bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An unusual case of bowel obstruction secondary to endometriosis
Authors: (Albert) Chen Yi-Che , Chuang TY , Chen J , Cheong JY
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Endometriosis is a common disease of women of childbearing age. It can affect the intestines in a portion of patients, although it is generally asymptomatic.

Case Report: Here we present an unusual case of a large bowel obstruction due to intestinal endometriosis.

Conclusion: In the absence of signs or risk factors for colorectal malignancy, endometriosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for large bowel obstructions occurring in women of fertile age.
Aspects radiologiques de la tuberculose pulmonaire chez les patients vivant avec le virus d’immunodéficience humaine dans les services de Maladies infectieuses et de Pneumophtisiologie du centre hospitalier universitaire Point G de Bamako
Authors: Soumare M , Al Et
Published: March 2024

Introduction : la tuberculose constitue un problème majeur de santé publique dans les pays en développement où son incidence est augmentée par l’infection au VIH. Notre objectif principal était de déterminer l’aspect radiologique prédominant et sa relation avec le degré d’immunodépression chez les co-infectés TB/VIH. Méthodes : il s’agissait d’une étude rétrospective analytique descriptive, allant du 1er janvier 2015 au 30 juin 2017, portant sur les co-infectés TB/VIH hospitalisés dans les services de Maladies infectieuses et Pneumophtisiologie du CHU Point G de Bamako, disposant d’un cliché radiologique et d’un dossier, exploitables. L’échantillonnage était exhaustif et les données recueillies ont été saisies et analysées à l’aide du logiciel SPSS 21.0. La comparaison des proportions a été faite par le test d’association khi carré de Pearson significatif si p<0,05. Résultats : la fréquence de la co-infection TB/VIH était de 3,5%. La majorité des patients avaient un CD4<200cellules/μl (88,2%). La bacilloscopie et le Gène Xpert étaient négatifs dans respectivement 85.3 et 52.9% des cas et significativement influencés par l’immunodépression sévère (p=0,000 et p=0,001). La radiographie thoracique était majoritairement pathologique (79,7%), faite de lésions diffuses (55,8%), de type miliaire (21,6%) et cavernes (18,9%), respectivement liées à l’immunodépression sévère (p=0,024 et p=0,000). Conclusion : l’immunodépression constitue un facteur modifiant les aspects radiologiques habituels de la tuberculose pulmonaire. Un aspect normal de la radiographie thoracique chez l’immunodéprimé n’exclut pas la tuberculose pulmonaire évolutive. Le pronostic vital des co-infectés TB/VIH est corrélé au degré d’immunodépression
Séroprévalence de la triple infection toxoplasmose/VIH et virus de l’hépatite B à l’Hôpital de l’Amitié sino-guinéenne de Kipé/Conakry
Authors: Makanéra A , Al Et
Published: March 2024

Introduction : Les infections par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine (VIH), le virus de l’hépatite B (VHB) et par Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), constituent un problème de santé publique important dans le monde et notamment en Afrique Sub-saharienne. L’objectif de ce travail était de déterminer la séroprévalence de la triple infection Toxoplasmose/VIH /VHB chez les patients reçus à l’Hôpital de l’Amitié Sino-guinéenne (HASIGUI) de Kipé/Conakry. Matériel et méthodes : Il s’agit d’une étude prospective réalisée du18 Juin au 18 Octobre 2017 à HASIGUI. La détection du VIH, du VHB et de T. gondii a été faite par immuno-chromatographie et par ELISA. Résultats : Au total, 291 patients ont été inclus dans l’étude. L’âge moyen était de 38,37±10,45 ans avec des extrêmes de 1 et 72 ans. Le sexe masculin était prédominant (73,2%; n=213) avec un sexe-ratio (H/F) égale 2,7. Environ 72,9% des patients étaient fonctionnaires et 95,5% provenaient de la ville de Conakry. Par ailleurs, 6,2% (n=18) des patients étaient infectés par le VIH+ (type 1), 14,8% (n=43) étaient infectés par le VHB et 43,0% (n=125) étaient infectés par T. gondii. La séroprévalence Toxoplasmose/VIH/VHB était de 3,1 (n=9); celle de la co-infection VIH/VHB était de 10,0% (n=29). Environ 83,3% des patients VIH+ étaient T. gondii positifs (p=0,00). D’autre part, 67,4% des patients AgHBs+ étaient aussi positifs pour la toxoplasmose (p=0,00). Enfin, 100% des patients VIH/VHB co-infectés étaient porteurs de T. gondii. Conclusion : La séroprévalence de la triple infection toxoplasmose/VIH/VHB était élevée (3,1%) dans notre étude et constitue ainsi un problème important de santé publique en Guinée.
Prévalence du portage de l’antigène de surface du virus de l’hépatite B chez les sujets dépistés en milieu communautaire dans le district de Bamako au Mali
Authors: Maiga A , Maiga A , Al Et
Published: March 2024

Introduction : Le virus de l'hépatite B humaine (VHB) fait partir de la famille des Hepadnaviridae. Il infecte principalement les humains, mais également les chimpanzés. L’objectif de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence du virus de l'hépatite B dans les communes de Bamako et environnant.

Méthodologie : L’association des jeunes laborantins  a organisé des campagnes de dépistage dans les six communes du District de Bamako et à environ 30 km de Bamako, au Mali. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale réalisée du 29 Octobre au 17 Décembre 2022. Les participants étaient des volontaires de tout âge et sexe confondu dépistées à cette occasion. Les données sociodémographiques (âge, sexe, niveau d’étude) avaient été collectées à travers un questionnaire administré aux volontaires lors d’un entretien, avant qu’ils ne se fassent prélever.  Le First Response ® HBsAg Card, test immuno-chromatographique avait été utilisé pour la recherche des antigènes HBs dans tous les échantillons. 

Résultats : Les échantillons de 521 participants, dont 225 hommes et 286 femmes, avaient été analysés. Les résultats montraient que 8% des hommes de la population totale  (19/235) et 7% des femmes (19/286) étaient positifs. Globalement sur les 521 participants, 7,3% étaient positifs. Les prévalences  les plus élevées du portage de l’Ag HBs étaient respectivement retrouvées dans les communes VI, I et IV. Aucun positif n’a été observé en Commune II. 

Conclusion : La prévalence de l’Ag HBs reste toujours élevée au Mali malgré la disponibilité d’un vaccin protecteur. Une étude sur les facteurs de risques de l’infection par le virus de l’hépatite B pourrait être envisagée pour mieux organiser la riposte.
Validation of a new quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach: a screening tool for hepatitis B in pregnant women at high risk of transmitting hepatitis B virus to newborns in Mali.
Authors: Coulibaly TA , Al Et
Published: March 2024

Introduction : Au niveau mondial, l'infection par le virus de l'hépatite B (VHB) chez les personnes à risque est un problème majeur de santé publique. La transmission mère-enfant (TME) est importante en Afrique puisque sur 70% des cas d'hépatite B soit 4,5 millions d'enfants infectés ont moins de cinq ans, probablement en raison d'une transmission verticale pendant la grossesse, l'accouchement ou l'allaitement. La prise en charge de l’infection par VHB est une préoccupation majeure, notamment la disponibilité de la charge virale à coût abordable dans un pays a ressources limitées comme le Mali. Cette étude visait à développer et à valider une méthode de détection et de quantification de l'ADN du VHB par la qPCR chez les femmes enceintes, une population à risque de transmettre le virus aux nouveaux nés.  Méthodologie : Nous avons recruté 74 femmes enceintes avec un AgHBs positif au Centre de santé de référence de la commune III (CSRéf CIII) de Bamako, Mali dans cette étude. Leur charge virale a été préalablement déterminée par une technique de référence dans un laboratoire local. Nous avons conçu des sondes et des amorces spécifiques pour le gène PreC du VHB, en vue de sa détection et sa quantification par qPCR. Nous avons adapté cette nouvelle PCR en temps réel sur différentes machines pour la quantification de l’ADN du VHB.Résultats : Neuf sur neuf (9/9) échantillons avec une charge virale (CV) entre 10000-100000 Unités Internationales/millilitre (UI/mL) et 4/4 avec une CV > 100 000UI/mL été détectés et quantifiés. Parmi les cinquante-cinq (55) échantillons avec un CV de 12-10000 UI/mL, 38/55 échantillons avec une CV > à 1000UI/mL ont été détectés et 17/55 échantillons entre 12-1000 n'ont pas été détectés.  6/6 échantillons négatifs n'ont pas été détectés par notre nouvelle qPCR.

Conclusion : Ce nouveau protocole qPCR a démontré une détection et une identification efficaces des cas d'échantillons à CV élevées à plus de 1000 UI/mL chez les femmes enceintes. Il pourrait être étendu à d'autres populations à haut risque telles que les personnes immunodéprimées.
Conditions and Specifications in the International Competitions for Academic Employment
Authors: Dimitrov Aleksandar , Lyubomirova Veselina
Published: March 2024

The academic labour market in Europe and worldwide is increasingly dynamic and competitive in terms of offering positions and requirements for candidates. The competitions are public and international. The paper’s goal is to outline the parameters of these trends. The requirements and conditions for international academic staff hiring are not a subject that is often discussed in Bulgaria, and the paper’s task is to fulfil this deficiency. This is achieved through а sample of international academic job offers published between 2021 – 2022 which is followed by empirical, comparable and content analysis of them. As a result, the actual characteristics of the international academic labour market are outlined based on 105 job offers from 91 universities in 6 continents. Examples of one scientific field (political science) are used in order to achieve a higher comparability of the results
Analisis Pemetaan Bibliometrik terhadap Perkembangan Penelitian mengenai Perilaku Wisatawan
Authors: Rinaldi Rizki
Published: March 2024

The shift in tourist behavior that occurred in line with the COVID-19 pandemic, where policies and regulations were implemented to reduce the spread of the virus, could affect the perspective of tourists in traveling. This research was conducted with the aim of examining the shift in tourist behavior before, and during 2020, as well as to find a picture of tourist behavior after the pandemic. Bibliometric analysis is used to describe the mapping of studies related to tourist behavior, using data obtained from the Scopus database and using the help of VOSviewer. The relationship between tourist behavior and phenomena that occur over a certain period of time is illustrated in this study, namely an increase in research interest in tourist behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A caring approach to the first-year university student experience
Authors: Leonard Jessica , Mylonas Aliisa , Parker Polly , Wood Rebecca
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a case study of a revised approach towards orientation and welcome for commencing students at a research-intensive university in Australia. First-year students, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, face a range of challenges during their transition to university. This paper describes how we have translated research into practice by taking an evidence-based approach, designed in collaboration with students, and informed by three key aspects in student experience literature: engaging students, building an inclusive community, and fostering a sense of belonging. The approach is informed by key principles of care ethics theory, highlighting the importance of care as a concept in the design of first-year experience initiatives.  The case study includes quantitative and qualitative data from admission and attendance rates and a student survey (n=1052). Student survey data is analysed through a reflexive thematic analysis approach using both inductive and deductive coding. The findings and discussion outline the key success outcomes of the approach both in relation to engagement, community, and sense of belonging and how these contribute towards supporting first-year student transition. Areas for future research are suggested.
Editor-in-Chief: A Brief Reflection and a New Home
Authors: Crawford Joseph
Published: March 2024

The Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice (JUTLP) has had quite the adventure since it began in 2004. The editorial team has evolved significantly in the past five years to better reflect the developing post-COVID-19 environment, alongside the elevation in expected quality of manuscripts. This Editorial provides a brief account of almost five years as an editor in JUTLP and documents key information ready for a move out of the current system and into an Open Access Publishing Association-funded instance of Open Journal Systems. The purpose of this Editorial is to serve as a notice for our readers, authors, and community of our new home, but also to provide stock of the achievements and records of the Journal in years gone by to accompany the notes made by Percy and colleagues (2021). We remain excited about our future, and of the possibilities a new home affords. We encourage you to remain part of our journey in promoting and engaging with practice-led research in the university sector; an area that seems to be incredibly important for future university decision-making.
Impact of the Removable Partial Denture Components on the Prognosis of the Abutment Teeth: An Exploratory Clinical Study
Authors: Saadaldin Selma
Published: March 2024

Introduction Partial edentulism is considered one of the challenging topics in dentistry. The main objectives of the patient are to restore function and esthetics. However, the dentist’s main goals are preserving the remaining teeth supporting structures and restoring the patient’s quality of life. A Removable Partial Denture (RPD) design should be considered carefully for each case, as there are clinical and personal variables for each patient that will impact the prognosis of the denture. With the growing need for RPD, design principles require more research to improve the preservation of abutment teeth. This study aims to clinically evaluate the abutment teeth and supporting tissues before and after RPD placement and to correlate these clinical findings with the RPD components. Methods: Patients were recruited from the dental clinic at Schulich Dentistry, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. Abutment teeth were evaluated for the following clinical parameters: Tooth Mobility (TM), caries, defective restorations, tooth fracture, Probing Depth (PD), Gingival Recession (GR), bleeding on probing (BOP) and Plaque Index (PI). These clinical measurements were collected at the time of RPD insertion and at least two years after. Clinical parameters were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis H, Mann-Whitney U and Chi-Squared tests. Results: 34 participants were recruited, and 40 cast metal RPDs were evaluated. The mean age of participants was 73.8 years, and the mean duration of denture use was 37.6 months. Most frameworks assessed were Kennedy Class III RPDs. Caries were significantly associated with rest type, wherein occlusal rests showed an increased incidence of caries compared to cingulum rests. The retentive clasp arm type was associated with a mean difference in PD, wherein cast circumferential and wrought wire clasp arms had deeper PD after RPD insertion than Infra gingival clasps (I-bars). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest clasp arms and occlusal rests influence dental disease. Larger samples and more clinical studies are needed to confirm the role of specific RPD components on the abutment teeth prognosis.
EFFECTS OF A KETOGENIC DIET IN OVERWEIGHT WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME
Authors: NAVEED A , SAYYEDA A , MEMON SA , BHUTTO Z
Published: March 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The main objective of the study is to find the effects of a ketogenic diet in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This prospective interventional study was conducted in a private hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, from June 2023 to Dec 2023. Data was collected from 320 females who were suffering from PCOS. Participants were randomized into two groups: the intervention group (n = 160) received a ketogenic diet, while the control group (n = 160) followed a standard hypocaloric diet. Randomization was performed using computer-generated random numbers to ensure allocation concealment and minimize selection bias. Upon enrollment, participants underwent baseline evaluations to establish their demographic characteristics, medical history, and anthropometric measurements, including weight, BMI, and waist circumference. Data were collected from 320 female patients. In the ketogenic diet (KD) group, participants had a mean age of 28.1±4.2 years and a mean BMI of 30.01±2.3 kg/m2. Their waist circumference averaged 90.1±5.0cm, with a fasting glucose level of 110±10 mg/dL and a DHEAS level of 350±50 μg/dL. In the ketogenic diet (KD) group, participants experienced a mean reduction in body weight of 8.5±2.3kg, a decrease in BMI of 3.2±1.1Kg/m2, and a reduction in waist circumference of 10±4cm. Conversely, the control group exhibited a mean decrease in body weight of 2.5±1.5kg, a reduction in BMI of 1.0±0.8kg/m2, and a decrease in waist circumference of 3±2cm. It is concluded that the ketogenic diet may offer metabolic and reproductive benefits for overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The improvements observed in metabolic parameters and menstrual regularity support the potential role of KD as a therapeutic intervention in PCOS management.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Surat Izin Usaha sebagai bentuk legalitas UMKM
Authors: Putri Maharani , Syahruddin M. , Hulu Fitria Nova , Haq Moh. Zainul , Abdullah  , Cholish
Published: March 2024

Jelly Kelapa Kampung sub-district owners characterize East Binjai sub-district need a business license to get legality and legal protection from the government. However, Jelly Kelapa Kampung MSME business owners are still minimal in knowledge and mechanisms for making Business Identification Numbers (NIB) through Online Single Submission (OSS). This training activity aims to solve these problems by introducing, increasing knowledge, and assisting MSME owners Jelly Kelapa Kampung in making NIB through the OSS web. The implementation method used has 3 stages, namely socialization, training, and mentoring. The implementation of activities includes the submission of theory, making business licenses, and submitting business legality letters. The result of this activity is that the owner of Jelly Kelapa Kampung MSMEs shows increased knowledge about business legality and business registration into the OSS institution. Thus, MSME owners in Jelly Kelapa village get business protection, easy access to capital, empowerment from the government, and assistance for business development
External setting di kawasan Pasifik Selatan sebagai tantangan politik luar negeri Indonesia era pemerintahan Joko Widodo (2014-2023)
Authors: Sudana Kadek Ari
Published: March 2024

The South Pacific region is an area that neighbors and directly borders Indonesia via Papua New Guinea. Members from the South Pacific are Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Kanak which represents New Caledonia. Geopolitically, this area is very important for Indonesia because it is a neighbor and has a direct border. Especially in 2015 the regional organization Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) accepted the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), which is part of the Free Papua Organization, to become an observer member of the MSG. This research aims to examine challenges Indonesia's foreign policy in the South Pacific region during the President Joko Widodo (2014-2022). Qualitative research and descriptive Analysis methods that researchers use for this research use the concept of external situations and conditions (external settings) in the study of foreign policy. The results of this research are the first and main challenge, namely the development of the Papua issue in MSG and there is support from Vanuatu, inconsistent support from PNG and the Solomon Islands. Secondly, the Papua issue is also discussed at the civil society level such as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), journalists, churc council, activists and students. Thirdly, The South Pacific region is not dependent on Indonesia because economic relations and cooperation between Indonesia and the South Pacific region are very small
Exploration and Application of Three-stage Strengthening Mode based on Massive Open Online Course to Improve Students’ Competence in Electrocardiogram Interpretation Skills
Authors: Huang Simin , Wang Feifei , Lu Chunting , Yang Jing , Zhang Jianhua , Liu Shengming , Guo Jun
Published: March 2024

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a widely common diagnostic test in clinical practice. However, research has shown that residents and medical students cannot analyze ECG skillfully. In this study, we explore a three-stage strengthening mode based on massive open online course (MOOC) to improve students’ competence in ECG interpretation skills. We carry out the first stage in a diagnostics course, in which instructors adopted online and offline blended mode for the teaching method of ECG with clinical medicine students in grade 2018 based on MOOC. We compare scores of ECG interpretation skills for 91 students in grade 2018 with 81 students in grade 2016 to evaluate the effect. The second stage concerns studying internal medicine, in which we divide students in grade 2018 into two groups with 49 students in group A and 42 students in group B. Group A strengthened their ECG interpretation skills when learning about heart diseases. The third stage pertains to rotation in the internal medicine department in the internship period. Some students in group A continued to receive intensive training. Students in group B had no reinforcement arrangement in the second and the third stage. Students in grade 2018 took graduation tests at the end of their internship. We use the scores on ECG interpretation skills in the graduation examination to evaluate the strengthening effect between group A and group B. The result of the first stage shows that scores on ECG interpretation skills in the final exam in grade 2018 were 19.32 ± 4.62 points, which is higher than those of grade 2016, whose points were 16.89 ± 5.30 (total scores in both grades were 30 points). Difference is statistically significant. Scores on the graduation examination in group A were 38.89 ± 16.81 points, and those of group B were 26.86 ± 15.43 points (total score was 60 points), with statistical difference between these two groups. The three-stage strengthening mode based on ECG MOOC is an effective method to improve students’ ECG interpretation skills. Results show that an online and offline blended teaching strategy is superior to the traditional lecture method. Repeated practice is necessary for improving ECG interpretation competence. Students in the strengthening program group had better grades in the graduation examination.
The Stabilizing Role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Afghanistan
Authors: Khan Hameed Ullah , Mahmood Amna
Published: March 2024

Terrorism is one of the main reasons contributing to Afghanistan's insecurity. The fragile peace in Afghanistan has given terrorist groups much freedom to manoeuvre and grow. These situations require the countries in the region to assume greater responsibility to stabilise the country. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states and Afghanistan relations are based on historical friendship and shared interests. The SCO's involvement in Afghanistan is facilitated by the common interests of Pakistan, China, Russia, and other neighbouring countries. The withdrawal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) from Afghanistan gave the SCO more room to advance in Afghanistan. This article highlights the concrete steps that the SCO has taken to stabilise Afghanistan, as well as the interests of member countries and their peace efforts. In this study, the theories of the Regional Security Complex Theory and Liberal Institutionalism were used. The current economic crisis and political disruption following NATO's withdrawal from Afghanistan highlight the role of the SCO in the situation. Collaboration to boost Afghanistan's economy and growth would be beneficial. Reconstruction, development, governance, and humanitarian assistance are not only the responsibility of the countries in the region but also of the international community and organizations. The economic crisis and the rapid international recognition of the Taliban pose great challenges to the SCO.
Considering Frey’s procedure as primary surgical management in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic stone: A case report
Authors: Nugroho Adianto , Lalisang Arnetta , Hazmi Mohammad , Ayusanita Enrika , Putra Afid
Published: March 2024

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is characterized by abdominal pain, recurrent acute pancreatitis episodes, and pancreatic fibrosis, which leads to endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. Back in 1987, Frey and Smith demonstrated pancreatic head anterior resection combined with drainage of the main pancreatic duct using pancreaticojejunostomy. A 52-year-old man complained of right upper abdominal pain for 2 weeks. MRI examination presented prominent dilatation of the left and right intrahepatic ducts, and common bile duct due to the main pancreatic duct massive dilatation, accompanied by an irregular filling defect that adhesions to the wall, suggesting pancreatic stones. The patient was diagnosed with chronic calcifying pancreatitis with pancreatic stones. Frey’s procedure was chosen as primary surgical management. When conservative therapy fails to relieve the pain from chronic pancreatitis, physicians should consider surgery as a primary intervention. We recommend Frey's procedure for chronic pancreatitis treatment because of its safety and effectiveness.
Isolation and characterization of strictly anaerobic cellulolytic rumen bacterial species from Sahiwal cattle
Authors: Alam Muhammad , Hossain Md , Sohidullah M , Khan Md , Islam Khan
Published: March 2024

Objective: To isolate, and characterize cellulolytic rumen bacteria from the rumen of Sahiwal cattle utilizing rumen bacterial inoculum to increase the nutritional value of rice bran used as broiler feed.
Materials and Methods: The ruminal liquid was kept at an optimal pH of 6.9, and a redox potential of less than -300mV while being incubated anaerobically at 39℃ in a medium containing Rumen Fluid Glucose Cellobiose Agar. By using the Hungate technique, the isolates were detected on the basis of their morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular testing.
Results: The findings revealed that the isolated Ruminococcus albus, and Ruminococcus flavifaciens were obligate anaerobic, generally Gram-positive, non-motile cocci or rod, single or pair, occasionally short chain, producing yellow pigment when grown on cellulose, and presence of clear zone around the colonies. Both isolates fermented sugars such cellobiose, glucose, and lactose as well as decomposed xylan. The results also showed that the isolates were recognized as Ruminococcus spp., a cellulolytic rumen bacterium, were catalase negative, indole negative, and gelatin liquefaction positive.
Conclusion: Isolation and characterization of Ruminococcus spp. may be helpful for Bangladesh in reducing the cost of producing poultry feed, and circumventing restrictions on rice bran use. We can also develop more efficient and long-lasting plans to enhance poultry performance, and feed efficiency as well as increase the nutritional value of rice bran used as broiler feed through understanding how various Ruminococcus spp. function in this process.
Association between heart rate variability and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in individuals with prehypertension – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gunasekaran Deepa , Gopal Sasirekha , Devanand Viji , Theesmas Lovie
Published: March 2024

Background: High blood pressure, commonly termed hypertension, is becoming more common in both developing and industrialized nations, making it a worldwide health concern. An increase in blood pressure is broadly categorized into prehypertension and hypertension based on JNC VIII criteria. Prehypertension is a state in between normal blood pressure and high blood pressure, and it is linked with injury to target organs and subclinical atherosclerosis an easy and non-invasive way to look into autonomic dysfunction in those who are pre-hypertensive is to measure heart rate variability (HRV). Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a cheap, simple, and novel hematological parameter of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory marker and has recently emerged as a useful indicator to predict cardiovascular risk and adverse outcomes in patients with hypertension.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the correlation between cardiovascular autonomic function using HRV and NLR in pre-hypertensive individuals and to find out if NLR can be used as a marker to detect autonomic dysfunction.

Materials and Methods: HRV is recorded in a supine position with eyes closed in the study population. About 2 mL of venous blood was collected from the individuals to measure NLR using an automated hematology analyzer.

Results: The mean values of time domain indices showed significant reduction and frequency domain indices low frequency (LF) values were significantly higher and high frequency (HF) values were significantly lower in pre-hypertensive. The mean NLR was significantly higher in pre-hypertensive individuals. Time domain indices showed a negative correlation with NLR. HF values were negatively correlated and LF values were positively correlated with NLR.

Conclusion: NLR was increased in pre-hypertensive individuals which suggest that people in pre-hypertensive state are also at risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. This study showed a positive association between NLR and sympathetic activity and a negative association between NLR and parasympathetic activity. This concludes that NLR could be used as a marker to assess autonomic dysfunction in them.
Antimicrobial agent usage patterns and their role in preventing surgical site infections at a tertiary care teaching hospital: A comprehensive study
Authors: V Mirshad , Louis Jobin , Hisham Yousef , Sajid Muhamed , C Jeeja , P Mumtaz
Published: March 2024

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) present a formidable challenge in contemporary healthcare, impacting patient well-being and contributing to escalating healthcare costs. The judicious utilization of antimicrobial agents is paramount in effectively combating SSIs. This study, conducted at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Kerala, seeks to unravel the intricate patterns of antimicrobial agent usage within the General Surgery Department over 10 months.

Aims and Objectives: The primary aim is to thoroughly examine antimicrobial agent patterns within the General Surgery Department, focusing specifically on patients undergoing surgical procedures. The study aims to assess the appropriateness of antimicrobial agent usage, encompassing the choice for prophylactic purposes, timing of pre-operative dosing, the occurrence of intraoperative dosing, and the selection appropriateness for post-operative prophylaxis.

Materials and Methods: Crafted for robust analysis, the study included 150 cases, implementing specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure data quality. The emphasis was placed on patients undergoing surgical procedures, focusing on prophylactic antimicrobial use. Data collection involved meticulously evaluating appropriateness across critical parameters, including the choice of prophylactic antimicrobial agent, pre-operative dosing timing, intraoperative dosing, and selection appropriateness for post-operative prophylaxis.

Results: Analysis of 150 cases provided valuable insights into the age and gender distribution, predominantly within the 41–60 age groups. Prevalent surgical procedures, such as hernia and appendicitis, underscored the necessity for tailored antimicrobial protocols. Cephalosporins emerged as the dominant class, raising concerns about potential overuse and resistance. Pre-exposure prophylactic antibiotics, predominantly cephalosporins, were administered in 88 cases. Post-exposure prophylaxis mirrored this trend, necessitating a critical evaluation of antibiotic selection and duration. Detailed analysis of cephalosporin pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis identified prevalent choices such as Cefotaxime and Cefoperazone + Sulbactam, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing cephalosporin selection.

Conclusion: This study furnishes valuable insights into the appropriateness of antimicrobial agent usage for preventing SSIs, serving as a model for analogous healthcare settings. It underscores the significance of local antibiotic stewardship, guideline adherence, and the ongoing commitment to optimizing prophylactic antimicrobial usage for ensuring patient safety and advancing healthcare quality amidst evolving challenges.
Hand grip strength in young adults and its relation with anthropometry: A study in parts of Eastern India
Authors: Zaman Md , Dey Soumedhik
Published: March 2024

Background: It is widely accepted that grip strength is the best and most reliable indicator to measure the functional integrity of the arm and the factors influencing the grip strength are muscle strength, age, nutritional status, restricted movement, body posture, etc. The synergistic interplay of flexor and extensor groups of muscles are the important determinants for muscle contraction and grip strength.

Aim and Objective: The aim of the study is to assess and compare the maximum grip strength of young medical students (both male and female) from rural areas and also to study any association and correlation between anthropometric data and hand measurements (hand length, width, circumference, and forearm circumference) with maximum grip strength.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-five young adults (both male and female) of age group 18–22 from rural areas of different parts of West Bengal were included by proper history and according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The parameters studied were height (using a stadiometer), BMI, waist–hip ratio, hand length and width, hand circumference, forearm circumference, hand grip strength by Jamar Analog Hand Dynamometer (0–100 kg, Inco, Ambala), and also the maximum grip strength (MGS). Statistical analysis was done by SPSS (version 21) and the significance of the difference between the groups was determined by the independent Students’ “t” test. The correlations among the variables were determined by Pearson’s correlation test.

Results: There were significant (P = 0.0001) differences in mean MGS in dominant to non-dominant hands in females than males. Height had a significant (P = 0.0001) strong positive correlation (r = 0.738, r = 0.715), weight had a significant (P = 0.015) and moderate positive correlation (r = 0.325, r = 0.326), but BMI had a significant but mild negative correlation (r = −0.249) with MGS. In hand measurements, only hand circumference had a significant and strong positive correlation (r = 0.540, r = 0.551) with MGS both on the dominant and non-dominant hand.

Conclusion: Grip strength on the dominant hand was significantly higher in rural population including males and females. Height, weight, waist/hip ratio, and not the BMI might be the better indicator of grip strength.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae in the north of Kazakhstan
Authors: Aleshina Yuliya , Yeleussizova Anara , Mendybayeva Anara , Shevchenko Pavel , Rychshanova Raushan
Published: March 2024

Background:
An increasing number of drugs are used each year in the treatment of small pets (cats and dogs), including medicines (cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones) used in human therapy.
Aim:
The purpose of this study was to isolate and explore the antibiotic resistance of opportunistic Enterobacteriaceae (E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Citrobacter, Enterobacter) from cats and dogs, and to isolate resistance genes in the microorganisms.
Methods:
During 2021, 808 samples of biological material from small domestic animals were collected in veterinary clinics in Kostanay. From these, 210 microorganisms were isolated and identified.
Results:
A large majority of the strains sampled belonged to E. coli – 149 (70.9%), Enterobacter – 11 (5.2%), Klebsiella – 28 (13.3%), Proteus – 12 (5.7%) and 10 Citrobacter isolates (4.8%). In all isolates identified, antibiotic resistance/sensitivity was determined by disc-diffusion method to ampicillin, cefoxitin, gentamicin, levomycetin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, cefoperazone, cefpodoxime, streptomycin, kanamycin, doxycycline, gemifloxacin, nalidixic acid, furazolidone, furadonine, amoxicillin and enrofloxacin.
Conclusion:
Study has demonstrated that the greatest number of Enterobacteriaceae were sensitive to the action of meropenem, which belongs to the group of beta-lactam antibiotics; resistance was demonstrated against tetracycline, doxycycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin, ofloxacin and cefpodoxime. The most common genes encoding antimicrobial resistance were as follows: BlaTEM and OXA in 41 and 28 isolates, respectively, encoding resistance to beta-lactams; StrA and StrB in 45 and 48 isolates encoding aminoglycosides; and tetA and tetB in 43 and 28 isolates encoding tetracyclines. Obtained data demonstrate that uncontrolled and frequent use of beta-lactam and tetracycline antibacterials, in cats and dogs, results in the spread of genotypic resistance among micro-organisms of the family Enterobacteriaceae.
Efficacy, immunogenicity, and virus shedding in broiler chickens inoculated with live attenuated fowl adenovirus serotype 8b propagated a bioreactor
Authors: Ugwu Chidozie , Bejo Mohd , Isa Nurulfiza , Omar Abdul , Ideris Aini
Published: March 2024

Background:
Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) 8b causes huge economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Attenuated FAdV 8b could be useful in preventing FAdV infections globally and scale-up obstacles could be solved by bioreactor technology.
Aim:
This study was carried out to attenuate FAdV 8b isolate, propagate it in a bioreactor, molecularly characterize the passage isolates, and determine the immunogenicity, efficacy, and shedding of the virus of chickens.
Methods:
FAdV serotype 8b (UPM11142) isolate was passaged on chicken embryo liver cells (CEL) until attenuation and propagated in a bioreactor (UPM11142P20B1). Hexon and fibre genes of the isolates were sequenced and analysed. UPM11142P20B1 was administered to 116-day-old broiler chickens divided into 4 groups, A (control), B (non-booster), C (booster with UPM11142P20B1) and D (booster with inactivated UPM11142P5B1). Eight chickens from each group were challenged. Body weight (BW) and liver weight (LW), liver: body weight ratio (LBR), FAdV antibody titre, T lymphocyte sub-populations in the liver, spleen and thymus; and challenge virus load in the liver and shedding in cloaca were measured at weekly intervals.
Results:
The isolate caused typical cytopathic effects on CEL cells typical of FAdV. Novel molecular changes in the genes occurred which could be markers for FAdV 8b attenuation. BW, LW and LBR were similar among groups throughout the trial but the uninoculated control-challenged group (UCC) had significantly higher LBR than the inoculated and challenged groups at 35 dpi. Non-booster group had higher FAdV antibodies at all time points than the uninoculated control group (UCG); and the challenged booster groups had higher titre at 35 dpi than UCC. T lymphocytes increased at different time-points in the liver of inoculated chickens, and in the spleen and thymus as well, and was higher in the organs of inoculated challenged groups than the UCC. There was a significantly higher challenge virus load in the liver and cloaca of UCC chickens than in the non-booster chickens.
Conclusion:
UPM11142P20B1 was safe, efficacious, significantly reduced shedding and is recommended as a candidate vaccine in the prevention and control of FAdV 8b infections in broiler chickens.
Liver histopathological and oxidative stress assessment by a combination of formaldehyde and oxytetracycline in sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax L)
Authors: Othmen Zouhour , JERBI Mohamed , Timoumi Rim , Besbes Raouf , Haouas Zohra , Achour Lotfi , Elazomi Altayeb , Zaet Abdurraouf , Zourgui Lazhar , Kacem Adnen
Published: March 2024

Background:
Formaldehyde (FA) and oxytetracycline (OTC) arechemicals commonly used in aquaculture to prevent or to treat fish’s diseases due to protozoa, parasites and bacteria.
Aim:
The goal of the present study is to assess liver injury and oxidative stress induced by exposure of sea bass (Dicentrarchuslabrax L) to therapeutic doses of FA (200 mL.m-3) and OTC (40 g.m-3) under same conditions being applied in intensive aquaculture systems in Tunisia.
Methods:
Liver histopathological survey was achieved after 5 and 10 days of exposure to FA, OTC separately or mixed. In parallel, liver catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to assess oxidative stress.
Results:
Results showed that treatment with FA and OTC used alone or in combinations induced liver damage as measured by sinusoid dilatation, intensive vacuolisation, blood congestion, and focal necrosis. Significant elevation in catalyse activity and MDA levels were also observed in liver homogenates by the treatment (p≤005).
Conclusion:
Combined treatment induced higher effects suggesting the critical hazards associated to FA and OTC when released to the environment.
Assessment of some chemical residues in Egyptian raw milk and traditional cheese
Authors: Ibrahim Amel , Awad Sameh , Elsenduony Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Background:
The assessment of risks related to food safety is becoming a challenge in developing countries with its consequent health hazards. Chemicals risk assessment in dairy products is important to maintain consumer’s health locally and internationally. Since milk and dairy products are essential foods for a wide range of customers, mostly children, patients, and pregnant women, it is very important to estimate the risks of some chemical residues, such as pesticides, some heavy metals, and aflatoxins.
Aim:
This work aims to determine the levels of chemical contamination in milk and traditional Egyptian cheese.
Methods:
Heavy metals were determined in samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS were also used for measuring pesticide residues. The Aflatoxin M1 was determined by Enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay.
Results:
Raw milk samples were tested and showed elevated concentrations of lead and cadmium, (46% and 4%, respectively). The heavy metals detected in the Egyptian cheese samples were variable depending on the type of cheese. Moreover, p.p.-DDE phenofose was present in 45% and 29% of raw milk and Ras cheese samples, respectively. For Aflatoxin M1, only 7% of milk samples and 2.9% of Ras cheese samples exceeded the acceptable limits.
Conclusion:
More surveying and risk assessment of chemical residues in milk and milk products are essential for controlling health risks to consumers.
Depraved appetite in dromedary camels: Clinical, ultrasonographic and postmortem findings
Authors: Tharwat Mohamed , Ghareeb Waleed , Almundarij Tariq
Published: March 2024

Background:
Camels are subjected to wide varieties of nutritional deficiencies as they are largely dependent upon grazing desert plants. As a consequence, the syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is occasionally seen in dromedary camels. The condition is manifested as chewing or eating abnormal things such as wood, dirt, bones, stones, cloths, plastics, mud, sand, or other inanimate objects.
Aim:
This study was designed to investigate the clinical, ultrasonographic and postmortem findings in dromedary camels with pica or depraved appetite.
Methods:
Twenty-five camels of 5 days to 15 years were examined. Owner complaints included depraved appetite, loss of body condition, regurgitation of stomach content and partial or complete absence of feces. Symptoms described were present for a period varying between 3 days, up to 12 months. The stomach compartments and small and large intestines were scanned using ultrasonography from the right and left sides of the abdomen. Necropsy was carried out on 6 female and 3 male camels where the thoracic and abdominal organs were examined with a special attention to the digestive system.
Results:
The affected animals had a history of gradual loss of body conditions, eating foreign objects, decreased or total absence of feces and regurgitation of stomach content. Using ultrasound, the foreign body was imaged occluding completely or partially the intestines. Foreign bodies within the rumen could not be visualized with ultrasound. In cases where the rumen is impacted by sand, small pin-points revealing acoustic enhancement was imaged. Foreign bodies were removed from the rumen at exploratory rumenotomy (n=11), laparotomy (n=3) or at necropsy (n=8) in the form of plastics, cloths, sand, mud, wool balls, robes, glasses, or even metallic objects which may be blunt or sharp. Sixteen (64%) of the camels were recovered while the remaining 9 (36%) did not survive.
Conclusion:
The syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is an important condition in dromedary resulting in the ingestion of objects other than normal feed. Substantial economic losses are expected a result of this syndrome. Ultrasonography of the digestive system may help the clinician in some cases to localize of occluding foreign bodies in the intestines, while in the transabdominal scanning of the stomach is valuable only in cases of sand impaction.
CHAT GPT APLICADO AO ENSINO DE REALIDADE AUMENTADA: APLICAÇÕES NO AMBIENTE EDUCACIONAL
Authors: Abreu Gislane Martins Silva de , Madeira Lucas Ribeiro , Soares Neto Carlos de Salles
Published: March 2024

A difusão de modelos, como o Chat GPT, ocasiona discussões veementes entre os educadores, que vão desde o receio de que os alunos utilizem tais recurso de IA para contornar o ensino até o entusiasmo com as novas possibilidades de aprendizado que podem ser proporcionadas. Neste artigo, foi analisado o desempenho do Chat GPT para responder questões objetivas em um curso de realidade virtual e aumentada. Foi observado que, considerando as capacidades atuais da ferramenta, o Chat GPT demonstrou ser capaz de responder a 30% das perguntas corretamente e que, está apto a apresentar respostas corretas ou parcialmente corretas em 61,67% dos casos, fornecer explicações corretas ou parcialmente corretas em 66,67% dos casos e respostas incorretas em 43,34%. Além disso, foi observado que em um contexto de perguntas separadas a ferramenta apresenta um desempenho melhor em respostas corretas estritamente, já o contexto compartilhado alcançou um desempenho ligeiramente superior quando foi considerado às respostas corretas e parcialmente corretas. Com base nessas análises debatemos sobre as possíveis vantagens, desvantagens e ameaças relacionados ao uso do Chat GPT por professores e alunos no ambiente acadêmico.
Migraciones exteriores, transición demográfica y proceso de desarrollo
Authors: Rodríguez Osuna Jacinto
Published: March 2024

Se revisa la emigración durante el último para determinar sus características y causas. Se describen dos movimientos migratorios muy importantes : la emigración al Nuevo Mundo, que alcanzó su momento álgido a principios del siglo XX con el flujo desde Europa a Estados Unidos, Canadá, Brasil, Argentina, Australia y Sudáfrica ; y la emigración a los países desarrollados, sobre todo después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, que supuso el movimiento desde los países del sur y este de Europa, norte de África, Oriente Próximo y antiguas colonias a los países más desarrollados del norte de Europa, Estados Unidos, Canadá y Australia. Se identifican tres tipos de migración : desde países europeos en vías de desarrollo, desde países europeos subdesarrollados y desde el Tercer Mundo. También se analizan las circunstancias particulares de la emigración española, incluyendo las restricciones gubernamentales. Se sugiere que el descenso de la natalidad y el envejecimiento de la población en los países desarrollados puede incrementar su disposición a aceptar inmigrantes.