bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agitation Prevalence in People With Dementia in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities: Findings From Machine Learning of Electronic Health Records
Authors: Zhu Yunshu , Song Ting , Zhang Zhenyu , Deng Chao , Alkhalaf Mohammad , Li Wanqing , Yin Mengyang , Chang Hui Chen (Rita) , Yu Ping
Published: March 2022

Using a suite of artificial intelligence technologies, the current study sought to determine the prevalence of agitated behaviors in people with dementia in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Australia. Computerized natural language processing allowed extraction of agitation instances from the free-text nursing progress notes, a component of electronic health records in RACFs. In total, 59 observable agitated behaviors were found. No difference was found in dementia prevalence between female and male clients (44.1%), across metropolitan and regional facilities (42.1% [
SD
= 17.9%]), or for agitation prevalence in dementia (76.5% [
SD
= 18.4%]). The top 10 behaviors were resisting, wandering, speaking in excessively loud voice, pacing, restlessness, pushing, shouting, complaining, frustration, and using profane language. Four to 17 agitated behaviors coexisted in 53% of people with dementia agitation, indicating high caregiver burden in these RACFs. Improving workforce training and redesigning care models are urgent for sustainability of dementia care in RACFs. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48
(4), 57–64.]
A backward SDE method for uncertainty quantification in deep learning
Authors: Archibald Richard , Bao Feng , Cao Yanzhao , Zhang He
Published: March 2022

We develop a backward stochastic differential equation based probabilistic machine learning method, which formulates a class of stochastic neural networks as a stochastic optimal control problem. An efficient stochastic gradient descent algorithm is introduced with the gradient computed through a backward stochastic differential equation. Convergence analysis for stochastic gradient descent optimization and numerical experiments for applications of stochastic neural networks are carried out to validate our methodology in both theory and performance.
Teacher Beliefs and Practices in Emergencies
Authors: Manzunzu Nomatter , Maera Joyce
Published: March 2022

Teachers' practices are usually determined by their beliefs and cultural dispositions. To this end, teachers' beliefs and practices in emergencies have an effect on their day-to-day discharge of duties. This chapter establish whether teachers' beliefs and practices can spell the demise of Early Childhood Development (ECD) or not. In addressing this, a qualitative case approach was adopted. Five ECD teachers in three schools were purposively selected, observed and interviewed. Teachers` fears of Covid-19 were observed and these influenced their practices. Teachers were less prepared to handle ECD learners. Further, learners did not have adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) such as masks. Use of alternative teaching methods such as online learning emerged though they need to be well supported by the government.
Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for the Sustainability of Indian Information Technology
Authors: Baporikar Neeta , Baragde Dileep Baburao
Published: March 2022

The hallmark of the Indian growth story since the 1980s has been the information technology (IT) industry. This industry has relied heavily on global markets and built deep international ties by co-location with clients, enabled by international travel and temporary on-site migration, acting as a key mechanism in developing “cognitive proximity.” However, the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to make international travel and migration costly and restrictive in the near future. While this paradigm shift creates significant barriers for IT firms to maintain cognitive proximity that could adversely influence global competitiveness, it also provides opportunities to innovate and pursue new goals. IT firms now need to review the cloud providers' performance and design fresh strategies to ensure and enhance the sustainability of the IT industry. Hence, adopting an exploratory approach with a systematic literature review, this chapter will explore and deliberate on the post-pandemic challenges and opportunities to enhance the sustainability of the information technology industry in the Indian context.
Fostering Corporate Sustainability Through Formalization
Authors: Salcedo-Perez Carlos , Carvajal Contreras Andres , Chala-Lloclla Franco
Published: March 2022

The objective of this chapter is to identify policy measures to be implemented to reduce the levels of informality in Colombia. Informality is one of the main problems of the economy of Colombia. This problem does not only bring about macroeconomic distortions, but foremost, it compromises the sustainability of firms since they have less access to technology, training programs, and loans. Furthermore, informal firms have less access to government subsidies, and their workers experience higher turnover ratios. The chapter concludes that the measures to reduce informality must be focused on the following areas: tax reduction, labor market flexibility, and launching educational programs for informal firms.
Organization Theory as Applied to the Big Problems of the Marketing and Sustainability Industry
Authors: Llanos-Herrera Gonzalo R. , Andrade-Valbuena Nelson A.
Published: March 2022

This work has been prepared as a reflection on the current business context and the demands of both the corporate and social environments. The subject of the analysis is the practitioner's viewpoint arising from the statement of the ‘seven big problems of the marketing industry' as unveiled by the American Marketing Association (AMA), to which the authors add a fundamental theme for today's world: sustainability. Subsequently, a set of classical management theories are used as an analysis formula. After contrasting them, the main aspects are set forth for each theory that to an extent contribute to the generation or aggravation of the problems. Finally, they attention to the importance of being aware of the problems and their origins but, more than that, of the commitment required by a strategy that allows for sustainable development over time.
Pestel Analysis and the Porter's Five Forces
Authors: Martinez-Contreras Ronald Mauricio , Hernandez-Mora Nydia C. , Vargas-Leguizamon Yolanda R. , Borja-Barrera Sergio M.
Published: March 2022

Strategic model analysis is required in a continuously changing environment where businesses must respond and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals. These models must cover all the variables that can affect the environment for doing business within an industry. For this reason, it is proposed to create a sectoral analysis model that integrates the PEST and Porter's five forces analysis. The purpose of this qualitative research is to validate the relevance of the proposed model. The research is carried out based on the perception of a sample of students from the business administration program of the Politecnico Grancolombiano University in Colombia which used the application model proposed during the period 2020-2021. The authors found that with an average rating of 4.48 out of 5, the group of respondents positively values the usefulness of the model proposed.
Hidden Markov Model for Gesture Recognition
Authors: Singh Aradhana Kumari
Published: March 2022

In this chapter, hidden Markov model (HMM) is used to apply for gesture recognition. The study comprises the design, implementation, and experimentation of a system for making gestures, training HMMs, and identifying gestures with HMMs in order to better understand the behaviour of hidden Markov models (HMMs). One person extends his flattened, vertical palm toward the other, as though to reassure the other that his hands are safe. The other individual smiles and responds in kind. This wave gesture has been associated with friendship from childhood. Human motions can be thought of as a pattern recognition challenge. A computer can deduce the sender's message and reply appropriately if it can detect and recognise a set of gestures. By creating and implementing a gesture detection system based on the semi-continuous hidden Markov model, this chapter aims to bridge the visual communication gap between computers and humans.
A Six-Stream CNN Fusion-Based Human Activity Recognition on RGBD Data
Authors: Verma Kamal Kant , Singh Brij Mohan
Published: March 2022

RGBD-based activity recognition is quite an interesting task in computer vision. Inspired by the exemplary results obtained from automatic features learning from RGBD data, in this work a six-stream CNN fusion approach has been addressed, which is developed on 2D-convolution neural network (2DCNN) and spatial-temporal 3D-convolution neural networks (ST3DCNN). The proposed approach has six streams and runs in parallel, where the first and second streams are used to extract space and time features with the help of a ST3DCNN model. Similarly, the remaining four streams have been used to extract the temporal features by means of two motion templates on motion history image (MHI) and motion energy image (MEI) via a 2DCNN. Further, a support vector machine (SVM) is employed to generate the score from each stream. Finally, a decision level fusion scheme particularly a weighted product model (WPM) to fuse the scores is obtained from all the streams. The effectiveness of the proposed approach has been tested on popular benchmark public datasets, namely UTD-MHAD, and gives promising results.
Lightweight ConvNet Model for American Sign Language Hand Gesture Recognition
Authors: Tiwari Shamik
Published: March 2022

Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons practice sign language to converse with one other and with others in their community. Even though innovative and reachable technology is evolving to assist persons with hearing impairments, there is more scope of effort to be achieved. Computer vision applications with machine learning procedures could benefit such persons even more by allowing them to converse more effectively. That is precisely what this chapter attempts to do. The authors have suggested a MobileConvNet model that could recognise hand gestures in American Sign Language. MobileConvNet is a streamlined architecture that constructs lightweight deep convolutional neural networks using depthwise separable convolutions and provides an efficient model for mobile and embedded vision applications. The difficulties and limitations of sign language recognition are also discussed. Overall, it is intended that the chapter will give readers a thorough overview of the topic of sign language recognition as well as aid future research in this area.
Development of Electromyography Signal Contraction Detection Using the Double Threshold Method for Controlling Wheelchair
Authors: Yulianto Endro , Muzakkir Heru Wildan , Triwiyanto Triwiyanto , Nugraha Priyambada Cahya , Prastawa Assalim Tetra Moch , Lamidi Lamidi
Published: March 2022

The consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI) is the malfunction of some parts of the body. This observation especially applies to trauma at the cervical level, because both patients' hands and legs are no longer functioning. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of the comparator treshold system in electric wheelchairs for patients with paralysis. The research contribution is to get a treshold mechanism that can make a wheelchair run smoothly without being affected by the strength of the user's unstable muscle contractions. To set the muscle reference value, connect the transmitter to Android using USB Cable. On Android there are 2 settings modes, namely manual and auto settings. The method used in auto mode is the transmitter will take 100 contraction and 100 relaxation data and multiplied by certain constants to get the upper and lower threshold values. In setting the threshold manually, the value is set based on the strength of the patient's contractions that are displayed on Android manually. Where in the threshold setting manually obtained response 93.3% of forward movement, 100% of turn left movement, 100% of turn right movement and 93.3% of backward movement. Meanwhile, the threshold setting automatically gets 80% response for forward movements, 93.3% for turn left movements, 86.6% for turn right movements and 93.3% for backward movements. The results of the tapping into 4 parts of the muscle can be implemented to detect muscle contractions so that the wheelchair can move according to orders. The problem obtained in this study is that there are many tapping points on the face so that it interferes with the comfort and time of installing electrodes on the face, also the patient's muscle reference setting system on Android still needs the help of others. In the future, it is expected to reduce tapping points and improve the efficiency of muscle threshold settings.
Analysis of Temperature Sensors with Proportional and Derivative Controls Applied to Infant Incubators
Authors: Kholiq Abd , Lamidi Lamidi
Published: March 2022

Premature babies born before 37 weeks of gestation or babies born with a weight criterion of less than 2500 grams are very susceptible to viruses if they are kept in an open space. Therefore, they need to be they need to be taken care for in a baby incubator that will protect premature babies. An incubator is critical in the survival of premature newborns. Temperature management is one of the most important roles of a baby incubator, as it is essential to create thermo-neutrality in an infant's body. The purpose of this study was to analyze the temperature sensor in an infant incubator using proportional and derivative controls. To obtain a stable and precise temperature, this temperature sensor complies with hospital infant incubator standards. This study used the LM35 and DS18B20 temperature sensors and used the Atmega 2560 Microcontroller where the temperature will also be displayed on a computer using serial communication. Temperature data were obtained based on the measurement results at all set points on the LM35 sensor. In this case, the rise time is 6 minutes 20 seconds, the average overshoot is 2.2°C, and the time to reach steady-state status is 25 minutes. Meanwhile, on the DS18B20 sensor, the average rise time is 6 minutes, the overshoot is 1.2°C on average and the time to reach a steady-state is 23 minutes. It can be considered that the DS18B20 sensor is superior to the LM35 sensor because it has a faster average rise time and steady-state and the overshoot on the DS18B20 sensor is still within tolerance limits.
Multimodal Instrumentations as Fatigue Detection Using Fuzzy Logic Method
Authors: Nikmatuzaroh Elsa Puspa , Setiawan Rachmad , Hikmah Nada Fitrieyatul
Published: March 2022

Fatigue is a condition experienced by a person that causes a decrease in a person's vitality and productivity. Fatigue can be characterized by slowed reaction time and fatigue. People’s condition is a significant factor in driving safety. Based on this increase in the number of accidents according to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), experts conducted research on detecting fatigue that often occurs. In this study, a system that can detect fatigue is developed using parameters obtained from physiological indicators such as heart signals by using the Low Frequency/High Frequency ratio parameter, muscle signals using the average frequency domain of the muscle signal and oxygen saturation. The detection tool in this study uses the ECG Click Module, EMG Click Module, and Oximeter Click which will be connected to the ARM microcontroller, namely STM32F407ZG. The parameters that have been obtained are processed using the Fuzzy Logic method to determine the level of fatigue. Based on the tests results carried out on three subjects, parameter values were obtained where in the subject the three parameters entered into fuzzy logic, it was found that the three subjects were detected in a fairly tired state. The aggregated output that found from subject A was 0.6303, the aggregated output of subject B was 0.77948, and the aggregated output of subject C was 0.79188. Furthermore for future research development, the signal processing can be done more complex, besides that signal processing and fuzzy logic processing can be embedded so the process runs in realtime.
Stem Geometry Recommendation for Total Hip Replacement Planning Using Computed Tomography Data Analysis
Authors: Safitri Pramestia Nur , Amelia Amelia , Asmaria Talitha , Rahma Osmalina Nur , Rahyussalim Ahmad Jabir , Aurellia Salsabila , Kartika Ika
Published: March 2022

Total Hip Replacement (THR) requires careful planning preparation, especially in the geometry suitability between the patient's bone and the implant. If it is applied incorrectly, it will be dangerous for the patient, such as the risk of complications, dislocation, and re-surgery. This paper aims to compare the size of the patient's THR geometry as a basis for consideration in implant designs to minimize the risk of harm after implantation. This study was limited to male patients only. The computed tomography scanning data (CT-Scan data) in the lower abdomen, segmented to hip joint area belonging to the American race and an Indonesian male, were compared. The comparison indicates that the American race data has a greater dimension than Indonesian. The American hip bone geometry result is following the standard modern implant by Johnson and Johnson size. By all analysis, the fittest geometry for the Indonesian male patient needs to adjust and has a smaller size than the commercial implant. This study finally recommends the specific length of the femoral stem for the optimal THR implant with the parameter values of Femoral Head Offset, Neck Length, Neck Shaft Angle, Mediolateral Width 1, Mediolateral Width 2, Mediolateral Width 3 respectively for the right THR, namely 37.9; 31.6; 134.3; 43.1; 13.62; 12.36; while the left THR is 38.9; 31.7; 134.5; 43.1; 13.70; 12.4 in mm. Overall, the precise implant planning based on real patient conditions and anthropometry is necessary to match implants and bone anatomy.
Finite Element Analysis Contact Stresses on Tibiofemoral Joint and Post Polyethylene Components Used to Evaluated Predesign Knee Implant
Authors: Triwardono Joko , Saragih Agung Shamsuddin , Abrar Fuad , Utomo Muhammad Satrio , Kartika Ika , Whulanza Yudan , Supriadi Sugeng
Published: March 2022

At the time of prayer, most Muslims kneel with fully extended limbs (between 150° and 165°). Meanwhile, incidents such as hyperflexion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implant outside their designated configuration can lead wear or fracture of the polyethylene component. In this study, polyethylene component of posterior-stabilized right knee joint implant have been developed to facilitate higher range of motion (ROM). Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to analyze contact stresses on the polyethylene component. FEA was used to simulate weight-bearing condition at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 150° of knee flexion. Modified polyethylene component results in better performance in terms of contact stresses, especially at 120° of knee flexion. Current result shows contact stresses above 120 MPa were measured at the posterior post polyethylene, when 4000 N force was applied. Minimum contact stress on the medial condyles was 630 KPa at 120° of knee flexion, while on the lateral condyles, the minimum contact stress was 250 KPa at 150° of knee flexion. With this finding, the current polyethylene component design is expected to accommodate deep knee flexion movement in daily activities and can reduce potential of wear or fracture of the polyethylene component during deep knee flexion.
Intravenous Infusion Monitoring and Flow Control System Equipped with Automatic Air Bubble Detection
Authors: Nur Aini Riske Ayu , Setiawan Rachmad , Pramudijanto Josaphat
Published: March 2022

In clinical care, intravenous infusion is one of the best ways for continuous drug delivery or clinical therapy. In most medical institutions, the workload of nurses and patient care increases due to fluctuating populations. This causes an increase in the work intensity of medical personnel. If the infusion is not monitored properly, it will lead to a medical accident. The problem is also affected due to the lack of economical and automatic infusion monitoring devices. In this case, it is proposed to design an automatic infusion control instrumentation that can detect the presence of air bubbles in the infusion to prevent air bubbles from entering the body and detect the rate of infusion flow. The proposed device is equipped with Thin Film Transistor technology (TFT) which functions to display and enter information about the condition of the intravenous infusion and a buzzer as a reminder alarm when an undesirable condition occurs. System accuracy and precision are verified for all flow rates. The results of the drops per minute test show accuracy with an error percentage of less than 2% within 1 minute. The device can detect the presence of air bubbles at high speed for response times below 20 ms and reduce the possibility of air bubbles escaping in the infusion hose according to the system test results that have been carried out. In the evaluation using target 20 drops per minute the infusion flow rate changes stably according to the angular movement of the servo motor. So it is hoped that the proposed system can help officers to monitor the condition of infusion and reduce the work intensity of medical workers.
Human Resource Management as a Catalyst for Firm Innovation: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Mathushan P. , Gamage A. S.
Published: March 2022

Growing competition due to global-wide firm operations has compelled organisations to constantly force themselves to modernise and re-shape their organisational structures, systems, and techniques to reap a competitive advantage. Researchers claim that innovation is of a salient competitive strategy as it enables firms to increase their growth and competitive position, thereby achieving a sustained competitive advantage. Notwithstanding, how to foster innovation within firms remains paradoxical and past findings are obscure. Intriguingly, the literature shows that human resources and its effective management is a significant enabler of organisational capabilities, a "proxy variable" for competitive advantage. It is axiomatic that innovation is being recognised as an organisational capability. Notably, the research on the link between human resource management and innovation is plethora in developed country context. However, little is known about the evolution of this new field of research. Therefore, the present study aims to analyse and synthesis the documents published in the Scopus database on human resource management and innovation. Bibliometric analysis was performed to discover the present trend and the evolution of the research field, identify the principal authors, articles, and topics, and propose future research direction. The articles published between 2000 and 2021 were analysed quantitatively. Based on the analysis fourteen compelling research clusters were identified: "innovation", "human", "knowledge management", "resource allocation", "Technical presentation", senior entrepreneurship", "HRM practice", "evaluation", "learning", "e-government", "computer-generated holography", "continuous innovation", " evolution", " role", is the critical research domain in the knowledge field of HRM and innovation.
Unravelling the identity of pest thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) of bananas (Musaceae) in Brazil
Authors: Sutil Weidson Plauter , Barbosa Regilene Bento , Santos Rodrigo Souza , Fancelli Marilene , Lima Élison Fabrício Bezerra
Published: March 2022

A total of eight species of thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) have been listed as banana pests in Brazil. Their feeding and oviposition behaviour on these fruits damage their appearance in ways that can impair commercial value. As a result, taxonomic studies that seek to correctly identify thrips can positively impact the cultivation of bananas. Many earlier records of banana thrips in Brazil consist of doubtful identifications or untraceable reports. In this paper, the identification of these banana pests in Brazil is revised and an illustrated identification key is provided. The specimens examined were collected over a period of 10 years from the most representative banana-growing areas in Brazil. Seven banana thrips in Brazil are now recognised:Bradinothrips musae(Hood),Chaetanaphothrips orchidii(Moulton),Danothrips trifasciatusSakimura,Elixothrips brevisetis(Bagnall),Frankliniella brevicaulisHood,Frankliniella parvulaHood, andHoodothrips lineatus(Hood).Chaetanaphothrips orchidiiandDanothrips trifasciatusare recorded for the first time as causing damage to banana crops in Brazil. In addition, the following three species are considered misidentifications and should be disregarded as banana pests in Brazil:Frankliniella fulvipennisMoulton,Hercinothrips bicinctus(Bagnall), andHercinothrips femoralis(Reuter).
Il caso di Nancy Beth Cruzan
Authors: Puca Antonio
Published: March 2022

L'eutanasia costituisce un nodo bioetico "caldo" in un dibattito che si svolge a vari livelli: medico, bioetico, legale, di mass-media. Il presente lavoro affronta, al riguardo, uno dei casi più noti di pratica eutanasica: quello di Nancy Cruzan, la donna statunitense che, in seguito a grave incidente nel 1983, è rimasta in stato vegetativo persistente attaccata alle macchine di supporto vitale, fino alla morte nel 1990 avvenuta in seguito alla decisione di un giudice - su richiesta dei familiari - distaccarla dai citati strumentati. Dopo una premessa storica della vicenda, il lavoro si addentra nell'iter giudiziario che ha preceduto il "caso Cruzan" e prende in esame le affermazioni del magistero cattolico sull'eutanasia ed il dibattito teologico in atto. Lo studio affronta, inoltre, la valutazione etica dell'eutanasia argomentando una serie di quesiti: se staccare i tubi dell'alimentazione/idratazione sia eutanasia; se il proseguirla sia accanimento terapeutico; se l'alimentazione/idratazione siano trattamenti medici o cure; il rapporto costi-benefici; il valore della volontà del paziente ed il ruolo dei familiari; il valore della vita. Il lavoro si conclude con l'affermazione che nel "caso Cruzan" siano state privilegiate l'opinione e l'interesse proprio rispetto alla verità. Segno eloquente il silenzio che è seguito alla morte di Nancy.
Gnana Laryngeal Airway Device – A Case Series of Our Experience at a Tertiary Care Cancer Hospital
Authors: Mitra Suparna , DebRoy Debashis , Mitra Joy , Goswami Jyotsna
Published: March 2022

Gnana laryngeal airway (GLA) is a supraglottic airway device with capability of hypopharyngeal suctioning for removing oral secretions. It is easy to insert and is an effective means of airway management. We present a case series of 32 patients in whom GLA was used as a primary device to manage the airway after induction of general anaesthesia for breast surgeries, intracavitary application of brachytherapy and cystoscopy. The GLA was found to be easy to insert in a short time.
The prevalence of thyroid nodules and risk factors of thyroid nodules with metabolic disorder in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wehbe Alexandra , Wang Xuhong , Sun Rong Xin , Zheng Zhao Hui , Zhao Dong
Published: March 2022

Background:

In recent years, the prevalence of thyroid nodules (TNs) has been increasing, but the relationship between metabolic abnormalities and the incidence of TNs is not well defined, and there is scant data evaluating this relationship stratified by gender. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of TNs and possible risk factors for TNs across gender lines and various metabolic states in Beijing, China.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 6001 subjects who underwent thyroid ultrasounds as part of a routine medical checkup at Luhe Hospital between 2017 and 2018 were enrolled in this study. Multivariate adjustment logic was used to analyze possible demographic and clinical risk factors of TN stratified by gender.

Results:

The prevalence of TNs was 44.1%, of which 45.9% were female and 40% were male. In general, the prevalence of TNs increased in parallel with advancing age. These findings were even starker among females, with TN prevalences of 37.5%, 46.5%, 52.9%, and 54.1%, among participants in <55-, 55–65-, 65–75-, and >75-year-old age groups, respectively. The prevalence of TNs was significantly higher among patients with obesity (46.8% vs. 43%, P = 0.008), central obesity (45% vs. 40.4%, P = 0.005), hypertension (47.1% vs. 42.4%, P < 0.001), metabolic syndrome (MetS) (46.1% vs. 41%, P < 0.001), and low TSH levels (46.5% vs. 37.1%, P < 0.001). MetS and obesity were independent risk factors for the prevalence of TNs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.167, [1.002–1.277] and (OR = 0.038, [1.01–1.396]), respectively). TSH had a protective effect on the prevalence of TNs (OR = 0.664, [0.585–0.75]).

Conclusions:

The present study supports the existing research that contends a strong correlation between older age, MetS, and other clinical risk factors and the prevalence of TNs. This relationship only persisted among women when stratified by gender. These results set the precedent for further research on how gender influences the incidence of TNs, particularly in the setting of other clinical and demographic risk factors.
The retinal vascular growth rate in babies with retinopathy of prematurity could indicate treatment need
Authors: Padhi Tapas Ranjan , Bhusal Utpal , Padhy Srikanta Kumar , Patel Anamika , Kelgaonker Anup , Khalsa Ashish , Das Taraprasad , Kapil Vidushi , Shah Miloni , Sugumar Shalini , Samantaray Balakrushna , Devi Sabita , Ali Mohammad Hasnat , Jalali Subhadra
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To analyze the weekly rate of retinal vascular growth in treatment-naïve babies with various stages of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and validate if this could be a predictor of treatment need.

Methods:

Retrospective review of medical charts and retinal images of babies with various stages of ROP. The images were enhanced using red-green image enhancement software. Using the length of the horizontal disc diameter (DD) of each eye, the vessel growth was measured from the disc margin up to the vessel tip in fixed quadrants. The rate of vessel growth was the ratio of vessel length to the number of weeks it took to reach this length. The babies were divided into treatment warranting ROP (group 1), low-risk pre-threshold (type II) ROP (group 2,), and no-ROP (group 3) for analysis. The “no-ROP” group acted as normal control. Group 1 was further subdivided into 1A (threshold ROP), IB (aggressive posterior ROP), 1C (hybrid ROP), and ID (high-risk pre-threshold ROP).

Results:

Out of 436 eyes, groups 1, 2, and 3 had 238, 108, and 90 eyes, respectively. The mean rate of vascular outgrowth along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.490 [0.487,0.520], 0.612 [0.599, 0.638], and 0.719 [0.703, 0.740] DD/week, respectively, for babies with “treatment warranting,” “low risk pre-threshold” and “no ROP” groups, respectively. In our estimate, more than 80% of eyes with a vessel growth rate of 0.54 DD/week or less required treatment

Conclusion:

A rate of retinal vascular growth less than 0.54 DD/week can be used to determine treatment requirements in babies with ROP.
Comparison of uveal parameters between acute primary angle-closure eyes and fellow eyes in South Indian population
Authors: Senthilkumar Vijayalakshmi A , Pradhan Chinmayee , Rajendrababu Sharmila , Krishnadas R , Mani Iswarya
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To analyze the ocular biometric parameters of eyes with acute primary angle closure (APAC) as compared to fellow eyes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 27 patients presenting with recent onset APAC to a tertiary eye institute in India. Anterior and posterior ocular biometric parameters were measured simultaneously by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), A-scan, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and B-mode ultrasonogram (USG). The parameters measured were anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), angle opening distance (AOD500, AOD750), lens vault (LV), axial length (AL), ciliary body thickness maximum (CBTmax) and at the point of scleral spur (CBT0), anterior placement of the ciliary body (APCB), and retinochoroidal thickness (RCS).

Results:

Mean age ± SD of patients with APAC was 55.66 ± 7.2 years with female preponderance (21:6 patients). Mean presenting IOP ± SD of the affected eye and fellow eye were 54.74 ± 11.67 mm Hg and 18.7 ± 11.67 mm Hg, respectively. Eyes with APAC had statistically significant narrower anterior ocular biometric parameters, higher LV, decreased ciliary body thickness, more APCB, and longer AL than the fellow eyes. CBTmax is the only variable that had significance (b = −0.421,95% CI: −0.806 to − 0.035, P = 0.034) in the univariate analysis with RCS thickness in APAC eyes. Further, there was a correlation between CBT0 and APCB with CBTmax both in univariate (b = 0.894, P < 0.0001 and b = −0.351, P = 0.039) and multivariable analysis (b = 0.911, P < 0.0001 and b = −0.416, P = 0.016)

Conclusion:

Compared to the fellow eyes, APAC eyes had different ocular biometric parameters. In addition to known biometric parameters associated with pupillary block (narrower anterior biometric parameters-ACA, ACD, and AOD), our study found multiple nonpupillary block factors such as higher lens vault and thinner and more anteriorly placed ciliary body to be associated with APAC.
Tribal Odisha Eye Disease Study # 11 - Particularly vulnerable tribal group eye health program. Program protocol and validation
Authors: Padhy Debananda , Majhi Debasmita , Marmamula Srinivas , Mishro Ramanandan , Rath Suryasnata , Ota Akhil B , Jalan Manav , Das Taraprasad , Rout Prachi P
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To describe and validate the eye health program protocol of Dongria tribal community, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) in Rayagada district, Odisha, India.

Methods:

The program would consist of three segments. At people’s residences, trained community health workers (CHWs) will measure the vision and collect demographic data. In addition, vision technicians (VTs) will refract using a hand-held device and prescribe spectacles to people who improve to >6/12, N8. Others would be referred to the vision center (VC). At VC, the VT will perform a slit-lamp examination and re-refract. They would refer people with vision ≤6/12 to the secondary center (SC). At SC, referred people will receive a comprehensive eye examination and treatment. The ophthalmologist will assign the cause of blindness and visual impairment for people with visual acuity <6/12. The entire process was rehearsed in a pilot study.

Results:

The target population is approximately 10,000 people residing in 101 hutments on the hills of Rayagada district. The pilot study included 126 people. The mean age was 44 ± 18 years; 70% of the people were illiterate, and in this cohort, 97.6% (n = 123) had never worn spectacles. In the pilot study, 41% of the people had cataract, and 12% had pterygium. The agreements between optometrist versus VTs and between optometrist versus CHWs were good (k = ~0.8–1.0) in all eye conditions except for strabismus (k = ~0.56–0.65)

Conclusion:

The pilot study confirms the program modality, and when completed, it would help in the planning and resource allocation of Odisha PVTG eye care.
Corneal and corneal epithelial thickness distribution characteristics in healthy North Indian eyes using spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Malhotra Chintan , Gupta Barkha , Dhiman Rajneesh , Jain Arun K , Gupta Amit , Ram Jagat
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To determine the pattern of corneal thickness and epithelial thickness distribution in healthy North Indian eyes by using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Methods:

The observational study measured total corneal and epithelial thickness in the central 2 mm zone and eight sectors each in paracentral 2–5 mm (ring 1) and midperipheral 5–7 mm (ring 2) zones on SD-OCT.

Results:

The study included 67 eyes of 67 subjects with a male:female ratio of 32:35 and mean age of 25.04 ± 4.54 years. The mean central corneal and epithelial thicknesses were 505.97 ± 30.12 mm and 60.48 ± 8.37 mm, respectively. The epithelium of inferior and infero-nasal sectors in ring 1 and inferior sector in ring 2 was significantly thicker than the radially opposite sectors of the respective rings (P = 0.001; P = 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). Sector-wise analysis did not reveal any significant correlation between the total corneal thickness and epithelial thickness (all P > 0.05) except in the outer superior sector where there was a weak positive correlation (r = 0.28, P = 0.02). Central epithelial thickness in males (60.59 ± 9.28 mm) and females (60.37 ± 7.58 mm) was comparable (P = 0.91). Pachymetry was thinnest in the inferior, inferonasal, and inferotemporal sectors in 44.79% of eyes (n = 30), while thinnest epithelium was seen in the superior, superonasal, and superotemporal quadrants in 50.75% of eyes (n = 34)

Conclusion:

The epithelial thickness distribution in this sample of topographically normal healthy North Indian eyes was nonuniform and independent of the underlying corneal thickness. Epithelium was thinner in the superior cornea, whereas total corneal thickness was minimum in the inferior part.
Unique presentations of aspergillosis endogenous endophthalmitis in two hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19
Authors: Fayed Alaa E , Hamza Ismail I , Embabi Sherif N
Published: March 2022

We present two ICU-hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) presenting with endogenous endophthalmitis in one eye and variable manifestations of chorioretinitis in the fellow eye. Two diabetic patients (57 and 62 years old) showed anterior uveitis and yellowish-white subretinal infiltrations. The fellow eye of one patient showed patches of choroiditis, while the other showed full retinal thickness infiltrations. A workup yielded high serum titers of galactomannan, diagnostic of aspergillosis. The widespread use of high doses of corticosteroids in the management of COVID-19 may predispose to various secondary fungal opportunistic infections and may manifest in different forms of chorioretinal infiltration.
Reticular epithelial corneal edema as a novel side-effect of Rho Kinase Inhibitors: An Indian scenario
Authors: Bhargava Mona , Sen Surajit , Bhambhani Varsha , Paul Raj Shekhar , Dutta Chandana
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

To describe clinical course, characteristics, and outcome of reticular epithelial corneal edema (RECE) occurring as a not-so-infrequent adverse effect of a novel drug, Rho-kinase inhibitors (ROCK-I)- netarsudil (0.02%) and ripasudil (0.4%).

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational non-randomized study. In this study, 12 eyes of 11 patients presenting at a tertiary eye care center between April 2021 and September 2021 were included. All 12 eyes developed a distinctive honeycomb pattern of RECE after starting topical ROCK-I. All patients were subjected to detailed ophthalmic examinations.

Results:

Eight patients were started on netarsudil (0.02%) and three on ripasudil (0.4%). Five eyes had a prior history of corneal edema. The remaining seven had the presence of ocular comorbidities predisposing to corneal edema. The average time for RECE occurrence was 25 days for netarsudil and 82 days for ripasudil. Visual acuity decreased in two eyes, remained unaffected in four eyes, and could not be quantified in four eyes due to preexisting profound visual impairment. Five eyes had symptoms of ocular surface discomfort associated with bullae. Symptoms and bullae resolved in all eyes in whom ROCK-I was stopped. The average time to resolution of RECE was 10 days for netarsudil and 25 days for ripasudil

Conclusion:

RECE after ROCK-I occurs with the use of both netarsudil and ripasudil, although the characteristics differ. The presence of corneal edema and endothelial decompensation seem to be a risk factor, and cautious use is warranted in these patients. Four clinical stages of RECE are described. ROCK-I act as a double-edged sword in patients with endothelial decompensation. Large-scale studies are required to know the exact incidence, pathophysiology, and long-term consequences of the aforementioned side-effect.
Histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate regulates the activation of toll-like receptor 4/interferon regulatory factor-3 signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Ozkan Asuman Deveci , Eskiler Gamze Guney , Kazan Nur , Turna Ozge
Published: March 2022

Context:

The covalent acetylation and deacetylation of histone proteins by the histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes can be considered a novel therapeutic target in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Sodium butyrate (NaBu) is a HDAC inhibitor (HDACi) which is a promising potential anticancer drug. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression is increased in PCa cells and HDACi alter TLR-inducible gene expressions.

Aims:

We aimed to evaluate the effects of NaBu on TLR4 mediating signaling pathways in two different PCa cells (DU-145 and LNCaP) for the first time.

Subjects and Methods:

The cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of NaBu were determined by the water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) and Annexin V-AO/PI assays, respectively. Subcellular localization of TLR4, interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF3) and Nuclear factor kappa B proteins was evaluated by IF assay.

Statistical Analysis Used:

All data were statistically analyzed by GraphPad Prism software (V60.1, CA). Obtained data were expressed in a mean ± standard deviation of the three repeated experiments. The differences between control and NaBu treated cells were compared by one-way-ANOVA. P < 0.05 value was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Our results showed that NaBu significantly inhibited the viability of PCa cells and increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. However, DU-145 cells were more sensitive to NaBu than LNCaP cells. Furthermore, NaBu can induce the cytoplasmic TLR4 and IRF3 expression in particularly DU-145 cells without affecting nuclear translocation of NF-kB in PCa cells.

Conclusions:

NaBu induces apoptotic cell death and regulated the TLR4/IRF3 signaling pathways in DU-145 cells but not in LNCaP cells. Therefore, PCa cells differentially responded to NaBu treatment due to probably androgen receptor status.
Rapid and efficient determination of zinc in water samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction via flotation assistance
Authors: Rezaee Mohammad , Tajer-Mohammad-Ghazvini Parisa
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT. A new application of homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction via flotation assistance (HLLME-FA) has been developed for the determination of Zn(II) in the water samples by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) was used as a chelating reagent. In this work, low density organic solvent was used as an extraction solvent and no centrifugation was required in this method. A special extraction cell was designed to facilitate collection of the low density extraction solvent. The predominant parameters influencing the HLLME-FA procedure, such as solution pH, concentration of PAN, extraction and homogeneous solvent types and volumes, ionic strength, and extraction time have been optimized. Applying all the optimum conditions in the process, the detection limit of 0.1 μg/L, linear range of 0.5–200 μg/L, and the precision (RSD%, n = 10) of 5.7% were obtained for zinc. The proposed procedure showed satisfactory results for the analysis of tap water, well water and sea water.

               

KEY WORDS: Homogeneous liquid-liquid microextraction, Flotation assistance, Zinc, Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, Water samples

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(1), 1-11.                                                                    

DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i1.1
GC-MS and GC-FID analysis of volatile secondary metabolites of the root of Anaphalis contorta Hook F. from India
Authors: Joshi Rajesh K.
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT. The chemical composition of hydro-distilled essential oil of dried roots of Anaphalis contorta Hook F. was analyzed for the first time by using gas chromatography equipped with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The compounds of essential oil were identified according to their mass spectra and their relative retention indices determined on a capillary GC column (non-polar stationary phase). Twenty-seven compounds were identified representing 94.8% of the total oil. The major constituents were 2,2-dimethyl-2[2,4,6-trimethylphenyl] acetic acid (12.1%), labda-8,14-dien-13-ol (8.4%), δ-cadinene (8.1%), labda-7,14-dien-13-ol (6.9%), α-gurjunene (6.7%), viridiflorene (5.1%), and caryophyllene oxide (4.9%). The root essential oil of A. contorta produced different chemotypes.

               

KEY WORDS: Anaphalis contorta Hook F., Essential oil composition, 2,2-Dimethyl-2[2,4,6-trimethylphenyl] acetic acid.  labda-8,14-dien-13-ol, GC/MS

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(1), 235-240.                                                               

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i1.19
Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of three new Schiff bases derived from amino acids and their Ag(I) complexes
Authors: Aftab Mehwish , Mazhar Noreen , Shah Muhammad Tariq , Batool Mansoor Akhtar Madeeha , Mahmud Tariq , Basra Muhammad Asim Raza , Bratu Gabriel , Mitu Liviu
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT. Three Schiff base ligands which were derived from glycine, asparagine and alanine L1, L2 and L3 were designed and used to synthesized their Ag(I) complexes. 1H NMR, FT-IR, UV-Visible and conductance techniques were used to characterize the ligands and their metal complexes. The synthesized compounds showed antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Schiff bases and their Ag(I) complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity, in vitro antibacterial activity against three gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi with two gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis by micro plate almar blue assay (MABA), antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata by agar tube dilution protocol. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was performed by heat induce denaturation method and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was performed by induced paw edema method. Cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was recorded against cyclohexamide by MTT assay. Ag(I) metal complexes showed more significant biological activities as compared to ligands.

               

KEY WORDS: Schiff bases, Metal complexes, Cytotoxicity, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(1), 45-56.                                                                   

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i1.5