bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delirium in cardiac surgery: epidemiology, pathogenesis and prevention highlights (Review)
Authors: Tsygan Nikolay V. , Ryabtsev Aleksandr V. , Sandalova Olga S. , Andreev Ruslan V. , Trashkov Aleksandr P. , Peleshok Andrey S. , Kurasov Evgeniy S. , Litvinenko Igor V.
Published: February 2023

Symptomatic delirium of the early postoperative period is a qualitative disorder (clouding) of consciousness that is deferred, occurs under mainly vascular, inflammatory and metabolic alterations, manifests by variant behavioral disorders. Three clinical studies were conducted to assess the state of the brain after the most frequent elective cardiac surgery coronary bypass surgery, open-heart valve surgery, open-heart and endovascular aortic valve surgery. 306 patients were included in the listed studies, the controls included the results of the examination of 120 patients who underwent elective eversion carotid endarterectomy and 15 patients who underwent elective abdominal aortic prosthetics. Thus, 441 patients underwent perioperative neurological examination according to a single algorithm. According to the results of the conducted studies, the frequency of symptomatic delirium of the early postoperative period during elective cardiac surgery is 1214%. Symptomatic delirium of the early postoperative period commonly develops 13 days after surgery, the average duration is from 1 to 3 days. Symptomatic delirium of the early postoperative period also increases the likelihood of subsequent development of other clinical types of postoperative cerebral dysfunction perioperative stroke and deferred cognitive impairment. Most of the symptomatic delirium of the early postoperative period risk factors are preoperative and have vascular origin. Combined use of CAM-ICU and RASS scales is recommended for screening diagnostics of symptomatic delirium of the early postoperative period. The increase of the number of cardiac surgeries demonstrates the necessity of the further improvement of perioperative cerebroprotection, the main directions are promptly diagnosis and correction of risk factors, as well as the use of non-pharmacological and pharmacological methods of brain protection, including the original four-component (inosine, nicotinamide, riboflavin, succinic acid) neuroprotector with cytoprotective and antihypoxic effects, as well as meglumine sodium succinate with antihypoxic and anti-inflammatory effects.
TopoKnit
Authors:   , Maharaj Levi , Breen David E.
Published: February 2023

Knitting is a method of producing textiles that has been employed by humans for over a millennium and is increasingly important to many industries. Despite their long-time existence and significant capabilities, computational modeling, simulation, and design tools have been underutilized for tex- tiles in general, limiting the ability of knitted textiles to be widely deployed and to reach their full industrial potential. These computational tools require a robust representation and ecient evaluation of the spatial, material and physical properties of textile structures. This dissertation proposes a process-oriented representation, TopoKnit, that defines a foundational data structure for representing the topology of weft-knitted textiles at the yarn scale. Process space serves as an intermediary between the machine and fabric spaces, and supports a concise, computationally efficient evaluation approach based on on-demand, near constant-time queries. This work defines the properties of the process space, designs a data structure, and implements topological queries for knitted fabrics. The topological representation enables a number of other capabilities, namely integrity and stability analysis, and stitch command generation for the inverse design of specified topological structures. TopoKnit's data may also be transformed into a knot diagram representation for further downstream topological analysis.
Diagnostic performance of the 2022 KLCA-NCC criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma on magnetic resonance imaging with extracellular contrast and hepatobiliary agents: comparison with the 2018 KLCA-NCC criteria
Authors: Yoon Ja Kyung , Lee Sunyoung , Hwang Jeong Ah , Lee Ji Eun , Kim Seung-seob , Kim Myeong-Jin
Published: February 2023

Background/Aim: This study aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of 2022 Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center (KLCA-NCC) imaging criteria compared with the 2018 KLCA-NCC for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods: This retrospective study included 415 treatment-naïve patients (152 patients who underwent extracellular contrast agent [ECA]-MRI and 263 who underwent hepatobiliary agent [HBA]-MRI; 535 lesions, including 412 HCCs) with a high risk of HCC who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI. Two readers evaluated all lesions according to the 2018 and 2022 KLCA-NCC imaging diagnostic criteria, and the per-lesion diagnostic performances were compared.Results: In “definite” HCC category of both 2018 and 2022 KLCA-NCC, HBA-MRI showed a significantly higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of HCC than ECA-MRI (77.0% vs. 64.3%, P=0.006) without a significant difference in specificity (94.7% vs. 95.7%, P=0.801). On ECAMRI, “definite” or “probable” HCC categories of the 2022 KLCA-NCC had significantly higher sensitivity than those of the 2018 KLCA-NCC (85.3% vs. 78.3%, P=0.002) with identical specificity (93.6%). On HBA-MRI, the sensitivity and specificity of “definite” or “probable” HCC categories of both 2018 and 2022 KLCA-NCC were not significantly different (83.3% vs. 83.6%, P>0.999 and 92.1% vs. 90.8%, P>0.999, respectively).Conclusions: In “definite” HCC category of both 2018 and 2022 KLCA-NCC, HBA-MRI provides better sensitivity than ECA-MRI without compromising specificity. On ECA-MRI, “definite” or “probable” HCC categories of the 2022 KLCA-NCC may improve sensitivity in the diagnosis of HCC compared with the 2018 KLCA-NCC.
Data from the Arizona (Free-Air CO2 Enrichment) Experiments on Cotton at Ample and Limiting Levels of Water Supply and Nitrogen Fertilization and at various Plant Densities
Authors: Kimball Bruce Arnold , Thorp Kelly , Barnes Edward , Choi Christopher , Clarke Thomas , Colaizzi Paul , Fitzgerald Glenn , Haberland Julio , Hendrey George , Hunsaker Douglas , Kostrzewski Michael , LaMorte Robert , Leavitt Steven , Lewin Keith , Mauney Jackson , Nagy John , Pinter Paul , Waller Peter
Published: February 2023

Several cotton experiments have been conducted at the University of Arizona's Maricopa Agricultural Center from which datasets have been obtained documenting cotton responses to elevated CO2 concentrations, water supply, nitrogen fertilizer, and planting density. In particular, these experiments included FACE (free-air CO2 enrichment; CO2, water; 10 treatment-years), AgIIS (Agricultural Irrigation Imaging System, pronounced Ag Eyes; nitrogen fertilizer, water supply; 4 treatment-years), and FISE (FAO-56 Irrigation Scheduling Experiments; irrigation scheduling method, planting density, nitrogen fertilizer; 24 treatment-years). Besides achieving the experimental objectives of determining cotton's response to the several variables, as well as testing remote sensing techniques, the comprehensive datasets are suitable for validating plant growth models because they include weather, soils, management, growth, yield and other data.
Evaluation of the antiulcer and antimicrobial activities of methanol leaf extract of Helianthus annuus
Authors: Ajegi Innocent F. , Ajegi Gloria O. , Ajaegbu Obinna C. , Nwokike Matthew O. , Ramalan Mansur A. , Eje Victor I. , Akuodor Godwin C.
Published: February 2023

Background: Medicinal plants are widely used in treating and preventing specific diseases and are known to play an important role in health care. Helianthus annuus is one of such plants whose therapeutic applications no doubt have numerous folkloric background. This study aimed at assessing Helianthus annuus methanol leaf extract for antiulcer and antimicrobial potentials
Methods: The antiulcer activity was evaluated using aspirin, ethanol and histamine methods in Wistar rats, while the antimicrobial activity was carried out on selected microorganisms. The acute toxicity test and phytochemical screening of the extract were also conducted.
Results: The methanol leaf extract exhibited significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) antiulcer effect in both model. The ulcer protection effect of the extract is comparable to omeprazole. The extract also significantly inhibited the growth of test organisms. The acute toxicity test produced no lethality in rats, whereas the phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and steroids.
Conclusions: The findings confirm the ethnomedicinal use of H. annuus leaf as a valuable natural agent for the treatment of ulcer and microbial infections.
Comparing the antiepileptic effects of atorvastatin, celecoxib, ashwagandha, clove oil, and Sodium valproate on chemo-shock induced seizures in male Wistar albino rats
Authors: George Deepthi Mary , M. S. Krishnadas , A. Thennavan , M. V. Anjaly , Palatty Princy Louis
Published: February 2023

Background: Antiepileptic potential of statins, COX inhibitors and other herbal medications are to be evaluated in experimental animals so that the most efficacious can be translated for human use as an adjunct to the commonly used anti-epileptic drugs.
Methods: This experimental animal study grouped 30 male Wistar albino rats into 6 groups with each containing 5 rats of which one group was control, one was the standard drug and the other 4 were treatment groups which received Atorvastatin, Celecoxib, Ashwagandha and Clove oil. These drugs were administered 30 minutes prior to administering Pentylene-tetrazole which induced convulsions and the various seizure parameters were analysed. The blood samples of the animals were also assessed for anti-oxidant activity by measuring superoxide dismutase and catalase levels in the blood.
Results: The onset of seizure was significantly delayed by Ashwagandha (2.55±0.94), similar to the latency shown by the standard drug (2.09±1.21). The duration of convulsions was very significantly reduced in all the 5 drug groups in comparison to the control (p<0.001). The clonic jerk duration was not reduced as effectively as the standard drug. The duration of recovery time amongst the various groups was also significant (p<0.05). The SOD and Catalase levels of no groups showed any possible association between the anti-epileptic efficacy of these drugs and the anti-oxidant enzyme levels.
Conclusions: Ashwagandha has good anti-epileptic efficacy not less than the standard drug when the various drug groups were compared.
A prospective observational study of demographic profile in patients of amoebic and pyogenic liver abscesses in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Walwekar Arun , Mirje Mrutyunjay , Balaraddiyavar Namrata , Walwekar Rekha
Published: February 2023

Background: Liver abscesses, both amoebic and pyogenic, continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. Pyogenic liver abscess is a serious, life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate that represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In India, due to poor sanitary condition and a lower socioeconomic status, amoebiasis is endemic and amoebic liver abscess accounts for 3-9% of all cases of amoebiasis. Aim and objectives of current study was to study demographic profile in patients of amoebic and pyogenic liver abscesses.
Methods: A detailed history was taken from each of these patients and all of them were subjected to a through clinical examination.
Results: The highest incidence occurred in the age group 31-50 years; males were more commonly affected than females. Fever and pain abdomen were the most consistently occurring symptoms. All the patients with liver abscess had abdominal tenderness. 17 patients (74%) with liver abscess were alcoholics. 8 patients (80%) with amoebic liver abscess were alcoholic as compared to 9 patients (69%) in pyogenic liver abscess.
Conclusions: Pyogenic organisms were most common cause of liver abscess.
Assessment of students’ perception on self-directed learning, alignment and integration in competency-based medical education curriculum among first year medical undergraduate students
Authors: Angadi Netravathi B. , Mahalmani Vidya , Bagi Jayasheela , Hashilkar Nayana
Published: February 2023

Background: The introduction of competency-based medical education curriculum in India has endorsed many new concepts, like foundation course, self-directed learning, early clinical exposure, etc. There has been paradigm shift from teacher centered to student centered learning. Integration of the curriculum has been evolved as an important strategy in the current system of Competency based medical education and SDL is essential to enable medical students to develop independent learning skills, increased responsibility, assertiveness and accountability which are key attributes to a medical professional’s career. Literature search could not retrieve many studies in Indian context, hence this study was conducted to determine the perception of students’ on self-directed learning, alignment and integration in CBME curriculum among first year medical undergraduate students.
Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted among first year medical students. After obtaining informed consent, data was collected using a pre-validated questionnaire having SDL instrument and proforma to assess the students’ perception on alignment and integration. Students were asked to rate on a 5-point Likert scale. A total of 174 students completed the questionnaire. The data is expressed as means and percentages.
Results: In the present study students opined that SDL helped them to establish their learning goals. Students also opined that alignment and integration is beneficial for in depth understanding of the subject and also to prepare for exams.
Conclusions: Incorporation of SDL and aligning and integrated curriculum has helped students in better understanding and correlation of subjects across the phase. The joint efforts by the facilitators and students themselves may be helpful to make students independent and lifelong learners.
A randomised comparative study of induction of labour with sublingual misoprostol 50 μg and oral misoprostol 50 μg in term patients
Authors: Nimbark Neha , Joshi Paramtap M. , Joshi Mittal I.
Published: February 2023

Background: Current study was conducted to compare the efficacy of tab Misoprostol 50 microgram by oral and sublingual routes for induction of labour.
Methods: A randomised comparative study of induction of labour in 200 cases of pregnant women at term and were divided into two groups of 100 each for 50 µg Misoprostol for oral and sublingual route repeated 4 hourly either by sublingual or oral route until an adequate contraction pattern set in (establishment of 3 uterine contractions in a period of 10 minutes) or once the cervical dilatation reaches 4 cm, maximum up to 6 doses. The patients were monitored for maternal vital signs, progress of labour and foetal heart rate.
Results: In this study, 86% women delivered vaginally with sublingual misoprostol while 76% were delivered vaginally with oral administration. In the present study, no significant maternal side effects were noted in either group. 4% cases of neonates in sublingual group and 6% cases of neonates in oral group required NICU admission. No still birth or neonatal deaths were seen.
Conclusions: Our study shows that sublingual Misoprostol has better efficacy, shorter induction to delivery interval, requirement of fewer doses of misoprostol when compared to oral route.
Effects of carbonated beverage and fruit juice on salivary pH among children in orphanage of Bareilly city: an in vivo study
Authors: Agrawal Anagha , Saxena Shobhit , Baviskar Bhairavi , Govilkar Eshita S. , Mishra Shweta D. , Nepale Mayuri
Published: February 2023

Background: High degree of urbanization and economic development have resulted in rapid changes in diet and lifestyles, because of which there is a tremendous increase in prevalence of dental caries in developing countries. The aim of the study is to assess the acidogenic potential of commonly consumed carbonated beverage and commercially available fruit juice at various time intervals among orphan children.
Methods: This is an in vivo study in which 60 orphan children were included. Two beverage groups (carbonated beverage and fruit juice) were tested for salivary pH before having respective drinks (baseline) and after having drinks at specific time intervals (immediately after, after 15 min and 30 min). Intra-group and inter-group comparisons were done using Friedman test and Mann Whitney U test.
Results: Both the groups showed decrease in salivary pH after consumption and recovery of salivary pH to baseline value after 30 min.
Conclusions: Beverages produce a remarkable drop in the salivary pH as they contain organic acids and sugars but saliva by virtue of its buffering capacity nullifies this effect and after some time it comes to normal.
General population perceptions and attitudes toward COVID-19 booster vaccinations and the mask mandate as we approach the end of 2022: a pan India online survey
Authors: Pareek Varun , Sharma Lokendra , Bansal Alka , Jakhar Punam , Kumar Susheel , Rathore Rajveer Singh
Published: February 2023

Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) exploded into a global pandemic, killing over 6.5 million people and forever changing the world. While many developed countries are well into their vaccination campaigns, India outperformed global expectations by providing over 2 billion doses to its citizens and assisting other countries worldwide. Following the emergence of various covid variants, it is critical to comprehend the willingness of Indians to receive additional doses of the newer generation of covid vaccination, as well as the fatigue associated with maintaining the most essential covid appropriate behaviour, masking. This study aimed to determine general public attitudes and perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine in India.
Method: A pan-India cross-sectional analysis was conducted at RUHS college of medical sciences, Jaipur, between October 20, 2022, and December 15, 2022. Through web-based links, a self-administered and semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data.
Results: Of the total responses received (n=391), 55.6% were males, and 43.8% were females. 63.2% have received two doses of the vaccine, while 33.8% have received three doses. 50.9% of respondents were willing to take the fourth dose of the vaccine, 20.5% were utterly unwilling, and 28.6% were undecided. 10.7% of our respondents were utterly reluctant to wear masks, whereas 26.6% always did.
Conclusions: Based on the findings, vaccination acceptance in India remains high with 50.9% of applicants willing to take the fourth dose. Furthermore, the pandemic has resulted in the incorporation of face masks into our lifestyles, with the majority of people using a face mask in at least one setting.
Pattern of adverse drug reactions with chemotherapeutic drugs in a tertiary care hospital of North India: a retrospective study
Authors: Jindal Amita , Brar B. K. , Kumar Raj , Kumar Sumir , Sidhu Kiranjit , Kaur Amandeep , Richa  , Raj Rakesh Tilak
Published: February 2023

Background: Adverse drug reactions are important causes of mortality and morbidity in the patients. Early detection, evaluation and monitoring of ADRs is essential to improve public health.
Methods: This was an observational, non-interventional and retrospective study conducted at the ADR monitoring centre of a tertiary care hospital of North India. Suspected ADR forms reported over a period of 4 years involving at least one chemotherapeutic drug with at least one dose were analyzed.
Results: A total of 261 chemotherapeutic drugs associated ADRs were analyzed. Out of these, maximum numbers of ADRs were reported by males (54%). Maximum reporting was done by Skin and VD department (37.93%). Causality assessment was probable in maximum number of cases (54%). Most common ADRs were skin rashes (21.46%), followed by jaundice, urticaria and fixed drug eruptions. Maximum ADRs were suspected to be caused by Anti tubercular drugs (31.42%) followed by anticancer drugs (14.56%).
Conclusions: ADRs due to antibiotics and anticancer drugs is a significant health problem.
A study of assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of antibiotic stewardship among healthcare providers in a tertiary care hospital of Sangli
Authors: Shetti Santoshkumar A. , Patil Aditi N. , Magadum Madhushree S. , Limaye Ramchandra P. , Pendhari Shabbir R. , Patil Pallavi P. , Jagadale Sachin G.
Published: February 2023

Background: Antimicrobials are routinely used for variety of clinical conditions but are also misused leading to drug resistance bacteria in clinical practice. Consultants can gain the knowledge about it and can also have the depth of problem faced, their prescribing behavior mainly depends on their attitude and understanding of condition. Our aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and beliefs about antibiotics prescribing among health care workers in a tertiary care hospital of Sangli.
Methods: Our present study was conducted in the Bharati hospital, BV (DU) medical college and hospital, Sangli. Ethical clearance from the institutional ethics committee was obtained and it was, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study carried out in the form of a survey in which a pretested, semi-structured, validated questionnaire was provided to junior residents, senior residents and faculty of different specialties and responses were recorded. Questionnaire comprises of 9 in knowledge, 10 in attitude and 10 in practice section.
Results: Out of all participants 84.5% believed that no need of antibiotics for running and blocked nose. Majority 89.6% were expressed that sample culture should be sent before starting antibiotics. 90.4% participants believed that education of patients will help. Only 76.8% strictly adhere to the antibiotic policy of our hospital.
Conclusions: The present study on antibiotic usage gives useful information about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of prescribers and help plan suitable educational modifications that aim at improving the antimicrobial prescribing and minimizing the development of drug resistance in our developing country.
Essential drug list for cardiovascular diseases in a tertiary health care centre
Authors: Maddali Varshini Lakshmi Tripura , Shashidhar Manali , Narasimhaiah Manjunath G. , Ramesh Harshith
Published: February 2023

Background: Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population. The latest version of NLEM is the 23rd list, published in September 2022, and contains 384 essential drugs, of which 29 are cardiovascular drugs. The drugs in the list may be huge or small according to the local needs. The objectives of our study are to prepare the essential drug list for cardiovascular disease in a tertiary care hospital and to confirm the essential drug list provided and its availability in the pharmacy.
Methods: We interviewed around 28 consultants from various departments who prescribe these cardiac drugs. The names, doses and dosage forms were noted. The list was verified with the NLEM 2022 and counterchecked in the hospital pharmacy.
Results: Most consultants adhered to NLEM, but an additional 42 drugs were prescribed, amounting to 71 drugs. There are four drugs Warfarin, Rivaroxaban, Furosemide and Torsemide which may be considered for the hospital pharmacy list.
Conclusions: Too many drugs other than those present in the NLEM list are prescribed, which can be reduced by adequately training the consultants to adhere to the prescribed list.
A case of drug induced dizziness in a patient on anti-Parkinson drugs
Authors: Singh Rohit Kumar , Rashmi  , Hoda Mehnaz , Kumar Munish , Sinha Keshav Kumar , Sinha Rani Indira
Published: February 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disease, exceeded only by Alzheimer’s disease. Clinically, PD is characterized by resting tremor, rigidity (stiffness), bradykinesia (slowing), and gait dysfunction with postural instability. These are known as the classical or “cardinal” features of the disease. Levodopa remains the most effective symptomatic treatment for PD and the gold standard against which new therapies are compared. Levodopa is routinely administered in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor to prevent its peripheral metabolism to dopamine and the development of nausea, vomiting, and orthostatic hypotension. The major concern with levodopa is that chronic levodopa treatment is associated with the development of motor complications, nausea and dizziness in the large majority of patients. We are here reporting a case of Syndopa plus (Levodopa+Carbidopa) induced dizziness in a 76 years old male patient on anti- parkinsonism treatment. The causality assessment was done by Naranjo scale. The causality of Syndopa plus in the case was “probable” as per Naranjo scale. The patient was managed by reducing the dose of Syndopa plus to the half of it’s initial dose. The case was recorded properly in adverse drug reaction reporting form and was sent to nearby ADR (adverse drug reaction) monitoring centre.
Takayasu arteritis associated with tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Anusha Are , Shree Malvey Anusha , Chandrika G. Naga , Mandava Kiranmai , Anusha Manda
Published: February 2023

Takayasu arteritis, also called pulseless disease, is the chronic inflammation of the vessels, mainly the aorta and large vessels. It mainly affects females more than males with the ratio of 2.15:1 and in the second and third decade of life. Mechanism may be transmural fibrous thickening of the arterial walls. Takayasu’s is characterized by granulomatous inflammation of the vessel wall, leading to occlusion of the vessel wall. It is represented with claudication, fever, arthralgia. Clinical features are chest pain, vascular bruits, Hypertension. Investigation is based on angiography and CT scan. Medical treatment prednisolone is the first line agent 1mg/kg/day maximum dose is 60mg/day with gradual tapering as per European league against rheumatism guidelines, methotrexate and azathioprine are for inducing remission of arterial lesions, tumour necrosis factor-a antagonists, anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody like tocilizumab. Surgical treatment is angioplasty and stenting renal artery stenosis but less invasive and safest method is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). Takayasu arteritis might be associated with Tuberculosis, yet, the relationship and mechanism are not clearly understood. Here we report a case of Takayasu arteritis associated with tuberculosis.
Woman and pregnancy: focus on depression and psychopharmacological therapy
Authors: Cristina Davide
Published: February 2023

Perinatal depression is one of the most common complications of pregnancy: it affects about 10-15% of women; the object of clinical attentionis postpartum depression (PPD) because it involves a impairment of the social and personal functioning of affected women and can have repercussions on the partner on the quality of life, on mother-infant interaction and neurodevelopment of the product of conception. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are generally consideredas first-line antidepressant treatment in pregnancy, as they are generally safe and effective. Studies concerning the adverse effects of exposure to SSRIs during pregnancy on the developing foetushaveindicated an increased risk of various congenital malformations and un toward effects such as poor neonatal adaptation syndrome or persistent pulmonary hypertension, but here still remain inconsistencies between various study results. PPD can be a preventable disorder, there fore it be comes important that integrated actions between different medical sectors (interdisciplinary), diagnosis and any interventions are effective.
Immunosuppressive drugs in renal transplantation
Authors: Singh Rohit K. , Kishor Ajit , Rishu Dev R. , Asha Rashmi , Sinha Keshav K. , Sinha Rani I.
Published: February 2023

A kidney transplant, sometimes known as a renal transplant, is the treatment of choice for kidney failure at end stage renal disease (ESRD). The renal transplant surgery is followed by a lifetime course of immunosuppressive agents, divided into initial induction phase and later maintenance phase. It is seen that the risk of acute rejection is maximum in the initial months after transplantation (induction phase) and then reduces later (maintenance phase). In induction phase there is use of high-intensity immunosuppression immediately after transplantation, when the risk of rejection is maximum and then the dose reduced for long- term therapy. The main challenge in the renal transplantation community is long- term transplant survival. Long-term graft loss is mainly due to acute and chronic graft rejection, and also due to complications of immunosuppressive therapy. Currently, there is triple therapy as conventional immunosuppressive protocol: a calcineurin inhibitor, an antimetabolite agent, and a corticosteroid. The main aim of development of new immunosuppressive agents is not only improvement of short- term outcomes but also to increase the long- term graft survival by less nephrotoxicity, and minimal side-effects.
Does COVID-19 cause erectile dysfunction in males?
Authors: Manda Anusha , Anusha Are , Balaji Metikala
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic brought on by the SARS-COV-2 is a novel healthcare problem. A cytokine storm caused by the hyper-inflammation present in this pandemic leads to serious consequences such micro thrombosis. There have been reports of some male genital organs being impacted by very severe illness instances, leading to erectile dysfunction (ED). Given the high rate of COVID-19 transmission, ED could also be a serious outcome for a sizable portion of the population. It is still little understood and is crucial given that the virus has been discovered in pensile tissue. In this account, we sought to compile potential explanations for the ED development driven by COVID-19. The psychological toll of COVID-19 and endothelial dysfunction, which are among the routes of ED, are now better understood according to recent research.
Prevalence and pattern of breastfeeding among mothers in Al-Qassim region
Authors: Al-Ghasham Yazeed A. , Al-Feraidi Arwa D.
Published: February 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of breastfeeding (BF) among the mothers living in the Al-Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. This study also aimed to evaluate the factors causing delayed initiation of BF.
Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2022 in which mothers who were living in the Al-Qassim region were eligible to participate. A self-administered questionnaire was used for collecting the data which was sent electronically.
Results: Out of 265 mothers participated in the study, 38.9% were 30-40 years old and over 70% were having at least bachelor’s degree. Findings revealed that 82.5% timely initiated the BF while 25.3% had exclusive BF in the initial first six months. Mothers who had cesarean delivery and those who did not complete gestational age were in significantly less in proportion of receive education about BF after delivery (p=0.034 and p=0.015 respectively). In addition, mothers having cesarean delivery had 4.13 times higher odds of delayed initiation of BF (p=0.000) and mothers who had preterm delivery had 7.76 times more likely to delay initiation of BF (p=0.027).
Conclusions: Prevalence of exclusive BF for initial six months were found to be among quarter of the mothers participated in the study. It was required to increase mothers’ knowledge and to educate them before and after delivery which facilitate to increase the prevalence of BF. Delivery method and gestational age were the factors causing delayed initiation of BF hence healthcare providers are required to counter the situation to increase the prevalence.
Study of albuminuria in heart failure patients- an original research article
Authors: Senthilnathan Kaushik , Kulkarni Vrinda , Dhokar Sudhir S. , Pose Meghna V.
Published: February 2023

Background: Heart failure is associated with albuminuria, frequently microalbuminuria and it has shown to correlate with the severity of heart failure.
Methods: Prospective observational study. Hundred patients were studied, with albuminuria being measured before and after correction of heart failure.
Results: One third of patients with heart failure had microalbuminuria. No correlation of albuminuria with severity of heart failure was found. The decrease in albuminuria following treatment of heart failure was statistically significant.
Conclusions: This study shows association of albuminuria to be statistically associated with heart failure and its reversibility with treatment of heart failure.
Prevalence of pulmonary function abnormalities in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with HbA1c in nonsmokers
Authors: Sarkar Suman , Roy Nirmalya , Barman Souvik
Published: February 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with vast social and economic consequences an ageing population and obesity due to sedentary lifestyle are one of the foremost reasons for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Aim of the current study was to ascertain the burden of respiratory function abnormalities in type 2 diabetic subjects and its correlation with symptom and hba1c in non-smokers.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in KPC medical college, Jadavpur. Patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus between the age of 30-80 years fulfilling the modified Borg dyspnoea scale were included after excluding heart failure, COPD, musculoskeletal disorders. The selected subjects were then subjected to a PFT with reversibility and DLCO assessment Pattern of PFT abnormality recorded. Total of 65 subjects were chosen for the study.
Results: In our study most of the patients had Restrictive abnormality Female 24 (42.9%) and male 32 (57.1%). Rest 3 (50.0%) Female patients and 3 (50.0%) male patients had Mixed abnormality. 2 (66.7%) female patients and 1 (33.3%) male patient had normal abnormality which was not statistically significant (p=0.6939).
Conclusions: Pulmonary function is reduced in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes duration seems a more important influence than glycaemic control, but the definitive direction as well as the exact pathophysiological mechanism to explain this association requires further investigation.
Endocarditis: a case series with review on atypical presentations of infective endocarditis
Authors: E. Danish , Kumar K. G. Sajeeth , Manuel Shilpa M. , Paulose Prashanth
Published: February 2023

Infective endocarditis is a well-known clinical entity. However, despite improved diagnostic techniques and advances in treatment options, clinical heterogeneity of infective endocarditis sometimes prevents rapid recognition, correct diagnosis and timely treatment which are very essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. We herein present a case series of seven patients who presented to Government Medical College, Kozhikode during the period 2018-2022 with atypical presentations of infective endocarditis.
A case series of clinical profile in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: R. Shreenidhi , Sivasamy Manoj , M. K. Nishaanth , M. Jagadeesan , S. Prasanna Karthik
Published: February 2023

Thrombosis of the venous system in the brain is a cause of cerebral infarction, second only to arterial disease, but is associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. The clinical picture of cerebral venous thrombosis is highly variable and often presents a source of confusion to physicians. This study aimed to establish the clinical picture of cerebral venous thrombosis in patients in a tertiary healthcare center. We collected and analysed the case records of 23 patients with CVT. The most predominant presenting complaint was headache (47.8%) followed by vomiting (26%). The most common site of involvement was found to be the superior sagittal sinus (34.8%). Multiple sites of involvement were more common than a single site.
Inferior vena caval web causing Budd Chiari syndrome
Authors: Manuel Shilpa M. , Sebastian Martin , K. R. Rahul
Published: February 2023

Budd Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a condition resulting from obstruction of hepatic venous outflow at various levels, regardless of the cause of obstruction. Manifestations can range from asymptomatic state to fulminant hepatic failure or cirrhosis depending on how acutely the obstruction developed. IVC web is an unusual yet potentially treatable cause of BCS. This case report throws light on a rare cause of BCS, which is an IVC web and how endovascular technique helped in patient recovery.
Acute limb ischemia in patient with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Putra Agus Dody Pranata Suadi , Riani Ni Wayan Anantika , Wiradana A. A. Gde Agung Anom Arie
Published: February 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 caused a worldwide pandemic and became a massive problem in our healthcare system. This infection has broad clinical presentation from asymptomatic to severe symptoms, and unfortunately death. Hypercoagulability associated with this infection can cause a significant morbidity, that increased risk of microthrombosis, vascular hyperpermeability, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multiorgan failure. Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is the one of coronavirus disease 2019 associated coagulopathy that threaten the limb viability in a very short interval. We report a case of a 98-year-old woman with coronavirus disease 2019 infection, then suddenly has ALI in the right foot.
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fishery sector in Zimbabwe: a case study of fish farmers in Binga district
Authors: Mabika Nyasha , Mangwiro Janeth
Published: February 2023

Background: Goats are of economic importance to livelihoods of many rural communities in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, very few farmers are into goat production. Therefore, this study was carried out in order to establish the factors that are affecting goat production in Mushowani, Zimbabwe.
Methods: A household survey, using a structured questionnaire was administered in October 2022. The Spearman correlation coefficients were used to test the associations between number of goats against farm size, gender, age, marital status, education, household size, formal training, diseases, income and extension services.  
Results: Of the 52 respondents surveyed, 59.6% were males and more than half (51.9%) of the farmers attended secondary school, followed by tertiary education (36.6%). Most of the farmers (69.2%) had a herd size of less than 20. The main source of income in the area was the selling of crops. The majority (77%) of the farmers indicated that they planned to increase their goat herd. Goat production in Mushowani is constrained by diseases, feed, water, theft, heat stress, market, transport, veterinary services, insufficient funds, lack of extension services and lack of commercial breeds. Results showed that farm size, age of the farmer, education and extension visits were associated with herd size. Age, education and extension visits were significant at 5%, while farm size was significant at 1%.
Conclusions: The results of this study are anticipated to give an insight to the government, policy makers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on improving goat production in rural communities.
Assessment of body mass index and oral health status of school teachers in Dharamshala city, Himachal Pradesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gurung Deepak , Bhardwaj Vinay Kumar , Fotedar Shailee , Thakur Arun Singh , Vashisth Shelja
Published: February 2023

Background: The aim of the study was to assess body mass index (BMI) and oral health status of school teachers in Dharamshala city, Himachal Pradesh.  
Methods: The cross-sectional study design with stratified random sampling was used. The data was collected through interview and recorded on a structured WHO proforma.   
Results: The mean BMI of the population in the study was 23.33±3.20. The 545 (68.1%) school teachers had normal BMI, followed by 185 (23.1%) were overweight, 43 (5.4%) were underweight and 27 (3.4%) were obese respectively. The mean total decayed teeth and mean total decayed surfaces were higher in underweight school teachers and the difference was statistically significant. The underweight school teachers (1.51), normal BMI school teachers (1.35) and overweight school teachers (1.33) had higher odds for pocket depth of 4-5 mm (Score 1) than obese school teachers. Similarly, underweight school teachers had higher odds ratio of 2.28 (CI 1.43-3.65) for loss of attachment (LOA) for score 1 (4-5 mm) than obese school teachers.
Conclusions: The study found a very weak association of BMI with both periodontitis and dental caries. There was an increase of 7.1% in total decayed teeth and LOA of score 1 (4-5 mm) per sextant in index tooth 26/27 in the given age group of 41-50 years for each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI among the teachers though with a very weak effect size. Further, the study found that under-nutrition as the risk marker for the periodontal pocket and LOA.
Andarilhos da Esperança: decolonialidade e pensamento educacional latino-americano
Authors: Antônio da Rosa Geraldo
Published: February 2023

Esta publicação se apresenta como o resultado do encontro entre docentes, estudantes e pesquisadores dos Programas de Pós-Graduação da Área de Humanidades que participaram, em outubro de 2022, da II Jornada Internacional de Pós-Graduação em Educação – Brasil e Argentina. A Jornada teve como objetivo promover o intercâmbio da pesquisa na Pós-Graduação em Educação entre docentes e estudantes do Brasil e da Argentina. A temática proposta, Um tributo ao pensamento educacional da América Latina, resultou na produção de artigos, debates, mesa-redonda, mostra fotográfica, dossiê temático e esta publicação com o título “Andarilhos da esperança: decolonialidade e pensamento educacional latino-americano”. Temos vivido tempos sombrios nesta atualidade. São momentos em que devemos estar vigilantes para manter acesa a chama da esperança e da alegria de caminharmos juntos, pois são antídotos capazes de nos manter vivos e com disposição para dialogar e refletirem busca de solução e fortalecimento de ideias e pensamentos contra a desesperança e a imobilidade às quais somos incitados pela injustiça e pela negação dos direitos. Por isso professores pesquisadores e estudantes se juntaram nessa jornada transfronteiriça e nos permitiram associar a missão desse grupo com a definição de “Andarilhos da esperança”, pois a realidade não está determinada, e, para que possamos nos tornar seres humanos melhores, precisamos seguir juntos como andarilhos da esperança, cruzar fronteiras, fazer alianças, dialogar, escrever, debater ideias, recriar pensamentos, aprender sempre e seguir lutando contra toda forma de opressão, especialmente contra o inexorável componente histórico da “colonialidade”. O evento que originou esta publicação ocorreu no período de 23 a 29 de outubro de 2022 e oi promovido e organizado pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade de Caxias do Sul (PPGEDU/UCS), pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade do Planalto Catarinense (PPGE/UNIPLAC) e pela Área de Educação da UniversidadNacional de Tres de Febrero (UNTREF) de Buenos Aires.
Challenges for Measuring the LGBT+ Population and Homophobia in Mexico
Authors: Gutiérrez Fernández Emilio , Rubli Adrian
Published: February 2023

We contribute to understanding the challenges for estimating the size of the LGBTQ population and discriminatory sentiment against it by surveying 10,003 individuals, whom we randomize into a direct question or an Item Count Technique (ICT) elicitation group. The fractions of the population that self-identify as LGBTQ, that reports having had same-sex sexual experiences, and that has felt same-sex attraction are higher for our sample than those obtained from government surveys. However, the difference between estimates recovered from our direct questions and through the ICT does not always have the expected sign. The negative relationship between age and self-identifying as non-heterosexual is present both in the government survey and in our direct question sample but vanishes when measured with the ICT. The positive correlation between age and homophobic sentiment is present across samples and elicitation techniques. We find no significant variation in all measures for formal vs informal workers.
T118N Substitution of Hepatitis B X Protein Reduces Colony Formation of HepG2 Cells
Authors: Artarini Anita , Nurmalasari Dewi Riskha , Permanasari Silmi Citra , Riani Catur , Tjandrawinata Raymond Rubianto , Retnoningrum Debbie Soefie
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: The acute Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection usually ceases before six months, but chronic infection that lasts for more than six months might develop into liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Viral particle load, HBV genotypes and association to the HBV x (HBx) gene mutations are the probable factors related to HCC occurrence. The mutation which leads to HBx T118N was found as the second most common HBx mutation in Indonesia, as compared to the known cancer-related HBx K130M/V131I mutant. However, the effect of T118N mutation and its combination with K130M/V131I on human hepatoma cells has not been elucidated well. Hence, this study was conducted to dissect the role of HBx T118N and its mutant combination in colony formation, as compared to the wild type HBx and cancer-related HBx K130M/V131I.METHODS: In this study, the genes encoding wild type HBx, HBx T118N, and HBx K130M/V131I mutations were obtained as synthetic gene. Meanwhile, the gene encoding HBx T118N/K130M/V131I mutations was successfully generated using site-directed mutagenesis. The optimum condition for colony formation assays was determined through Zeocin sensitivity test of HepG2 cells.RESULTS: Selection of HepG2 cells using Zeocin was determined at 200 µg/mL. Colony formation assays performed upon expression of HBx T118N and HBx T118N/K130M/V131I mutant proteins showed reduced colony numbers as compared to the expression of wild type HBx, similar to the effect from HBx K130M/V131I mutant expression.CONCLUSION: The HBx T118N and HBx T118N/K130M/V131I mutation caused less colony formation of HepG2 cells, similar to the K130/M131I mutation. This indicates a possible role of the T118N mutation in liver cancer development.KEYWORDS: colony formation assay, hepatitis B virus, HBx, T118N, K130M/V131I