bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global dynamics of a delayed air pollution dynamic model with saturated functional response and backward bifurcation
Authors: Guo Ke , Ma Wanbiao
Published: August 2022

This paper studies the global dynamics of a delayed air pollution dynamic model with saturated functional response. This model exhibits forward\begin{document}$ / $\end{document}backward bifurcation. Through some iterative analysis techniques and constructing appropriate Lyapunov functionals, the global stability of the equilibria and the permanence of the model are obtained. For the case of forward bifurcation, it is shown that the boundary equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable (globally attractive) if \begin{document}$ R_{0}<1 $\end{document} (\begin{document}$ R_{0} = 1 $\end{document}), the positive equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if \begin{document}$ R_{0}>1 $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ ab\leq c $\end{document}, or \begin{document}$ R_{0}>1 $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ ab>c $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ n<n^{*} $\end{document}, or \begin{document}$ R_{0}>1 $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ ab>c $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ n\geq n^{*} $\end{document} and the delay is small (the delay can change the stability of the positive equilibrium if \begin{document}$ R_{0}>1 $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ ab>c $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ n>n^{*} $\end{document}). For the case of backward bifurcation, it is shown that the boundary equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if \begin{document}$ R_{0}<\omega $\end{document}, the model has bistable equilibria (the boundary equilibrium and one positive equilibrium are locally asymptotically stable, and the other positive equilibrium is unstable) if \begin{document}$ \omega<R_{0}<1 $\end{document}, the positive equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable if \begin{document}$ R_{0}>1 $\end{document}. Our results largely improve existing results.
The Lotka-Volterra models with non-local reaction terms
Authors: Cintra Willian , Molina-Becerra Mónica , Suárez Antonio
Published: August 2022

In this paper we consider a diffusive Lotka-Volterra system including nonlocal terms in the reaction functions. We analyze the main types of interactions between species: competition, predator-prey and cooperation. We provide existence and non-existence of positive solutions results. For that, we employ mainly bifurcation method and a priori bounds.
Impact of blockchain-enabled analytics as a tool to revolutionize the banking industry
Authors: Sazu Mesbaul Haque , Jahan Sakila Akter
Published: August 2022

Blockchain technology is disrupting the financial services industry and leading to extended big data applications in the banking sectors. Using blockchain and big data technology, banking industries can greatly improve decision-making, efficiency, and transparency. Nevertheless, there is a gap in research on the use of blockchain and big data technologies in banking systems from an academic viewpoint. To address the gap, we present a thorough overview of the impact of blockchain and big data technologies on banking systems. Although some banks have started blockchain development in small groups or isolation, this study was designed as a comprehensive exploration into a few facets of banking with blockchain technology to tackle the difficulties currently impeding the adoption of such technologies into banking systems throughout the world. This study shows that implementing big data and blockchain technology can significantly impact the security, speed and cost of transactions for banks. Further research could be conducted over a long-time span to capture the longitudinal impact of blockchain and big data technologies on banking in terms of the operating costs, profitability and scalability.
A prediction model for stock market based on the integration of independent component analysis and Multi-LSTM
Authors: He Hongzeng , Dai Shufen
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we investigate the statistical behaviors of the stock market complex network. A hybrid model is proposed to predict the variations of five stock prices in the securities plate sub-network. This model integrates independent component analysis (ICA) and multivariate long short-term memory (Multi-LSTM) neural network to analyze the trading noise and improve the prediction accuracy of stock prices in the sub-network. Firstly, we apply ICA to deconstruct the original dataset and remove the independent components that represent the trading noise. Secondly, the rest of the independent components are given to Multi-LSTM neural network. Finally, prediction results are reconstructed from the outputs of the Multi-LSTM neural network and the corresponding mixing matrix. The experiment results indicate that the hybrid model outperforms the benchmark approaches, especially in terms of the stock market complex network.
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on education and society
Authors: Dagdia Zaineb Chelly , Silva Ana Cristina Simões e
Published: August 2022

This paper sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society and the surrounding environment, with a special focus on education and the social aspect. Specifically, how the pandemic has disrupted education systems across the globe by forcing the closure of primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities is discussed. Since it is not only the students who were affected by this worldwide health emergency, the impact on educators and parents, as well as all aspects of the education system, including admissions, assessments and evaluations, is also debated. These facets are discussed while emphasizing the shifts that many organizations underwent to maintain operations while adhering to the announced governmental restrictions related to the circulation of the pandemic. Specifically, the needs to rapidly implement significant modifications to their usual practices and standard operational processes and convert their existing teaching materials to another format to make them appropriate for online delivery are highlighted and discussed.
New Light on the “Jaga” Episode in the History of Kongo (1567-1608)
Authors: Thornton John K.
Published: August 2022

The origin and nature of the Jaga invasion of Kongo is one of the longest standing debates in Africa’s historiography. This project, using a number of newly discovered documents, argues that the invasion was not a local revolt, did not stem from a constitutional crisis, and that it involved a small but highly competent army that entered the country through the Empire of Mwene Muji during the reign of king Bernardo I.
Véronique Tadjo’s Transnational Experience of South Africa in “Cette ville m’a giflée”
Authors: Zannier-Wahengo Aurélie
Published: August 2022

The Franco-Ivorian writer and painter Véronique Tadjo is a great representation of African connectivity and transnationalism. Her life has been an endless exploration of the self and the other, of the identity and the belonging, notions that she crosses and examines through her personal geographical experiences as well as her multifaceted literary work. This essay explores how Tadjo places her fictions and her life in a transnationalist perspective with the aim of initiating a reflection on African reconciliation and collective memory. Secondly, we show how her short story “Cette ville m’a giflée” can be considered as a transnational auto-fiction featuring Tadjo’s intimate confrontation with Johannesburg—a transnational place par excellence. Through the post-apartheid community unable to achieve the dreamed “rainbow nation,” Tadjo evokes an irreconcilable past and present, observes the gigantic open scars left by history on social behaviours and underlines the difficulty for South Africans to transit towards an uncertain future.
Rewriting of Text and Paratext
Authors: Li Xiao
Published: August 2022

Bushido: The Soul of Japan is an influential sociology work for the world to study Japan. Drawing primarily upon cultural translation studies and Gerard Genette's paratext theory, this article investigates how the 10 Chinese translations of Bushido: The Soul of Japan make meaning through rewriting of both text and paratext. The authoress contends that the cultural self-complacency, typical of “Escape from Asia” mentality in the wake of the Meiji Restoration, has been filtered by the dominant nationalist ideology in the target setting. Specifically, the affirmation of Chinese culture in the texts tends to be over-translated, while those paratexts that run contrary to the interest of the Chinese nation are either omitted or rewritten in conformity to Chinese nationalist thinking. As a result of the ideological rewriting of both text and paratext, Bushido has acquired a new meaning of war machine of modern Japanese militarism, which is a far cry from those intended by Inazo Nitobe in the wake of the first Sino-Japanese War.
Antecedents of Organizational Agility During Business Uncertainty in Noninformation Technology Sectors
Authors: Batra Dinesh
Published: August 2022

The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, economic stress, and geopolitical tensions have caused market disruptions and other forces that have likely increased organizational agility. This article focuses on the antecedents of organizational agility under such business uncertainty in the noninformation technology (IT) sectors. The research model stems from the uncertainty reduction theory and the following three frameworks: (1) dynamic capabilities; (2) decision making; and (3) business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) competitive advantage maturity model. It considers intelligence (risk and opportunity) and aligned decision making as agility predictors. It lists employee capability and IT flexibility as antecedents of intelligence, aligned decision making, and organizational agility. The results indicate that employee capability affects agility through the mediating variables of intelligence and aligned decision making. IT flexibility impacts agility only through intelligence. Both intelligence and aligned decision making have significant direct effects on agility.
Effect of Process Parameters on Properties of Titanium Alloy during Thermal Simulation Deformation
Authors: Tang Jin Jun , Liang Cui , Xu Chen Guang , Li Ji Qiang
Published: August 2022

In this paper, aiming at the heat resistance and thermal deformation process of titanium matrix composites 0 vol.%, 2.5.vol.%, 5.vol.%. Thermal simulation experiment of titanium matrix composites with different (TiB+TiC) strengthening phase content. The measurement accuracy of material displacement is 0.01 mm. The compression is 70%, and the strain rate is 0.1 mm/s and 0.01 mm/s respectively. Compression tests at different strain rates and temperatures were carried out. The experimental results show that when the (TiB+TiC) 5vol% titanium composite is deformed at 0.01mm/s low strain rate, the peak stresses corresponding to 25°C, 250°C,350 °C and 500°C are increased to 1096MPa, 835MPa, 646MPa and 416MPa respectively. Under the condition of high strain rate of 0.1mm/s, the peak stresses corresponding to 25 °C, 250 °C, 350 °C and 500 °C are increased to 1230 MPa, 896 MPa, 723 MPa and 471 MPa respectively. The deformation law of stress rheological curve is roughly the same, and the high temperature zone has good plastic deformation ability. The titanium matrix composite has high compression rheological mechanical properties and good high-temperature plastic deformation ability. It is the preferred material component for the preparation of titanium matrix composite and powder forging.
Recent Advancements in Surface Modification by Gas Tungsten Arc Cladding Technique: A Review
Authors: Ranjan Rajeev , Das Anil Kumar
Published: August 2022

A technique of surface modification used to produce thick coatings with enhanced surface characteristics by developing highly resistive layers on the substrate is known as cladding. It plays a great role to increase the service life of industrial elements. It is broadly applied in chemical, mining, nuclear, power generation, and marine industries. There were a lot of studies done targeting Gas Tungsten Arc Cladding because of its advantages such as user-friendly, low cost, high deposition rate, low dilution, high reliability, etc. The four key features added to the substrate after claddings are dilution of a substrate, microstructure, microhardness, and tribological properties. Considering these features, the current article presents an overview of the Gas Tungsten Arc Cladding technique. The key goal is to reflect on the investigations conducted in the previous decade based on the wear, oxidation, and corrosion performance of cladding surfaces and their key observations. In addition, the effects of Gas Tungsten Arc Cladding process parameters, the substrate-clad materials combination, microstructural improvements, common advantages, and limitations associated with the technique are also presented. New research and industrial people on weld cladding would benefit from the outcomes of this article.
Comparison of endotracheal intubation with Macintosh versus King Vision video laryngoscope using coronavirus disease 2019 barrier box on manikins
Authors: Guru Satyabrata , Singh Neha , Sahoo Sangeeta , Hansda Upendra , Mohanty Chittaranjan
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus usually spreads through aerosol and close contact. Frontline health-care workers handle aerosol-generating procedures like endotracheal intubation. To reduce this risk, COVID-19 barrier box came into the picture. However, the COVID-19 barrier box may compromise easy and successful intubation, and their limitation must be studied.

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to assess the time to successful intubation with or without the COVID-19 barrier box using the Macintosh laryngoscope and King Vision video laryngoscope (KVVL). We also assessed the first-pass success rate, ease of intubation, Cormack–Lehane (CL) grade, and requirement of external laryngeal manipulation.

METHODS:

We conducted this manikin-based randomized crossover study to assess the time to successful intubation by anesthesiologists (22) and emergency physicians (11) having 1 year or more experience with or without COVID-19 barrier box by using the Macintosh laryngoscope and KVVL. Our study randomized the sequence of the four different intubation scenarios.

RESULTS:

The comparison of mean duration of intubation between KVVL (13.21 ± 4.05 s) and Macintosh laryngoscope (12.89 ± 4.28 s) with COVID-19 barrier box was not statistically significant (95% confidence interval: 1.21–0.97). The ease of intubation, number of attempts, and requirement of external laryngeal manipulation were not statistically significant. Intubations were statistically significant more difficult with barrier box in view of higher CL grade.

CONCLUSION:

Time to intubation was longer with COVID-19 barrier box using KVVL as compared to Macintosh laryngoscope which was statistically not significant.
Soil pH effect on bone degradation
Authors: Oghenemavwe Loveday Ese , Orupabo Clinton David , Horsfall Teke Jemina
Published: August 2022

Background:

Skeletal remains have become the mainstay in forensic investigations. Hence, it is imperative to study bone degradation and some influencers as to guide forensic practices. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of soil pH on bone degradation.

Methods:

One-centimeter diameter sections of the mid-shaft of the femur of a male cadaver were buried for the duration of 6 weeks in soils of different pH: 2.98 for the acidic soil, 7.10 for the neutral soil, and 11.58 for the alkaline soil. Histological sections of the exhumed bones were prepared using Frost’s rapid manual method. Four fields of view at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions were obtained for each section.

Results:

Quantitative analysis showed that there was a reduction in the mean Haversian canal area (HCA) and Haversian canal diameter (HCD) in the samples of bone fragments buried in the acidic and alkaline soil when compared with control. The acidic soil sample showed a mean HCA and HCD of 130.58 μm and 12.24 μm as against 136.83 μm and 12.48 μm of the control, whereas the alkaline soil sample showed a mean HCA and HCD of 122.70 μm and 11.70 μm, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the HCA and HCD (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion:

The result of this study suggests that the extreme of soil pH can cause the weathering of bone, which can distort the histomorphometry. The study focused on the extremes of pH and not various scales. This should help guide forensic investigations.
Effect of eyelid-warming device on meibomian gland dysfunction
Authors: Albehwar Eman H. , Shafik Heba M. , Awara Amr , Shalaby Osama E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) has a significant effect on patients’ quality of life. Despite the numerous treatment options, it is still difficult to obtain complete relief of signs and symptoms. Blephasteam is an eyelid-warming device that is easy to use and standardized for treatment of MGD.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate of the effect of Blephasteam on MGD compared with the traditional warm compresses.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective comparative interventional study that included 40 eyes of 20 patients with MGD. Patients were subdivided into two groups: in group I, warm compresses were applied to the eyelids twice daily for 20–30 min for 2 weeks, whereas in group II, the patients used the Blephasteam device three sessions per week for 2 weeks. Both groups received treatment by systemic tetracycline, topical antibiotic and steroid, and preservative-free artificial tears eye drops for 2 weeks. The patients were assessed before treatment and after 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months using the Standard Patient Evaluation of dry Eye Disease questionnaire for dry eye, breakup time test (invasive and noninvasive; IBUT and NIBUT), and the shape of the lipid layer of the tear film by a tearscope.

Results

Both groups showed statistically significant improvement regarding the dry eye symptoms, IBUT and NIBUT, and the lipid layer interferometry. However, the follow-up visits showed statistically significant better results in group II than in group I for the Standard Patient Evaluation of dry Eye Disease questionnaire (P=0.044, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively). In addition, the IBUT was statistically significantly better in group II than in group I during the follow-up (P=0.014, 0.007, and 0.002, respectively) as well as the NIBUT (P=0.043, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in interferometry between the two groups during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Both traditional warm compress and Blephasteam were effective in MGD treatment, but Blephasteam was more effective.
Anchored absorbable versus conventional nonabsorbable sutures in hang-back medial rectus muscle recession for large-angle esotropia
Authors: Elsaadani Ibrahim A. , Eleiwa Taher , Khater Ahmed A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical safety and efficacy of the anchored hang-back technique (HBT) to the HBT using nonabsorbable sutures in bilateral medial rectus recession (BMR) for large-angle esotropia (ET).

Design

This is a prospective comparative interventional study.

Patients and methods

The study included 81 patients with concomitant ET who were indicated for BMR of at least 6 mm. The patients were randomly assigned to have either (a) anchored HBT-BMR using absorbable 6–0 polyglactin 910 suture or (b) conventional HBT-BMR using nonabsorbable 6–0 polyester suture. Postoperatively, angles of deviation were measured for both near and far at 1 week and at 2 and 6 months. Success was defined as alignment within 10 prism diopters (PD) of orthotropia by the end of 2 months.

Results

Nonabsorbable HBT was used in 42 patients, whereas the anchored HBT was used in 39 patients. The mean preoperative angles of deviation for near and far were 60.9 and 58.7 PD, respectively, in the nonabsorbable group, compared with 61.7 and 58.8 PD, respectively, in the anchored group (P>0.05). By the sixth postoperative month, the mean angles for near and far in the nonabsorbable group were 8.1±0.6 PD of exotropia (XT) and 8.3±1.2 PD of XT, compared with 9.9±0.03 and 9.5±1.2 PD of XT in the anchored group, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed insignificant differences in the near and far angles between both groups. The success rate was 92.8% (39/42) in the nonabsorbable group compared with 89.7% (35/39) in the anchored group (P=0.32).

Conclusion

Anchored HBT was as safe and effective as nonabsorbable HBT in BMR for large-angle ET.
Efficacy and safety of intrastromal injection of amphotericin B combined with autologous serum eye drops in resistant fungal corneal ulcers
Authors: Aboelenein Marwa A.M. , Mahmoud Doaa A. , Madbouly Wafaa A.
Published: August 2022

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of intrastromal injections of amphotericin B (AmB) and autologous serum eye drops (ASED) in the treatment of resistant fungal keratitis.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective nonrandomized study that evaluated 15 eyes of 15 patients with resistant fungal corneal ulcers not responding to conventional medical treatment treated with intrastromal AmB injection (25 µg/ml) combined with the use of ASED. The efficacy, complications, and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Patients showed marked improvement in symptoms (e.g. pain, discharge, photophobia, and lacrimation) in 12 cases (80%) by the second week after injection and total disappearance of symptoms in all patients by the second month. By the second week, three eyes (20%) showed complete ulcer healing, at the first month eight eyes (53.3%), at the second month 12 eyes (80%), and at the third month 15 eyes (100%) showed complete ulcer healing. The procedure was performed successfully, and no severe intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed except two patients develop minimal intrastromal bleeding which resolved. All the study cases underwent use of ASED after the intrastromal injection to accelerate ulcer healing, alleviate corneal irritation, and reduce inflammatory reactions and all of them showed rapid improvement of symptoms, for example, pain and good ulcer-healing process.

Conclusion

Combination of intrastromal injection of AmB and autologous serum eye drops is a promising, safe, and effective technique for the management of resistant fungal corneal ulcers not responding to conventional medical treatment. ASED shows good results in improving epithelial healing, alleviating corneal irritation, and in reducing inflammatory reactions.
Screening for preclinical chloroquine maculopathy using microperimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Edris Noha Ahmed , Rizkalla Marina Maher , Khafagy Mohamed Mahmoud , Esmat Soheir Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of microperimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in screening of preclinical chloroquine maculopathy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Study design

This is a cross-sectional comparative study.

Patients and methods

The study included 20 eyes of RA patients treated with chloroquine for more than 1 year (Group A), and 20 eyes of RA patients not treated by chloroquine (Group B). All patients were subjected to full ophthalmological examination, imaging with SD-OCT, and microperimetry. The study group ranged in age from 40 to 65 years with normal fundus.

Results

The mean central foveal thickness was found to be thin both in Group A (178.25±33.27 μm) and Group B (180.15±36.56 μm), with a statistically nonsignificant difference between the two groups (P=0.864). The mean parafoveal thickness was thinner than normal in both groups in all quadrants (P<0.05), whereas the perifoveal thickness in both groups showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in all quadrants. The mean test score perimetry and the mean foveal sensitivity were decreased in Group A (11.12±4.11 and 11.73±3.92, respectively) compared with Group B (12.86±2.14 and 13.10±2.48, respectively), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.104 and 0.194, respectively).

Conclusion

Retinal thinning in the form of foveal and parafoveal thinning was detected by SD-OCT in patients of both groups, whereas decreased macular sensitivity was detected in the chloroquine group only with normal macular sensitivity in the nonchloroquine group as detected by microperimetry.
Serum cytokines as biomarkers for dry and wet age related macular degeneration
Authors: Fouly Marwa A. , Labib Hany M. , Emarah Sherif H. , Fahmy Iman A. , Abdel Hamid Mona A. , Moemen Leqaa A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible visual loss in elderly individuals.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify the potential role of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-13 (IL-13), IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), in patients with AMD.

Patients and methods

The patients were divided into three groups: 20 patients with dry AMD, 20 patients with wet AMD before treatment with anti-VEGF injections, and 20 patients with wet AMD after anti-VEGF injections. Serum samples from patients with AMD and 20 age-matched controls were examined for the aforementioned cytokines using the ELISA technique.

Results

Serum levels of IL-13, IL-17, and TGF-β were significantly elevated in all patients with AMD compared with the controls (P=0.045, 0.047, and 0.042, respectively). There was a positive correlation (r=0.6, P=0.045) between the levels of IL-13 and TGF-β in these patients. In addition, the serum levels of TNF-α were significantly decreased in patients with AMD compared with the controls (P=0.037). The serum levels of IL-17 of the patients treated with anti-VEGF were significantly decreased compared with the untreated patients (P=0.032). In addition, the serum levels of TNF-α were significantly elevated in the treated patients compared with the untreated patients (P=0.024). There was no significant difference in the levels of IL-13, TGF-β, and VEGF in the treated patients compared with the untreated patients (P=0.07).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that AMD is an inflammatory disease as patients with AMD had elevated levels of IL-13, IL-17, and TGF-β. In addition, serum IL-17 and TNF-α level could be significant predictors of the efficiency of anti-VEGF therapy. These findings may help in improvement of AMD diagnosis and may lead to the development of new therapeutic agents targeting these cytokines.
A Prospective Study to Determine the Effect of Vitamin D Levels on Musculoskeletal Pain, Anxiety, and Depressions in Patients with Type II Diabetes
Authors: Kumar Raunak , Laisram Nonica , Jain Neelima
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

The primary objective was to investigate the correlation of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) intensity with Vitamin D status and glycemic control in patients of type II diabetes mellitus. The secondary objective was to monitor the anxiety and depression levels with Vitamin D supplementation.

Methods:

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted over a period of 18 months where 100 patients of type II diabetes mellitus with MSP were screened for Vitamin D status and glycemic levels in terms of HbA1c, anxiety, and depression. MSP was assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score. The patients who were found with Vitamin D levels (<30 ug/dL) were supplemented with Vitamin D and followed at 3 monthly intervals for 6 months for determining the change in MSP, anxiety, and depression scores.

Results:

After adjusting for the duration of diabetes, HbA1c, and statin therapy, there was no significant correlation between VAS score and Vitamin D (r = −0.133, P = 0.195). After 6 months of Vitamin D supplementation, all cases attained optimal Vitamin D levels of mean (standard deviation [SD]) of 32.5 (4.1) ng/ml as compared to mean (SD) of 23.4 (2.5) ng/ml at baseline (P < 0.0001). Concurrently, there was a significant reduction in the median (range) VAS scores from 6 (2–10) to 4 (0–8), anxiety levels from 11 (7.75–18) to 10 (7–17), and depression levels from 10 (7–15) to 9 (6–14) (P < 0.0001), respectively.

Conclusion:

There was no significant independent correlation of MSP intensity with Vitamin D levels or glycemic control. However, the supplementation of Vitamin D significantly alleviated MSP in patients with diabetes, with a significant reduction in anxiety and depression among them.
Ultrasonography-Guided Hydrodissection using Platelet-Rich Plasma or Corticosteroid in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Authors: Mehak Iqra , Hussain Aftab , Usmani Hammad , Amir Syed Hussain
Published: August 2022

Background:

Adhesive capsulitis is a condition that presents with pain and progressive limitation of both active and passive shoulder movements. It can be primary or secondary, the latter includes causes such as rotator cuff tear, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons defines that adhesive capsulitis is a condition of uncertain ethology characterized by a significant restriction of both active and passive shoulder motions that occur in the absence of known intrinsic shoulder disorder. Commonly described as: Stage 1 – Freezing stage, with pain and stiffness lasting around 9 months. Stage 2 – Frozen stage, with persistent stiffness lasting 4–12 months. Stage 3 – Thawing stage, with spontaneous recovery lasting 12–42 months. Ultrasonography (USG)-guided hydrodissection is used for adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder due to its cost-effectiveness and acceptance among patients. As adhesive capsulitis is postulated as an i nflammatory and fibrotic disease, easy treatment with intra-articular corticosteroids (CSs) injection may reduce synovitis, limit the development of capsular fibrosis, and alter the natural history of disease. CS injections are effective for shorter duration, but newer agents such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are more effective with no serious side effects.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 40 patients were taken of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder and were divided randomly into two groups. One group received injection PRP and the other group received injection CS. The outcome was recorded.

Results:

There was a statistically significant reduction in numeric rating scale pain scores in both the groups over a time period of 6 weeks, but the PRP injection was observed to be better in reducing the pain scores when compared to the CS injection after the 6th week (P = 0.037). Initially, the CS injection performed better in the 1st week due to anti-inflammatory action. By the 3rd week, both the injections showed a similar effect. However, at the end of the study period (6 weeks), there was a better reduction in the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) pain scores (P = 0.0057) and SPADI disability scores (P = 0.029) of the group PRP.

Conclusion:

We concluded that USG-guided hydrodissection with PRP is more effective therapy than CS in terms of reduction of pain and improvement in shoulder function in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of shoulder.
Knowledge, attitude, and experiences of using penicillin G, as a prophylaxis for rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart diseases among nurses in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Ibrahim Mekuye Aliye , Aklilu Tamirat Moges
Published: August 2022

Background:

The rate of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injection to prevent rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is insufficient owing to poor knowledge and the negative attitude of health workers. We aim to investigate the gap of knowledge, attitude, and experience of clinical nurses at the primary health-care level who had not received training on rheumatic fever (RF)/RHD prevention to get information on their training need.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on clinical nurses at randomly selected health centers in Addis Ababa. After interviewing with semi-structured questionnaires, the data were analyzed on SPSS software version 25.

Results:

A total of 278 nurses (92% response) with a mean age of 28 years were analyzed. The knowledge scores on “organisms causing tonsillopharyngitis (TP),” “the route of administration of penicillin,” and “when to give BPG after preparation” were good (≥75%). Participants' score was poor (<50% score) in the knowledge of “duration of treatment of tonsillopharyngitis, frequency of chemoprophylaxis of RF/RHD, and the relationship between throat infection and RF.” Knowledge on “prevention of pain using lidocaine,” “warming the syringe and allowing alcohol to dry from the swab before injecting” were also good. In contrast, knowledge of “delivering injection very slowly,” “using vibration before/during injection, and “distracting patient using conversation” was poor. Attitude was positive to statements such as “single dose BPG injection given every 3–4 weeks,” “BPG injection is effective in the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis and the prevention of RF/RHD,” “good patient – health provider relationship enables the success of prophylaxis.” and “educating patients, health-care providers and their caregivers help adherence to BPG prophylaxis. Fear of anaphylactic reaction, pain at the injection site, and blockage of the syringe during injection were the negative experiences reported.

Conclusions:

The knowledge of clinical nurses on the prevention of RF/RHD was generally good. However, their knowledge of safe injection techniques was partial. On the other hand, most attitude statements were positive. Fear of anaphylactic shock while injecting BPG, pain, and blockade of the syringe was the common barriers experienced.
Self-esteem and weight status of young adults
Authors: Liu Echu , Chang Su-Hsin
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Researchers have examined the association between self-esteem and obesity in past studies. However, most studies have focused on pediatric or adolescent populations. In this pilot study, we aim to explore the association of self-esteem with weight status in young adults, a group of individuals in a significant and pivotal period of their lives whose needs and challenges have received little attention in previous studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Exactly 127 college juniors and seniors in the Midwest participated in late 2017. For our survey, we collected the following information: body weight, height, self-esteem score from the state self-esteem scale, grade point average, risk of eating disorders, sleep quality, nutritional behavior, lifestyle (smoking, frequency of exercise, alcohol drinking, average daily time watching television, playing video games, and social media use), and demographic and socioeconomic background. We used logistic regression for our analysis.

RESULTS:

The logistic regression indicates that a one-point increase in the self-esteem score was negatively associated with a young adult's odds of having an unhealthy weight (being overweight or obese) by approximately 3%. Furthermore, soda drinking is a statistically significant factor associated with weight status.

CONCLUSIONS:

This finding suggests self-esteem is positively associated with a healthy weight in young adults. A larger-scale study should be conducted in the future to validate this relationship and better understand young adults’ needs.
Improving diagnostic approaches to cerebrovascular disorders in patients with hypertensive encephalopathy
Authors: Svyrydova Natalia
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Modern research today proves an increase in the incidence of ischemic stroke. Risk factors for vascular disease have become more common among young people. Clinical studies have shown that hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes are traditional risk factors among the elderly. The aim of the study was to improve diagnostic approaches to cerebrovascular disorders in patients with hypertensive encephalopathy (НE) by clarifying the development of pathogenesis mechanisms, based on a comprehensive clinical study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This qualitative study was carried by clinical and neurological examination; neuropsychological examination (Mini-Mental State Examination, abbreviated multifactorial personality questionnaire, Beck depression scale, Spielberger scale).

RESULTS:

The study was examined 351 patients (150 men, 201 women) with НE in hypertension of 2 degrees. The clinical examination was performed according to a two-stage method, which involves the establishment or exclusion of symptomatic hypertension. The study did not include patients with secondary hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiac arrhythmias, and conduction disorders, heart failure who suffered from acute cerebrovascular accident and myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION:

The necessity of obligatory examination by a neurologist of patients with arterial hypertension for detection of manifestations of НE with the use of modern research methods, which allows to prevent damage to target organs, and first of all – brain damage, has been proved.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria of pregnant women in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Totadhri Meenakshi , Lakshmanan Anandhi , Saraswathy M P , Mane Manisha S.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is commonly seen during pregnancy due to the various morphological, hormonal, and physiological changes the body undergoes. If left undiagnosed, it can lead to conditions such as pyelonephritis and preterm delivery which could culminate in causing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence, risk factors, microbial profile, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns associated with ASB in a tertiary healthcare center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was carried out where 150 urine samples were obtained from pregnant women within the gestational age of 13–36 weeks. Randomized stratified sampling was the method of sampling used. A questionnaire was also administered to them to determine potential risk factors. The samples were cultured and identified using biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out by Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square test. The graphs and tables were generated using Microsoft Excel and Word.

RESULTS:

Out of the 150 samples that were obtained, 8 samples had significant bacteriuria which is a prevalence of 5.33%. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organism accounting to 45% of the isolates. The other organisms that were isolated were Enterococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS), Candida albicans, and Group B Streptococcus which measured to 11% of the total distribution each. In the antibiotic sensitivity tests, among the gram-negative isolates, marked resistance to Ampicillin and Amoxycillin along with sensitivity to Cotrimoxazole and Nitrofurantoin. Of the gram-positive isolates, there was sensitivity to Ampicillin and Nitrofurantoin. A positive correlation was seen between the age groups of 23–27 and the prevalence of ASB.

CONCLUSION:

The prevalence of ASB in this study shows that ASB is not uncommon in the population. Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and National Health Mission recommendations to make urine check-ups a routine, it not carried out, possibly due to cost implications. However, it poses a risk for severe maternal and fetal outcomes and hence, should be screened for on a regular basis. Thus, this study emphasizes the importance of screening pregnant women for ASB for promoting better maternal and fetal health.
Health education and global health
Authors: Rizvi Daliya S.
Published: August 2022

Health education is a crucial consideration in the healthcare system and has the potential to improve global health. Recently, researchers have expressed interest in streamlining health education, utilizing digital tools and flexible curriculums to make it more accessible, and expanding beyond disease and substance abuse prevention. They have also expressed interest in promoting global health through health and safety promotion programs. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, the refugee crisis, and overpopulation, healthcare crises are erupting all over the world. A lack of health education has and will continue to have a profound impact on community healthcare indicators, particularly in low-income nations. Current priorities within the health education sector include digitization, equity, and infectious disease prevention. Studies and data from university journals and other academic databases were analyzed in a literature review. Health education programs have a significant positive impact on attitudes and behaviors regarding global health. Improving upon these programs by digitizing them and expanding upon the scope of health education will help ensure that such interventions and programs make a significant difference.
A reproductive health-care program for surrogate mothers
Authors: Goli Marjan , Kohan Shahnaz , Oloonabadi Seiied Mahdi Ahmadi , Farajzadegan Ziba , Heidari Zeinab
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:

Surrogacy has become an alternative family formation option for women who are unable to carry a pregnancy. There is no comprehensive care program despite the different nature of this pregnancy. The present study aimed to develop a reproductive health-care program for surrogate mothers within the cultural and social context of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In the present sequential exploratory mixed methods study, first through a qualitative approach surrogate mothers, care providers, and policy makers of reproductive health services were selected purposefully. Data were collected by using the in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed. A care program draft was designed by integrating results of the qualitative study and reviewing the literature and guidelines, then appropriateness of each proposed care was assessed by a two-Rounds Delphi technique (RAM), and the final reproductive health-care program for surrogate mothers was developed.

RESULTS:

The surrogate mothers’ reproductive health needs were summarized in four main categories: surrogate mothers’ extra care, educational training, psychological support, and protecting against surrogacy's social and familial consequences. The reproductive health-care program for surrogate mothers were developed in four sections: prepregnancy health screenings and legal counseling; special care during embryo transfer until pregnancy confirmation; psychological support and prenatal care of surrogacy until delivery and follow-up postpartum care.

CONCLUSION:

Women face many challenges in surrogacy and need special care such as legal counseling, reproductive health care, and psychological support. Implementation of this care program seems to help improve the reproductive health of these mothers.
Cardiovascular System Modeling Using Windkessel Segmentation Model Based on Photoplethysmography Measurements of Fingers and Toes
Authors: Dewi Ervin Masita , Hadiyoso Sugondo , Mengko Tati Latifah Erawati Rajab , Zakaria Hasballah , Astami Kastam
Published: August 2022

Background:

Photoplethysmography (PPG) contains information about the health condition of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular system modeling using PPG signal measurements can represent, analyze, and predict the cardiovascular system.

Methods:

This study aims to make a cardiovascular system model using a Windkessel model by dividing the blood vessels into seven segments. This process involves the PPG signal of the fingertips and toes for further analysis to obtain the condition of the elasticity of the blood vessels as the main parameter. The method is to find the Resistance, Inductance, and Capacitance (RLC) value of each segment of the body through the equivalent equation between the electronic unit and the cardiovascular unit. The modeling made is focused on PPG parameters in the form of stiffness index, the time delay (△t), and augmentation index.

Results:

The results of the model simulation using PSpice were then compared with the results of measuring the PPG signal to analyze changes in the behavior of the PPG signal taken from ten healthy people with an average age of 46 years, compared to ten cardiac patients with an average age of 48 years. It is found that decreasing 20% of capacitance value and the arterial stiffness parameter will close to cardiac patients' data. Compared with the measurement results, the correlation of the PPG signal in the simulation model is more than 0.9.

Conclusions:

The proposed model is expected to be used in the early detection of arterial stiffness. It can also be used to study the dynamics of the cardiovascular system, including changes in blood flow velocity and blood pressure.
Artificial Intelligence Approaches on X-ray-oriented Images Process for Early Detection of COVID-19
Authors: Rezayi Sorayya , Ghazisaeedi Marjan , Kalhori Sharareh Rostam Niakan , Saeedi Soheila
Published: August 2022

Background:

COVID-19 is a global public health problem that is crucially important to be diagnosed in the early stages. This study aimed to investigate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to process X-ray-oriented images to diagnose COVID-19 disease.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted in Medline (through PubMed), Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and IEEE Xplore Digital Library to identify relevant studies published until 21 September 2020.

Results:

We identified 208 papers after duplicate removal and filtered them into 60 citations based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Direct results sufficiently indicated a noticeable increase in the number of published papers in July-2020. The most widely used datasets were, respectively, GitHub repository, hospital-oriented datasets, and Kaggle repository. The Keras library, Tensorflow, and Python had been also widely employed in articles. X-ray images were applied more in the selected articles. The most considerable value of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Area under the ROC Curve was reported for ResNet18 in reviewed techniques; all the mentioned indicators for this mentioned network were equal to one (100%).

Conclusion:

This review revealed that the application of AI can accelerate the process of diagnosing COVID-19, and these methods are effective for the identification of COVID-19 cases exploiting Chest X-ray images.
Pediatric effective dose assessment for routine computed tomography examinations in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Tahmasebzadeh Atefeh , Maziyar Asghar , Reiazi Reza , Kermanshahi Mojtaba Soltani , Anijdan Seyyed Hossein Mousavie , Paydar Reza
Published: August 2022

Background:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effective dose (ED) for computed tomography (CT) examination in different age groups and medical exposure in pediatric imaging centers in Tehran, Iran.

Methods:

Imaging data were collected from 532 pediatric patients from four age groups subjected to three prevalent procedures. National Cancer Institute CT (NCICT) software was used to calculate the ED value.

Results:

The mean ED values were 1.60, 4.16, and 10.56 mSv for patients' procedures of head, chest, and abdomen–pelvis, respectively. This study showed a significant difference of ED value among five pediatric medical imaging centers (P < 0.05). In head, chest, and abdomen–pelvis exams, a reduction in ED was evident with decreasing patients' age.

Conclusion:

As there were significant differences among ED values in five pediatric medical imaging centers, optimizing this value is necessary to decrease this variation. For head CT in infants and also abdomen–pelvis, further reduction in radiation exposure is required.