bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les effets paradoxaux des applications de suivi du cycle menstruel. Fabrication et régulation des émotions liées au « syndrome prémenstruel »
Authors: El Aoufir Hajar
Published: December 2023

La norme sociale consistant à réguler ses émotions pour obéir à certaines conventions a fait l’objet de nombreux travaux. Dans le cas des femmes, cette injonction au contrôle émotionnel se lie à des préjugés persistants sur la « dérégulation » de leurs corps et de leurs « humeurs », a fortiori en période prémenstruelle. Cet article, reposant sur une observation de forums d’utilisatrices et une immersion au sein de quatre applications de suivi du cycle menstruel, montre que ces espaces numériques constituent des lieux d’accueil et de légitimation des expériences de femmes en souffrance émotionnelle. Toutefois, ces pratiques numériques constituent aussi une opportunité pour le développement et la circulation de solutions et de techniques porteuses d’injonctions au contrôle de soi, s’appuyant sur l’aspiration des femmes à plus d’autonomie vis-à-vis de leurs corps. Ces aspirations paradoxales, entre s’accepter et se soumettre à une logique d’entrepreneuriat de soi, se rejoignent dans une même injonction à l’« authenticité » et à la « positivité », exigeant un « travail émotionnel » continu et ritualisé de recueil, de régulation et de fabrication de ses émotions. Cet article constitue une contribution au carrefour de deux phénomènes, la ­pathologisation du corps des femmes et la diffusion des « marchandises émotionnelles », en contexte numérique. Par ailleurs, l’analyse des interactions femme-machine soulève des questionnements éthiques sur les choix de conception et de développement des applications, appelant à plus de recherches sur le rôle du numérique dans les évolutions actuelles en matière de santé des femmes.
L’impératif de la projection de soi : une injonction contradictoire
Authors: Guéniot Amaena
Published: December 2023

Les sujets sont sommés de s’investir dans de nouveaux projets. Suivre une injonction, c’est appliquer une norme extérieure, c’est être en régime d’hétéronomie. Au contraire, se projeter, c’est poser de manière autonome des fins et des règles de production désirables. L’injonction à la projection est une contradiction dans les termes. En quoi consiste-t-elle en un système d’« emprise organisationnelle », grâce auquel des sujets acceptent malgré eux des normes de projection qu’ils ne cautionnent pas, voire consentent à se projeter alors qu’ils voudraient réduire le rythme de la projection ?
Métiers de l’humain : crise de sens ?
Authors: Paturet Jean-Bernard
Published: December 2023

Le désintérêt pour les métiers de l’humain se manifeste dans une société où les valeurs relatives au travail sont bouleversées. « L’utile » devient une idéologie essentielle et l’argent roi demeure une quête fondamentale. Le don de soi comme le souci de l’autre attribués traditionnellement au « féminin » sont mis en question par le mouvement nécessaire et juste de recherche d’égalité entre hommes et femmes. Reste la solution que les valeurs du féminin gagnent de plus en plus l’espace social et fassent disparaître patriarcat et machisme. Ainsi les métiers de l’humain pourraient peut-être retrouver sens et intérêt.
Le monde, le travail social et la protection de la jeunesse
Authors: Goguel d'Allondans Thierry
Published: December 2023

Nos sociétés, au fil de leur histoire, ont essayé de penser les solidarités. En France, particulièrement après la Seconde Guerre mondiale, elles se sont déclinées à partir du travail social et de ses métiers. Parmi les missions confiées aux professionnels figure en bonne place la protection de l’enfance. Mais aujourd’hui, où en est-on ?
L’encombrement des machines et la désaffection de l’autre
Authors: Fiori René
Published: December 2023

La machine est devenue le symptôme de notre désir, comme celui d’un nouveau rapport au corps dont l’énergie vitale se dissipe. La voix, le regard et l’image du corps décorrélés du sujet parlant sont activés dans des habillages technologiques auxquels est déléguée l’initiative au détriment de toute relation symbolique.
Éducateur spécialisé : un métier en danger ?
Authors: Rouzel Joseph , Fournier Sébastien
Published: December 2023

Le métier d’éducateur spécialisé est-il en danger ? Par les temps qui courent, il paraît légitime de se poser la question. Dans un contexte où les professionnels en exercice descendent régulièrement dans la rue pour faire entendre leur voix, où les institutions éprouvent de plus en plus de difficultés à recruter, où les effectifs en formation sont en nette diminution, les auteurs ont souhaité mener l’enquête pour essayer d’identifier les problématiques contemporaines qui touchent la profession. Ils proposent d’en faire une brève restitution ».
Le travail clinique. Une intervention toujours d’actualité
Authors: Ferri Enrica , Portner Ingrid , Keller François , Kunz Fanchette , Sautaux Éveline , Schindelholz Ariane
Published: December 2023

En Suisse romande, l’expérience débutée en 1974 avec le Collectif de recherche pédagogique et psychanalytique et poursuivie avec Le chiffre de la parole de 1988 à 2021 a structuré une pratique de parole tout en surfant sur les vagues de Mai 68, de l’antipsychiatrie, de la nouvelle gestion publique, de la médicalisation des institutions socio-éducatives. Cet itinéraire est l’occasion de s’interroger sur la transformation du travail social et la formation de ses professionnels, sur le rétrécissement de la marge de manœuvre des institutions et leurs rapports avec un État gagné par le rationalisme économique. Et pourtant, par-delà les modes et les idéologies, reste la clinique de la parole, toujours actuelle en tant que modalité d’intervention qui place le récit, l’analyse, la rencontre comme pivots de l’invention de dispositifs de vie, dont les effets de thérapie sont indéniables.
Utiliser l’« apprentissage expérientiel » pour transmettre un savoir sur la maladie psychique
Authors: Zytnicki Jérémy , Desrues Martine
Published: December 2023

Dans cet article, les auteurs montrent la complexité d’élaborer des actions de sensibilisation pour transmettre un savoir sur la maladie psychique. Ils analysent, à cet effet, trois actions de sensibilisation à destination des parents, des élèves de cm2 et des enseignants spécialisés, et qui ont pour vocation de sensibiliser ces publics à la souffrance psychique. « L’apprentissage expérientiel » qui sous-tend la création de ces trois actions fera l’objet d’une attention particulière, et sera envisagé comme une occasion d’impliquer tant cognitivement qu’émotionnellement les participants.
On a deterministic mathematical model which efficiently predicts the protective effect of a plant extract mixture in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Ayala-Hernández Luis E. , Rosales-Muñoz Gabriela , Gallegos Armando , Miranda-Beltrán María L. , Macías-Díaz Jorge E.
Published: December 2023

In this work, we propose a mathematical model that describes liver evolution and concentrations of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in a group of rats damaged with carbon tetrachloride. Carbon tetrachloride was employed to induce cirrhosis. A second groups damaged with carbon tetrachloride was exposed simultaneously a plant extract as hepatoprotective agent. The model reproduces the data obtained in the experiment reported in [Rev. Cub. Plant. Med. 22(1), 2017], and predicts that using the plants extract helps to get a better natural recovery after the treatment. Computer simulations show that the extract reduces the damage velocity but does not avoid it entirely. The present paper is the first report in the literature in which a mathematical model reliably predicts the protective effect of a plant extract mixture in rats with cirrhosis disease. The results reported in this manuscript could be used in the future to help in fighting cirrhotic conditions in humans, though more experimental and mathematical work is required in that case.
Rehabilitación y actuación estructural en dependencias municipales en el Mercado del Arenal de Sevilla
Authors: Domínguez Álvarez Aurelio , Izquierdo David , Atanasio Guisado Alberto
Published: December 2023

El conocido Mercado del Arenal es un complejo del año 1947 que ocupa una manzana completa dentro del Casco Histórico de la ciudad de Sevilla, albergando además del propio Mercado, un nivel de sótano destinado a garaje, un perímetro de dos alturas destinados a locales municipales y hasta cuatro portales destinados a viviendas particulares. Una parte importante de los locales municipales se encontraban en estado de abandono y parcialmente vandalizados, dando lugar al deterioro paulatino del propio vecindario. El proyecto de rehabilitación tiene por objeto recuperar estos espacios para adecuarlos a uso administrativo municipal suponiendo tanto la puesta en servicio de parte del edificio existente como la revitalización a nivel de barrio. Este trabajo se centra particularmente en la intervención de carácter estructural que ha sido necesaria para garantizar los requisitos mínimos necesarios en los nuevos espacios, con independencia del alcance de la totalidad de la obra.
Non-Invasive Detection of Hidden Corrosion in Aluminum Sheets
Authors: Elizalde Joan Stephanie G. , Chiou Yun-Shang
Published: December 2023

Non-invasive detection of hidden defects using infrared thermography (IRT) mainly focuses on defects involving material loss. Of equal importance is the detection of hidden defects resulting from corrosion. This study proposes an improved method of detecting hidden defects caused by corrosion through active IRT. Aluminum sheets with or without hidden corrosion were identified using two simple analysis approaches, (1) observing differences in their mean surface temperature and visual thermal contrast and (2) comparing the temperature probability distribution of identified surfaces at a given reference temperature. The developed method only requires heating the region of interest to <66 °C with a portable heat source and monitoring the surface temperature distribution using IRT. This method may aid in building surveys and post-monitoring of metallic building envelopes, especially indoors or when environmental conditions cannot provide the needed thermal contrast for detecting hidden corrosion.
European anesthesiologists’ experiences with gender-based mistreatment in the workplace: a secondary multilevel regression analysis
Authors: Berger-Estilita Joana , Fritsche Luana , El-Boghdadly Kariem , Dias Claudia Camila , Zdravkovic Marko
Published: December 2023

Background: Workplace gender-based mistreatment (GBM) refers to negative or harmful behaviors directed towards employees. In healthcare settings, this can lead to job dissatisfaction and underperformance and potentially compromise patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine workplace GBM among European anesthesiologists and produce the first European Gender-based Mistreatment Rank in Anesthesiology.Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis from a worldwide cross-sectional survey database consisting of a 46-item questionnaire exploring, among other outcomes, gender bias attributable to workplace attitudes. The survey completion rate was 80.8%. All respondents were selected from European countries. Associations between mistreatment and the remaining variables were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A generalized linear mixed model was then used to quantify the impact of mistreatment in each European country. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: This study included 5,795 respondents from 43 European countries. The independent predictors of GBM were as follows: female gender, younger age, perceiving gender as a disadvantage for leadership, and perceiving gender as a disadvantage for research. The full model was statistically significant, indicating an ability to distinguish between those who experienced GBM and those who did not (P < 0.001). Thus, 26 European countries were ranked based on the prevalence of mistreatment, with Italy showing the best performance (lowest prevalence).Conclusions: The aim of our study was to provide preliminary insight into GBM in anesthesiology in Europe, function as a key benchmark for gender equity, and chart the evolution of disparities over time.
Development of a standardized assessment scale for assessing Prakriti (psychosomatic constitution)
Authors: Singh Renu , Sharma Lalita , Ota Sarada , Gupta Bharti , Singhal Richa , Rana Rakesh , Thrigulla Saketh Ram , Lavaniya Vinod Kumar , Makhija Deepa , Sharma Sakshi , Godatwar Pawan Kumar , Bhojani Meera K. , Nair Santhosh S. R. , Mali Vaishali , Baghel Arjun Singh , Mishra Shalinee Kumari , Sharma Bhuvnesh , Monika  , Das Banamali , Meher Sudhanshu Kumar , Gundeti Manohar S. , Marlewar Sneha , Prasad Avvaru Jaivenkata Sai , Dhoke Sujata , Ravte Rohit Kumar , Sahu Dipsundar , Harti Shivakumar S. , Vyas Mahesh , Srikanth Narayanam , Kumar Adarsh , Dhiman Kartar Singh
Published: December 2023

Background:

Personalized approach in prescribing health advocacies and treatment of diseases based on Prakriti vis-a-vis human constitution is unique to Ayurveda. Standardization in the assessment of Prakriti is the need of the hour. The methodology for designing the Prakriti assessment scale (PAS) from Ayurveda classics has been published. The present manuscript describes the development of a standardized PAS encompassing its validation and reliability testing.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an assessment scale to assess Ayurvedic Prakriti in accordance with the standardized methodology of questionnaire development.

Material and methods:

The study was conducted on a designed PAS for its validation in terms of face, content, construct, and criterion validity. The reliability testing of the validated PAS has been evaluated through intra-rater and inter-rater reliability testing estimated using the Kappa statistic.

Results:

The standardized PAS consisting of 91 predictors grouped into 30 domains in four traits (physical, physiological, psychological, and behavioral) has been developed. The standard operative procedures (SoP) for the Prakriti assessment have been documented in the form of a manual (copyright L-76725/2018). The user-friendly AYUR Prakriti web portal to administer the scale has also been developed (http://ccras.res.in/ccras_pas/).

Conclusion:

In an era of personalized medicine, standardization of the assessment of Prakriti through the PAS may facilitate a paradigm shift in the practice of Ayurveda.
Evaluation of AYUSH PE Eye drops in the management of acute allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: Balakrishnan Praveen , Srivastava Alok , Bhavya B. M. , Jadhav Nandini , Goel Sumeet , Khanduri Shruti , Namdev Kamble Pallavi , Dua Mridula , Ratheesh P. , Sumedhan Varsha , Sinimol T. P. , Naik Raghavendra , Singhal Richa , Rana Rakesh , Singh Arjun , Rao B. C. S. , Srikanth Narayanam , Dhiman Kartar Singh
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Ocular allergy is one of the most common prevalent clinical conditions in the world with a rapid increase in the past few years. It has a multifactorial etiology and is a conjunctival inflammatory response due to immunoglobulin E-mediated mast cell activation. The disease is characterized by itching, redness, burning sensation, and watering of eyes which go off and on. Abhishyanda, a disease having similar characteristics, is described in Ayurveda, for which extensive treatment modalities are available in the classical texts. Hence, a safe, and cost-effective potent Ayurveda drug, AYUSH PE Eye drops was developed after undergoing all quality assurance tests.

Materials and methods:

A multicenter open-labeled single-group prospective study was conducted at four research institutes of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH, from May 2019 to December 2019. A total of 221 participants who had signs and symptoms of acute manifestation of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) were enrolled based on purposive sampling at four study sites. The participants were evaluated based on the signs and symptoms of AC using the visual analog scale score (0–100). Two drops of the drug AYUSH PE Eye drops were instilled to the affected eyes six times a day and the patients were reviewed after 1 week. The medicine was then stopped and a second follow-up was done again after 1 more week.

Results:

A total of 217 participants were analyzed for the outcomes. Statistically significant changes were observed in all the assessment parameters, namely itching, redness of eyes, watery discharge, lid swelling, foreign body sensation, liking for warm touches, heaviness in eyes, feeling of stickiness in eyes, the appearance of allergic hue in eyes, feeling of excessive cold in eyes, and slimy secretions from eyes at 7th day (P < 0.001) and at 14th day (P < 0.001) as compared to baseline.

Conclusion:

AYUSH PE Eye drops are safe and effective in the management of acute AC.
Is there a role of cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC in recurrent ovarian granulosa cell tumors? An Indian cancer center experience with review of literature
Authors: Ray Mukurdipi , Jayraj Aarthi S. , Dhall Kunal , Pandey Rambha , Deo Suryanarayana V. S.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary represent the most common sex-cord stromal tumors. Though characterized by an indolent course and a good five-year survival rate, they tend to have late recurrences and subsequent poorer survival. The role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in women with recurrent granulosa cell tumors with peritoneal dissemination has not been well defined.

Methods:

All patients with adult or juvenile type granulosa cell tumors who underwent cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC with 70 mg/m2 of cisplatin for 60 minutes over a period of four years were retrospectively evaluated. We also performed a review of the literature on similar cases reported.

Results:

We identified eight patients with recurrent adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The mean operative duration was 340 minutes, inclusive of the duration of HIPEC. Fifty percent of patients suffered from postoperative morbidity. Grade 4 morbidity was observed in one patient. At a median follow-up of 35 months, four patients experienced disease recurrence. The median disease-free survival was 10 months (range: 6–31 months) and the median overall survival was 11.5 months (range: 7–40 months).

Conclusion:

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC provides a unique opportunity for treating peritoneal dissemination in patients with recurrent ovarian AGCTs. This procedure is well tolerated with acceptable morbidity. Prospective studies are warranted to further elucidate the efficacy of this novel therapeutic approach in recurrent ovarian granulosa cell tumors.
External validation of the PATHFx decision-support tool on Turkish patients with skeletal metastasis
Authors: Ozkan Korhan , Ozturan Burak , Karadag Zilan , Erol Bulent , Alpan Bugra , Ozger Harzem , Gurkan Volkan , Sofulu Omer , Yalcinkaya Merter , Okay Erhan , Forsberg Jonathan A.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Accurate determination of life expectancy becomes very important when determining the treatment of patients with pathologic fractures. We aimed to investigate the predictive role of the PATHFx model in Turkish patients by estimating the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) and externally validating the results of PATHFx on the Turkish population.

Methods:

The data of 122 patients who presented to one of four orthopaedic oncology referral centres in Istanbul (2010–2017) and underwent surgical management of pathologic fractures were retrospectively collected. Patients were evaluated according to age, sex, type of pathologic fracture, presence of organ metastasis, presence of lymph node metastasis, haemoglobin concentration at presentation, primary oncologic diagnosis, number of bone metastases, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status. Estimations of the PATHFx program by months were statistically evaluated using ROC analysis.

Results:

In our study population (122 patients), all survived the first month, 102 survived the third month, 89 were alive at 6 months, and 58 patients survived at 12 months. At 18 and 24 months, 39 and 27 patients were alive, respectively. The AUC value was 0.677 at 3 months, 0.695 at 6 months, 0.69 at 12 months, 0.674 at 18 months, and 0.693 at 24 months. The 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month survival rates were statistically significant (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). ECOG performance status was 0–2 points in 33 patients (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) data set: 93 cases, our data set: 33 cases). ECOG performance status was 3–4 points in 89 patients (MSKCC data set: 96 cases, our data set: 89 cases).

Conclusions:

The objective data used by PATHFx for prediction provided statistically accurate estimates on Turkish patients, who are presumed to have mixed genomes through history from both Europe and Asia, and demonstrates its applicability to the Turkish population.
Symbiosis of Conventional Modality and Digital Imaging Technique for Rehabilitating an Ocular Defect
Authors: Sharma Riddhi , Oberoi Naveen , Salonia Aparna , Singh Ravpreet
Published: December 2023

Anophthalmia leads to both physical and social disability which affects the quality and day-to-day functioning of an individual. This article tends to describe the rehabilitation of unilateral anophthalmia by a custom-made eye prosthesis. Stock-made eye prosthesis once served as a boon to prosthodontists, but with the recent advances in the field of technology, custom-made eye prosthesis is preferred more as they cater the demand of the patient in a more socially acceptable manner. Iris positioning has been a major challenge to the prosthodontists since beginning, but with the advent of modern-day technology, things have been made easier and repeatable with commendable accuracy. This article describes a symbiosis of both conventional and digital imaging modality in rehabilitating the left ocular area just by superimposition and comparison of soft- and hard-tissue landmarks manually and digitally.
A Study to Assess Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Practitioners
Authors: Maniar Dirgham , Joshi Parinika , Tank Bansri , Kothari Vidhi S.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental practitioners. The study seeks to understand the occurrence and severity of MSDs in different anatomical regions, identify associated risk factors, and propose preventive measures through ergonomic interventions.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional research design was employed, and a total of 500 dental practitioners from various institutions were recruited as the study sample. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of sections on demographic information, work-related factors, and musculoskeletal symptoms. The presence and intensity of MSD symptoms in the neck, back, shoulders, and hands were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A subset of 50 participants underwent an objective musculoskeletal assessment to validate self-reported symptoms.

Results:

The study sample included a diverse representation of dental practitioners, with an average age of 39.5 years and an average of 12.8 years of experience in dental practice. The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was found to be highest in the neck region (62%), followed by the shoulders (57%), back (45%), and hands (42%). The severity of pain was rated using the VAS, revealing the discomfort experienced by dental practitioners in specific anatomical regions.

Discussion:

The study highlights the significant prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among dental practitioners, with the neck being the most commonly affected area. The findings underscore the importance of addressing ergonomic issues and implementing preventive measures to promote the musculoskeletal health and well-being of dental practitioners. Further research is needed to explore the association between work-related factors and MSDs among dental professionals to devise targeted interventions.

Conclusions:

This study emphasizes the need to assess and address MSDs among dental practitioners to enhance their occupational health and overall well-being. Implementing ergonomic interventions and promoting preventive measures are vital in reducing the burden of MSDs in the dental profession.
Role of Micronutrients in the Management of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Panchawagh Suhrud J. , Kumar Pratyush , Srikumar Shabarini , Sarkar Manali , Ashok Tejaswini , Gupta Sejal , Shaikh Hareem , Soumya K. Sri , Poorvikha S. , Abhishek Kumar , Agrawal Poonam , Kaushal G. P. , Shah Urmil , Shukla Rushikesh , Martínez Daniel , Prajapati Khushi , Agarwal Aman , Singh Kunika , Sharma Shubhangi
Published: December 2023

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by increased developmental, educational, and social demands. Recent evidence suggests that up to 40%–50% of symptom variability may be determined by environmental factors including nutritional deficiency of folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D. Studies exist which advocate the use of micronutrient therapy to improve brain function. However, there is no consensus on their use in ASD and opinions remain divisive. This study aims to identify the role of micronutrients in ASD. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from the period of January 2010 to January 2022. We excluded animal studies, cross-sectional studies, and less 10 participants in a study. An initial literature search yielded a total of 666 studies, out of which 26 studies were included in the systematic review with a pooled sample of 12086 patients. Twelve studies showed an improvement in the symptoms of ASD patients when they were treated with micronutrients and seven studies found an association between micronutrient levels and ASD symptoms. The results of the meta-analysis in seven studies show that micronutrient therapy has a beneficial effect in reducing the severity of ASD, albeit being statistically insignificant (log odds ratio = −1.03, 95% confidence interval: −2.11–0.05). Our study suggests that in spite of low quality of evidence and randomized data, universal micronutrient supplementation may be started in children diagnosed with ASD due to the potential of reducing the severity of ASD along with a low risk of side effects.
Impact of Aromatase Enzyme and its Altered Regulation on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Key Factor in Pathogenesis of PCOS
Authors: Narayana S. , Ananad Chandrika , Kumari N. Suchetha , Sonkusere Sipra , Babu S. V. Suresh
Published: December 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is found to be a common endocrinopathy in a woman’s reproductive life. It is importantly characterized by hyperandrogenism. The enzyme aromatase prevents the accumulation of androgen by converting it into estrogens during the process of steroidogenesis. Down-regulation of this enzyme causes elevated levels of testosterone which leads to PCOS. This review is aims to explore the various factors and pathogenic pathways that influence the regulation of aromatase and steroidogenesis. The articles were selected from PUBMED, Google Scholar, Cross ref, and Research Gate. The results of the selected articles were analyzed and presented systematically. Polymorphism in the CYP19A1 gene specifically rs2414096 was found to be strongly associated with PCOS while other polymorphisms showed variable results. Micro RNAs such as miRNA1294 and lncRNAs exhibited an inhibitory role on CYP19A1 along with down-regulation of aromatase. In addition to this, the altered ratio between Inositol epimers and pathogenic activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway caused the down-regulation of aromatase and accumulation of testosterone. It was also observed that there was a direct effect of environmental toxins on endocrine balance which affected steroidogenesis that led to PCOS. In conclusion, Aromatase played a key role in steroidogenesis and it is the hotspot of research to investigate the pathophysiology of PCOS. Genetic polymorphism, microRNAs, pathogenic metabolism, and pollutants were significantly influenced the enzyme.
Early Diagnosis and Development of Referral System for Silicosis among Sandstone Miners in Western India
Authors: Dhikav Vikas , Kumar Pankaj , Garg Rajender
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Silicosis is the most common and oldest occupational lung disease. The disease has been an ancient one and has been recognized in India for the past around 100 years. However, despite its ubiquitous presence among various mine and quarry workers, there is no uniformly available referral system in India in general for workers having occupational dust exposure and respiratory symptoms. The current study involved the clinical assessment of those working in mines and quarries in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India and explore the possibility of development of a referral system for symptomatic mine workers.

Materials and Methods:

Workers working in mines and quarries in Jodhpur district were clinically screened for symptoms related to silicosis after choosing the quarries randomly. Demographic information and detailed occupational history were recorded using a predesigned questionnaire. Duration of exposure and morbidity/mortality details related to silicosis in the family were noted in detail. Respiratory symptom score was evaluated using a numeric score. The study was a cross-sectional one, and a 12-point respiratory symptom score based on predesigned questionnaire was constructed using the literature survey of silicosis symptoms.

Results:

A total of 435 mine/quarries workers (M: F = 432:3) working in sandstone belt of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India were assessed clinically, and details of their symptoms were noted. Demographic information was as followed mean age = 36.44 ± 11.23 years and mean duration of dust exposure = 13.4 ± 9.6 years. A total of 96/435 workers were symptomatic (22%), and salient hypoxia was present in 113/435 (26%). Both groups of these workers were referred to nearby community health centers for further evaluation. Awareness levels among the workers were poor, as only 119/435 (27%) workers had some ideas about the silicosis prevention while working in mines and quarries. Regular wearing of masks while being on the field was observed in only 8% (35/435). Mine Worker Screening Camp approach was used for symptomatic workers and evaluation by a three-member clinical board was done in community health center in the vicinity of mining areas. Those suspected of having silicosis were referred to pneumoconiosis board for further evaluation.

Conclusions:

High frequency of symptomatic mine workers (22%) exposed chronically to occupational dust was found in sandstone mines and quarries of Jodhpur region. Awareness levels about silicosis prevention were poor. A referral system for those needing further evaluation has been demonstrated.
Physical Activity Level of Ambulatory Stroke Patients and its Correlation with their Functional Abilities
Authors: Soni Mansi , Muruganantham Balaganapathy
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Stroke management guidelines include physical activity recommendations as physical activity has proven benefits for stroke prevention and management. Studies from the various parts of the world have reported stroke survivors do not reach the recommended level of physical activity. Personal and environmental factors might be contributing to the same. A person’s ability is a prerequisite for being active. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the physical activity levels of stroke survivors and find how functional abilities correlate with physical activity.

Aim:

This study aims to measure objectively measured physical activity of stroke survivors and evaluate its correlation with functional abilities.

Methodology:

The study included 108 ambulatory stroke patients. Functional abilities were measured for independence in daily living, gait speed, and endurance by the Barthel Index, 10-m walk test, and 6-min walk test, respectively. Physical activity of all the participants was measured by accelerometer ActiGraph wGT3X-BT.

Results:

The study participants were found to spend higher time in sedentary or light activities. They spent 45.3% ± 5.432% of their day sedentary and 42.72% ± 5.494% of the time in light activities. The study participants took 7795.6 ± 2669.9 steps and spent 200.27 ± 68.60 kcal in a day. Physical activity parameters step counts and energy expenditure in metabolic equivalent rate and kcal/day show a statistically significant correlation with functional ability parameters except for energy expenditure in kcal for the day and independence in activities of daily living.

Conclusion:

As reported with other studies, our study participants also report low physical activity as compared to the recommendation. Functional ability parameters gait speed and gait endurance show moderate correlation and independence in activities of daily living shows low or no correlation with physical activity parameters. There is a strong need to increase physical activity among stroke participants.
Treatment Response of Patients with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure on Noninvasive Ventilation
Authors: Sontakke Anil Krishnarao , Kolte Sagar Pralhad , Satkar Pravin Parmeshwar , Ali Saood Nisar , Girdhar Nidhi Rajendra
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

When arterial oxygen pressure is < 60 mmHg and arterial carbon dioxide pressure is normal or low, hypoxemic respiratory failure (type I) occurs. Acute respiratory failure patients who get noninvasive ventilation (NIV) had a much lower risk of morbidity and fatality.

Materials and Methods:

On 55 subjects of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) with NIV support, an observational study was performed at tertiary care hospital. All the cases were assessed clinically along with evaluation of arterial blood gas, ROX index, and chest X-ray. Patient was re-accessed clinically at the end of 24 h.

Results:

Failure of NIV, i.e. requirement of invasive ventilation, was observed among 12.7% of cases with AHRF. On multivariate regression analysis, we observed that low pH (odds ratio [OR] – 2.76; 1.15–3.38; P = 0.04) and ROX index (OR – 9.99; 1.14–73.4; P = 0.02) were observed to be vital sign of NIV failure in cases with AHRF.

Conclusion:

This study noted that NIV responded good in over 85% of AHRF cases, hence NIV is a reliable method for such patients despite their underlying cause.
Mast Cell Metabolism: A Viable Therapeutic Target against Intraoral Neurofibroma
Authors: Yadav Shefali , Shetty Devi Charan , Gulati Nikita , Jain Anshi
Published: December 2023

Neurofibroma being benign in its behavior remains silent in existence and hence can be mistaken for various reactive lesions of the oral cavity such as fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, or peripheral ossifying fibroma. Although it is a well-established fact that mast cells play the utmost significance in the tumorigenesis of such tumors, little is known about their importance in treatment modalities. Hence, we intend to present a case of intraoral neurofibroma emphasizing the significance of mast cells in therapeutic intervention of neurofibromas (NFs) as such tumors can be accompanied by syndromes and hence necessitates the thorough clinical as well as microscopical analysis as well as an adequate therapeutic approach. Our case revealed the presence of mast cells in the stroma which was further confirmed with toluidine blue staining. Infiltration of mast cells is frequently seen in NF; however, its presence is uncommon in other neoplasms. This distinctive feature can be taken as a target of interest in neurofibroma research. Current clinical treatment options for NF are limited to surgical removal and follow-up of the case. Hence, this warrants the need of better understanding of the role of mast cell-based targeted therapy for such cases. The strategies formulated against the tumors associated with neurofibroma cannot be only applied after the encounter with sporadic counterparts, specifically in terms of benign tumors linked to such disorders. The noteworthy significance of tumor microenvironment in tumorigenesis necessitates adequate clinical examination, followed by delineation of the differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach toward such cases.
Odontome – A Single-institutional Cross-sectional Study of 31 Years from Mumbai and Case Report with Modified Gallego’s Stain
Authors: Tamgadge Sandhya , Pereira Treville , Mehta Rishikesh , Wagle Asma , Tamgadge Avinash , Bhor Ketaki
Published: December 2023

Background:

Odontomas are the most prevalent type of benign odontogenic tumor. They are made up of several dental hard and soft tissues arranged in diverse patterns. They have slowed growth and normally do not have any symptoms to go along with it. They are not regarded as real neoplasms and are more commonly referred to as hamartomas. There have been very few retrospective studies published in the literature.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the clinical findings and histological aspects of 17 odontoma cases as a single-institutional investigation.

Materials and Methods:

It is a study that was conducted in the past. Data from 17 odontoma cases were collected, then separated, and statistically analyzed based on the number of instances reported, the kind of odontoma, the site of occurrence, age, sex, clinical and histological features, and so on. A brief case report is also provided.

Results:

Of the 17 cases of odontoma reported, 14 were complex odontoma and only 3 were compound odontoma. The age group of 20–29 years had the highest incidence. It was discovered more commonly in the lower jaw than in the maxilla.

Conclusion:

The study indicated a higher prevalence of complex odontomas than compound odontomas in males aged 20–29 years (third decade of life). Early detection and treatment are critical for avoiding disparities.
Is the vision really impaired? A case report of word blindness
Authors: Prasanth Sreelakshmi , Harikumaranpillai Sarath Kumar , Parameswaran Manoj , Krishnaiyer Mahadevan
Published: December 2023

Word blindness or pure alexia refers to a condition that occurs due to lesions of the dominant occipitotemporal lobe, which is also known as the visual word form area (VWFA). This happens most commonly due to infarction in the territory of the posterior cerebral artery. A 66-year-old right-handed female patient presented to us with alexia without agraphia accompanied by right homonymous hemianopia. On evaluation, she showed marked impairment in the ability to read with grossly normal vision. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain revealed an acute infarct of the left occipital lobe with occlusion of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Infarction of the occipital lobe on the dominant side (left) in a right-handed individual can disrupt the VWFA and clinically it is manifested as a disconnection syndrome with an inability to read with preserved writing skills (alexia without agraphia) and gross normal vision.
Fleeting diplopia and wobbly feet: Miller-Fisher syndrome-presenting as bilateral abducent nerve palsy
Authors: Namitha V.G , Neena R
Published: December 2023

A case report of a healthy young male, presented with binocular diplopia of sudden onset with mild bilateral abduction limitation, progressed rapidly to near total ophthalmoplegia. Rest of the ophthalmic examination, blood pressure, and magnetic resonance imaging of brain were normal. Basic blood work-up was normal except mildly raised serum triglycerides. He gave a history of mild giddiness and ataxia. Neurological evaluation done showed absent deep tendon reflexes and serum anti-GQ1b antibody was raised. A diagnosis of Miller-Fisher syndrome was made and he was given intravenous immunoglobulin. Post-treatment his ocular motility recovered well, with minimal residual diplopia noted for distance. In individuals with abducent nerve palsy, normal imaging, and no systemic risk factors, a careful history asking for subtle neurological symptoms and a complete central nervous system examination is warranted to rule out conditions like Miller-Fisher syndrome which may not be a familiar entity to many ophthalmologists.
Ocular complications in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency and its meticulous management
Authors: Stephen Mary , Kasturi Nirupama , Deb Amit Kumar , Jayasri P. , Kaliaperumal Subashini
Published: December 2023

A 13-year-old girl with a systemic diagnosis of homocystinuria (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency type) associated with intellectual disability, skeletal abnormalities (genu varum, kyphoscoliosis, and arachnodactyly), and pancytopenia presented with bilateral ectopia lentis with anterior lens dislocation and secondary glaucoma in the left eye. Following medical management of glaucoma, the child underwent pars plana lensectomy with sutureless scleral fixation of the intraocular lens under general anesthesia. On follow-up, the intraocular pressure was controlled. The patient has also been started on systemic medications as per the pediatrician's advice.
The efficacy and complication of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in diabetic macular edema – Novel use as a primary treatment modality
Authors: Chaudhary Shailender Kumar , Firoz Nabeel , Gupta Saloni , Anand Omprakash , Agrawal Sahil
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

This study investigates an intravitreal dexamethasone implant and its efficacy and complications in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective, interventional study involving 30 eyes of 20 patients with DME. Patients' eyes with DME which were pseudophakic with a visual acuity of 6/12 or less and a central macular thickness (CMT) of 300 microns or more on optical coherence tomography were included. Primary efficacy variables were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CMT, and intraocular pressure (IOP), noted at baseline. The patients were followed up and parameters noted at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following the implant into the vitreous cavity.

Results:

Eyes receiving the implant had a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in BCVA and gained a mean of 6.10 letters on the Snellen chart over the 3-month period. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in CMT in the eyes receiving the implant. The mean increase in IOP over the 3-month follow-up, although statistically significant, was well within the normal physiological range.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that intravitreal dexamethasone implant is an effective treatment for DME, and it has a statistically significant and clinically meaningful effect on BCVA and CMT.
Papilloedema in pregnancy—Mystery unveiled
Authors: Menon Divya , Puthussery Rajesh , Abdu Shafna P. , Paul Anu Mariya , Chemminikara Bineesh
Published: December 2023

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) due to hyperemesis gravidarum is an under-diagnosed but potentially disastrous condition. We report a case of a young lady with hyperemesis gravidarum who developed Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Incidence and severity of dry eye following phacoemulsification cataract surgery and its relation to intraoperative risk factors
Authors: Balakrishnan Daliya , Latha N. V. , Asha A. V. , Praveena K. K. , Aiswarya K. R.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

With recent advances in cataract and refractive surgeries, dry eye in the postoperative period has been implicated as the most important obstacle to patient's satisfaction despite an excellent visual recovery.

Aims and Objectives:

To study the incidence and severity of dry eye following phacoemulsification surgery and to analyze its relation to intraoperative risk factors.

Methods:

A prospective observational study in a convenient sample of patients without preoperative dry eye, posted for phacoemulsification cataract surgery at a tertiary teaching hospital from June 2019 to May 2020. Following phacoemulsification. Schirmer test 1, tear breakup time, tear meniscus height, lissamine green staining of cornea and conjunctiva and dry eye symptoms by Ocular Surface Disease Index were examined preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results:

Incidence of dry eye following phacoemulsification cataract surgery among 50 patients was found to be 38% at 7th postoperative day, it decreased to 8% at 1 month postoperatively and no dry was detected at postoperative 2 months. There was a significant deterioration of all dry eye test values following phacoemulsification surgery along with an increase in subjective symptoms. These values started improving after 1 month postoperatively. Postoperative dry eye incidence was significantly associated with intraoperative risk factors, effective phacoemulsification time, and Microscopic light exposure time.

Conclusion:

There is a transient deterioration of “dry eye” status postphacoemulsification. The patient must be informed about the possible development of dry eye disease and surgeon should allow minimum light exposure, ultrasound energy, and saline irrigation during surgery.
Development of a secondary reference material for application in carbon-14 specific activity determination by thermal oxidation and liquid scintillation counting method
Authors: Krishnan K. Arya , Bharath S. , Sharma Rajveer , Kumar Pankaj , Chopra Sundeep , Reshmi T. R. , Sudheesh M. , Karunakara N.
Published: December 2023

Carbon-14 (14C) is a pure beta-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of 5730 ± 30 y. Considering the long half-life and its biological importance, significant attention is given to monitoring 14C in the vicinity of nuclear facilities. The 14C measurement technique employed by the majority of environmental monitoring laboratories for impact assessments in the vicinity of nuclear facilities is based on the thermal oxidization of the samples and the determination of activity by liquid scintillation counting. One of the difficulties faced by these laboratories is the nonavailability of a suitable matrix-matching reference material which is truly representative of the type of sample being analyzed. In this study, an effort has been made to develop a reference material that is representative and has a similar thermal oxidation/combustion property as that of a typical terrestrial plant biota observed in the vicinity of the nuclear power plants of India for quality assurance programs. A prebomb era wood (~150 years old) was identified as a potential secondary reference material. The stable carbon ratio (d13C) of the sample was determined by isotopic ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), and the mean value was −26.33 ± 0.47 ‰. The 14C specific activity of the sample was determined by accelerator mass spectrometry and a mean value of 221.6 ± 0.6 Bq kg−1 C was assigned as the reference value to the prebomb wood. In addition, measurements were performed by thermal oxidation in a tube furnace and by analysis of the 14C activity in a liquid scintillation counter.