bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Rate Prediction in Oil and Gas Pipelines Based on Multiphase Flow Modelling
Authors: Obaseki Martins , Alfred Peter B. , Elijah Paul T. , Okuma Silas Oseme
Published: December 2023

Corrosion has severe consequences for the integrity of pipelines used in the petroleum industry. Modelling and optimising the parameters of a circulating fluid are two of the numerous methods for combating corrosion. The objective of this study was to develop a multiphase flow simulation model for estimating the corrosion rate of oil and gas pipelines, considering the erosional effect. In addition to carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) corrosion, the present model also takes into account the impacts of chloride concentrations. The current model evaluates and reflects a comprehensive understanding of corrosion in a saline environment, making it readily applicable for estimating corrosion rates for industrial applications. The model's results indicate a prediction accuracy of about 85%. Field data gathered under a broad range of environmental conditions confirms the model's prediction accuracy. The predictions from the present model are in good agreement with the field data. In addition, the present model was found to be more effective than the model created by Dewaard and Milliam. This research is likely to have widespread applications in the oil and gas industry for predicting more accurate corrosion rates.
Pax7 reporter mouse models: a pocket guide for satellite cell research
Authors: Ortuste Quiroga Huascar Pedro , Fujimaki Shin , Ono Yusuke
Published: December 2023

Since their discovery, satellite cells have showcased their need as primary contributors to skeletal muscle maintenance and repair. Satellite cells lay dormant, but when needed, activate, differentiate, fuse to fibres and self-renew, that has bestowed satellite cells with the title of muscle stem cells. The satellite cell specific transcription factor Pax7 has enabled researchers to develop animal models against the Pax7 locus in order to isolate and characterise satellite cell-mediated events. This review focuses specifically on describing Pax7 reporter mouse models. Here we describe how each model was generated and the key findings obtained. The strengths and limitations of each model are also discussed. The aim is to provide new and current satellite cell enthusiasts with a basic understanding of the available Pax7 reporter mice and hopefully guide selection of the most appropriate Pax7 model to answer a specific research question.
Are Universal Adhesives Effective for Bonding to Zirconia in the Long Term?
Authors: Lopes Raquel de Oliveira , Somacal Deise Caren , Modena Cláudia Freitas de Moura , Spohr Ana Maria
Published: December 2023

Background:

The bond capacity of universal adhesives should be comparable to a specific primer for zirconia. Thus, this study evaluated the bond strength to zirconia of four universal adhesives and a zirconia primer over long-term storage.

Materials and Methods:

The surfaces of 75 samples of zirconia were sandblasted with 50 µm aluminum oxide particles and then divided into groups (n = 15): G1 – Single Bond Universal (SBU); G2 – All Bond Universal; G3 – Peak Universal Bond; G4 – Ambar Universal (AU), and G5 – Z-Prime Plus (ZP). A cone of resin composite was constructed on the applied materials. The samples were submitted to a tensile bond strength test after 24 h using a universal testing machine. Then, the remaining materials were removed from the sample surfaces, and the surfaces were polished and sandblasted again as previously described to obtain the same groups. These new samples were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 12 months and then submitted to a tensile bond strength test. The data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α =0.05).

Results:

The material factor (P = 0.001) and the storage factor (P = 0.001) were significant, and the interaction was not significant (P = 0.117). According to Tukey's test, bond strength mean values (in MPa) followed by distinct letters were significantly different. After 24 h, G5 = 21.12 A, G1 = 20.55 A, G4 = 19.19 AB, G2 = 14.22 B, and G3 = 8.44 C. After 12 months, G1 = 7.37 A, G5 = 5.61 AB, G4 = 4.97 B, G2 = 3.32 C, and G3 = 1.93 D. After 12 months of storage, all groups' bond strength significantly decreased.

Conclusions:

SBU and AU had bond strengths comparable to ZP after 24 h. No material resisted water degradation.
Efficacy of Enamel Matrix Derivative in Periodontal Regeneration Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mayta-Tovalino Frank , Diaz-Arocutipa Carlos , Barja-Ore John , Hernandez Adrian V.
Published: December 2023

Aim:

To evaluate the efficacy of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on periodontal regeneration defects.

Materials and Methods:

Four databases were searched until October 2021. Experimental animal studies evaluating the efficacy of EMD were used. The primary outcomes were bone formation (BF) and cementum formation (CF). The secondary outcomes were junctional epithelium (JE), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Measures of effect were mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Random-effects model were used for all meta-analyses. The Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation tool was used to assess the risk of bias.

Results:

Seven experimental animal studies (n = 40) used with a maximum follow-up period of 3 months. Compared to control, EMD did not significantly reduce BF (MD 0.02 mm; 95% CI − 1.91–1.96; I
2 = 89%). However, it increased CF (MD 1.38 mm; 95% CI 0.01–2.74; I
2 = 55%). For secondary outcomes it was found that compared to control, EMD only significantly reduced JE (MD − 0.54 mm; 95% CI − 1.06 to − 0.02; I
2 = 55%). However, the other secondary outcomes were not significant as in the case of GR (MD − 3. 88 mm; 95% CI − 68.29–60.53; I
2 = 82%), and in CAL (MD 0.02 mm; 95% CI − 0.29–0.39; I
2 = 38%). Finally, according to the risk of bias assessment, all included studies had a high risk of bias.

Conclusion:

EMD had no effect on BF values while it did not reduce CF. Otherwise, in the secondary outcomes, EMD only significantly reduced JE values and had no effect on GR and CAL.
The outcomes of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in refractory primary angle-closure glaucoma in a South Indian population
Authors: Raja Vidya , Balasubramaniam Niranjana , Sundar Balagiri , Nagdev Nimrita
Published: December 2023

Background:

The surgical intervention of refractory primary angle-closure glaucomas (PACGs) is a big challenge to any ophthalmologist since the efficacy of lens extraction in eyes with a long duration of angle closure is limited. Also, trabeculectomy in such eyes is not without vision-threatening complications.

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) in eyes with refractory PACG.

Methods:

A retrospective study analyzing all patients who underwent CPC for refractory PACG in the year 2019 was conducted. Out of the 68 patients recruited, 56 PACG patients fulfilled the study criteria.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 58.5 years. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) intraocular pressure (IOP) at baseline was 38.91 (14.86) mmHg, and it ranged from 21 to 74 mmHg. Participants’ mean (SD) follow-up duration was 11.87 (7.83) months. Almost 90.9% of eyes showed IOP reduction from baseline during the follow-up period. There was also a reduction in the mean antiglaucoma medications (AGM) to 2.67 (1.29) in the final follow-up visit compared to the baseline of 3.30 (0.81). Chronic hypotony was noted in four eyes, out of which phthisis bulbi occurred in one eye. Six eyes underwent additional incisional surgical procedures.

Conclusion:

The outcomes from our study support the role of transscleral diode laser CPC in the interim optimization of IOP in PACG eyes refractory to other modalities. This is emerging as a primary treatment option to optimize IOP to safer limits before any planned incisional procedure. Though complications like chronic hypotony occur as anticipated, vision-threatening complications are rare.
A critical evaluation of prenatal supplements: Are they meeting the mark?
Authors: Wanjari Mayur B. , Late Sampada V. , Sharma Ranjana , Munjewar Pratiksha K.
Published: December 2023

Prenatal supplements are commonly used to support maternal health and fetal development during pregnancy. However, there are concerns regarding their efficacy and safety. This review article provides a critical evaluation of prenatal supplements, including their types, benefits, criticisms, factors affecting their efficacy, and popular brands. It also offers recommendations for their use and identifies future research directions. Our analysis suggests that while prenatal supplements can offer important benefits, including reduced risk of birth defects and improved fetal growth and development, there are also concerns regarding their regulation, dosages, and potential harm to the mother and fetus. Pregnant women should carefully evaluate the ingredients, dosages, efficacy, and safety of prenatal supplements with the guidance of their healthcare provider. Future research should focus on standardizing dosages and regulation of prenatal supplements to ensure consistent quality, safety, and efficacy.
Post-COVID pulmonary fungal infections: An unanticipated predicament or a ticking time bomb? Clinico-microbiological profile of cases encountered during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic at a teaching hospital in the Himalayas with a brief literature review
Authors: Puri Oshin , Bhatia Mohit , Rekha Udayakumar S. , Chakraborty Deepika , Dua Ruchi , Dhar Minakshi , Chauhan Udit , Prasad Amber , Kalita Deepjyoti , Kaistha Neelam
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

This study attempts to generate preliminary data regarding post-COVID pulmonary fungal infections, namely, COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA), COVID-19-associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM), and mixed infections from the Himalayas and compares the micro-radio-clinical profile and outcomes of the affected patients.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective data analysis was conducted, where clinical profiles, microbiological and radiological reports, and outcomes of n = 16 patients of post-COVID pulmonary infections were compared.

Results:

Of n = 16 patients, n = 7 had CAPA (n = 5 Aspergillus fumigatus, n = 1 Aspergillus flavus, and n = 1 Aspergillus niger), n = 5 CAPM (Rhizopus arrhizus), and n = 4 with mixed infections (n = 3 infected with Aspergillus fumigatus and Rhizopus spp. and n = 1 with Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus arrhizus). Thick-walled cavitary lesions, air–fluid levels, and multiple centrilobular nodules were some of the common radiological findings reported among these patients.

Conclusion:

The immuno-compromised state following COVID-19 infection and treatment might be responsible for the progression of regular exposure to the dense Himalayan vegetation into an invasive pulmonary fungal infection. Suspecting post-COVID pulmonary fungal infection is necessary for primary care physicians to ensure timely referral to higher centers. Mixed pulmonary fungal infections (coinfection with Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp.) are also emerging as important sequelae of COVID-19.
Outlandish pancreatic pseudocyst: A case report
Authors: Tomey Vandana , Tomey Sudhir , Choudhari-Joshi Madhura A. , Singh Chahat , Aurangabadkar Gaurang M.
Published: December 2023

Pseudocysts in the perinephric region are rare and pose a diagnostic dilemma. We present the case of a 54-year-old male with left perirenal pancreatic pseudocyst. The diagnosis was enabled via proper clinical history taking and imaging investigations. The patient was successfully managed with definitive primary surgical treatment. This report highlights difficulties in diagnosis and treatment.
Acute haemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy associated with COVID-19 in a patient with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Singh Sweta , Singh Uday S.
Published: December 2023

COVID-19 is emerging as a global pandemic and is a complex disease presenting with multi-organ involvement. Acute haemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy (AHNE) is a rarely reported phenomenon post-COVID-19 but is a rapidly progressing, fatal, haemorrhagic necrosis of the CNS parenchyma. Here, we present a very interesting case of a cirrhotic male patient with AHNE with COVID-19. Diagnosis of AHNE requires a multimodality approach and high index of suspicion in a patient suffering from SARS-CoV-2. Timely intervention and diagnosis may lead to a favourable outcome in the diagnosed cases. Future detailed studies in this direction may give an insight into this rare but important disease entity.
Unraveling acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy in the COVID-19 era: Insights from a tribal area in Jharkhand
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Raj Akanksha , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Deepak , Bhattacharya Sudip
Published: December 2023

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is a benign and rare presentation of leukocytoclastic vasculitis that usually affects children between 4 months and 24 months of age. It is characterized by purpuric and ecchymotic lesions that mainly involve the distal extremities, the face, and the ears. It usually follows some viral or bacterial infection. Here, we report a case of a 25-month-old male child who presented with mild grade fever and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Subsequently, he developed progressive purpuric and ecchymotic lesions over his body, mainly on his lower limbs and face. Laboratory tests were done, showing elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate with rest of normal results. In view of patients having respiratory symptoms, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of a nasopharyngeal swab for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was done, which came out to be positive. The baby received supportive care only. He gradually improved and was discharged successfully. AHEI may be a possible after effect of COVID-19 infection.
Primary hyperhidrosis: From a genetics point of view
Authors: Parveen Asia , Abbas Sidra , Mehmood Nasir , Patafi Mahtab Ahmed Mukhtar , Wajid Usman , Luqman Muhammad , Arshad Shafia
Published: December 2023

Primary hyperhidrosis is a disorder of profuse sweating which negatively influences a patient's quality of life and is caused because of over-activation of the sympathetic nervous system. It was believed that hyperhidrosis is a condition limited to only anxious individuals; however, this hypothesis is discredited now. It has been found that people with a positive family history of primary hyperhidrosis are likely to suffer from this condition, suggesting a strong genetic basis. Genetic analysis has revealed a dominant autosomal pattern of inheritance with a variable degree of penetrance and is a sex-independent trait. It is a heterogeneous condition both genetically and clinically as different studies revealed variable genetics and clinical factors. There are no proper criteria for diagnosis as it is not treated as disease by most affected persons. Various studies revealed opposing results in localizing disease gene loci, so further genetic research is needed to pinpoint genes responsible for causing this debilitating condition. Gene expression profiling of human anxiety-causing genes in hyperhidrotic sufferers will also help to devise new treatment modalities. This review highlights the current genetic studies on hyperhidrosis, which may prove to be helpful in understanding the molecular mechanism governing hyperhidrosis.
Differences between international medical graduates and Canadian medical graduates in a medical learning environment: From matching to residency and beyond
Authors: Olatunde Oluwasayo A.
Published: December 2023

Objective:

To determine the differences between international medical graduates (IMG) and canadian medical graduates (CMG) in the medical learning environment (MLE) as there is progression from matching to residency and beyond.

Method:

A narrative literature review was done using the search engines pubmed, medline and embase on publications from 2000 to 2021 comparing IMG to CMG and those that compared IMG to non IMG in international publications were also considered.

Results:

The IMGs are offered less residency program positions compared to CMGs during the CaRMS selection process and specifically less in specialty programs. Amongst the article, 66% of IMGs compared to 90% of CMG were successful in the certification examination of the college of family physicians of Canada. A US article on the other hand found similarities in performance of USMGs and IMGs in a surgical residency program.

Conclusion:

A lot of IMG face several challenges including perceived systemic and individual discrimination, lack of mentorship and poor ability to navigate after immigration even after they are matched into a Canadian residency program. These are significant issues that should be dealt with to enable increase success and survival of IMGs in the MLE.
Sarcoidosis present as endobronchial lung mass: A rare case report with review of literature
Authors: Rai Deependra Kumar , Kumar Prashant
Published: December 2023

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology, primarily affecting the intrathoracic lymph node and the lung. The endobronchial involvement in sarcoidosis is not uncommon and may appear as nodules, cobblestoning, erythema, or plaque, but presentation as an endobronchial mass has been rarely described. We report here a 50-year-old gentleman who presented with nonproductive cough and dyspnea on exertion. Video bronchoscopy revealed a polypoid mass in the right lower lobe bronchus occluding the posterior basal segment, and bronchial biopsy revealed noncaseating granulomatous inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was negative for tuberculosis, fungal infection, and malignancy. Mantoux test was negative, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme was elevated. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made, and the patient was started on an oral corticosteroid. After treatment, the patient showed significant improvement in symptoms. This case report highlights a rare presentation of sarcoidosis as an endobronchial mass lesion. It is important to take a biopsy to differentiate from other common causes of endobronchial mass, such as malignancy and, rarely, tuberculosis. Sarcoidosis should be considered in a differential of the endobronchial mass lesion.
COVID-19-induced hair shedding and related risk factors: A Saudi perspective
Authors: Bukhari Abrar E. , AlDosari Dalal A. , AlDosari Manal A. , Muqrin Reema F. , Moazin Othillah M. , Almutlq Malak M. , Altalhab Saad M. , Alharithy Ruaa S. , Alkhalifah Abdullah I.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Many cases of telogen effluvium (TE), acute hair shedding, following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were reported during the pandemic.

Methodology:

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the relationship between COVID-19 and TE in Saudi Arabia. Self-administered online questionnaires were distributed online between March and September 2022 in Saudi Arabia. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors associated with TE post-COVID-19 (significance at P < 0.05).

Results:

Of the 703 responders, 392 were included in the study. 59.70% (n = 234) recognized hair shedding during or after COVID-19. The time taken to realize hair shedding (3 or 6 months) and the duration varied (3, 6, >6 months). The risk factors significantly related to TE post-COVID-19 were: female sex (P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 2.98), COVID-19 antiviral treatment (P = 0.032, OR = 3.02), and TE history (P = 0.001, OR = 3.78).

Conclusion:

Healthcare providers and physicians should be aware of the relationship between TE and COVID-19, to easily recognize, treat, and improve their patients' outcomes).
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 – solving the puzzle
Authors: Jha Ajay K. , Sunder Ashok , Pradhan Sridhar
Published: December 2023

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) are tumors that involve two or more endocrine glands. It can also involve other organs and tissues as well. Out of the four types of MEN type 2 is the most common. In MEN type 2 or type 3, paraganglioma is rare, but in our case, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), hyperparathyroidism, and pheochromocytoma were associated with the paraganglioma.
Prevalence of obesity and bariatric surgery among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshamrani Abdulmalik Mohammed , Al-Rayes Ola Mowaffak , Almaslmani Abdulrahman Mohammed , Sabr Mohmmed Saleh , Alfriedy Raief Fahad , Khalifa Amar Fathi
Published: December 2023

Background:

Bariatric surgery is considered as a successful weight loss intervention in patients with high body mass index (BMI) and also in patients who are unable to lose weight in a nonsurgical way.

Aim:

To measure the prevalence of obesity among medical students and the association between obesity and lifestyle and obesity and the rate of bariatric surgery in obese students.

Method:

This is a cross sectional study which included 301 medical students in Riyadh. An online pretested and validated questionnaire was distributed among medical students. The collected data included weight, height, family background, lifestyle, and past medical and surgical history.

Result:

Our results demonstrated that the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity was 26.6%, 9.6%, and 6.3%, respectively, among medical students. Only 44.9% of them had a family history of obesity (n = 135). Upon assessment of lifestyle, we found that 58.8% of them had a good lifestyle and 41.2% had a bad lifestyle. We found that 42.5% of medical students included in this study have obesity, and 44% of students had history of obesity in their family. In the obese group, 47.6% had a bad lifestyle. There was significant relationship between obesity and lifestyle among medical students (P = 0.0004). We found that 83.1% of students never thought of undergoing bariatric surgery, 10% of them had thought of undergoing it, and 7% of the students had undergone bariatric surgery.

Conclusion:

the prevalence of obesity is less among medical student in comparison to other subgroups. The educational level and environmental factors play an important role in the prevalence of obesity.
Mobile phone use by young children and parent's views on children's mobile phone usage
Authors: Shah Saumya Amin , Phadke Varsha Dilip
Published: December 2023

Aims:

This study aims to explore the prevalence of mobile phone use among young children aged 6 months to 4 years. We studied the usage patterns, optimal age for use, and the attitudes of parents toward their child's mobile phone use.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study in a pediatric OPD of a tertiary teaching hospital for a period of 2-months. Ethics committee approval and informed consent was taken before conducting the research. A predesigned and validated questionnaire was used to collect data. We calculated a sample size of 90 children at a 95% confidence level. Chi-square test and Fischer's exact test were used as a test of significance at 5% level of significance.

Results:

We observed that 73.34% of children were using mobile phones and mobile phone usage increased with age. Children used mobile phones for educational purposes (43.9%), and for less than an hour a day (57.6%). In the 3-4 year age group, 19% used mobile phones for 3 hours or more. While 93.3% of parents felt they shouldn't give their child a phone, 71.4% children of these parents still used one.

Conclusions:

Our study highlights a high prevalence of mobile phone use among young children aged 6 months to 4 years. Although parents aimed to limit their child's phone usage, the reality was different. We recommend that guidelines on mobile phone use be followed in India.
Marriage in persons with severe mental illness: A narrative review-based framework for a supported relationship
Authors: Lyngdoh Lavinia A. M. , Antony Sojan , Basavarajappa Chethan , Kalyanasundaram Janaki Raman , Ammapattian Thirumoorthy
Published: December 2023

Background:

Studies in the past have shown the effect of mental illness on marriage in persons with severe mental illnesses (SMIs). Primary care and family physicians have a major role in addressing marriage-associated dilemmas in their life.

Methods:

The literature search was conducted from databases such as PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO, Scopus, and Google Scholar for understanding the context and the problem in-depth for bringing out the narrative-review based framework for addressing the dilemmas.

Results:

Marriage rates in persons with SMI are high in Eastern countries. Marriage in persons with SMI enhances social support and prevents the stigma of being unmarried. Disability, unemployment, stigma, and disclosure-related issues are barriers to getting desirable alliances. Evidence based interventions are available to reduce the associated distress to an extent.

Conclusion:

Published peer-reviewed literature has pointed out that marriage plays a significant role in the life of persons with SMI and their families, especially in Asian countries where marriage is an important social institution. It can have a positive impact or can lead to relapse, marital conflicts, and divorce based on contextual and clinical factors. Hence, there is a need to come up with tailor-made interventions to address marriage-related expectations in persons with SMI.
Association between lifestyle and height growth in high school students
Authors: Esfarjani Shahla Vaziri , Zamani Marjan , Ashrafizadeh Seyedeh Soraya , Zamani Maryam
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

An important indicator that plays a pivotal role in examining the health of individuals living in a community is their height. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between lifestyle and height among female high school students in Dezful, Iran.

Methods:

This research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. Participants included 351 female high school students who were selected from public and private high schools in Dezful using random cluster sampling. Miller–Smith Lifestyle Assessment Inventory was used to collect data about students' lifestyles, and their height was measured based on self-report.

Results:

The total lifestyle score of the study participants was 52.23 ± 11.31. Also, 30.2%, 67.2%, and 2.6% of the students had high, moderate, and low lifestyle scores, respectively. A negative and significant relationship was observed between the total score of lifestyle and its components, that is, nutrition, sleep, exercise, and mental stress, and the height growth of female high school students in Dezful (P < 0.05) according to Pearson's correlation. Results of regression analysis showed that the total lifestyle score and its components could significantly predict the height growth of students.

Conclusion:

Our results are indicative of the relationship between lifestyle and its components with height growth among female high school students.
Treatment adherence and its determinants among the rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease patients during COVID 19 pandemic – A cross sectional study from Chandigarh, India
Authors: Ilanchoorian Divya , Thakur J. S. , Vijayvergiya Rajesh , Jindal Ankur K. , Gandhi Aravind , Sagar Vivek
Published: December 2023

Background:

Rheumatic heart disease/Rheumatic fever is a non – communicable disease being a major neglected health problem. Recurrent attacks of rheumatic fever can have catastrophic outcomes, therefore regular administration of antibiotics is recommended. During COVID 19 pandemic, people were afraid to approach hospitals hence the compliance and follow up of patients were affected. This study had planned to assess the treatment adherence of patients diagnosed with rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease during COVID 19 pandemic and to describe the socio demographic factors, clinical characteristics. This study also determines the factors associated with the treatment adherence.

Methods:

A cross sectional study was conducted among Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease patients, attending Outpatient department at tertiary care hospital during COVID 19 pandemic. Mean score with confidence interval was calculated for quantitative data. P value less than 0.05 is significant.

Results:

The Mean (SD) age of the study participants was 41 ± 14.17 years. Treatment adherence was found to be 94.5 percent among Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease patients during COVID 19 pandemic. 89.5% of injection benzathine penicillin users had an adherence rate above 80 percent. It was found that the presence of comorbidities (Diabetes/Hypertension/both Diabetes and Hypertension) had a statistically significant association with treatment adherence.

Conclusions:

Rheumatic Heart Disease is a disease of young and middle -age population affecting predominantly females. The overall adherence rate among Rheumatic Fever/Rheumatic Heart Disease patients was high. High time to maintain hospital-based registry to have follow up of patients.
To Evaluate Prealbumin as a Potential Biomarker of Malnutrition in Geriatric Population
Authors: Patnaik Kakoli , Shrivastava Mayank , Thadani Deepa , Sharma Nitin
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Aging refers to the inevitable biological process of getting older over time. As humans age, their bodies undergo various physical, physiological, and cognitive changes. As we grow older, practical and morphological adjustments arise, which result in a slow deterioration of the varied abilities of the organism and hence lead to multiple illnesses.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of prealbumin as a biomarker of malnutrition in geriatric population.

Subjects and Methods:

This is a quantitative cross-sectional study. We enrolled 140 elderly patients attending the Outpatient Department of Geriatric Medicine, and the data were analyzed with the help of SPSS v27.

Results:

The present study was undertaken in two groups, viz. Group I (underweight) and Group II (normal weight). A statistically significant correlation has been found between serum prealbumin and body mass index (BMI) in underweight subjects (r = 0.84).

Conclusion:

From the present study, in Group 1 with low BMI, low levels of serum prealbumin were seen as compared to Group 2 with normal BMI. A low value of serum prealbumin was found in malnourished subjects.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block and pericapsular nerve group block for postoperative analgesia and associated cognitive dysfunction following hip and proximal femur surgery
Authors: Gonabal Vijetha , Aggarwal Shipra , Rani Divya , Panwar Mamta
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims:

Hip and proximal femur fractures in any age group require surgical reduction and fixation. Various regional techniques are popular for lower limb surgeries but adequate analgesia from these blocks is variable depending upon the type of surgery. We conducted a study to compare ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment (SFIC) block and pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block for postoperative analgesia and cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing hip and proximal femur surgery.

Material and Methods:

Sixty-six patients, aged 18–65 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists I and II undergoing hip and proximal femur surgery were randomized into two groups, group F for SFIC block (n = 33) and group P for PENG block (n = 33). After completion of surgery, an ultrasound-guided SFIC or PENG block was given. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score on movement and rest, muscle power (quadriceps strength), time to first rescue analgesia, total analgesic requirement, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction in the first 24 h were observed.

Results:

A total of 66 patients participated in the study and 30 in each group were analyzed. VAS score at movement was significantly lower (P = 0.018) with better quadriceps muscle strength (P = 0.001) in the PENG block compared to the SFIC block group at 24 h postoperatively. Total opioid consumption in morphine equivalents (P = 0.03) was lower in the PENG block than in the SFIC block group for 24 h (28.5% vs. 71.4%). Cognitive impairment was comparable in both groups (3.3% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.097).

Conclusions:

PENG block is better than SFIC block for postoperative analgesia with lesser opioid consumption, whereas postoperative cognitive dysfunction was comparable in both groups.
Tear film abnormalities in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome
Authors: Rashmi G. , Chaitra M. C.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a systemic age-related disorder with the production and accumulation of abnormal fibrous material in visceral organs and in the eye. The presence of pseudoexfoliation in the conjunction and lacrimal glands can affect the tear film stability.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to study the tear film abnormalities in patients with PEX.

Materials and Methods:

In this case–control study, Group 1 consisted of 40 eyes with PEX, Group 2 consisted of 40 eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and Group 3 consisted of 40 eyes without pseudoexfoliation (control group). Schirmer’s two tests and tear film break-up time (TBUT) were performed to study the tear film abnormalities in all eyes.

Results:

The mean Schirmer’s in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 was 12.43 ± 5.697, 13.10 ± 5.173, and 21.98 ± 5.399, respectively. The mean TBUT in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 was 6.0 ± 1.961, 5.13 ± 2.053, and 11.38 ± 1.644, respectively. Both Schirmer’s 2 test and TBUT values between Groups 1 and Group 3, between Group 2 and 3 showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

This study reveals that tear film abnormalities are commonly seen in PEX syndrome and PEX glaucoma due to the involvement of conjunctiva in PEX.
Evaluation of the osmoprotective and bioprotective effect of trehalose 3%
Authors: Sendra Victor , Berra Alejandro , Michelini Flavia , Guerbi Maria Ximena , Rodriguez Giselle , del Papa Melina Sol , Passerini María Silvia
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to study the osmoprotective and bioprotective effect of trehalose 3% + carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) 0.5% during desiccation conditions.

Materials and Methods:

Normal human conjunctival epithelial cells (IOBA) were exposed to (1) culture media (control); (2) CMC 0.5% + glycerin 0. 9% + polyethylene glycol 400 0.25% (vehicle); and (3) vehicle + trehalose 3% (trehalose). Cells were treated for 1 h and then exposed to desiccating conditions. Metabolic activity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and cell viability by trypan blue. Trehalose water retention capability was assessed by a gravimetric analysis.

Results:

Metabolic activity was maintained during the first 30 min under desiccating conditions with no differences found between groups. After 45 min, metabolic activity decreased both in the control group and the vehicle group, while the trehalose group maintained activity values. Cell viability of the trehalose group was maintained throughout time and was statistically superior to those of the control and the vehicle groups at all evaluated times (P < 0.01). The retention time 20-RT20 - (20% of water retention) was reached at 8 min in the control group, 10 min in the vehicle group, and 15 min in the trehalose group.

Conclusions:

The addition of 3% trehalose prolonged cell viability and extended water retention time in high-dryness environmental conditions.
The impact of electronic nicotine delivery systems on adolescent respiratory health: A review of the HKSAR situation
Authors: Law Jason Chi Shing
Published: December 2023

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have rapidly gained popularity among adolescents worldwide, leading to concerns about their impact on respiratory health. This review examines evidence on ENDS use among adolescents in the HKSAR (Hong Kong) and its effects on respiratory health, current regulations, and public health implications and strategies. ENDS heat nicotine solutions to produce inhaled aerosols. While marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes, their safety and efficacy are unestablished. ENDS adoption among Hong Kong adolescents has risen despite reduced smoking prevalence. Studies globally link ENDS to acute respiratory effects like airway inflammation and impairment. Long-term risks include lung irritation, hypersensitivity, and future COPD. ENDS use is associated with more respiratory symptoms versus never-use. Regulation in Hong Kong prohibits ENDS sales and ads, but possession and use is not illegal. Challenges include unclear product sources and public use normalising adolescent uptake. Potential public health strategies include education campaigns, interventions to curb initiation and promote cessation, and expand smoke-free zones. Future research should continue monitoring ENDS use patterns among Hong Kong adolescents and interventions tailored to this population. As ENDS risks likely outweigh benefits for youth, ongoing efforts to reduce uptake are needed to address this major public health concern.
ChatGpt impact on Student Educational Performance: a conceptual analysis
Authors: Altarawneh Haroon
Published: December 2023

This research examines ChatGPT, a sophisticated AI language model created by OpenAI, and its effect on learning outcomes. The research explores the impact of implementing ChatGPT into different learning contexts with a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative data from educational performance measures with qualitative findings gathered from student surveys. Based on these early results, it seems that ChatGPT helps students learn more because it simplifies down challenging subject matter, provides immediate feedback, and encourages collaborative learning. The technology also looks to play a major role in boosting educational accessibility, closing the knowledge gap for student in underserved areas or with restricted access to teachers. The study also highlights the significance of using ChatGPT to supplement more conventional teaching strategies rather than as a replacement for them.
Influence of Microbiota on Clinical Expressions of Respiratory Viral Infections
Authors: Diouf Fatou Samba , Tidjani Alou Maryam , Million Mathieu , Diatta Georges , Goumballa Ndiaw , Ndiaye Dame , Bassene Hubert , Dubourg Gregory , Raoult Didier , Sokhna Cheikh , Lagier Jean-Christophe
Published: December 2023

Respiratory infections, mainly due to viruses, are among the leading causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality. We investigated the prevalence of viruses and bacteria in a cross-sectional survey conducted in Dielmo, a village in rural Senegal with a population of 481 inhabitants. Nasopharyngeal sampling was performed in 50 symptomatic subjects and 101 asymptomatic subjects. Symptomatic subjects were defined as individuals presenting with clinical signs of respiratory infection, whereas asymptomatic subjects were recruited in the same households. The identification of pathogens was performed by polymerase chain reaction for 18 respiratory viruses and eight respiratory bacteria. The prevalence results for respiratory viruses detected in each study group demonstrated that 83.6% of symptomatic samples were positive for at least one respiratory virus, and 21.8% were detected in asymptomatic samples. Influenza A (P = 0.0001), metapneumovirus (P = 0.04), and enterovirus (P = 0.001) were significantly more prevalent in symptomatic patients. Overall, 82.0% of symptomatic subjects and 26.9% of asymptomatic subjects were positive for at least one respiratory bacterium. The most frequent pathogenic bacteria detected were Moraxella catarrhalis (56%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (48.0%) among symptomatic individuals, whereas in asymptomatic subjects Corynebacterium propinquum was more prevalent (18%). A principal component analysis showed that parainfluenzas 2 and 4 were associated with asymptomatic subjects, whereas influenza A was associated with the presence of symptoms. Considering these results, a large epidemiological surveillance of the circulation of these respiratory pathogens in the general population should be conducted to provide a better understanding of their carriage and to potentially prevent epidemics.
House price cycles, housing systems, and growth models
Authors: Kohler Karsten , Tippet Benjamin , Stockhammer Engelbert
Published: December 2023

The paper provides a framework for theorising the role of house price cycles in national growth models. We synthesise Minskyan approaches with comparative political economy (CPE) by arguing that institutions influence the extent to which countries experience what we call ‘house-price-driven growth models’. First, we argue that house price dynamics have been undertheorised in existing growth models analysis. Finance-led models can be properly understood only against the background of rising house prices that stimulate consumption through wealth effects and investment through construction. Second, we identify behavioural and Minskyan theories of housing cycles as suitable frameworks to theorise the impact of housing on growth. However, this literature does not provide an analysis of cross-country differences in housing cycles. Third, drawing on the CPE literature on housing systems, we argue that factors such as private homeownership and mortgage-credit encouraging institutions can explain differences in the intensity of housing cycles. We provide preliminary empirical support for this framework from a cross-country analysis. Our results show strong cross-country heterogeneity in the intensity of housing cycles. Countries with more intense house price cycles also tend to exhibit more volatile business and debt cycles. Homeownership rates and mortgage-credit encouraging institutions are positively correlated with the volatility of house price cycles.
Co łączy teorię reprezentacji społecznych Serge’a Moscoviciego z psychologią rozwojową?
Authors: Krasuska-Betiuk Marta
Published: December 2023

What does Serge Moscovici’s Theory of Social Representations Have in Common with Developmental Psychology?

The purpose of the text is to point out the elements linking social representation theory and developmental psychology. Despite the differences that may seem obvious between developmental psychology and social psychology, in reality there is a deep bond that unites them; a continuity, resulting from the notion that both sub-disciplines explore issues of knowledge transformation: the former studies the transformation of knowledge over time, the latter over space. It seems interesting to show the connections and differences between these elements of the theories of Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky and Serge Moscovici, which deal with the concept of the development of children’s knowledge of the world in a socio-cultural context. In addition, the epistemology of social representations developed by Gerald Duveen on the basis of Piaget’s concept is important for showing these connections.
Wybrane biopsychospołeczne aspekty funkcjonowania pacjentów z dystrofią mięśniową Duchenne’a i ich rodzin
Authors: Anikiej-Wiczenbach Paulina , Mański Arkadiusz
Published: December 2023

Selected Biophyschosocial Aspects of Functioning of Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Their Families

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a disease that shows extremely complex connections between the genetic-molecular sphere and the characteristics of psychological functioning. The text presented below introduces the importance of biological sources in explaining many aspects of the psychological functioning of DMD patients. In the field of research and rehabilitation practice related to DMD, interdisciplinarity becomes a necessity that can improve the quality of life of patients with DMD and their families to a greater extent than before. On the one hand, the article is a concise account of the views that have been dominating both in the past and today about this disease, as well as a proposal outlining the directions of future research related to describing and explaining the processes that form the psychological image of people with DMD. The complexity of this image can be made more accessible and understandable if, both in research and in everyday life, it becomes possible to refer to the genetic-molecular sources, psychological resources and characteristics of the environment in which a person with DMD grows up in the process of describing and explaining DMD.
Stosunki turecko-amerykańskie i turecko-sowieckie w latach 1945-1952
Authors: Olszowska Karolina Wanda
Published: December 2023

Książka podejmuje problematykę stosunków bilateralnych turecko-amerykańskich i turecko-sowieckich w latach 1945–1952, czyli od ostatnich miesięcy II wojny światowej aż do przystąpienia Turcji do struktur Paktu Północnoatlantyckiego. Autorka zwróciła uwagę na ich wzajemne wpływanie na siebie, a także obaliła narosłe mity o jednoznacznym opowiedzeniu się Turcji po zachodniej strefie wpływów jeszcze pod koniec lat 40. XX wieku oraz wielkości amerykańskiej pomocy dla Ankary. Przeanalizowanie dokumentów archiwalnych w sześciu różnych językach umożliwiło szerokie spojrzenie na badane zagadnienie, a jednocześnie doskonale ukazało balansującą politykę zagraniczną Republiki Turcji, z którą wiele podobieństw można odnaleźć również współcześnie. Publikacja skierowana jest nie tylko do historyków i politologów, ale do wszystkich osób zainteresowanych pogłębieniem wiedzy o współczesnej Turcji i zrozumieniem procesów zachodzących w tamtejszej polityce w momencie, gdy świat dzielił się na dwie strefy wpływów, a Turcja stawała się drugą najsilniejszą armią w NATO, którą znamy współcześnie.
Wszechstronniczość. O deliberacji w polityce zdrowotnej z uwzględnieniem emocji, interesów własnych i wiedzy eksperckiej
Authors: Zabdyr-Jamróz Michał
Published: December 2023

Jednym z klasycznych problemów demokratycznej polityki jest pytanie o to, w jakim stopniu można pogodzić wolę ludu ze wskazaniami ekspertów. Tak zarysowany dylemat jest jednak bardzo mylący. Sugeruje, że obywatele nie mają do zaoferowania żadnej rzeczowej wiedzy w danej kwestii. Dodatkowo insynuuje się w nim jakąś znaczną odporność elity ekspertów na ignorancję, egoizm czy zwykłe porywy emocji. Lepiej postawić pytanie: do jakiego stopnia w ogóle możliwa jest polityka publiczna oparta na wiedzy eksperckiej? Jeszcze ważniejsze będzie jednak inne pytanie. Czy polityka publiczna oparta wyłącznie na dowodach naukowych i interesie wspólnym nie jest jakiegoś rodzaju widzeniem tunelowym? Czy tradycyjny ideał wykluczania egoizmu i pasji jest wzorcem słusznym? Teza naczelna książki głosi, że dobra polityka zdrowotna i polityki publiczne w ogóle wymagają właściwego zestawienia i wyważenia trzech najważniejszych wkładów polityki: wiedzy eksperckiej, interesów własnych i emocji. Sprawiedliwe ich rozważenie potrzebuje wyjścia poza typowe debaty publiczne, targi interesów, a nawet poza panele eksperckie. Obliguje do publicznej deliberacji, w której te trzy wkłady mogłyby wejść ze sobą w konstruktywny dialog. W demokracji nie powinniśmy bowiem ograniczać się do nauki oczyszczonej z materialnych potrzeb i porywów serca. Nie może być naszym celem bezduszna, proceduralna bezinteresowność. Powinniśmy raczej zmierzać w stronę rozumnej, solidarnej wszechstronniczości.