bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hand preferences in coordinated bimanual tasks in non-human primates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Soto Cristina , Martínez-Gázquez José Miguel , Llorente Miquel
Published: April 2022

The evolutionary significance of hand preferences among non-human primates and humans has been studied for decades with the aim of determining the origins of the population-level tendency. In this study, a meta-analysis was conducted to statistically integrate data on hand preferences in non-human primates performing the tube task and other bimanual tasks to determine the presence and direction of manual laterality. Significant individual-level lateralization was obtained for these bimanual tasks. In non-human primates, 81% of the animals analysed showed right or left-hand preference performing the tube task, this figure being 88% for other bimanual tasks. No asymmetry was found at the population level, unlike in humans. Additionally, no preference in direction was found in either of the tasks, although a strong manual preference was found performing the tube task and other bimanual tasks. Species was studied as a variable moderator throughout the meta-analysis. These results emphasize the importance of standardized testing methodologies across species and institutions to obtain comparable data and fill the gaps in the taxonomy.
A Critical Review of Front-loading: A Maladaptive Drinking Pattern Driven by Alcohol's Rewarding Effects
Authors: Ardinger Cherish , Lapish Christopher C. , Czachowski Cristine L. , Grahame Nicholas J.
Published: April 2022

This paper is now published open-access at Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acer.14924. Front-loading is a drinking pattern where intake is skewed toward the onset of reward access. This phenomenon has been reported across several different alcohol self-administration protocols using a wide variety of species, including humans. The hypothesis of the current review is that front-loading emerges in response to the rewarding effects of alcohol and can be used as a measure of motivation to consume alcohol. Alternative or additional hypotheses for what front-loading may represent are considered and contrasted with the main hypothesis that: 1) front-loading is directed at overcoming chronic and/or metabolic tolerance and 2) front-loading is driven by negative reinforcement. Evidence for each of these explanations is reviewed. We also consider how front-loading has been evaluated statistically in previous research and make recommendations for defining this intake pattern in future studies. Because front-loading may predict long-term maladaptive alcohol drinking patterns leading to the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD), several future directions are proposed to elucidate the relationship between front-loading and AUD.
Active causal structure learning in continuous time
Authors: Gong Tianwei , Gerstenberg Tobias , Mayrhofer Ralf , Bramley Neil R
Published: April 2022

Research on causal cognition has largely focused on learning and reasoning about contingency data aggregated across discrete observations or experiments. However, this setting represents only the tip of the causal cognition iceberg. A more general problem lurking beneath is that of learning the latent causal structure that connects events and actions as they unfold in continuous time. In this paper, we examine how people actively learn about causal structure in a continuous-time setting, focusing on when and where they intervene and how this shapes their learning. Across two experiments, we find that participants’ accuracy depends on both the informativeness and evidential complexity of the data they generate. Moreover, participants’ intervention choices strike a balance between maximizing expected information and minimizing inferential complexity. People time and target their interventions to create simple yet informative causal dynamics. We discuss how the continuous-time setting challenges existing computational accounts of active causal learning, and argue that metacognitive awareness of one’s inferential limitations plays a critical role for successful learning in the wild.
The Influence of Familiarity on Memory for Faces and Mask Wearing
Authors: Kollenda Diana , de Haas Benjamin
Published: April 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic the wearing of face masks became mandatory in public areas or at workplaces in many countries. While offering protection, the coverage of large parts of our face (nose, mouth and chin) may have consequences for face recognition. This seems especially important in the context of contact tracing which can require memory of familiar and unfamiliar contacts and whether they were wearing a mask. In this study, we tested how well participants perform at remembering faces and whether they wore a mask, and if this depends on familiarity. Our results show that: a) Participants remembered familiar faces better than unfamiliar ones, regardless of mask wearing. b) Participants remembered unmasked faces better than masked faces, regardless of familiarity. c) Participants were significantly worse at remembering whether an unfamiliar face was wearing a mask or not – even if they indicated remembering the face. d) Participants showed a bias to indicate no memory of unfamiliar faces. e) Participants showed a bias to indicate that unfamiliar faces wore a mask, even if they did not. In sum, it was harder to remember both, the identity of unfamiliar faces and whether they wore a mask. These findings have practical relevance for contact tracing and epidemic control.
Evaluation of in vitro lipid-lowering properties of ‘Saba’ banana [Musa acuminata x balbisiana (BBB group) ‘Saba’] peel pectin from different extraction methods
Authors:   Department of Food Science, College of Human Ecology, Central Mindanao University, Bukidnon, Philippines, Estribillo Abbie Glenn M ,   Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Gaban Prince Joseph V ,   Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Rivadeneira Joel P ,   Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Villanueva Jeric C ,   Philippine Genome Center Program for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Torio Mary Ann O ,   Institute of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Castillo-Israel Katherine Ann T ,   Department of Food Science, College of Human Ecology, Central Mindanao University, Bukidnon, Philippines,   Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños
Published: April 2022

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate the in-vitro lipid-lowering properties of ‘Saba’ banana peel pectin (SBP) extracted using three methods for its possible use as a dietary fibre ingredient. Methods: Pectin from ‘Saba’ banana peels were extracted using acid extraction (citric acid), enzymatic extraction (cellulase), and microwave-assisted extraction. In-vitro lipid-lowering assays were performed using spectrophotometry for pancreatic lipase inhibition and cholesterol binding, while liquid chromatography was used for bile acid-binding capacity. Results: Results revealed that all SBPs were not able to inhibit pancreatic lipase activity. However, all SBPs can notably bind to cholesterol and bile acids, taurocholate, and glycocholate. Acid-extracted pectin had the highest binding capacity to cholesterol (51.36%–55.07%) and glycocholate (27.37%), whereas all SBPs were similarly bound to taurocholate. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that acidextracted SBPs can significantly bind to cholesterol and bile acids, glycocholate and taurocholate, thereby indicating a possible reduction in lipid metabolism.
An observational study of haemophilia patients attending a tertiary care centre in West Bengal
Authors: Khuntdar Bidyut Kumar , Patra Kajal Kumar , Sau Manabendra , Madhwani Kishore P
Published: April 2022

Background: Haemophilia is the most common inherited coagulation disorders transmitted by X-linked recessive fashion affecting the males and females are the carriers of the disease. Haemophilia is distributed worldwide and has heterogeneous presentation depending on its severity starting from neonatal period. Knowledge of spectrum of the presentation of haemophilia helps in early diagnosis and planning of management.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the socio-demographic profile of the patients, clinical presentations, epidemiological profiles, and the outcomes of the hemophilic patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital in West Bengal.
Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective, observational, single center study conducted in the Pediatrics haemophilia treatment center at Midnapore Medical College, Paschim Medinipore from May 2020 to April 2021. Detailed history was taken and recorded in a predesigned pro forma Case Record Form. Analyses were done only after completion of CRF of the last patient. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Continuous variables were compared by Paired t-test. Dichotomous events were analyzed using the Fisher’s exact test and Chi-squared Test. Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05.
Results: Mean age of children was 93.64 months (SD 6.38). All children of haemophilia were male. This study noted that majority of patients of haemophilia were staying at rural area (67.19%) and rest at urban area (32.81%). BMI of majority children was within normal limit (51.56%), followed by underweight children (32.81%), overweight children (12.50%), and obese child (3.13%). Factor assay showed that 51 children (79.69%) had severe factor deficiency and 13 children (20.31%) had moderate factor deficiency. Positive family history was seen in 41 children (64.06%), and rest 23 children (35.94%) had no family history of haemophilia or any other bleeding disorder. Majority of patients (26 patients) came with their first bleed during infancy (40.63%), 21 children presented between the age of >12 months to ≤24 months (32.81%). Bruises were the most common presentation (37.50%), followed by joint bleeding (31.25%), muscle bleed (10.94%), and gum bleeding (7.81%).
Conclusion: Facility of counseling for children of hemophilia is required at regular interval (trimester wise/semester wise) with the aim to enhance the knowledge of personal care, treatment, and to boost up themselves for their academics, activities, etc.
Lichen planus and it’s association with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Adhikari Sabina , Anupama Karki
Published: April 2022

Background: Lichen planus(LP) is a unique common inflammatory disorder that is clinically characterized by violaceous pruritic flat polygonal papules or plaques. Recently, an association between LP and diabetes mellitus has been viewed with greater interest.Several studies done in assessing the association between these show conflicting results.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to find an association between LP and diabetes mellitus.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Dermatology, Bir Hospital. Any patient presenting at dermatology OPD above 16 years of age with LP were taken as cases. Age- and gender-matched patients with skin disease other than LP were taken as controls. The test was done by collecting 2ml of blood and serum HbA1c level was assessed allowing the blood to stand in a cuvette for 5 min inside the Erba Mannheim XL-300 analyzer to interact with DS5 reagent. The result was interpreted as per the calibration in the printed chromatogram.
Results: Male preponderance with a male: female ratio of 1.08:1 was found in this study. The mean age of onset of LP was earlier in male 40.11 years than in female 44.66 years.Likewise, hypertrophic(30%) followed by eruptive(27.5%) wasthe most common variants of LP found in this study. Diabetes was more common in males(75%) with LP than in females(25%) with LP. Patients having longer duration of LP were more commonly associated with diabetes mellitus. Among clinical variants of LP, diabetes was associated more with eruptive variant followed by classic and hypertrophic variants. The prevalence of diabetes was higher in case(16%) than in control(4%),P=0.046.
Conclusion: This study showed an association of LP with diabetes mellitus, the association being statistically significant(P=0.046). It, therefore, is desirable to do HbA1c level screening in patients with LP for timely detection of diabetes mellitus.
Comparative microbial analysis and assessment of paired umbilical cord blood culture and peripheral venous blood culture in neonates with high risk factors to detect early onset neonatal sepsis: A study from tertiary care hospital of central India
Authors: Shukla Gagandeep , Arya Sunil , Goyal Prachi , Channa Urvashi
Published: April 2022

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a prime cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Peripheral venous blood (PVB) culture is a gold standard for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Low sensitivity of blood culture in newborn is due to small volume of blood sample and antibiotics given before sampling.
Aims and Objectives: The study aims to compare and analyze the microbial spectrum in the Umbilical cord blood (UCB) culture with PVB culture and evaluation of both for detection of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in high risk neonates and to use appropriate microorganism specific antibiotic for treating the sepsis.
Materials and Methods: About 100 inborn neonates with two or more risk factors for EONS, chosen by sequential sampling method were included in this prospective analytical study. Blood samples were collected from umbilical cord and peripheral vein for culture. Sepsis screen was done to substantiate the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Results: Out of 100 neonates, 21 belongs to sepsis; 14 to probable sepsis; 65 to no sepsis. Among these 27 had UCB culture & 24 had PVB culture +ve. Organisms grown on culture were Klebsiella(m/c isolate), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter, Coagulase-ve Staphylococcus (blood culture contaminant), Pseudomonas and Enterococcus.
Conclusion: UCB culture is simple and convenient method for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis as compared to PVB culture with Sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 93%. Organisms grown are comparable to PVB culture sample (Klebsiella - most common isolate).
Quality of life and economic burden in patients with dermatophytosis in a tertiary level hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Karki Sushil , Pokharel DB , Parajuli S
Published: April 2022

Background: Dermatophytosis is the infection of keratinized tissue (skin, hair, and nail) caused by various species of dermatophytes. Cutaneous lesions and pruritus caused by dermatophytosis are associated with significant morbidity and impairment of quality of life (QoL).
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess impairment in quality of life and economic burden in patients with dermatophytosis in Tertiary Level Hospital of Kathmandu, Nepal.
Materials and Methods: The following is a hospital-based cross-sectional prospective study conducted in 150 tinea patients in the Department of Dermatology, Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital from July 2019 to June 2020. Patient aged 18 years and above was assessed with history and examination and then asked to fill the printed validated DLQI questionnaire in Nepali to assess the impairment in quality of life. Average amount of money spent for over-the-counter medication before enrollment in the study was calculated and analyzed.
Results: Out of 150 tinea patients, 68.6% were males and 31.4% were females. The mean age of patient with tinea was 29.58+10.174 and most patients were students (36.6%). The most common diagnosis was tinea cruris (26%) and median duration of illness was 3.5 months. The median DLQI score was nine, indicating “moderate effect on patient’s life.” The median amount spent in the management before visiting our center was NRs. 1500.
Conclusion: The study showed that dermatophytic infections are associated with moderate impact in QoL and economic burden.
Efficacy and safety of isotretinoin in comparison to methotrexate in the patients suffering from moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Paul Suhrita , Das Abhijit , Ghosh Chitrita
Published: April 2022

Background: Psoriasis is a common dermatological disorder with both inflammatory and genetic etiology. In India, the incidence of psoriasis is on the verge of rise. Very less data is available on the efficacy of isotretinoin versus methotrexate in patients suffering from plaque psoriasis.
Aims and Objective: In this prospective cohort study, we aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of systemic isotretinoin with systemic methothotrexate in patients suffering from moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in a tertiary care medical college hospital in eastern India.
Materials and Methods: It was a prospective cohort study conducted in the dermatology and pharmacology department of Burdwan Medical College between December 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021, on 60 patients suffering from moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Patients receiving methotrexate and isotretinoin as systemic therapy of psoriasis from the dermatology outpatient department at the time of the study constituted the methotrexate and isotretinoin group, respectively. Each group had 30 patients. Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) score were utilized for evaluation of improvement in disease severity and quality of life, respectively. Different laboratory parameters and patients reported side effects were noted for evaluation of safety.
Results: Fifty-eight patients completed the study (28 patients from methotrexate group and 30 patients from isotretinoin group). Both drugs were effective in managing psoriasis. 100% patients in the methotrexate group and 89.28% patients in the isotretinoin group had reached the threshold for a minimal response (25% reduction from baseline PASI score after 12 weeks of treatment). The mean percentage reduction in PASI score was 70.23±6.78 and 52.78±7.34 in methotrexate and isotretinoin group respectively at the end of 12 weeks therapy. This difference was statistically significant. Methotrexate was more effective in improving quality of life. The mean percentage reduction in DLQI score were 60.02±5.04 and 28.49±4.84 in methotrexate and isotretinoin group respectively at the end of 12 weeks therapy. This difference was statistically significant. Isotretinoin group showed fewer patient-reported side effects and lower fluctuation of laboratory parameters.
Conclusions: Methotrexate is more efficacious than isotretinoin in disease remission and improving quality of life in patients suffering from mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Isotretinoin is safer than methotrexate.
Sublay and overlay mesh repair in paraumbilical hernias– which surgery you will prefer??
Authors: Surya Prakash  , Pushkar Chandra  , Vimal Mukesh
Published: April 2022

Background: Paraumbilical hernia accounts for 33.9% of anterior abdominal wall hernia. Mesh can be applied onlay; on the anterior fascia, inlay; in the hernia defect, sublay; to retro-rectus or preperitoneal space or underlay; in the intraperitoneal position.
Aims and Objectives: The objectives of the study are as follows:1) To compare the efficacy between sublay and onlay mesh repair for paraumbilical hernia. 2) To compare the safety between sublay and onlay mesh repair for paraumbilical hernia.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 120 patients (60 in each group) patients. The patients were randomly allocated in two groups by lottery method. Patients in Group-A were subjected to sublay mesh repair procedure and patients in Group-B were subjected to onlay mesh repair procedure for paraumbilical hernia repair. Postoperatively, every patient was kept under observations for 3–4 days in ward and observed for complications. Postoperatively, all patients were followed at 10 days, 3 months, and 6thmonth to confirm efficacy and safety of the procedure.
Results: The average age of Group-A was 39 years and 32 years in Group-B. In Group-A, 55% patients were female and 45% patients were male; whereas in Group-B, 60% patients were female and 40% patients were male. More over sublay mesh repair was effective in 82% patients on the bases of recurrence while this procedure was safe in 90% cases on the bases of complications whereas onlay mesh repair was effective in 90% patient’s cases on the bases of recurrence while this procedure was safe in 93% cases on the bases of complications.
Conclusion: Onlay mesh repair technique is more effective, quick, and safe as compared to sublay mesh repair technique for the treatment of paraumbilical hernia.
Comparison of intrathecal Nalbuphine and Clonidine as adjuvants to Bupivacaine heavy for spinal anesthesia in elective infraumbilical surgeries in adult patients – a prospective study
Authors: Girish BK , Manjula BP , Akshay HM , Shivakumar KG , Navakanth D , Nandi Vinayaka B
Published: April 2022

Background: Post-operative analgesia is a major problem associated with relatively short duration of action of spinal-anesthetics. Intrathecal adjuvants can prolong the duration of analgesia giving better success rate & patient satisfaction.
Aims and Objectives: To assess the duration of postoperative analgesia with intrathecal bupivacaine supplemented with either nalbuphine or clonidine as adjuvants and also to assess the time of onset, maximum level and duration of sensory and motor blockade, and any postoperative complications.
Materials and Methods: Following institutional ethical committee approval 60 patients scheduled for elective infra umbilical surgeries duration of less than 2 hours, under spinal anesthesia, were included in this prospective randomized interventional study. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups into Group-N received 2.5 ml of 0.5 % hyperbaric bupivacine + 0.5ml of nalbuphine (0.4mg). Group-C received 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacine + 0.5 ml of clonidine (30 μg). The onset of sensory and motor blockade, duration of sensory and motor blockade, two-segment regression time from highest level of sensory blockade, and duration of analgesia was recorded.
Results: Total duration of postoperative analgesia was significantly higher in group-C(351.00±31.00 min) than in group-N(256.00±8.14 min). Though the mean time for onset of sensory and motor block among both groups was not significantly different, the mean time for complete sensory and motor recovery was significantly longer in Group-C than Group-N.
Conclusion: Intrathecal clonidine has more prolonged analgesia and motor blockade compared to nalbuphine, and hence clonidine can be preferred over nalbuphine as an intrathecal adjuvant.
Association of HRCT severity score, pre-existing comorbidities, and ABO blood group with treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients admitted in a hospital of Western Nepal
Authors: Dipesh Karki  , Saksham K C  , Roshani Gurung  , Adhikari Sundar
Published: April 2022

Background: Although many studies have reported the association of different factors with the severity of coronavirus disease (COVID) patients, no concrete scientific conclusions have been reported till date.
Aim and Objective: This study aimed to conduct a prospective analysis on different factors associated with the severity and outcome of the COVID-19 patients.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in a 100-bedded hospital of West Nepal for 3 months, with the total number of hospitalized patients 78. Demographic data, pre-existing comorbidities, ABO blood group, high-resolution computed tomography (CT) severity score, and outcomes of the respondents were recorded and analyzed statistically using Chi-square, binomial regression test, and significance level was considered P<0.05 at 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Although the improvement rate was higher among males (84.0%) than females (75.0%), no significant association was observed between sex of the patient and treatment outcomes. Similarly, no significant association was observed in between age and ABO blood grouping of patients and treatment outcome. Furthermore, the chance of improvement is about 6 times higher (OR-6.214, 95% CI: 1.452–26.599; P=0.014) among patients with single comorbidity compared with patients with two or more comorbidities. Moreover, the chance of improvement is 8 times higher (OR-8, 95% CI: 2.034–31.461; P=0.001) in patients with CT severity score 1–15 compared with patients with CT severity score 16–25.
Conclusion: CT severity score and pre-existing comorbid conditions play an important role among the different associated factors with the severity and treatment outcomes of COVID-19 patients.
A retrospective analysis of COVID-19 positive patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital wards in Mizoram, India
Authors: Anusuya Ganesh Shanmugasundaram , Zuala Sang , C Vankhuma , Varte Zorinsangi , Pachuau Lalramenga
Published: April 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It primarily presents with respiratory symptoms and can result in damage to the digestive, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. The clinical profile of COVID-19 positive patients and factors associated with mortality has not been studied in patients admitted in wards in Mizoram.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the clinical profiles and outcome of the COVID-19 positive patients admitted in wards of Zoram Medical College, Mizoram.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive record based cross-sectional study was conducted in Zoram Medical College, Mizoram among 742 COVID-19 positive patients admitted between March 27, 2020, and April 19, 2021. Individuals with confirmed COVID-19 positive by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction test from nasopharyngeal swabs were included in the study. Patient’s information was collected from the hospital medical record consisting of demographic details, exposure history, comorbidities, etc. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 version. P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: The mean age was 40 years and 59.4% were males. Most of the patients (31.40%) had a history of travel and 52.4% were symptomatic. The common symptoms reported were fever (63.75%), cough (49.10%), sore throat (23.39%), and shortness of breath (18.77%). Among those with comorbidities nearly 66.9% had diabetes mellitus, hypertension (48.6%), chronic heart disease (14.2%), and chronic lung disease in (8.1%). The mortality was only 1.8%. In univariate logistic regression analysis, mortality was associated with increased age >60 years (46.15%) [odds ratio [OR]: 21.56; P=0.005], patients having fever (76.92%) [OR: 6.8; P=0.004], and comorbidities (76.92%) [OR: 21.56; P=0.005] as risk factors.
Conclusions: Mortality in COVID 19 positive patients admitted in Zoram Medical College, Mizoram was associated with increased age, comorbidities, and patients who were symptomatics.
Telemedicine as an unexpected catalyst during and beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kumar Mahendra , Rani Pushpa , Joshi Binal , Soni Roop Kishor , Kumari Anita , Rohilla Kusum K
Published: April 2022

Telemedicine that also known as the practice of medicine at a distance whereby information technology is used to ensure the delivery of medical care services. Telemedicine is not a new concept in the world and India.Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) started telemedicine in India during year 2001 as a pilot project and in year 2005 Ministry of Health and family welfare started full time program of telemedicine by connecting all major health institutions. Telemedicine is connecting people across border and culture. The need-based changes are coming in telemedicine sectors such as smart apps, involvement of private sector players and high intensity internet connections reaching to rural areas and difficult demographic locations. During Covid-19 pandemic telemedicine benefited people by supplying health information and consultation without breaching them without breeching physical contact restrictions.  The ease of access to telemedicine applications, its low cost, and the lack of infrastructure requirements propelled to become the top choice in these dayswhere physical distancingconsidered the aforementioned, thus we can conclude that telemedicine is promising tool.
COVID-19 vaccines and immunization in the paediatric population
Authors: Banerjee Indrajit , Robinson Jared , Sathian Brijesh
Published: April 2022

UNICEF data released thus far states that 0.4% of the deaths experienced due to COVID-19 (12300) have been recorded in those aged 20 years and below, with 58% of the deaths occurring between the ages of 10 to 19 years and 42% in those aged 0-9 years old respectively. The evidence supporting the use of immunization in the general populous stands true, however the use thereof in the paediatric population is not clear and thus the vital question which remains to be definitively answered and explored is that of vaccination in the younger paediatric age groups, namely those aged between 5 and 12 years. The deaths registered in this young populous are high and it is the duty of physicians to protect those whom are weakest through the use of the most scientifically accepted and proven methods.
The national immunization programme of Nepal has a stratagem which aims to vaccinate 1.74 million children aged 12 to 17 years of age with the Moderna vaccine and  plans to use the COVAX vaccine for those aged 18 years and above. The efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines is evident and their role is vital in combatting the mortality, morbidity and development of new mutations. The role of approved vaccines such as Pfizer and Moderna in the younger age groups namely 12 to 18 years of age and 5 to 12 years of age is vital and shows a categorical increase in immunity and protection. It is thus advised for the 5- to 18-year-old cohort to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations. The efficacy of such vaccines in those aged between 6 months and 5 years is still in question and further scientific data and research will need to be undertaken so as to establish the benefits of COVID-19 immunization in the younger paediatric populous.
New limits from lepton flavour violating processes on the Littlest Higgs model with T-parity
Authors: Pacheco Iván , Roig Pablo
Published: April 2022

We study lepton flavor violation (LFV) within the Littlest Higgs Model with T parity (LHT) realizing an inverse seesaw (ISS) mechanism of type I. In this scenario there appear new $\mathcal{O}$(TeV) Majorana neutrinos, driving LFV. We are analyzing the heavy Majorana neutrinos effects on LFV processes: $\ell \to \ell' \gamma$, $Z \to \bar{\ell}\ell'$, $L \to 3 \ell$ decays and $\mu \to e$ conversion in nuclei but we emphasize Type III decay channel of $L \to 3 \ell$ which are known as "wrong-sign": $\ell \rightarrow \ell' \ell'' \Bar{\ell}'''$ satisfying $\ell \neq \ell' = \ell'' \neq \ell'''$, since these processes vanish in the traditional LHT. First, we get values to $| \theta_{ej} \theta^{\dagger}_{\mu j}|$, $| \theta_{ej} \theta^{\dagger}_{\tau j}|$, and $| \theta_{\mu j} \theta^{\dagger}_{\tau j}|$ through $\ell \to \ell' \gamma$. With aid of these limits for mixing matrices, we can demonstrate that results for branching ratios of wrong sign processes yield within one order of magnitude below present bounds. We do not expect large correlations among the two wrong-sign decay modes. Also, we see that the mean values of heavy Majorana neutrino masses for all LFV processes are quasi-degenerate around 4 TeV.
Ramanujan summation and the Casimir effect
Authors: Bietenholz Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

Srinivasa Ramanujan was a great self-taught Indian mathematician, who died a century ago, at the age of only 32, one year after returning from England. Among his numerous achievements is the assignment of sensible, finite values to divergent series, which correspond to Riemann's $\zeta$-function with negative integer arguments. He hardly left any explanation about it, but following the few hints that he gave, we construct a direct justification for the best known example, based on analytic continuation. As a physical application of Ramanujan summation we discuss the Casimir effect, where this way of removing a divergent term corresponds to the renormalization of the vacuum energy density, in particular of the photon field. This leads to the prediction of the Casimir force between conducting plates, which has now been accurately confirmed by experiments. Finally we review the discussion about the meaning and interpretation of the Casimir effect. This takes us to the mystery surrounding the magnitude of Dark Energy.
Caracterización clínica y epidemiológica de niños epilépticos de difícil control
Authors: Pérez Rodríguez Annelis , Alonso Carballo Jimmy , Díaz Cabote Naidelys
Published: April 2022

Introducción: La epilepsia es una alteración del sistema nervioso central por incremento y sincronización anormal de la actividad eléctrica, que se puede manifestar por episodios recurrentes, espontáneos, intensos e impredecibles. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los niños epilépticos de difícil control según aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos y terapéuticos. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con  niños epilépticos de difícil control vistos en la consulta neuro-pediátrica del centro ambulatorio en el hospital pediátrico provincial de Camagüey entre septiembre de 2019 y febrero de 2020. La muestra quedó formada por 69 niños. Se evaluó el comportamiento por edad, sexo, edad de comienzo, antecedentes prenatales, perinatales y posnatales, antecedentes familiares, tipo de crisis, manifestaciones electro-encefalográficas y drogas empleadas. Resultados: Prevaleció el sexo masculino en los pacientes con epilepsia de dificil control y la etapa de lactante fue la más representada en cuanto edad de inicio. La etiología más identificada fue la perinatal, predominando la hipoxia al nacer. Las crisis generalizadas fueron mayoría en dichos pacientes.  La droga más utilizada fue el valproato de sodio, encontrándose el mayor por ciento de los pacientes en el estado de vivos controlados. Conclusiones: Los varones y el grupo de 6 a 9 años fueron los más representativos con un predominio de inicio en la lactancia. De los factores causales fueron los  perinatales y la asfixia perinatal los más relevantes siendo las crisis generalizadas las más identificadas. Casi la totalidad de los pacientes presentaron manifestaciones electro-encefalográficas. El medicamento más usado fue el valproato de sodio.
Delirium postoperatorio en el adulto mayor
Authors: Moya Robles Alexis , Vargas Acuña Dayana , Porras Rojas Delanie
Published: April 2022

El delirium postoperatorio, es la causa más común de complicaciones posterior a cirugía en aquellos pacientes que superan los 65 años. Se manifiesta como una disfunción cognitiva y de la atención de forma aguda, caracterizado por ser transitoria y fluctuante. Estas manifestaciones se observan en horas o días posterior a una intervención quirúrgica. En los últimos años ha recobrado gran interés, en parte por el aumento en la expectativa de vida en el adulto mayor, promoviendo así un incremento en la incidencia del delirium postperatorio, motivo por el cual ha sido tema de estudio, aunque su fisiopatología aún es poco clara. Su prevención es clave ya que la evidencia farmacológica en el manejo una vez instaurado es insuficiente; además, un 30-40% de los casos pueden ser prevenidos, esto al darse un abordaje temprano en la corrección de factores predisponentes modificables, razón por la cual es importante un entrenamiento adecuado del personal de salud implicado en la atención del paciente.
Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la Vasculitis por IgA
Authors: Leitón Solano Valeria , Obaldía Mata Alejandrina , Solano Garita Sofia
Published: April 2022

La vasculitis por IgA, es una vasculitis leucocitoclástica, de origen autoinmune, mediado por inmunocomplejos IgA y autolimitada. La etiología de esta enfermedad es desconocida, pero la presentación más frecuente es un paciente pediátrico que estuvo expuesto a un agente infeccioso, streptococcus sp. o algún virus respiratorio con posterior desarrollo de signos y síntomas que despierten la sospecha de la enfermedad. Las principales manifestaciones clínicas observadas en esta patología son pápulas que evolucionan a lesiones purpúricas localizadas en extremidades inferiores, glúteos y extremidades superiores, dolor abdominal tipo cólico, artralgias y hematuria. La vasculitis por IgA no cuenta con un tratamiento específico que modifique el curso de la enfermedad. Se ha debatido sobre el rol de los corticosteroides pero no se han obtenido datos concluyentes.
Optimal dose of granisetron in reducing the incidence and severity of pruritus post intrathecal morphine for Caesarean deliveries
Authors: Tong Chong Ling , Ooi Joanna , Kamaruzaman Esa
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION: Pruritus is one of the common side effects observed after intrathecal morphine (ITM) especially among parturients. Granisetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist has been shown to reduce this side effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective randomised double-blind control trial compared two different doses of granisetron for anti-pruritic efficacy. One hundred and twenty parturients with a singleton uncomplicated pregnancy undergoing Caesarean section received spinal anaesthesia with ITM 0.1 mg. After the delivery of baby, they were randomised to receive either granisetron 1 mg (Group 1) or 3 mg (Group 2). The severity of pruritus was assessed within 24 hours at different intervals and were graded. RESULTS: Patients demographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The incidence for pruritus between Group 1 and 2 was 63.3% and 65.0% respectively with p value of 0.849 with a proportion of difference of 1.7%. Similarly, the severity of pruritus at different intervals, the need for rescue treatment and patient satisfaction for both groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Granisetron 1mg is effective when given as prophylaxis in reducing the incidence, severity and the need for rescue treatment in ITM-induced pruritus among Caesarean delivery patients.
Understanding the Healthcare Practitioners’ Experience in Managing Women with Postnatal Depression: A Qualitative Study in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Arifin Siti Roshadai , Abang Abdullah Khadijah Hasanah , Abas Nurul Ain Hidayah , Husain Rohayah , Che Man Mohamad
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION: Postnatal depression is largely underdiagnosed in many low-and middle-income countries, including Malaysia. Healthcare practitioners’ perceptions towards postnatal depression were identified as one of the main barriers to seeking help. Objective: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of healthcare practitioners about postnatal depression, and their experience in managing women with postnatal depression in Malaysia. Materials and methods: Eighteen healthcare practitioners (5 head nurses, 9 nurses, and 4 doctors) working in maternal and child health clinics and a female psychiatric ward in Kuala Lumpur were individually interviewed following a generic qualitative research design. Interview data were transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. Results: Healthcare practitioners reported that their management of women with postnatal depression was limited by the absence of a specific screening tool, and presence of stigma associated with postnatal depression. Discussion and conclusion: Healthcare practitioners were found to be aware of poor maternal mental health provision within their clinical setting and are ready to contribute to developing protocols to improve maternal mental health. As its diagnosis and treatments vary from general depression, there should be a specific direction addressed in the policy to assist in actions for managing postnatal depression. Professional training and continuous education on postnatal depression are a fundamental component in fostering quality of care, and public awareness as well as improving stigma within the Malaysian healthcare system.
Physical-chemical properties of FM-1 reagent as a potential collector for ion flotation of lanthanoids
Authors:   Perm State National Research University, Yuminova A.A. , Giniyatullina E.A. ,   Perm State National Research University, Karieva L.M. ,   Perm State National Research University, Chekanova L.G. ,   Institute of Technical Chemistry of Ural Branch of the RAS
Published: April 2022

The physical-chemical properties of the industrial reagent “FM-1” have been investigated. These properties are necessary for evaluating its use as a collector in the processes of concentration of rare earth metal ions by ion flotation. “FM-1”, which is based on sodium salts of aminomethylenephosphonic acids, is used as a flocculant for oil production and purification of process waters from suspended particles and petroleum products. Protolytic equilibriums in aqueous solutions of the reagents were studied. The values of dissociation constants equaling pKa1 = 2.31±0.26 and pKa2 = 8.82±0.34 were determined spectrophotometrically. Surface tension of the reagent solutions at the solution-air interface was studied. The “FM-1” reagent was classified as a strong surface-active substance with the following parameters: Minimal surface tension σmin = 29 mN∙m-1, surface activity G = 0.031 N∙m2∙mol-1, critical concentration of micelle formation 1∙10–3 mol∙L-1. The regularities of the reagent’s interaction with lanthanum (III) ions were studied. A high degree of lanthanum ions’ precipitation (over 99.7 %) was observed over a rather wide interval of pH values (4.00–12.00); at this point, at pH ≥ 7.5, lanthanum hydroxide can co-precipitate. The formation of compounds in a solution with molar ratios [La]:[FM-1] = 1:1 and 1:2 was established by conductometric titration method. The findings of chemical analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analysis of the isolated precipitates suggested their structural formula. A possibility for the “FM-1” reagent to be used as a collector for the ion flotation of lanthanum (III)ions was shown
Properties of cross-linked copolymers of polypropylene glycol maleate with acrylic acid obtained at various concentrations of the RAFT agent
Authors:   Karagandy University of the name of academician E.A. Buketov, Burkeyev M.Zh. , Zhunissova M.S. ,   Karagandy University of the name of academician E.A. Buketov, Plocek J. ,   Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Kazhmuratova A.T. ,   Karagandy University of the name of academician E.A. Buketov, Zhumagalieva T.S. ,   Karagandy University of the name of academician E.A. Buketov
Published: April 2022

The initial polypropylene glycol maleate has been obtained by the polycondensation reaction of maleic anhydride and propylene glycol. The molecular weight of the synthesized unsaturated polyester resin has been determined. The copolymers under study have been obtained by radical copolymerization of p-PGM. The possibility of synthesizing new polymers based on p-PGM with acrylic acid in the presence of a RAFT agent has been shown. The effect of RAFT agent concentration on the network density and product yield has been studied. It has been found that the yield of the cross-linked polymer decreases, its swelling capacity increases, and the yield of the linear polymer increases with an increase in the RAFT agent concentration. The effect of organic solvents, pH, and low-molecular-weight salts on the swelling degree of the synthesized copolymers has been investigated. The research results demonstrate that the susceptibility of polymer hydrogels to organic solvents and changes in pH, and low molecular weight salts, is affected by the amount of RAFT agent in the polymer. The synthesized objects have been characterized by infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy has estimated the polymer surface morphology and pore sizes
Arenediazonium sulfonates: synthesis, comparison of structural and physicochemical properties
Authors:   Toraighyrov University, Kassanova A.Zh. ,   National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Yestayeva M.T. ,   Toraighyrov University, Turtubayeva M.O. ,   Toraighyrov University,   S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
Published: April 2022

Aromatic diazonium salts are important building blocks in organic synthesis. The present review is concerned with such aromatic diazonium sulfonates as tosylates, dodecylbenzenesulfonates, triflates, camphorsulfonates, silica sulfates. The first part of the review provides information on the synthesis and application of these diazonium salts. It is shown that these diazonium compounds are easily synthesized by diazotization of anilines with sodium nitrite or alkyl nitrites in the presence of corresponding sulfonic acids with high yields. These diazonium salts have found wide application in the synthesis of aromatic azides, halides, triazenes, azo dyes, stilbenes, biaryls, etc. The second part of the article presents information on the comparison of the results of X-ray analysis, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The structure of diazonium sulfonate salts corresponds to the structure of classical diazonium salts (chlorides, sulfates, tetrafluoroborates). A significant difference between arenediazonium sulfonates and other diazonium salts is their explosion safety and stability in an individual form. Arenediazonium tosylates, triflates and camphorasulfonates are easily soluble both in water and in polar organic solvents. Arenediazonium dodecylbenzenesulfonates are soluble in nonpolar organic media. These features of sulfonate salts are paramount for distinguishing characteristics of the effect of the acid anion on the stability, solubility and reactivity of diazonium salts.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of 4-allylpyrocatechol and its derivatives with molecular docking and ADMET investigations
Authors:   Acharya Nagarjuna University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Annavarapu T. , Kamepalli S. ,   Acharya Nagarjuna University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kondala S.K. ,   School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research, Kotra V. ,   Quest International University, Challa S.R. ,   University of Illinois, Rudrapal M. ,   Rasiklal M. Dhariwal Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Bendale A.R. ,   Sandip Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Published: April 2022

Abnormal production of pro-inflammatory mediators and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the development and progression of various human disorders. The study aims to investigate the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of 4-allyl pyrocatechol (4-APC) and its derivatives (APC-1 and APC-2) by albumin denaturation and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods, respectively. Also, the test compounds are studied in silico for their inhibitory potential against the pro-inflammatory and oxidative markers (calpain, FAAH, and TNF-α) via molecular docking. The compounds have exhibited appreciable in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The APC-2 compound has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity (percentage inhibition = 69±0.76 and 77.05±0.92, respectively, at 100 μg/ml) compared to the standard drugs, aspirin and ascorbic acid (percentage inhibition = 82±0.83 and 92.35±0.75, respectively, at 100 μg/ml). The docking study has showed that APC-2 significantly inhibited calpain (PDB ID: 2R9C), FAAH (2WJ1) and TNF-α (2AZ5) inflammatory markers. The drug-likeness, bioactivities, ADME profile (pharmacokinetic) and toxicity properties have also been determined using online tools (Molinspiration, pkCSM, SwissADME, PreADMET). The test compounds have showed acceptable drug-likeness, bioactivity score, ADME and toxicity properties. Finally, we conclude that the 4-allylpyrocatechol and its derivatives can be used as lead molecules for their further development as therapeutically useful anti-inflammatory agents.