bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation, Physical and Chemical Stability of Ocimum gratissimum L. Leaf Oil Nanoemulsion
Authors: Ontao Netnapa , Athikomkulchai Sirivan , Tadtong Sarin , Leesawat Phuriwat , Chittasupho Chuda
Published: October 2021

Ocimum
gratissimum L. leaf oil exhibited many pharmacological properties. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the physical and chemical stability of O.gratissimum leaf oil nanoemulsion. O.gratissimum leaf oil was extracted by hydrodistillation. The major component of the essential oil eugenol, was analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Nanoemulsions of O.gratissimum leaf oil were formulated using polysorbate 80, hyaluronic acid, poloxamer 188, and deionized water by phase inversion composition method. The hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and zeta potential value of O.gratissimum leaf oil nanoemulsion was evaluated by a dynamic light scattering technique. The %remaining of eugenol in the nanoemulsion was analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The essential oil extracted from of O. gratissimum leaf oil was a clear, pale yellow color. The %yield of the essential oil was 0.15 ± 0.03% v/w. The size of the nanoemulsion was less than 106 nm. The polydispersity index of the nanoemulsion was ranging from 0.303 - 0.586 and the zeta potential value of the nanoemulsion was closely to zero, depending on the formulation component. O. gratissimum leaf oil at concentrations ranging from 0.002 - 0.012% v/v contained 35 - 41% of eugenol. The size of nanoemulsion was significantly decreased after storage at 4 °C, while significantly increased upon storage at 45 °C. The size of nanoemulsion stored at 30 °C did not significantly change. The %remaining of eugenol in the nanoemulsion was more than 90% after storage at 4 °C and 30 °C for 28 days. The percentage of eugenol remaining in the nanoemulsion stored at 45 °C was more than 85 - 90%, suggesting that the temperature affected the stability of eugenol in the nanoemulsion.
Preparation of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) Loading Violacein Extract for Anti-Acne Products
Authors: Leelaudomlipi Pornphan , Manchun Somkamol , Supakdamrongkul Piyaporn , Sobharaksha Parapat
Published: October 2021

The objective of this research is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) loading violacein extract. The extract was tested for the antimicrobial activities against 3 strains of pathogenic bacteria; namely Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 6919, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 by agar well diffusion assay. The result indicated that the violacein extract from Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 has strongest antibacterial effect against C. acnes, S. aureus and S. epidermidis with MIC values in range of 0.0146-0.4688 mg/mL with the lowest MBC value of 0.0146 mg/mL against C. acnes. Violacein extract loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) for anti-acne products were prepared by using melt-emulsification technique. The studied factors are the ratio of liquid lipid and solid lipid (LL:SL), surfactant concentration and sonication time. The Ratio of Oleic acid and Compritol® 888 ATO (3:1) with Tween 20 (1.5% w/w) and sonication time of 10 minute (F8 formulation) are an optimizing condition for NLC-Base. The resulted formulations showed the NLC-Base had average particle size of 213.7±2.42 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.239±0.003 and Zeta potential of -26.6±0.45 mV. After that, violacein extract (2% w/w) was loaded into the NLCs (VIO-NLCs). Antibacterial activity of VIO-NLCs 2 % was determined by using agar dilution. The result showed that VIO-NLCs 2 % can inhibit the growth of C. acnes for 60 days during storage. Furthermore, VIO-NLCs 2 % can also act as S. aureus and S. epidermidis inhibitor within 30 days shelf life.
Optimization of Diclofenac Sodium-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) Using the Box-Behnken Design
Authors: Kraisit Pakorn , Sarisuta Narong
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to prepare diclofenac sodium (DCF)–loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) (DCF-loaded NLCs) for optimizing the NLCs by using the Box-Behnken design. A hot emulsification method using an ultrasonic probe was employed to prepare DCF-loaded NLCs. The active ingredient, solid lipid, oil, and emulsifier were DCF, glyceryl monostearate (GMS) (X1), oleic acid (X2), and polysorbate 80 (X3), respectively. The DCF-loaded NLCs had particle sizes of 69.29–187.3 nm. The polydispersity index (PDI) was in the range of 0.216–0.516, indicating a relatively narrow size distribution. The zeta potential of all formulations revealed the negative charge and ranged between -26.0 and -42.13 mV. The percentage encapsulation efficiency (%EE) was 92.71%–104.21%. The responses of all model formulations were created and the optimized formulation was selected by Design-Expert® software. The optimal formulation was composed of 2 g GMS, 0.926 g oleic acid, and 2.724 g polysorbate 80. The particle size and PDI experimental values with the optimal formulation did not differ from those predicted and were within the 95% CI. Therefore, the Box-Behnken design could be efficient in formulating and optimizing DCF-loaded NLCs.
Anticancer Activities of Phlogacanthus pulcherrimus T. Anderson Leaves Extract on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Boontha Supavadee , Buranrat Benjaporn , Temkitthawon Prapapan , Pitaksuteepong Tasana
Published: October 2021

Phlogacanthus pulcherrimus T. Anderson (PPT) is an edible plant found in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand. There is limited information about the anti-breast cancer activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of PPT. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an ethanolic leaf extract of PPT on MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. The biological effects, including cytotoxicity, cell apoptosis, colony formation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and cell migration, were determined by a means of sulforhodamine B (SRB), acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining, a clonogenic assay, flow cytometry and a scratch wound healing assay, respectively. The results demonstrated that the PPT extract showed cytotoxic on MCF-7 cells in a dose-dependent manner with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 119.9 ± 12.1 and 51.3 ± 4.7 μg/mL at 24 h and 48 h incubation, respectively. In addition, the extract exhibited cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner when used at a concentration of 50–100 μg/mL and inhibited colony formation with an IC50 value of 26.0 ± 2.0 μg/mL when compared with the control group. The extract induced ROS formation in a dose-dependent manner when used at a concentration of 50–100 μg/mL. The extract suppressed MCF-7 cell migration, with significant effect at 25 μg/mL. These results indicate that PPT ethanolic leaf extract has an anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and may be useful for prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Forging Process Analysis of 6061 Aluminum Alloy Motorcycle Brake Parts
Authors: Yang Tung Sheng , Chang Chieh , Zhang Ting Fu
Published: October 2021

This paper used finite element analysis of metal forming to study the forging process and die design of aluminum alloy brake parts. According to the process parameters and die design, the brake parts were forged by experiment. First, the die design is based on the product size and considering parting line, draft angle, forging tolerance, shrinkage and scrap. Secondly, the finite element analysis of metal forming is used to simulate the forging process of aluminum alloy brake parts. Finally, the aluminum alloy brake levers with dimensional accuracy and surface hardness were forged.
Tribological Properties and Corrosion Resistance Properties of NbN/TiN Multilayer, TiNb-NX Single-Layer and Coatings that are Doped with Carbon
Authors: Kuo Kun Lin , Su Yean Liang , Kao Wen Hsien , Mao Yin Hsiang , Liang Tang Wei
Published: October 2021

NbN/TiN, TiNb-NX and CH-TiNb-N12 coatings are deposited by RF magnetron sputtering to determine the tribological properties and corrosion resistance. ‘x’ is the flux rate for nitrogen and ‘CH’ signifies the addition of acetylene. In terms of the corrosion resistance, all the coatings have a similar corrosion potential and NbN/TiN multilayer coatings exhibit the lowest corrosion current. The NbN/TiN multilayer has a low pitting potential so severe pitting corrosion is observed on the surface. CH-TiNb-N12 coating is most resistant to corrosion and exhibits no pitting before the test ends. In contact with counter-bodies with a Si3N4 ball or an AISI 52100 ball, a CH-TiNb-N12 coating acts as a solid lubricant so the wear mechanism shows the least abrasion. The CH-TiNb-N12 coating has the lowest wear rate and coefficient of friction for sliding against Si3N4 and AISI 52100 balls. The wear rate is respectively 3.2 and 6.8 times less than that for SKH51 substrate when sliding against Si3N4 and AISI 52100 balls. The results for this study show that a TiNb-N12-CH coating has the best tribological properties and corrosion resistance.
The Potential Use of Borassus flabellifer Linn. Color Extract as a Natural Dye
Authors: Petchsomrit Arpa , Jiangseubchatveera Nadechanok , Leelakanok Nattawut , Sirirak Thanchanok
Published: October 2021

Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer Linn.) palm fruits are bright yellow and have a unique sweet scent. The ripe palm fruits are a rich source of carotenoids which are used as a non-toxic natural dye and have been recognized for their antioxidant benefits. This study aimed to explore the potential of palm fruit extract as a natural coloring agent. The ripe mesocarp of B. flabellifer was extracted using various organic solvents. The carotenoid content, polysaccharide composition, and antioxidant activity of the palm extracts were investigated. The ethanolic palm extract was selected for stability study in various conditions (pH, time, light, and temperature). Then, the extracted nanoemulsion loaded with B. flabellifer extract was formulated and evaluated. The ethanolic extract from the freeze-dried sample yielded high extractive content (42.9%) and showed the greatest antioxidant activity (IC50 2.4 mg/mL). The color intensity of the extract did not fade after exposure to a pH of more than 4. After the storage for 14 days, the color intensity significantly decreased. The light exposure did not influence the color intensity at 25°C. B. flabellifer ethanolic extracted nanoemulsions were successfully prepared by ultrasonication method with the oil to surfactant weight ratio of 1:9. The nanoemulsions loaded with ethanolic extract were stable. The nanoemulsion of the pulp extract could potentially be used as a natural dye.
Sperm Donors in Shanghai, China: A Study of Motivations, Characteristics, and Semen Parameters of Actual Sperm Donors
Authors: Wang Xiao , Chen Min-Xin , Zhang Feng , Liang Guo-Qing , Zhu Hong , Feng Bai-Lan , Tao Zhi-Wen , Jiang Feng
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective:

To identify the sociodemographic characteristics, motivations, and semen parameters of sperm donors in Shanghai, China.

Methods:

The participants were sperm donors associated with the Human Sperm Bank of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. Among the 334 sperm donors that applied for participation, 329 completed the survey process. The responses obtained in the questionnaire and face-to-face interviews were used to investigate the donor motivations and characteristics, and the semen quality was examined to identify the sperm parameter.

Results:

In terms of the sociodemographic characteristics, an altruistic donor in this study was aged between 26 and 30 years, was single, did not have a child, had a college or undergraduate education level, was of the Han ethnicity, and worked full time. The strongest motivation highlighted by sperm donors was a donation for altruistic (26.4%, n = 87) reasons. The second-highest rated motivation was curiosity (20.7%, n = 68), followed by a desire to procreate (17.9%, n = 59). “Complimentary body checks” (14.3%, n = 47) and “financial incentives” (14.7%, n = 47) were regarded as less important. The average semen parameters of the 329 donors were as follows: the semen volume was 3.39 ± 1.21 mL, the semen concentration was 82.75 × 106/mL, the progressive motility rate (PR%) was 63.77% ± 3.13%, the total motility rate was 66.26%, the total progressive motile count was 158.31% ± 54.43 × 106/mL, and the round cell concentration was 0.38 ± 0.51 × 106/mL. The PR% of the procreation motivation group was significantly higher than that of the other motivation groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Sperm donors in Shanghai, China, are altruistic about their donation, although curiosity is also a key motivator. In addition, the decisions of donors are culturally influenced, and the motivation to procreate may influence the PR%.
Primary pleomorphic leiomyosarcoma of descending mesocolon
Authors: Kajamohideen Suhaildeen , Venkitaraman Balasubramanian , Shivkumaran Sathyanarayanan M , Premkumar Prithviraj
Published: October 2021

Mesenteric tumors range from benign cysts to aggressive malignancies and pose both diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Leiomyosarcomas are rare tumors of the digestive tract comprising <0.1% of colorectal tumors. Similarities between mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract make histological diagnosis difficult. We report a case of 53-year-old female diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma of descending mesocolon, who has undergone surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and has been on regular follow-up for 2 years. This case signifies the diagnostic difficulties encountered in these rare tumors with a review of the literature.
Significance of telomerase reverse-transcriptase promoter mutations in differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Lai Hung-Fei , Kuo Chi-Yu , Cheng Shih-Ping
Published: October 2021

Background:

Telomerase reverse-transcriptase (TERT) encodes the reverse transcriptase of telomerase, and TERT promoter mutations are enriched in advanced thyroid cancer. In this study, we aimed to characterize the clinicopathologic biology of differentiated thyroid cancer harboring TERT promoter mutations in Taiwan.

Materials and Methods:

Consecutive adult patients treated with differentiated thyroid cancer between 2017 and 2019 were included in this study. Mutational testing for the TERT promoter was performed by DNA-based polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

Among 389 patients included in the analysis, 22 (5.7%) had papillary or follicular thyroid cancer harboring TERT promoter mutations, including C228T (n = 18), C250T (n = 3), and CC242TT (n = 1). The frequency of BRAF V600E mutation was 73%. TERT promoter mutations were significantly associated with older age, tall cell variant of papillary thyroid cancer, extrathyroidal extension, positive surgical margins, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and distant metastasis. The generalized additive model showed that patient age was positively and almost linearly correlated with the likelihood of the presence of TERT promoter mutations.

Conclusion:

The frequency of TERT promoter mutations is relatively low in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer in Taiwan. These tumors carry unfavorable clinicopathologic features, present in a more advanced stage, and probably predict worse prognosis.
A Comparative Immunohistochemical Study of Expression of Syndecan-1 (CD138) and Podoplanin in Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumor, Orthokeratinized Odontogenic Cyst and Dentigerous Cyst
Authors: Chahar Alka , Narain Pooja , Chahar Naveen , Gupta Jagriti , Kabiraj Arpita
Published: October 2021

Background:

Odontogenic lesions can bring about diagnostic challenges due to overlapping histology among pathologists. Thus, there are few tumor markers that provide accurate diagnosis. Syndecan-1 (CD-138) and podoplanin (PDPN) are proteoglycans that have been described as substantial diagnostic and prognostic markers in various odontogenic lesions.

Aim:

This study aims to evaluate and compare the immunohistochemical expression of syndecan-1 (CD-138) and podoplanin in keratocystic odontogenic tumor, orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC), and dentigerous cyst (DC).

Materials and Methods:

The formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of KCOT, OOC, and DCs were retrieved form the archives of department. Three sections each of 3 μm thickness were made using a rotary microtome and they were stained with syndecan-1 (CD-138) and podoplanin (PDPN) using immunohistochemical methods and standard hematoxylin and eosin stain.

Results:

Immunohistochemical expression of syndecan-1in KCOT was found to be weakly to moderately positive in 6 cases with 2 cases exhibiting positive expression. In OOC, 3 cases displayed negative expression-1 whereas 7 cases were weakly to moderately positive. Immunohistochemical expression of podoplanin in KCOT was observed to be weakly to moderately positive in 4 cases with 5 cases exhibiting strongly positive expression. In OOC, 3 cases displayed negative immunohistochemical expression for podoplanin and 4 cases were strongly positive. Immunoreactivity for podoplanin in DC was negative in 3 cases whereas 5 cases were weakly to moderately positive.

Conclusion:

The absence of significant correlation between expression of syndecan-1 and podoplanin reinforces the exact role of these proteins in the differentiation of odontogenic lesions which need to be elucidated further.
Evaluation of Treatment Outcome in Gingival Hyperpigmentation with Scalpel Vis-a-Vis Laser
Authors: Jacob Oliver , Kosala Manab , Panwar Mohinder
Published: October 2021

Context:

Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva is a physiological process that occurs in all ethnicities. Many treatment modalities are available to treat gingival hyperpigmentation. These are based on the principle of complete removal of the epithelial layer along with a part of subepithelial connective tissue which is then permitted to heal by secondary intention.

Aim:

This study aims to compare the treatment outcome of laser and its effectiveness in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation over scalpel.

Design:

A split-mouth study.

Methods:

Twenty young patients, between the ages of 18–35 with no systemic comorbidities with concerns regarding of dark-colored gums were selected for the study. A split-mouth study involving treatment of melanin pigmentation using scalpel abrasion on one side (left side upper and lower jaws) and Diode laser (980 nm) on other side (right side upper and lower jaws) was carried out. Observations regarding time taken, amount of bleeding during procedure, postoperative pain, healing of wound, and recurrence were made.

Statistical Analysis:

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 for Microsoft Windows.

Results:

Pain and healing were comparable in both the groups, though intraoperative time consumed and bleeding was significantly lower for laser group. Recurrence also was significantly lower on the laser group.

Conclusion:

Diode lasers can give better results in the management of gingival pigmentation compared to conventional scalpel abrasion technique.
Orbital venous malformation masquerading as lacrimal mucocele
Authors: Pandey Nidhi
Published: October 2021

While mucocele of the lacrimal sac typical presents as a medial canthal lesion located below the medial canthal tendon, there may be an occasional simulating clinical condition. We present a 17-year-old patient with epiphora who had an orbital venous malformation masquerading as a lacrimal mucocele.
Bilateral choroidal osteoma associated with unilateral limbal dermoid in an infant
Authors: Carrión-Donderis María T , Carreras Elisa , Díaz Jesús , Català-Mora Jaume
Published: October 2021

Ocular choristomas are uncommon. In the choroid, two types of ectopic tissues have been described, smooth muscle and osseous tissue, being the latter the most frequent. Choroidal osteomas are benign ossifying tumors, mostly unilateral, with unknown etiology. They are usually found in young women and are rarely diagnosed in infants. Herein we present an 8-year-old girl with congenital unilateral limbal dermoid who, over the years, developed bilateral choroidal osteomas outside the framework of systemic diseases.
Bilateral proptosis after snakebite
Authors: Eric Sabah , Wali Fariha S , Talpur Khalid I
Published: October 2021

Snake envenomation is a major public health challenge in the interior Sindh region of Pakistan. Ocular complications ensuing snake envenomation are comparatively scarce. A case report of bilateral proptosis and blindness in a 3-year-old girl presenting 5 days after a snakebite is a rare manifestation. Even antivenom and other medical/surgical management could neither reverse her visual loss nor save her life. This report has enlightened the eminence of problems related to snake envenomation in the interior Sindh, Pakistan, and highlights the need for early referral and that ocular manifestations must be treated as an emergency.
Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy following human papilloma virus vaccination
Authors: Kurt Rengin Aslihan
Published: October 2021

A thirty-five-year-old female patient presented with bilateral decreased vision and scotomas in her visual field in both eyes, two weeks after a second dose of human papilloma virus vaccination. After detailed ophthalmological examination she was diagnosed with APMPPE. Due to the visual deterioration shortly after the diagnosis, she was treated with oral prednisolone 1mg/kg. Her visual acuity improved to 20/32 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye in the first week, to 20/20 in both eyes in the first month of treatment. Despite rare, HPV vaccination may cause posterior uveitis in form of APMPPE.
Bilateral progressive familial idiopathic annular lipid keratopathy – A case series
Authors: Jain Parul , Arora Ritu , Sanoria Abhilasha , Gupta Isha
Published: October 2021

Lipid keratopathy (LK) is a disease in which fat deposits accumulate in the cornea, leading to opacification and decrease of visual acuity. It can be idiopathic, i.e. without signs of previous corneal disease or secondary to ocular or systemic diseases. It is usually associated with abnormal vascularization of the cornea, and the lipid classically deposits adjacent to these vessels. There have been case reports of annular LK in literature, but to the best of our knowledge, familial association has not been reported with it. In this case series, we thus present a family of six patients with bilateral annular LK.
Recurrent alternating Tolosa-Hunt syndrome mimicking idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis
Authors: Vallinayagam Muthukrishnan , Deepikadevi S N , Pokal Upasana , Balsamy Mahalakshmiy
Published: October 2021

Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) is a granulomatous inflammation in cavernous sinus or orbital apex. Recurrences are encountered ipsilaterally. Contralateral involvement is known as alternating THS. A middle-aged man presented with right sided headache and vomiting. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hyperintense lesion in right orbital apex with inflammatory changes in superior orbital fissure. A diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) was entertained. Within 48 h, there was complete ptosis and markedly restricted ocular movements. MRI done 3 months prior revealed similar features in left eye. A rare case of recurrent alternating THS with radiological evidence is portrayed here.
Combined deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and sural nerve transplant in a child with corneal anesthesia and maculo-leucomatous opacity
Authors: Joshi Pallavi , Rambhatla Saptagirish , Moreker Sunil R , Singh Devika
Published: October 2021

Sural nerve transplantation is an established procedure for neurotization in patients with corneal anaesthesia. In a child presenting with corneal anesthesia and maculo-leucomatous opacity, a combined deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and sural nerve transplant procedure was done. Under general anesthesia, a sural nerve graft was obtained from the child's own foot and co-apted with contra-lateral supra-orbital nerve. Simultaneously, lamellar dissection of host corneal bed, followed by the apposition of the graft was done. At 1 year follow up, visual acuity had improved, the graft was clear, avascular and the corneal epithelium was healthy. The corneal sensations were appreciated in all quadrants. The child was started on amblyopia therapy. Combined keratoplasty with neurotization surgery is a feasible alternative to staged surgical procedure. It helps achieve faster visual and anatomical recovery.
Polycythemia rubra vera presenting as a case of papilledema
Authors: Cherian Juhy , Wadwekar Bhagwati
Published: October 2021

A 42-year-old male presented with complaints of pain in the left hypochondriac region and diffuse headache and gradual painless loss of vision in both eyes. Ocular examination revealed BCVA was 20/40 in the right eye and 20/60 in the left eye and Grade 5 Papilledema noticed in both eyes. Blood investigation revealed polycythemia and positive JAK2 mutation. Primary polycythemia was diagnosed. Immediate treatment with low molecular heparin was initiated, and regular phlebotomies were performed until the hematocrit dropped to 45%. This case reveals, papilledema as an important sign of polycythemia and as a guide to the diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT).
Case report
Authors: Chin Ju Juen , Chew Chia Chee , Chong Mei Fong , Cheah Chun Fai , Cheng Yee Lin , Ngoo Qi Zhe , AT Liza-Sharmini , WH Wan Hazabbah
Published: October 2021

Bilateral optic disc swelling with bilateral abducens nerve palsy as the first presenting signs of sporadic primary Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is very rare. We report this in a young immunocompetent individual. Initial misdiagnosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension was made due to normal brain imaging with elevated opening pressure on lumbar puncture. After 2 months, he developed neurological deficits and neck swellings. Biopsy of swelling revealed BL. He received chemotherapy but succumbed before the second cycle. Signs of raised intracranial pressure warrant meticulous investigation. Multiple high-volume taps of lumbar puncture are advised if clinical suspicion of neurolymphomatosis is high.
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography features of peripunctal nevus
Authors: Garg Gaurav , Patidar Narendra , Gupta Ranu
Published: October 2021

Peripunctal tumors usually account for as low as 6.3% of all punctal lesions. Peripunctal nevus is benign in nature, but it can cause epiphora by its sheer mass effect or cosmetic blemish. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography has recently been used in various lower punctal pathologies. A 60-year-old lady presented with a painless, benign peripunctal nevus and underwent excision biopsy. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was used for its in vivo assessment and defining features of the lesion. It showed a hyperreflective epithelial thickening and gradient hyporeflective layers with punctal occlusion.
Munchausen syndrome presenting as recurrent ocular infection in a child
Authors: Kaviyapriya  , Chavhan Pratima , Behera Geeta , Kasturi Nirupama , Kaliaperumal Subashini , Menon Vikas , Kattimani Shivanand
Published: October 2021

A 11-year-old immunocompetent boy presented with a painful loss of vision due to panophthalmitis in the left eye. The eviscerated specimen showed invasive mucormycosis, for which he was treated with topical and systemic antifungals. The child presented later with recurrent episodes of redness in the right eye. During hospitalization, we found that the eye drop vials were perpetually contaminated with an acidic agent. Based on a detailed review of history and examination, a factitious disorder was suspected and confirmed by a psychiatric evaluation.
Coping and Burden among Caregivers of Patients with Major Mental Illness
Authors: Thakur Varsha , Nagarajan Padmavathi , Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: October 2021

Background:

A shorter duration of inpatient stay and early discharge from the hospital for mental illness has expanded the role of the caregiver. Many of the caregivers experience a substantial burden due to the additional responsibilities of caring for a mentally ill individual. Lack of coping ability may increase their level of burden.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used to investigate coping strategies and burden among the caregivers of patients with major mental illness and to assess the relationship between them. Caregivers of patients with major mental disorders – schizophrenia (n = 16), bipolar affective disorder (n = 15), and depression (n = 15) were recruited from the psychiatric services of a tertiary level hospital through the convenience sampling. The family burden interview schedule (FBIS) by Pai and Kapur and coping checklist was used to assess the level of burden and coping strategies, respectively.

Results:

The majority of caregivers (52.2%) experienced a moderate level of the burden as rated by the FBIS. Disruption of the family routine activities was found to be the domain with the highest burden score among caregivers. Only marginal differences in burden scores were found across diagnostic groups (schizophrenia, 1.75 ± 0.57 bipolar disorder and depression 1.86 ± 0.74). Problem-focused coping was the strategy most frequently used by caregivers.

Conclusion:

Regardless of diagnosis, caregivers of patients with major mental illness experience substantial burdens. Appropriate interventions could improve coping strategies and reduce the burden of caregivers. This, in turn, could lead to improved treatment outcomes in patients with major mental illness.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Female Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Sahu Vinod Kumar , Dhillon Harpreet Singh , Divinakumar K J , Dhillon Gurpreet Kaur , Sasidharan Shibu
Published: October 2021

Background:

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among females worldwide. Once an individual encounters this diagnosis, she may go through a mix of emotions such as shock, disbelief, fear, anxiety, guilt, sadness, grief, depression, and anger. The present study attempts to find the prevalence of anxiety and depression in female breast cancer patients presenting in a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:

A total of 100 consecutive cases of female breast cancer patients, who were admitted to the oncology ward at the time of evaluation, either for follow-up or treatment, were taken as cases, in a tertiary care hospital over a period of 1½ year. Baseline demographic data of cases were entered in a semi-structured pro forma on admission. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to assess distress. The prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The patients were also evaluated for relationship between depressive and anxiety symptoms and various other sociodemographical factors. Chi-square test was used as the statistical tool to analyze the data.

Results:

The mean GHQ-12 score was 16.44 (standard deviation = 4.66), with 26% of patients showing evidence of distress and 18% evidence of severe problems and psychological distress. Nearly 36% of the breast cancer patients had significant anxiety scores (mean = 8.34). Almost 34% of the breast cancer patients had significant depression scores (mean = 8.27). Younger patients (<50 years) showed significantly high incidence of depression.

Conclusion:

The results of the study showed that both anxiety and depression were significantly higher in breast cancer patients, emphasizing the need for dedicated service provision (psych-oncology units at cancer centers). Various sociodemographic factors studied (except age) did not show any statistically significant difference in the incidence of anxiety or depression.
Yearning for a brother
Authors: Barman Prabal , Agarwal Ashish , Bharti Bhavneet , Malhi Prahbhjot
Published: October 2021

Conversion disorder is a common problem, with varied presentation, with which children present to tertiary care centers in India. Currently, reports regarding psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES) in children who face sociocultural stressors are lacking. The present case report shows how PNES can result from psychological distress caused by sociocultural factors, such as preference for male children and gender-based inequality. The case report underscores the need to promote more gender egalitarian attitudes to dispel deep-rooted cultural preferences for sons as these are related to perpetuating and precipitating stress and unhealthy behaviors among the female gender.
Onychophagia
Authors: Siddiqui Javed Ather , Qureshi Shazia Farheen
Published: October 2021

Onychophagia, also called nail biting (NB), is a body focused repetitive behaviors or self-grooming behavior. It is a group of related disorders in which an individual damages his or her appearance or causes physical injury that include pulling, picking, biting, or scraping one's hair, skin, or nails. NB is a very common, and unresolved, problem in the field of psychiatry, psychology, medicine, and dentistry. NB is a simple behavior associated with obsessive–compulsive-related disorders. The present paper focuses on the management of NB.
Should Psychiatrists in India Engage in More Research? Lessons from the West
Authors: George Sanju , Jaisoorya T S , Menon Valsraj
Published: October 2021

To explore if psychiatrists in India carry out less research as opposed to psychiatrists of Indian origin working in the United Kingdom (UK), we carried out a small-scale survey of psychiatrists practicing in India and psychiatrists of Indian origin working in the UK. In light of the findings of this survey and from the three authors' experience of teaching, training, working, and engaging in research in India and the UK, we try to answer questions such as “why do psychiatrists in India carry out less research? Should it change, and if so how? What can one learn?” Here, we do not assume or advocate that one system (East or West) has all the answers. We merely wish to discuss the place of research in psychiatric training and psychiatric practice.
Radiobiological modeling of radiation-induced acute mucosal toxicity (oral mucositis and pharyngeal mucositis): A single-institutional study of head-and-neck carcinoma
Authors: Singh Balbir , Singh Gaganpreet , Oinam Arun Singh , Kumar Vivek , Vashistha Rajesh , Sidhu Manjinder Singh , Singh Maninder
Published: October 2021

Purpose/Objective(s):

This study aimed to estimate the fitting parameters of sigmoidal dose–response (SDR) curve of radiation-induced acute oral and pharyngeal mucositis in head-and-neck (H and N) cancer patients treated with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for the calculation of normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty H-and-N cancer patients were enrolled to model the SDR curve for oral and pharyngeal mucositis. The patients were evaluated weekly for acute radiation-induced (ARI) oral and pharyngeal mucositis toxicity, and their scoring was performed as per the common terminology criteria adverse events version 5.0. The radiobiological parameters, namely n, m, TD50, and γ50 were calculated from the fitted SDR curve obtained from the clinical data of H-and-N cancer patients.

Results:

ARI toxicity for oral and pharyngeal mucosa in carcinoma of H-and-N cancer patients was calculated for the endpoint oral mucositis and pharyngeal mucositis. The n, m, TD50, and γ50 parameters from the SDR curve of Grade 1 and Grade 2 oral mucositis were found to be [0.10, 0.32, 12.35 ± 3.90 (confidence interval [CI] 95%) and 1.26] and [0.06, 0.33, 20.70 ± 6.95 (CI 95%) and 1.19] respectively. Similarly for pharyngeal mucositis, n, m, TD50, and γ50 parameters for Grade 1 and Grade 2 were found to be [0.07, 0.34, 15.93 ± 5.48 (CI. 95%) and 1.16 ] and [0.04, 0.25, 39.02 ± 9.98(CI. 95%) and 1.56] respectively.

Conclusion:

This study presents the fitting parameters for NTCP calculation of Grade 1 and Grade 2 ARI toxicity for the endpoint of oral and pharyngeal mucositis. The provided nomograms of volume versus complication and dose versus complication for different grades of oral mucositis and pharyngeal mucositis help radiation oncologists to decide the limiting dose to reduce the acute toxicities.
Radiobiological modeling of radiation-induced acute rectal mucositis: A single-institutional study of cervical carcinoma
Authors: Singh Balbir , Singh Gaganpreet , Oinam Arun Singh , Kumar Vivek , Vashistha Rajesh , Sidhu Manjinder Singh , Singh Maninder
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

This study aimed to estimate the fitting parameters of sigmoidal dose–response (SDR) curve of radiation-induced acute rectal mucositis in pelvic cancer patients treated with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for the calculation of normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).

Materials and Methods:

Thirty cervical cancer patients were enrolled to model the SDR curve for rectal mucositis. The patients were evaluated weekly for acute radiation-induced (ARI) rectal mucositis toxicity and their scoring was performed as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. The radiobiological parameters, namely n, m, TD50, and γ50 were calculated from the fitted SDR curve obtained from the clinical data of cervical cancer patients.

Results:

ARI toxicity for rectal mucosa in carcinoma of cervical cancer patients was calculated for the endpoint rectal mucositis. The n, m, TD50, and γ50 parameters from the SDR curve of Grade 1 and Grade 2 rectal mucositis were found to be 0.328, 0.047, 25.44 ± 1.21 (confidence interval [CI]: 95%), and 8.36 and 0.13, 0.07, 38.06 ± 2.94 ( CI: 95%), and 5.15, respectively.

Conclusion:

This study presents the fitting parameters for NTCP calculation of Grade 1 and Grade 2 ARI rectal toxicity for the endpoint of rectal mucositis. The provided nomograms of volume versus complication and dose versus complication for different grades of rectal mucositis help radiation oncologists to decide the limiting dose to reduce the acute toxicities.
The Use of Dental Photography in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghulikah Khaled
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

Dental photography has always been an important aspect of the practice. The basic goal of digital dental photography is to capture the clinical symptoms of the oral cavity as accurately as possible. Secondary applications include dento-legal documentation, teaching, communication, portfolios, and marketing as a spin-off. This study aimed to assess the practice of photography documentation among dental students and dental practitioners in Riyadh using a cross-sectional observational study.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered survey distributed online. The sample included dental students (5th and 6th year), dental interns, postgraduate residents, and specialists. Frequency distribution and Chi-square tests were performed to compare the participant's responses.

Results:

A total of 218 dental practitioners were completed a structured, self-administered online questionnaire. The majority of the participants were dental interns and specialists, and more than 70% had 10 years or less of experience. Eighty-six percentage study participants reported using photography in their practices. Mobile phones were the most commonly used devices among dental practitioners.

Conclusions:

The results of the current study showed that the majority of dental practitioners believed that photography is essential in modern dental practice. However, to implement photography in dental practice, clarification of the general guidelines and the need for obtaining written consent must be explained to the patient. Furthermore, there is a need to incorporate photography within the dental curriculum.
Association of Shisha Smoking with Acute Otitis Media in Men
Authors: Binkhamis Khalifa , Alsaeed Abdulelah Hamad , Alfehaid Sultan Nasser , Almetary Rakan J. , Alshahrani Abdulaziz Saeed , Alduhayyim Abdulrahman H. , Alanazi Waleed Suliman
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to determine the possible associations between acute otitis media (AOM) and shisha smoking, cigarette smoking, and vaping in adults.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out from August 2019 to April 2020 using a case-control design. The sample consisted of 144 male participants from King Saud University Medical City aged 18–55 years, of whom 72 were cases, i. e., diagnosed by a physician with AOM, and 72 were controls, i.e. diagnosed with a physical injury with no history of AOM. The participants were interviewed over the phone based on a validated questionnaire by the WHO and were evaluated for shisha smoking, cigarettes smoking, and vaping status.

Results:

Of the 144 patients originally contacted, 136 (67 cases and 69 controls) were included in the analysis. The total number of participants who smoked any type of tobacco was 51 (37.5%). Among the 51 general smokers, 54.9% had a history of AOM with odds ratio of 1.436 (confidence interval [CI] 0.715–2.884, P = 0.308). Among shisha smokers, 70% developed AOM with odds ratio of 2.774 (CI 0.996–7.721, P = 0.045). Among cigarette smokers, 53.6% had a history of AOM with odds ratio of 1.287 (CI 0.617–2.681, P = 0.501). The number of vape users was too low to produce any significant results.

Conclusion:

The study found a significant association between shisha smoking and AOM among adult men in Riyadh. This finding correlates with what previous studies found about the dangers of tobacco consumption.
Effect of Preconditioning on Retention of Glass Ionomer Pit and Fissure Sealant
Authors: Zaghloul Samaa A. , El-Sayed Safaa R. , Mohamed Eman A. R.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

Caries prevention using fissure sealants is directly proportional to their retention. This in vivo study evaluated the effect of preconditioning on retention of glass ionomer (GI) fissure sealant, in maxillary and mandibular primary and permanent teeth.

Subjects and Methods:

Two hundred and forty teeth in 30 children of 6-8 years age range were involved. In all participants, the second primary and the first permanent molars in each quadrant were investigated following split-mouth design; so that, selected teeth in the right side had their pits and fissures conditioned before GI sealant application (Group A: n = 120 teeth). In the left side, however, the same sealant was applied without preconditioning (Group B: n = 120). According to Simonsen's sealant retention criteria, clinical assessment was performed at 3, 6, and 9 months. Data were gained then statistically analyzed using Chi-square test.

Results:

A significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) was evident between both groups at the three assessment intervals, with better sealant retention in preconditioned group. Although no significant difference appeared between primary and permanent teeth, maxillary teeth were significantly better in sealant retention than mandibular ones.

Conclusions:

Preconditioning enhanced GI sealant retention, more durable caries prevention can be thus provided easily with low cost.
Microlocal Category for Weinstein Manifolds via the h-Principle
Authors: Shende Vivek
Published: October 2021

On a Weinstein manifold, we define a constructible co/sheaf of categories on the skeleton. The construction works with arbitrary coefficients, and depends only on the homotopy class of a section of the Lagrangian Grassmannian of the stable symplectic normal bundle. The definition is as follows. Take any, possibly with high codimension, exact embedding into a cosphere bundle. Thicken to a hypersurface, and consider the Kashiwara–Schapira stack along the thickened skeleton. Pull back along the inclusion of the original skeleton.

Gromov's h-principle for contact embeddings guarantees existence and uniqueness up to isotopy of such an embedding. The invariance of microlocal sheaves along such an isotopy is well known. We expect, but do not prove here, invariance of the global sections of this co/sheaf of categories under Liouville deformation.
Derived Intersections and Free dg-Lie Algebroids
Authors: Grivaux Julien
Published: October 2021

We study free dg-Lie algebroids over arbitrary derived schemes, and compute their universal enveloping and jet algebras. We also introduce derived twisted connections, and relate them to lifts on twisted square zero extensions. This construction allows us to provide new conceptual approaches to existing results concerning the derived deformation theory of subschemes.
A Conjectural Extension of the Kazhdan–Lusztig Equivalence
Authors: Gaitsgory Dennis
Published: October 2021

A theorem of Kazhdan and Lusztig establishes an equivalence between the category of

G(\mathcal{O})

-integrable representations of the Kac–Moody algebra

\widehat{\mathfrak{g}}_{-\kappa}

at a negative level

-\kappa

and the category

\operatorname{Rep}_q(G)

of (algebraic) representations of the “big” (a.k.a. Lusztig's) quantum group. In this paper we propose a conjecture that describes the category of Iwahori-integrable Kac–Moody modules. The corresponding object on the quantum group side, denoted

\operatorname{Rep}^{\operatorname{mxd}}_q(G)

, involves Lusztig's version of the quantum group for the Borel and the De Concini–Kac version for the negative Borel.
Derived Hom Spaces in Rigid Analytic Geometry
Authors: Porta Mauro , Yu Tony Yue
Published: October 2021

We construct a derived enhancement of Hom spaces between rigid analytic spaces. It encodes the hidden deformation-theoretic information of the underlying classical moduli space. The main tool in our construction is the representability theorem in derived analytic geometry, which has been established in our previous work. The representability theorem provides us with sufficient and necessary conditions for an analytic moduli functor to possess the structure of a derived analytic stack. In order to verify the conditions of the representability theorem, we prove several general results in the context of derived non-archimedean analytic geometry: derived Tate acyclicity, projection formula, and proper base change. These results also merit independent interest. Our main motivation comes from non-archimedean enumerative geometry. In our subsequent works, we will apply the derived mapping stacks to obtain non-archimedean analytic Gromov–Witten invariants.
Poisson Geometry of the Moduli of Local Systems on Smooth Varieties
Authors: Pantev Tony , Toën Bertrand
Published: October 2021

We study the moduli of

G

-local systems on smooth but not necessarily proper complex algebraic varieties. We show that, when considered as derived algebraic stacks, they carry natural Poisson structures, generalizing the well-known case of curves. We also construct symplectic leaves of this Poisson structure by fixing local monodromies at infinity and show that a new feature, called
strictness
, appears as soon as the divisor at infinity has nontrivial crossings.