bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel machine learning-based video classification approach to detect pneumonia in COVID-19 patients using lung ultrasound
Authors: Krishnaswamy Deepa , Ebadi Salehe Erfanian , Seyed Bolouri Seyed Ehsan , Zonoobi Dornoosh , Greiner Russell , Meuser-Herr Nathaniel , Jaremko Jacob L , Kapur Jeevesh , Noga Michelle , Punithakumar Kumaradevan
Published: April 2023

Context:

Efficiently diagnosing COVID-19-related pneumonia is of high clinical relevance. Point-of-care ultrasound allows detecting lung conditions via patterns of artifacts, such as clustered B-lines.

Aims:

The aim is to classify lung ultrasound videos into three categories: Normal (containing A-lines), interstitial abnormalities (B-lines), and confluent abnormalities (pleural effusion/consolidations) using a semi-automated approach.

Settings and Design:

This was a prospective observational study using 1530 videos in 300 patients presenting with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 pneumonia, where the data were collected and labeled by human experts versus machine learning.

Subjects and Methods:

Experts labeled each of the videos into one of the three categories. The labels were used to train a neural network to automatically perform the same classification. The proposed neural network uses a unique two-stream approach, one based on raw red-green-blue channel (RGB) input and the other consisting of velocity information. In this manner, both spatial and temporal ultrasound features can be captured.

Statistical Analysis Used:

A 5-fold cross-validation approach was utilized for the evaluation. Cohen's kappa and Gwet's AC1 metrics are calculated to measure the agreement with the human rater for the three categories. Cases are also divided into interstitial abnormalities (B-lines) and other (A-lines and confluent abnormalities) and precision-recall and receiver operating curve curves created.

Results:

This study demonstrated robustness in determining interstitial abnormalities, with a high F1 score of 0.86. For the human rater agreement for interstitial abnormalities versus the rest, the proposed method obtained a Gwet's AC1 metric of 0.88.

Conclusions:

The study demonstrates the use of a deep learning approach to classify artifacts contained in lung ultrasound videos in a robust manner.
Automated atrial fibrillation prediction using a hybrid long short-term memory network with enhanced whale optimization algorithm on electrocardiogram datasets
Authors: Valliappa Chocko , Kalyanasundaram Revathi Thavamani , Balasubramaniam Sathiyabhama , Sennan Sankar , Sampath Kumar Nirmalesh Kumar
Published: April 2023

Background:

Cardiac arrhythmias are one of the leading causes of heart failure. In particular, atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a kind of arrhythmia that can lead to heart stroke and myocardial infarction. It is very important and crucial to predict AFib at an early stage to prevent heart disease. Electrocardiogram is one of the premium diagnostic tools which is used by most of the researchers for predicting irregular heartbeats. There are many works carried out in finding heart disease using machine learning classifiers.

Aims and Objectives:

Deep learning based hybrid Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network is hybridized with Enhanced Whale Optimization (EWO) to minimize the network optimization and configuration issues faced in the existing models and proposed to increases the accuracy of predicting AFib. Materials and Methods: The proposed LSTM network is hybridized with a EWO technique for predicting AFib. This study uses a hybrid LSTM EWO network for classifying the various output labels of heart disease. EWO is used to predict the most relevant features from the raw dataset. Then, the LSTM model is used to predict the AFib of a patient from normal ECG data.

Results:

The DL based LSTM EWO achieves better results in all the performance metrics by analyzing the optimized features in feature space, training, and testing phase and successfully obtains better performance in an effective manner. LSTM improves the accuracy by reducing the number of units in the hidden layer which optimizes the network configuration. The proposed model achieves 96.12% accuracy which is 12.81% higher than RF, 15.01% higher than GB, 28.04% higher than CART, and 16.92% higher than SVM.

Conclusion:

The proposed model hybrid LSTM network integrated EWO for predicting the AFib. The EWO is applied for selecting the most appropriate features needed for the model to learn and produce improvised performance. The optimization and network configuration problems faced in the existing studies are avoided by choosing the suitable number of LSTM units and the size of the time window. This has been implemented through LSTM units and their window size. In addition, we made a statistical examination to prove the importance of proposed work against other models. It is observed that the experimental results attained with 96% of accuracy, better than conventional models.
Voice support system using deep learning approaches for unilateral vocal cord paralyzed patients
Authors: Valliappa Chocko , Sabeenian R. S. , Paramasivam M. E. , Paul Eldho , Manju K. , Pragadeesh R. V.
Published: April 2023

Vocal cord paralysis is a common problem faced by individuals, where the vocal cord fails to reverberate to produce sound waves. As a result, they are unable to speak out as they were speaking before. The proposed method is designed for aiding unilateral paralyzed peoples whose vocal cord fails to give the desired reverberations. The proposed system consists of voice-to-text and text-to-voice conversions. The voice of the paralyzed person is artificially reproduced by training a deep neural network with the unaffected voice of the patient. The confidence of the predicted output is improved by introducing voice-to-text conversion block along with the deep neural network. The performance metrics reveals the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm to reproduce natural sound. The similarity index is also high compared to that of other state-of-the-art techniques.
Ameliorative Effect of Aqueous and Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Scrophularia striata Boiss. on murine model of experimental colitis
Authors: Minaiyan Mohsen , Pasandideh-Fetrat Parastoo , Sadeghi-Dinani Masoud , Talebi Ardeshir
Published: April 2023

Background:

Scrophularia striata Boiss. (S. striata) is a flowering plant with several therapeutic properties including antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing activity. Regarding the side effects of drugs conventionally used for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment, we investigated the anticolitis properties of aqueous (SSAE) and hydroalcoholic (SSHE) extracts of S. striata on experimental colitis.

Materials and Methods:

The colitis was induced using acetic acid (3%) and 2 h before ulcer induction, each group of rats received orally three doses (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) of SSAE or SSHE for the next 5 days. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) and mesalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were used as reference drugs. Different parameters including weight of colon/height, ulcer index, total colitis index, levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were investigated.

Results:

Total phenolic contents were 4.3 ± 0.2 and 7.1 ± 0.4 mg/g equivalent to gallic acid for SSAE and SSHE respectively. Three applied doses of SSHE and the highest dose of SSAE (600 mg/kg) could reduce all the macroscopic and pathologic indices of colitis and the levels of MPO and MDA. Two lesser doses of SSAE (150, 300 mg/kg) however, couldn't diminish the histopathologic features of colitis and the values of MPO and MDA.

Conclusions:

S. striata, especially SSHE, which also contained more phenolic compounds, had an ameliorating effect on ulcerative colitis and possibly exerts this effect through its antioxidant, antiinflammatory and wound healing properties. Further investigations are required to introduce this plant as a novel alternative herbal drug for colitis treatment.
Self-Training Video Module Versus Instructor Taught Pediatric Basic Life Support According to Peyton Model: Report of an Experience
Authors: Ghanbaryan Moloud , Saeidi Minoo
Published: April 2023

Background:

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an important predictor of out-of-hospital arrest prognosis in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of two educational methods, a video module and Peyton model with manikin, in parent's education.

Materials and Methods:

We enrolled 140 subjects, 70 in each group. We assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice about pediatric basic life support (BLS) before and after two different types of educational interventions.

Results:

Mean attitude, knowledge, and practice score were significantly higher after educational intervention in both groups. Knowledge and total practice score were significantly higher in the Peyton group compared with DVD group (P = 0.02 and 0.000, respectively). The rate of totally correct chest compression was 53% in Peyton/manikin group versus 24% in DVD/lecture group and the difference was meaningful statistically (P = 0.0003).

Conclusion:

Any educational intervention has a significant effect on the Iranian parent's knowledge and practice about child BLS, but education through manikin can increase this impact.
A Comparison of the Anti-Anxiety Effects of Oral Ketamine and Fluvoxamine in Children with Separation Anxiety Disorder Manifesting as School Refusal
Authors: Karbasi Amel Afsaneh , Hosseini Farzaneh
Published: April 2023

Background:

Children suffer from a high prevalence of anxiety problems that require prompt treatment. It has been demonstrated that ketamine offers rapid anti-anxiety effects. This study aimed to evaluate ketamine's anti-anxiety impact in the treatment of children with school-refusal separation anxiety disorder.

Materials and Methods:

In this open-labeled randomized clinical trial, 71 children (6-10 years) diagnosed with school refusal separation anxiety disorder were randomly assigned to two groups; a case group, who received ketamine at a weekly rising dose of 0.1 to 1 mg/kg; the control group treated with Fluvoxamine (25 mg/day), which could increase to 200 mg/day if necessary. The SCARED and CATS questionnaires were used to assess anxiety before treatment, at the 8th and 16th weeks of intervention. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of covariance.

Results:

The mean anxiety scores in the eighth week (19.7 ± 16.1) were significantly lower in the ketamine group than before (31.5 ± 10.8). Until the sixteenth week (19.4 ± 14.6), there was no further decrease in scores in the ketamine group, in the fluvoxamine group, pre-treatment scores (36.3 ± 16.5) and eighth week (36.9 ± 16.6) were not significantly different, but scores decreased significantly in a sixteenth week (26.2 ± 12.5).

Conclusion:

In first eight weeks of treatment, ketamine was more successful than fluvoxamine at reducing anxiety disorder, considering the emergence of this disorder and the lack of major adverse effects of ketamine, it seems to be beneficial in early phases of treatment. Due to the quick onset of ketamine in future trials, their combination therapy is recommended during the initial weeks of treatment.
Breast Cancer Nipple Discharge Exosomal microRNAs are Stable under Degradative Conditions
Authors: Wang Ya-Wen , Zhang Weiguo , Chen Xu , Tian Yaru , Zhao Song , Zhang Kai , Zhu Jiang , Ma Rong , Wang Jianli
Published: April 2023

We have previously shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) in nipple discharge are potential diagnostic biomarkers. In particular, exosomes are present in nipple discharge. Herein, we sought to elucidate the protective role of exosomes on miRNAs in nipple discharge and investigate the stability of miRNAs encapsulated in exosomes under degradative conditions. A novel TTMAAlPc-RNA complex method was used to measure the RNase concentration in colostrum and nipple discharge. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to test the stability of exogenous synthetic miRNAs (cel-lin-4-5p and cel-miR-2-3p) and endogenous miRNAs (hsa-miR-4732-5p, hsa-miR-3646, hsa-miR-4484, and kshv-miR-K12-5-5p). RNase was present and functional in colostrum and nipple discharge. Endogenous miRNAs were more stably expressed compared to exogenous miRNAs at room temperature and 4°C. Triton X-100 (1%, 30 min) destroyed the exosomal membrane, causing RNA degradation in colostrum but not in nipple discharge. Therefore, we confirmed that exosomes in colostrum and nipple discharge could protect miRNAs from degradation by RNase. Exosomes in nipple discharge may be more resistant to Triton X-100 lysis compared to those in the colostrum. Exosomal miRNAs in nipple discharge in breast cancer are stable under degradative conditions. Differential Triton X-100 sensitivity of exosomes of nipple discharge and colostrum warrants further investigation.
Comparative study of death-associated protein kinase promoter methylation between nonsquamous and squamous subtypes of nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Hisham Fatma A. , Hewidy Asem A. , Fouda Ahmed M. , Abumossalam Ahmed M. , Elmasry Manal , El-Desoky Manal M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world. Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be classified as nonsquamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). NSCLC pathogenesis includes altered methylation patterns in multiple genes. Promotor methylation of death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) has been documented in various tumors.

Aim

To compare DAPK promoter methylation and clinical characteristics in patients of nonsquamous cell lung cancer with those of SCC.

Patients and methods

A case–control study was conducted on fresh-frozen tumor samples from 81 patients with primary NSCLC, including 43 non-SCC cases and 38 SCC cases, investigated in the Chest Department, Mansoura University Hospital, in the period from June 2017 to January 2020. A total of 40 patients matched for age and sex with nonmalignant lung lesions served as controls. Patients with age more than 18 years, radiological suggestions of lung cancer, and histologically diagnosed NSCLC were included, whereas patients with malignancies other than NSCLC or unfit for bronchoscopy were excluded. A pathologist histologically examined each lung tumor to define the type and other clinical characteristics of the tumor. DNA was isolated from fresh-frozen tissues, and the detection of DNA methylation was performed using methylation-specific PCR.

Results

NSCLC case groups included 43 nonsquamous cells and 38 squamous cells, with a mean age of 62.89±5.5 and 64.19±5.87 years, respectively. The control group included 40 patients, with a mean age of 61.37±6.64 years. There were statistically significant differences regarding smoking status (P=0.002) and the clinical characteristics suggestive of lung cancer between both patients with NSCLC and controls, but the differences between SCC and non-SCC were not significant. The results were significantly different between the two groups concerning chest radiograph and computed tomographic finding, where the peripheral mass was significantly higher in non-SCC than SCC (P<0.001). DAPK promoter methylation was significantly higher for NSCLC (both SCC and non-SCC) as compared with controls (P≤0.001), but there was no significant difference between SCC and non-SCC groups.

Conclusion

Detection of the aberrant DAPK hypermethylation in tumor DNA from patients with NSCLC may provide an effective means for early auxiliary diagnosis of the malignancy but cannot distinguish between the histopathological types.
Anti-inflammatory drugs in COVID-19
Authors: Elnady Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to respiratory failure due to severe immune response. Treatment targeting this immune response might be beneficial. Early treatment of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with tocilizumab and/or steroids was associated with better outcome.
Evaluation of endoprosthetic reconstruction after distal femoral bone-tumor resection
Authors: Eltregy Sherif A , Bayoumy Sayed M
Published: April 2023

Background

Endoprosthetic reconstruction is considered a reliable reconstructive option after periarticular tumor resection as it provides component modularity, improved fixation, near-anatomic appearance, and good functional outcomes. This study aimed at evaluation of the outcomes of the cemented modular distal femoral tumor prosthesis after wide intra-articular resection of aggressive or malignant bone tumors.

Patients and methods

The mean age of the patients was 29.77 years. There were 12 males and six females. The final diagnosis was osteosarcoma in 13 patients, giant-cell tumor in three patients, and chondrosarcoma in two patients. All patients with osteosarcoma received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Wide intra-articular tumor resection was done through the anteromedial approach of the femur with reconstruction by cemented modular endoprosthesis.

Results

One patient died with pulmonary metastasis. The 5-year cumulative patient-survival rate was 88.88% and 5-year cumulative implant-survival rate was 93.65%. Local recurrence occurred in one (5.5%) patient, while distant metastasis occurred in another. Both of those patients died and were consequently excluded from further statistical work. The mean functional score, the modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating scale, was 73.7%. Complications occurred in five (27.7%) patients. One (5.5%) patient had had a deep infection with failure of reconstruction requiring two-staged revision. There were four cases of superficial wound infection that were successfully treated conservatively. There was no aseptic loosening, periprosthetic fracture or dislocation, soft-tissue problem, or vascular impairment in the operated limb till the final follow-up.

Conclusion

Modular prosthetic reconstruction after wide resection of aggressive and malignant bone tumors of distal femur offers satisfactory clinical and functional outcomes as it allows immediate postoperative stability, early mobilization, and rehabilitation, with reasonable complication rate. Level of evidence: IV case series.
Smartphone application: a solution for the follow-up of patients with primary hip arthroplasty during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shafik Ahmed M
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Since the appearance of coronavirus disease-2019, the challenge is how to follow the recommendations of the WHO, which stressed the importance of social distancing to avoid infection and at the same time provides satisfactory medical services. This study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the WhatsApp social media program in the postoperative follow-up of patients with primary hip arthroplasty at the time of the pandemic.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective, randomized, comparative study carried out on 167 patients with primary hip arthroplasty. The follow-ups were delivered by a group on the WhatsApp program for all patients. Later on, a reassessment was done by a routine clinical visit. The authors recorded overall satisfaction and time consumption for each method. In addition, any missed clinical or radiological signs during the electronic method.

Results

The electronic visit recorded better satisfaction (96.35 ± 3.21), and less time consumption (39.11 ± 6.41) with no reported missed major clinical or radiological signs in comparison to the routine follow-up. Patients over 50 years, those with an educational level above high school, and patients with a travel distance greater than 100 km recorded statistically significant more satisfaction scores with an electronic visit in comparison to routine visits.

Conclusion

WhatsApp application could be an acceptable and satisfactory tool to follow-up patients with primary hip arthroplasty, and it could be a safe alternative to usual clinical visits at the time of the pandemic.
Awareness about Medico Legal Knowledge and Consumer Protection Act (CPA) among Undergraduate Students Perusing Bachelors of Dental Surgery in Jammu, J and K, India
Authors: Singh Malvika , Jamwal Manju
Published: April 2023

Background:

Dentistry is a noble profession, but there is also growing anxiety both within the dental profession and in the community regarding the increasing trends of complaints and lawsuits against doctors. Knowledge about medicolegal issues is as fundamental to the practice of medicine as the clinical skills.

Aim:

The aim behind performing this study was to evaluate the knowledge of medicolegal issues and consumer protection act among undergraduate students perusing Bachelors of Dental Surgery in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir (J and K), India.

Subjects and Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among undergraduates and interns in Institute of Dental Sciences Jammu, J and K between May 2021 and June 2021; students were asked about the knowledge regarding medico-legal laws and consumer protection act in a questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis:

The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software 22 version (IBM SPSS Statistics, Chicago). Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results:

While analyzing the familiarity of terms such as medical negligence, all (100%) students were aware about the same, but only 38.58% could correctly answer question regarding medical negligence. Nearly 84.10% of students knew about Consumer Protection Act (CPA), but all of them (100%) felt that they should be taught about medicolegal cases and negligence by legal professionals as they had never been taught about the same in detail.

Conclusion:

The above study shows that the knowledge and awareness in medical law and ethics for clinical students of dentistry have not been properly understood by the students and the same should be taught to them by legal professionals.
Comprehensive Management of Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis Patient with Fibrous Hyperplasia
Authors: Muthuraj Maria Subash Aaron , Maradi Arun P. , Chithresan Koshy
Published: April 2023

Gingival enlargement is a condition with an increase in the size of the gingiva and can be caused by inflammation, systemic disease, and medications. Genetic factors and allergic components in dentifrices, chewing gums, etc., also lead to gingival enlargement. Aggressive periodontitis is a periodontal disease with rapid destruction of the periodontium. The pace and severity of destruction make the disease difficult to manage. If it is complicated with fibrous hyperplasia and loss of dentition, it needs additional treatment. Here, in our case report, we are going to discuss the periodontal management and prosthetic rehabilitation of patient having generalized aggressive periodontitis with gingival hyperplasia.
Serous Cystadenoma with Ectopic Adrenal Cell Rest of Ovary
Authors: Singh Yasmeen , Bharti Jyotsna Naresh , Vishnoi Jeewan Ram
Published: April 2023

Ectopic adrenal tissue is an uncommon entity in females. It is usually seen in male children, and the commonly involved sites are the kidney, retroperitoneum, spermatic cord, and paratesticular region. The ectopic adrenal gland in adults has been described in few studies only. Ectopic adrenal tissue was diagnosed as an incidental finding in histopathological examination of serous cystadenoma of the ovary. A 44-year-old female presented with a complaint of vague abdominal discomfort for the past few months. Ultrasound was suggestive of a left ovarian complex cystic lesion. The histopathological examination revealed serous cystadenoma with ectopic adrenal cell rest. Here, we present this case as it is a rare finding incidentally detected in a patient being operated on for a different pathology.
Quality of life of diabetes patients in North India
Authors: Kaur Anuroop , Saini Sushma Kumari , Kaur Gunjeet , Prinja Shankar
Published: April 2023

Background:

India is witnessing a dramatic rise in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus. In this study, quality of life (QOL) of patients with diabetes and its determinants were assessed. Second, the valuation of QOL using different methods of measurement was examined.

Methods:

A community-based survey comprising 306 adults diagnosed with diabetes was undertaken in an urban slum area of Chandigarh city. Direct methods of QOL assessment such as time trade-off (TTO) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) along with indirect like EuroQol 5-Dimensional 5-Level Instrument (EQ-5D-5L) and the QOL Instrument for Indian Diabetes Patients (QOLID) were used. Multiple linear regression was used to compute coefficients to assess point estimate of QOL using the Indian QOLID tool.

Results:

Overall, health utility scores for a person with diabetes were 0.68 (with TTO method), 0.60–0.64 (with VAS) analog scale, and EQ-5D-5L method, respectively. Valuation of QOL using direct methods yielded utility values which were significantly higher than indirect methods (EQ-5D-5L).

Conclusion:

Overall, this study found that diabetes is responsible for physical, psychological, and social role disturbance among the patients. In addition, choice of using direct or indirect methods of utility estimation may have practical implications while calculating incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.
Oil pollution and hypertension prevalence in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Paul John Nwolim , Maduka Omosivie
Published: April 2023

Aims:

This study was done to compare the prevalence of hypertension in oil-polluted and non-oil polluted communities in Rivers State

Subjects and Methods:

A community-based household analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on oil-polluted communities in Ogoni local government areas and nonoil polluted communities in Abua/Odua LGA both in Rivers State. An interviewer-administered structured World Health Organization STEPS instrument/questionnaire for NCD/chronic disease surveillance was used, and the sample size of 1000 participants was recruited via multistage sampling. Odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) we calculated through bivariate and multivariate regression analysis.

Results:

The prevalence of hypertension among persons resident in oil-polluted and nonoil-polluted communities was 59.8% and 46.6%, respectively. The comparison of prevalence showed statistical significance between both categories (χ2 = 16.97,P= 0.001). The regression model on crude analysis found residence (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.32–2.17) and cigarette smoking (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.19–2.29) were related to being hypertensive.

Conclusions:

The study revealed that participants who were residents in oil-polluted areas had 1.69 times higher odds of having hypertension over those in areas without oil pollution. However, moderate and vigorous physical activity reduced the chances of having hypertension by 95%, and 99%, respectively.
Spatial distribution and control status of hypertension in urban field practice area of a tertiary medical care institution of South India
Authors: Kharat Namrata , Sivanantham Parthibane , Kumar G Dinesh , Devasia James T , Kar Sitanshu Sekhar
Published: April 2023

Background:

Hypertension is a global public health issue. Geographic information systems (GIS) are increasingly being used by health-care systems as an emerging tool to address the public health burden of hypertension.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to describe the geographic distribution of adults with known hypertension residing in the urban field practice area of a tertiary care institution and to assess the factors associated with its control status.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study in an urban health center (UHC) with adults with hypertension (n = 343) seeking care from the NCD clinic of UHC and private clinics were included. Geo-coding was done (n = 343) using digital GPS device by house-to-house visit and average of the three blood pressure recordings using digital sphygmomanometer taken for assessing control status (n = 277) of hypertension. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, risk factors distribution, and medication adherence. Geospatial analysis was done using QGIS 3.0, ArcGIS 10.2 and SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

The geographic distribution showed clusters and hotspots in the study area. Of the 277 study participants, 57.4% (51.6–63.5) had blood pressure under control and 41% were male. Patients with age ≥60 years (prevalence ratios [PR]: 1.2, 95% CI: 1–1.6), with no comorbidity (PR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1–1.7), high medicine adherence (PR: 7.6, 95% CI: 3.9–14.6) were independent factors associated with control status.

Conclusion:

The study identified the clustering and hotspot areas of known patients with hypertension. Around three-fifth of known hypertensives had their blood pressure under control.
Evaluation of association of psychosocial stress and hypertension in adults >30 years of age
Authors: Yadav Sneha , Garg Shreyak , Raut Abhishek V.
Published: April 2023

Background:

Hypertension has multifactorial causation. Stress has chronically been cited as an imperative cause of hypertension among other risk factors such as sleep abnormalities. The interrelation between psychosocial stress and hypertension has been significant though the exact association remains debatable.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the association of psychosocial stress and other factors such as family and social support, sleep abnormalities, physical activity, and addiction with hypertension in adults >30 years of age.

Materials and Methods:

Age- and sex-matched community-based case–control study with 90 incident hypertensive cases aged (>30) and 90 controls were selected from rural populations in central India. Study participants were examined and interviewed regarding their sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial stress, family and social support, quality of sleep, addiction, and physical activity using four structured and validated questionnaires. Data analysis was done by binomial logistic regression with SPSS (version 21).

Results:

Psychosocial stress was significantly associated with incident hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =8.198, 95% confidence interval [C.I.] 2.85–23.52). Participants having compromised family and social support (AOR = 3.0, 95% C.I: 1.41–6.34), poor quality of sleep (AOR = 4.429, 95% C.I: 1.78–10.96), and low physical activity (AOR = 2.92, 95% C.I: 1.22–6.98) had higher odds of developing hypertension. Sedentary occupation, lower socioeconomic status, and body mass index ≥23 kg/m2 each had an association with hypertension.

Conclusion:

This study highlights a significant number of undiagnosed or untreated cases of psychosocial distress in the community. Thus, calling for immediate attention toward psychosocial stress as an important etiological determinant of hypertension.
Factors associated with noncompliance to hypertension treatment in adults in a district health facility in north Dayi in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Manortey Stephen , Adamaley Sedinam
Published: April 2023

Context:

Hypertension is known to affect more than one billion of the world's population with complications such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Compliance with hypertension therapy is the extent to which one's behavior in following a diet plan, taking medications, or making lifestyle changes corresponds to the agreed recommendations from a health-care provider. This research explores factors influencing noncompliance to hypertension treatment in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region, Ghana.

Aims:

To determine the prevalence of noncompliance to hypertension therapy in patients diagnosed with hypertension in the study population. 1. To evaluate the knowledge of patients on hypertension. 2. To ascertain contributing factors influencing noncompliance to the treatment of hypertension.

Settings and Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to February 2021 in the North Dayi District. A sample of 191 respondents diagnosed with hypertension for at least 1 month with or without comorbidities and on treatment were selected using the systematic sampling method. An Adherence Barrier Questionnaire was adopted to assess reliability in the responses. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using noncompliance to hypertension therapy as the outcome of interest.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Fisher's Exact, logistic regression, Cronbach's alpha analysis.

Results:

Data were collected from 191 study participants between the ages of 25 and 101 years with an average age estimated at (62.2 ± 13.5) years. The prevalence of nonadherence to hypertension treatment in this study was 31.4% in the North Dayi District Hospital. The reported Marital status and Default review were statistically significant predictors of adherence to hypertension treatment at a chosen 95% Confidence Level.

Conclusion:

The degree of non-compliance to hypertension treatment was less than fifty per cent among respondents. The data suggests that strategies should be developed to help reduce waiting times for consultation at the Hypertension Clinic by the District Hospital in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Productivity loss and diabetes distress among patients with type 2 diabetes seeking out patient care at a tertiary hospital in Bengaluru, South India
Authors: Pinto Kavya , Mathur Sanjana , Fathima Farah Naaz , George Belinda , Umesh Soumya
Published: April 2023

Background:

Type 2 diabetes contributes to significant productivity losses in paid work and unpaid work. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also feel distressed due to the concerns about disease management, its emotional burden, physician-related issues, and regimen-related distress.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to assess the productivity loss and diabetes distress among patients with Type 2 diabetes attending the outpatient department at a tertiary care setting and the association between productivity loss and diabetes distress in the study population.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done among 121 outpatients with Type 2 diabetes at a tertiary care hospital. A semistructured interview schedule that included questions on sociodemographic profile, details about diabetes, the Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Productivity Cost Questionnaire, and Diabetes Distress Scale was administered.

Results:

Around half of the study participants (47.1%) reported productivity losses either in paid and/or unpaid work. The total cost of productivity loss among 121 patients over 4 weeks was calculated to be Indian National Rupees 2,526,880. Individuals with diabetes distress levels worthy of clinical attention (moderate and high levels of distress) were found to be 20.6%. Significant emotional burden was seen among 40.5% of the study participants. Of the population who had distress due to diabetes, 60% had productivity loss.

Conclusion:

Patients with type 2 diabetes have high productivity losses and distress due to diabetes. Patients with productivity losses have significantly higher levels of diabetic distress.
Genetic testing confirmed osteopetrosis with initial presentation of nystagmus
Authors: Chiu Kai-Yen , Lin Yu-Yang , Liu Yao-Lin , Lee Ni-Chung , Tsai Tzu-Hsun
Published: April 2023

Osteopetrosis (OS) is a rare heritable disorder characterized by osteoclast dysfunction and increased bone density on radiography. Optic nerve osseous compression is the most frequent ocular complication of OS, with nystagmus, strabismus, ptosis, proptosis, and lagophthalmos occurring less frequently. However, it is uncommon for patients to have neurological or ocular symptoms at initial presentation. Herein, we present the case of a 3-year-old girl with the initial presentation of ocular symptoms who was confirmed to have OS through genetic testing. She was born full-term and found to have nystagmus since the age of 1 year. Her best-corrected visual acuity was 1.2/60 for both eyes. Exotropia of the left eye and bilateral small-amplitude pendular nystagmus were also noted. Color fundoscopy revealed a tessellated fundus and pale discs with cup-to-disc ratios of 0.5–0.6. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral optic canal stenosis and optic nerve atrophy. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a biallelic chloride voltage-gated channel 7 mutation, c.2297T > C (p.Leu766Pro) and c.1577G > A (p.Arg526Gln), and autosomal recessive OS was diagnosed. The patient is currently being evaluated for possible hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We suggest that OS should be considered a differential diagnosis for unexplained nystagmus and optic nerve atrophy.
Log p-divisible groups associated with log 1-motives
Authors: Würthen Matti , Zhao Heer
Published: April 2023

We first provide a detailed proof of Kato’s classification theorem of log p-divisible groups over a Noetherian Henselian local ring. Exploring Kato’s idea further, we then define the notion of a standard extension of a classical finite étale group scheme (resp. classical étale p-divisible group) by a classical finite flat group scheme (resp. classical p-divisible group) in the category of finite Kummer flat group log schemes (resp. log p-divisible groups), with respect to a given chart on the base. These results are then used to prove that log p-divisible groups are formally log smooth. We then study the finite Kummer flat group log schemes
$T_n(\mathbf {M}):=H^{-1}(\mathbf {M}\otimes _{{\mathbb Z}}^L{\mathbb Z}/n{\mathbb Z})$
(resp. the log p-divisible group
$\mathbf {M}[p^{\infty }]$
) of a log 1-motive
$\mathbf {M}$
over an fs log scheme and show that they are étale locally standard extensions. Lastly, we give a proof of the Serre–Tate theorem for log abelian varieties with constant degeneration.
Improved Bloch and Landau constants for meromorphic functions
Authors: Bhowmik Bappaditya , Sen Sambhunath
Published: April 2023

Let
${\mathbb D}$
be the open unit disk, and let
$\mathcal {A}(p)$
be the class of functions f that are holomorphic in
${\mathbb D}\backslash \{p\}$
with a simple pole at
$z=p\in (0,1)$
, and
$f'(0)\neq 0$
. In this article, we significantly improve lower bounds of the Bloch and the Landau constants for functions in
${\mathcal A}(p)$
which were obtained in Bhowmik and Sen (2023, Monatshefte für Mathematik, 201, 359–373) and conjecture on the exact values of such constants.
Некоторые неравенства для средних поперечных $p$-мер
Authors: Wang Weidong , Zhou Yanping
Published: April 2023

В статье вводится понятие средней поперечной $p$-меры, которое обобщает понятия средней поперечной меры, гармонической средней поперечной меры и аффинной средней поперечной меры. Для $p=1,-1,-n$ средняя поперечная $p$-мера совпадает соответственно со средней поперечной мерой, гармонической средней поперечной мерой и аффинной средней поперечной мерой. Для средних поперечных $p$-мер доказаны $L_q$-неравенства типа неравенства Брунна-Минковского, монотонного неравенства и неравенства Бургейна-Мильмана.
Предельные спектральные меры матричных распределений метрических троек
Authors: Vershik Anatolii Moiseevich , Petrov Fedor Vladimirovich
Published: April 2023

Определяется понятие предельной спектральной меры метрической тройки, т.е. пространства с мерой и метрикой ($mm$-пространства).
Если метрика интегрируема по мере с квадратом, то предельная спектральная мера детерминирована и совпадает с точечным спектром вполне непрерывного интегрального оператора в $L^2(\mu)$, ядро которого есть метрика $\rho$. В работе строится пример тройки, не имеющей детерминированной предельной спектральной меры.
Расширения множеств Янга-Бакстера
Authors: Bardakov Valeriy Georgievich , Talalaev Dmitry Valer'evich
Published: April 2023

Сделан первый шаг в построении категории сплетеных множеств и ее ближайшего родственника - категории множеств Янга-Бакстера. Основной акцент делается на построении морфизмов и расширений множеств Янга-Бакстера. Важность такой проблемы обусловлена возможностью построения новых решений уравнения Янга-Бакстера и уравнения косы. Основным результатом является описание семейства решений уравнения Янга-Бакстера на $B\otimes C$ и на $B\times C$, если заданы соответственно $(B,R^B)$ и $(C,R^C)$ - два линейных (теоретико-множественных) решения уравнения Янга-Бакстера на компонентах.
К задаче о классификации интегрируемых цепочек с тремя независимыми переменными
Authors: Kuznetsova Maria Nikolaevna , Habibullin Ismagil Talgatovich , Khakimova Aigul Rinatovna
Published: April 2023

Обсуждается новый метод классификации интегрируемых нелинейных цепочек с тремя независимыми переменными на примере цепочек вида $u^j_{n+1,x}=u^j_{n,x}+f(u^{j+1}_{n},u^{j}_n,u^j_{n+1 },u^{j-1}_{n+1})$, основанный на использовании редукций, имеющих вид систем дифференциально-разностных уравнений, интегрируемых в смысле Дарбу. Хорошо известно, что характеристические алгебры интегрируемых по Дарбу систем имеют конечную размерность. Структура характеристической алгебры определяется некоторым полиномом $P(\lambda)$. Для известных интегрируемых цепочек из рассматриваемого класса степень полинома равна 2 или 3. Проведена частичная классификация в случае, когда $\deg P(\lambda)=2$.
COP27 Climate Change Conference: urgent action needed for Africa and the world
Authors: Ezechukwu Clement C.
Published: April 2023

No Abstract
Dermatological disorders and dermatology-specific quality of life among secondary students in public and private schools in Kwara state, Nigeria
Authors: Oyedepo Jadesola Tryphena , Katibi Oludolapo Sherifat , Adedoyin Olanrewaju T.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Skin problems are very common and often affect people in very visible places leading to significant physical and psychological distress. Adolescents go through physiologic changes in their body during puberty with associated psychosocial changes. Having to live with skin disorders during  these years can have life-long impact. This study aimed to describe the spectrum of skin disorders in adolescents attending secondary schools in  Kwara state and evaluate the dermatology-specific quality of life of those affected by skin disorders.
Objective: To describe the spectrum of skin disorders  among adolescents in secondary schools and evaluate the impact of skin disorders on the dermatology-specific quality of life of those affected.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We examined 1000 students from 16 public and private secondary schools in Ilorin, Kwara state.  Participant selection was done using a multi- staged stratified random sampling method. The impact on quality of life was evaluated with the  Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) to determine their dermatology-specific Quality of life. Data obtained was analyzed with SPSS version  20 and was presented using tables and figures.
Results: The prevalence of skin disease in the study population was 68.4%. The most common skin  disorders in order of decreasing frequency were: acne, pityriasisversicolor, dermatophytoses (Including tinea capits, tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea  unguium and tinea cruris), pityriasis capitis and traction alopecia. About three- quarters of those with skin disease reported an effect on their quality of  life. The most frequent effect on Qol was attributed to the symptoms and feelings elicited by skin disease.
Discussion: This study found a high prevalence  of skin disease in adolescents with most of them reporting an effect on their quality of life resulting from their skin problem however this was mostly a  mild effect.
Teachers assessment of asthma-friendliness of primary schools in Abuja
Authors: Ekop Eno Eloho , Azuike Adaobi Nkasiobi
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Children should be protected and safe in school. An important disease like asthma, the leading chronic respiratory disease among children globally, should occupy a place of priority in a school’s health programme. Therefore, the aim of thestudy was to determine how asthma-friendly schools  are in Abuja, Nigeria from a teacher’s perspective.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional, questionnaire- based survey carried out among  andomly selected teachers in public primary schools. Asthmafriendliness of schools was assessed using the “How asthmafriendly is your school”  questionnaire.
Results: Of the 403 teachers who participated in the study, majority were females 249(61.8%), mean age was 35 years SD ±8 years, school  settings were mainly urban 14 (58.3%) and majority teachers located in urban settings 251 (62.3%). The teachers scored the    schools poorly on questions  about availability of school policies on asthma care for the children in or out of emergency situations, quick access to asthma medications at school, availability of a full-time nurse or responsible personnel for children with asthma, training of teachers on asthma and monitoring of Air Quality  Index. Adherence was scored high on questions referring to recommendations about keeping the school environment tobacco smoke free and  preventing exposures to asthma triggers such as excessive dust. Majority of the schools had a poor asthmafriendliness level 300 (74.4%) based on the  teachers report.
Conclusion: Given the importance of asthma among children, concerted efforts should be made to ensure that schools in Abuja, Nigeria  are asthma-friendly. This can be achieved by strengthening school health programmes.
Przemilczana wiedza – fenomen polskiego ezoteryzmu
Authors: Jocz Artur
Published: April 2023

Recenzja: Polskie tradycje ezoteryczne (1890–1939), seria „Światło i Ciemność”, edycja specjalna, T. I–V, red. serii M. Rzeczycka, T. 1–IV: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Gdańskiego, Gdańsk 2019; T. V: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Gdańskiego / Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Gdańsk–Warszawa 2020; [English edition: Polish Esoteric Traditions (1890–1939): Selected Issues, ed. A. Świerzowska, transl. S. Jones, Gdańsk University Press, Sopot 2019, ss. 335].
Mad Studies is Maddening Social Work
Authors: Cranford Jennifer M. , LeFrançois Brenda A.
Published: April 2023

This article explores the role and place of mad studies within social work theory, education, and practice. This includes a discussion of the role social workers have played in the past and continue to play in the present in relation to oppressive practices within mental health services; a role that includes serving as passive assistants to biogenetic psychiatric expertise and a turning away from the profession’s social expertise, all to the detriment of mad people. The interconnection between racism, colonialism, imperialism and psychiatrization is then discussed as it relates to the current treatment of mad people of colour within European and white settler state contexts. This is followed by a discussion of the potential contribution of mad theory to social work education and practice. Repositioning social workers as embracing their social expertise, a call towards developing a more thorough social justice leadership in mental health is explored. Mad studies, existing at the edges of transdisciplinary theoretical and methodological understandings, offers a potential in social work for fundamentally anti-oppressive, anti-sanist and anti-racist approaches to service provision. In effect, this article engages in the maddening of social work, through the incorporation of mad studies into critical social work theory, education, and practice.