bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjects’ Sociodemographics Influence the Transmission Patterns of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli Pathotypes among Children under 5 Years in Nakuru County
Authors: Titus K Suge , Magu Dennis , Wanzala Peter
Published: November 2023

Background:

Diarrheagenic Escherichia
coli (DEC) infections constitute the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, little has so far been done to properly reveal the pathogenic endowments of DEC in these populations.

Aims and Objectives:

We evaluated 4 DEC strains among children under 5 years.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was employed among 384 positive cases.

Results:

There was a significant decline in infections associated with DEC as the children grew older (χ2[12] = 87.366: P = [0.000]. A total of 56 (14.6%) cases were 0–12 months, 168 (43.8%) were 13–24 months, 88 (22.9%) were 25–36 months, 40 (10.4%) were 37–48 months, and 32 (8.3%) were 49–60 months. A total of 248 (64.6%) male subjects exhibited more susceptibility to DEC infections than their female counterparts (n = 136 [35.4%]) (χ2[3] =13.313: P = [0.004]. Subjects from urban areas (n = 248 [64.6%]), significantly bored the brunt of infections than those from rural areas (n = 136 [35.4%]) (χ2[3] = 35.147: P = [0.000]. The prevalence of DEC appeared significantly higher during rainy seasons (n = 269 [70.1%]).

Conclusion:

Young age, male gender, crowding, and rainy season play a central role in the transmission of DEC pathotypes.
Plating fixation or ring fixation compression during a masquelet technique for tibial fracture patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abousayed Mahmoud , Amin Sherif , Othman Sherif , Hanna Farid
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of using a ring fixator compression or plating fixation in tibial shaft fracture patients treated with the Masquelet technique.

Methods

The author conducted a search of the literature for studies that compared the use of a ring fixator or plate for the Masquelet technique in patients with tibial shaft fractures. All full English only articles in the form of randomized and nonrandomized studies were included. Search engines used included PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase, Google scholar, Science Direct, and Clinicaltrials.gov.

Results

The results demonstrate that, patients who underwent the plating fixation with Masquelet technique had greater risks of developing superficial surgical site infections (P < 0.001), stiffness/decreased range of motion (P <0.001), wound and soft tissue disclosure (P = 0.026), postoperative fractures (P < 0.001), and had overall greater risk for postoperative failure (P = 0.003) in comparison to the ring fixation compression with Masquelet technique. In terms of deep surgical site infections, there was no significant difference between the two techniques. The results of this study would therefore suggest that the ring fixation compression with Masquelet technique is a greater alternative to the plating fixation with Masquelet technique for tibial shaft fracture patients.

Conclusion

Plating fixation with Masquelet technique had significantly higher rates of superficial surgical site infection, operation failure, refracture, stiffness with decreased range of motion, wound and soft tissue disclosure than ring fixation compression. This would suggest that ring fixation compression with Masquelet technique is a better alternative to repairing tibial fractures than plating fixation with Masquelet technique.
Combined dynamized nailing with partial fibulectomy for aseptic diaphyseal tibial nonunion in adults
Authors: Elshahhat Amr , Abouelezz Saad
Published: November 2023

Background and aim of the study

Mechanical stability of hypertrophic nonunion remains the goal for treatment leading to bony bridging and remodeling. Partial fibulectomy or dynamization was reported with a wide range of clinical and radiological results. This study aims at assessment of combined dynamically locked nailing with partial fibulectomy technique to reach biological and mechanical stability with shorter healing time.

Patients and methods

This study included seventeen skeletally mature patients with aseptic diaphyseal hypertrophic tibial nonunion after nailing or external fixator. Patients with infected nonunion, atrophic nonunion, skeletally immature, and those with incomplete follow-up were excluded. Included patients were allocated into two groups, and final functional and radiological outcome regards healing time, union, limb alignment and rotation, knee and ankle rage of motions were reported.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 33.3 ± 6.2months. All nonunions healed successfully within 11.9 ± 1.5weeks (range: 10–16 weeks). One patient had tibial plafond injury that necessitated nail removal. The mean angle of coronal angulation was 1.4 ± 1.4°. The rotational difference between both limbs as per the thigh-foot angle was 2.5 ± 1.7°. The average functional outcome as per the Karlström-Olerud scale score was 30.9 ± 3. A significant difference was evident between the external fixator group and the nailing group in terms of functional grading scale (P=0.03).

Conclusion

The combined dynamically locked nailing with partial fibulectomy technique is a biology-preserving technique that provides mechanical stability, allows early return to functional activity with complete bone healing and no need for further surgeries.
Treatment of peroneal spasmodic valgus foot with posterior subtalar fusion using a tightly packed iliac crest bone graft without fixation
Authors: Eforse Elsayed , Marei Abdelhakim E
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this work is to study the result of posterior subtalar fusion as a modality of treatment of idiopathic spasmodic valgus feet. We study the effect of using a tightly impacted iliac crest bone graft to achieve stable joint distraction without additional fixation.

Materials and Methods

The study was done in the period between June 2017 and January 2019. Patients’ age ranged from 12 to 16 years. Patients were all treated with subtalar fusion at the level of the posterior facet. A wedged tricortical iliac crest bone graft was tightly impacted in the joint with its base facing laterally. No additional fixation methods were used. Patients were followed radiologically and functionally using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle–Hind foot scale (AOFAS-AHS).

Results

The study included 12 males and one female with a mean age of 13.5 ± 1.2 years. Five cases were bilateral and eight cases had unilateral affection with a total 18 feet. The mean follow-up period averaged 12 months (6–18) months. The AOFAS-AHS significantly increased from a preoperative mean of 41.2 ± 1.8 points to a postoperative mean of 82.8 ± 3.6 points (P value <0.001), with a significant improvement in the radiological parameters used to evaluate the deformity.

Conclusion

Operative treatment in form of subtalar fusion is a good surgical option that showed significant improvement of symptoms and deformity correction. The technique of distraction bone block using wedged iliac graft allows a stable fusion and avoids hardware complications.
The study of long noncoding RNA SNHG5 and PANDAR genes expression in newly diagnosed egyptian adult acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Abdelrahman Amira M. N. , Hassan Naglaa M. , Zidan Magda Abd El-Aziz , Ibrahem Ahmed Elsayed Aly
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Due to their impact on crucial steps in hematopoiesis, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) deregulation potentially accelerates the growth and development of blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study aimed to look into different expression patterns, prognostic value, and clinical importance of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) and promoter of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A antisense DNA damage-activated RNA (PANDAR) genes in Egyptian adult patients with AML.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

The case–control study was conducted between 2019 and 2022 at the Clinical Pathology Department at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt. The study involved 80 recently diagnosed patients with AML and 20 healthy controls. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the levels of expression of SNHG5 and PANDAR genes.

RESULTS:

In comparison to healthy controls, there was a significantly higher SNHG5 gene expression (P = 0.026) and PANDAR expression (P < 0.001) in patients’ bone marrow samples. The study of the correlations revealed a significant positive association between SNHG5 and PANDAR genes in AML patients. The overall survival (OS) was significantly better in the low SNHG5 gene expression group than in the high SNHG5 gene expression group. No significant difference was detected regarding the disease-free survival (DFS) between patients with low expression and high expression of the SNHG5 gene. No significant variation between high PANDAR gene and low PANDAR gene expression regarding OS and DFS.

CONCLUSION:

SNHG5 and PANDAR may have a pathogenic role in AML, and their overexpression might be considered a marker for diagnosis in AML patients in Egypt. SNHG5 expression can be used as a predictor for OS, while PANDAR expression cannot be used as a predictor for OS or DFS in patients.
Clinico-pathological profile of parotid gland tumors at a tertiary care center in North India
Authors: Gautam Shailendra Kumar , Kumar Sunil , Singh Hitendra Prakash , Singh Abhishek Bahadur , Chandra Manish
Published: November 2023

Aim of the Study:

The objective of this study was to know the various types of parotid tumors and their clinical presentations, surgical management, and post-operative outcome.

Material and Methods:

Data of 102 patients assessed from hospital records who underwent parotid surgery between the years 2013 and 2018 were obtained. Parameters included age, sex, socio-demographic profile, presenting complaints, examination findings, and cytopathology. Surgical techniques, post-operative complications such as a facial scar, retro-mandibular and pre-auricular depression, facial palsy, Frey's syndrome, and numbness over the ear lobule were analyzed.

Result:

Out of a total of 102 patients, 54.0% of patients were male, and 45.1% were female. The mean age of patients was 33.30 ± 13.87 years ranging from 7 to 65 years. The most common clinical presentation was swelling in the parotid region (95.1%), and associated symptoms with swelling were pain (17.5%), facial palsy (4.9%), discharging sinus (4.9%), and ulcerative lesions (1%) at the time of presentation. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign neoplasm (76.5%), followed by Warthin's tumors (2.9%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignant neoplasm (3.9%). After parotid surgery, 35% of patients had a sensory impairment or hypoesthesia of the ear lobule, and 23.28% had temporary facial nerve weakness. 5.0% of patients had permanent facial weakness, and 2.06% of patients had weakness of the marginal mandibular nerve.

Conclusion:

Pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma are the most common benign and malignant tumors, respectively, and parotidectomy is the treatment of choice, depending on the tumor location. Successful treatment depends on early diagnosis and histopathological and radiological investigations. Sensory impairment and temporary facial nerve paralysis are the most common post-operative complications, which are minimized by proper knowledge of anatomy and meticulous dissection of the facial nerve during parotid surgery.
Oral health-related quality of life in Brazilian children, adolescents, and young adults undergoing cancer treatment
Authors: Bresolin Carmela R. , Palma Luiz F. , Serrano Rafael V. , Toline Cristina , Tuchtenhagen Simone , Ardenghi Thiago M. , Praetzel Juliana R.
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Cancer is considered a major public health problem worldwide and may have an important impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Thus, the present study aimed to assess OHRQoL in Brazilian patients aged 3 to 21 years undergoing cancer treatment.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 121 patients receiving cancer treatment and 363 healthy individuals (control group) were evaluated. OHRQoL was assessed using an age-specific questionnaire, that is, the Brazilian versions of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) 11–14-short version, the CPQ 8–10-short version, and the short-form of Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire-14 (OHIP-14).

Results:

Individuals from the control group who were evaluated by the ECOHIS presented more impact on the OHRQoL regarding the psychological and family function score, as well as those evaluated by CPQ 8–10, who presented more impact in general. However, considering CPQ 11–14, cancer patients had their OHRQoL more affected, as shown in both the total questionnaire score and oral symptoms score.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this Brazilian study, cancer treatment seems to be associated with decreased OHRQoL only in patients aged between 11 and 14 years. However, children without cancer aged between 8 and 10 years seem to experience worse OHRQoL.
Salivary biomarkers and temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Shekhar Amlendu , Maddheshiya Nisha , Nair Vinayalekshmy , Rastogi Varun , Srivastava Adit , Singh Akhilesh Kumar
Published: November 2023

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a common condition affecting the musculoskeletal group evoking clinical signs such as pain, restricted mouth opening, and disability in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory musculature, and the osseous structures in the surroundings. Saliva is a strong proponent of a diagnostic and prognostic tool for TMDs. Hence, a systematic review was undertaken to answer the research question “What is the role of salivary biomarkers in the identification of TMD?” A thorough literature search was performed in databases of PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar till February 2022. Every included study was characterized by Study ID, location, sample size, demographic information, biomarker analysis, assessment method, and results. Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the methodological quality of all qualifying research. A total of eight articles were included for the review after screening the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. The review included articles of observational design with a control group. TMD disorders were confirmed both clinically and radiographically in the study of Shoukri et al. TMDs are commonly prevalent in maxillofacial conditions. Despite the availability of various diagnostic techniques, certain limitations are remarkable. The researchers are yet to ascertain a gold standard biomarker to identify TMD.
Comparative evaluation of efficacy of Halstead technique, Clark and Holmes technique, Gow Gates technique, and Sargenti technique for mandibular anesthesia
Authors: Awate Sayali , Bhate Kalyani , Londhe Uday , Contractor Murtaza , Bhosale Tushar , Lokhande Shreyas
Published: November 2023

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the inferior alveolar nerve block, that is, the Halstead technique, Clark and Holmes technique, Gow Gates technique, and Sargenti technique, for mandibular anesthesia.

Methodology:

This prospective, double-blinded, in-vivo study was conducted amongst 100 patients, requiring mandibular anesthesia. These patients were divided into four groups. Parameters assessed were time required for appearance of subjective and objective symptoms and signs, positive aspiration, need for supplementary anesthesia, and ease of administration.

Results:

The means for subjective symptoms for the four techniques, that is, Halstead technique, Clark and Holmes technique, Gow Gates technique, and Sargenti technique, were 78.44, 120.76, 176.6, and 203.08, respectively. The means for objectives symptoms for the four techniques, that is, Halstead technique, Clark and Holmes technique, Gow Gates technique, and Sargenti technique, were 110.6, 269.8, 287.48, and 154.08, respectively. Halstead technique had statistically significant (P < 0.05) faster objective signs than all the other techniques. Supplementary block if required was noted for all four techniques.

Conclusion:

The Clark and Holmes technique showed maximum complications, while Gow Gates technique was most difficult to administer. The Angelo Sargenti technique gave good results, same as standard Halstead technique.
Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa – A rare case report
Authors: Prathap Akhilesh , Sreeja Nidhin Rajagopalan , Nair Sunil Sukumaran , Babu Sharlene S.
Published: November 2023

Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma. It is mainly reported in the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck. In literature, adenoid variants of squamous cell carcinoma are reported in the lip and tongue. Documented cases of buccal mucosa are very few. In this case report, we describe an adenoid variant of squamous cell carcinoma, which is an unusual presentation of a rare carcinoma.
Reconstruction of the external ear using implant-supported alloplasts—Our experience
Authors: Malick Rayan , Sham M.E. , Reddy Thyagraj Jayaram , Jacob P.C.
Published: November 2023

Surgical reconstruction of the missing external ear is difficult, and the results are often far from satisfactory. An implant-retained auricular prosthesis is a suitable alternative. Microtia, malformation, deformity, and partial or complete loss of the external ear may be due to various congenital or acquired factors. A case series of three patients treated with implant-retained auricular prostheses is presented in this article. For each missing pinna, two titanium implants were placed in the temporal bone. After 6 months of osseointegration, the implants were loaded. All three cases were rehabilitated with a bar and clip retained prosthesis. There were two male and one female patient with an average age of 16.6 years. One patient had unilateral absence of external ear and two had bilateral absence. A total of 10 implants were placed, 4 on the right side and 6 on the left. The average post rehabilitation follow-up was 18 months. Peri-implant tissue reactions were observed at two sites. The implant-retained auricular prosthesis is an alternative treatment approach with good retention and patient satisfaction. Long-term follow-up is required to assess delayed sequelae.
Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of depth of invasion in tongue carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Kondajji Ramachandra , Jain Vanshika
Published: November 2023

Tongue carcinoma constitutes 10.4–46.9% of all oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and is notoriously known for invading tissues deeper than the evident gross margins. The deeper the tumor invades, the higher are its chances of future morbidity and mortality due to extensive neck dissection and risk of recurrence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive diagnostic aid used for measuring a preoperative tumor's depth of invasion (DOI) as it can efficiently outline soft tissue tumors from adjacent normal tissue. To assess various MRI modalities used in measuring DOI in tongue carcinoma and their reliability compared with other DOI measuring modalities. The protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (CRD42022330866), and the following Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) Diagnostic Test Accuracy guidelines were performed. PubMed electronic database was searched using a combination of keywords for relevant articles in the English language since 2016. Critical appraisal was carried out using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-Comparative (QUADAS-C) risk-of-bias (RoB) assessment tool. A weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated between MRI and histopathological DOI along with pooled correlation and subgroup analysis, where possible. A total of 795 records were retrieved of which 17 were included in the final review with 13 included for meta-analysis. A high RoB was found for most studies for all parameters except flow and timing. WMD showed a statistically significant MRI overestimation of 1.90 mm compared with histopathology. Subgroup analysis showed the 1.5 Tesla machine to be superior to the 3.0 Tesla machine, while imaging sequence subgroup analysis could not be performed. MRI is a viable preoperative DOI measurement modality that can help in efficient treatment planning to decrease surgical morbidity and mortality.
External auditory canal injuries in maxillofacial trauma – Proposal of a symptom-based treatment algorithm with a report of twelve cases
Authors: Panneerselvam Elavenil , Alagesan Ramkumar Ceyar Kuppuswamy , Sripathi Vaishnavi , Sridharan Geetha , Balasubramanian Sasikala , Balakrishna Krishnakumar Raja Vegasana
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Injury to the external auditory canal (EAC) may occur following facial trauma. They manifest as otalgia, ear bleeding, otorrhea, facial palsy, or altered hearing. But literature regarding its management is sparse. The study aimed to identify the incidence and types of EAC injury in facial trauma, grade their severity, and propose a symptom-based treatment algorithm.

Patients and Methods:

This was a prospective case series involving patients with signs/symptoms of EAC injury following maxillofacial trauma. The EAC was evaluated by clinical examination, imaging, endoscopy, and audiometry. Clinical findings were graded into mild, moderate, and severe. Treatment was matched to clinical findings according to the proposed algorithm. The outcomes of the study were incidence and types of EAC injury in facial trauma and resolution of presenting signs/symptoms. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics using SPSS software (v26; IBM, Armonk, NY).

Results:

A total of 88 patients reported with maxillofacial trauma during a 6-month period. Signs/symptoms of EAC injury were observed in 41 patients, of which 12 (11 males and 1 female) were confirmed with a diagnosis of EAC injuries. Eight patients demonstrated only cartilaginous injuries while three had bony injuries. Treatment was successful in 11 out of 12 patients, with a best point estimate of 0.86 (Z score-1.959, 95% CI).

Conclusion:

Clinical findings of EAC injury mandate thorough investigation to ascertain the site and severity of the injury. Symptom-based treatment of EAC injuries produces an effective resolution of signs/symptoms and improved treatment outcomes.
A comparative study to evaluate the therapeutic effects of nutraceuticals in oral leukoplakia:- A randomized clinical trail
Authors: Ahmad Tanveer , Khan Imran , Sultana Asia , Rizvi M. Moshahid A.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Oral leukoplakia, usually white changes in the oral mucosa, is one of the most common conditions affecting the oral cavity. Oral leukoplakia can occur anywhere in the mouth and is usually asymptomatic. Clinical diagnosis is reliant on visual inspection and manual palpation. It has a global prevalence of 2.6% and a malignant transformation rate of 0.13–34%. In India, OL has a higher prevalence (0.2–5.2%) but a lower a malignant transformation rate (0.13–10%).

Methodology:

It was a randomized control trial in which study was conducted on clinically diagnosed 300 oral leukoplakia patients. All patients were randomly categorized in three groups of 100 each. Group-A: Patients were given commercially available curcumin 500 mg. daily orally. Group-B: Patients were given 4 mg of oral lycopene daily. Group-C: Patients were treated with 4 mg of lycopene + 500 mg curcumin daily by oral route. After recording the pre-treatment clinical findings, all the participants were evaluated regularly after 30 days, 60 days and 90 days of active treatment and once in a month for another 3 months of post-treatment follow-up and to evaluate concomitant medication, lesion(s), compliance, and adverse events. The clinical response was evaluated by bi-dimensional measurement of the lesions and color photography. Safety assessment measures: Physical examination and laboratory tests were performed at baseline, and every 30 days for 3 months after randomization.

Result:

Number of participants cured after treatment with oral curcumin was 51%. Participants took lycopene tablets showed 63% cure rate and 72% participants cured after treatment with combination curcumin and lycopene.

Conclusion:

Results showed that curcumin, lycopene, and a combination of the two are effective in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. When compared, we found that lycopene is a better nutraceutical as compared to curcumin. When both nutraceuticals were given to the participants, they showed better results than single nutraceuticals when the data were analyzed after 90 days of treatment. There is a significant difference in the response of curcumin and combinations of both nutraceuticals, although the difference between lycopene and combinations of curcumin and lycopene is insignificant.
Assessment of oral health status amongst the Sevayats of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha: A cross sectional study
Authors: Kumar Gunjan , Jena Samikshya , Dash Payal , Mandal Yagnaseni , Sethi Alok Kumar
Published: November 2023

Aim:

To assess the oral health status amongst the Sevayats of Shree Jagannath temple, Puri, Odisha.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the oral health status among 488 Sevayats of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, using a simple random sampling technique. Data were obtained by utilizing the WHO oral health assessment form for adults-2013. The documented data were assembled, entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet, and analyzed using SPSS version 26. The statistical tests applied for the analysis were one-way analysis of variance and the Chi-square test. The P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The majority of the participants, around 30.3%, had an educational qualification of higher secondary, followed by high school, 26.2%. A total of 84.4% of participants cleaned their teeth with a toothbrush. Around 48.0% of participants were consuming paan and 11.7% were gutkha. The majority, 77.8% of the participants had periodontal pockets, and 79.09% of them had 4-5 mm of periodontal loss of attachment. The mean DMFT of all the participants was 5.23 ± 4.71. In the 25-44 and 45-60 years of age groups, 34.2% and 31.4% of the participants had tobacco pouch keratosis. About 72% of the subjects had bleeding gums.

Conclusion:

There was a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease among the subjects. The majority of the servitors who had a history of consuming paan were diagnosed with oral mucosal lesions.
Oxidant and antioxidant status among tobacco users: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chauhan Pallavi , Reddy Sujatha S. , Chokkanna Vasudha K. , Singh Pranshu , Majumdar Kuhu
Published: November 2023

Background:

Smokeless and smoking tobacco use results in increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, which play a major role in the causation of cancer in tobacco habituates. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a product of lipid peroxidation, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), the main enzymes in the antioxidant defense system, are assessed among tobacco users. This study gave insight into the relationship between tobacco use, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Aims and Objectives:

This study aimed to estimate the levels of lipid peroxidation product MDA and antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx among tobacco users and compare them with controls.

Method:

A case–control study comprising 30 smokeless tobacco users, 30 smokers, and 30 controls was enrolled for the study. Serum MDA was assayed by the thiobarbituric acid method; serum SOD and GPx were assayed using Ransel antioxidant kits. The results were statistically analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.

Results:

Serum MDA levels, which indicate oxidative stress, were increased among all tobacco users and significantly increased among smokeless tobacco users as compared to smokers. Serum SOD and GPx levels were decreased among both forms of tobacco users compared with controls. With an increase in duration and frequency of tobacco use, there was a significant increase in serum MDA levels among both smokers and chewers and a decrease in serum SOD and GPx levels.

Conclusion:

In the present day, the tobacco epidemic has attained enormous proportions with the tobacco habit starting as early as 13–14 years and leading to serious conditions with high morbidity and mortality. These biochemical parameters such as MDA, SOD, and GPx, which act as marker of oxidant and antioxidant system, can constitute important tools for evidence-based medicine for educating patients and motivating interventions in tobacco cessation therapy.
Individual Initiatives Practices to Promote Medication Safety in a Tertiary Care Setting in Order to Improve Patient Safety
Authors: Raghu Suneetha , Raghu M N
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Medication safety and patient safety in health care are inextricably linked. Examining the medication safety culture in employees and the general public helps to improve patient safety in health care. According to the Google Survey, most of the employee groups and patients including hospital visitors lacked knowledge of medication safety. To create awareness even the World Health Organization (WHO) started the campaign, which goes under the motto “medication without harm” in 2022. Hence, we planned this study to understand the medication safety culture among the staff and patients/visitors in a tertiary care center. The main aim was to assess the attitude toward medication safety among the health-care personnel including doctors, nursing staff, pharmacists, and others, by assessing their knowledge of defined medication safety initiatives.

Methodology:

The cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital using a simple random sampling technique among 164 health-care personnel and 50 patients/visitors.

Result:

When compared to other employees and patients/visitors, the doctors, nurses, and pharmacists gave a positive response to medication safety practices and awareness. This demonstrates their initiative to ensure medication safety throughout the hospital.

Conclusion:

Considering the study included patients and visitors, the findings could reveal that needs to be raised the awareness among them.
Status of current research into cognitive impairment in human immunodeficiency virus based on magnetic resonance imaging and apolipoprotein E4 interaction mechanism
Authors: Zhou Zhongkai , Shi Ying , Wang Wei
Published: November 2023

In recent years, neuroscience research has confirmed that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may have adverse effects on brain function, involving mainly structural changes and cognitive impairment. Combination antiretroviral therapy reduces the prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), but the lighter, disabling HAND remains an unsolved challenge. The apolipoprotein E (ApoE4) gene, which is a common genetic variation in humans, is known to increase cognitive damage from HIV by affecting fat oxidation and cholesterol metabolism, accelerating the progression of and death from acquired immunodefciency syndrome (AIDS), and increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in the study of brain damage in HIV because it can clearly show brain structure and function. Moreover, MRI-related techniques can be used to detect the effects of the interaction between HAND and ApoE4 on cognitive impairment, but this complex mechanism needs to be further studied. This article reviews the current status of MRI neuroimaging research into the interaction mechanism between HAND and ApoE4.
Coexistence of pulmonary actinomycosis with diffuse panbronchiolitis: A case report
Authors: Zhao Ying , Wang Hui , Qi Xiaoli , Zhang Yongxiang , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: November 2023

Pulmonary actinomycosis is difficult to diagnose, and many clinicians lack an understanding of the disease. Delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis are common. Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a rare clinical and pathologic syndrome that involves pulmonary bronchiolitis and chronic sinusitis. This report describes a case of DPB complicated with pulmonary actinomycosis. A 77-year-old Chinese male was admitted with complaints of chronic cough, expectoration, shortness of breath, and fever. He had a history of smoking, drinking, and dental caries. Chest examination revealed coarse crackles. Pulmonary function tests showed an obstructive defect. Computed tomography of the chest showed consolidation shadows, thickening and dilatation of bronchiolar walls, and diffuse central lobular nodules in both lungs. Histopathological examination of a surgical lung biopsy specimen confirmed DPB combined with actinomycosis. The patient’s symptoms and radiological findings were significantly improved after penicillin combined with azithromycin therapy. Actinomycosis should be considered in older men who have structural lung diseases with recurrent lung infections. Early histological diagnosis and combination antibiotic therapy are very important in such patients.
Consensus on imaging techniques and diagnostic criteria for hepatitis B virus-related early hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Qiang , Bian Jie , Li Hongjun
Published: November 2023

The pathological diagnostic criteria for early hepatocellular carcinoma (eHCC) were updated in 2009, but the imaging diagnostic criteria for eHCC have not yet been established in China or other countries. This consensus was formed based on the input of more than 40 experts from over 10 Chinese provinces and cities to assist doctors in diagnosing eHCC, and was endorsed by the Radiology of Infection Sub-Branch, Radiology Branch, Chinese Medical Association, together with the Committee on Radiology of Infection, Radiology Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Radiology Committee on Infectious and Inflammatory Disease, Chinese Research Hospital Association, the Radiology of Infection Branch, Working and Treating Committee of HIV/AIDS and STD Association, the Radiology of Infectious Disease Management Sub-Branch, Infectious Disease Management Branch, Hospital Management Association in China, and the Beijing Imaging Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Innovation Alliance.
Left ventricular vortex formation time: emerging clinical applications and limitations
Authors: Ngiam Jinghao Nicholas , Liong Tze Sian , Pramotedham Thanawin , Sia Ching-Hui , Jou Eric , Kong William Kok-Fai , Poh Kian-Keong
Published: November 2023

Vortex formation during left ventricular diastolic filling may provide clinically useful insights into cardiac health. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the measurement of vortex formation time (VFT), especially because it is derived noninvasively. There are important applications of VFT in valvular heart disease, athletic physiology, heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The formation of the vortex as fluid propagates into the left ventricle from the left atrium is important for efficient fluid transport. Quantifying VFT may thus help in evaluating and understanding disease and pathophysiological processes.
Event Extraction with Spectrum Estimation Using Neural Networks Linear Methods
Authors: Madhavi Vuyyuru
Published: November 2023

The timely extraction of event information from enormous amounts of textual data is a critical research problem. Event extraction using deep learning technology has gained academic attention as a result of the fast growth of deep learning. Event extraction requires costly, expert-level, high-quality human annotations. As a result, developing a data-efficient event extraction model that can be trained using only a few labelled samples has emerged as a key difficulty. Existing research work focuses mainly on the structured data with supervised models. The proposed work focuses on Movie Scene Event Extraction, a practical media analysis problem that seeks to extract structured events from unstructured movie screenplays. We suggest using the correlation between various argument roles in situations where different argument roles in a movie scene share similar qualities. This can be beneficial to the Movie Scene Argument Extraction (argument classification and identification) and film scene trigger extraction (Trigger recognition and classifying). In order to represent the relation between different roles in argument and their respective roles, we propose a Superior Concept of Role (SRC) as a top-level idea of a role that is based on the classic argument role, as well as an SRC-based Graph Attention System (GAT). To assess the efficacy of the model we designed, we constructed the dataset MovieSceneEvent to extract movies’ scene-related events. Additionally, we conducted tests on an existing dataset in order to compare results with different models. Results from the experiments like extraction of words, aspect keywords from the documents indicate that our model does better than other models. Furthermore, the information on the relationship between the argument roles helps improve the effectiveness of film scene extraction of events.
The Poincaré problem for reducible curves
Authors: Fortuny Ayuso Pedro , Ribón Javier
Published: November 2023

We provide sharp lower bounds for the multiplicity of a local holomorphic foliation defined in a complex surface in terms of data associated to a germ of invariant curve. Then we apply our methods to invariant curves whose branches are isolated, i.e., they are never contained in non-trivial analytic families of equisingular invariant curves. In this case, we show that the multiplicity of an invariant curve is at most twice the multiplicity of the foliation. Finally, we apply the local methods to foliations in the complex projective plane.
Stochastic Noise Sources for Computational Aeroacoustics of a Vehicle
Side Mirror
Authors: Uhl Philipp , Schell Alexander , Ewert Roland , Delfs Jan
Published: November 2023

The broadband aeroacoustics of a side mirror is investigated with a stochastic
noise source method and compared to scale-resolving simulations. The setup based
on an already existing work includes two geometrical variants with a plain
series side mirror and a modified mirror with a forward-facing step mounted on
the inner side. The aeroacoustic near- and farfield is computed by a
hydrodynamic–acoustic splitting approach by means of a perturbed convective wave
equation. Aeroacoustic source terms are computed by the Fast Random
Particle-Mesh method, a stochastic noise source method modeling velocity
fluctuations in time domain based on time-averaged turbulence statistics. Three
RANS models are used to provide input data for the Fast Random Particle-Mesh
method with fundamental differences in local flow phenomena. Results of
aeroacoustics simulations excited by the Fast Random Particle-Mesh method based
on well-matching RANS data are in good agreement to the scale-resolving
simulations in the integral acoustic Delta on the side window induced by the
different side mirror geometries. For relative levels in between the variations,
the robustness of the Fast Random Particle-Mesh method can be shown with
secondary influences on the choice of the integral length scale. Absolute levels
are only achieved with an adaptation of the length scale from literature. Two
different RANS models with a missing separation bubble on the mirror or an
overestimated wake flow show a good agreement with the plain series side mirror.
However, they fail at computing the Delta to the step variant due to the missing
amplification of the local turbulent kinetic energy interacting with the step
and downstream mirror surfaces. Computational aeroacoustics simulations excited
by the Fast Random Particle-Mesh method method based on RANS data only needs 14%
of the computational effort compared to the conventional hybrid RANS-LES
approach. This reveals its enormous potential for aeroacoustic broadband noise
optimization purposes.
Design and Analysis of Retrofit for Root Crop Harvester
Authors: Deepan Kumar Sadhasivam , M Boopathi , Sridhar Raj S , Karthick K  N , P Vivek Kumar , R Balamurugan , S Iniya Mounika
Published: November 2023

In India, agriculture is a vital part of the country’s economy and almost everything depends on it. It takes a lot of time and effort for the farmer to remove the leftover root vegetables and crops in soil. Even after manually removing these crops, they can’t fully recover the leftover thing. This process takes more time and is challenging for the farmer. Due to human error, around 20-30% of the crops and root crops are left out in the field. Unfortunately, poor farmers can’t afford the necessary equipment to remove these crops. Generally, Root crops are cultivated by root crop harvester through diggers present under the chassis in the middle which are seen randomly by operators and cultivated or else through cameras which are highly cost and not affordable by all the farmers, hard to maintain and not technically strong by the farmers to operate the cameras.

Hence, it is aimed to design a Plough machine to take the left over root crops in the field as well as to loosen/break up the soil simultaneously which will be mounted on the tractor or dragged by the tractor.
Macro-vegetation and physicochemical aspects of Tirwum pond in Bauchi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria
Authors: Akwuma Oyini Daniel , Ezra Abalis Gaya
Published: November 2023

Water is a key player in any biological system and it is vital to quality existence of living things. The abundance, assemblage, density, diversity and kinds of macro-vegetation present in a system are pointers to ecological health and the knowledge of biodiversity upsurge or decline is necessary for management decisions at various levels. In the evaluation of Macro-vegetation and some physicochemical factors of Tirwum pond, samples were collected once a month for six consecutive months. According to the manufacturer’s operating procedure as approved by EPA, Colorimeter hach DR 890 was used to determine turbidity, HANNA HI 9813-5 was used to determine total dissolved solids (TDS), (pH) and electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO) was measured by JPB-70A pen type intelligent dissolved oxygen analyzer, nitrate and phosphate were determined by means of PALINTEST photometer Wagtech 7100. The determination of TSS and TS were by filtration and evaporation methods respectively and temperature was measured in situ using mercury in glass thermometer. 60 quadrats of 1x1m2 were thrown and a long, double-headed rake dipped down, turned 360degrees within each quadrant and all plants within the quadrant frame were counted and identified. The species richness was six belonging to four families. Diversity and evenness index were 1.69 and 0.94 correspondingly. Most values of pH were within the optimum range. The above 3mg/L of all nitrogen values branded the pond as polluted. The abundance of three macro-vegetation families negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen (p˂ 0.01, p˂0.05), but positively correlated with Temperature (p˂0.05). The abundance of macro-vegetation showed negative correlation with EC and TDS (P ˂ 0.05). The absence of submerged macrophytes, high concentration of nitrate and low concentration of dissolved oxygen reflected the impaired state of the pond community and the species richness of six is bad for biodiversity at local and global level.
Ethnomedicinal and antioxidant potentials of some wild fruits of Shinyanga region in Tanzania
Authors: Washa Washa Bugalama
Published: November 2023

Wild fruits are potentially natural foods, healthy and economically important in our communities. Lack of data on the nutritive and medicinal values of the wild fruits leave them neglected in our communities. Investigation on medicinal use and antioxidant potential of wild fruits in the drylands area of Shinyanga region was conducted in 2022 at Iselamagazi ward (33° 8'14.52"E to 33° 8'26.97"E and 3°32'28.44"S to 3°32'40.38"S) in Shinyanga rural District. Wild fruits were collected using standard methods from the purposely selected areas while ethnomedicinal information was collected using a questionnaire method. Extraction of plant material was done by solvent extraction method using ethanol 99.8% v/v as a solvent. Extract of the wild fruits were evaluated calorimetrically using the spectrophotometer UV-Visible model 6305 Jenway, UK. Ethnomedicinal information from the questionnaire were also collated. Antioxidant properties were obtained using 2, 2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl DPPH) method. Results indicate that the wild fruits are potential natural antioxidants with total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalence) ranging from 19.513-175.983 mg GAE/g and total flavonoid content (Ruta graveolens) ranging from 9.171-176.99 mg RUE/g. Adansonia digitata showed the highest antioxidant capacity (175.983mg GAE/g) and Trema orientalis showed the lowest antioxidant capacity (17.898mg GAE/g). Scavenging ability values of the fruits ranged from 0.368-44.77 taurine (TAU) in total phenolic and 0.233-5.68 TAU in total flavonoid content. More than 20 diseases were reported to be treated by the investigated fruits based on ethnomedicinal information of the investigated community. Propagation and fruits utilization sensitization of the wild fruits in our communities will improve health and livelihood but also conserve our environments
Antioxidant potential of ethanol extract of Annona muricata leaves and its inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Olude Olayemi Mujidat , Omoregie Frank Osarumwense
Published: November 2023

Annona muricata, as it is scientifically called but known in most parts of Nigeria as soursop. A fruit tree with various therapeutic uses, the plant belongs to the family of Annonaceae and has several medicinal properties. The medicinal properties of Annona muricata are well known, and they can be used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions. Effects of ethanol extract of Annona muricata leaves (EEAML) on the enzymatic antioxidants of the kidney and colon in Wistar rats induced with 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) at 25 mg/kg bodyweight s.c. were investigated in this study. Thirty-six male Wistar rats weighing 110–170g were acclimated for two weeks and randomized into six groups (six per group). Group A (control), Group B (extract; 120 mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of A. muricata), Group C (DMH only), Group D (DMH + EXTRACT), Group E (pretreatment), and Group F (posttreatment). The extract was administered daily via oral gavage, while the DMH was given subcutaneously at a dosage of 25 mg/kg bodyweight. This study reveals the carcinogenic effect of DMH induced oxidative stress were ameliorated by the administration of this leaf extract of EEAML at a dose of 120mg/kg b.w. The colon and kidney homogenates of rats administered EEAML (co-treated, pretreatment and post- treatment) showed increased enzymatic antioxidant; glutathione peroxidase, catalase activities and SOD activities. But a reduction in malondialdehyde levels was observed. These findings validate the use of Annona muricata in traditional medicine by showing that the ethanolic extract of the leaves can reduce DMH-induced oxidative stress and alter the enzymatic antioxidant profile in colon carcinogenesis.