bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENFORCEMENT OF A CREDIT AGREEMENT WHERE THE CONSUMER HAS APPLIED FOR DEBT REVIEW IN TERMS OF THE NATIONAL CREDIT ACT 34 OF 2005 First Rand Bank v Smith (unreported case number 24208/08 (WLD))
Authors: Melanie Roestoff
Published: September 2021

Section 86 of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (NCA) provides for the debt relief mechanism envisaged in section 3(g) of the Act by affording the overindebted consumer the opportunity to apply to a debt counsellor for a review of the credit agreements to which he or she is a party and eventually to be declared over-indebted by the court. The effectiveness of the debt review process obviously depends on a positive working relationship between all role players, namely the over-indebted consumer, credit providers and debt counsellor, but also on the extent in which the legislator has succeeded to regulate all aspects of the said process properly. According to a recent newspaper report more than 58 000 consumers have applied for debt review in terms of section 86. However, hardly any of these cases have managed to proceed through our courts. Apart from the lack of co-operation between the said role players, it iscommonly accepted that legislative gaps contribute to the ineffectiveness of the debt counselling process. In First Rand Bank v Smith (unreported case no 24208/08 (WLD)) the court, however, indicated a lacuna in the Act which, it is submitted, was not in actual factpresent in the Act.
THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF DOMESTIC WORKERS IN SOUTH AFRICA: A SQUARE PEG IT IS (INTO A ROUND HOLE)
Authors: Lux Lesley Kubjana
Published: September 2021

In an ideal world working as domestic worker would arguably be nobody’s choice, but as things stand the socio-economic realities we find ourselves under dictates. There are fewer number of job opportunities than there are people looking for opportunities. According to statistics South Africa, the unemployment rate in South Africa is a shocking 25.4%. Out of desperation and the need to survive most unemployed people have sought solace in the domestic sector. Little do they know that, what seems to be a breakthrough may actually turn out to be quite worse than they reckoned. It is no secret that most domestic workers do not know their job scope, a problem which can be attributed to quite a number of factors, for example, an inherent illiteracy level, desperation after an unsuccessfully long search for competitive opportunities, or unscrupulous employers who exploit them, often with impunity. In line with this, Grossman concluded that pay and working conditions of domestic workers depend on the employer’s “goodwill”, as employers are not impeded by labour legislation in their actions. The purpose of this article is to show and stress the point that the general labour law framework and the interventions made in South Africa to date do not empower domestic workers as long as they fail to take cognizance of occupational uniqueness of this sector. The author will define “domestic worker” and then proceed with the comparison of the existing legislative framework in South Africa with the best international standards in as far as they provide for domestic workers, and the extent thereof, while also arguing that infusing value dosages into law, such as ubuntu, may restore the lost dignity of the domestic worker in South Africa.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES OF INSURERS AGAINST INSURANCE FRAUD WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO MOTOR INSURANCE
Authors: Samantha Huneberg
Published: September 2021

Insurance fraud is prevalent in all spheres of the insurance industry; however, motor vehicle insurance sees a major increase in fraudulent insurance claims. It is for this reason that insurers need mechanisms in place to protect themselves from fraudulent claims by an insured. One of the more common preventative measures that insurers are using to protect themselves is by inserting forfeiture clauses in the insurance contract itself. These clauses aim to protect the insurer against any type of fraudulent claim by the insured. These clauses do, however, also bring a host of issues to the fore; including the fairness of these clauses as against the insured. These clauses do tend to be one-sided and therefore, a proper evaluation of these clauses is necessary to understand the application and effect these clauses can have on both the parties to an insurance contract.
Measuring Teacher Students’ Psychological Readiness for Professional Life
Authors: Samoderzhenkov Andrey , Kardanova Elena , Satova Akmaral , Orel Ekaterina , Kulikova Alena , Mombiyeva Gulmira , Kazakhbaeva Gulnur , Duisenbayeva Ainur
Published: September 2021

In this paper, psychological readiness of teacher students for professional life is understood as a set of personal characteristics such as personality traits, motivation, attitudes and values that contribute to successful teaching. This operational definition does not include teacher’s subject knowledge or teaching skills. The study explores a number of unique evaluation methods to diagnose components of students’ psychological readiness for teaching. The selected methods were localized for Russia and Kazakhstan and tested on national samples from both countries. Psychometric characteristics of these methods were analyzed using classical test theory and item response theory (IRT). A procedure was developed for calculating an integrated index reflecting student’s psychological readiness for starting a teaching career.
Provisions Supporting Dialectical Thinking and Emotion Comprehension in Kindergarten Settings
Authors: Belolutskaya Anastasia , Le-van Tatiana , Zadadaev Sergey , Shiyan Olga , Shiyan Igor
Published: September 2021

This paper explores the correlations between provisions created by teachers to support dialectical thinking and emotion comprehension in the learning environment of preschool institutions. Particularly, it describes the instruments designed by researchers at Moscow City University’s Laboratory of Child Development to assess the characteristics of preschool learning environment that promote dialectical thinking and emotion comprehension of children. Assessment scales were constructed using the principles underlying the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS‑3). This article presents the results of validation of the developed assessment tools, which involved the contrasting groups method, analysis of expert scores consistency, and calculation of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha). Than the validated tools were used to test the hypothesis that preschool teachers who create provisions to support emotion comprehension in children are significantly more likely to also support provisions for dialectical thinking. The sample consisted of 31 preschool student groups from 23 educational institutions representing nine administrative districts of Moscow, with both low- and high-quality learning environments. Correlation analysis was used to demonstrate a strong relationship between preschool settings necessary to develop emotion comprehension and dialectical thinking of children. The findings of this study allow recommending the designed tools to be used for assessment of kindergarten learning environments and can serve as the basis for reconceptualizing the pedagogical framework of supporting emotional and cognitive development of children to make it more coherent and consistently embracing the psychological characteristics of preschoolers.
TYPICAL VIOLATIONS DETECTED DURING THE AUDIT OF MILITARY UNITS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF UKRAINE
Authors: Shramko O.
Published: September 2021

The article considers the general principles of internal audit, the concept, essence, as well as theoretical principles and methodological features of internal audit in the military units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Considerable attention is also paid to the purpose of internal audit in general and in the Armed Forces of Ukraine in particular. The definition of audit and internal audit is given in accordance with the norms of current regulations of Ukraine.

The process of planning, organization and direct conduct of internal audit, as well as the results of auditors' work is described in detail, the analysis of the regulatory framework for conducting internal audit in budgetary institutions and, in particular, in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Particular attention is paid to the stages of audit, analysis of typical violations identified in the process of internal audit and internal control. The analysis of the results of the internal audit for 2014-2019 is carried out, the typical violations revealed in the process of internal audit are given, and the violations in 2019 are considered in detail. Low professionalism and negligent performance of duties by officials appointed to the positions of heads of services and relevant officials are common causes of violations of poor records of military property in military services, which have led to losses, risks of illegal expenditures and shortages. Military units assigned to support, which in their duties had to work out timely documents on the accounting of material values, spending according to the norms and write-off of military property, keeping books of losses and shortages. Today there is a question of introduction of effective system of the organization of internal audit and adaptation of its technique to activity of budgetary institutions including military units of Armed forces of Ukraine in the conditions of reforming and deepening of integration processes in economy of Ukraine.
The comprehensive effect of sinusoidal modulated currents and decimeter-wave therapy for neurological manifestations of lumbar osteochondrosis
Authors: Gallyamov A. G. , Goldobina L. P. , Minyaeva O. V. , Valeev R. G. , Gallyamova N. A.
Published: September 2021

Background. Comprehensive therapeutic techniques are becoming increasingly common in treatment of various diseases.

Aim: to study the comprehensive effect of decimeter-wave therapy, sinusoidal modulated current therapy for lumbar osteochondrosis with neurological manifestations.

Methods. The comprehensive effect of physiotherapeutic treatment in 69 patients with lumbar osteochondrosis and concomitant neurological manifestations was studied. All patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the leading neurological symptoms with reflex and radicular syndrome. Both groups received similar comprehensive physiotherapeutic treatment with sinusoidal modulated currents and decimeter waves.

Results. A comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic efficiency of treatment, taking into account clinical and paraclinical data, enabled to substantiate the positive results of treatment in 79.5% of patients with reflex syndromes and 69% with radicular syndromes.

Conclusion. The comprehensive application of sinusoidal modulated currents and decimeter wave therapy can be considered as a method of pathogenetic physiotherapy of patients with lumbar osteochondrosis with various neurological manifestations.
The use of laser therapy in children with allergic rhinitis complicated by exudative otitis media
Authors: Khrykova A. G.
Published: September 2021

Background. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis, which is an intermittent or permanent inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to allergens, reaches 35%, according to different authors. Currently, this pathology is often complicated by exudative otitis media, especially in young children.

Aim: to develop and justify the feasibility of using laser phoresis of sodium deoxyribonucleate for the treatment of exudative otitis media in children with allergic rhinitis.

Methods. A clinical examination, a clinical blood test, rhinoscopy and otoscopy, as well as rhinocytogram, tympanometry (impedance audiometer Heinemann Titan) were performed. In diagnostics of allergic rhinitis, methods of a multifaceted otorhinolaryngological and allergological examination of the patient were used, as well as immunological tests (determination of the level of IgE and allergen-specific antibodies in the blood serum), and skin allergological tests. The examination was conducted before and after the course of treatment, as well as after 6 and 12 months.

Results. With drug laser phoresis of sodium deoxyribonucleate administered endonasally and endourally, a stable result was obtained in restoring the drainage functions of the pharyngotympanic tube and reducing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis in preschool children and primary school children. Hearing is objectively improved in patients, and the conductive component is stopped, there is no fluid in the middle ear, sleep improves, the sense of smell is restored, physical performance increases, and childrens fatigue decreases in doing sports. A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of treatment in two groups showed the best results in the group of children receiving laser therapy using sodium desoxyribonucleate from medicinal non-woven textiles for up to 1 year. Repeated treatment with exacerbation of exudative otitis media was necessary to 40% of children in the control group, 12% of children after a course of laser therapy, and only one patient after a course of laser phoresis of sodium deoxyribonucleate.

Conclusion. The use of laser radiation reduces the manifestations of the inflammatory process, and the allergic component.
In memory of Professor Alexander Ignatievich Timofeev (1881-1929)
Authors: Leibchik Yuliy A.
Published: September 2021

On August 28 this year, one of the most prominent and talented representatives of the Kazan obstetric and gynecological school, Professor Alexander Ignatievich Timofeev, passed away untimely. In his person, Kazan University, Kazan State Institute for Mustache, Doctors and Russian gynecology suffered a heavy loss.
Experiments on immunizing a person against relapsing fever
Authors: Aristovsky V. М. , Weinstein А. В.
Published: September 2021

In our previous report (Kaz. Med. Zhurn. 1929 No.1, we showed that by subcutaneous vaccination of a person with cultures of the original race of our spirochete Obermeier strain killed by heating at 60 C, it is possible to inform the body of immunity against subsequent artificial infection a living culture of the same race, the spirochetes.
A weak solution and careful injection of it make it possible to carry out impregnation of the mesenteric leaves and parietal peritoneum in any size with impunity. To the question of the treatment of atrophic rhinitis.
Authors: Matveev D. N.
Published: September 2021

Therapy for atrophic rhinitis is very rich in methods of Treatment and drugs, but none of them can be considered satisfactory. Electrolysis, vaporization, pulverization, treatment with X-rays, radium, ultraviolet rays also do not give a cure. The operations of transplanting the Stenon's duct into the Gaimor's cavity and the lacrimal canals into the middle nasal passage are also invalid.
On the question of inflammation of the lumbosacral plexus
Authors: Pervushin G. V.
Published: September 2021

Until recently, neuropathologists have been paying great attention to diseases of the peripheral nervous system. Among these diseases, there are often cases of damage to the brachial and lumbosacral plexus. Inflammations of the brachial plexus are observed more often than the lumbosacral plexus, and a number of works are devoted to their study (Dricheue, Erb, Oppenheim, Flaubert, Dejerine - Klumpke, Dejerine, Gysi, Bernehardt, Unger, Kramer, etc.). The question of inflammation of the lumbosacral plexus is poor in literature and, in our opinion, has not been sufficiently developed to date.
Malaria in a gonorrhea clinic
Authors: Pechnikova Ya. D.
Published: September 2021

At the moment, clinical medicine is busy revising the old narrowly specialized point of view on diseases and expanding the understanding of local painful disorders by studying the effect of general conditions in the diseased organism on local diseases. This path aims to bring greater clarity to our usually vague and vague ideas about soil, disposition, individuality depending on which the same local process in different cases gives extremely different pictures.
Fistula vulvo-rectalis compléta acquisita.
Authors: Keves G. N.
Published: September 2021

One of the favorite places for the localization of gonorrhoid infection in the genital area of a woman is the Bartholin's glands, which, as is known, are embedded in the thickness of the large lips.All are unanimous that only one excretory duct is infected with gonococci, and this sometimes leads to partial or complete blockage of it.
Meetings of medical societies. Society of Physicians at Kazan University. Surgical section. Meeting 27.Ѵ.1929
Authors: Tsimkhes I. L.
Published: September 2021

The meeting was attended by a veteran of Russian surgery prof. V. I. Razumovsky, to which the chairman of the section prof. V.L.Bogolyubov made a short welcoming speech and offered to preside over this meeting. Having assumed the chairmanship, prof. V. I. Razumovsky made a short speech, saying that he was especially pleased to be at this meeting, since he had many years of work and many memories associated with Kazan surgery, and he still lovingly follows the success of Kazan surgery.
A. A. Kovalevsky. Percussion of organs and their measurement. P. 53. Tomsk. Publishing House of the Student Scientific and Medical Section, c. 60 kopecks, 1928
Authors: Breitman M. Ya.
Published: September 2021

In this edition, the author describes the methods of percussion used in the clinic of prof. MG Kurlova, using which this clinic developed centimeter measurements of organs, which turned out to be important and useful for both clinical and practical purposes.
Between Catastrophes: God, Nature and Humanity
Authors: Milbank John
Published: September 2021

Critical responses to the pandemic have divided between the need to control and defeat it and fears of a new medicalisation of human existence. In the short-term the first response is right, but in the long-term the second. The ideological division on this issue on the left roughly correlates with a relative stress on the power of the market on the one hand or the power of the state on the other. But these are two halves of the same picture: the mechanisation of human life and the artificial rendering of the natural scarce and threatening. The tendencies that give rise to pandemics and those which exult in increasing total control are the same. Resistance can only come from a resistance to liberal mechanising as such. This requires the double sense that we are as spirits located within nature and yet as spirits transcend nature, which the theological doctrine of creation upholds. The challenge is to create a new global consensus and shared metaphysical politics around this legacy.
L’amour de la vie face à la peur de la mort. Une réflexion sur la crise sanitaire et sa portée métaphysique
Authors: Ferry Jean-Marc , Croset-Calisto Magali
Published: September 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, including variants, is global; hence the name “pandemic”. However, its experience varies between continents, regions, nations, as well as between socio-cultural groups within the same nation. If we target the population fringe that corresponds to a privileged third of our European capitals, it appears that its “resilience” in the face of the crisis is undoubtedly different from that of the inhabitants of Africa, Asia and South America. This choice will undoubtedly teach us less about humanity in general than about the Western man, city-dweller, graduate of higher education. However, this selective look could teach us about a fragility that threatens the human condition as such, and this, under three aspects: the relationship to death, the relationship to freedom, the relationship to authority. To each corresponds a form of revelation.
«Resistir» em Tempos de Pandemia
Authors: Lind Andreas Gonçalves , Nobre Bruno
Published: September 2021

In 2015, Josep Maria Esquirol sketched his “philosophy of proximity”. Such a philosophy does not seek to attain a propositional, abstract, or purely theoretical truth. According to Esquirol, it is rather about healing the human person in the concreteness of his or her life. More precisely, without wishing to return to ancient metaphysics, Esquirol seeks to «resist» against the nihilistic forces of disintegration of meaning that leads the human being to the experience of nothingness. In our understanding, La Resistencia Íntima, the book that earned Esquirol the Premio Nacional Ensayo 2016, is prophetic, insofar as the current pandemic context corroborates his “metaphysics of gathering.” Moreover, Esquirol’s philosophy of proximity may teach us how to generate more life from our fragility, which reveals itself as insurmountable.
Implicaciones biopolíticas de la Covid-19: Del pesimismo a la parresia
Authors: Mejía Fernández Ricardo
Published: September 2021

Covid-19 is, above all, a problem concerning public health and healthcare professionals. This seems totally obvious but not for everybody. However, just beginning the outbreak of the pandemic, in the midst of its deadliest first wave, some renowned intellectuals, such as Slavoj Žižek, speculated in highly idealized and utopian terms about the positive effects that would be unleashed for philosophical and political thought. In this article we try to think the biopolitical implications of this pandemic, especially through a critical pessimism that faces the immanentist prophetism, which is typical of intramundane futurist projects that we read today in political publications. To fulfill our goals, we fully enter into the debate on the pandemic through contemporary authors such as Foucault, Agamben, Fukuyama, Han, and other relevant thinkers. After the hybris of the pandemic, we propose an ethics of caring for oneself and others in a parrhesia where, what is hidden and biopolitically manipulated, comes to light as a support for the different democratic systems, where Covid-19 must be fought.
Theories of Justice Applied to the Pandemic: The Case of Vaccine Distribution
Authors: Silva Ricardo Tavares
Published: September 2021

The problem of the distribution (in a broad sense) of the coronavirus vaccines – concerning the criterion by which the beneficiaries of the vaccine are selected – constitute a particular case of the general problem of the distribution of social goods. For this reason, it is necessary to discuss whether the selection criterion to be adopted is that of commutative justice or that of distributive justice and, consequently, whether the approach to the problem must follow an individualist perspective or a collectivist perspective, such as it happens regarding the general problem of the distribution of social goods. Therefore, problem of the distribution of the coronavirus vaccines is still a problem of social justice. In this essay, I will rehearse an application of each of these criteria to the problem at hand.
Einwanderung in Zeiten von Corona
Authors: Sharp Daniel
Published: September 2021

After the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, most states enacted new measures to constrain international mobility. By May 8th, 2020, more than 93% of the world’s population lived in states with special entry bans and more than three billion lived in countries whose borders were almost completely closed to non-citizens. Can such measures be justified? If so, would this undermine the open borders view? This paper examines these questions. It argues, first, that, although short-term entry bans and other similar measures designed to protect public health can be justified, these bans need to be designed with a number of exemptions, in particular, for asylum seekers and refugees. Even in times of pandemic, completely closed borders are indefensible. It argues, second, that although extreme versions of the open borders position may have difficulty accepting this conclusion, other versions of the position can consistently justify special entry restrictions.
Le masque en temps de la Covid-19 : ce qu’il donne à penser
Authors: Ngofo Robby Mandiangu
Published: September 2021

In this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, one experiences the other and self as mask wearers. Mask, which until now was mainly a reality of the medical world, has become an object of daily life. For some, it is indispensable and beneficial, and it has also become, for others, the symbol of freedom restriction by those in power. This article raises the debate above these different positions to apprehend what the mask makes one think. This study understands the mask from its roots in medical usage as a prophylactic measure. From semantical ethics of the term “mask,” the author shows that one’s responsibility is put at the first value on each mask covering halfway one’s face. This commitment serves as a basis for responsibility and tends towards hope. It is a responsibility extended to the environment since the mask, which is supposed to protect one from disease, turns into the trash, endangering the environment.
Radically Hopeful Thinking for a Wicked Covid-19 Pandemic Problem
Authors: Hole Benjamin
Published: September 2021

This paper explores the prospects of radical hope for addressing the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hope is useful for conceptualizing the proper balance between too much fear and too little about our uncertain future. First, I describe the ethical challenge of the pandemic as a wicked problem. Because accepted ethical theories fail to motivate solutions, wicked problems pressure us to develop our value systems, exercise moral imaginations, and discover creative solutions. Second, I develop an Aristotelian account of radical hope, drawing from ancient philosophy, virtue ethics, and recent climate ethics. Radical hope is a novel form of courage, which balances the goal of external success, that something good will emerge from the tragedy, against the goal of living well for its own sake through practical wisdom. I conclude by applying some lessons to our present situation.
Covid-19 and our Duty to Die
Authors: Guerrero Quiñones Jose Luis
Published: September 2021

When considering our own death, we normally weigh its impact on the people we love and care about, as well as worrying about the way in which our life might end, hoping that not too much suffering precedes it. However, such view, despite necessary, is a passive understanding of death, interpreted as something that merely happens to us, where we would have some control over timing if physician-assisted dying were legal in our countries. But what if our relation to death would not end there? What if special medical needs, such as the emergency situation resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, could have a direct impact on us creating a moral duty to end our lives? That is the thesis that will be advocated for in this paper: a moral duty to die will arise in some people to save resources that will help others get through Covid-19. It is important to indicate that the duty to die is personally acknowledged and self-imposed, thus nobody can be coerced to carry it out; for autonomy would be lost and such action should be considered an instance of incitement to die, therefore being morally blameworthy.
Antropo-etica della vulnerabilità al tempo del Covid-19
Authors: De Nardo Maria Chiara
Published: September 2021

Concern for human vulnerability seems to be at the heart of the recent sanitary emergency. The aim of this article is to show why actual reflections on Covid-19 need an adequately theorized conception of vulnerability. We first review anthropological and ethical approaches to vulnerability in two of the main authors of the classical-medieval tradition: Aristoteles and Thomas Aquinas, proving that they include the vulnerability in their reflections. The thought of these authors is then combined with the ethical reflections of the contemporary philosophers Alasdair MacIntyre and Marta Nussbaum, identifying some of the challenges emerging from these authors. In particular, we wonder how to reconcile constitutive human vulnerability, which reappears manifestly after Covid-19, with the general tendency to be scared from or to avoid it. We then briefly propose theoretical concepts, such as humility, care and creativity, available within the philosophical literature, to address these challenges.
Study correlating interleukin-6 levels with demographics, symptomatology and clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wahid Abdul Hassan , Shenoy Vallish , K. Ravi
Published: September 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to estimate the Interleukin-6 levels of COVID 19 patients and to find any associations between Interleukin-6 levels and age, gender, co-morbidities, symptoms, clinical outcomes and other biochemical parameters among COVID19 patients.Methods: It was a cross sectional observational study conducted on 150 patients admitted to Victoria Hospital, Bangalore medical college from May 2020 to September 2020. Case record form with follow up chart was used to record the relevant demographic details, clinical data including symptoms, co-morbid conditions and various laboratory data. COVID 19 infection was diagnosed by RTPCR technique and severity of COVID-19 disease was classified according to WHO guidelines and guidelines laid by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India. Interleukin-6 levels were correlated with the above parameters.Results: It was found that IL6 was elevated and found to be statistically significant with the presence of co-morbid conditions including Hypertension, with the presence of symptoms including fever, cough, breathlessness, with the severity of the disease, with the presence of intubation, with the mortality of the illness and strong association with neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, Ferritin and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte ratio.Conclusions: IL6 can be used as a viable biomarker for knowing the severity of COVID19, to predict the outcome and prognosis of the patient and associations with various presenting symptoms, co-morbid conditions and other laboratory values.
A smartphone use and its impact on academic performance of medical students: a cross sectional study
Authors: S. Praveen Kumar R. , Aruna Kaki , Kumar Aravind , P. Venkatalakshmi
Published: September 2021

Background: Smartphones are unavoidable technology in this modern era. Though there are several advantages with the use of smartphones, there is another school of thought is that due to excessive use of smartphones and addiction behavior the academic performance of the students gets deteriorates. With this in background, this study was conducted to compare the use of smartphones with the student’s academic performances.Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate medical students of Sri Venkateshwara medical college hospital and research institute, Puducherry, a tertiary care teaching hospital during the January 2019 to July 2019. A total of 370 students were included in this study. All were assessed for the demographic profile and questions related to usage of smart phones using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS.Results: Sharing documents, assessing drug information, taking notes and reading journals articles and books was the academic reasons reported by 94.6%, 72.7%, 58.1% and 35.7% of participants, respectively. Among non-academic reasons games, social media and entertainments was recorded in 82.4% 75.4% and 33% of participants, respectively. Mean duration of smart phone usage in a day was 3.5 hours. However, there was no significant difference noted between the academic performance and use of smartphones.Conclusions: Though smartphone use has no significant impact on academic performance of medical students, with the view of steady increase in smartphone usage, there is a necessary for further monitoring, in order to prevent smartphone related complications like addiction.
A case of Epstein-Barr virus presenting as spondyloarthritis
Authors: Varughese Mohan , Chandran Vishnu , Koshy Navya Mariam , Mathew Karol Sara
Published: September 2021

Viral arthritis can be caused by various viruses such as parvovirus, alphavirus, rubella, hepatitis B, C and flavivirus. High titre of antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. EBV, a member of the herpes virus family, is one among the most common human viruses. Vitamin D deficiency can worsen the prognosis in such patients. Abnormalities in innate and adaptive immune reactions in response to EBV infection were one of the complications observed in RA patients. It was a self-limiting infection with a 90% lifetime prevalence. On the other hand, spondyloarthritis was rarely associated with viral infections. A 35 year old male patient who had a history of TB, admitted through OP, with complaints of intermittent fever, joint pain, pain radiating from back to lower limbs. On investigation, the patient was found to be vitamin D deficient. Differential diagnosis such as TB with reactive arthritis, lymphoma and CMV infection were ruled out. MRI of the spine and pelvis confirmed spondylarthritis. The serology for EBV showed that the EBV IgM levels had increased by two-fold. The on-going inflammatory status was well-managed with NSAIDS, as there was low evidence for antiviral therapy. EBV infection presenting as spondyloarthritis is a very rare presentation and here we are discussing a case of spondylarthritis in a patient with infectious mononucleosis. The patients with fever, polyarthritis, lymphadenopathy and spondylarthritis are to be investigated for EBV infection along with the other cause of polyarthritis.
Expressed emotions and perceived stress among patients and caregivers of patients suffering from bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Sharma Renu , Ghai Sandhya , Singh Shubhmohan
Published: September 2021

Background: Expressed emotions (EE) are the critical, hostile and emotionally over- involved attitude of relatives towards a family member who is suffering from a disorder. It is a measure of the expressed attitude of the relatives towards their psychological patient in their absence. As, in bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) alternating/recurring periods of depression and elevated mood occurs which leads to varied levels of stress and expressed emotions in the patient as well as their caregivers.

Methods: An exploratory study was conducted in psychiatry ward and psychiatry outpatient department (OPD) of PGIMER, Chandigarh on BPAD patients and their caregivers (N=50 each) using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected in the month of March for 10 days. Interviews were conducted using the modified perceived stress scale by Sheldon Cohen and Hooley’s expressed emotions scale for assessing expressed emotions levels, respectively.  

Results: Data analysis done with the help of statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 22 version 16.0 through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that 64% of caregivers face criticism from their patients whereas 62% of patients receive criticism from their caregivers. The study also showed that 68% of caregivers were given emotional support by their patients. 66% of caregivers and patients, both displayed moderate level of perceived stress.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that both EE and perceived stress are significant stressors for the BPAD patients and their caregivers.
Successful treatment of dysphagia in a COVID-19 survivor
Authors: Rashmi Richa , Mandal Joyanta C. , Kumari Kavita , Senapati Shruti S.
Published: September 2021

This study was aimed document a successful case of dysphagia management after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. COVID-19 is highly infectious disease and causes 75 million infection and 1.66 million deaths worldwide. Clinical features of COVID-19 including respiratory compromise, microvascular thrombosis and neurologic dysfunction as well as well as prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) care in severe cases yield patients particularly susceptible to mild to severe swallowing impairment which can persist for months or years after ICU discharge. A 52 years old female was diagnosed with severe pharyngo-oesophageal dysphagia after COVID-19 infection and was advised for swallowing therapy. The swallowing therapy was given thrice a week for 45 minutes including Masako, Shaker’s and modified Shaker’s exercise along with effortful swallow, Mendelsohn maneuvers and super-supraglottic swallow. After 2 weeks of swallowing therapy patient started taking semisolid food orally and maintain normal SpO2 level during feeding. This study concluded early intervention is the key to boost faster recovery and helped to improve patient’s quality of life. Swallowing manuvers and exercises were very effective for the management of dysphagia secondary to COVID-19 infection. This can be generalized and efficacy can be determined with large group of patients having swallowing difficulty after COVID-19 infection.
O ATERRAMENTO COMO TERCEIRA VIA
Authors: Soares Fernanda Codevilla
Published: September 2021

Ou negamos o problema ou vamos ATERRAR! Segundo Latour (2020), mais do que ser esquerda-direita, liberal-conservador, global-local, a questão que nos polariza atualmente é o negacionismo-aterramento. No livro “Onde Aterrar? Como se orientar politicamente no Antropoceno”, o autor explica a questão e mostra como ela nos conduziu a essa encruzilhada.

De forma didática, a obra aborda acontecimentos políticos extremamente recentes. Com uma linguagem acessível, sem citações no corpo do texto e evitando a densidade teórica característica ao autor, propõe-se uma radical reorientação política rumo ao terrestre.

Nesta resenha, não realizarei uma síntese do livro. Proponho-me, antes, a discutir os principais conceitos que estruturam a obra e as suas ideias mais sensíveis acerca de como atualizar possibilidades coletivas (e híbridas) de existir no antropoceno .
The Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Performed by Emergency Physicians in Detecting Hydronephrosis in Patients with Renal Colic
Authors: Al-Balushi Abdulaziz , Al-Shibli Amal , Al-Reesi Abdullah , Zia Ullah Qazi , Al-Shukaili Waleed , Baawain Saleh , Al-Dhuhli Hamoud , Al-Shamsi Mohammed , Al-Hubaishi Ahmed , Al-Atbi Al Yaqdhan H
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the accuracy of renal point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by emergency physicians in detecting hydronephrosis in patients with renal colic. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional diagnostic study was conducted at the Emergency Department (ED) of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital from February 2017 to February 2018. All adult patients with suspected renal colic and who could give informed consent were included. The emergency physicians performed POCUS on both kidneys and graded hydronephrosis as none, mild, moderate or severe. The POCUS grade was compared to the non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) grade. Results: A total of 303 participants were enrolled in the analysis. The majority of the study population comprised adult males (247 [81.5%]), and the mean age was 39 years. Among the samples, 71.3% of the patients exhibited a degree of hydronephrosis based on CT findings. Ultrasounds performed by emergency physicians had a sensitivity of 75.8% (95% CI: 69.5‒81.4), specificity of 55.2% (95% CI: 44.1‒65.8), a positive likelihood ratio of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.32‒2.16) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.43 (95% CI: 0.32‒0.59) for hydronephrosis using CT as the criterion standard. Conclusion: When evaluating patients with suspected renal colic, a bedside renal POCUS performed by emergency physicians has a moderate sensitivity to detect hydronephrosis and grade its severity. Therefore, it should be utilised in the ED to screen patients for hydronephrosis; however, more training is required to improve the test’s accuracy.
Keywords: Hematuria; Hydronephrosis; Nephrolithiasis; Point-of-Care Testing; Renal Colic; Ultrasonography; Oman.
Estimation of Salt Intake and its Relation to Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Dangers of High Salt Intake Among an Urban Omani Population
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad M , Alkhayari Ali HZ , Alabdulsalam Qusay AK , AlHashmi Khamis , Nadar Sunil K
Published: September 2021

Objectives: High salt consumption is a major risk factor for hypertension. Studies have shown dietary salt intake to be high in many parts of the world. This study aimed to assess the daily salt consumption of the Omani urban population and their knowledge and attitudes regarding dietary salt. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnairebased study was conducted in Muscat between September and December 2017. Participants were recruited from malls, university students and staff, hospital staff and their relatives and relatives of patients. A previously validated questionnaires were used to assess the participants’ salt intake and their knowledge and attitudes regarding salt intake. Results: A total of 345 participants were included in this study (response rate: 69%), of which 300 responses (mean age: 27.88 ± 7.9 years, 54.3% male) were included for analysis. Overall, 94.3% of the participants agreed that lowering salt in diet is important, and nearly half the participants said that they were taking measures to reduce salt intake. However, the median salt intake was high at 10.5 g/day (interquartile range: 7.3–15.1 g/day), with 90% of the respondents consuming more than the maximum recommended amount of salt per day. Salt intake was significantly higher in women and the older age group (>40 years). There did not appear to be any correlation between awareness of the dangers of salt intake and the amount consumed. Conclusion: The salt intake in the sampled population in Oman was high and did not depend on knowledge. Strategies should be designed to reduce salt intake among the urban population, including health education to increase knowledge about the complications of high salt intake.Keywords: Dietary Sodium Chloride; Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice; Oman.
Anaesthetic Management of Pulmonary Metastasectomy in a Patient Infected with Novel Corona Virus SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Al-Naabi Mohammed J , Maddali Madan M , Al Aliyani Karima RS , Al-Balushi Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Prioritisation of individual patients for thoracic surgeries gained importance during the current COVID-19 pandemic to ensure optimal utilisation of resources. We report a 76-year-old-male patient who presented to a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman, 2020, with bilateral pulmonary metastasis. The patient underwent an urgent pulmonary metastasectomy with successful anaesthesia management in an elderly patient despite him testing positive for COVID-19 twice via real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. At the 3-month follow-up some pulmonary abnormalities persisted but the patient was recovering well. This report discusses the rationale to perform surgery in this case and highlights the precautions taken for reducing aerosol generation during the various stages of anaesthesia.Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; One-Lung Ventilation; Personal Protective Equipment; Aerosols; Thoracic Surgical Procedures; Case Report; Oman.
Progressive Dilatation as a Successful Treatment for Y Duplication of Urethra
Authors: Pati Akash B , Sahoo Subrat K , Tripathy Bikasha B
Published: September 2021

Duplication of urethra is a rare congenital anomaly; a Y-shaped urethral duplication is the rarest variant and lacks a standardised treatment plan. We report a nine-year-old male patient with a Y-duplication of urethra diagnosed during neonatal age who presented to a tertiary care teaching hospital in India in 2018. The patient had undergone a vesicostomy on the seventh day of life for passing urine per anus and was lost to follow-up thereafter. At eight years of age, there was a failed attempt at disconnection of the duplicated urethral tract from the anus after colostomy. The patient was managed successfully by progressive dilatation of the orthotopic urethra, which required multiple stages, followed by separation of the urethra from the rectum. At three-years follow-up the patient was continent and asymptomatic.
Keywords: Urethral Duplication; Case Report; India.
Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus in Oman
Authors: Al Raisi Marwa , Al Yahyai Tagharid , Al Kindi Rahma
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of and attitude toward cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) among Omani women aged 18 years and older. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between September 2019 and February 2020 in primary healthcare facilities throughout Oman. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to assess women’s knowledge and attitude regarding cervical cancer and HPV. Results: A total of 805 women participated in the study (response rate: 89%). Two-thirds of the participants had heard about cervical cancer (67.5%) while fewer were aware of HPV (15.8%). Approximately one-third of the women identified HPV as a risk factor for developing cervical cancer (38.9%). Very few participants knew of HPV vaccines (10.1%). A major source of information regarding both cervical cancer and HPV was social media (33.0%), as compared to healthcare providers (16.9%). Despite the poor knowledge, almost half of the participants were open to having their daughters (47.0%) and other schoolgirls (41.2%) vaccinated. Conclusion: Most participants had poor knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV, even those with a personal or family history of cervical cancer. The main source of knowledge was social media. Most participants were open to the idea of offering the HPV vaccine to their daughters and middle school-aged girls. Incorporating information about cervical cancer and HPV into school curricula and improving access to trusted medical knowledge through social media may help in enriching the public’s knowledge and, possibly, correcting misinformation and related myths.Keywords: Papillomavirus Vaccines; Cervical Cancer; Surveys and Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Community-Institutional Relations; Knowledge; Attitude; Oman.
Social Media Use in UK Teens and their Perceived Effects: A Survey of UK Teenagers’ Use of and Views on Social Media
Authors: MGEKN Isaac , M Isaac , B Pete
Published: September 2021

Background: The use of social media has been growing rapidly with easy access for young people. Psychologists have studied the social and psychological impact of social media use on adolescents; however there is very little qualitative data of social media use among adolescents and their views.Aims: To explore the views of adolescents in Sussex about the educational, social and psychological impacts of using social media sites and analyze adolescents’ descriptions of their own personal experiences of social media use.Method: 500 young people between the ages of 11 to 18 years in Sussex (UK) were invited to take part in a questionnaire survey exploring their use and views about social media.Results: A total of 465 (93%) of students completed the questionnaire. 73% of participants used three or more sites. On average each participant spent 22 hours weekly on social media sites. In all five domains explored, the majority of participants scored the negative impact of use of social media as low with an overall mean of 2 out of possible 5. Over 70% scored low negative impact for Education, 75% for relationships, 64% for Self-esteem, 73% for Health and 71% for Safety. On the other hand, the percentage scoring 4 or 5 for positive impact were 22% for Education, 36% for Relationships, 24% for Self-esteem, 12% for Health and 15% for Safety. However there was a difference between younger and older teens.Conclusion: Studies have shown negative social media impact on teens including self-esteem, anxiety and depression. However young people have a different view. Young people have balanced views about the effects of social media. They felt that social media use improved their relationships, particularly among younger students. Older teens perceived higher negative effect on their safety. Further work is needed to improve the safety awareness of young teens.