bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite-time adaptive prescribed performance DSC for pure feedback nonlinear systems with input quantization and unmodeled dynamics
Authors: Hang Bin , Deng Weiwei
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a new prescribed performance-based finite-time adaptive tracking control scheme for a class of pure-feedback nonlinear systems with input quantization and dynamical uncertainties. To process the input signal, a new quantizer combining the advantages of a hysteresis quantizer and uniform quantizer has been used. Radial basis function neural networks have been utilized to approximate unknown nonlinear smooth functions. An auxiliary system has been employed to estimate unmodeled dynamics by producing a dynamic signal. By introducing a hyperbolic tangent function and performance function, the tracking error was made to fall within the prescribed time-varying constraints. Using modified dynamic surface control (DSC) technology and a finite-time control method, a novel finite-time controller has been designed, and the singularity problem of differentiating each virtual control scheme in the existing finite-time control scheme has been removed. Theoretical analysis shows that all signals in the closed-loop system are semi-globally practically finite-time stable, and that the tracking error converges to a prescribed time-varying region. Simulation results for two numerical examples have been provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed control method.
Exploring Ethnic Entrepreneurship: Family Business of Tajik Migrants
Authors: Imasheva Zhuldyz
Published: February 2024

The article aims to study the peculiarities of the ethnic entrepreneurship of Tajik migrants. The method of interview-narratives was used. The study was conducted based on the “Green Bazaar” in Almaty, which is the center of the accumulation of migrant entrepreneurs. The author formed a certain portrait of a businessman and highlighted the factors of influence on ethnic entrepreneurship. The key feature of the analyzed problem is the collective nature of work, namely, the conduct of business by whole families. The study results highlight the key aspects of building an effective policy toward migrant entrepreneurs.
Le Havre: de cidade reconstruída a patrimônio moderno
Authors: Silva Jéssica Gomes da , Medeiros Ana Elisabete de Almeida
Published: February 2024

A cidade francesa Le Havre, reconhecida como Patrimônio Mundial da Unesco em 2005, teve seu centro urbano praticamente todo reconstruído após os bombardeios da Segunda Guerra Mundial. O longo processo que separa essas duas datas, de 1944, ano da destruição, a 2005, data do reconhecimento, foi marcado por inúmeras ações, discussões e agentes que se envolveram em sua patrimonialização. Este artigo discute essa jornada, lançando luz sobre a Le Havre do passado que foi reconstruída até a cidade reconhecida pela Unesco, mantendo o foco no campo do patrimônio e da preservação.
Skilling the Workforce for Industry 4.0
Authors: Behera Smruti Rekha , Kumar Sree , Mishra Rohita Kumar
Published: February 2024

The changes occurring worldwide through the fourth industrial revolution demand a broader range of competencies than just obtaining technical and digital expertise. Human agency is the only thing that allows technologies to be used in a sensible, wise, ethical, and sustainable manner. Aligning human reasoning with machine intelligence is crucial because this kind of employment requires cognitive processing that is difficult for machines to perform. Industry 4.0 is changing the workforce and expanding access to new knowledge and skills, which is having a significant impact on the manufacturing processes is carried out. As per the estimates by World Economic Forum, the adoption of new technology will necessitate reskilling for 50% of all employees by 2025. Twenty-three percent of the skills that employers will need in 2025 will be technology-related, even if they aren't currently considered essential. In this research, the authors focus on understanding the reskilling and up skilling of the workforce to make them future-ready for Industry 4.0 and beyond through detailed literature review.
Two Sides of the Medallion in the Global Workforce as the Metaverse Evolves
Authors: Şanlısoy Selim , Çiloğlu Tuğberk
Published: February 2024

The most recent societal phase reached by humanity is the information society. Both the industrial and information societies have witnessed groundbreaking technological developments, which, in turn, have significantly impacted the labor market and employment. This study delves into the transformations within the information society, categorizing them as Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0, based on network technology. The Metaverse, constructed upon Web 3.0 technology, is anticipated to play a crucial role in the future of human life, ultimately affecting the labor market and employment. This study explores these potential impacts and classifies labor groups operating on Metaverse platforms as users, developers, supporters, and security providers. It is evident that the potential for effects resulting in reduced employment and increased unemployment is considerable. Consequently, it is emphasized that governments on a global scale should adopt proactive policies to address workforce training and employment conditions.
Benefits and Challenges of Reskilling In-Service Teachers and Leaders in K-12 Education
Authors: Tsarkos Athanasios
Published: February 2024

This chapter critically examines the reskilling of in-service teachers and school leaders within K-12 education, addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological advances, changing student demographics, and evolving pedagogical paradigms. It underscores the necessity of holistic, continuous professional development, emphasizing blended and collaborative learning models to bridge digital competency gaps and promote inclusive pedagogies. The chapter categorizes the benefits of reskilling for both teachers and school principals, highlighting its importance in adapting to educational innovations and enhancing problem-solving abilities. It also identifies key challenges and proposes solutions, including personalized professional development and systemic changes for increased funding and policy support. Anticipating future trends, the chapter suggests a shift toward more integrated technology use, personalized development, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity in reskilling programs, aiming to foster a dynamic, responsive, and holistic educational leadership approach.
Art of Leading in the AI Age
Authors: Alamelu R.
Published: February 2024

The usage of cyber-physical systems in manufacturing settings and the proliferation of connected IT systems have both contributed to a rise in the volume of available data. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more and more by businesses to sift through this mountain of data and draw meaningful insights. The widespread adoption and implementation of AI has far-reaching implications for socio-technical work systems. Distinct leadership needs and challenges might be identified. Effective AI deployment and use necessitates strong leadership. Considering the scenario and the rapid development of AI to give organisations with practical instructions and ideas, more research is needed into AI's influence on leaders and leadership. This chapter analyses the various strategic transformation through creating a better AI culture by improvising skills and competencies required in the AI arena.
Fostering Students' Critical Thinking Through the Implementation of Project-Based Learning
Authors: Moustafa Ashraf , Al-Rashaida Mohammad
Published: February 2024

This chapter examines the role of project-based learning (PBL) in fostering students' critical thinking skills. By providing both theoretical foundations and practical insights, the chapter explores how PBL can create meaningful connections and enhance students' preparedness for the future. The authors emphasize key strategies employed in PBL, including active and differentiated learning, collaborative group work, critical thinking skills, and research and investigation. These strategies empower students to tackle real-world problems and challenges, enabling them to develop their critical thinking abilities. Throughout the chapter, the authors highlight the importance of PBL as an approach that promotes deeper learning and equips students with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the world around them.
Promoting Responsible AI Practices
Authors: Alqodsi Enas Mohammed , Jadalhaq Iyad M. , El Maknouzi Mohammed El Hadi E. H. , Abdulhay Imad Eldin Ahmad
Published: February 2024

This research delves into responsible AI practices in UAE education, specifically focusing on the legal responsibilities of educators working with students who have special needs. With AI technologies evolving and reshaping education, it's crucial to examine the legal framework and educators' duties. The primary objective is to comprehensively analyze the legal landscape in the UAE, encompassing education regulations and policies. Through this thorough exploration, the research aims to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for promoting responsible AI practices in special education. Ultimately, the findings are intended to guide educators in navigating their legal responsibilities and ethical considerations while seamlessly integrating AI technologies for the benefit of special needs students in the United Arab Emirates.
Innovative Digital Marketing in Business
Authors: Rosário Albérico Travassos , Dias Joana Carmo
Published: February 2024

Innovative digital marketing strategies are essential for businesses to stay competitive and reach their target audience effectively in the digital age. Augmented reality and virtual reality can provide immersive and interactive experiences for customers. Businesses can use these technologies for product demonstrations, virtual showrooms, or interactive advertising campaigns. User-generated content and influencers can help you reach a wider audience and build trust with their followers. Highlight your company's commitment to social responsibility and sustainability in your marketing efforts. Innovation in digital marketing involves staying updated with the latest technologies and trends and being willing to experiment with new strategies. Based on the above, it is intended to systematically review the bibliometric literature on how Innovative digital marketing in business uses the Scopus database with the analysis of 106 academic and/or scientific documents.
Artificial Intelligence in Marketing
Authors: Kotinski Loredana
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technological advance that has revolutionized several sectors, including marketing. This study explores the fundamental concepts of AI, its different types, the controversies surrounding its use, and the types of AI tools available in marketing. This exploratory research used a bibliographical review and quantitative and qualitative empirical study applied to a universe of marketing professionals in Brazil to identify which tools and for what purpose these marketing professionals use them. The results indicate that marketers have extensive knowledge and significant adoption of AI tools, showing growing acceptance. It is concluded that adopting these tools is guided by local peculiarities. Despite the challenges, the positive outlook suggests that AI drives efficiency in marketing, emphasizing the need for an ethical and collaborative approach to its responsible use.
Virtual Research Collaboration and Technology Application
Authors: Singh Amrik
Published: February 2024

Virtual collaboration has come of age in the last decade, with industry and academia using the latest web-based collaborative software to bring together groups of workers to work on common tasks. Most innovations result from collaborative efforts between groups of workers who are often geographically dispersed. Academic leaders now seek the synergies that result from collaboration between their research faculty and others. Web 2.0-based research portals have emerged that allow knowledge sharing and lowering of social barriers between researchers. These tools allow researchers in both industry and academia to extend their range and reach, gain synergies between dispersed groups, and increase research efficiency and effectiveness. The present chapter aims to understand the drivers, motivations, and constraints in virtual research collaboration across borders or geographical locations. It will also help to identify the fit between these infrastructures and organizational e-research collaboration needs.
An Organizational Resilience for Structural Sustainability Framework in the Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez José G. , Rodriguez-Maillard Carlos , Vargas-Gonzàlez Omar C.
Published: February 2024

This chapter has the purpose to analyze the socio-economic sustainability in the post-pandemic era based on an organizational structural construct based on a framework for elements for reliability, safety, and deployment of organizational resources. It is assumed that theoretical and empirical studies in organizational resilience have limited contributions on the concepts of high-reliability organization applied to a diversity of entities and with a variety of characteristics. The method employed is the analytical reflective of the theoretical and empirical literature review. This study concludes that the emerging concept of organizational resilience confirms that the creation and development of an organizational resilience framework for structural construct can be supported by elements based on flexibility of organizational culture, organizational safety and reliability, the promotion elements, and the deployment of organizational resources.
Sustainability-Focused Leadership
Authors: Battal Fetullah
Published: February 2024

In this section, information will be given about the definition and history of sustainable leadership. Then, the dimensions required for sustainability will be discussed. In the third step, it will be revealed what features are required to talk about sustainable leadership. In the fourth step, there is a literature review about sustainable leadership in recent years. In the fifth step, some important models related to sustainable leadership will be discussed. In this form, sustainable leadership is discussed in a more homogeneous form and with a general framework for readers and researchers in this part of the book.
Application of Short Video Description Technology in College English Teaching
Authors: Shi Xiaoyan
Published: February 2024

In order to avoid students' negative learning mood, contemporary teachers are required to abandon the application of spoon-feeding teaching method in English classroom teaching, adopt micro-class teaching method, highlight the teaching characteristics of being close to the people, and create an efficient, short, and special teaching space to meet students' learning needs. In this study, short video description technology is applied to college English teaching, and a generation model of short video natural language description based on Attention mechanism is established. The video feature sequence may be out of sync with the generated word sequence, that is to say, the order of objects and behaviors appearing in the video may be different from their positions before and after the description sentence. In this article, a new generation model of short video natural language description based on attention mechanism is designed.
Comparing New-onset Diabetes in Post Moderate-to-severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients with Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Patients with Mild or without Prior Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection
Authors: Chatterjee Rupak , Mukherjee Shatavisa , Bhattacharyya Supratik , Basu Debasis , Pramanik Netai
Published: February 2024

Background:

Systemic inflammation and various drugs used for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) including high-dose corticosteroids play a role in the development of new-onset diabetes (NOD). Patients of all ages and genders recovering from COVID-19 reportedly have an increased incidence and relative risk of developing diabetes. The present study thus tried to compare NOD in post moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients with newly diagnosed diabetes patients with mild or without prior COVID-19 infection.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 100 newly diagnosed diabetes patients with a previous history of moderate-to-severe COVID-19 and those with no or mild history of previous COVID-19 infection (50 each in both groups). A detailed history was taken, and a clinical examination was done. Data on symptomatology, family history of diabetes, behavioral habits, anthropometry, and glycemic parameters was captured. Stress levels were assessed using the 5-point Perceived Stress Scale-10. The data obtained were statistically analyzed.

Results:

Assessing for the glycemic indices – fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin – was significantly higher in the moderate/severe COVID-19 arm as in comparison to the no/mild COVID-19 arm (P < 0.0001). C-peptide was significantly higher in the moderate/severe COVID-19 arm (P < 0.0001). The stress score was as high as 23.54 for the moderate/severe COVID-19 arm in comparison to 15.00 for the no/mild COVID-19 arm.

Conclusion:

NOD following COVID-19 pneumonia differs to some extent from NOD without COVID-19 in terms of having increased insulin resistance and worsened glycemic parameters. Clinicians should be aware of this entity as more aggressive control of dysglycemia is warranted to avoid complications arising out of it.
Effect of Positive Discipline Programme on Knowledge and Attitude amongst Parents of Preschool Children (3–5 Years)
Authors: Jose Rainy , Anto Tresa , Edward Monsi
Published: February 2024

Background:

Positive discipline is a type of non-physical disciplinary method for disciplining children. The present study aimed to assess the effect of positive discipline programme (PDP) on knowledge and attitude amongst parents of preschool children (3–5 years) in a selected school in Thrissur.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude of parents of preschool children regarding positive discipline, compare the effect of PDP on the level of knowledge and attitude of parents and associate the pre-test level of knowledge and attitude of parents with selected socio-demographic data.

Methods:

A pre-experimental, one-group pre-test, post-test design was used. Data were collected from 30 samples by non-probability purposive sampling method using a self-structured knowledge questionnaire and attitude scale followed by PDP. Post-test was conducted after 10 days.

Results:

In the present study, most of the samples 16 (53.3%) were in the age group of 24–33 years, and most of them 20 (66.7%) were female, with 15 (50%) samples having preschool children in the age group of 5 years. In pre-test, 18 (60%) had inadequate knowledge and 18 (60%) had unfavourable attitude, while in post-test, 17 (56.7%) had adequate knowledge and 13 (43.3%) each had favourable and moderately favourable attitude. The overall mean post-test knowledge score (21.267 ± 4.386) was significantly higher than the mean pre-test knowledge score (13.400 ± 4.399) with a calculated paired ‘t’ value (t29 = 18.730, P < 0.01). The pre-test means attitude score level for parents of preschool children regarding positive discipline was 47.100 ± 14.5180, and it had increased to (75.300 ± 14.7420) in post-test, with a calculated paired ‘t’ value (t29 = 23.481, P < 0.01). There is a significant association (P < 0.05) between pre-test level of knowledge of parents regarding positive discipline and age of parent, education of mother, education of father and child age with χ
2 = 13.375, 30.000, 11.949, 6.986 and 11.931 and P = 0.037, 0.001, 0.018, 0.030 and 0.007, respectively. There was a highly significant association (P < 0.05) between pre-test level of attitude and type of family and child age with χ
2 = 6.914 and 13.990 and P = 0.009 and 0.001, respectively.

Conclusion:

PDP was an effective programme for increasing knowledge and attitude amongst parents regarding positive discipline.
Nursing Students’ Perception towards Mind Mapping Learning
Authors: Jayanthi K. , Renuka K. , Shivasakthy M , Malliga M
Published: February 2024

Background:

Educational changes happen that are innovative, and various strategies of teaching worldwide in nursing increase the active participation and the responsibility of nursing students for their learning. Nursing students learning strategies through mind mapping promote a meaningful way of learning than traditional methods.

Methods:

An exploratory-descriptive study was conducted to explore the nursing student’s perception towards mind mapping learning at RAAK Nursing and Paramedical College, Puducherry, with a sample size of 95 nursing students. Samples were selected through a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected after orienting the mind mapping technique, and the students applied the mind mapping technique on the topic of vital signs on the nursing foundation. The questionnaire is administered to 95 students individually at a time through a self-administered method using a structured tool to assess the demographic pro forma of students and a tool to assess the level of perception on mind mapping learning.

Results:

The level of perception about mind mapping learning technique amongst nursing students was 56 (58.9%) had good perception, 28 (29.5%) had average perception and 11 (11.6%) had poor perception. The association between the level of perception and the demographic variable gender (0.0177) is significant as P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that nursing students’ perception of mind mapping learning is effective and enhances learning easier amongst nursing students. The study made a good perception amongst nursing students to a qualitative study to assess the experience of midwives caring for women in COVID-19 Wardswards mind mapping learning.
Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Amin Ulfat , Rashid Batula , Jan Rohi , Jan Roohi , Malla Adil Mudasir
Published: February 2024

Abuse and neglect are major worldwide issues that can take the form of sexual, spiritual, emotional or completely failing to provide for the child’s needs. These issues can trigger serious, long-term mental harm to the child. Child abuse is a complex and dynamic life experience when a parent or caregiver causes harm or threat to a child, including acts of omission and commission. The large variability in notified prevalence and incidence across studies makes determining the true number of maltreated children difficult. Following PRISMA guidelines, databases from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and PubMed were used to review the literature. The terms ‘Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Impact of Child abuse, Forms of Abuse’ were used as keywords as per the Medical Subject Headings. Studies in English have always been included. Grey literature was also examined to learn more about the epidemiology and treatment of this particular issue. Child abuse and neglect of any kind leave a child with long-lasting scars, which can be physiological or emotional. Childhood exposure to violence can raise a child’s vulnerability to adverse health outcomes such as social anxiety, distress and so on, as well as make people more likely to become victimisers later in life. Preventative policies and programs must specifically address children, their guardians and the social and cultural contexts to minimise future abuse and effectively deal with instances of violence and neglect that have occurred.
A Qualitative Study to Assess the Experience of Midwives Caring for Women in COVID-19 Wards
Authors: Jenifer Mary , Benjamin Ebenezer Ellen
Published: February 2024

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges to the world, especially for the healthcare professionals. Although nurses are well able to think outside the box and develop creative and innovative solutions to all manner of problems and are able to cope up to the situation, there remains much about this current situation that is new and frightening. Like anyone else nurses are also experiencing fear of the unknown. Hence, the investigator was interested to know the experience of midwives working at a tertiary care hospital, South India, so that appropriate measures will be taken to help the midwives to face the crisis.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to explore the unique experiences of the midwives while caring for women in COVID-19 wards and identify the themes related to it during the crisis which will help the health professionals to understand and tailor interventions in the healthcare setting.

Methods:

The data in this study were generated by in-depth one-to-one, face-to-face interview with the midwives who fulfil the inclusion criteria until data saturation was achieved. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit participants experience in COVID-19 wards. The sample size was 20.

Analysis:

Data from the translated interviews were coded and categorised to identify the themes. The unique experiences of midwives while caring for COVID-19 patients were presented as research reports.

Results:

The results of the qualitative study were categorised under four themes such as resistance and hesitation, acceptance, adaptation and recognition. Initially, the midwives were having resistance and hesitation, which was due to the various fears, lack of self-confidence and burden of personal protective equipment. Although they had hesitation and resistance, they started to accept the situation understanding that as frontline health workers they cannot escape the situation hence worked under pressure, in spite of lack of support, facility and the stigma around them. As they accepted to work, they were able to adapt to the situation by taking care of themselves.

Conclusion:

The qualitative study helped to explore the experiences of the midwives while caring for COVID-19 suspected and affected woman which has brought to the notice of the administrators the needs of the midwives so that appropriate interventions can be planned.
“Snapping, sharing and receiving blame”: A systematic review on psychosocial factors of victim blaming in non-consensual pornography
Authors: Amudhan Senthil , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Anand Nitin , Johnson Jemimah
Published: February 2024

Non-consensual pornography has become a growing concern, with potentially negative consequences for the victims. Victims of revenge porn are more likely to be blamed, and understanding why and how blame is attributed toward victims of non-consensual pornography is crucial to support them and reduce the negative consequences. This study aimed to explore and synthesize the existing evidence on victim blaming in non-consensual pornography and the underlying psychosocial factors within the context of attribution framework. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted across four databases namely PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Scopus for English-language studies published from April 2012 to June 2022. Data from the selected studies were extracted and collated into the review matrix. Among the 22 full-text reviews, 10 records that met the eligibility criteria were included in the final review. Two themes namely “Culture and morality” and “gendered differences in attributions of blame” were derived from a thematic synthesis of 10 studies and reflected the psychosocial underpinnings of victim blaming. The review highlighted how cultural narratives and perceived immorality play a major role in how attributions are placed on self or others for victim blaming in “non-consensual pornography.” Blame attributions emerging from gender stereotyping and gendered responsibilization within cultural and societal contexts were found to impact self-blame and compound victimization in non-consensual pornography. The study findings implicated that recognizing psychosocial underpinnings of victim blame attribution in revenge porn would allow for evolving suitable legislative and policy responses for designing effective educative and preventative strategies.
Pagophagia: A case series
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Jain Suchita , Sinha Satish Kumar , Chaudhury Suprakash
Published: February 2024

Pica, in the form of ingestion of various non-food items like clay, chalks, etc., is commonly reported in Indian settings, but its other variant, pagophagia (ice eating), gets attention rarely. This case series is about three female patients who presented in psychiatry outpatient clinics with various mental health issues and ice eating habits. A diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia was common among all three cases, and they were managed with oral iron supplementation along with appropriate psychiatric treatments. Pagophagia is an important clinical presentation to be looked for in the changing Indian society.
Epidemiology of myelomeningocoele in Africa: An experience in a Regional Neurosurgical Center in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Obanife Henry Olayere , Nasiru Ismail Jinjiri , Lagbo Jacob , Otorkpa Ega Joseph , Shehu Bello Bala
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:

Myelomeningocoele is a common birth defect with strong associations with folate deficiency and maternal illiteracy. The aim of this study is to describe the distribution and pattern of myelomeningocoele in a resource-poor community and determine the factors responsible for the rising incidence in Africa.

Patients and Methods:

Prospective cohort study of 90 patients with myelomeningocoele who were treated at the Regional Centre for Neurosurgery (RCNS), Sokoto between September 2015 and December 2016. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS 21 version.

Results:

Ninety patients were recruited into this study with a male: female ratio of 1:1 and a mean age of 102±213 days at presentation. The majority of patients’ mothers were between 19 and 35 years of age, with 70% having no formal education; however, most of the patients’ fathers were either unskilled casual workers or subsistent farmers (56.7%). Of the 36.7% of the patients’ mothers who had antenatal care, only 35.6% of them took a folic acid supplement mostly after the first trimester.

More than 90% of the mothers had persistent sources of heat irradiation during pregnancy, majorly from firewood cooking. Most of the myelomeningocoele (MMC) sacs (72.9%) were located in the lumbar and sacral regions. Wound infection was the most common complication (50.0%), whereas trans-fontanelle ultrasound scan (TFUSS) showed hydrocephalus in 45.6% of patients.

Conclusion:

Myelomeningocoele is a common medical problem with increased incidence in poor countries. Poverty and illiteracy play major roles in its occurrence, and challenges are faced with its prevention and management. Long-time exposure to heat from firewood cooking and multiparity were identified as significant risk factors for myelomeningocoele.
Clinical experience and management outcome of WHO grade II pediatric intramedullary ependymomas: A descriptive study
Authors: Singh Yashveer , Maurya Ved P , Srivastava Arun K , Das Kuntal K , Bhaisora Kamlesh S , Sardhara Jayesh , Verma Pawan K , Mehrotra Anant , Jaiswal Awadhesh K , Behari Sanjay , Mishra Prabhaker , Agrawal Sushma
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:

Intramedullary ependymom‑a is a rare primary tumor in the pediatric population. The World Health Organization (WHO) grade II pediatric intramedullary ependymoma (PIME) is the most common in frequency, though it is a less discussed pathological grade. This study aims at sharing the clinical experience and management outcome of WHO grade II PIME from a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods:

The clinico-radiological details of all histologically proven, newly diagnosed primary PIME that underwent management were collected. Recurrent lesions and other spinal cord tumors were excluded. Details of surgical intervention and follow-up visits were reviewed from the record-keeping system. The surgical nuances and outcome predictors in the form of functional grade were analyzed. The statistical data were calculated by using the appropriate statistical tests.

Results:

The mean age of the study population was 16.3 ± 4.0 years. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1. The pain was noticed in 14 patients (14/18 [77.8%]), and four (22.2%) patients were ambulant at the time of admission. Overall, 15 (83.3%) patients underwent total excision, and subtotal excision was achieved in three patients. The median follow-up period was 31.0 months, and the range was 2–126 months. After surgical decompression of tumor, there was a significant improvement in the modified McCormick’s grade, when median score was compared between preoperative period and the last follow-up visits (4 [2.8–4] vs. 2 [2–3], P = 0.001). There was one case of surgical mortality, with two symptomatic recurrences after surgical resection.

Conclusions:

The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) depend on early excision at better functional status. Age, gender, and vertical extension of tumor have a debatable impact on the overall outcome in PIME.
Prevalence, Metabolic Consequences of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and its Association with Microvascular Complications and Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sahoo Nihar Ranjan , Dalai Motij Kumar , Dash Deepak Kumar , Sethy Ganeswar
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To study the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its association of with microvascular complications and ventricular dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 100 T2DM patients were screened randomly for detection of fatty liver in ultrasonography. Patients with fatty liver (NAFLD group, n = 36) were compared with subjects without fatty liver (non-NAFLD group, n = 64). Detailed clinical, biochemical, and imaging parameters like lipid profile, LFT, fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour post-prandial plasma glucose, HbA1C, fasting insulin, spot urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, and 2-D ECHO (M-mode) were performed.

Results:

The prevalence of NAFLD was found to be 36%. NAFLD group had significantly higher BMI, WHR, blood pressure, glycemic profile, and lipid parameters compared to non-NAFLD group. HOMA IR was elevated significantly in NAFLD group (3.16 ± 1.96) compared to non-NAFLD group (1.73 ± 1.59). There was significantly higher prevalence of all the diabetes-related microvascular complications and LV diastolic dysfunction in NAFLD patients with higher odds for the occurrence of neuropathy (OR = 4.74; P = 0.001), nephropathy (OR = 3.92; P = 0.003), retinopathy (OR = 5.95; P = 0.002), and LV diastolic dysfunction (OR = 1.84; P = 0.043).

Conclusions:

NAFLD is significantly associated with various diabetes-related microvascular complications as well as LV diastolic dysfunction in T2DM patients.
A Single-center, Seven Years Retrospective Study to Analyze the Outcomes of Acute Upper Limb Ischemia (AULI) in Northern India
Authors: Tripathy GN , Basra Sharanjit S. , Hiremath Ravishekar N. , Ghodke Sandhya , Verma Vishal , Mittal Mohit
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Acute upper-limb ischemia (AULI) is not always as limb-threatening as those in the leg, so thrombo-embolectomy is not always as necessary for limb salvage.

Objective:

To evaluate “the outcomes of limb and life at the end of one month, in patients with AULI” and to analyze the following factors: presentation from the time of the acute event, evaluation of limb at the time of presentation regarding its viability, and compare the outcomes in early presentation vs late presentation.

Methodology:

This was a retrospective study; hence, clinical profiles of all patients during the past seven years were reviewed for those presenting with AULI. Data on anticoagulation were collected, imaging and operative procedures were extracted. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 11.0 for Windows.

Results:

In our study, 25 (42.4%) patients were included due to native arterial thrombosis, 11 (18.6%) due to embolic disease, and the same percentage due to exposure to a high-altitude area (HAA) (more than 9000 feet). 4 (6.8%) patients had thoracic outlet syndrome and cervical rib, and 5 (8.5%) had hypercoagulable disorder. Our study population was younger with a mean of 44.9 years with an SD of 13, and the majority were male (5 out of 59 were female). 16 were active smokers, and 2 were former smokers. The left upper limb incidence was 59% (n = 35), and the right upper limb was 41% (n = 24). In our study, the most common site was the brachial artery 53% (26 out of 49) and axillary artery 35% (17 out of 49) when iatrogenic, traumatic, and thoracic outlet syndromes are excluded. Out of the 59 patients, 39 patients had undergone color Doppler flow imaging of the affected limb and 30 patients had undergone CT angiography of the arch and the limb. Two patients presented with gangrene to the forearm, and 12 patients underwent Colour doppler flow imaging (CDFI) before they presented to our center. In our study, 37% of the patients presented within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, out of which above-elbow amputation was done in only 1 patient, that is, 4.5%, and 24% of the patients presented within an 8–14-day period, among which one patient (11%) had undergone above-elbow amputation and 22% of the patients presented after 14 days, in which there were 2 above-elbow-amputation patients (15%) with a statistically non-significant P value of 0.5. A total of 45 patients were managed with anticoagulation. A detailed discussion on the treatment outcome of each case has been presented in the article.

Conclusion:

CT angiography, when available, is a well-accepted first-line investigation for AULI. When we compare AULI with lower-limb ischemia, collateral circulation conservative management is also an option, provided that it is not associated with tissue loss. AULI like lower-limb ischemia has better limb salvage when diagnosed and intervened early.
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS): A Case Series
Authors: Mondal Arijit , Ghosh Soumi , Bag Sourav
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection (PANDAS) is rare neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized mainly by abrupt onset obsessive compulsive disorder and tic disorder following recent Streptococcal infection. Lack of awareness regarding the disorder leads to less number of recorded clinical cases in the literature. Here, we report a series of three cases of PANDAS associated with features of obsessive compulsive disorders and tic disorder with clinical discussion. All these three cases were positive for antistreptococcal antibody titer and history of recent streptococcal infection.
A Phenomenological Study on Lived Experiences of Adolescents with Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
Authors: Tidiya Maryelizabeth , George Anice , Nayak Malathi G.
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a self-limiting disorder that can contribute to many psychological issues in school-going children. The issues in school will be misinterpreted by parents as inattentiveness, lack of interest in studies, or laziness; hence, they overpressurize the children. Understanding the child’s condition is the most challenging aspect.

Objectives:

To explore the lived experiences of adolescents with SLDs using a phenomenological approach and develop a multicomponent information brochure for adolescents, parents, and teachers of adolescents based on identified needs.

Materials and Methods:

A qualitative descriptive phenomenological design was adopted to collect the data from the adolescents visiting Composite Regional Centre for Persons with Disability, Kozhikode for the study. Adolescents who reached the institution for certification of learning disability were selected through the purposive sampling technique. Samples were assessed by the psychologist to diagnose SLD and those who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The semistructured interview schedule was prepared and validated. An in-depth interview was carried out. Data were recorded, transcribed, and translated. Open code software version 4.02 was used to code the data. Subthemes and themes were derived.

Results:

The thematic analysis of the data derived five themes: barriers, supportive social system, looking within, beyond control, and facilitators. An undesirable coping strategy being involved in a negative environment, fear factors, feeling low, frustration, ignorant support system, and feeling of guilt are the subthemes of the main theme barriers. Family support, peer support, and positive approach of teachers are the subthemes from which the theme supportive social system is derived. The theme beyond control was derived from the subthemes of almighty, state of helplessness, and looking at the future. Realistic self-appraisal, other competencies, and self-comparison with peers are the subthemes of the theme beyond control. Facilitators have the subthemes of burning desire, putting effort, and coping strategy.

Conclusion:

SLD is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which specific academic skills are compromised. As a result, the child is greatly affected and it becomes evident once they enter school age. Initial processes of learning become difficult but sometimes it remain unrecognized. Early identification can facilitate early interventions which can be a stepping stone toward the betterment of the skills. But in certain circumstances, the parents and teachers may be ignorant about the entity; thus, it remains unrecognized and thereby progress to a situation from which further learning becomes impossible.
Non-Diabetic Renal Diseases in Diabetic Patients with Emphasis on Infection-Related Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Iyer Aishwarya , Ayesha Sobiya M. , Uppin Megha , Golla Anvesh , Raju Sree Bhushan
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Non -diabetic renal diseases (NDRDs) in diabetics are treatable and therefore have better prognosis. Infection-related glomerulonephritis (IRGN) is being frequently reported as NDRD.

Objective:

We attempt to study the clinicopathologic spectrum of diabetic patients with biopsy proven IRGN.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of renal biopsies performed in diabetic patients from January 2014 to June 2021. Demographic data, clinical features, and other laboratory findings were collected. The renal biopsies were classified into diabetic nephropathy (DN) and NDRD. The patients with diagnosis of IRGN were studied in detail.

Results:

Of the 1972 renal biopsies done in diabetic patients, 537 were NDRD and 1233 were DN. The commonest NDRD was tubulo-interstitial nephritis (n = 173) followed by IRGN (n = 74). The IRGN cases were in the age range of 5-78 years (median-53.5) with M: F = 3.4:1. The median duration of diabetes was six years, with median HbA1c = 7.5. Proteinuria ranged from 0.041 to 13 g/day (median = 1.95) with median serum creatinine of 3.7 mg%. History of preceding infection was present in nine cases. These patients presented with rapidly progressive renal failure (RPRF, 17), nephritic syndrome (27), nephrotic syndrome (27), and asymptomatic proteinuria (3). Median C3-level was 47 mg/dl. The biopsies showed classic endocapillary hypercellularity with neutrophils in mesangium, 45 cases had associated DN. Immunofluorescence performed in 54 cases showed coarse granular deposits of C3C.

Conclusions:

IRGN should be kept in mind in diabetic patients presenting with RPRF or nephrotic proteinuria. The biopsy and immunofluorescence helps in accurate diagnosis.
Correlation between H. Pylori and Cytomegalovirus in Adults
Authors: Hussein Aliaa Zaraa Allah , AL-Khikani Falah Hasan Obayes , Al-Hussainy Ahmed Danbous Obayes , Alshamary Rasha Salih Mahdi
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

The majority of research has concentrated on H. pylori alone, ignoring the positive or negative interactions with other pathogenic microbes. A common herpesvirus that infects 40% to 70% of the general population is cytomegalovirus (CMV). So, the aim of this study was to find this possible correlation.

Materials and Methods:

This research was conducted in Babylon, Iraq, from January to March, 2022. A total of 90 people suspected with H. pylori as abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and bloating. These persons were engaged in this study divided to two groups as IgG positive H pylori (positive group) and IgG negative H pylori (negative group). Antibody screening assays on blood samples were used to look for antibodies against H. pylori. IgG antibody titer in blood samples for CMV was detected by mini vidas biomerieux. One-way ANOVA, independent T, and Chi-square tests were used to examine the data using SPSS 23 software.

Results:

The CMV titer was significantly different between negative group 52.41 ± 24.107 and positive group 70.39 ± 29.048 (P = 0.002) with positive significant correlation was found at the 0.01 level (r = 0.323; P = 0.003) between these two groups regarding CMV. Males (63.16%) were more infected with H. pylori compared to females (38.5%). Thus, the gender of males considered as a risk factor regarding this infection at odds ratio 2.74 (95% CI: 1.15-6.5; P = 0.032). Whereas, no significant difference between males 61 ± 23.85 and females 61.35 ± 30.88 was observed regarding CMV titer.

Conclusion:

Males considered as a risk factor regarding H. pylori infection at odds ratio 2.74 (P = 0.002). There is strong positive correlation between infection of H. pylori and CMV (r = 0.323; P = 0.003). The question that remains to resolve if H. pylori were favor the reactivation of latent infection by CMV or vice versa.
Autonomic Denervation Dermatitis: A Case Series of Six Patients
Authors: Vivekanandh K , Jaffer N. Azeem , Bavithra S , Kalaiselvam Akash , Padmasundari K , Vignesh Kumar S
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Autonomic denervation dermatitis (ADD) is relatively a new terminology reported in dermatology literature. It is characterized by occurrence of eczematous lesions at the site of surgical incision and adjoining skin after a varying lag period. It has been commonly reported after various surgical procedures like total knee replacement, saphenous vein graft harvesting, and open fracture reduction. It is proposed that transection of dermal nerves leads to autonomic disturbance in the involved area resulting in such dermatitis. In this article, we report a series of six such cases, which were previously under reported.
Graded Segmental Epidural Anesthesia for Laparotomy in Severe Mitral Stenosis – A Case Report
Authors: Chandra Alka , Bhardwaj Puneet , Dang Aashish , Prasad Om Prakash
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Severe mitral stenosis for non-cardiac surgery is a challenge to anesthesiologists. General anesthesia as well as regional anesthesia have their own limitations. We present here a case of abdominal hysterectomy with ovarian cyst in a patient of severe mitral stenosis managed with graded epidural anesthesia who had heart failure in the post-operative period but was successfully managed by continuous positive airway pressure.