bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) a viable option in high-risk early-stage cervical cancer after upfront or downstaged radical surgery? A comparative study
Authors: Jaggi Viniita Kumar , Ansari Mohammad A. , Khanna Anju , Gehlot Sameep , Sharma Arun , Singh Kishore
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Radical surgery for cervical cancer has inherent benefits, and as upfront or post neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), is extendable to locally advanced cancer cervix (LACC), with postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for high-risk factors. Objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness and survival between non-PORT and PORT in high-risk early stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Radical hysterectomies conducted between January 2014 and December 2017 were evaluated and followed till December 2019. Clinical, surgical–pathologic characteristics, and oncological outcomes were compared between non-PORT and PORT groups. A similar comparison was made between alive and dead patients within each group. The impact of PORT was assessed.

RESULTS:

Of 178 radical surgeries, early-LACC constituted 70%. Most (37%) of the patients belonged to stage 1b2, while stage 2b formed 5%. Mean age of patients was 46.5 years; 69% were below 50 years of age. Abnormal bleeding (41%) was the predominant symptom, followed by postcoital (20%) and postmenopausal bleeding (12%). Upfront surgeries formed 70.2%, and the average waiting period was 1.93 months (range: 1–10 months). PORT patients were 97 (54.5%) in number and the remaining formed the non-PORT group. Mean follow-up was 34 months, with 118 (66%) alive patients. Significant adverse prognostic factors were tumors >4 cm (44.4% patients), positive margins (10%), lymphatic vascular space invasion (LVSI; 42%), malignant nodes (33%), multiple metastatic nodes averaging seven (range: 3–11), and delayed (>6 months) presentation, but not deep stromal invasion (77% patients) and positive parametrium (8.4% patients). PORT overcame the adverse effects of tumors >4 cm, multiple metastatic nodes, positive margins, and LVSI. Total recurrences (25%) were balanced for both groups, but recurrences within 2 years were significantly more for PORT. Two-year overall survival (78%) and recurrence-free survival (72%), median overall survival (21 months), and median recurrence-free interval (19 months) were significantly better for PORT, with the complication rates being similar.

CONCLUSION:

PORT had significantly better oncological outcomes compared to non-PORT. Multimodal management is worthwhile.
Role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gollakota Nandita , Deme Swaroopa , Kakarla Bhaskar , Rao M. Nageswara , Raju Y. Sathyanarayana , Uppin Megha , Mohammed Noorjahan
Published: October 2022

Background:

Tools for early recognition to enable timely intervention and prevention of micro and macrovascular complications are needed in diabetes mellitus. Our study was aimed at assessing the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a tool to identify individuals at risk for microvascular complications in type 2 diabetics, i.e., diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in south India that included 98 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. NLR was calculated; clinical and laboratory work-up was done in all patients. This was done by quantifying albuminuria by albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR), fundus examination and nerve conduction studies. Correlation between NLR, ACR and other variables was studied in individuals with or without microvascular complications.

Results:

The NLR in patients with increased ACR was found to be significantly higher when compared to patients with normal ACR (P < 0.001) with a correlation coefficient of 0.783 between ACR and NLR. Receiver operater characteristic curve analysis suggested an NLR cut-off value of 2.032 with a sensitivity and specificity of 89.1% and 81.2%, respectively. A statistically significant higher NLR value was observed in patients with diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.0005) and neuropathy (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

NLR can be used as an early predictor of diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy. It, being an easier tool, can be routinely measured in diabetic individuals to identify at-risk individuals, so that early intervention with appropriate measures can be instituted.
Comparative ultrasonography evaluation of the portal vein congestion index in chronic hepatitis B virus infection and apparently healthy adults
Authors: Aderibigbe Gbenga Jacob , Agi Chukwuemeka , Robinson Ebbi Donald , Ugboma Enighe Wananyo
Published: October 2022

Background:

Sonography is a useful tool in the study of the hepatic haemodynamic alterations that occur in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection using the portal vein congestion index (PVCI). The study was aimed at sonographically assessing the portal vein congestion index in adults with chronic HBV infection and at comparing the same with apparently healthy adults.

Methods:

This was a comparative, cross-sectional study carried out amongst 124 subjects (62 chronic HBV patients and 62 uninfected, apparently healthy individuals). The participants underwent routine grey scale evaluation of the liver, Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of the portal vein and the ratio of the portal vein cross-sectional area in centimetre square to the portal vein velocity in centimetre per second.

Results:

In healthy controls, the mean PVCI was 0.048±0.010 cm, while the mean PVCI in chronic HBV patients was 0.077±0.028 cm (P< 0.001). The mean of duration of illness was 3.63 years with a range of 0.5–15. There was a weak negative correlation between PVCI and duration of illness (r = −0.130, P = 0.313).

Conclusions:

The PVCI was significantly higher in chronic HBV patients compared to healthy subjects. However, there was a weak correlation between PVCI and duration of illness in patients with chronic HBV.
Ablative therapies in primary and metastatic liver tumours: An early experience
Authors: Mutnuru Phani Chakravarty , Begum Shabana , Susarla Rammurti , Nagari Bheerappa , Varma Gunturi Surya Ramachandra , Thumma Venu Madhav , Gundeti Sadashivudu
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hepatic resection and hepatic transplantation are considered the only definitive treatment modalities capable of achieving cure for primary and metastatic liver tumours. As few patients qualify to receive these treatments, local ablative therapies are increasingly being used as treatment for primary and metastatic tumours of the liver.

Methods:

During the period January 2018 to January 2022 we prospectively studied the utility of chemical and thermal ablation ablative therapy in 22 patients with primary and metastatic liver disease. All patients were followed at 1, 3 and 6 months.

Results:

Percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) was done in 2 patients. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was done in 13 patients [hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 8, metastases 5]. With RFA, out of eight HCC patients, complete ablation was seen in 4; 2 patients underwent partial hepatectomy; 2 patients died within a month of ablation due to associated co-morbidities. In 5 patients with metastases, 3 achieved complete ablation; partial hepatectomy and systemic chemotherapy was needed in 1 patient each. With microwave ablation (MA) (n=6; HCC 3, metastases 3), complete ablation was achieved in 3 HCC patients. In patients with metastases, complete ablation was seen in 2 and one patient in addition, underwent transarterial chemoembolization. One patient with metastasis underwent both RFA and MA; complete ablation was achieved; MA was repeated a few months after RFA as new lesion developed.

Conclusions:

Our study results suggest that chemical and thermal ablation ablative therapies are effective both as palliative and curative in the management of primary and metastatic liver lesions.
Device-associated healthcare-associated infections surveillance in an intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Goel Varun , Gupta Savita , Manocha Harmesh , Srivastava Saurabh
Published: October 2022

Background:

Surveillance for healthcare-associated infections has a major role in hospital infection prevention and control programmes. In the present study, we estimated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on device-associated healthcare-associated infections (DA-HAI) ventilator-associated events (VAE), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI).

Methods:

This was a prospective surveillance study from January 2021 to June 2021 conducted in a 30-bed intensive care unit (ICU) of tertiary care, and academic healthcare organisations. Targeted surveillance was carried out by the National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Results:

A total of 249 patients admitted to the ICU with 2920 patient days of surveillance data were included during the study. A DA-HAIs attack rate of 17.67/100 admissions was seen during the study. The device utilisation ratios of central line, ventilator and urinary catheters were 0.49, 0.60 and 0.83, respectively. VAE, CLABSI and CAUTI rates were 12.44, 6.91 and 9.01/1000 device days, respectively. Among 54 DA-HAIs reported, pathogens could be identified for 41 DA-HAI cases. The most common organisms causing VAE, CAUTI and CLABSI were Acinetobacter baumannii (42.1%), Escherichia coli (30%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41.7%), respectively. Of the Gram-negative organisms 61.7% were carbapenem resistant and 50% of Staphylococcus aureuswere methicillin resistant.

Conclusions:

The present study shows high rates of ICU-acquired DA-HAIs and moderately high resistance patterns of the organisms causing HAIs, which poses a great risk to patient safety.
Perceived stress and coping strategies among junior doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital, West Bengal
Authors: Ghosh Sukanya , Bandyopadhyay Kajari , Das Sukesh
Published: October 2022

Background:

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) pandemic has put frontline health-care workers into unprecedented amounts of difficulty and psychological stress.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional, analytical study 122 junior doctors (interns, house staffs and postgraduate trainee) of a tertiary care hospital in West Bengal were studied during the period November 2021–January 2022. Data were collected using an online structured questionnaire, prepared as Google Forms and shared by WhatsApp. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used for the study. Information regarding various coping strategies adopted in the past 1 month was also collected.

Results:

High prevalence (83.7%) of moderate-to-high stress was observed among junior doctors (mean PSS score 21±6.9). Multivariable analysis showed female gender, single (unmarried) status and separation from family during COVID duty assignment were significantly at risk of moderate-to-high stress. The coping behaviours commonly used by the study participants were physical exercise, sharing feelings, talk therapy, meditation, hoping for the best, faith in God/religion, watching movies etc., with many struggling to cope.

Conclusions:

High prevalence of moderate-to-high stress and difficulty in coping were observed among the junior doctors. It's the need of the hour to plan support programmes dedicated to junior doctors emphasizing coping strategies and stress management.
Depression, anxiety and stress associated with fear of COVID-19 in Peruvian dental students: A multivariate analysis with 12 sociodemographic factors
Authors: Castro-Pérez Vargas Antonieta M , Céspedes-Porras Jacqueline , Echeverri-Junca Luz H , Córdova-Limaylla Nancy Edith , López-Gurreonero Carlos , Castro-Mena Manuel J , Cayo-Rojas César F
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Aims and Objectives:

Excessive fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in dental students could cause mood disorders, especially if there are factors in the environment that generate feelings of anxiety or uncertainty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fear of COVID-19 and its association with depression, anxiety, and stress in Peruvian dental students according to their sociodemographic factors.

Materials and Methods:

This analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted in 398 dental students of a public university in the Peruvian capital during April 2021 to July 2021. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale—21 items was used to diagnose depression, anxiety, and stress. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to detect fear of COVID-19. The Pearson’s chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. In addition, a logit model using odds ratio (OR) was performed to evaluate depression, anxiety, and stress of students with the associated factors: fear of COVID-19 and 12 sociodemographic variables (gender, age group, marital status, year of study, origin, companion, living with vulnerable people, history of mental illness, history of COVID-19, loss of close relatives due to COVID-19, occupation, and area of residence). A significance level of P < .05 was considered. In addition, predictive models were developed for the variables depression, anxiety, and stress, considering all possible significant causes.

Results:

The prevalence of fear of COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and stress was 19.6%, 36.2%, 40.7%, and 19.6%, respectively. According to the adjusted logit model, students who had fear of COVID-19 had OR = 2.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62–4.64), OR = 5.59 (95% CI: 3.14–9.97), and OR = 3.31 (95% CI: 1.88–5.83) for developing depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In addition, those who reported history of mental illness were four times more likely to develop depression (OR = 4.02, 95% CI: 1.96–8.25) and anxiety (OR = 4.50, 95% CI: 2.06–9.82), whereas those living with people vulnerable to COVID-19 were twice as likely to develop stress (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.16–3.66).

Conclusion:

The highest prevalence of mood disorders among dental students was anxiety. In addition, those who were afraid of COVID-19 had three times the probability of developing depression and stress, and five times the probability of developing anxiety. On the other hand, the most influential factor in the development of depression and anxiety was history of mental illness, whereas the factor of living with vulnerable people was the most influential factor in the development of stress.
Reproducibility of the “International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast Cytology” – A Retrospective Analysis of 70 Cases
Authors: Boler Anup K. , Roy Shreosee , Chakraborty Ankita , Bandyopadhyay Arghya
Published: October 2022

Background:

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the most practiced initial method for evaluation of breast lesions. The International Academy of Cytology Yokohama System for Reporting Breast (IAC YSRB) Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytopathology has been developed to standardize the reporting system. However, literature available on the inter-observer reproducibility of 5 IAC YSRB categories is limited.

Aim:

We investigated the inter-observer reproducibility of the IAC YSRB system.

Method and Materials:

A total of 70 consecutive specimens obtained from FNAC of breast lesions were reviewed retrospectively by 3 experienced cytopathologists who allotted 1 to 5 IAC YSRB categories.

Results:

The percent overall agreement between observers was 70.48% and the free marginal kappa was 0.63, which signifies substantial agreement. After combining “Suspicious” and “Malignant” categories, overall agreement was 80.95% and free marginal kappa became 0.75.

Conclusions:

Inter-observer agreement of three (70.48%) cytopathologists was substantial. Agreement can be improved by combining certain categories, especially “Suspicious” and “Malignant”. Technical quality limitation plays a significant role in a proportion of cases, mainly the “Atypical” and “Suspicious of malignancy” categories. Application of the IAC YSRB system in day-to-day practice will increase the inter-observer agreement.
Correlation of Glycemic Control with Calcium, Inorganic Phosphate, and Alkaline Phosphatase in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ayinbuomwan Ekiye , Onovughakpo-Sakpa Ejuoghanran Oritseseyigbemi
Published: October 2022

Context:

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) accounts for over 90% of diabetic cases with a prevalence of 0.33/1000 children in the African subregion. Hyperglycemia which is the major characteristic of T1DM may have a direct toxicity on osteoblasts and could lead to increased bone fragility and fractures in patients with T1DM. However, long-term glucose control can be monitored effectively with the measurement of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), while alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum calcium, and inorganic phosphate are simple ways of assessing bone mineral density.

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the association between HbA1c and serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, and ALP.

Subjects and Methods:

This was a prospective cross-sectional study with a total of 26 T1DM patients and 20 apparently well children within the age range of 1–18 years. Blood samples were collected from the patients for measurement of HbAIc, serum ALP, serum calcium, and inorganic phosphate at the beginning of the study and after 3 months of insulin therapy.

Results:

The baseline mean HbA1c was significantly higher in the T1DM patients than in the controls (P = 0.00) and there was no significant decrease in HbA1c after 3 months of insulin therapy (P = 0.13) although HbA1c tended to be lower (12.57 ± 0.86% [baseline], 10.12 ± 0.74% [3 months postinsulin therapy]). There was a statistically significant reduction in ALP (P = 0.00). There was also a statistically significant correlation between ALP and mean HbA1c (r = 0.79, P = 0.00).

Conclusion:

Patients with T1DM often exhibit disorders related to calcium, inorganic phosphate, and ALP homeostasis with associated poor bone metabolism which may improve with adequate glycemic control and the addition of calcium supplements to their therapy.
Gastroprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyx on Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Wistar Rats
Authors: Sani N.K , Onwuchekwa C. , Mohammed U. , Abubakar M. B.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Gastric ulcer is the most common gastrointestinal disorder associated with high morbidity and significant mortality and has been described as the plaque of the 19th and 20th centuries. The most conventional antiulcer drugs are largely ineffective and associated with disease recurrence, thus identifying natural products with potential antiulcer properties is essential.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx (AEHSC) against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced gastric ulcer.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty male rats weighing 170–230 g were randomized into five groups as: ulcerated control group (distilled water, n = 6), experimental extract groups 1, 2, and 3 (AEHSC 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, n = 6 each), and positive control group (ranitidine 20 mg/kg, n = 6); ulcer was induced using oral indomethacin 40 mg/kg, 30 min after all interventions. Rats were sacrificed 5 h after ulcer induction. Blood samples were taken for serum hydroxyproline determination; gastric tissues were also visualized (ulcer index (UI) and percentage of ulcer protection), and later stained and viewed under a microscope.

Results:

There was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in UI in treated rats compared with control. The percentage of ulcer protection was also significantly increased (P < 0.05). Histological slides also indicated increased epithelial mucus secretion in stomach tissues of rat treated with AEHSC.

Conclusions:

AEHSC may be potentially beneficial in protection against the development of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers.
Cystatin-c, Beta-2-Microglobulin, and Other Determinants of Renal Function in Preeclampsia
Authors: Onovughakpo-Sakpa Ejuoghanran Oriseseyigbemi , Ayinbuomwan Ekiye
Published: October 2022

Context:

Preeclampsia is a serious complication of pregnancy which is avoidable with timely and effective care.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to monitor the renal status using biochemical indices such as serum cystatin-c, beta-2-microglobulin (B2MG), and other renal function.

Setting and Design:

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Subjects and Methods:

One hundred and sixty respondents (124 preeclamptics [PE] and 36 normotensive pregnant women [NPW]) participated in this study. Fresh mid-stream urine and venous blood samples were collected for the estimation of urine albumin and creatinine, plasma creatinine and urea, serum cystatin-c, and B2MG.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16 with the level of significance set at P < 0.05 was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Amongst the PE, 39 (31.5%) were mild cases while 85 (68.5%) were severe. Serum cystatin-c, B2MG, plasma creatinine and urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were higher in the PE than in the NPW while plasma urea was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in NPW than in PE. Cystatin-c was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in PE than in NPW in the 3rd trimester while B2MG was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in PE than in NPW in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Urine ACR and serum B2MG were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in severe than in mild PE. There was a significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation between serum cystatin-c and urine ACR and between B2MG and plasma creatinine. Serum cystatin-c was increased throughout the period of gestation with higher values in the 3rd trimester while serum B2MG was higher in the 2nd trimester.

Conclusion:

In comparison to other biological indices of renal function, serum B2MG and serum cystatin-c could be more useful in the early detection and severity of preeclampsia.
The Nigerian Chikadoma Plant
Authors: Lawal Babatunde A. S. , Eban Linus K. , Akuodor Godwin Christian , Ohadoma Sylvester C.
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

A plant commonly referred to as Chikadoma in Nigeria, yellow bush in English, is traditionally used for the treatment of microbial infections and inflammation.

Objectives:

This study evaluated a novel gel formulation of the Nigerian Chikadoma plant extract for its topical antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities against pure clinical isolates (Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella paratyphi, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger), and carrageenan-induced edema on experimental rodents, respectively.

Materials and Methods:

Concentration of 1% w/w Carbopol-934 was employed as the gelling agent. The physiochemical parameters of formulations (viscosity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, and stability) were examined for a month to ensure that when applied on the skin, it never produced any skin irritation/erythema/edema.

Results:

The physiochemical and stability assessment of the gel formulation showed viscosity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, and stability within standard specifications. The antimicrobial studies showed activity against some of the test microorganisms, while the carrageenan-induced edema was inhibited. Both showed high degree of reproducibility.

Conclusion:

The formulated gel of Nigerian Chikadoma plant extract significantly possesses herbal anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and the gel preparation was stable under normal storage environment and did not manifest skin irritation/erythema and edema when applied on the skin.
Evaluation of the Glycemic and Lipidemic Effect of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng Ethanolic Leaf Extract in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Nwaji Azubuike Raphael , Ugbala Onyinye A. , Ante Iniobong A. , Inwang Uduak A. , Nwoke Favour-Ann K.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia and often accompanied by lipid abnormalities. The ongoing search for natural antidiabetic remedies is concentrated on plants used as such in ethnomedicine. Murraya koenigii is also known as curry leaf plant, belonging to the family Rutaceae. Few studies have shown the activity of M. koenigii in management of diabetes mellitus and lipidemic effect.

Aim:

This study evaluated the effect of M. koenigii leaf extract on glucose tolerance and lipid profile in alloxan-induced diabetic male rats.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty male Wistar rats were used for the study. The animals were randomly selected into four groups (1, 2, 3, and 4) of five rats each. Group 1 served as normal control, Group 2 as diabetic control, while Groups 3 and 4 were diabetic and orally treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of M. koenigii extract, respectively. After 14 days of administration, oral glucose tolerance test was performed on overnight fasted rats. Thereafter, the animals were anesthetized and blood samples obtained were used for biochemical assay.

Results:

There was no significant differences (P < 0.05) in the glucose tolerance between the normal control and the M. koenigii (200 and 400 mg/kg)-treated groups. However, a significant increase (P < 0.05) between the diabetic control group and the normal control was noted at 30, 60, and 120 min following glucose load. Furthermore, there was no significant changes (P < 0.05) in the lipid parameters between the normal control and the treated groups of the alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats.

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that ethanolic extract of M. koenigii administered for a 2-week period had no effect on the glucose tolerance and lipid profile of the alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats.
Socio-demographic Factors Influencing Measures of Cognitive Function of Early Adolescent Students in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Nwatah Vincent Ebuka , Ahmed Patience Abaluomo , Audu Lamidi Isah , Okolo Selina Nnuaku
Published: October 2022

Background:

The brain in the early adolescent period undergoes enhanced changes with the radical reorganisation of the neuronal network leading to improvement in cognitive capacity. A complex interplay exists between environment and genetics that influences the outcome of intellectual capability. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the relationship between socio-demographic variables and measures of cognitive function (intelligence quotient [IQ] and academic performance) of early adolescents.

Methods:

The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study of early adolescents aged 10–14 years. Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices was used to assess the IQ and academic performance was assessed by obtaining the average of all the subjects' scores in the last three terms that made up an academic year. A confidence interval of 95% was assumed and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The overall mean (standard deviation) age of the study population was 11.1 years (±1.3) with male-to-female ratio of 1:1. Female sex was associated with better academic performance with P = 0.004. The students with optimal IQ performance were more likely (61.7%) to perform above average than those with sub-optimal IQ performance (28.6%). As the mother's age increased, the likelihood of having optimal IQ performance increased 1.04 times (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; 95 confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.07). Students in private schools were three times more likely to have optimal IQ performance than those from public schools (OR = 2.79; 95 CI = 1.65–4.71).

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrated that students' IQ performance and the female gender were associated with above-average academic performance. The predictors of optimal IQ performance found in this study were students' age, maternal age and school type.
Non-COVID-19 Uptake of Personal Protective Equipment and Rules Compliance amongst Industrial Workers in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Rayyan Muhammad Garba , Ibrahim Usman Muhammad , Usman Usman Sunusi , Muhammad Karibullah Idris
Published: October 2022

Background:

Every workplace has got hazards in many different forms, ranging from sharps, falling objects, chemicals, infections, noise and a lot of other potentially dangerous situations. The occupational safety and health administration mandates employers to protect their employees from such potentially dangerous workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays an important role in preventing and ensuring health safety amongst industrial workers. This study aimed to determine the use of PPE and rules compliance amongst Industrial Workers in Kano State.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was used to assess 150 workers selected from the Sharada Industrial Estate, Kano, Nigeria, using a multistage sampling technique. Data were obtained using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results:

The response rate was 88.2%, and the mean age of respondents was 28.1 ± 7.4. About 72% were male, 74.7% had secondary education and 16.4% reported ever having a child with a congenital anomaly. Up to 25% reported using PPE always, 62% used PPE occasionally and 12% never used PPE. Factors significantly associated with the use of PPE at bivariate level were: Gender, 'provision of statutory regulation by the management', 'provision of PPE on worksite' and 'provision of training to staff' respectively. However, on multivariable regression analysis, only 'provision of statutory regulation by the management' and 'provision of PPE on worksite' were found to be independent (intrinsic) predictors of the use of PPE.

Conclusions:

Training alone does not necessarily increase the uptake of PPE amongst industrial workers. There is a need to ensure the availability of PPE at the worksite, as well as statutory regulations by industries.
Vascular Injuries
Authors: Ogunleye Ezekiel Olayiwola , Olusoji Olugbenga Oluseyi , Kanu Okezie Obasi
Published: October 2022

Vascular injuries lead to haemorrhagic shock and distal limb ischaemia, especially with an arterial injury. This life-threatening state mandates urgent evaluation and intervention to save life and limbs. The treatment aims to restore blood flow and replace lost blood within the golden hours, stabilising cardiovascular haemodynamics and averting irreversible ischaemic damage. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical profile of vascular injuries, management and outcomes in our institution.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study covered the period from January 2015 to December 2021. Information of interest were extracted from the medical records of each participant. The results from the data analysis were presented in charts and tables.

Results:

Seventy-four patients aged 15–78 years (mean 32.30 ± 13.75 years) were included in this study. The male-to-female ratio was 3.6:1. The most common causes were gunshot injury, road traffic accident and iatrogenic injuries. The mean duration from injury to presentation was 9.85 h and mean duration from presentation to restoration of flow was 7.3 h. The most common injured artery was the femoral artery, whereas the most common vein was inferior vena cava. Primary vascular repair was done in majority of the cases. Amputation was performed in 18.9% with loss of viability of the limb.

Conclusion:

Vascular injury though relatively uncommon remains a challenging and life-threatening disease predominantly in young adult males. Urgent intervention prevents limb loss and mortality. Favourable outcome is accomplished by improving emergency healthcare delivery and well-equipped vascular centres with adequately trained personnel in the nation's hospitals.
A Study of the Causes of Delay in Patient Discharge Process in a Large Multi-Speciality Hospital with Recommendations to Improve the Turn around Time
Authors: Kumar Jatin
Published: October 2022

On an average, around 25–30 discharges occur/day which includes cash and insurance patients. Approximately 45% are cash discharges and 55% are insurance discharges. This study deals with an analysis and evaluation of the delay in discharge process of cash and insurance patients once the discharge advice is given by the treating doctor. Methods of analysis include pareto analysis and descriptive statistics. The study draws attention to the fact that the average time taken for discharge of cash patients is 3 h and 57 min and for insurance patients is 5 h and 9 min that is a delay of 1 h and 41 min and 1 h and 23 min for cash and insurance patients, respectively. Results of the analyzed data show the delay in each process of discharge excluding the process of file sent to billing after discharge intimation is done by the nurse. Hence, improvement is required at each and every step involved in discharge process. Pareto analysis is used to prioritize the factors responsible for causing major delays and recommendations are given for the same. Most of the time was consumed in the process of bill preparation due to the delay in getting clearance from laboratory, pharmacy, and radiology department followed by finalization of discharge summary.

Following are the recommendations based on the study:
Exploring the Kinematic Structure of Mount Etna Volcano (Sicily, Italy) by Deformation Analysis and Gravity Gradient Tensors
Authors: Çırmık Ayça , Doğru Fikret , Ankaya Pamukçu Oya , Turguz Başak , Bonforte Alessandro
Published: October 2022

Ground deformation monitoring of active volcanoes is used routinely to determine phases of vol‐ cano unrest and can provide insights in the evolving plumbing system of a volcano and the influence local tectonics structures have on the volcano tectonic evolution of the volcanic edifice. Volcanic deformation analysis can be performed using velocity and direction measurements of the ground surface using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In this study, we perform two‐dimen‐ sional deformation analyses of pre‐ and post‐eruptive phases with the scope of determining the strain before and after an eruptive phase at Mt. Etna Volcano (southern Italy) during 2004‐2006. In order to do so, we analyse the GNSS displacement data from Mt. Etna between 2004‐2005 and 2005‐2006 using the dedicated SSPX software. The extention, dilation and rotation maps of the study area were determined. The contraction and volumetric decrease concomitant the 2004‐2005 effusive eruptive period and extension and volumetric increase for the 2005‐2006 data series were observed. The deformation on the northeast part of Mt. Etna Volcano, which showed different characteristics with respect to its surroundings, was thought to be conditioned by the dynamic of the Pernicana fault system. Additionally, Complete Spherical Bouguer (CSB) gravity anomaly and the gravity gradient tensors were calculated giving insight on the subsurface structures of Mt. Etna Volcano and its surroundings.
Zakorzeniona w przeszłości chińska wizja zielonej przyszłości. Koncepcja cywilizacji ekologicznej
Authors: Mikrut-Żaczkiewicz Agnieszka
Published: October 2022

The Chinese idea of a rooted-in-the-past, green future. The concept of ecological civilization. At the end of the 20th century, in response to catastrophic environmental pollution and the failure of recovery efforts, the Chinese authorities looked for a model that could serve as an ideological framework for effective, comprehensive actions to protect nature and maintain economic growth – one of the most important goals of the CCP’s policy since the late 1970s. A theoretical and political framework known as „ecological civilization” (shengtai wenming) was developed in response to this desire. As its name implies, this idea integrates ecological discourse with civilizational discourse, situating environmental conservation in the broader con-text of China’s long-standing heritage and civilizational mission. The idea has also been given a political component, resulting in a globally unique environmental protection program, based on technological and economic development, as well as rooted in classical culture and reliant on an effective central government. The pur-pose of this article is to highlight the most significant sources of inspiration that shaped the idea of ecological civilisation and to define the fundamental tenets that underpin it.
Covid, espiritualidad y bienestar. Análisis comparativo entre las experiencias de poblaciones “sin religión” y “espiritual sin afiliación religiosa” en México
Authors: Juárez Huet Nahayeilli B. , Hernández Olga Olivas
Published: October 2022

Este artículo analiza comparativamente las percepciones sobre el coronavirus y prácticas religiosas/espirituales llevadas a cabo por dos grupos poblacionales identificados como “sin religión” (SR) y “espiritual sin afiliación religiosa” (ESAR) en México. El objetivo es analizar el entrecruce de las nociones de salud/enfermedad, espiritualidad y bienestar presente durante la pandemia por coronavirus. El estudio se nutre por un lado, de los datos cuantitativos arrojados por Cobire 2020 (Juárez, Morales, Olivas y Odgers, 2020) que consiste en una encuesta sobre prácticas religiosas y pandemia que llevamos a cabo durante la fase de contingencia en la que se intensificaron las medidas restrictivas con respecto a la movilidad de la población (finales de abril de 2020). Por otro lado, el análisis se complementa con una aproximación cualitativa a las prácticas religiosas con algunos de los participantes de la encuesta contactados un año después. Nos preguntamos sobre las similitudes y diferencias entre los SR y ESAR con respecto las adaptaciones,

[Covid, spirituality and wellbeing. Comparative analysis between the experiences of nonreligion and spiritual with no religious affiliation people in Mexico.

This article comparatively analyzes coronavirus’s perceptions and the spiritual practices from two groups, identified as people who have “no religion” and “with no religious affiliation” in Mexico. The objective is to analyze the overlappings present in the health/illness, spiritual, and wellbeing notions during the pandemic. The study is based on a mixed-methods approach. On the one hand, it gives an account of the quantitative data of Cobire 2020, an online survey conducted during the pandemic, which explored the perception around coronavirus, and the spiritual practices lived by the two groups analyzed. On the other hand, the analysis is complemented with a qualitative perspective over five participants’ experiences that also answered the online survey. This article shows the similarities and differences among the groups analyzed regarding the continuities, adaptations, and meanings that spiritual practices acquire during the health emergency due to coronavirus. We conclude by arguing that the experiences resulting from practices shape notions about health/illness and encourage well-being-seeking behaviors.]
Investigating Leaders: Integrating the Study of Individuals in Foreign Policy Analysis and International Relations
Authors: Breuning Marijke
Published: October 2022

Foreign policy analysis (FPA) has long studied leaders and individual decision makers. In contrast, international relations (IR) long favored the system level of analysis, treating the state as an abstract unitary actor. However, IR has begun to rediscover the individual level of analysis, making this an opportune time to consider the contributions of both FPA and IR to the study of leaders and decision makers. This article reviews how FPA and IR study individual decision makers, highlighting prominent approaches in each field, comparing these approaches –highlighting similarities, differences, and connections –and discusses appropriate applications of each in empirical research. The contribution ends with suggestions for integrating the FPA and IR approaches to the study of leaders and individual decision makers, highlighting how this integration benefits the ability of both FPA and IR to address interesting research questions regarding the role of leaders and individual decision makers in international politics.
Initial Remarks on Artificial Intelligence and Axiological Foundations of Labour Law
Authors: Barański Michał
Published: October 2022

Progressive technological development forces a new look at the basic constructs of labour law. The science of labour law has so far paid little attention to the legal analysis of the risks associated with the ever-increasing interaction between people and technological tools, both in the form of advanced machinery as well as software used to manage enterprises and production processes. At the same time, questions about the future of labour law have long been posed in the science of labour law, primarily raising the need to realize the principle of social justice when work is not performed within the framework of the traditionally understood employment relationship (under employee subordination). The present study is a voice in this discussion, focusing on the issue of artificial intelligence in relation to the axiological foundations of labour law. The article analyzes the humanisation of work and human interaction in the world of new technologies primarily from the perspective of the central value of labour law, which is the inherent and inalienable dignity of the employee as a human being. There is also a consideration of the concept of autonomisation of the employee in the work process using artificial intelligence.
Niewidzialni pracownicy, czyli kto stoi za sztuczną inteligencją
Authors: Potocka-Sionek Nastazja
Published: October 2022

Invisible workers—who is behind the artificial intelligence?

The article is dedicated to microworkers—highly precarious, often “invisible”workers whose labour is pivotal for the development of artificial intelligence (AI). It examines how crowdwork platforms such as Amazon Mechanical Turk, Appen and Clickworker organise the work of globally dispersed workers annotating data. It argues that, more often than not, this kind of work is performed in a highly structured, yet intransparent way, and is subject to substantial algorithmic control. This gives rise to the question of the employment classification of formally independent microworkers. The paper discusses this issue in light of the proposed Directive on the improved working conditions of platform workers.
Solid Waste Management in India: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Gour Anunay A. , Singh S.K.
Published: October 2022

This paper presents the current scenario of solid waste management aspects and its challenges in India, which will benefit developing and low-income countries. The leading cause of waste generation is the growing population and the new lifestyle due to the increased per capita income. Consequently, the magnitude of solid waste is continuously growing along with its compositional diversity. In earlier days, the wastes were organic and could be disposed of in low-lying areas conveniently without causing any adverse impact on the environment. But today, the organic fraction of waste has steeply declined while the inorganic portion has increased manifold. Moreover, wastes from industries, hospitals, construction sites, households, and many other sources severely affect the environment and public health. Also, the chemicals generated from the improper disposal of these wastes enter the air, soil, and water resources, causing hazardous and toxic effects in countries that could not implement the adopted policy framework strictly. A state-of-the-art review is conducted in this paper to further search other primary and prevalent reasons behind the inability of proper waste management and to find a real solution.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Education of Medical Students
Authors: Borysiuk Iryna , Yaremkevych Roksolana , Sviatenko Tetiana , Vasyl Striukov , Krupskyi Oleksandr
Published: October 2022

The full-time education only was the traditional basic condition for the development of professional competencies of future health professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic, the digitalization of the medical field, and the effective global experience of distance learning have demonstrated the need to reengineer the established paradigm of medical education. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of distance learning of Ukrainian medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study involved content analysis, Computer Audio-Recorded Interviewing (CARI), face-to-face interviews, in-depth interviews, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the results of empirical research. Universal and specific problems of distance education are identified. The model of two-stage diagnostics of the state of distance education in medical vocational colleges of Ukraine (2020 - 2021) is presented. The results of the linear experiment showed a positive trend in: the quality of the Internet and the workplace arrangement of medical students (from 40% to 90%), special training in distance education technologies (from 13% to 74%), the use of unified educational platforms (from 39% to 100%), reduced stress level in students (from 100% to 60%), increased assessment objectivity (from 37% to 55%). Stereotypes about distance education as forced and ineffective in the development of practical skills (from 98% to 76%) remained steady. Online technologies in medical education require qualified scientific and methodological support of teaching. It is appropriate to develop and implement a national strategy, proven technologies of distance education for medical vocational colleges. The focus of further research is the development of reference models, distance education technologies that can provide effective training of mid-level medical staff.
Müsilajın Çanakkale Boğazı Makro Alglerine Etkisi
Authors: ERDUĞAN Hüseyin
Published: October 2022

Mikro-alg aşırı çoğalmaları milyonlarca yıl öncede oluşmuş, günümüzde de oluşmaya devam etmektedir. Önceleri ekosistemin kendi dinamikleriyle oluşan bu alg patlamaları günümüzde antropojenik ve iklim değişimleriyle daha sık ve yoğun yaşanılır hale gelmiştir. Bu çalışma 2021 yılında Marmara Denizi’nde yaşanan müsilaj olayının makro-alglere etkisini belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çanakkale Boğazı’nda Karanlık Liman, Sarı sığlık, Özbek altı ve Yapıldak altı kıyıları 0-1m derinliğinde Ocak 2021 - Ekim 2021 tarihleri arasında çalışılmıştır. Çalışma sonunda, Çanakkale Boğazı’nda her yıl gözlenen kırmızı, kahverengi ve yeşil alglere ait taksonlar 2021 Mayıs ayı başından Eylül ayı başına kadar gözlenmemiştir. Eylül ayı ortalarından itibaren belirlenen istasyonlarda sırasıyla Cladophora laetevirens, Ulva linza, U. intestinalis, Gelidium crinale, Gongolaria barbata, Corallina officinalis taksonları görülmeye başlanmıştır. Mevcut arıtma teknolojileri daha çevreci hale getirilmedikçe, antropojenik etki azaltılmadıkça musilaj ve zararlı alg patlamalarının daha yoğun olarak oluşması kaçınılmazdır. Marmara Havzası, multidisipliner bir koruma kurulu ile sürekli takip edilmeli ve gerekli tedbirler hızla alınmalıdır. Aksi takdirde 2021 yılında yaşanan musilaj olayı daha geniş alanda ve daha yoğun biçimde yaşanabilir.