bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Swept source optical coherence tomography in management of acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada’s disease
Authors: Ganesh Sudha K , Mistry Saurabh , Nair Nivedita
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the role of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in the management of acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada’s (VKH) disease.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of SS-OCT images of acute VKH patients between January 2015 and February 2020 in a tertiary eye care hospital.

Results:

We studied 34 eyes of 17 patients with acute probable VKH disease. The mean age was 31.6 ± 10.4 years. Twelve patients were women. The mean follow-up was 17.1 ± 9.3 months. The mean visual acuity was 0.86 logMAR (Snellen equivalent: 6/45) at presentation and 0.18 logMAR (Snellen equivalent: 6/9) at the last follow-up. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was 784.97 microns at presentation, 431.40 microns at the first month of therapy, 453.94 microns at six months of therapy, and 405.83 microns at the last follow-up. Qualitative features noted on SS-OCT on presentation was subretinal fluid (SRF) in 29 (85%) eyes, subretinal hyperreflective dots in 34 (100%) eyes, subretinal septa in 33 (97%) eyes, RPE undulations in 21 (61.7%) eyes, posterior vitreous cells in 34 (100%) eyes, SRF around disc in 9 (26%) eyes, and disc swelling in 34 (100%) eyes. At the end of 1 year of follow-up, RPE undulations were absent in 30 eyes (88%) and disc swelling was notably absent in all 34 eyes (100%), though SRF around disc was noted in 4 eyes (11.7%) of 2 patients who had recurrences.

Conclusion:

SFCT, SRF around disc, RPE undulation, and disc swelling may be important indicators on SS-OCT to guide therapy and prognosticate recurrences in acute VKH.
Case series: Megalopapillae in twins – Congenital or hereditary?
Authors: Sharma Somya , Singh Karamjit , Kaur Prem Pal
Published: July 2022

To the best of the author’s knowledge, bilateral megalopapilla are entities with an unknown inheritance pattern, and this is the first case presentation of bilateral megalopapilla in twin siblings. One of the twins presented to the outpatient department with a frontal headache, while the other was asymptomatic. Upon examination of the first family members, the asymptomatic paternal grandfather had a similar presentation of megalopapilla. As a result, this report will help in determining the genetic pattern of development of this optic disc anomaly, as well as its crucial differential diagnosis.
Ocular findings and genomics of X-linked recessive disorders: A review
Authors: Hassan Asima , Mir Yaser R , Kuchay Raja A H
Published: July 2022

Advent of new sequencing technologies and modern diagnostic procedures has opened the door for a deeper understanding of disorders about which little was known previously. Discovery of novel genes, new genetic variants in previously known genes and better techniques of functional validation has immensely contributed to unraveling the molecular basis of genetic disorders. Availability of knockout animal models like the zebrafish and gene editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 has elucidated the function of many new genes and helped us to better understand the functional consequences of various gene defects. This has also led to better diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. In this context, a good body of research work has been done on X-linked recessive disorders with ocular findings. This review will focus on ocular and genetic findings of these rare disorders. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review encompassing ocular and genomic spectrum of X-linked recessive disorders.
Outcomes of surgical intervention in cases of ectopia lentis
Authors: Maharana Prafulla K , Sahay Pranita , Mandal Sohini , Lakshmi Chandra C , Goel Siddhi , Nagpal Ritu , Sinha Rajesh , Agarwal Tushar , Sharma Namrata , Titiyal Jeewan S
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of surgical intervention in cases of ectopia lentis.

Methods:

This retrospective study included all cases of ectopia lentis that presented between June 2015 and March 2019 in a tertiary care center. They were reviewed retrospectively. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), severity of lens subluxation, type of surgery, intra-operative and post-operative complication, and specular count were recorded.

Results:

Seventy-eight eyes of 57 cases with a mean age at surgery of 14.73 years were analyzed. Intra-lenticular lens aspiration was the most common (n-62/78; 79.5%) surgical procedure followed by lens aspiration, intra-capsular cataract extraction, phaco-aspiration, and pars-plana lensectomy. Simultaneous intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed in 46.2% (n-32/78) of the eyes. The mean CDVA improved from 0.85 ± 0.55 logMAR to 0.44 ± 0.29 logMAR at 6 weeks follow-up. The post-operative CDVA was significantly better in the pseudo-phakic group compared to the aphakic group (p-0.02). The patient’s age at the time of surgery and the degree of subluxation did not impact the final visual outcome. Intra-operative complication included vitreous hemorrhage (n-1) and lens matter drop (n-1). Post-operative complications were noted in 26.9% of the eyes (n-21/78) with a higher complication rate in the pseudo-phakic group (p-0.00). A second intervention was required in 7.7% of the eyes (n-6/78).

Conclusion:

Age and degree of subluxation at the time of surgery do not influence the final visual outcome in cases of ectopia lentis undergoing lens extraction surgery. IOL implantation results in better visual outcomes but is associated with a high complication rate.
Oral valganciclovir in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients suffering from cytomegalovirus retinitis at a tertiary care hospital in North India
Authors: Markan Ashish , Gupta Nikita , Dogra Mohit , Sharma Aman , Singh Ramandeep
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

To study clinical efficacy of valganciclovir in cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive-positive patients in a tertiary care clinic in a developing nation.

Methods:

In a retrospective study, systemic and ocular records of HIV patients suffering from CMVR and treated with valganciclovir, were analyzed. Primary outcome measures were involvement of the other eye, incidence of retinal detachment, systemic involvement, and mortality encountered. Secondary outcome measures included change in BCVA.

Results:

Out of nine patients who were included, two patients developed CMVR in the other eye and only one patient (11.11%) developed retinal detachment during the course of the study. No patient developed any systemic manifestations or had mortality during the course of the study. The change in BCVA was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Use of oral valganciclovir showed good outcome and was found to be a better alternative compared to the use of intravitreal ganciclovir in the literature. Introduction of valganciclovir at an affordable price in developing nations can decrease disease burden.
Choroidal and retinal thickness variations in ocular albinism
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Agrawal Sameeksha , Reddy Nikitha Gurram , Sridharan Akhila , Ong Joshua , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

To study the retinal and choroidal thickness variations on enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography scans in ocular albinism (OA) and compare with age-matched healthy subjects.

Methods:

This retrospective observational study had 48 eyes of 24 patients diagnosed clinically as OA and age, sex, and axial length-matched control healthy subjects. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and a single-line horizontal-raster enhanced depth imaging – optical coherence tomography scan (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering). Retinal and choroidal thickness was measured, compared, and analyzed between the two groups. Mann–Whitney U test was used for analysis between the two groups. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The mean age was 28.3 ± 11.6 and 29.9 ± 10.6 years in the OA group and control group, respectively. Spherical equivalents ranged from −8.5D to +10.5D in the OA group and from −8.0D to +10.0D in the control group. The mean axial length between the two groups (P = 0.652) were comparable. The average retinal thickness (272 ± 34.3 vs. 213 ± 13.8 mm; P < 0.001) was greater in the OA group as compared to controls. The mean choroidal thickness (184 ± 78.4 vs. 287 ± 46.4 mm; P < 0.001) was significantly thinner in the OA group.

Conclusion:

Acquisition of OCT scans in OA can be challenging. This study showed that the subfoveal retinal thickness and choroidal thickness measured across the scans were significantly different in the OA group compared to controls. In the future, more studies are required to evaluate the role of the choroid and its relationship to emmetropization in albinism.
Lactoferrin and its nano-formulations in rare eye diseases
Authors: Singh Jiya , Sharma Mohita , Jain Neha , Aftab Insha , Vikram Naval , Singh Tej P , Sharma Pradeep , Sharma Sujata
Published: July 2022

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein released from mucous secreting cells and neutrophils. LF can be used in a broad range of eye diseases related to the retina, cornea, and optic nerve. The retina is particularly affected by oxidative stress inside the photoreceptor being constantly exposed to light which induces accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) causing damage to photoreceptor recycling. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and macular degeneration are inherited retinopathies that consist of different disease-causing genes, that cause mutations with highly varied clinical consequences. Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic disease of the retina and one of the major causes of sight loss. This review provides an application of lactoferrin and LF-based nano-formulations or nanoparticles in the field of retinal diseases or corneal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, retinoblastoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), keratoconus and uveitis. Several studies have found that lactoferrin’s antibacterial activity is not limited to its iron sequestration, but also its ability as a nanoparticle that acts as a carrier to deliver drugs by crossing the blood–retina barrier (BRB) and its involvement in cell cycle control, which is not possible by many transferrin proteins.
Crouzon syndrome and the eye: An overview
Authors: Bhattacharjee Kasturi , Rehman Obaidur , Venkatraman Vatsalya , Kikkawa Don , Bhattacharjee Harsha , Gogoi Rahul , Grewal Aditi Mehta , Bhattacharjee Pragya
Published: July 2022

The current literature review aims to evaluate the ocular findings and associated ophthalmic features in Crouzon syndrome. Craniosynostoses are syndromes characterized by premature fusion of sutures of the skull and Crouzon syndrome is the most common of the craniosynostosis syndromes. Early fusion of sutures results in craniofacial anomalies, including abnormalities of the orbits. To prepare this review of the ophthalmic findings in this disorder, an organized search on online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Ovid was carried out. The key terms searched were “Crouzon”, “craniosynostosis”, “eye” and “ophthalmic”, and 51 research items were found. A total of 17 articles were included after scrutiny of the databases and a further 25 articles were added after augmented search. A detailed review was performed from the final 42 articles. A comprehensive description of associated anomalies is given along with the author’s own technique of surgical management in cases with Crouzon syndrome having bilateral luxation bulbi with exposure keratopathy. However, for optimum management of cranial and oculo-facial dysmorphisms, a multidisciplinary team of specialists is required.
Mucopolysaccharidosis: A broad review
Authors: Nagpal Ritu , Goyal Ram Bharos , Priyadarshini K , Kashyap Seema , Sharma Mohita , Sinha Rajesh , Sharma Namrata
Published: July 2022

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a group of genetic disorders with seven types and 13 subgroups which are characterized by an inherent deficiency of the enzymes responsible for the degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Defective breakdown of GAG products leads to their widespread accumulation within the lysosomes of various organs involving the eye, central nervous system, skeletal, ocular, nervous, respiratory, cardiac, and the gastrointestinal systems. Clinical spectrum varies from mild systemic and ocular abnormalities with a normal life span to severe phenotype, fatal in the first few months of life. Visual disability due to corneal clouding, retinopathy, and optic nerve involvement causes additional impairment of physical and cognitive functions. Treatment modalities such as bone marrow transplantation and enzyme replacement therapies help in increasing the life span as well as the quality of life of the affected patients. For patients with significant corneal clouding, keratoplasty is the answer. The decision to proceed with keratoplasty is governed by various factors such as the motivation of the patient and his family, other systemic affections and anesthesia concerns. A detailed preoperative counseling should be done regarding the expected visual outcomes in the presence of other ocular comorbidities and the postoperative complication such as graft re-opacification, rejection and glaucoma. Future treatment options such as targeted gene therapy and substrate reduction therapy hold promise to reverse corneal clouding, thereby obviating the need for corneal transplantation. These treatment therapies are still in the experimental stages and human trials are needed to validate their outcomes.
Newer therapeutic options for inherited retinal diseases: Gene and cell replacement therapy
Authors: Battu Rajani , Ratra Dhanashree , Gopal Lingam
Published: July 2022

Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are genotypically and phenotypically varied disorders that lead to progressive degeneration of the outer retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) eventually resulting in severe vision loss. Recent research and developments in gene therapy and cell therapy have shown therapeutic promise in these hitherto incurable diseases. In gene therapy, copies of a healthy gene are introduced into the host cells via a viral vector. Clinical trials for several genes are underway while treatment for RPE65 called voretigene neparvovec, is already approved and commercially available. Cell therapy involves the introduction of stem cells that can replace degenerated cells. These therapies are delivered to the target tissues, namely the photoreceptors (PR) and RPE via subretinal, intravitreal, or suprachoroidal delivery systems. Although there are several limitations to these therapies, they are expected to slow the disease progression and restore some visual functions. Further advances such as gene editing technologies are likely to result in more precise and personalized treatments. Currently, several IRDs such as retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, achromatopsia, and Usher syndrome are being evaluated for possible gene therapy or cell therapy. It is important to encourage patients to undergo gene testing and maintain a nationwide registry of IRDs. This article provides an overview of the basics of these therapies and their current status.
Update on the genetics of corneal endothelial dystrophies
Authors: Kannabiran Chitra , Chaurasia Sunita , Ramappa Muralidhar , Mootha Venkateswara Vinod
Published: July 2022

Corneal endothelial dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of diseases with different modes of inheritance and genetic basis for each dystrophy. The genes associated with these diseases encode transcription factors, structural components of the stroma and Descemet membrane, cell transport proteins, and others. Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) is associated with mutations in two genes, OVOL2 and SLC4A11, for dominant and recessive forms of CHED, respectively. Mutations in three genes are known to cause posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD). They are OVOL2 (PPCD1), ZEB1 (PPCD3), and GRHL1 (PPCD4). The PPCD2 locus involving the collagen gene COL8A2 on chromosome 1 is disputed due to insufficient evidence. Mutations in the COL8A2 gene are associated with early-onset Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Several genes have been associated with the more common, late-onset FECD. Alterations in each of these genes occur in a fraction of patients, and the most prevalent genetic alteration in FECD patients across the world is a triplet repeat expansion in the TCF4 gene. Knowledge of the genetics of corneal endothelial dystrophies has considerably advanced within the last decade and has contributed to better diagnosis of these dystrophies as well as opened up the possibility of novel therapeutic approaches based on the molecular mechanisms involved. The functions of genes identified to date provide insights into the pathogenic mechanisms involved in each disorder.
Early-Onset Seizures in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Syed Mohsina , Liaquat Sumayyah , Saleem Zainab , Singh Jay , Sana Rabia , Shahbaz Naila Naeem
Published: July 2022

Context:

Poststroke seizures are not infrequent neurological sequelae of stroke.

Aims:

The primary aim of our study is to determine the frequency of early seizures in acute ischemic stroke in our population.

Subjects and Methods:

It is a descriptive cross-sectional study done at the Department of Neurology, Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. The duration of the study was of 6 months, from July 2019 to December 2019. All patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study after Institutional Review Board approval. Informed and written consent was obtained from all subjects. A detailed history and clinical examination were carried out and all patients were assessed by a trained neurologist.

Results:

Total 281 patients with ischemic stroke were included. One hundred and eighty-one patients (64.4%) were male and 100 (35.6%) were female with a mean age of 48.41 ± 8.730 years. The early-onset seizures were noted in 22 patients (7.8%). In our study, early-onset poststroke seizures were noted more commonly in the age group of 36–60 years and were predominant in the males. Patients with infarction in the parietal lobe exhibited greater seizure occurrence. The most common seizure type observed was generalized tonic–clonic. Majority of early-onset poststroke seizures occurred in the 1st week.

Conclusion:

In our study, the frequency of early onset seizures in patients with ischemic stroke was found to be 7.8%, which when occurs increases morbidity.
Vitamin D status in primary hyperparathyroidism in 1990 and thence – Emergence of normocalcaemic presentation and diagnostic challenges – Utility of parathyroid function index
Authors: Harinarayan Chittari Venkata , Ashok Honey , Munigoti Srinivasa Phanidhar , Tandon Shantanu , Sarma Kadainti Venkata Subbaraya , Tandon Anisha Sawkar , Chandy Sherin Philip , Chandran Dali
Published: July 2022

Background:

25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels much influence parathyroid hormone levels and bone disease in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). With the emergence of the normocalcaemic PHPT (NCPHPT), repletion of the 25OHD level to rule out secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is essential. This may delay the diagnosis of PHPT, and a diagnostic tool like parathyroid function index (PF index) may help in the early diagnosis.

Methods:

The biochemical and hormonal profiles of 52 patients with PHPT were analysed and compared with first description in 1990. Patients were grouped based on symptoms and albumin-corrected serum calcium levels. Those with normocalcaemia were subgrouped into those with and without 25OHD deficiency. Data were extracted from the hospital’s electronic medical records to find subjects with SHPT and normal controls and calcium-to-phosphate ratio (C/P ratio) and the PF index were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves to decide the cut-off values that help in identifying PF index and C/P ratio between various subgroups.

Results:

Sixty-two per cent (32/52) were asymptomatic, 40% (21/52) normocalcaemic, amongst which 48% (10/21) had normal 25OHD levels. Across all categories, the PF index was more sensitive, specific and superior compared to the C/P ratio in the diagnosis of PHPT (P = 0·02), NCPHPT (P = 0·03) or SHPT (P = 0·0001). PF index (>25·8) was more sensitive (90%), specific (96.51%), compared to C/P ratio (>0·211) (P = 0·04) in differentiating NCPHPT from SHPT.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of asymptomatic PHPT and NCPHPT is on the rise. PF index helps distinguish NCPHPT from SHPT minimising the time required for confirming the diagnosis post-25OHD repletion.
Effect of hyperglycaemia on outcome of critically ill patients with and without diabetes mellitus admitted to medical intensive care unit
Authors: Sowjanya Lakshmi T. , Katyarmal D. T. , Vaddera Sameeraja , Vaikkakara Suresh , Sarma K. V. S.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Hyperglycaemia among critically ill patients is associated with nosocomial infections, multi-organ dysfunction and prolonged hospitalisation. Sparse data are available regarding the effect of hyperglycaemia on mortality in medical intensive care unit (MICU) patients in India.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted in MICU at a tertiary teaching hospital in Southern India during the period of March 2018–June 2019. Patients were classified as having/not having diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose was monitored in all patients with. Age, severity of critical illness, comorbidities and laboratory variables were recorded. The association of hyperglycaemia with mortality was studied.

Results:

Patients with diabetes mellitus were older, had more number of comorbidities like hypertension, coronary artery disease compared to those without diabetes mellitus. On logistic regression analysis mean blood glucose did not emerge as an independent determinant of mortality in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score was found to be an independent determinant of mortality in patient with (P = 0.0001) and without (P = 0.0001) diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion:

Our observations suggest that in critically ill patients with or without diabetes mellitus admitted to MICU, hyperglycaemia was not a predictor of mortality.
Penile Fracture with Complete Urethral Rupture and Urine Extravasation
Authors: Makama Baje Salihu , Haruna Liman , Stephen Yusuf , Aminu Umar
Published: July 2022

Penile fracture is a rare traumatic injury of an erect phallus involving mainly the tissues responsible for penile erection, corpora cavernosa, and penile sheath, which occur commonly, but not solely during vigorous sexual intercourse. Here, we present a 34-year-old man who presented with a 5-h history of snapping sound heard during sexual intercourse with subsequent loss of tumescence, swelling of the phallus, and assumption of abnormal contour, scrotal swelling, and lower anterior abdominal swelling. On examination, the patient was in severe painful distress with swelling around the external genitalia and lower abdomen and dorsolateral penile angulation with marked tenderness. The diagnosis of penile fracture was made; intraoperatively, there was a complete rupture of both corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum, complete disruption of the urethra, and buck’s fascia tear causing haematoma and urine extravasation into the scrotum and anterior abdominal wall. The patient had haematoma evacuation, corpora repair, and urethroplasty done, did well, and has been on follow-up for 2 years with good erectile and voiding functions.
Epidemiology of Surgical Site Infection Following Abdominal Surgeries at a Reference Hospital in North-West Cameroon
Authors: Ebogo Titus Ngwa T. , Nzinga Joy R. , Nchufor Ndouh R. , Njuma Tamufor E. , Ntih Liekeh M. , Sena Guylene R. , Pisoh Christopher T.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Though abdominal surgery is a risk factor for surgical site infection (SSI), limited data exist in this environment on the burden and risk factors of SSI following abdominal surgeries in our setting.

Aim:

The aim of this article is to study the prevalence, risk factors, and outcome of SSI following abdominal surgeries at the Mbingo Baptist Hospital, Bamenda, North-West Region, Cameroon.

Materials and Methods:

This was a hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study. We reviewed records of all patients who underwent an abdominal surgery at the Mbingo Baptist Hospital from January 2020 to December 2020. We excluded patients under the age of 18 and patients who died in the early post-op without developing an SSI. For each participant, we collected socio-demographic data, clinical features, and factors related to the surgery and its outcome.

Results:

A total of 304 (25.7% males) participants with a mean age of 40.8 years (SD ±15 years) were enrolled. In all, 37/304 participants developed SSI giving an overall prevalence of 12.2%. The incidence was higher in males and in emergency procedures. The spectrum of infection ranged from superficial (19%) to organ space (64%) through deep SSI (14%). Human immunodeficiency virus, operatory time >4 h, contaminated/dirty procedures, and gastrointestinal perforation repair were independently associated with SSI. Length of hospital stay (days) was significantly higher in patients who developed SSI (18.0 vs. 4.0). An overall mortality of 2% with case fatality of 19% was recorded.

Conclusion:

SSI remains a common complication of abdominal surgeries. Prompt recognition and control of potentially modifiable risk factors may improve the burden and outcomes in this high-risk population.
The Relationship between Anthropometric Measurements and Modified Mallampati Test in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Cuglan Songul , Köse Evren , Kýlýc Talat , Ögetürk Murat , Senol Deniz , Özbað Davut , Colak Cemil , Sapmaz Hilal Irmak
Published: July 2022

Context:

The modified Mallampati test (MMT) is one of the most common examination methods to predict possible intubation problems.

Aim:

The present study aims to investigate the relationship between anthropometric measurements and the MMT in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the exacerbation period (COPD-E) and stable period (COPD-S).

Materials and Methods:

The present study included two groups of participants that consisted of 107 healthy individuals in the control group and 107 patients who were diagnosed with COPD (patient group). Two measurements were taken from the patients during the exacerbation and stable periods. The MMT, body mass index (BMI), face height, thyromental distance, and sternomental distance were measured and recorded.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data collected were analyzed using the SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22.0.

Results:

In the COPD-E period, the MMT score increased, whereas the face height value decreased (P = 0.030). During the COPD-S period, it was found that the higher BMI values were related to higher MMT scores (P = 0.025). The MMT score increased significantly during the COPD-S period, whereas the thyromental distance values decreased (P = 0.034).

Conclusion:

It is considered that the low face height value in the COPD-E period, the increase in the BMI, and the decrease in the thyromental distance in the COPD-S period could increase the difficult intubation possibility. The results of the present study which may lead to progression in the COPD database would contribute to the clinicians.
Primary pulmonary epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma: a rare entity and a literature review
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Nambirajan Aruna , Gaur Manish Kumar , Raj Rahul , Kumar Sunil , Malik Prabhat Singh , Jain Deepali
Published: July 2022

Epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblastic sarcoma (EIMS) is an aggressive subtype of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) harboring anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions and is associated with high risk of local recurrence and poor prognosis. Herein, we present a young, non-smoking male who presented with complaints of cough and dyspnoea and was found to harbor a large right lower lobe lung mass. Biopsy showed a high-grade epithelioid to rhabdoid tumor with ALK and desmin protein expression. The patient initially received 5 cycles of crizotinib and remained stable for 1 year; however, he then developed multiple bony metastases, for which complete surgical resection was performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of EIMS, with ALK gene rearrangement demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Postoperatively, the patient is asymptomatic with stable metastatic disease on crizotinib and has been started on palliative radiotherapy. EIMS is a very rare subtype of IMT that needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of ALKexpressing lung malignancies in young adults.
Vloga Svetega pisma v procesih jezikovne standardizacije na primeru valižanščine
Authors: Currie Oliver
Published: July 2022

Bible translations have played a central role in language standardization processes, because the Bible’s unique authority as a text favoured the selection of the variety used in the Bible as a language standard and because the wider distribution the Bible enjoyed compared to other texts, in particular in Renaissance and Reformation Europe, then facilitated the diffusion of a biblical language standard. This article examines of the role of the Bible in language standardization processes focusing on a historical case study of Welsh. The language of the first complete Welsh Bible translation in 1588 is widely recognised to have formed the basis of standard literary Welsh, yet there has to date not been a systematic investigation of how the Welsh biblical standard developed or came to be adopted. The article reassesses the traditional, but unsubstantiated view that the language of the 1588 Bible translation was based on an existing medieval poetic literary standard and advances an alternative hypothesis that the biblical standard was essentially shaped by the process of revision of earlier translations, as the 1588 and ultimately canonical translation represented a reaction against the linguistic inconsistencies and idiosyncrasies of earlier translations of the New Testament and Psalms.
The Influence of Parents’ Education on Growth Pattern of Children Aged 5-12 Years From Kazaure Emirate, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Gudaji A. , Adebisi S.S.
Published: July 2022

Anthropometry is defined as the measurements of different parts of the body and is widely used in surveys as an indicator of nutritional and health status. Studies revealed that large number of socio-economic variables are associated with the physical development of children. These variables consist of parental profession, income, education, birth order, family size, and urbanization. Materials used for the study were Stadiometer, non-elastic measuring tape, Skin fold caliper. The study involved a cross-sectional survey comprising of 863 pupils randomly selected from public primary schools in Kazaure emirate. The subjects were noted for sex and age. A stadiometer was used to measure height to the nearest 0.1 cm and weight to the nearest 0.5 kg. A non-elastic measuring tape was used for the measurement of head, neck, chest, mid upper arm, hip, waist and calf circumferences to the nearest 0.1cm respectively. A Harpenden skin fold caliper was used for the measurement of biceps and triceps skin fold thicknesses to the nearest 0.1 mm respectively. The study participants were apparently healthy public primary school pupils aged between 5 - 12years, from Kazaure Emirate and ofHausa ethnic group (parents and grandparents are Hausa). Based on lack of parents’ formal education, males had higher values of neck circumference (NC) and chest circumference (CTC) than females with statistical difference at p<0.05. However,females had higher values ofcephalic index (CI) than males with statistical difference at p<0.05.Based on the level of education of parents (primary, secondary and tertiary education), males had higher values of height (HT), weight (WT), BMI, head circumference (HDC), NC, CTC, waist circumference (WC) and calf circumference (CC) than females with statistical difference at p<0.05. However, females showed higher mean values of triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) and hip circumference (HC) than males with statistical difference at p<0.05. Males had higher values ofhead length (HDL), head breadth (HDB), facial length (FL) and facial breadth (FB) than females with statistical difference at p<0.05. Conversely, females showed higher mean value ofcephalic index (CI) than males with statistical difference at p<0.05.Males had higher values of right humerus length (RHML), left humerus length LHML), right ulna length (RUL), left ulna length (LUL), right radial length (RRL), left radial length (LRL), right hand length (RHNL), left hand length (LHNL), right hand breadth (RHNB) and left hand breadth (LHNB) than females with statistical difference at p<0.05. Males had higher values of right tibial length (RTBL), left tibial length (LTBL), right fibula length (RFBL), left fibula length (LFBL), right foot length (RFTL), left foot length (LFTL), right foot breadth (RFTB) and left foot breadth (LFTB) than females with statistical difference at p<0.05.
Quantitative Assessment of Pollution Status of Heavy Metals in the Water from Mairua Dam, Faskari LGA, Katsina State, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Uba S. , Ajibola V.O. , Adeosun O.S. , Ikeh D.C. , Mikail A.H. , Awe J.O. , Ruma M.M.
Published: July 2022

Pollution of surface water by toxic metals has received considerable attention due to its risk to human health and ecology. Consequently, the present study focused on the assessment of the heavy metal concentrations in the water from Mairua dam. This research reveals the concentrations of the selected toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni) in water samples. The following trend was observed across the sampling points; Co> Cr> Cd> Ni> Pb. The concentrations of Pb across the sampling points were within the WHO (2011) permissible limits. However the Cd concentrations across the sampling points were within the WHO limits of 0.003 mg/kg with exemption of W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W8 and W10 respectively. Similarly the concentrations of Co in the analyzed water samples were all above WHO (2011) tolerable limits of 0.01 mg/kg. The elevated level of cobalt in the water may be attributed to leachates from farmlands and domestic waste. The concentrations of Cr across the sampling points were within the WHO (2011) permissible limits of 0.005 mg/kg with exemption of samples W2, W3, W4, W7, W8, W10 and W11 respectively. However, the concentrations of Ni across the sampling points were higher than WHO (2011) permissible limits of 0.01 mg/kg. Nickel is introduced into the environment from both natural and man-made sources. The results obtained for Contamination Factors reveals low contamination (Cf<1) with an exemption of Cd in points W1 and W2. PLI denotes no pollution and Hazard quotient values also showed that the analyzed water has no potential health effects with exemption to Cd. The results also shows that there was no significant difference in the analyzed samples at p<0.005 across the sampling sites. Pollution of the water by Cd may be as a result of anthropogenic activities that are released into the dam. It is recommended to periodically monitor the water.
Biophysical Mapping and Land Use Attributes of Kano Ecosystems, North-western Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu M.A. , Maharazu A.Y. , Suleiman K. , Lawan B.Y.
Published: July 2022

The study examines the terrestrial ecosystems component in Kano, Nigeria. The study employed direct digitization using latest Google Earth Image (version 10.3) and National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA) land use map of the state. Simple descriptive statistics was also used to evaluate units of ecosystems indentified. The results revealed 16 ecosystems of land units within Kano terrestrial ecosystems. Mapping of the study area also revealed anthropogenic cultivation ecosystem Major category of 18,542km2 representing 89% while aquatic ecosystem covered a total 506 km2 with altitude elevation of 480above the sea level (a.s.l.). Shelterbelts and wind breaks were 458 - 498 a.s.l. with >100 approximate number of patches. Results were discussed and concluded as Kano ecosystem land use attributes revealed an interdependence of units with major terrestrial and minor aquatic ecosystems with the serious anthropogenic interferences which result in systemic loss of valuable units of ecosystems, ecosystem services and biodiversity components. Therefore, government should embark on mass awareness campaign on proper land use and sustainable environmental policies framework in the state should be enacted.
Hypocholesterolemic Potential of Momordica charantia Butanol Fraction on Albino Rats Fed High Fat Diet
Authors: Atiku M.K. , Sani A. , Kurfi B.G. , Bala S.Z. , Ibraheem H.G.
Published: July 2022

Hypercholesterolemia is characterized by high blood cholesterol. It is a leading cause of disease burden accounting for one-third of ischemic heart diseases and one-fifth of stroke and reports reveal a rising prevalence across many low- income countries including Nigeria. While the quest for a therapeutic remedy is ongoing, this study investigated the effect of Momordica charantia butanol fraction (MCB) on lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL-c and HDL-c) of hypercholesterolemic and normolipidemic albino rats. Crude extract of M. charantia was fractionated by liquid-liquid extraction. Acute toxicity (LD50) of MCB was determined. The components of the MCB were examined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Biochemical analyses of serum lipids were performed by reflectance photometry. Twenty-eight albino rats were divided into seven groups of four rats each. Group 1 (Control) fed on basal diet (BD). Group 2 fed on high fat diet (HFD). Group 3 and 4 fed on HFD and orally administered MCB at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg bw/day, respectively. Group 5 fed on HFD and administered 100mg/kg of Atorvastatin. Group 6 and 7 fed on BD and administered MCB at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively. The LD50 of MCB was found to be ≥ 3807.89mg/kg. All treated groups showed a significant (P< 0.05) suppression of body weight compared to control and untreated HFD group (group 2). Also, a significant (P<0.05) decrease in the levels of TC, TG and LDL-c was observed in all treated high fat diet groups (group 3, 4 and 5) compared to group 2. However, HDL-c levels of treated HFD groups significantly (P<0.05) increased compared to group 2. No significant difference (P>0.05) in the level of all lipid profile parameters of treated basal diet groups (group 6 and 7) compared to the control. These findings illustrated that MCB possess hypocholesterolemic potential and may be valuable for preventing hypercholesterolemia induced by high fat diet.
Caractérisation morpho-biométrique du testicule du bouc sahélien
Authors: Haro Moïse , Zongo Moussa , Bayala Balé
Published: July 2022

Une meilleure connaissance de l’appareil génital du bouc permet d’appliquer les biotechnologies de la reproduction correctement telle que la technologie de la semence chez les caprins. Ce travail visait à décrire les caractéristiques anatomiques et biométriques des testicules du bouc du sahel. L’étude a concerné 130 boucs sahéliens d’âge et de poids variant respectivement entre 8 et 36 mois et entre 25 et 40 kg. Le poids des testicules, la longueur de l’épididyme et du canal déférent, la longueur et la largeur du scrotum, l’écart entre les deux membres postérieurs et la hauteur des testicules ont été appréciés respectivement avec une balance et un ruban métrique. Le volume testiculaire a été déterminé par orchidométrie. Le poids moyen des testicules, la longueur moyenne de l’épididyme et du canal déférent ont été respectivement de 40,91±8,52 g, de 11,5±1,57 cm et de 11,75±1,80 cm. Les volumes moyens testiculaires ont été de 94,27±16,78 cm3 et de 93,96±16,89 cm3 respectivement pour le testicule gauche et le testicule droit. La hauteur moyenne des testicules au sol a été de 27,65±5,53 cm. L’écart moyen entre les membres postérieurs a été de 14,15±1,72 cm. Ces caractéristiques montrent que le bouc sahélien pourrait être un excellent animal d’exploitation dans la technologie de la semence.
Effect of bird scaring methods on crop productivity and avian diversity conservation in agroecosystems of Benin
Authors: Agossou Hippolyte , Assede Emeline P.S. , Dossou Paulin J. , Biaou Samadori Honoré
Published: July 2022

Farmers are developing methods to scare off and reduce bird damages. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of these methods through a simple form of evaluation that allowed to highlight relationship between these methods and productivity on the one hand, and the relationship between these methods and conservation of birds in the agricultural environment according to different vegetative stages on the other hand. 713 farmers were interviewed in the agro-ecological zones of Benin. This study reveals the use of four methods. These are auditory method, visual method, exclusion method and mixed method. They are used primarily to reduce "loss and damage" and "reduce the frequency of bird visits". 96.78% of farmers agreed that these methods improve yields. Moreover, effectiveness of the methods varies according to the vegetative stages and the duration of its application. Bird species richness was also significantly and positively influenced by bird control methods (Maize: p= 5767e-3) and (Rice: p=4482e-6). Long-term studies, generalized to different forms of agricultural area, are needed for a better assessment.
Diversité variétale des manguiers (Mangifera indica L.) et des pratiques culturales associées à la production au Burkina Faso
Authors: Drabo Corneille , Sanou Jacob , Nikiema Zara , Dao Abdalla , Sawadogo Mahamadou
Published: July 2022

Au Burkina Faso, la diversité variétale des manguiers est de plus en plus menacée. Cette étude a été initiée avec pour objectif général de recenser les différentes variétés de manguess cultivées et les pratiques culturales associées qui pourraient causer ou éviter la perte de cette diversité variétale. A cet effet, une enquête par sondage à deux degrés a été menée dans trois régions du Burkina Faso à savoir les Cascades, les Hauts-Bassins et le Centre-Ouest. Un échantillon de 90 producteurs et pépiniéristes, et de 195 vendeuses de mangues a été constitué de façon aléatoire. L’enquête a été conduite par l’administration directe d’un questionnaire. Il ressort des résultats obtenus, 18 variétés améliorées et 4 variétés ordinaires. La variété Mangot vert est la variété ordinaire la plus utilisée comme porte-greffe par les pépiniéristes. Les pratiques culturales utilisées sont : le nettoyage, les traitements phytosanitaires, les tailles d’entretiens, la fertilisation organique et le labour. Pour mieux profiter de cette diversité variétale, il est nécessaire d’innover et d’améliorer les pratiques culturales.
Évaluation du plan de maitrise sanitaire dans les unités de production d’eau en sachet au Togo: cas des villes de Kara et Sokodé
Authors: Avodeh Messanvi , Dossou Bayi Reine , Soncy Kouassi , Kagni-Dossou Mensah , Anani Kokou , Karou Simplice Damintoti , Ameyapoh Yaovi
Published: July 2022

Pour faire un état des lieux sur les mesures de maîtrise sanitaire dans les unités de production des eaux conditionnées en sachets, une enquête a été réalisée à Kara et Sokodé. La méthode d’échantillonnage a été exhaustive. Le questionnaire administré a porté sur les caractéristiques des unités de production d’eau, sur les bonnes pratiques d’hygiène et de fabrication et sur les plans de surveillance et de contrôle. Pour compléter l’enquête, les critères du Règlement 178/2002/CE de l’Union Européenne relatifs aux eaux de consommation ont été utilisés pour l’analyse microbiologique de 13 échantillons d’eau prélevés dans ces unités. Les résultats ont montré que le plan de maîtrise sanitaire se résume seulement aux bonnes pratiques d’hygiène et de fabrication appliquées seulement dans 4 unités sur les 10. L’accent est mis sur le suivi médical des employés et le contrôle des qualités bactériologique et physico-chimique qui sont semestriels au lieu d’être mensuels. Les analyses microbiologiques ont révélé la présence de Streptocoques fécaux dans un échantillon d’eau et de coliformes totaux dans un autre. Ce qui indique un manquement aux règles d’hygiène. La mise en place du système HACCP dans les unités de production des eaux garantirait mieux leur sécurité sanitaire.
Biologie de la reproduction des Marcusenius (M. monteiri, M. stanleyanus, M. schilthuisiae et M. macrolepidotus) du Pool Malebo, fleuve Congo, Kinshasa
Authors: Ntumba Mabedi Jean Métis , Mbadu Zebe Victorine , Michaux Johan R. , Micha Jean-Claude
Published: July 2022

Les informations sur la biologie de la reproduction des poissons du genre Marcusenius vivant au pool Malebo, sont peu connues. Pourtant, leur exploitation très importante actuellement se fait sans tenir compte du renouvellement de leurs stocks. Cette étude avait comme objectif de déterminer les stratégies de reproduction de quatre espèces du genre Marcusenius les plus abondantes dans les captures effectuées à l’aide des filets maillants dormants au niveau du pool Malebo. Les quatre espèces de Marcusenius récoltés ont une seule gonade gauche bien développée avec de grands ovocytes presque de même taille, et expulsables en ponte unique. Ces poissons pratiquent une stratégie migratoire dans les sites inondés en début de la saison pluvieuse qui coïncident avec les inondations et une légère variation des paramètres environnementaux de leurs frayères. La fécondité est maximale vers la fin de la saison sèche et début de la saison pluvieuse, entre Août et Septembre. La maturité des gonades chez les femelles commence à partir de Juin et Juillet-Août. Vers fin Septembre et octobre, presque tous les individus adultes de toutes les espèces sont à maturité. A partir de Novembre / Décembre la plupart sont en post ponte.
Activité antifongique des extraits aqueux des graines d’Azadirachta indica A. Juss. sur le développement de Sclerotium rolfsii, agent pathogène des rhizomes de Zingiber officinale
Authors: Nadio Nafadjara Abouwaliou , Bokobana Essolakina Magnim , Akantetou Komlan Pikassalé , Tozoou Panawé , Poutouli Wiyao , Koba Koffi , Sanda Komla
Published: July 2022

With the aim of contributing to the fight against phytopathogens, an evaluation of the antifungal activity of the aqueous extracts of the seeds of Azadirachta indica on the development of Sclerotium rolfsii, a pathogenic fungus of the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale , was carried out through bioassays on mycelial growth and sclerotia formation. The biological tests were carried out in vitro by systemic application on S. rolfsii . The results obtained revealed a sensitivity of the fungus S. rolfsiidifferent concentrations of seed extracts and the commercial fungicide product Mancozeb. The concentration of 50 gl-1 of the extracts and of Mancozeb induced high inhibition rates which are respectively 76.37±7.35% and 80.14±3.4% on the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii . The numbers of sclerotia formed were reduced in the dishes at concentrations of 50 gl-1 (4.1±1.1 of sclerotia) and 20 gl-1 (7±1.8 of sclerotia) of the extracts. The 50 gl-1 concentration of the plant extract was more effective in inhibiting mycelial growth and sclerotia formation of S. rolfsii . The results of this study suggest that the aqueous extract from the seeds of A. indica can be used preventively in S. rolfsii control strategies .