bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural obstetrics practices in New Mexico
Authors: Sells Colleen E. , Maes Aurora M. , Fleddermann Rachel A. , Otero-Bell Eliana L , Hartley Rebecca S.
Published: April 2021

Context:

During pregnancy, the immune system is altered, putting women at increased risk of complications from respiratory viruses. There is limited information about the effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women and obstetrics programs, particularly in rural regions.

Aims:

Most published reports have been from large urban hospitals. This study sought to gain insight into how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting rural obstetrics programs.

Materials and Methods:

This qualitative study surveyed participants who worked in rural obstetrics programs in New Mexico using a free response questionnaire.

Results:

The pandemic has changed the obstetrics experience in rural New Mexico by impacting the relationship between patients and providers and altering the family-centered model of birth. Difficulties unique to rural obstetrics included lack of transportation, limited hospital rooms and limited staff, including OB providers, nurses and housekeeping. Wellness has been impacted for providers, manifested in increased anxiety, stress and burnout. Patients reported increased anxiety, decreased family support, and potential disruptions in maternal-infant bonding.

Conclusions:

Rural hospitals and clinics in New Mexico and across the United States operate with challenges at baseline, with many clinics across the nation closing, leading to increasing shortages of healthcare services in rural areas. This study showed that COVID-19 has increased the challenges that rural obstetrics providers face, altering the way they practice and creating uncertainty for the future due to potentially permanent changes to their practice. Future research will explore the lasting effects of the pandemic on rural obstetrics providers specifically, and rural hospitals generally.
Oral cancer management in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic—Indian scenario
Authors: Carvalho Karla M. , Gaunkar Ridhima B. , Nagarsekar Aradhana
Published: April 2021

The global burden of oral cancer rests on India's shoulders. Distant metastasis and extensive loco-regional spread result in a dismal 5-year prognosis. Tobacco chewing is the leading etiological factor. A lack of education among the masses combined with an inundated cancer care system account for high morbidity and mortality rates. The SARS-CoV-2 shows tropism for the oral mucosa. This viral tropism is thought to get augmented in oral cancer because of the upregulation of oral mucosal receptors and enzymes which enhance viral attachment and entry. The COVID-19 disease has caused a heavy blow to the cancer care sector in India because of paucity of COVID-19 centred health care regulations. This review highlights the need for the prompt creation of a national health policy which would prioritize and allow for the resumption of oral onco-surgical in light of COVID-19 pandemic.
Hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Karia Rutu H. , Nagraj Sanjana , Gupta Ishita , Barua Amit , Kaur Nirmaljot , Singh Harmandeep
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus that has infected millions of people across the world. Given the compelling need to develop a therapeutic strategy, hydroxychloroquine has been advocated as an effective drug for the infection. However, multiple clinical trials conducted using hydroxychloroquine have yielded contrasting results. An electronic search using the primary databases from WHO, PubMed and Google Scholar was performed that yielded 21 studies eligible for inclusion. Among a total of 1,350 patients who received hydroxychloroquine, 689 (51.04%) were females. The most commonly reported comorbidities include hypertension (15.18%), diabetes mellitus (8.44%) and pulmonary disease (8.96%). Of the hydroxychloroquine-treated patients, 70% were virologically cured compared to 12.5% of the control group (p = 0.001). A good clinical outcome with virological cure was reported in 973 patients (91%) within 10 days out of 1,061 hydroxychloroquine-treated patients. A total of 29 (65%) renal transplant recipients achieved complete recovery following hydroxychloroquine administration. A total of 37 (2.7%) patients reported QT prolongation. Hydroxychloroquine was found to reduce mortality in healthy, SARS-Cov-2 positive patients and improve clinical recovery in renal transplant recipients. However, a definitive conclusion regarding its effect on viral clearance can only be reached by conducting more clinical trials involving bigger and diverse samples.
A prospective cohort study of patients presenting to the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Shenoy Vrinda , Shah Sarina , Kumar Sathish , David Deepu , Gunasekaran Karthik , G Priya , Selvaraj Bagyalakshmi , Prabhakar Abhilash Kundavaram Paul
Published: April 2021

Background:

Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding is a common presentation to the Emergency Department (ED), and is associated with re-bleeding and significant mortality. Although several studies have described etiology and outcome of UGI bleeding, few have been done in the EDs.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational cohort study included all patients presenting with hematemesis or melena, between June 2016 and January 2017 to the ED. Demographic data, risk factors, endoscopy findings and prognosticating scores were noted. Patients were followed up through telephonic communication after 3 months to assess re-bleeding rate and mortality.

Results:

The study cohort included 210 patients with a male predominance (76.2%). The mean (SD) age was 51 (16.8) years. They presented with either hematemesis (33.8%), melena (28.6%), or both (37.6%). One third (35.7%) had variceal bleed, 21% had peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and 43.3%bled due to other etiology. UGI scopy was performed in 85.2% of patients with banding (25.1%) and sclerotherapy (14%) being the most frequently performed procedures. Endoscopic intervention was not required in 58.6%of patients. Packed red cells were transfused in 46.7% patients. The 48-h re-bleed rate among variceal bleeders was 5.3% and 11.4% among peptic ulcer bleeders. The 3-month re-bleeding rate was 42.9% and the 3-month mortality rate was 17.5% among the variceal bleeders and the same was 5.6% and 2.8%, respectively, among the peptic ulcer bleeders. The overall mortality was 12.4%.

Conclusions:

Variceal bleeding and PUD were the predominant causes of UGI bleeding. Overall, a quarter of our patients had a re-bleed within 3 months, with majority being variceal bleeds.
An update on the diagnostic biomarkers for asthma
Authors: Pandey Rashmi , Parkash Ved , Kant Surya , Verma Ajay K. , Sankhwar S. N. , Agrawal Avinash , Parmar Devendra , Verma Sheetal , Ahmad Md. Kaleem
Published: April 2021

Asthma is a respiratory disorder accounts for ~339 million cases per annum. The initial diagnosis of asthma relies on the symptomatic identification of characters, such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough. The presence of two or more of these symptoms may be considered as indicative of asthma. The asthma-diagnostic also involves spirometry test before and after inhaling a bronchodilator like albuterol. Because asthma pathophysiology involves participation of immune system, the cytokines play an important role. The review discusses various molecules that are or may be used as biomarkers for the asthma diagnosis.
Effects of nationwide COVID-19 lockdown on lifestyle and diet
Authors: Singh Birgurman , Jain Srishti , Rastogi Ashu
Published: April 2021

Aims, Settings, and Design:

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced upon sudden lifestyle changes because of nationwide lockdowns mandating isolation at home, affecting daily habits and lifestyle changes. The present study was conducted with an aim to assess these changes brought about because of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

Methods:

The web-survey aimed to understand the immediate impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on people by using a structured questionnaire collecting demographic, lifestyle, and dietary information. The survey was disseminated online among the literate, urban, adult population with internet access.

Results:

Of the 1,200 people who received the survey, a total of 1,008 respondents participated in the study, aged between 18 and 81 years (Median- 24). An increase in daily screen time has been observed in 56.7% of the population. A decrease in work-related stress was observed in 43% of the population, sleep pattern improved in 36.7% people, and 27.1% of the inactive population showed increased physical activity. A significant decrease in the proportion of people consuming junk food (73.8%), alcohol (27.6%), and smoking (8.1%) was observed.

Conclusions:

The present web-based survey study suggests a significant change in the lifestyle and dietary patterns of people brought about because of the COVID-19 lockdown most highly seen as a major increase in screen usage and a decrease in junk food consumption.
Are numbers deceptive? Is death auditing a solution for death analysis, among the COVID-19 deceased?
Authors: Goyal Pooja , Sachdeva Ruchi Arora , Parashar Lokesh , Sikary Asit Kumar , Tarique Aamir
Published: April 2021

Background:

COVID-19 pandemic has havocked the entire world and India has not been spared. The focus is not only on the containment but on the reduction in mortality also. The objective of the study was to know the trend of COVID-19 deaths in a 510-bedded dedicated COVID-19 hospital and to determine the cause of death and various factors associated with these deaths.

Method:

A descriptive study was conducted in a COVID-dedicated hospital setting to analyze deaths occurring during April--July, 2020 using a standard death audit proforma.

Results:

A total number of 95 COVID-19 patients died in ICU. The mortality rate among ICU patients varied from 24.6% to 52.9%. Most of the cases were referred from other hospitals. About 64% of the deceased was admitted in severe condition and 34% of cases were referred on ventilator support. The week-wise trend revealed a positive association between the number of deaths and the number of referred cases as well as the number of patients received on ventilator support and in severe condition. About one-third of cases were late in seeking treatment at health centers with the same weekly trend. Being unaware of the condition (1%) and the stigma associated with the disease (32%) were the reasons behind it. Common direct causes of death were pneumonia (73%), pneumonia complicated with sepsis (16%), and acute respiratory disease syndrome (ARDS) (7%).

Conclusion:

High case fatality rate in the ICU of a referral COVID-dedicated hospital is mainly because of the admission of patients in severe conditions.
Exploring the perspective of nursing staff or caregivers on birthing positions in Central India
Authors: Yadav Anita , Kamath Anusha , Mundle Shuchita , Baghel Jyoti , Sharma Charu , Prakash Avinash
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Maternal birthing positions refer to the various physical postures a pregnant mother may assume at the time of delivery. The World Health Organisation recommends that woman should be given an opportunity to make a choice on the type of position to use during labour. Alternative birth positions are associated with lower incidence rates of performing episiotomy, less perineal tears and less use of instrumental deliveries. Nurses' perspective on women's positions has rarely been explored in India. Present study aims at assessing the knowledge regarding alternative birth positions among nursing officers.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 52 nursing officers who were posted in the labour room. A pretested questionnaire was administered to them. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 22.

Results:

Majority (82.7%) of nursing officers felt that there is a need of giving a choice to the woman regarding alternate birth position. 76.9% of them were aware of position other than lithotomy. Around 48.1% would recommend squatting position to a woman in labour. Ease and convenience in conducting the delivery was the foremost reason chosen in advocating a birth position. Whereas overcrowding in the labour room, ignorance about alternate positions and difficulty in converting to instrumental delivery were cited as reasons of not recommending these positions.

Conclusion:

Educating nursing officers about emerging evidence regarding birthing positions will enable them to give accurate information to women.
Self-care practice and its predictors amongst Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital of Kolkata, Eastern India - A cross-sectional study
Authors: Burman Jayeeta , Bhattacharya Aritra , Chattopdhyay Amitabha , Dey Indira , Sembiah Sembagamuthu , Negi Rudresh
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to find out the pattern and factors associated with self-care practices among diabetic patients as self-care was considered imperative for the control of disease and enhancement of patient's quality of life.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional clinic-based observational study conducted among the type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who came for follow up to the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital of Kolkata from September to December 2019. Self-care practice assessed using questions adapted from the “Summary Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire” by face-to-face interview. Logistic regression used to find out the predictors of self-care practice.

Results:

Self-care practice was unsatisfactory among 67.5% of the patients. Near half (56%) of the patients had mild to moderate distress and about 18% were severely distressed. Self-care practice was significantly associated with the educational level, family history, presence of hypertension, advice given regarding self-care activities, and diabetes distress levels of the participants.

Conclusions:

Primary care physicians should be encouraged to give practical aspects of self-care practices and counseling regarding diabetes distress. To perform self-care practices adequate, support from the family level and community level is imperative.
Primary to tertiary COVID-19 transmission in a hospital – A cluster outbreak analysis
Authors: M Aishwarya , Singh Mahendra , Panda Prasan K.
Published: April 2021

The recent pandemic of SARS COV-2, a novel coronavirus requires research into understanding of its transmission dynamics and clinical presentations to help in understanding the spread of the disease, how to prevent it not only locally but also for national policy formulations. In this study, we described the transmission dynamics and clinical presentations of a cluster outbreak of SARS COV-2 in a tertiary level hospital. We also calculated the secondary attack rate for the primary, secondary, and tertiary transmissions. We conclude that symptomatic COVID-19 are primary and secondary contacts rather than tertiary contacts, hence, former to be quarantined. However, tertiary transmission is causing more COVID-19 compared to other transmissions in a hospital outbreak without further transmissibility. And overall secondary attack rate is very low in a hospital outbreak.
Abdelazim equation
Authors: Abdelazim Ibrahim A.
Published: April 2021

Measurement of 24-h urine protein (UP) is the standard method for detection of proteinuria in preeclampsia (PE). A 24-h urine sampling is time-consuming, inconvenient, and delays the diagnosis of PE. A 29-year-old woman, previous cesarean section (CS), pregnant 37 weeks'+2 days, mild PE, and another 31-year-old woman, primipara, pregnant 34 weeks'+4 days, severe PE, were admitted for control of blood pressure and termination of pregnancy. Studied women were subjected to fetal well-being assessment, routine antenatal, and laboratory investigations to exclude chronic renal diseases, and for 24-h urine sampling. A spot mid-stream urine sample was obtained shortly before the 24-h urine sampling to measure the protein/creatinine (P/C) ratio. The first studied woman had normal serum creatinine and blood urea, 688 mg protein/24-h urine, 86 mg/dL spot UP, 178 mg/dL spot urine creatinine, and 0.48 P/C ratio. The second studied woman had also normal serum creatinine and blood urea, 1199 mg protein/24-h urine, 147 mg/dL spot UP, 133 mg/dL spot urine creatinine, and 1.11 spot P/C ratio. The spot urine sample was suggested by the National Kidney Foundation to detect and monitor proteinuria in adults. Moreover, the 24-h UP can be calculated from the following equation: 24-h UP in g = P/C ratio × 0.81 + 0.3 (Abdelazim equation) without 24-h urine sampling. This report suggests the use of Abdelazim equation (24-h UP in g = P/C ratio × 0.81 + 0.3) for detection of 24-h UP from spot urine sample in PE without 24-h urine sampling.
Anxiety, depression and quality of life (QOL) related to COVID-19 among frontline health care professionals
Authors: Sharma Suresh K , Mudgal Shiv K , Thakur Kalpana , Parihar Aashish , Chundawat Digpal Singh , Joshi Jaydeep
Published: April 2021

Background:

During this pandemic everyone is facing the wrath of this novel coronavirus but nurses who are meticulously working in closed contact with diseased are at more risk for developing anxiety, depression and compromised quality of life. This study was conducted with an intent to identify anxiety, depression and quality of life and its predictors among nurses who are actively involved in caring of COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among nurses who were actively involved in COVID-19 duties at government tertiary health care institutes of India and data was collection through convenience sampling. Standardized tools (HADS, WHOQOL-BREF) were preferred for the assessment of participants' anxiety, depression and quality of life. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify predictors for anxiety and depression.

Results:

Of 354 nurses, 12.1% were suffering from anxiety while 14.7% had depression. Mean score for physical, psychological, social and environmental domains were 14.75 ± 1.86, 14.92 ± 2.46, 15.21 ± 3.01, and 14.48 ± 2.38 respectively. Nurses' education was a significant predictor for anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = -0.262, 95% CI: -0.510- -0.014, and P value = 0.038). Similarly for depression, designation of nurses acts as a contributing factor (odds ratio [OR] = 0.287, 95% CI: 0.016- 0.557, and P value = 0.038).

Conclusion:

Nurses are providing their services beyond boundaries so that we can overcome with hard time of COVID-19 pandemic. Although less but still nurses are suffering from anxiety and depression which need to be addressed to protect and enhance their mental well-being.
Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 of IgG antibody by ELISA
Authors: Saple Pallavi , Gosavi Shriram , Pawar Tushar , Chaudhari Govind , Mahale Hitesh , Deshmukh Pradeep , Kurundkar Ashish , Pedgaonkar Sarang , Thakare Sapana
Published: April 2021

Background:

Given the high incidence of asymptomatic or subclinical SARS-CoV-2 infection, reported cases likely underestimate the overall prevalence and infectivity of COVID-19. Serological test for IgG can provide a better measure of disease activity by identifying asymptomatic or subclinical infection. This study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to the determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the hotspot area of COVID-19.

Method:

It was a community-based, cross-sectional study using multistage sampling with a sample size of 360. After informed consent, the demographic information, past history of SARI/ILI, contact, COVID-19 status were collected. The blood samples were taken from one family member for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody by ELISA testing kit.

Results:

Majority of the study subjects had no history of SARI (86%) or any contact with COVID-19 case (98%). Overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 of IgG antibody was 40% (95% CI 35–45%), infection fatality rate (IFR) was 0.7%. Seroprevalence varied significantly depending on religious background; with Muslims (53%) seroprevalence compared to other religious groups. Seroprevalence of homemaker/unemployed (49%) and laborer (55%) was significantly higher compared to business (30%) and service occupation (21%). Subjects with overcrowding conditions and poor ventilation was significantly associated with higher seroprevalence with odds ratio of 2.5 and 2.3, respectively.

Conclusion:

The antibody testing detects a large number of asymptomatic cases or previously infected cases which would have been missed by clinical history. Thus, the number of undiagnosed cases was found significantly higher even with rigorous implementation of lockdown.
Knowledge and attitude of Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among male primary school teachers, in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazi Fahad , Al Turki Yousef
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore teachers' knowledge about the ADHD, its origin, causes, and identify the main demographic variables affecting their knowledge.

Methods:

The study was conducted among male school teachers of ten government primary schools that are found in different regions of Riyadh city, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We used a stratified random sampling technique to collect our sample with inclusion criteria of being male teachers who currently working in male government primary school and are directly involved on teaching of students. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software statistical program version 21.

Results:

We received 400 response for our questionnaire, mostly younger than 40 years old. Most of teachers in this sample had a bachelor's degree, only 6% had diploma while 8% had a higher degree, while most of them had experience more than 5 years in teaching (74.2%). only 8%of teachers admitted that they had not heard about ADHD before. 78% of teachers had read about ADHD at least once before. This knowledge was more from reading books (32.8%) followed by reading internet websites (28.7%), TV/Media (14.6%) while magazine and social media represent (23.9%). Most of the teachers showed that they had attended courses/training about ADHD (76.7%) however only 40.4% of them thought that they had the enough information about the disease. 51.5% of teachers showed that they had already asked before to assess a child who was suspected to have ADHD and 65.3% had taught a child with the disease.

Conclusion:

From the results of this study, it is concluded that the knowledge regarding ADHD among elementary school teachers is suboptimal. Some teachers had misunderstanding about ADHD symptoms and general information, which indicated the further needing for courses to enhance this knowledge.
Universal Health Insurance coverage and utilization among women in urban slum of Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh
Authors: Mendhe Harshal Gajanan , David Rohit , Singh Daneshwar , Makade Kiran G.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Universal Health Coverage refers to health care system that provides health care and financial protection to all the citizen. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojna as National Health Insurance Scheme initiated in Chhattisgarh State in 2009 for below poverty line families. Second scheme is Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojna initiated in 2012, which covers non below poverty line families.

Objectives:

To assess socio demographic factors among women residing in slum of Rajnandgaon, to find their universal health insurance coverage under RSBY/ MSBY and to assess the extent of concerned treatment under RSBY/MSBY.

Methods:

It was a community based cross sectional study, conducted in the urban slum area of Rajnandgaon amongst 188 women above 18 years of age who were hospitalized 6 months prior to the study using snow ball technique as a sampling method. They were interviewed using semi structured questionnaires by the investigator with the help of anganwadi worker.

Result:

77.65% respondents/study subjects were enrolled under the universal health insurance (RSBY card/ MSBY card). Subjects belonging to Lower socio-economic status and having BPL card were enrolled under scheme more than upper socio-economic group. Out of 146 smart card holders, a mere 1.36% subjects incurred catastrophic OOPE. Out of 42 respondents not having smart card, 40.47% subjects incurred catastrophic OOPE

Conclusion:

The RSBY card reduced the inpatient OOPE. RSBY card prevented catastrophic OOP in most of the respondent. RSBY has made health services accessible to all sections of community at minimal cost.
Prevalence of home related injuries among children under 5 years old and practice of mothers toward first aid in Buraidah, Qassim
Authors: Al-Bshri Soad Abdulrhman , Jahan Saulat
Published: April 2021

Background:

Unintentional injuries are reported to be the most common mechanism of childhood injuries; large proportion of these occur in or around home. Quick response and appropriate first aid is vital in saving life and preventing negative outcomes.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of home injuries among children five years old and younger and to explore their mothers' knowledge, attitude and practice toward first aid.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 mothers attending well baby clinics at primary health care centers (PHCC) in Buraidah city. The survey was conducted from February to June 2020. Simple random sampling was used to select PHCCs and systematic random sampling was used for participant selection. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data.

Results:

A history of home-related injury to the youngest child was reported by 114 (46.3%) mothers. The common home injuries were falls (50%), cut wounds (15.2%) and burns (10.7%). Among less than one-year age, injuries were more prevalent among males (41.4%) as compared to females (27.6%). Majority (58.2%) of mothers had fair knowledge about first aid. Internet websites (53.6%) followed by social media (47.6%) were the main sources of their knowledge. Mothers showed appropriate practice in dealing with suspected fracture (85.9%) and foreign body ingestion (80%) while burn (55.5%) and choking (43.2%) had the lowest appropriate practice.

Conclusion:

Home injuries are common among children. However, mothers' knowledge and practice of first aid is inadequate. To reduce the injuries' related morbidity and mortality, increasing awareness and organizing first aid training courses are recommended.
A longitudinal study to evaluate the bleeding pattern of patients on low dose aspirin therapy following dental extraction
Authors: VS Sunu , A Roshni , M Ummar , Aslam Sachin A. , Nair Rakesh B. , Thomas Tom
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims:

Antiplatelet dugs are often interrupted preceding invasive dental extraction because of concern of bleeding complications. The fear of uncontrolled bleeding often prompts medical and dental practitioners to stop aspirin intake for 7 to 10 days before any surgical procedure, which puts the patient at risk from adverse thrombotic events. The aim of the study conducted was to evaluate the bleeding pattern after routine dental extraction among patients on low dose long term aspirin therapy.

Methods:

A total of 104 subjects in the age group of 30-65 years, who continued to have aspirin intake during extraction were included in the study. Dental extraction was performed without stopping aspirin therapy under local anesthesia. The post-operative blood loss was quantified by weighing the gauze pre and post operatively and adding total volume of fluid in the suction jar.

Results:

Of these 104 patients treated, 87% of patients had mild bleeding (<20 ml) and 13% of patients had moderate bleeding (20-30 ml). The total study population showed a mean blood loss of 16.15 ± 3.5 ml.

Conclusion:

Within in the limitations, our study concluded that the routine dental extraction in patients under low dose aspirin therapy did not cause clinically significant post extraction hemorrhage. Aspirin intake can be continued during routine dental extraction as post extraction bleeding encountered will be negligible.
Short- and long-term outcomes after minimally invasive versus open spleen-saving distal pancreatectomies
Authors: Chee Madeline , Lee Chuan-Yaw , Lee Ser-Yee , Ooi London L. P. J. , Chung Alexander Y. F. , Chan Chung-Yip , Goh Brian K. P.
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (MI-SPDP) versus open surgery SPDP (O-SPDP). It also aimed to determine the long-term vascular patency after spleen-saving vessel-preserving distal pancreatectomies (SSVDPs).

Methods:

A retrospective review of 74 patients who underwent successful SPDP and met the study criteria was performed. Of these, 67 (90.5%) patients underwent SSVDP, of which 38 patients (21 open, 17 MIS) had adequate long-term post-operative follow-up imaging to determine vascular patency.

Results:

Fifty-one patients underwent open SPDP, whereas 23 patients underwent minimally invasive SPDP, out of which 10 (43.5%) were laparoscopic and 13 (56.5%) were robotic. Patients who underwent MI-SPDP had significantly longer operative time (307.5 vs. 162.5 min, P = 0.001) but shorter hospital stay (5 vs. 7 days, P = 0.021) and lower median blood loss (100 vs. 200 cc, P = 0.046) compared to that of O-SPDP. Minimally-invasive spleen-saving vessel-preserving distal pancreatectomy (MI-SSVDP) was associated with poorer long-term splenic vein patency rates compared to O-SSVDP (P = 0.048). This was particularly with respect to partial occlusion of the splenic vein, and there was no significant difference between the complete splenic vein occlusion rates between the MIS group and open group (29.4% vs. 28.6%, P = 0.954). The operative time was statistically significantly longer in patients who underwent robotic surgery versus laparoscopic surgery (330 vs. 173 min, P = 0.008).

Conclusion:

Adoption of MI-spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (SPDP) is safe and feasible. MI-SPDP is associated with a shorter hospital stay, lower blood loss but longer operation time compared to O-SPDP. In the present study, MI-SSVDP was associated with poorer long-term splenic vein patency rates compared to O-SSVDP.
Good to excellent Quality of Life in patients suffering from severe obesity post bariatric surgery - A single-center retrospective study report using BAROS Questionnaire
Authors: Khaitan Manish , Gadani Riddhish , Pokharel Koshish Nandan , Gupta Ankita
Published: April 2021

Context:

Despite the positive outcomes reported in terms of weight loss and resolution of co-morbidities, the impact of bariatric surgery on patient-reported outcomes of quality of life (QoL) still remains scarce, particularly in the Indian population. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedures in patients with severe obesity over a period of 2 years in terms of weight loss, resolution of comorbidities, safety and changes in QoL using the Bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system (BAROS).

Subjects and Methods:

The data of 100 patients who underwent RYGB and LSG between March 2014 and December 2017 were analyzed. The study endpoints such as QoL, major and minor complication rates, co-morbidity resolutions and the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were measured using the Moorehead-Ardelt BAROS questionnaire II.

Results:

At a follow-up point of 2 years, patients achieved a mean %EWL of 79.2 (±28.9) % and the mean postoperative body mass index decreased to 31.7 (±6.22) kg/m2. No major complications were reported to have occurred. Excellent global BAROS outcome was obtained in 20% of patients, very good in 47%, good in 29%, fair 2% and failure in 2% patients 24 months post-surgery. The mean BAROS score was 5.8 ± 1.73, and a ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ QoL outcome was observed in 96% of patients.

Conclusion:

RYGB and LSG are safe and effective bariatric procedures. These procedures provided substantial results in good to excellent health-related QoL, weight loss and medical conditions.
Transoral robotic resection of unusual spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma of the larynx
Authors: Cadena-Piñeros Enrique , Romero-Rojas Alfredo Ernesto , Guerra Ricardo
Published: April 2021

Spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma (SC/PL) is a subcutaneous mass usually localised on nape, shoulder or upper back. It is a benign lipogenic tumour composed of primitive CD34-positive spindle cells, floret-like multinucleated giant cells and mature adipocytes. Complete surgical excision is the optimal treatment. This unusual tumour in the larynx has only been reported in the medical literature once and was treated surgically by open approach. Actually, transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is most suitable because provides tridimensional magnified view plus a greater mobility with instruments, allowing complete and safe removal of the supraglottic mass, allowing rapid healing and recovery. We present the first case of a SC/PL of larynx managed with TORS. Four hours after surgery, the patient was able to take a soft diet and was discharged 2 h later. The follow-up showed an excellent clinical and functional outcome.
Assessment of pain in patients with primary immune deficiency
Authors: Al Banyan Maram , Al Shareef Saad , Aljayar Dina Mahmoud Ahmad , Abothenain Fayha Farraj , Khaliq Agha M. Rehan , Alrayes Hassan , Arnaout Rand , Sheikh Farrukh
Published: April 2021

Background:

Primary immune deficiency (PID) patients may develop acute or chronic pain. Pain has not been studied in this population until now.

Objectives:

This study systematically assessed the pain of various durations in PID patients using validated pain questionnaires.

Subjects and Methods:

A Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), already validated in the Arabic language, was used to ascertain the characteristics and severity of pain. Additionally, an Arabic version of the Neuropathic Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (NPQ-SF) was employed to evaluate neuropathic pain in the same group of patients.

Results:

Forty-six patients participated in the study. The mean age of the patients was 25 years. The most commonly diagnosed PID was a common variable immune deficiency (32.6%), followed by severe combined immune deficiency (19.57%). Based on the SF-MPQ, the pain was experienced by 30.4 % of the subjects who participated in the study; 57% of whom were on regular pain medications. The most common site reported for pain was the abdomen (35.7%). The mean duration of pain was 36.1 days ± 34.6 days. The most common comorbidities in these patients were bronchiectasis, followed by immune thrombocytopenic purpura, and scoliosis. None of the PID patients had significant neuropathic pain based on NFQ-SF.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the prevalence as well as the severity and duration of pain in PID patients. There were significantly more subjects who had continuous pain. Treatment of pain in PID patients will have a significant effect on improving their quality of life.
On finite sections of the multiplicative Hilbert inequalities
Authors: Benyamine Charif Abdallah
Published: April 2021

We determine the asymptotic behavior of the eigenvalues of finite sections of the multiplicative Hilbert matrices.
A report on management practices and milk production from jersey cows raised in Ibadan
Authors: Olorunnisomo OA , Oni AA , Abiola JO
Published: April 2021

In order to kick-start milk production and upgrade genetic base of local zebu cattle at the University of Ibadan, four in-calf Jersey heifers and one bull were acquired in September 2012, from a pure herd of Jersey cattle maintained on a private farm in Shonga, Kwara State, Nigeria. Management at Shonga was based on an intensive, zero-grazing system. The animals were apparently in a good state of health at the time of procurement. At the University of Ibadan, management was also intensive, with partial grazing, fortified grass silage and concentrates supplementation. Health management of Jersey cattle involved preventive and curative measures. Calving occurred within 7 and 156 days of arrival at Ibadan. Two out of four heifers calved successfully while two had still-births. Calves were allowed to suckle their dams for 14 days after calving and bottle-fed from milk collected from their dams afterwards. Milking was done twice daily at 7am and 4pm using a portable milking machine. Milk yield averaged 8.8 kg/cow/day with lactation length ranging between 93 and 246 days. Average composition of milk was 13.69, 3.60, 4.73, 0.65 and 4.71% for total solids, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate respectively. In order to maximize milk production from Jersey cattle under the humid tropical condition of Ibadan, there is need to maintain a high plane of nutrition, adopt a preventive healthcare system and incorporate a cooling system to ameliorate the effects of high ambient temperatures.Key words: calving age, dairy cattle, lactation length, milk composition, milk yield
Nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation of dried cassava peels and brewers dried grains based diets by West African dwarf (WAD) sheep
Authors: Ososanya TO , Inyang UA
Published: April 2021

In the tropics, supplementing concentrates with grasses, especially during the dry season could improve protein to energy ratio in ruminants thereby improving optimum production. Also, supplementation with a protein source enhances the production capacity of ruminants. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation kinetics of Panicum maximum supplemented with brewers dried grains and dried cassava peels based diets by West African Dwarf (WAD) lambs. Nine lambs of about 9 months in age and bodyweight ranging from 10.5kg-16.5kg were randomly divided into 3 groups and assigned to the following diets: Diet 1-100% Panicum maximum, Diet 2 - 81% DCP + 13.50% PKC + 2% Oyster shell + 2% Salt + 1.50% Premix and Diet 3 - 81% BDG + 13.50% PKC + 2% Oyster shell + 2% Salt and 1.50 Premix. Result showed that animals on diet 1recorded the least significant (p< 0.05) dry matter digestibility (55.00%) to those on diets 2 and diet 3. Animals on diet 3 recorded the best crude protein digestibility (66.88%) which was significantly different (p<0.05) from those on diets 1 and 2 (53.04% and 56.79%). Animals on diet 1 recorded the highest significant (p<.0.05) amount of ammonia nitrogen at O and 4hours post feeding. The same trend seems to occur for volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) at O hour post feeding. However, at 4 hour post feeding, animals on diet 3 recorded a slight numerical advantage over other animals. It can therefore be deduced from this study that diet 3 was most preferred as evident from the chemical composition of the feed and nutrient digestibility of the lambs.Keywords: Dried cassava peels, brewer’s dried grains, digestibility, fermentation kinetics and lambs.
Morphologic variations of periwinkle and profiles of periwinkle marketers and harvesters in two states in the Niger delta area of Nigeria
Authors: Okpeku M , Nodu MB , Essien A , Fekorigha CT
Published: April 2021

Periwinkles are invertebrates rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These make them relished delicacies. Three hundred and fifteen (315) individual periwinkles were hand-picked from mangrove swamp river banks and intertidal zones of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State and Abonnema town of Rivers State. Shell length and the weight of both the meat and shell were taken with Veneer caliper and a sensitive electronic scale balance respectively. Information on the economics of production was gathered from market women and harvesters through the use of structured questionnaires. The present study indentified possible phenotypic differences among periwinkle harvested in Bayelsa and Rivers States base on shell length and meat weight differences. Periwinkle harvested in Rivers is bigger and heavier than those harvested in Bayelsa State. Prediction of meat and total weight of from shell length was done using regression analysis. The study also identified the involvement of the different age groups that form the work-force in the States; showing that there are more young adults and teenagers in the business of harvesting and sales than aged people. There are more men involved in the business than women. There is a decline in size, quantity and availability of periwinkle presently than in the past, a factor that could be attributed to over-harvesting.Key Words: Bayelsa, Morphology, Niger Delta, Periwinkle, Rivers.
An overview of herbs, spices and plant extracts used as seasonings in food and meat processing
Authors: Olusola OO
Published: April 2021

Man resorted to meat preservation as a means of keeping meat to be used at a later date. This he must do with appropriate, affordable and simple technologies to suit this need. This is particularly needful in developing nations as scarce food must not be allowed to waste, especially as the protein demand of the ever increasing population is rising. Salting and drying of meat dates back to antiquity, where the early man salted meat cuts on the exposed surfaces and hung them in the air to dry. Salt (a chief curing agent) in meat, and pepper form the basis of virtually all seasoning formulae. All other agents in seasoning (ingredients which improve the flavour of meat and foods) are supplementary to these as they form the integral part of various cuisines all over the world. Seasonings include Spices such as pepper, herbs such as the leaves of cloves and bay, vegetable bulbs such as garlic and onions, sweeteners such as sugar and monosodium glutamate, and plant extracts such as that of Ocimum grattisimum or ‘scent leaf’. Spices are the bark, roots, seeds, buds or berries of plants, most of which grow naturally only in tropical climates.They are mostly used in their dried form, rarely fresh and are available whole or ground. Spices vary greatly in composition but the aromatic and pungent principles that render them valuable reside in their volatile oils, resins, or oleoresins. Herbs on the other hand refer to the larger group of aromatic plants whose leaves, stems or flowers are used to add flavour to foods. Herbs and spices in addition possess potential health benefits by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Some of these seasonings include pepper, capsicum, turmeric, ginger, cloves, african nut meg, curry, the leaves of ocimum, cloves, thyme, onions and garlic. This paper seeks to give an overview of herbs and spices commonly used in tropical meat seasoning, their prospects and benefits to man’s health and well being.Key words: Seasoning, spices, herbs, salt, meat
Effect of hormone on the seed germination of Garcinia kola Heckel.
Authors: Yakubu FB , Ogunade JO , Bolanle-Ojo OT , Yahaya DK
Published: April 2021

Garcinia kola plays an important socioeconomic role in the Africa culture. Inspite of this, the plant only exists in the wild or as part of left over in the Agroforestry farms. Therefore, this research examined the phenology in seed germination for possible plantation establishment. G. kola seed dormancy and growth was investigated using hormone Napthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and Benzene Amino Purine (BAP) application to induce quick germination and early growth The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with seven treatments (0.5mg/ml BAP, 0.5mg/ml NAA, 1mg/ml BAP, 1mg/ml NAA, 2mg/ml BAP, 2mg/ml NAA and Control) in twenty replications. The results showed that Garcinia kola seeds germinated in seven weeks in IBA. Growth were assessed for 19wks and the result showed that Length of Radicle (LR) and Number of Radicle (NR) were significantly affected by the treatments, while 0.5mg/ml IBA gave the best result among the treatments. Length of Plumule, Number of Leaves and Collar diameter were not significantly affected by the treatments.Keywords: Garcinia kola, seed, hormone, dormancy, germination
Characterization of pure plant oil and biodiesel from Jatropha curcas and Thevetia nerifolia seed
Authors: Akinyele FF
Published: April 2021

The problems associated with long term availability of conventional hydrocarbon fuels for automotive engines, and the continuous emission of combustion pollutants into the environment are cause for concern. These has necessitated the need to investigate the performance of plants oil methyl ester. Hence this study investigates the characteristics of pure plant oils (PPO) of Jatropha curcas and Thevetia nerifolia ; biodiesel produced from them at different methanol/ oil ratio. The percentage oil and biodiesel yield; pH, Specific gravity, viscosity and flash point for both PPO and biodiesel were determined. The result of this study showed that the pH value for PPO of Jatropha is slightly alkaline, Thevetia slightly acidic and their mixture very acidic. The biodiesel yield at ratio 1:5 is the best for this study in terms of yield of about 91%, 82% and 70% on average for Jatropha curcas, Thevetia nerifolia and mixture respectively. The viscosity of the biodiesel ranged between 1.2mm/s2 and 6.44 mm/s2. Therefore, the limited fuel characterization carried out demonstrated that the biodiesel produced can be considered as an alternative environmentally-friendly fuel for diesel enginesKeywords: Transesterification, Viscosity, Flash point PPO.
Responses of sorghum to combined application of a nutrient solution and solid NPK fertilizers
Authors: Ukem BO
Published: April 2021

In the savanna soil of Nigeria, micronutrient deficiency was not noticed in the past but with the intensification of agriculture over the years, crop exploitation of soil available nutrients, crop removal and adverse cultural practices of farmers have led to the incidence of micronutrient deficiency with negative effect on growth, yield and quality of crops. To enhance micronutrient availability, use and use efficiency to crops, a field experiment was set up on sorghum at Samaru in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria with foliar Algifol (Alg) nutrients solution and NPK. The objectives of the studies were: To test the effectiveness of the nutrient solution and NPK on growth and yield of sorghum in the Nigeria savanna and to determine optimum rates of application of the nutrient solution on sorghum under a tropical condition. The treatments were four levels each for the nutrient solution, NPK and a combination of both as ½Alg, 1Alg, 1½Alg and 2Alg at the rate of [5:10:15:20ml) of the concentrated solution to 10 litres of water per hectare and 64:32:30 kgha-1 N, P2O5 and K2O being therecommendation for sorghum in the Northern Guinea Savanna. Data were collected on plant height, plant girth, panicle yield, grain yield and stover. The treatments were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that plant height and girth were highly significant (P < 0.01) at 9 weeks after planting (WAP) and as well as stover. Head and grain yield were positively and highly significantly correlated (r = 0.69** and 0.62**) with dry matter yield (DMY) indicating a positive relationship amongst the plant parameters in response to treatments. Co-application of the nutrient solution with NPK had greater nutritional efficiency on sorghum in the savanna than their sole application since the nutrient solution is deficient in major plant nutrients.Keywords: Nutrient solution, northern guinea, complementary application and tropical environment.