, rationale, and outcome. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of the literature of vertebral osteomyelitis in pediatric secondary to B. henselae. A 2-year-old child presented with a 2-month history of irritability, fever, and rigid neck pain along with a recent history of feline exposure. Physical examination revealed cervical tenderness and decreased range of motion. Computed tomography (CT) showed osteolysis of the right C1 lateral mass and pars articularis; T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with contrast showed enhancement around the right C1 lateral mass. The titer for B. henselae was high. A diagnosis of cat scratch osteomyelitis with cervical instability was made, for which the patient underwent surgery with atlantoaxial fusion. Postoperative imaging demonstrated resolution of the contrast-enhanced lesion. At 6-year follow-up, the patient showed no signs of residual complications from surgical intervention with a solid fusion. Our review revealed 44 cases of pediatric CSD vertebral osteomyelitis. Conservative management with antibiotic employed in 86% while antibiotics with surgical intervention in 14% of the cases. Surgical intervention was most often in the form of incision for drainage and decompression without fusion. Average follow-up 10 months with 86% achieved complete resolution. Cervical instability caused by osteolysis is a rare complication of CSD. This can subsequently lead to vertebral instability, requiring definitive surgical intervention.
Sporadic hemangioblastoma of cauda equina
Authors: D' Oria Salvatore , Giraldi David , Flores Daniel Andres Alvarado , Murrone Domenico , D' Angelo Vincenzo , Chaurasia Bipin
Published: September 2022

Background

Hemangioblastomas (HBs) are rare lesions accounting for 1%–5% of all spinal cord tumors, and are mostly associated with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome. Localization in the cauda equina is uncommon.

Aim:

In this manuscript, we aimed to describe a rare case of sporadic intradural extramedullary HB of the cauda equina and present a literature review.

Mathods:

A systematic research was performed on PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, using the keywords “spinal HB” and “cauda equina tumors.” The previous literature is integrated by the description of the present case. A 49-year-old female presented in August 2020 to our institution with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which showed an intradural mass at L1/2 level and angiography that showing a nidus of serpiginous vessels inside the lesion. Symptoms were right sciatica and paresthesia in right L5 radicular dermatome for more than 3 months. Neurological examination revealed claudicatio spinalis and hypoesthesia on right L5 dermatome and weakness of right anterior tibialis muscle. Microsurgical en bloc resection of lesion was performed with adjuvant neurophysiological intraoperative monitoring. The histological examination provided the diagnosis of HB.

Results:

After surgery, symptoms and neurological impairment gradually improved. Postoperative MRI showed no residual tumor.

Conclusions:

Although intradural extramedullary HB of the cauda equina without VHL syndrome is a rare pathological entity, this diagnosis must be taken in consideration when a mass affects cauda equina. Preoperative embolization is an option to minimize intraoperative bleeding. Radiosurgery seems to prevent recurrences when the tumor is not completely excised. A complete surgical removal of the lesion is usually possible and it leads to a low likelihood of recurrence.
Intraoral pencil core granuloma with retained pencil lead
Authors: Jain Mansi , Kumar Sanjay , Saroch Nitin , Singh Tejinder P.
Published: September 2022

Foreign body impactions can be frequently seen in childhood as children have a habit of putting different objects in the mouth. These impacted foreign bodies if not removed timely, at times can lead to severe reactions leading to granuloma formation. A simple injury, if ignored, can result in severe damage to oral tissue and even loss of the permanent tooth. Therefore, all penetrating injuries should be carefully assessed and treated timely. This study describes a rarest intraoral case of pencil core granuloma with retained graphite lead inside it that led to severe tissue reactions. Pencil core granuloma has been reported extra orally and on limbs. This case report describes the rarest case reported intraorally.
Sciatica. Management for family physicians
Authors: Aguilar-Shea Antonio L. , Gallardo-Mayo Cristina , Sanz-González Rosa , Paredes Igor
Published: September 2022

Sciatica or lower back pain with sciatic radiation is a frequent medical problem in primary care. The aim of this article is to better inform medical practitioners on diagnosis and management of lower back pain with sciatic radiation. Updated information on sciatica management is important for family physicians. Here, we review the available literature on sciatica. Relevant articles were identified via a literature search in PubMed by focusing on the following key points: diagnostic and definition criteria, red flags, and therapy. In addition, the authors’ clinical experience has been utilised to propose a schema to assist in the assessment and treatment of sciatica in a primary care setting. Sciatica diagnosis is based on a careful history and clinical examination. Imaging is usually not necessary at first; testing with X-ray and MRI are key to diagnosing lumbar instability and herniated discs. Management includes physical conditioning, proper pain management, and surgery as a last resort. Pain treatment includes analgesics, anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. A more aggressive approach would include epidural infiltrations and radiofrequency.
Needling, lasers, and Meso-Botox for hypertrophic and keloidal scars: A comprehensive review study on promising procedural treatments
Authors: Dilmaghani Sara , Behrangi Elham , Mazandarani Monireh , Pourali Ali , Sadeghi Sara , Khosravi Mina , Goodarzi Azadeh
Published: September 2022

Scars are among the most prevalent referral cases of dermatology clinics, including atrophic, hypertrophic, or keloidal scars. Approach to scar usually needs a holistic trend, attention to individualized characteristics, and combination therapy. Scars usually need multiple sessions of therapy and the use of combination therapeutic approaches to reach the most acceptable outcomes by safe modalities. Studies on scars are always one of the most important fields of research in medicine, especially in dermatology. For writing this review study, we searched all the databases to find the most relevant and the newest studies related to our topic, because based on expert opinion, this topic may be really practical and interesting for dermatologists and all physicians of various specialties or subspecialties who manage and treat various kinds of scars, including hypertrophic scars and keloids. Based on our results, we concluded that different procedures, which basically use needling, lasers, especially pulsed dye laser (PDL) and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, and MesoBotox (micro-injection of botulinum toxin), are really promising therapeutic options for hypertrophic and keloidal scars and a combination of these therapies results in more efficacy and lesser side effects in the field of scar management.
Histopathology spectrum of skin lesions in teaching institution
Authors: Goswami Parth , Parekh Manushi , Goswami Alpeshpuri
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

The skin has many functions and is a complex organ. Epidermis with skin adnexa, melanocytic system, dermis and subcutis are three main anatomic components of skin. Skin diseases are common in developing countries, prevalent among all age groups and up to 2000 skin diseases are known until now. Skin diseases show many different geographical patterns which range from simple vesicular non-neoplastic lesion to fatal neoplastic lesion. Histopathological examination of skin biopsy is necessary for accurate diagnosis, to identify etiological agents and to guide dermatologist or clinician for deciding appropriate management.

Aim and Objectives:

Present study was carried out to understand prevalence and spectrum of various skin lesion in correlation with age, sex and site of involvement at tertiary care hospital and so to educate community and physicians accordingly after study results.

Material and Methods:

Study Design: Non-interventional, cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out on all skin biopsies at department of pathology, government medical college Bhavnagar, Gujarat, irrespective of age, sex and clinical diagnosis for Study Duration: from January 2017 to January 2020 for three years.

Results:

Out of 610 biopsies, Seborrheic keratosis, Leprosy and Basal cell carcinoma were commonly observed non-neoplastic, infective and neoplastic skin lesions, respectively. In our study, most common involved age group is >60 years and male preponderance.

Conclusion:

Leprosy and Basal cell carcinoma were most commonly observed infective and neoplastic skin lesion in our study respectively. Therefore, community should be educated to prevent airborne droplet transmission and repeated unprotected ultraviolet light sun exposure to reduce the prevalence of both these diseases. We suggest such type of study in different geographical area to plan preventive strategy to reduce morbidity due to various skin lesion.
Effectiveness of using technology as health education tool among diabetes patients in South India: A comparative analysis and community based intervention
Authors: HN Harshitha , Kundapur Rashmi , BY Yuvaraj , Panda Meely
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a serious, progressive condition presenting with chronic hyperglycemia. Its prevalence is gradually increasing at a global level. A diabetic has to make multiple choices daily about the management of their condition, such as appropriate dietary intake, physical activity and adherence to drugs. There is hardly any input from a healthcare professional for guidance on a daily basis.

Objectives:

The aims of this study were to assess the change in knowledge by using various methods of health education as intervention and to compare the effect of technology as a tool of health education as compared to conventional methods of health education.

Materials and Methods:

A community-based interventional study was done in the field practice area of our Institute in South India. Two groups of people were selected from 40 adopted houses. One from urban; for intervention with technology, that is, health education using videos and the second group from rural population; for intervention with conventional method of health education, that is, using charts.

Results:

The mean baseline knowledge score in urban and rural area was 3.76 and 9.97, respectively. There was statistically significant increase in knowledge among both the groups. By the use of technology in the urban population knowledge level increased from 3.76 to 10.15 and was found to be statistically significant. The difference in increase in knowledge was higher in the technology group as compared to conventional group.

Conclusion:

In the era of smartphone, technology-based health education can reduce the total health care manpower which is deficient. Technology is a boon to introduce lifestyle modification in chronic diseases like Diabetes Mellitus.
Markov model- Quantifying outlook towards success of tobacco cessation counseling
Authors: Nikose Yashasvi , Madhu Priyanka P. , Reche Amit , Agarwal Priya , Jidewar Namrata , Sayyed Maviya , Chhabra Kumar G.
Published: September 2022

Smoking is still a major public health issue that causes morbidity and mortality all over the world. The percentage of deaths caused by tobacco smoking has escalated from 1.4% in 1990 to 13.3% by 2020. There are numerous evidence-based tobacco control strategies available, and newer ones are always being developed. However, on ceasing the habit, cigarettes users go through a period of withdrawal with an increased percentage of relapse before entering to a more stable condition of sobriety in the long run. In this review, Endnote software was used as resource material to collect literature, which was then carefully arranged in a synchronised way. The Markov model captures the dynamic character of the quitting/relapse process, allowing for more accurate figures of abstinence rate, treatment outcomes and evaluating the performance of newer cessation initiatives during tobacco cessation counselling, as well as suggesting pathways for survivability.
Genital ulcer disease: A review
Authors: Ahmed Jaweed , Rawre Jyoti , Dhawan Neha , Dudani Pankhuri , Khanna Neena , Dhawan Benu
Published: September 2022

Genital ulcer disease (GUD) continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is an important risk factor for the acquisition of HIV. GUD is mainly caused by five sexually transmitted infections. Three pathogens most frequently associated with GUD are herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), Treponema pallidum, and Haemophilus ducreyi. Although their prevalence varies among different geographical regions, HSV-2 is the leading cause of this syndrome globally. In recent years, there has been an epidemiological transition of HSV-1 with a growing role of this virus as a causative agent of GUD. GUD may present with unique features depending on the etiological agent that can help clinicians identify the etiology and start treatment. However, owing to atypical presentations and co-infections, an accurate clinical diagnosis is often a challenge without confirmatory laboratory tests. Standard methods used to detect the causative pathogens of GUD have limitations. Molecular methods can provide a more sensitive and rapid microbiological diagnosis, with detection of the pathogen from the clinical sample directly. In situations where no laboratory support is available, the syndromic approach for management should be followed. The current scenario, clinical presentation (typical and atypical), laboratory diagnosis, and management of GUD will be discussed in this review. We searched PubMed literature and Google search engine using the terms “genital ulcer disease,” “epidemiology of genital ulcer disease,” and “clinical features of genital ulcer disease and atypical presentations” and relevant literature was selected to provide current perspectives of GUD.
Peritraumatic distress in Southern Indian inhabitants during second wave COVID-19 pandemic: A community-level survey
Authors: Ravoori Srinivas , Shaik Parveen Sultana , Yaddanapalli Suresh C. , Pavani Nijampatnam P. M. , Khan Nadeem Ahmed , Yeramala Varsha
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease which has ruining and dismantling the harmony of people internationally, its development and spread, creates turmoil, nervousness and dread among worldwide.

Aim:

To evaluate seriousness of peritraumatic problems among southern Indian inhabitants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology:

A referral sampling technique was continued until a sufficient sample size was reached, while this self-administered survey catches insights about depression, fears, psychological change, evasion cognitive change, and collectively quantifies the stress on a scale of 0–60. Expressive factual examinations were utilized to sum up clear cut information and inferential measurable investigations included Chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlations were done.

Results:

The study included only those participants who understood English and had access to the internet. Inconsequential outcomes were found among gender in which both male and female members frequently showed apprehension and nervousness about COVID-19. 44.8% tried not to watch the news on COVID-19 as they were excessively frightened and make frenzy to family members. 90.9% of participants with lower education levels were more stressed over the thought of getting COVID-19 when showing manifestations related with the novel corona virus, which was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

The current assessment shows that almost all the study participants have felt restless, uncomfortable and terrified of watching the news whilst stressed over appearances related with COVID-19 due to their greater access to information.
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the sudden onset of Mucormycosis in the Indian subcontinent-A review
Authors: Mahesh Shakila , Srivastava Samridhi , Sakshi  , Tripathi Riya
Published: September 2022

Mucormycosis or black fungus is a rare fungal infection, but cases are rising amidst the Coronavirus pandemic. The disease mostly infects immunocompromised patients including diabetics and those receiving corticosteroid therapy. The most common etiological agent is Rhizopus arrhizus, from the Mucorales family of fungi. The fungal spores may affect the nose and sinuses, the respiratory tract, renal tract, cutaneous tissues, or may be disseminated throughout the body. Early detection can be done by PCR technique, but direct microscopy is also commonly done. Treatment is most commonly done using high-cost liposomal Amphotericin B injections. Surgical debridement of the affected tissues may sometimes be necessary. Knowledge of the disease and its management techniques is absolutely essential for healthcare professionals in the current scenario. Early diagnosis may improve prognosis. In this narrative review, we seek to provide an overview of the most essential features of Mucormycosis, especially in association with SARS-CoV-2.
Burden of iodine deficiency disorders and its association with various sociodemographic variables in a district of North East India
Authors: Bhattacharyya Himashree , Agarwalla Rashmi , Medhi Gajendra Kumar , Chutia Happy , Nath Chandan K. , Pala Star
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Iodine is one such micronutrient, the deficiency of which can impair the mental growth and development of young children and is the leading cause of preventable mental impairment. The present study has been conducted to study the prevalence of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) and its association with various sociodemographic variables among children (6–12 years) residing in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.

Methods:

The sample size was 2700 with a multistage 30 cluster sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect data on the various sociodemographic variables. The weight and height of each child were recorded as per the standard procedure. In order to assess goitre, children were examined as per standard procedures prescribed by the National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (NIDDCP).

Results:

A total of 2700 children were interviewed in total. Out of these, 1365 (50.5%) were males. The total goitre rate was found to be 195 (7.22%), indicating that IDDs are a mild public health problem in the study area. The median (interquartile range) urinary iodine excretion levels were 150 (108.05–189.37) mg/L. With respect to weight-for-age, it was observed that 93 (3.9%) children were severely underweight and 389 (16.8%) had severe stunting. A significant association was observed between goitre with the age group of children (p <.00001), maternal education (p <.00001), prevalence of stunting (p <.00001), and underweight (p <.05).
Benefits and challenges of fostering research-focused communities of practice at a specialised health sciences university: An exploratory study
Authors: Al-Nasser Sami , Masuadi Emad Mohamed , Salaad Idris Mohamud , Aldayel Ahmad Ibrahim , Alharbi Abdullah Sami , Alothman Abdullah Mansour , Alkanhal Hamad Mohammed , Alothman Faisal Mohammed , Safi Mohammed Faisal
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

Structured undergraduate research, whether mandatory or elective, provides undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to develop their research skills. However, the majority of the students undertake individual research projects rather than working in a group. This study explores the perceived benefits and challenges of fostering research focused communities of practice at a specialised health sciences university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee at the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC). A self-administered questionnaire was developed that assessed the perceived benefits and challenges of doing research in groups. Data were collected using a mixture of a dichotomous and a 5-point Likert scale and were analysed using Statistical Program for Social Scientists (SPSS).

Results:

Of the 380 medical students invited to participate in this study, 307 completed the questionnaire, with a response rate of 80.7%. The majority of the medical students (87%) agreed on the importance of teamwork in conducting medical research. Almost all medical students (96%) believed patience and tolerance were required to make the team successful. Significant differences were found between junior and senior medical students regarding their perceived benefits (P-value = 0.0001) and challenges (P-value = 0.0007).

Conclusion:

Although most of the students believed that doing research in groups is essential and that working within such groups enhances their research knowledge, forming these research groups was not without problems. The need for patience and tolerance to keep the group together, the issue of free-riders and the difficulties related to which research group to join were some of the challenges students encountered.
Exploring the value of a multidisciplinary-led medication review for elderly individuals at a long-term care facility performed by four different health-care professions in an equal and closely integrated collaboration
Authors: Frandsen Sara , Drastrup Anne M. , Dalin Dagmar A. , Vermehren Charlotte
Published: September 2022

Background:

The increasing population of elderly individuals had led to an increasing number of polypharmacy patients. Polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse drug reactions and hospitalization. One means to combat polypharmacy involves performing medication reviews, which can be conducted by different methods and stakeholders.

Objective:

The study objective was to explore the value of involving different health-care professions in medication reviews at an equal and closely integrated collaborative physical meeting for elderly individuals at a long-term care facility. A specific focus was to explore the contributions and opinions of the different health-care professionals regarding the medication review process.

Materials and Methods:

A single case study was applied to perform an in-depth study of a group of health-care professionals performing medication reviews in collaboration. Hence, the study was performed in two settings: 1) the practical execution of medication reviews at a long-term care facility in an interprofessional team and 2) qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted to explore the forms of work done by different professional groups in performing an interdisciplinary medication review.

Results:

Forty-nine residents from a long-term care facility were included in the study and were offered a medication review. In total, they reported 573 prescriptions, for which 150 changes were recommended by the interprofessional team. At the 3- and 8-month follow-ups, 30.0% and 49.5% of the accepted recommendations had been implemented, respectively. According to the interview, the results reveal that the interdisciplinarity of the interprofessional team was perceived as a great advantage to the results of the medication reviews.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that performing medication reviews in interprofessional collaboration improves the perceived quality of such reviews with a more complete picture of the residents and their medications, leading to more personalized recommendations and resulting in optimized medication reviews for the individual patients.