bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional plasmonic nano-router via optical antennas
Authors: Xu Yi , Gao Baowei , He Axin , Zhang Tongzhou , Zhang Jiasen
Published: May 2021

A three-dimensional (3D) nanoscale optical router is a much-desired component in 3D stacked optical integrated circuits. However, existing 3D routers based on dielectric configurations suffer from large footprints and nanoscale routers based on plasmonic antennas only work in a 2D in-plane scene. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate cross-layered all-optical 3D routers with nanoscale footprints. Optical slot antenna pairs are used to realize the routing of plasmonic signals between different layers for arbitrary direction in a broadband wavelength range. The routers are also integrated with waveguide directly for exploring further applications. Based on these router elements, a 3D network of optical butterfly interconnection is demonstrated for multi-directional all-optical data communication. The proposed configuration paves the way for optical cross-layer routing on the nanoscale and advances the research and applications for 3D plasmonic circuits with high integration density in the future.
Preliminary assessment of an injectable extracellular matrix from decellularized bovine myocardial tissue
Authors: Ercan Hatice , Elçin Ayşe Eser , Elçin Yaşar Murat
Published: May 2021

The goal of this study was to develop an injectable form of decellularized bovine myocardial tissue matrix which could retain high levels of functional ECM molecules, and could gel at physiological temperature. Dissected ventricular tissue was processed by a detergent-based protocol, lyophilized, enzymatically-digested, and neutralized to form the injectable myocardial matrix (IMM). Histochemical analysis, DNA quantification, and agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated the efficiency of the applied protocol. Chemical, thermal, morphological, and rheological characterization; protein and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) content analysis were performed, in vitro biological properties were evaluated. An in vivo histocompatibility and biodegradability study was performed. Histochemistry revealed complete removal of myocardial cells. DNA content analysis revealed a significant decrease (87%) in the nuclear material, while protein and sGAG contents were highly preserved following decellularization. Soluble IMM was capable of turning into gel form at ∼37 °C, indicating selfassembling property. In vitro findings showed the biomaterial was noncytotoxic, nonhemolytic, and supported the attachment and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells. In vivo study demonstrated IMM was well-tolerated by rats receiving subcutaneous injection. This work demonstrates that the IMM from decellularized bovine myocardial tissue has the potential for use as a feasible regenerative biomaterial in prospective tissue engineering and regenerative medicine studies.
Sweat, Display, and Blackness
Authors: Musser Amber Jamilla
Published: May 2021

This essay analyzes two African artifacts—a nkisi and a bieri—in order to parse the utility of liquidity as a Black feminist analytic. Enlarging the concept of media to incorporate these artifacts, the text links diaspora, blackness, and affect to the violence of colonial rupture, while also using an analytic of sweat to explore forms of expressivity that escape capture. Sweat becomes a way to think between two axes within Black feminist thought: the pornographification of the racialized body that Hortense Spillers and others have described, and the joy and critique embedded in Audre Lorde’s erotic, especially in relation to formations of diaspora and spirituality.
ІНКЛЮЗИВНА ІНДУСТРІАЛІЗАЦІЯ ДЛЯ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ: ДО ЗАСАД ТЕОРІЇ ТА ПОЛІТИКИ ФОРМУВАННЯ
Authors: КІНДЗЕРСЬКИЙ Юрій
Published: May 2021

Виявлено суперечливість підходів до формування основ і політики інклюзивної індустріалізації. Показано взаємообумовленість інклюзивного розвитку та індустріалізації, зокрема, через існування внутрішньо притаманної властивості індустріалізації бути інклюзивно спрямованою за дотримання умов, що створюють через інструменти структурної політики ефект «циркулярної кумулятивної причинності» її розгортання. Акцентовано на відсутність таких умов в Україні внаслідок неконгруентних дій держави в економіці. Вказано на суттєву обмеженість теорії про інклюзивні/екстрактивні інститути для проведення ефективної індустріалізації, пов’язану з наддовгим для останньої періодом становлення інклюзивних інститутів та їх неоліберальним змістом, апріорі непридатного для індустріалізації. З огляду на соціальний порядок обмеженого доступу в Україні, відзначено хибність існуючої політики прямолінійного запозичення інститутів з розвинутих країн, що призвела до посилення соціально-економічної нестабільності та поширення рентоорієнтованих організацій замість розвитку виробництва. Розглянуто індустріалізацію як процес структурних змін, що має відбуватися за комплементарного поєднання структурних і фундаментальних факторів розвитку. Крізь призму цих факторів розглянуто моделі й досвід індустріалізації та деіндустріалізації у світі. Показано, що вітчизняна передчасна деіндустріалізація зумовлена ігноруванням необхідності формування таких факторів у проведенні економічної політики, їх невиправданою підміною заходами з дерегуляції та лібералізації, акцентом на використання поточних конкурентних переваг – дешевої праці й природних ресурсів – замість розбудови перспективних, заснованих на технологіях та інноваціях. Критично висвітлено латентні «провали» науково-технологічного розвитку з позицій інклюзивної індустріалізації, зокрема, привернуто увагу до проблем поглиблення соціальної несправедливості й нерівності, унеможливлення самостійного формування слабкими країнами політики у своїх національних інтересах, недостатньої спрямованості бізнесу і держави на довгострокові стратегічні цілі розвитку, концентрації ринкової влади та зростаючого політичного впливу корпорацій. У підсумку зроблено ряд висновків щодо формування політики інклюзивної індустріалізації в Україні.
Placental syndrome as possible risk factor for preeclampsia development (Literature review)
Authors:   Odessa National Medical University, Ukraine, Artyomenko V.V. , Berlinskaya L.I. ,   Odessa National Medical University, Ukraine
Published: May 2021

The modern studies review summarizes the data of recent years, which covers issues related to the preeclampsia pathogenesis study on the placental disturbances theory basis. The model of placental preeclampsia and factors that change before the development of its clinical manifestations a considered. Attention is paid to the placental factors possible combination analysis the are important in preventing the disease in terms of prognostic value. Key words: preeclampsia, placental dysfunction, biochemical markers, placental weight.
System for wireless power transfer
Authors:   Sevastopol State University, Shirokov I. B. , Serdyuk I. V. ,   Sevastopol State University, Azarov A. A. ,   Sevastopol State University, Shirokova E. I. ,   Sevastopol State University
Published: May 2021

The issues of wireless power transfer over short distances are considered. The approach may be used for wireless charging of batteries in unmanned vehicles. It is proposed to use the technique of microstrip structures for power transfer. The microstrip structures form a directional coupler on symmetrical strip lines when approaching by front parts. The length of the interaction lines is chosen several times longer than a quarter of the wavelength. Ballast resistors are excluded from the circuit. This approach leads to small losses of power transfer when the distance between microstrip structures changes over a wide range. Modeling of the operation of the power transfer system has been carried out, an experimental sample has been made and experimental studies have been carried out. The simulation and experiment are well accorded.
Uncovering Modifier Genes of X-Linked Alport Syndrome Using a Novel Multiparent Mouse Model
Authors: Takemon Yuka , Wright Valerie , Davenport Bernard , Gatti Daniel M. , Sheehan Susan M. , Letson Kelsey , Savage Holly S. , Lennon Rachel , Korstanje Ron
Published: May 2021

Significance Statement

Kidney disease severity is partly determined by modifier genes. These genes can be important therapeutic targets but are difficult to identify in patient populations. Our study demonstrates a novel mouse genetic approach using Diversity Outbred mice to identify modifier genes for X-linked Alport Syndrome. We identify several candidate modifier genes and validate the candidacy of Fmn1. We show that a decrease in Fmn1 expression in Col4a5 knockout mice leads to a decrease in albuminuria and fewer podocyte protrusions in the glomerular basement membrane. Our approach can be easily adapted to identify modifier genes for other forms of kidney disease.

Background

Mutations in COL4A5 are responsible for 80% of cases of X-linked Alport Syndrome (XLAS). Although genes that cause AS are well characterized, people with AS who have similar genetic mutations present with a wide variation in the extent of kidney impairment and age of onset, suggesting the activities of modifier genes.

Methods

We created a cohort of genetically diverse XLAS male and female mice using the Diversity Outbred mouse resource and measured albuminuria, GFR, and gene expression. Using a quantitative trait locus approach, we mapped modifier genes that can best explain the underlying phenotypic variation measured in our diverse population.

Results

Genetic analysis identified several loci associated with the variation in albuminuria and GFR, including a locus on the X chromosome associated with X inactivation and a locus on chromosome 2 containing Fmn1. Subsequent analysis of genetically reduced Fmn1 expression in Col4a5 knockout mice showed a decrease in albuminuria, podocyte effacement, and podocyte protrusions in the glomerular basement membrane, which support the candidacy of Fmn1 as a modifier gene for AS.

Conclusion

With this novel approach, we emulated the variability in the severity of kidney phenotypes found in human patients with Alport Syndrome through albuminuria and GFR measurements. This approach can identify modifier genes in kidney disease that can be used as novel therapeutic targets.
Ásatás Várpalotán (1963) (Ausgrabungen in Várpalota)
Authors: Bóna István
Published: May 2021

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Übergang von der Früh- in die mittlere Bronzezeit in Nord-Transdanubien und in der Süd-Slowakei
Authors: Bándi Gábor
Published: May 2021

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Strategic Legal Regulation in the Field of Implementation of Intelligent Transport Systems in Russia
Authors: Voronin Viacheslav N. , Bimbinov Arseniy A. , Blagodir Alla L.
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses on the potential problems of the introduction of digital technologies in transport in the socio-economic and legal dimension based on the assessment of the current state and development trends of the info and communication in the transport infrastructure in Russia, foreign experience. Moreover, it performs specific proposals for legal and financial regulation of issues and minimization of risks of liability for harm in conditions development of information transport systems. The paper analyses the role of the programs “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and “Safe and High-Quality Roads” in the development of intelligent transport systems that constitute some promising areas of the use of unmanned vehicles to improve the quality of life of people. Furthermore, we assess the development of entrepreneurial activity, high-tech industries, and the increase the investment attractiveness of Russia and analyse the strengthening of its position in the international arena. When it comes to the methodology, we use legal analytics, legislative technology, comparative law, and expert assessments. The results of this research reveal the features of the legal regulation of new and promising emerging relations in the digital economy. This is a strategic legal planning and legal experiment. Based on this conclusion, a system of prerequisites for the development of intelligent transport systems based on the analysis of national programs is formulated. The system of prerequisites includes three levels: I) technological prerequisites, II) infrastructural; and III) regulatory
European Financial Governance: FTT Reform, Controversies and Governments’ Responsiveness
Authors: Van Loon Aukje
Published: May 2021

The Eurozone crisis exposed the incompleteness of the Economic and Monetary Union’s governance framework thereby prompting the promotion of a multitude of reform packages and proposals. This simultaneously induced conflict among EU governments on both design and content of such reforms. In case of the financial transaction tax (FTT) proposal, which failed to garner consensus among member governments, it illustrates Ireland’s disapproval clashing with favorable German and French stances. While these governments aligned on the necessity to reform, the process of harmonizing EU financial governance proved rather difficult. In analyzing governments’ variation of reform support or opposition, the societal approach to governmental preference formation is employed. This is considerably conducive in directing academic attention to the role of two explanatory variables, domestic material interests and value-based ideas, in shaping governments’ reform positions. This article encompasses a comprehensive comparative account of domestic preference formation and responsiveness of three EU governments (France, Germany and Ireland), in the case study of the FTT, and demonstrates that the two societal dynamics are prone to have played a role in shaping financial reform controversies. By building on and contributing to Eurozone crisis literature, this approach seems appropriate in analyzing financial governance reform due to the crisis’ domestic impact resulting in increased public salience, issue politicization and an advanced role of elected politicians.
Criteria for differentiation of oral and written text in linguistic expertise
Authors: Shevchenko Larysa , Syzonov Dmytro
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the dominant characteristics of oral and written text in the aspect of linguoexpertology. The analysis provides a legally defined argumentation for linguistic expertise of oral and written speech, as well as a scientific interpretation of the features of the text in professional research. It is argued that the linguistic expertise of an oral / written text should not be considered only in the context of a forensic examination, in particular authorship or handwriting examination, or a video or audio recording examination. It is emphasized that linguistic examination of oral / written text can be an independent type of linguistic expertise, with appropriately developed criteria and methodological principles for its implementation and testing in judicial practice. The ideas of the article correlate with interdisciplinary approaches, in particular psychological, sociological, medical, etc., which synthesize the criteria of qualitative diagnosis of oral / written text. The authors emphasize modern methods, new discourses and principles of analysis of dominant characteristics of oral / written text in linguoexpert activity. An indicative list of diagnostic questions that are typical for linguistic examinations of oral / written text is offered; the markers for the identification of texts of this type in legal practice are determined. It is proved that the level of evidence in the complex analysis of oral / written texts depends on the depth and accuracy of professional argumentation, typology of linguistic facts proposed for research or their recurrence, as well as the ability to correlate analyzed linguistic units of oral / written text with extralingual factors that led to the appearance of the text.
Вдохновение. Творческий портрет Сергея Шеремета
Authors: Свечникова Елена Владимировна
Published: May 2021

В статье исследуется жизненный путь и творчество известного российского певца, исполнителя классических музыкальных произведений и песен ведущих современных российских композиторов заслуженного артиста Украины Сергея Шеремета. Охарактеризован подход лауреата многих музыкальных конкурсов к своей профессиональной деятельности и воспитанию новых поколений отечественных вокалистов.
Очарование. Творческий портрет Мари Карне
Authors: Чванов Александр Алексеевич
Published: May 2021

Предлагаемая статья посвящена жизни и творчеству молодой российской певицы Мари Карне. В детстве она увлеклась песенным творчеством, участвовала в знаменитом детском музыкальном театре песни «Шлягер». С отличием окончила музыкальную школу. Поступила в Государственный музыкальный колледж эстрадного и джазового искусства в Москве и получила дипломом с отличием. Успешно училась в одном из самых престижных творческих вузов страны — Российской академии музыки им. Гнесиных. В 2015 г. окончила специалитет «Эстрадно-джазовое пение» с отличием.

В детстве и юности стала лауреатом многочисленных фестивалей и конкурсов международного и всероссийского уровней. Ведет активную концертную деятельность, выступает в различных регионах России и зарубежных странах. Участвовала в телевизионных музыкальных проектах «Голос», «Один в один», отборочном туре «Евровидения» и др. В 25 лет стала педагогом факультета культуры и искусства Московского гуманитарного университета.
Technologism as a Suicidal Sentence of Parasitic Civilizations
Authors: Shulevsky Nikolay B. , Zotova Elena S.
Published: May 2021

The article investigates three main aspects of technologism: 1. Technologism has become the last deity, the last religion, and the last hope of the European and American worlds; 2. Technologism is the only basis of the rotten European and American parasitic world which passed a suicidal sentence upon itself; and 3. The era of technologism may be replaced (and may have already been replaced) by the socioepoch (the Other epoch) based on truth, measure, and justice, subjecting asocial and antihuman technologism aggression to these vital values.
Neurogenic urinary disorders in patients with tuberculous spondylitis before and after surgical treatment
Authors: Gorbunov Aleksandr I. , Murav’ev Aleksandr N. , Sokolovich Evgenij G. , Yablonsky Petr K.
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT: Tuberculosis inflammation of vertebral column (spondylitis) can lead to neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. There is lack of available publications for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction in spinal tuberculosis.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate urodynamic disturbances in spinal tuberculosis before and after surgery for spondylitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We observed 19 patients with spinal tuberculosis, who had symptoms of micturitions impairment. 14 patients (73,6%) were male and 5 (26,4%) were female, average age was 43,7 7,9 years (2766). Control evaluation was performed after surgery on day 2128.
RESULTS: Before surgery we found detrusor overactivity in 11 (57,9%) patients and 2 of those with detrusor overactivity had detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Detrusor hypo-/acontractility was diagnosed in 8 (42,1%). After surgery 5 patients (26,3%) exhibited improvement, in one case urodynamic disturbances were resolved. One patient developed detrusor overactivity and incontinence de novo and one patient had worsening neurological status, loss of sensitivity and acontractile bladder.
CONCLUSION: Variable lower urinary tract dysfunction can be diagnosed in spinal tuberculosis. Only 26,3% of patients have improvement after surgery. New conditions or worsening of previous neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunctions can be observed.
Length-Length, Length-Weight Relationships and Condition Factors of Some Anatolian Oxynoemacheilus seyhanensis (Bănărescu, 1968) Populations
Authors: SEÇER Burak , MOULUDİ-SALEH Atta , EAGDERİ Soheil , ÇİÇEK Erdogan , SUNGUR Sevil
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to provide length-weight (LWRs), length-length (LLRs) relationships and condition factor of Oxynoemacheilus seyhanensis from seven habitats belonging to three inland water basins of Turkey. A total of 166 specimens were collected from Yıldızeli, Taşköprü, Suşehri (Kızılırmak basin), Büyükpotuklu, Pınarbaşı and Örenşehir (Seyhan basin) and Akdağmadeni (Yeşilırmak basin) rivers during 2017-2019. The mean (±SE) of the total, fork lengths and weight were calculated as 6.49±1.59 cm, 6.35±1.60 cm and 3.47±2.41 g, respectively. b constant of LWRs ranged from 2.29 (Suşehri) to 3.52 (Büyükpotuklu), showing growth pattern of positive allometric in all studied populations except Suşehri (negative allometric), Pınarbaşı (ısometric) and Örenşehir (isometric) population. Condition factor was ranged from 0.92 (Pınarbaşı) to 1.15 (Örenşehir). In all length-weight and length-length relationships with r2 were higher than 0.91. The results of above-mentioned parameters for this deep-bodied stone loach showed that wide range of b-value shows morphological flexibility of this species in different habitats.
Boosted Supervised Intensional Learning Supported by Unsupervised Learning
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 USA, Fong A. C. M. , Hong G.
Published: May 2021

Traditionally, supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms rely heavily on large sets of annotated data. This is especially true for deep learning (DL) neural networks, which need huge annotated data sets for good performance. However, large volumes of annotated data are not always readily available. In addition, some of the best performing ML and DL algorithms lack explainability – it is often difficult even for domain experts to interpret the results. This is an important consideration especially in safety-critical applications, such as AI-assisted medical endeavors, in which a DL’s failure mode is not well understood. This lack of explainability also increases the risk of malicious attacks by adversarial actors because these actions can become obscured in the decision-making process that lacks transparency. This paper describes an intensional learning approach which uses boosting to enhance prediction performance while minimizing reliance on availability of annotated data. The intensional information is derived from an unsupervised learning preprocessing step involving clustering. Preliminary evaluation on the MNIST data set has shown encouraging results. Specifically, using the proposed approach, it is now possible to achieve similar accuracy result as extensional learning alone while using only a small fraction of the original training data set.
Real-time Attack-Scheme Visualization for Complex Exploit Technique Comprehension
Authors:   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Fukuoka Institute of Technology, Fukuoka, 811-0295, Japan, Kose Seima , Suenaga Yumi , Oida Kazumasa
Published: May 2021

Recent exploit techniques are highly complex, and it is not easy for cybersecurity learners to understand the attack strategies quickly and clearly. For efficient and comprehensive learning, this paper proposes an attack-scheme visualization system that fulfills three requirements: attack progress visualization in real-time, memory and register-level description, and concise description of the attack schemes. This paper exemplifies two cases: stack buffer overflow and ROP attacks, and demonstrates how the system operates and how users can learn that existing defense technologies are effective or ineffective depending on the execution environments.
Classify Epileptic EEG Signals Using Extreme Support Vector Machine for Ictal and Muscle Artifact Detection
Authors:   the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Indonesia, Astuti Baiq Siska Febriani , Purnami Santi Wulan , Atok R. Mohamad , Islamiyah Wardah Rahmatul , Wulandari Diah Puspito , Juniani Anda Iviana
Published: May 2021

EEG signals aids in diagnosing various wave signals recorded by the activities of the brain. It also produces unavoidable artifacts, in the recording process. The purpose of this study therefore is to detect ictal and artefact signals, with the aim of reducing interpretation errors especially those related to the muscle which are quite difficult to distinguish. The data used are EEG signal recording results obtained from Rumah Sakit Universitas Airlangga. It consisted of two classes, namely ictal and muscle artefact. The signal decomposition method used is a wavelet transform, known as DWT. While the extraction feature utilized, consist of quartile, maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviation. This study also utilized the SVM with linear, polynomial, RBF and ELM (ESVM) kernels. Research results shows that the ESVM classification time is faster than the SVM and other kernels. However, the values of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUC are not better.
The Study of Noise Effect on CNN-Based Deep Learning from Medical Images
Authors:   School of Computer Engineering, SUT, 111 University Avenue, Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand, Sriwong Kittipat , Kerdprasop Kittisak , Kerdprasop Nittaya
Published: May 2021

Currently, computational modeling methods based on machine learning techniques in medical imaging are gaining more and more interests from health science researchers and practitioners. The high interest is due to efficiency of modern algorithms such as convolutional neural networks (CNN) and other types of deep learning. CNN is the most popular deep learning algorithm because of its prominent capability on learning key features from images that help capturing the correct class of images. Moreover, several sophisticated CNN architectures with many learning layers are available in the cloud computing environment. In this study, we are interested in performing empirical research work to compare performance of CNNs when they are dealing with noisy medical images. We design a comparative study to observe performance of the AlexNet CNN model on classifying diseases from medical images of two types: images with noise and images without noise. For the case of noisy images, the data had been further separated into two groups: a group of images that noises harmoniously cover the area of the disease symptoms (NIH) and a group of images that noises do not harmoniously cover the area of the disease symptoms (NNIH). The experimental results reveal that NNIH has insignificant effect toward the performance of CNN. For the group of NIH, we notice some effect of noise on CNN learning performance. In NIH group of images, the data preparation process before learning can improve the efficiency of CNN.
Social Media Marketing Experts’ Perceptions Regarding the Capabilities of a Future Artificial Intelligence Software
Authors:   Dunarea de Jos University of Galati, 47 Domneasca Street, Galati, Romania, Micu Adrian , Capatina Alexandru , Micu Angela-Eliza , Geru Marius , Lixandroiu Radu
Published: May 2021

The increasing interest in Artificial Intelligence’s impact on Social Media Marketing creates huge opportunities for software providers, whose innovative technologies would be broadly implemented by marketers. This article outlines the results of an exploratory research focused on 100 Social Media Marketing experts (digital agencies’ owners, marketers and freelancers) that assessed the forthcoming AI Media software capabilities, based on social media analytics, reflecting audience, image and sentiment analyses. The goal of this paper is to analyze the ranking of twelve capabilities proposed for the future AI Media software, as they were perceived by the respondents included into the research sample.
Proportion and risk factors of postnatal depression among women delivering in a government tertiary care hospital in Kerala, India
Authors: K. T. Naheeda Mohammed , Karunakaran Lalithambica , Punnoose Varghese P.
Published: May 2021

Background: The burden of postpartum depression is significant because it remains unrecognized and it not only affects the mother adversely but also has a negative consequence on the family life and the development of the infant. This research aims to aid the early diagnosis of postnatal depression using Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and the psychosocial and reproductive risk factors of postnatal depression among women delivering in a tertiary hospital in Kerala state, India.Methods: 500 women were subjected to a standard questionnaire for assessing psychosocial and reproductive characteristics. The diagnosis of postnatal depression was made using a pretested and validated Malayalam version of EPDS with a score cut off of 13 or more.Results: The proportion of postnatal depression six weeks after delivery at TD Medical College, Alappuzha was found to be 8.6%. Marital harmony (p value=0.002) was significantly associated with postnatal depression. Diabetes (p value=0.037), hypertensive disorders (p value=0.013), antepartum hemorrhage (p value=0.036), neurological disorders (p value <0.001), type of delivery (p value=0.042), postpartum complications (p value=0.003), mode of infant feeding (p value=0.001), infant illness (p value=0.001), symptoms of maternity blues (p value <0.0001), premenstrual syndromes (p value=0.008) and infertility treatment (p value=0.03) were significantly associated with postnatal depression.Conclusions: Early screening of the women and counselling of women and their family will reduce the maternal morbidity and adverse child outcomes.
Study of association between hypovitminosis D and fibroid uterus
Authors: Chowdhary Sangeeta , Shukla Mala , Joshi Ruchi
Published: May 2021

Background: Fibroid uterus or leiomyoma is a benign tumour composed mainly of unicellular smooth muscle cells with varying amounts of fibrous connective tissue. UF are associated with significant morbidity as it presents in form of abnormal uterine bleeding, anaemia, pelvic pain, subfertility, and obstetric complications and causes financial burden on the patient. Recent studies have shown the critical role that vitamin D plays in fibroid formation, with individual fibroids expressing lower levels of vitamin D receptors than adjacent healthy tissue, making vitamin D deficiency a crucial, yet preventable risk factor.Methods: This was cross-sectional observational study. It was conducted on 140 female patients aged (18 to 50 years) presenting to the OPD of department of obstetrics and gynecology at NDMC & Hindu Rao Hospital during July 2019 to June 2020. 70 women had uterine fibroids on ultrasound and treated as cases and rest healthy women without fibroids served as controls. All women were subjected to ultrasound examination of uterus followed by serum vitamin D3 levels.Results: The mean value of vitamin D levels in cases was 12.81±8.56 ng/ml and in controls it was 19.83±9.21 ng/ml with p value<0.0001. Thus, it was statistically significant lower in cases of fibroid uterus as compared to controls. Secondary incidental outcomes were found between vitamin D3 level and BMI as fibroids occur statistically significantly more often in patient having of BMI ≥25 kg/m2. Also, menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea were the major complaints in 62.5% of cases followed by lowers abdominal pain and dyspareunia.Conclusions: Our study reached significance in the inverse correlation between fibroids and vitamin D levels at the primary outcome level. Larger prospective longitudinal studies drawing on more number and eliminating confounding variables are needed.
Management and outcome assessment of pregnancy-related acute kidney injury in Western India: a single centred, prospective, observational study
Authors: Gattani Vipul , Shah Maulin K.
Published: May 2021

Background: Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (PRAKI) remains a large public health problem, with decreasing incidences in developing countries like India. However, some single centred studies from United States and Canada revealed an increasing incidence of PRAKI. This increase could be due to higher rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.Methods: To assess the management and outcome of PRAKI. In this prospective, observational study, total 1021 cases of acute renal failure were observed.Results: 96 (9.4%) were of obstetric origin and enrolled as per inclusion criteria. Regarding management of PRAKI, 78 out of 96 (81.25%) required haemodialysis. 67 (69.79%) among them were managed with intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) while 10 (10.41%) who had hypotension at presentation were dialysed with slow, low efficiency dialysis (SLED). Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was done in 1 (10.4%) patient. Maternal mortality in this PRAKI study was 19 of 96 patients (19.79%). Sepsis accounted for 52.63% of deaths. Foetal death was observed in 58 out of 96 patients (60.41%) comprising of intrauterine death in 55 (55.29%) and abortion in 3 (3.13%) patients. 38 of 96 (39.58%) patients gave birth to live born child out of which 27 were at full term and 11 were preterm.Conclusions: In order to avoid further increase in PRAKI in India, treating obstetrician should remain aware of management and outcome of PRAKI. The better awareness of diagnosis and management protocols will ultimately lead to further reduction in prevalence of PRAKI in our country.
Leukocyte profile in cord blood of newborns to diabetic and non-diabetic mothers
Authors: Thaseen Nazima , Veeraiah Shivakumar
Published: May 2021

Background: Increasing incidence of diabetes due to strees inducing life-style, involves dearrangement of carbohydrate, fat, protein metabolism characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidimia and negative nitrogen balance respectively. Causing morbidity and mortality, effects gestational diabetes. Pregnancy, capacity to secrete insulin increases with gestational age, has effect in last trimester of pregnancy. Maternal glycemic-status influences neonates leucocyte profile.Methods: Fully automated haematology analyzer ABXMICROsot used to analyze cord blood of neonates born to 40 diabetic (known to be diabetic at pregnancy) and 40 non-diabetic mothers, collected in EDTA tubes. Diabetic group was sub divided into D1 and D2. D1 as 100-150 mg/dcl, D2 as above 150 mg/dcl. Statistical treatment of Levene's test of equality of variances applied to the data.Results: WBC count, granulocyte percent and monocyte percent were significantly lower, lymphocyte percent was higher in neonates to diabetic mothers. Significantly higher in D2 then D1group. The prognosis for the child of a pregnant diabetic is related to the degree of control of mother’s glycemic status, reflected higher indices in D2 then D1.Conclusions: Neonates immune system depends on the mother's immune system i.e.; immunological properties are practically under control of interleukin-1 and interleukin-6. Interleukin-6 potentiates action of interleukin-1 synergistically, such action of interleukin converts non-committed stem cells to committed stem cells. Immunosuppressant status in diabetic mother (i.e.; non-priming of neonatal interleukin-6 by immunosuppressant diabetic mother’s interleukin-6, main cause for altered counts) modulating neonatal interleukin-6 it decreases haematopoietic potential in the neonates, ECF in infants of diabetic mother is reduced leading to haemo-concentration, increasing cell count. Pictures as increase cell count at birth in neonates of diabetic mother.
A case of self-treatment induced oral mucosal fixed drug eruptions associated with use of tinidazole - a case report
Authors: Prabhu Swathi C. , Shetty Harshavardhan K.
Published: May 2021

Fixed drug eruptions (FDE) is a type of adverse reaction to drugs encountered in medical practice. Skin, glans penis is most common site of involvement. We hereby report a case of fixed drug eruption on oral mucosa due to tinidazole, a nitroimidazole-derivative which the patient had taken as he was suffering from gastro-intestinal distress. Very limited case reports have been found in literature with respect to tinidazole causing FDE.
A potential spice with multifunctional pharmacological properties can prevent COVID-19 disease
Authors: Banerjee Subha Bose
Published: May 2021

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the major health crisis in the world. World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. There are no effective drugs to treat COVID-19 infection. Till date include remdesivir, umifenovir, favipiravir, lopinavir/ritonavir, ribavirin, hydroxychloroquine, etc. are used to treat this disease. There is an urgent need for public health measures, not only to limit the spread of the virus, but also to implement preventive approaches to control severe COVID-19 disease. Most drugs on the market have shown unwanted symptoms and toxic effects related to these drugs. In this situation people are searching for safe herbal extracts and pharmacologically active molecules having numerous therapeutic properties. Garlic (Allium sativum L.; Family: Amaryllidaceae) is an aromatic herbaceous annual spice with numerous therapeutic properties. Garlic is one of the most efficient natural antibiotics against the wide spectrum of viruses and bacteria. Organosulfur (e.g. allicin and alliin) and flavonoid (e.g. quercetin) compounds are responsible for immunomodulatory effects of this healthy spice. The viral replication process is accelerated with the main structural protease of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The formation of hydrogen bonds between this serine-type protease and garlic bioactives in the active site regions inhibits the COVID-19 outbreak. Intake of garlic and its derived-products in regular diet as an adjuvant therapy may minimise side effects and toxicity of the main therapeutic drugs of COVID-19 infection.
Angiographic profile of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome in correlation to their glycaemic status
Authors: Parkar Matin , Chavan Chandrakant , Pawar Shubhadarshini , Chavan Yugandhara
Published: May 2021

Background: Aim of the study was to study relationship between Glycemic control and presence of coronary artery disease on clinical presentation with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We used blood sugar levels (Fasting and post prandial) and HbA1c as parameter for evaluation of glycemic control, Gensini score was used as a parameter for evaluation of severity of coronary artery disease.Methods: The analysis of 1200 patient’s data were performed to reveal demographic characteristics, correlation of the diabetes control with severity of the ACS. A sub-set of 200 subjects that was collected with a focus to include diabetic and non-diabetic subjects in proportion 1:2 was performed.Results: The Pearson correlation between HbA1c and Gensini score (r=0.0444) was poor the correlation between fasting blood sugar (FBS) and Gensini score (r=0.0586), and between post prandial blood sugar (PPBS) and Gensini score (r=0.0549), between random blood sugar (RBS) and Gensini score (r=0.0331) all indicative of poor correlation. Duration of diabetes and Gensini score revealed r=-0.039. The. Correlation was poor to moderate with one sided ANOVA and consistent on comparing r-sq values between, HbA1c and Gensini Score [rsq=49.62 (p<0.001)], FBS and Gensini score [rsq=32.19 (p<0.001)], PPBS and Gensini score [rsq=25.39 (<0.001)], RBS and Gensini score [rsq=42.49 (p<0.001)] and duration of diabetes and Gensini score [rsq=19.61 (p<0.001)].Conclusions: There was no correlation evident between diabetes and Gensini dcore. The analysis was suggestive of possible strong relationship between diabetes control and IHD severity. There is no correlation between Diabetes and ACS severity. However, better diabetes control is related with better ACS profile.
Pharmacognostical and physiochemical evaluation of bruhaniya gana siddha ksheerpak for ksheerpan and ksheerbasti in the management of garbhashosh
Authors: Shinde Sarika Trimbak
Published: May 2021

Ayurveda is the most ancient medical science framed on evidence-based principles. So, the standardization of Ayurveda drugs is much needed work in view to asses and maintain the quality of Ayurveda drugs in present era. The WHO appreciated the importance of medicinal plants for public health care in developing nations and has evolved guidelines to support the member states in their efforts to formulate national policies on traditional medicine and to study their potential usefulness including evaluation, safety and efficacy. The quality assessment of Ayurveda drug formulations is very important in order to prove their acceptability in modern system of medicine. The present study aims to standardize bruhaniya gana siddha ksheerpaka formulation for ksheerpan and ksheerbasti in the management of garbhashosh (IUGR). The process of standardization is achieved by systematic pharmacognostical and physiochemical evaluative studies. The drug formulation bruhaniya gana siddha ksheer contains Bala, Ashwagandha, Shatawari, Vidari, Kakoli, and Kshirkakoli.2 Organoleptic characters revelled that formulation was light off white in colour, characteristic fragrant odour, and sweet in taste. The result of pharmacognostical study had shown presence of prismatic crystals of Bala, Scalariform vessels of Shatavari, and trichomes of Ashwagandha, cambial activity of the tubers of Vidari, etc. Physiochemical study showed loss on drying 2.96%, total ash 0.31%, acid insoluble ash 0.01%, pH 6.18%, total solids 34.68.  Phyto-chemical analysis showed presence of alkaloids, tannins, steroids, proteins, carbohydrates, reducing sugar, etc. The formulation was prepared and screened for various standardization parameters as per ayurveda drug standard protocols in API.
Psycho-economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on otorhinolaryngology practice in India
Authors: Duggal Prahlad , Gupta Arun , Gupta Madhu , Thakur Jagdeep , Singh Satinder P. , Singh Harshvardhan
Published: May 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the soft underbelly of healthcare systems across the world wherein resource limited economies seemed to have taken a greater hit. Present questionnaire-based study was done to determine the perceived threats, psychological stress and economic concerns among practicing otolaryngologists in India, facing COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous, self-reported questionnaire-based study was carried out among otolaryngologists in India over 3 week’s period, during the first countrywide lock-down. An online questionnaire was hosted and publicized using social media. A total of 178 participants landed on the page, 73 were excluded at the first question, 105 otolaryngologists, who were allowed to proceed, completed the questionnaire.  

Results: Out of 105 otolaryngologists, 57 (52.8%) worked in private-sector. Significantly (p=0.001) higher number of private doctors (66.7%) were afraid of escalated cost of running out-patient clinics compared to government doctors (33.3%). Majority (80.8%) were against performing routine surgeries during pandemic with no significant difference between private and government doctors (p=0.765). Increased stress, during this pandemic was perceived by 73.1%.

Conclusions: There were clear indications of psychological stress among the practicing otolaryngologists. Main reasons; anxiety about risk of infection for self, staff members and family, economic impact of the increased protective measures needed. It can be safely concluded based on the study that to alleviate fears of otolaryngologists in India; a comprehensive policy intervention is needed urgently, which is all the more important with the threat of a resurgence looming large over the country.
Benefits and challenges associated with the timing of tracheostomy in critically ill patients: experience at a tertiary intensive care unit
Authors: Hajare Priti S. , Havaldar Rajesh Radhakrishna
Published: May 2021

Background: Prolonged intubation in intensive care units (ICU) leads to damage to the airways. Tracheostomy is performed with an aim to facilitate pulmonary toileting and also protect the upper airways from the associated ill effects of prolonged endotracheal intubation. The timing of this procedure is a matter of considerable debate and varies according to different centres.

Methods: 50 patients were assessed. 34 belonged to the early group and 16 belonged to the late group. The study was carried out in the ICU of a tertiary care referral centre. The timing of occurrence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), duration of ICU stay and duration of tracheostomy and the was compared between the early and late groups respectively.

Results: It was found that early tracheostomy leads to reduced ICU stay and delayed occurrence of VAP. The results were statistically significant. Additionally, it was also observed in this study that early tracheostomy leads to reduced duration of tracheostomy as compared to the late group although not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Due to large clinical heterogeneity amongst cases admitted to the ICU, the timing of tracheostomy is different in different centres. Hence, guidelines need to be formulated in order to perform tracheostomy in critically ill patients in order to prevent the demerits associated with late tracheostomy such as prolonged ICU stay, early occurrence of VAP and late decannulation. In addition to this, economic advantages also need to be considered as most of the population in developing countries do not have universal health insurance.
Does laryngopharyngeal reflux affect voice quality? a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vakil Almas J. , Vyas Pratibha , Prasad Shreya , Singh Praveen
Published: May 2021

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reﬂux (LPR) is a rising disease that leads to voice changes. This study aimed to assess the potential association between the symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and voice disorders using the Reflux symptom index (RSI) and the Voice handicap index (VHI-10) scales, respectively.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, India, from June 2019 to November 2019, on a sample size of 144 patients having complaints related to voice change and laryngopharyngeal reflux. The participants filled the RSI and the VHI-10 questionnaires. RSI scores of >13 and VHI-10 scores of >11 indicated LPR-related symptoms and voice disorders, respectively.

Results: The study included 70 (48.61%) patients who were males and 74 (51.38%) patients who were females. The mean age was 33.5 years. Overall, 89(61.80%) patients had RSI scores of >13 while 102 (70.83%) patients had VHI-10 scores of >11. A significant association was found between positive RSI and VHI-10 scores (p<0.001).

Conclusions: A significant association between RSI and VHI-10 scores reflects an association of laryngopharyngeal reflux with long-standing voice change. RSI and VHI-10 may constitute valuable tools in diagnosing suspected patients with voice change and direct early start of empirical therapy with PPI.