bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Overload!
Authors: Lindholm Jenny , Backholm Klas , Högväg Joachim
Published: August 2022

This chapter presents a usability study of a prototype tool intended to support information gathering during crisis situations, thus helping professional key communicators monitor social media content from several media outlets in the same workspace. The main aim of the study is to investigate how situation awareness can be optimized for key communicators during emergencies. It does so by taking a mixed method approach on usability testing and by combining emotional responses and cognitive processes to better understand how the user perceives the tool. The study contributes to the field by illustrating the importance of designing for good situation awareness in services/platforms intended for crisis communication. A key conclusion is that the use of human-computer interaction (HCI) and usability studies are central for improving digital services in emergencies. High-stress contexts require rapid decision-making and leave no room for improvisation and perception. Therefore, comprehending digital solutions correctly is crucial for overall situation awareness.
How “Informing Consumers” Impacts Willingness to Pay for Renewable Energy Electricity in China
Authors: Zhu Runqing , Chen Yufang , Lin Boqiang
Published: August 2022

This paper finds that informed residents are more willing to support renewable energy development. Respondents with a higher level of participation in renewable energy planning, satisfaction with the implementation of renewable energy policies, as well as recognition of the high cost of renewable energy are more willing to use renewable energy. They are willing to pay more for renewable energy power, which means that respondents with more green information (renewable energy) are willing to pay more for renewable energy electricity. Although respondents are more willing to use voluntary payment mechanisms, they are more likely to pay more for renewable energy power under the mandatory payment mechanism. There is a large gap between the actual green power purchase behavior of Chinese residents and the expected WTP, mainly because there are many problems in the voluntary subscription mechanism for green power certificates. Finally, this paper provides targeted policy recommendations for policymakers.
Breeding ecology of the Bare-Faced Ibis (Phimosus infuscatus) in Southern Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Alvino Pedrosa , Melo Daniela de Carvalho , Branco Joaquim Olinto
Published: August 2022

The Bare-faced Ibis is a gregarious bird found in South America. In the face of a rapid expansion in a southern state in Brazil and a lack of detailed information about the species' reproduction, two breeding areas were studied weekly for two consecutive seasons. We registered numbers and characteristics of adults, nests, eggs, and chicks, calculated success estimates, and assessed nest installation preferences. Chick morphology, age, and measurements served to define five growth stages. The species used the margins of two close rivers in Santa Catarina to build nests, lay eggs, and develop parental care between August and January, with success estimates as expected for the family. We observed a preference for the eastern margin of the rivers and proximity to bridges for nest installation, where the muddy margin provides resources for juvenile feeding. Two colony models were defined based on the near or far installation of the nests. Variations in egg and chick dimensions indicated higher adult investment in the second season, with negative allometric growth of the bill and tarsus of chicks related to weight. The results presented suggest favorable conditions for the species’ reproduction in the region, a considerable factor in understanding its expansion in recent years.
The Cichlidae fish Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) has suitability as a sentinel species for changes caused by xenobiotics?
Authors: Morado Claudio Nona , Andrade-Tubino Magda Fernandes de , Pinto Benjamin Carvalho Teixeira , Araujo Francisco Gerson
Published: August 2022

Industrial wastewater and agricultural practices are among the main activities discharging organic pollutants, such as Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and organochlorine insecticides (e.g. DDT - dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane), to the environment. In this study, we used the native Cichlidae fish species Geophagus brasiliensis as a sentinel to evaluate the hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase EROD activity, a biomarker of exposure to CYP1A-inducing pollutants, to assess the bioavailability of xenobiotics in two reaches of a large lotic system in Southeast Brazil: a less disturbed area (site 1) in the upper stretch, and an area in the middle stretch, which receives various industrial and agricultural effluents from upstream cities (site 2). In addition, G. brasiliensis were exposed to a single dose of 50 mg kg-1 beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) or of 50 mg kg-1 dimethylbenzoanthracene (DMBA) to test the effects on, respectively, the hepatic EROD activity in S9 supernatant fraction, and the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes three days after the i.p. treatments, and compared to an unexposed group, to test its potential as a sentinel for biomonitoring studies. The EROD activity was approximately two-fold higher in fish from the impacted stretches than in fish from the less disturbed stretches (p < 0.05). Micronuclei (MN) frequency was also significantly different (p < 0.01) in DMBA-treated fish. The induced EROD activity in the impacted site suggests that organochlorinated pollutants are reaching the biota of the Paraíba do Sul River, confirming the suitability of Geophagus brasiliensis as a useful sentinel species to detect changes caused by xenobiotics
Length-weight relationship of four species of ornamental fish from the lower Rio Negro basin in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Olentino Daniel , Lubich Chiara , Leal Markus , Yamamoto Kedma
Published: August 2022

The present study describes the length-weight relationship of four species of ornamental fish caught on the banks of Tupé lake in lower Rio Negro, Amazonas state, Brazil in the months of September and December 2017, and February, March, and April 2018 with the aid of gillnets (20 m x 2 m, with 5 mm between knots), and landing nets, which were used specifically for collections close to the trunks. Acarichthys heckelii (b= 2.9444) and Nannostomus unifasciatus (b=3.0887) were the only species to show isometric growth, while Pseudoloricaria laeviuscula (b=3.273) showed positive allometric growth and Hemigrammus levis (b=2.5216) presented negative allometric growth. All length-weight-relationships presented herein are recorded for the first time from the Rio Negro basin
A preliminary study on nickel tolerance of some barley genotypes
Authors: Doğru Ali , Altundağ Hüseyin , Dündar Mustafa Şahin , Darçın Emine Selcen
Published: August 2022

In this study, nickel tolerance (NiSO4.7H2O) of some Turkish national barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes (Bülbül-89, Kalaycı-97, Karatay-94, Larende, Tarm-92, Tokak-157/37, Yesevi-93 and Zeynel Ağa) was investigated. Barley genotypes were exposed to different nickel concentrations [0 mM (control), 250, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm]. Nickel toxicity significantly inhibited root and coleoptile growth in all barley genotypes in a concentration-dependent manner. However, root growth was much more inhibited by nickel applications in comparison with coleoptile growth, probably due to a higher level of sensitivity of root meristems against nickel toxicity or direct contact of roots with nickel ions in the growth medium. Root growth in the genotype Karatay-94 and coleoptile growth in the genotype Yesevi-93 was more remarkably reduced by nickel toxicity. Root and coleoptile growth in the genotypes Larende and Kalaycı-97 were less affected under nickel toxicity, respectively. In addition, nickel toxicity disturbed water relations in barley genotypes dependent on the organ type, as demonstrated by more severe inhibition in root fresh weight as compared to coleoptile fresh weight. These results could show that nickel toxicity reduced water uptake from growth medium in barley genotypes used in this study. Changes in dry weight of roots and coleoptiles indicated that nickel toxicity more severely decreased biomass accumulation in roots of barley genotypes. The calculated tolerance indices demonstrated that the genotype Kalaycı-97 is the most tolerant to nickel toxicity, while the genotype Karatay-94 is the most susceptible one.
Cell culture and variations in the comet assay do not affect the genomic integrity of adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Bernardi Luana , Schweich-Adami Laynna de Carvalho , Oliveira Edwin José Torres de , Baranoski Adrivânio , Oliveira Rodrigo Juliano , Silva Andreia Conceição Milan Brochado Antoniolli da
Published: August 2022

The application of quality control tests, such as the comet assay, are essential when adipose-derived stem cells are cultured for therapeutic purposes. However, the steps involved in the development of this assay should be investigated, in order to reduce their influence on genomic damage in cells. The study aimed to evaluate if the cell culture process causes DNA damage, and if variations in the lysis time and pH of the electrophoresis buffer interfere in the genotoxicity results. Four different comet assay protocols were evaluated, and the effects of lysis time and pH conditions of the electrophoresis buffer solution were stated as follows: 2 hours and pH 12; 24 hours and pH 12; 2 hours and pH ≥ 13 and 24 hours and pH ≥ 13. The tail moment was analyzed, and results indicated that at the time cells were detached from the flasks, there was little damage to the DNA in the adipose-derived stem cells, which was confirmed by evaluation of the expression of mRNA genes involved in damage and repair processes of genetic material. Also, the tail moment values ​​did not show significant differences among the four evaluated protocols (p < 0.05), with no indication of damage when compared to the positive control (p < 0.05). Thus, any of the tested protocols can be applied in genotoxicity tests with adipose-derived stem cells, without causing damage to them.
Competências digitais de idosos: um foco na construção de materiais digitais
Authors: Slodkowski Bruna Kin , Machado Leticia Rocha , Behar Patricia Alejandra
Published: August 2022

O presente artigo objetiva investigar as competências digitais necessárias para a criação de materiais digitais por idosos e suas potencialidades para a melhoria da qualidade de vida. No contexto atual, observa-se, além das mudanças tecnológicas, o interesse de alguns idosos em aprender a construir materiais digitais. A metodologia utilizada nesta pesquisa foi a qualitativa, de campo, com abordagem interpretativa. O público-alvo foram idosos com média de idade de 72,4 anos que participam de um curso de inclusão digital em uma Universidade e especialistas com média de idade de 36,8 anos de idade. No que se refere à coleta de dados, foram aplicados dois tipos de instrumentos: questionários on-line e observação participante. Portanto, foi possível mapear uma competência geral denominada Autoria digital e três específicas: Criação de conteúdo digital; Compartilhamento de conteúdos digitais e, por último, Segurança e privacidade digital. Assim, essa pesquisa identificou como pré-requisito para a construção de conteúdos digitais a necessidade de o idoso ser fluente digitalmente ou, no mínimo, dominar conhecimentos tecnológicos básicos sobre a ferramenta de autoria utilizada.
Gestão inovadora no contexto da cultura digital: reflexões a partir de múltiplos olhares
Authors: Procasko Josiane Carolina Soares Ramos , Giraffa Lucia Maria Martins
Published: August 2022

Este estudo insere-se no campo da cibercultura e de suas implicações para a gestão de instituições educacionais. A pesquisa desenvolvida investigou os desafios, as oportunidades e as implicações relacionadas à prática gestora na contemporaneidade, diante da emergência da cultura digital. Acreditamos que seja necessário desenvolver conhecimentos e práticas, considerando a irreversibilidade a que o mundo digital nos apresenta. A pesquisa realizada, de abordagem qualitativa e caráter exploratório, apoiou-se em pesquisa bibliográfica e de campo. Na pesquisa de campo, os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados foram entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com gestores de instituições educacionais que desenvolvem processos inovadores, contemplando recursos associados às tecnologias digitais. Considerando que a maioria dos gestores das instituições educacionais não tiveram a oportunidade de utilizar as tecnologias digitais em sua formação inicial (graduação), foram identificados elementos que desafiam a função gestora de instituições educacionais na contemporaneidade e que também fornecem alternativas e possibilidades de inovação. Como resultados, apresentamos relevantes categorias referentes aos desafios da prática gestora neste mundo digital onde a cultura digital nos impele a fazer mudanças na condução de ações em fase da abundância de tecnologias digitais.
Listas literárias como experiências de leitura: uma análise de guias contemporâneos da literatura brasileira
Authors: Tragino Arnon
Published: August 2022

O artigo analisa indicações da literatura brasileira em três guias contemporâneos de leitura sob organização de Léa Masina (2013), Masina, Langer, Jacobsen e Rosp (2014) e Masina, Barberena e Carneiro (2015), buscando entender como as listas de autores e de livros são construídas dentro de uma suposta experiência literária que perpassa a crítica e a representação do leitor. A partir das perceptivas teóricas de Robert Belknap (2000) e de Umberto Eco (2010), com noções que aproximam listagens e literatura; e pelo pensamento de Carlos Nejar (2014), de Regina Dalcastagnè (2012) e de Arnaldo Cortina (2014), que trabalham com o cânone, a produção literária mais recente e o leitor brasileiro contemporâneo, o trabalho observa como a literatura produzida no país se torna legitimada para os leitores em geral, mas, especificamente, para estudantes e profissionais da área de Letras, colocados de modo implícito nos textos introdutórios dos livros como público-alvo das listas em questão. Metodologicamente elaboramos uma pesquisa bibliográfico-documental com análise quali-quantitativa do corpus, ou seja, organizamos uma tabela comparativa das sugestões e analisamos trechos em que são apresentadas as listagens. Em uma associação às obras e autores estrangeiros que são colocados nas publicações, percebemos, enfim, alguns caminhos a respeito da literatura brasileira: que as listas dos guias induzem o leitor a uma inicial convivência com essa literatura, elas tentam inserir nesse contato uma visão mais criteriosa sobre o que foi lido e que essa produção literária tem sua presença reduzida devido à pouca quantidade de indicações para dar espaço às produções estrangeiras
O sorvedouro de pessoas: dispositivos de poder da ditadura militar em K.: relato de uma busca, de B. Kucinski
Authors: Lima Marcelo Fernando de , Barros Patrícia Marcondes de
Published: August 2022

Nosso objetivo neste artigo é estudar o texto ficcional K.: relato de uma busca, de B. Kucinski, que mostra a procura de um pai pela filha desaparecida na (e pela) ditadura militar em abril de 1974, no período mais violento do regime. Optamos por identificar na narrativa a presença de dispositivos impostos pela ditadura, criando barreiras à revelação da verdade quanto aos desaparecidos durante o regime. A análise se ampara em discussões de Michel Foucault e Giorgio Agamben sobre o conceito de dispositivo. O artigo está dividido em três partes: na primeira, abordamos a ditadura; na segunda, discutimos o conceito de dispositivo; na terceira, analisamos o livro.
South-Asian niche as the poetic helicon of Taufiq Rafat: a metapoetic study
Authors: Aqeel Asim , Rasheed Saba , Ahmed Hafiz Nauman
Published: August 2022

The genre of metapoetry thematizes the fictional elements – the inspiration of a poet, his poetic process, meta-poetic metaphors, the role of the poet in society, and intertextual references – partaking in the making of poetry explicitly or implicitly carried through a poem within a poem technique. This paper presents Eva Müller-Zettlemann’s theoretical pronunciation of meta-poetic elements, i. e., poetic inspiration, poetic process, and meta-poetic metaphors, at play in the metalyrics of Taufiq Rafat from his anthologies Arrival of the Monsoon: Collected Poems 1947-78 (1985) and Half Moon: Poems 1979-1983 (2008). Rafat’s inspiration is the South-Asian terra firma and lived experience that makes him infuse the regional sensibility through a poetic process of perceiving and penning down immediately. His meta-poetic metaphor involves the invention of an image of cultural genesis that informs the process of poetic creativity. Moreover, the study also considers the explicit expression of the role of the poet in society and the functions of poetry in Rafat’s poems, otherwise a prose phenomenon. Thus, the paper analyzes the conscious expression of the construction of South-Asian singularity inspired by the cultural kernel in content and form in Rafat’s metalyrics.
Influence of connection stiffness on static-dynamic behavior of steel frames
Authors: Bolandim Emerson Alexandro , Nicoletti Renato Silva , Rossi Alexandre , Souza Alex Sander Clemente de
Published: August 2022

The growing problems of excessive vibration in steel structures due to human rhythmic activities and vibrating machinery have led to the need for increasingly rigorous dynamic analysis in order to verify excessive displacements and ensure the users’ comfort. The present work aimed to carry out, via numerical simulation in ANSYS Mechanical APDL software, static, modal and harmonic analysis in steel frames with two floors and two bays in order to investigate the influence of the connection’s stiffness on the behavior of the structure. The results obtained showed that the natural frequency value of the models increases as the stiffness of the beam-column connections is increased. However, due to the harmonic analysis performed, it was not possible to delineate a behavior between the stiffness of the connections and the amplification.
Physicochemical properties, mineral and fatty acids composition of Jackfruit seeds flour of two varieties from Brazilian Midwest
Authors: Hajj Vagno França , Lopes Ana Paula , Visentainer Jesui Vergilio , Petenuci Maria Eugênia , Fonseca Gustavo Graciano
Published: August 2022

Jackfruit seeds are usually discarded as waste. Therefore, this work aimed at obtaining the Jackfruit seeds flour of two varieties (soft and firm) from Brazilian Midwest and to evaluate its physicochemical characteristics, mineral and fatty acids composition (FA). Seeds were dried at 45°C for 72h and ground (40-mesh). Both flours revealed high protein content, varying from 13.43% to 16.28%. It also revealed excellent insoluble fibers (4.16% for soft Jackfruit seeds flour [SJF] and 4.68% for firm Jackfruit seeds flours [FJF]) content. Plus, it was good sources of minerals, especially magnesium (approximately 200 mg 100g-1). Oleic acid was predominant in FJF (47.03%) and linoleic acid (30.81%) in SJF. The flour from both seeds presented minor contents of acid α-linolenic acid (approximately 5%). Consequently, both seeds flours are strongly indicated for formulating new food products, improving its nutritional value and promoting beneficial effects on human health.
Detection of retinal diseases from ophthalmological images based on convolutional neural network architecture
Authors: Taş Safiye Pelin , Barın Sezin , Güraksın Gür Emre
Published: August 2022

The retina is an eye layer that incorporates light- and color-sensitive cells as well as nerve fibers. It collects light and distributes it to the brain for image processing through the use of the optic nerve. Diseases that end up causing vision loss and blindness are generated by retinal ailments. As a result, it is imperative to diagnose and treat certain disorders as early as possible. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), an angiography imaging technique, is operated to help diagnose retinal disorders. Deep learning approaches, which are extensively utilized, have now become a convenient way for diagnosing retinal illnesses through OCT images as a result of their effective outcomes in interpreting medical images. To diagnose retinal disorders utilizing OCT scans, this investigation developed a hybrid methodology based on image pre-processing and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) (a deep learning method). Image pre-processing techniques including background filling, resizing, noise reduction, and highlighting are exercised at the pre-processing stage. The segmentation process provides a new CNN architecture with five convolution layers that does have a low computational cost. Compared to other publications using the same data set, the proposed method seems to have a success rate of 99.48 percent in the detection of retinal disorders, closing a significant gap in the literature. The proposed approach has the advantage of maintaining low computing costs in comparison to other studies in the literature. When the conclusions are regarded, it is noticed that the suggested method might be exerted as a decision support system to assist physicians in the clinical context during the diagnosis of retinal disorders.
O TRABALHO DA TRANSFORMAÇÃO: A CRIAÇÃO DO SUJEITO ENTRE A DIALÉTICA E A RESISTÊNCIA POLÍTICA
Authors: Zimovski Thais , Emanoel Souza Medeiros de Vasconcelos Marllon , De Pádua Carrieri Alexandre
Published: August 2022

O objetivo deste ensaio é refletir sobre a constituição do sujeito e suas possibilidades de transformação a partir da relação entre subjetividade, trabalho e criação. Para tal discorremos brevemente sobre a noção de dialética, tendo por base as apropriações das tradições marxianas e psicanalíticas. Posteriormente recorremos a crítica e reflexão da filosofia nietzschiana, sobretudo a partir das leituras de Michel Foucault e Rosa Dias para expandir o debate e caminhar para outras formas de compreensão subjetiva. Neste caminho, destacamos algumas divergências entre tais vertentes considerando a crítica nietzschiana à noção de dialética, bem como alguns pontos de convergência, a partir dos sentidos comuns atribuídos ao trabalho no âmbito da psicossociologia e do ato da criação na filosofia da arte de Nietzsche. Comum nestas distintas concepções parece ser a compreensão que a subjetividade é uma produção social, e como tal passível de transformação em meio às relações sociais. No entanto, vertentes inspiradas na dialética parecem indicar o trabalho como condição essencial humana, de modo que as transformações subjetivas se dão nos movimentos criativos que se opõe a alienação do trabalho por meio de uma reapropriação do seu sentido. Por sua vez, leituras de inspiração nietzschiana enfatizam a investigação da produção histórica da subjetividade, olhando atentamente as técnicas de si, movimentos que permitem com que o sujeito atue sobre si mesmo, criando formas de governar a própria vida em uma complexa trama de relações de poder.
INFLUÊNCIA DA COMUNICAÇÃO DE MARKETING TRADICIONAL E DIGITAL NO COMPORTAMENTO DE COMPRA: UM ESTUDO COM GRADUANDOS
Authors: Thiago Fernando , Trigueiro Francisco Mirialdo Chaves , Souza André Macedo de
Published: August 2022

O comportamento do consumidor é um campo das ciências sociais aplicadas que podem ser avaliadas pela escolha, compra e o uso de algum produto e respondem pela satisfação de determinada necessidade ou desejo do consumidor. Todo aquele que compra ou utiliza algum produto, bem ou serviço, é considerado consumidor. E para influenciar esses consumidores, são utilizadas estratégias que influenciam o comportamento de compra. Dessa forma, o presente estudo tem por objetivo principal analisar como o marketing tradicional e digital têm influência na decisão de compra de universitários dos cursos de Administração e Publicidade e Propaganda da UFMT – Campus Cuiabá, no que diz respeito a compra de eletroeletrônicos. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa de caráter quantitativo com os alunos dos dois cursos citados, sendo o levantamento de dados feito por meio de um questionário eletrônico disponibilizado no Google Forms e com a aplicação em sala de aula. Os principais resultados mostram que os estudantes, em sua maioria, são mais influenciados pelo marketing digital. Entretanto, as propagandas e promoções veiculadas na televisão ainda têm forte apelo na influência de compra do grupo pesquisado.
ÂNCORAS DE CARREIRA E ESTÁGIOS DA VIDA VOCACIONAL DE JOVENS MILITARES E EX-MILITARES DO EXÉRCITO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Silva Victor Borges da , Cardoso Luisa Canella , Oliveira Edson Aparecida de Araujo Querido , Rodrigues Marilsa de Sá
Published: August 2022

Ao longo das diversas fases da vida, os indivíduos são forçados a tomar decisões, tanto em relação à vida pessoal quanto em relação à vida profissional. Em relação a este último, sabe-se que o mercado de trabalho se encontra demasiadamente concorrido, no qual os índices de desemprego são altíssimos, aumentando a importância da tomada de decisão, principalmente em relação às carreiras a serem seguidas. Diante disso, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo relacionar às preferências profissionais de militares e ex-militares do Exército Brasileiro com os estágios da vida vocacional no qual se encontram. Para tal, realizaram o teste de âncoras de carreira 224 jovens militares temporários de uma organização militar do Exército Brasileiro e sete ex-militares temporários que estão ativos no mercado de trabalho. Os resultados demonstraram que as âncoras de carreira Segurança/Estabilidade (SE) e Estilo Vida (EV) foram as preferidas para as duas populações. Acredita-se que a grande incidência de escolha da âncora SE pelos jovens pode estar relacionada à dificuldade de empregabilidade no mercado de trabalho civil e pela convivência com profissionais concursados das Forças Armadas, isto é, indivíduos que possuem segurança e estabilidade na carreira. No que diz respeito aos estágios da vida vocacional, notou-se que os jovens que se encontram na fase denominada exploração tendem a preferir a âncora SE e, os jovens na fase denominada “estabelecimento”, tendem a preferir a âncora EV.
A SUSTENTABILIDADE COMO FIO CONDUTOR DAS DISCUSSÕES QUE ENVOLVEM O SOCIAL, O AMBIENTAL E O ECONÔMICO
Authors: Colomby Renato
Published: August 2022

A primeira edição do ano de 2022 - e o trigésimo volume da Caderno de Administração (CAdm) da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (UEM) - conta com oito artigos. Em uma perspectiva integrativa abrange diferentes seções do periódico, como Gestão de Pessoas e Relações de Trabalho, Estudos Organizacionais, Marketing, Finanças, Administração Pública, Meio Ambiente e Sustentabilidade. E esse último tópico sublinha essa edição, ao passo que está presente, de alguma forma, em todos os artigos publicados.
Microbial profile of lacrimal system Dacryoliths in American Midwest patient population
Authors: Kally Peter M. , Omari Amro , Schlachter Dianne M. , Folberg Robert , Nesi-Eloff Francesca
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE:

Dacryoliths of the canalicular pathway are classically attributed to Actinomyces species as the most common organism. However, global shifts toward Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species have been reported. The objective of this article is to update the American Midwest epidemiology of lacrimal system dacryoliths for targeted clinical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A retrospective chart review from January 2015 to 2021 of patients with a history of surgical procedure for lacrimal removal of dacryolith for canaliculitis, canalicular obstruction, dacryocystitis, and nasolacrimal duct obstruction was included. Specimens were sent for histopathological evaluation and microbial culture.

RESULTS:

A total of 48 specimens were included. The most common organism isolated for canalicular pathology was Actinomyces spp (23%), followed by Staphylococcus spp (21%) and Streptococcus spp (19%). Histopathological staining accounted for 45% of Actinomyces isolation when culture data inconclusive. In a subgroup analysis of lacrimal sac dacryoliths, the most common organism was Staphylococcus spp (29%). Actinomyces species were not isolated from the lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct.

CONCLUSION:

Actinomyces maintains a microbial predominance in canalicular dacryoliths and requires careful culture and histopathological analysis for its fastidious nature. Lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct dacryolith found no isolates of Actinomyces, and the most common organism was Staphylococcus.
Evaluation of electrophysiological changes in migraine with visual aura
Authors: Hamurcu Mualla Sahin , Bilen Neslihan Bayraktar
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the electrical responses in the retina and cortex of migraine patients with electrophysiological tests and compare with healthy controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This prospective study included 18 migraine patients with visual aura and 28 healthy controls. Pattern-reversal visual evoked potentials (VEP) and flash electroretinography (fERG) of migraine patients during the headache-free period were compared with healthy controls.

RESULTS:

There were statistically significant differences in VEP results: P100 and N75 amplitudes increased significantly (P = 0.025 and P = 0.007 respectively) and P100 latency decreased significantly in migraine patients (P = 0.022). Furthermore, fERG scotopic combined cone and rod amplitude increased significantly in migraine patients (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION:

Migraine brain displays abnormal visual evoked responses in between migraine attacks. In migraine eye, scotopic cone and rod response increased. The results of this study support the hyperexcitability of the retina and cortex in patients with migraine.
Role of diaphragm ultrasound in weaning mechanically ventilated patients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Saravanan Ravi , Nivedita Krishnamurthy , Karthik Krishnamoorthy , Venkatraman Rajagopalan
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

Weaning from mechanical ventilation based on clinical parameters and rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) is associated with a higher weaning failure. Bedside ultrasound of the diaphragm is gaining popularity to assess the diaphragm function.The aim of our study was to determine the use of diaphragm ultrasound in weaning ventilated patients.

Methods:

This prospective study was done on 200 adult patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 24 h. After meeting the clinical weaning criteria, a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) was performed. RSBI was recorded and a bedside ultrasound of the diaphragm was performed to measure diaphragmatic excursion (DE) and diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF) before extubation. We assessed the predictability of weaning success of RSBI, DE and DTF by determining the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and Youden’s index. The requirement of non-invasive ventilation or re-intubation within 48 h was considered a weaning failure.

Results:

Out of the 200 patients studied, 171 were successfully weaned. The AUROC values for RSBI, DTF, DE, RSBI-DTF and RSBI-DE for successful weaning prediction were 0.422, 0.654, 0.809, 0.656 and 0.807, respectively. The predictability using cut-off values were DE >1.21 cm (sensitivity 94%, specificity 71%, Youden’s index 0.65), DTF >37% (sensitivity 80%, specificity 52%, Youden’s index 0.31) and RSBI <82 (sensitivity 94%, specificity 31%, Youden’s index 0.25).

Conclusion:

Diaphragm ultrasound helps in predicting successful weaning in mechanically ventilated patients. Both DE and DTF showed a higher specificity than RSBI and a combination of RSBI-DE and RSBI-DTF was better than using RSBI alone.
Novel use of erector spinae plane block in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Baheti Sandip , Kaushik Cherukuri , Biswas Sumedha
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

Thoracic epidural and paravertebral blocks are gold standard analgesic techniques but they are associated with complications. Erector spinae plane (ESP) block is safer with comparable pain relief. ESP block is an established technique for postoperative pain relief. Its intraoperative use as an adjuvant to general anaesthesia (GA) is not yet known. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of ESP as an adjuvant to GA during laparoscopic surgery.

Methods:

This was a randomised controlled trial. Using a computer generated random number table, 50 patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group G (n = 25) received GA and group GE (n = 25) received bilateral ESP (ultrasonography guided) block using 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine at the level of the transverse process of T6 before the induction of GA.

Results:

Group GE showed reduced requirement of fentanyl (P < 0.0001) and inhalational agents (P < 0.0001) with significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (P < 0.0001), diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.0001) and mean heart rate as compared to group G.

Conclusion:

ESP block is an easy, safe, excellent adjuvant to GA which reduces the requirement of analgesics and inhalational agents.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation versus supraclavicular approach to brachiocephalic vein cannulation– A prospective, single-blind, randomised study
Authors: Gowda Keerthi Y. , Desai Sameer N.
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

The internal jugular vein (IJV) is the most common site for central venous cannulation. Ultrasonography (USG)-guided brachiocephalic vein (BCV) cannulation has been described recently. The objective of this study was to compare the first attempt success rate, overall success rate and procedural ease between two techniques.

Methods:

This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomised clinical study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups using computer generated random table. Group IJV included 55 patients of USG-guided out-of-plane approach to the right IJV cannulation and group BCV included 55 patients for USG-guided supraclavicular in-plane approach to right BCV cannulation. The success rate, number of redirections needed, vein and needle tip visualisation, cannulation time and complication rate were compared between the groups.

Results:

Demographic parameters were similar between the groups. Success rate of cannulation was 98.5% in IJV group and 100% in group BCV (P = 0.31). The first attempt success rate was 76.3% and 81.81% in IJV and BCV group, respectively (P = 0.42). IJV was collapsed in 14.5% cases and BCV was collapsed in 0.9% cases. The needle visualisation was better in BCV group (94.54%) compared to IJV (80%) (P = 0.02) group, which was statistically significant. The numbers of redirections of needle were more in IJV group. Thus the procedural ease was better with BCV than IJV.

Conclusion:

Supraclavicular USG-guided in-plane BCV cannulation is a good alternative to USG-guided out-of-plane IJV cannulation, because of good calibre of the vein and better needle visualisation in the BCV group.
A Single-Center 5-Year Experience of Iatrogenic Vascular Injuries and Their Outcomes
Authors: Dabas Ajay Kumar , Katiyar Anand , Srivastava Sachin , Chadha Amitoj Singh , Janardhanapillai Ratheesh Kumar , Bhat Keshavamurthy Ganapathy , Chadha Davinder Singh
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions can lead to iatrogenic vascular injuries (IVIs). The spectrum of IVIs, their management, and outcomes is presented.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational study from January 2016 to December 2020, included all successive IVIs managed by the vascular surgery department. IVI was defined as vascular injury manifesting as hemorrhage/vessel occlusion/and/or retained foreign body in vasculature. Those due to trauma and/or <30 days follow-up were excluded. Reasons for IVI, presentation, vessels involved, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

Thirty-eight IVIs were analyzed. Age ranged from 3 days to 77 years. Sixteen were due to cardiology, seven due to orthopedics, four cases in end-stage kidney patients, 4 cases due to invasive arterial monitoring, and two following cardiac surgery. One case each was following laparoscopy, spine surgery, thrombectomy, endovascular aneurysm repair, and umbilical catheterization. Manifestations were limb ischemia (lower limb-13, upper limb-6), pseudoaneurysms-10, retained foreign body-4 (superior vena cava and/or right atrium-3; external iliac artery-1), hemorrhage-2, arterio-venous fistula-2, and compartment syndrome-1. Common femoral artery (with/without superficial femoral artery) was affected in 13, forearm arteries in 8, popliteal artery and crural arteries in three each, and one case, each of profunda femoris, carotid artery, external iliac artery branch, and thoracic aorta. IVIs were managed by thrombectomy in 13, arterial repair in 11, endovascular procedures in 5, bypass in 4, conservative in 3, and by laparotomy and open retrieval of a balloon in one case each. Four developed surgical site infections, three died, three suffered amputations, three had motor deficits, and two developed acute kidney injury.

Conclusion:

IVIs have heterogeneous presentation. Both open and endovascular skill sets are required for management. IVIs carry high morbidity and mortality.
Review of two cutaneous closure methods for Tessier 7 repair
Authors: Mehra Anhad , Sarma Hiteswar
Published: August 2022

Aim of the Study:

The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the surgical outcomes of patients who were treated for Tessier 7 cleft deformity, over a period of 10 years and compare the two cutaneous closure methods used for the treatment of the same in our cleft center.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective audit of all the patients who had undergone Tessier 7 cleft repair from 2010 to 2020 in our center. Relevant details from recorded case histories were extracted and the surgical technique (Straight-line closure or Z-plasty technique) used for the closure of each case was analyzed. The benefits and drawbacks of linear closure and geometric closure methods were also studied. The preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up records and photographs were assessed for the results.

Results:

Of the 40 patients, 23 patients had skin closure done using Z-plasty technique while 17 patients had the closure done using the straight-line method. The average age at repair was 10.6 months and the follow-up period was unto 1.5 years. Visual Analog Scale and Scar assessment scales revealed Z-plasty skin closure scars were more conspicuous than straight-line closure ones. Lateral migration of the commissure was not an evident finding.

Conclusion:

Z-plasty or W-plasty can be avoided in repair of transverse facial clefts. Closure of the orbicularis oris muscle is the critical step to provide a counterforce to the contraction of the cutaneous scar and no lateral migration or hypertrophic scarring is present after straight-line cutaneous closure.
Patterns of orofacial clefts and associated risk factors in Pakistan
Authors: Sadiq Hamza , Ijaz Rafia , Ayub Ayisha
Published: August 2022

Background:

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are one of the most common congenital anomalies worldwide. The purpose of the present study is to identify the incidence of different types of OFCs and the presence of known risk factors among cleft cases in the Pakistani population.

Patients and Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted at a comprehensive cleft care center, and data were collected from patient files from December 2018 to July 2021. Only cases of cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) that presented to center were included. SPSS was used for data analysis, and risk factors associated with OFCs were identified.

Results:

The study included 1269 patients with CL/P. Of the total, 677 (53.3%) patients had cleft lip with cleft palate, 211 (16.6%) had cleft lip only, and 365 (28.7%) had cleft palate only. Bilateral complete cleft lip and palate (n = 276) was most common among the participants followed by midline incomplete cleft palate (n = 215). One hundred and six (8.3%) of the cases were syndromic, and among the remaining nonsyndromic cases, 240 (18.9%) had other associated anomalies. Chi-square tests revealed the following risk factors for CL/P: consanguinity among the parents (P < 0.001), a complication during pregnancy (P < 0.001), medication use during pregnancy (P < 0.001), maternal smoking or exposure to smoking (P = 0.002), history of miscarriage (P = 0.02), and positive family history (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis for these factors showed maternal smoking (odds ratio [OR]: 1.99), consanguineous marriage (OR: 1.89), complication during pregnancy (OR: 1.98), and positive history of cleft (OR: 1.9) to be increasing the odds of cleft development.

Conclusion:

While previous studies have shown many environmental factors to be associated with development of OFCs in the child, the present study provides a quantitative estimate of the risk posed by each individual factor in the Pakistani population.
Prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Prasad Veerendra , Chhodon Lobsang , Aravindhan A. , Zaidi S. Javed Akhter
Published: August 2022

Orofacial anomalies are common of which the most common orofacial deformity is cleft lip and palate (CLP), which affects one out of every 700–1000 infants globally. The management team should provide a thorough diagnosis, treatment plan, and follow-up. A cleft team often includes orthodontists, maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, pediatric dentists, prosthodontists, speech therapists, audiologists, psychologists, and pediatricians. Prosthetic rehabilitation of the CLP patients starts right from birth to adulthood. It varies from the naso alveolar molding of cleft segments before surgery and expansion of maxillary arch before the secondary alveolar bone grafting to the placement of fixed partial dentures or removable partial dentures for the establishment of better esthetics. A soft-tissue bulb prosthesis can also be given to children with velopharyngeal insufficiency to improve their speech. This article elucidates prosthetic rehabilitation techniques and modalities for patients with CLP.
A case of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with dental and orofacial defects
Authors: Bansal Adity , Verma Prashant Kumar , Bhakat Rahul , Chug Ashi , Reddy Srinivas Gosla
Published: August 2022

Isolated deficiency of gonadotropin-releasing hormone is a heterogeneous disorder with wide genetic and clinical overlap. It mainly presents as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH). HH associated with anosmia is known as Kallmann syndrome (KS), while its normosmic variant is called normosmic idiopathic HH. However, it is associated with several nonreproductive features including dental defects. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 gene mutation, which is seen in the autosomal dominant form of idiopathic HH (HH 2), has often been linked to the associated dental abnormalities and orofacial defects; however, no literature exists for its association with anosmin-1 (ANOS1) gene mutation which is found in the X-linked form of HH (KS). ANOS1 gene was earlier known as KAL1 (Kallmann syndrome 1) gene, and encodes for the extracellular matrix protein called anosmin. Hence, we report a case of idiopathic HH (KS) so as to delineate the possible role of ANOS1 gene in dental/orofacial development. This can help prioritize gene screening and also provide scope for further genetic studies required to prove such association.
Special Anatomy Series
Authors: Ughwanogho Uvieoghene O. , Taber Katherine H. , Chiou-Tan Faye Y.
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

The human corpus callosum (CC) is a primary commissural tract in the brain and serves as a major communication pathway between the cerebral hemispheres.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to enhance understanding of the anatomic structure, topographic organization, function, and clinical relevance of the CC.

Methods:

To achieve this, we reviewed the literature for pertinent histological, anatomical, and advanced neuroimaging studies, and the findings were synthesized to provide the basis for the creation of novel color-coded schematic diagrams.

Results:

A standard midline sagittal magnetic resonance image was used to illustrate schematics of the CC partitioned into seven anatomic segments and the vascular supply of the CC from the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation. We further highlighted the microstructural features across each segment of the CC as well as the topographical organization of callosal fibers in connection with cortical regions of the brain. Finally, we applied these visual summaries as a guide for the discussion of the clinical relevance of the CC.

Understanding the microstructural properties and related functional capacities of the CC is critical to understanding its clinical relevance. Consequently, having a clear and concise visual representation of complex callosal microstructural and anatomical features may be useful to the rehabilitation clinician in understanding overall clinical patterns seen in healthy populations across all ages and patients with neurologic injuries and pathologies with possible callosal involvement.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Effect of Ultrasound-Guided, Single-Dose Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid Injection in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Benny Reni , Venkataraman Srikumar , Chanu Asem Rangita , Singh U. , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Lingaiah Raghavendra
Published: August 2022

Background:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may aid functional recovery in compressive neuropathies.

Objective:

To compare the effect of autologous PRP with corticosteroid injection in patients with refractory carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Materials and Methods:

This was a randomized controlled trial on 84 adults, who received either single-dose, ultrasound-guided PRP or corticosteroid. Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and cross-sectional area of median nerve were assessed at 0, 4, and 12 weeks.

Results:

A statistically significant 54.76% improvement (P < 0.05) in functional status was observed in both the groups at 12 weeks.

Conclusion:

PRP is as effective as corticosteroids in relieving pain and improving function in CTS.
A comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of six natural products in comparison to 2.5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Abuljadayel Jameel Abdulsalam , Shafei Jamal Suhail , Fairaq Mooayad A. , Mirza Ammar F. , Samman Abdulelah N. Bin , Abdulshakoor Asim A. , Jalal Naif A. , Ashgar Sami S. , Al-Said Hamdi Mustafa
Published: August 2022

Background:

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is known to play a key role in the etiology of constant endodontic infections. Recently, suggestions of natural alternatives to overcome the downsides of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) have been discussed in the literature.

Aims:

The present study investigates the antibacterial effect and compares the bacteria-killing time of six possible natural alternatives in comparison to 2.5% NaOCl, namely net Manuka Honey (MaH), crude black seed oil (BSO), 100% apple vinegar (AV), castor oil, crude sesame oil, and a novel plant extract (Bactil®).

Materials and Methods:

Agar well-diffusion assay was used to determine the antibacterial effect of the products against E. faecalis. Muller?Hinton broth (MH broth) was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). Time-kill assay was performed to investigate the killing time required by the tested product to inhibit E. faecalis at 30, 60, 90, and 120 s.

Results:

Four out of the six tested products (crude BSO, 0.2% Bactil®, 100% AV, and net MH) exhibited an antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. While after MBC and MIC determination, only two of the products (0.4% BSO and 0.2% Bactil®) were able to inhibit the growth of E. faecalis within 30 s of exposure similar to the positive control 2.5% NaOCl.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, both 0.4% BSO and 0.2% Bactil® were as effective as 2.5% NaOCl against E. faecalis and could be suggested for further testing as promising natural alternatives to disinfect the root canal system.