bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
« Découvrir des principes en classant » : la classification des formes quadratiques selon Charles Hermite
Authors: Goldstein Catherine
Published: July 2022

Tout au long du xixe siècle, la classification des formes algébriques occupe une grande place dans les domaines de l’algèbre et de l’arithmétique en particulier. Elle emprunte souvent son vocabulaire (classe, genre, types) aux sciences de la nature. Se concentrant sur les Disquisitiones arithmeticae de Carl Friedrich Gauss et sur certains travaux de Charles Hermite, cet article analyse deux pratiques classificatoires distinctes, montrant comment chacune d’elles transpose les caractères des objets naturels aux formes et aux concepts mathématiques associés et comment elle gère l’innovation et la création de nouveaux objets.
Magnesium supplementation and insulin resistance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Norouzi Mohsen , Rezvankhah Boshra , Haeri Mohammad Reza , Heydari Hosein , Tafaroji Javad , Shafigh Navid , Avval Jamshid Ordoni , Dahmardeh Alireza Rahat , Masoumzadeh Niyoosha , Gharehbeglou Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial disease affecting the immune system and many tissues in the body. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of magnesium supplementation on insulin resistance and fasting blood sugar (FBS) of patients with RA. In this prospective uncontrolled before-after study, RA patients referring to Rheumatology clinics of Qom City from January 2020 to January 2021 were evaluated. First, the patients received the routine rheumatoid arthritis treatment including 5 mg Prednisolone and 200mg Hydroxychloroquine daily for 6 months and FBS and insulin levels were measured after. Then, they received the routine arthritis rheumatoid treatment in addition to 300 mg/day oral Magnesium sulfate for 6 months and then, FBS and insulin levels were measured. The Homeostasis Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used for determining insulin resistance. Thirty five patients with RA and the mean age of 49.83±2.58 years were enrolled. Twenty eight cases (80%) were female and 7 cases (20%) were male. The mean HOMA-IR before and after consumption of oral magnesium were 3.04±0.29 and 2.43±0.19, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between FBS, insulin and HOMA-IR before and after consumption of oral magnesium (p<0.05). Our data suggested that magnesium supplementation reduces FBS, insulin and HOMA-IR in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, magnesium supplements may be an alternative method for prevention of type 2 diabetes in RA patients.
Association of Preprocedural Ultrashort-Term Heart Rate Variability with Clinical Outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Beydoun Najla , Quraishi Sadeq A. , Tolman Ebenezer , Battarjee Wejdan , Weintraub Andrew , Cobey Fredrick , Hong Edward
Published: July 2022

Background:

Because heart rate variability (HRV) has been linked to important clinical outcomes in various cardiovascular disease states, we investigated whether preprocedural ultrashort-term HRV (UST-HRV) differs between 1-year survivors and nonsurvivors after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods:

In our single-center, retrospective, nested pilot study, we analyzed data from patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. All patients had preprocedural UST-HRV measured before the administration of any medications or any intervention. To investigate whether preprocedural HRV is associated with 1-year survival, we performed a logistic regression analysis controlling for Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire 12 score.

Results:

In our parent cohort of 100 patients, 42 patients (28 survivors and 14 nonsurvivors) were included for analysis. Root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) were lower in patients who survived to 1-year post TAVR compared to nonsurvivors [10 (IQR 8–23) vs 23 (IQR 17–33), P = 0.04 and 10 (IQR 7–16) vs 17 (IQR 11–40), P = 0.03, respectively]. Logistic regression demonstrated a trend in the association of preprocedure RMSSD with 1-year mortality and a 5% higher risk of 1-year mortality with each unit increment in UST-HRV using SDNN (OR 1.05; 95%CI 1.01–1.09, P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Our data suggest an inverse relationship between preprocedural UST-HRV and 1-year survival post-TAVR. This finding highlights the potential complexity of HRV regulation in chronic vs acute illness. Prospective studies are needed to validate our findings and to determine whether UST-HRV can be used for risk stratification in patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Utility of E Point Septal Separation as Screening Tool for Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Perioperative Settings by Anesthetists
Authors: Joshi Pooja , Borde Deepak , Asegaonkar Balaji , Daunde Vijay , Joshi Shreedhar , Jaspara Amish
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims:

Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is a common cause of hemodynamic disturbance perioperatively and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular systolic function (LVSF) has great clinical utility. This study was aimed to test the hypothesis that LVSF assessed by an anesthetist using mitral valve E Point Septal Separation (EPSS) has a significant correlation with that assessed using modified Simpson's method perioperatively.

Methods:

This prospective observational study included 100 patients scheduled for elective surgeries. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed preoperatively within 24 hours of surgery by an anesthetist as per American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines. EPSS measurements were obtained in parasternal long-axis view while volumetric assessment of LV ejection fraction (EF) used apical four-chamber view. Bivariate analysis of EPSS and LV EF was done by testing Pearson correlation coefficient. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve constructed to obtain area under curve (AUC) and Youden's Index.

Results:

The mean value of mitral valve EPSS was 7.18 ± 3.95 mm. The calculated mean LV EF value using volumetric analysis was 56.31 ± 11.92%. LV dysfunction as per ASE guidelines is present in 28% of patients. EPSS was statistically significantly related to LV EF negatively with a Pearson coefficient of -0.74 (P < 0.0001). AUC of ROC curve 0.950 (P < 0.0001) suggesting a statistically significant correlation between EPSS and LV EF. Youden's index of EPSS value 7 mm was obtained to predict LV systolic dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Mitral valve EPSS shows a significant negative correlation with gold standard LVEF measurement for LVSF estimation. It can very well be used to assess LVSF perioperatively by anesthetists with brief training.
A new strategy in lung/lobe isolation in patients with a lung abscess or a previous lung resection using double lumen tubes combined with bronchial blockers
Authors: Gil Manuel Granell , Rubio-Haro Ruben , Morales-Sarabia Javier , Perez Elena Biosca , Petrini Giulia , Guijarro Ricardo , De Andrés Jose
Published: July 2022

The combined use of a double-lumen tube and a bronchial blocker can be very helpful in two different clinical scenarios: (1) in isolating not only the contralateral lung, but also the lobe/s of the same lung in which the infected lobe must be resected, (2) in preventing/treating hypoxemia because of the presence of a contralateral lobectomy. A cardiothoracic anesthesiologist must expertise this technique to avoid complications during surgery.
Innovative Use of Biotrace Tempo Pacemaker Lead Following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Goldhammer Jordan E. , Linganna Regina E. , Pfeil Douglas S. , Witzeling Scott D. , Vishnevsky Alec , Ruggiero Nicholas J. , Guy T. Sloane
Published: July 2022

The Tempo® Temporary Pacing Lead is a temporary, transvenous, active fixation pacemaker lead used exclusively in structural heart and electrophysiology procedures since regulatory approval in 2016. We utilized the Tempo lead for four patients undergoing redo-robotic cardiac surgery in which surgical epicardial leads could not be placed. No failure-to-pace events were encountered and patients were able to participate in various levels of physical activity without limitation.
Assessment of Cardiac Function in Children by Strain Imaging and its Correlation with Conventional Echocardiographic Parameter
Authors: Chatterjee Suman , Mukherjee Somnath , Rani Neha , Kumar Prashant , Kumar Prakash , Sarkar Achyut
Published: July 2022

Background:

The objectives of this study were to find out of normal reference value for age-dependent longitudinal strain values in children and find its correlation with conventional echocardiographic parameters.

Methods:

In total, 100 healthy normal children aged between 2 and 15 years were enrolled and divided into three age groups, namely, 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years. Using the GE Vivid 7 ultrasound platform with 4 or 7 MHz probes, both LV and RV global longitudinal strains and conventional echocardiographic parameters were acquired.

Results:

In normal healthy children, left ventricular GLS values were –20.10 to –19.68 (mean: –19.89), –21.93 to –21.02 (mean: –21.48), and –20.87 to –20.41 (mean: –20.64)) in children aged 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years and right ventricular GLS values were –16.80 to –16.44 (mean: –16.62), –27.85 to –27.27 (mean: –27.56), –28.44 to –27.93 (mean: –28.19) in the above three groups, respectively. No significant increase was noted in the left ventricular strain value from basal to the apical segment from age group 2 years to 15 years and no gender differences were seen. None of the conventional echocardiographic parameters commonly used to assess the left or right ventricular systolic function had a significant correlation with LVGLS and RVGLS.

Conclusions:

The mean LVGLS values were –19.89, –21.48, and –20.64 and RVGLS were –16.62, –27.56, and –28.19 in healthy normal children aged 2–5 years, 5–10 years, and 10–15 years, respectively, and conventional echocardiographic parameters did not have any significant correlation with these values.
Inadequate Response to Adenosine Infusion During Cardiac Stress Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Gupta Slomi , Simha Parimala Prasanna , Singh Naveen G. , Nagaraja P S , Barthur Ashita , Ganga Kartik , Prabhakar V
Published: July 2022

Aim:

To determine the factors associated with an inadequate response to adenosine infusion during cardiac stress magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study Design:

It is a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction:

Stress cardiac MRI is a highly accurate and non-invasive method to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD). Stress MRI is performed by inducing stress with adenosine infusion. There is an increase in systemic and myocardial blood flow (MBF) with vasodilator agents. Capillaries are maximally dilated in a diseased artery and cannot sustain increased myocardial oxygen demand. It results in delayed delivery of contrast, which leads to an area of perfusion defect in the myocardium. These perfusion defects can be accurately seen by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and help in the prognosis of patients.

Methods:

A retrospective study on patients subjected to cardiac stress MRI was conducted in a Tertiary Care Cardiac Center from January 2019 to January 2022. In total, 99 patients underwent adenosine stress perfusion cardiac MRI. All patients received an adenosine infusion of 140 mcg/kg/min for 2 min. Subsequently, the dosage was increased by 20 mcg/kg/min every 2 min to a maximum of 210 mcg/kg/min until an adequate stress response was achieved. Adequate stress was defined as two or more of the following criteria: 1) Increase in heart rate >/= 10 beats per minute. 2) Decrease in systolic blood pressure SBP by >/= 10 mm Hg Symptoms like chest discomfort, breathlessness, and headache. Patients who satisfied two or more of the above criteria were labeled as responders and the patients who did not satisfy the above criteria with the maximum dose of 210 mcg/kg/min of adenosine infusion were labeled as non-responders. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with forward and backward stepwise selection was used to identify predictors in non-responders. Basic demographic variables with P value </= 0.2 were examined for inclusion in the model. A P value </= 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Nine patients (9.1%) showed inadequate stress response to adenosine infusion even with a maximum dose of 210 mcg/kg/min. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was a predictor of inadequate response to adenosine infusion.

Conclusion:

Inadequate stress response to adenosine occurred in 9.1% of subjects with an infusion of 140–210 ug/kg/min. LVEDV is an independent and strong predictor in non-responders.
Management of Patients with the Intravascular Ventricular Assist System (iVAS) for Non-Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Karuppiah Sathappan , Remskar Mojca , Prielipp Richard
Published: July 2022

Intravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS) is an investigative device in clinical trials for the management of advanced heart failure. It works on the principle of counterpulsation, similar to the classic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP). We present a case of a 66-year-old man with iVAS in situ who required emergency laparotomy for a strangulated umbilical hernia. Patients with mechanical circulatory devices (MCD) are presenting more frequently for emergency and even elective noncardiac operations. Managing such patients poses significant challenges to the perioperative team due to its novelty and paucity of management recommendations.
Massive Cerebral Air Embolism Due to Aortography
Authors: Alptekin Ozkoc , Ozlem Aydogdu
Published: July 2022

Though rare, air embolism as a serious complication may occur in patients undergoing coronary angiography and aortography. If gas embolism is diagnosed, hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be initiated immediately after the air source is cutoff and vital functions are stabilized. In this case presentation, a patient went into a coma after a massive iatrogenic cerebral air embolism that developed during the aortography procedure. The patient was discharged with hyperbaric oxygen therapy without any sequelae.
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate as a Potential Hepatocellular Cancer Surveillance Tool
Authors: David Nyam Paul , Davwar Pantong Mark , Duguru Mary John , Makpu Jireh Dan , Okwute Atta , Stephen McHenry Ifeanyi , Okeke Edith Nonyelum
Published: July 2022

Background:

There is a global search for biomarkers that will aid with the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an early stage when it is amenable to available treatment options. The inflammatory marker – erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) has been studied for several decades for its role in inflammatory processes and malignancies. We evaluate its role as a potential surveillance tool for HCC in Jos, northern Nigeria.

Objective:

The study aims to determine if ESR can differentiate between patients at risk of HCC who have no liver fibrosis (patients with chronic hepatitis B infection)/liver cirrhosis, and those with HCC.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study among adult patients aged 18 years and above using secondary data obtained from patients who were recruited for previous studies carried out at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (From August 2019 to October 2021). HCC was confirmed using a triphasic computed tomography scan. FibroScan was carried out to determine the stage of fibrosis of the liver. The ESR rate was determined using the Westergren method. ANOVA was used to determine the difference between groups of patients.

Results:

There were 316 participants in this study, males were 140 (44.4%) and females were 176 (55.6%). Those with HCC were 88 (27.8%) whereas, those without HCC were 228 (72.2%). The mean age of the studied population was 47 ± 11.6 years. For those with HCC, it was 48.6 ± 13.4 years and for those without HCC, it was 47.4 ± 13.3. The mean ESR for those with HCC versus those without HCC was 60.67 ± 37.9mm/h versus 22.53 ± 8.3 mm/h, P = 0.001. ESR could discriminate between those with HCC from those without HCC, with an area under the curve of .803, sensitivity of 80%, and specificity of 67%.

Conclusion:

There is a need for novel methods that aid the early detection of HCC since evidence has shown that surveillance and early tumor detection improve survival. ESR is a simple, easy, and cheap test that has the potential to serve as a marker of early occurrence of HCC and should be further evaluated for this property in a prospective study.
Small Bowel Adenocarcinoma Masquerading as Ileocolic Intussusception
Authors: Prasad Abilash Krishna , Varanasi Bhargav , Rajendran Ulagarsi , Dcruze Lawrence , Subramanian Sankar , Venkataraman Jayanthi
Published: July 2022

Compound intussusception in the form of ileocolocolic intussusception is rare. Here we present a case of a 83 year old man who presented with abdominal pain, failed colonoscopic reduction and underwent laparotomy with resection and anastomosis. Postoperative course was uncomplicated. The final biopsy showed features of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of ileum.
Impact of a Capacity-building Initiative for First-year Student Nurses on Reproductive and Sexual Health
Authors: Hartley Sharon , Tavares Jennifer , Pushparaj Mercy , Selvam Sumithra , Mony Prem , Washington Maryann
Published: July 2022

There is evidence of gaps in knowledge, perception and self-assessed competence on reproductive and sexual health (RSH) issues of nursing students. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in Bangalore city between January 2017–December 2018 to study the impact of a capacity-building initiative for 1st-year nursing students on their knowledge, perceptions, self-assessed competence and resilience. Eight nursing institutions were selected purposively; initially, four were allocated randomly through lottery method to the intervention group (IG) and four to the comparison group (CG). Since one institution dropped out before the intervention from IG, another institution was recruited to replace this institution. Both, the IG and CG, had seven batches of students (three diploma and four degree) each. A sample size of 120 students for each group was required. An investigator-developed and validated survey was administered to both groups at the start (pre-test) and 18 months after the start (post-test) of the study to assess their knowledge, perceptions and self-assessed competencies. Resilience was measured at the end of the study using a standardised tool, 'The Child Youth Resilience Measure'. A capacity-building initiative (31.5 h) which was participatory, contextualised and integrated life skills, was implemented for the IG over a period of 18 months. A condensed version of the programme (13.75 h) was provided to the CG over the same period. The analysis considered a total sample of 625 students (IG = 294; CG = 331) that participated in both, the pre-test and the post-test. Nursing students within both groups showed statistically significant improvement in their overall knowledge scores from pre-test to post-test (P < 0.01). However, the difference in the overall knowledge scores of IG and CG (between groups) was not statistically significant at the post-test (P = 0.076). There was a statistically significant increase in self-assessed competencies on RSH within both groups from pre-test to post-test (P < 0.001), but no statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups at post-test (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in resilience scores between IG and CG at the post-test. The study is limited in that it could not measure competencies in the real-world setting. The study shows that changes in perceptions would require more time and possibly more practice and experience. Nevertheless, even condensed versions of such capacity-building initiatives could improve the overall knowledge and self-assessed competencies of nursing students.
Engaged or Not?
Authors: Bhardwaj Shruti
Published: July 2022

Engagement is a much-debated term relating to its interpretation and direct outcomes. Engagement has a direct link to first-level outcomes such as turnover intention or employee performance. Engagement, in nursing, has also risen as an area of interest to health-care professionals and researchers. Extreme views about the nursing profession, female-centric workforce and different health systems in the nursing profession worldwide make this profession unique. This case study, combined with the grounded theory data analysis technique, aims to explore the nurse engagement practices in clinical settings in India and their impact on the turnover intention of nurses. Face-to-face interviews with nurses providing direct patient care from two tertiary care hospitals in India were conducted for data collection. A total of 17 interviews were analysed using the grounded theory coding mechanism. Five major themes emerged in this study. First, Leadership styles; second, social influence and nursing as a career of choice; third, the philanthropic side of nursing; fourth, generational difference towards nursing and fifth, the unfairness of treatment toward nurses. The study results suggested that there is a lack of engagement models in the Indian health-care delivery system, especially in the public sector. Nurses, while burdened with work, were found to be less valued and undercompensated at work, leading to low engagement and high turnover intention. Different generations of nurses had different views of the nursing profession. This study indicated a need to address nurse engagement according to age groups as the motivation of choosing nursing as a career has changed over the generations, resulting in varying degrees of engagement.
Concept of BIDI years
Authors: Datta Rashmi , Singh Shalendra , Joshi Arjun , Marwah Vikas
Published: July 2022

Background:

The cumulative effect of cigarette smoking is usually measured by “pack years,” but the same is not present for Bidis. This study was conducted to calculate the concept of “bidi years” in comparison to the concept of “pack-years” for a cigarette

Methods:

Thirty random samples, each of bidis and cigarettes, were selected through a survey of common brands used by smokers in India. The nicotine and carbon monoxide (CO) contents were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography and gas chromatography methods, respectively

Results:

The average nicotine content in thirty samples of different Bidis and Cigarettes was 214.46 ± 57.8 and 616.31 ± 22.6 mg/dL, respectively (P < 0.001). The CO content with a lower mean of 15.57 ± 5.88 was observed in cigarettes as compared to 70.4 ± 22.08 in bidies (P < 0.001). The weight of one cigarette is 0.56 times that of the weight of one bidi. Based on the nicotine content, the equivalent pack years for bidis is calculated as 43 bidis per day per year

Conclusion:

Based on the nicotine content, it is proposed that the equivalent for one cigarette pack-year or 20 cigarette years are taken as 43 bidis per day per year. Even though each bidi stick has an average of 0.46 times the nicotine content of cigarettes, longer abstinence as compared to cigarette is required to bring the nicotine level to normal due to the deeper puffs needed. With the CO content of bidis being 4.5 times that of cigarettes, it is advised that the minimum duration of cessation of smoking before operative procedures be 24 h as compared to 6 h for cigarettes.
The role of LENT and PROMISE scores in predicting survival in malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Ermin Sinem , Özdoğan Yasemin , Batum Özgür , Yılmaz Ufuk
Published: July 2022

Background:

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a condition, that can be seen in 15% of patients diagnosed with cancer. Because of the short overall survival, it is important to identify the appropriate treatment. In addition to the palliation of secondary symptoms due to MPE, it should also be decided in which cases a more aggressive treatment is to be followed. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the performance of LENT and clinical PROMISE scores in predicting survival in patients with MPE

Methods:

Age, sex, smoking history, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, cancer type, history of chemotherapy/radiotherapy, laboratory values, and pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase were recorded. The LENT and the PROMISE scores were calculated and risk categories were determined. During the follow-up, blood tests and tomography controls were performed on the patients as routine. The overall survival was calculated as the period from the date of diagnosis of MPE to death or until December 31, 2019

Results:

A total of 169 patients were included. The median age was 65 (26–86). In the single-variable analysis, there was a significant increase in mortality risk in the poor performance score and if the LENT risk group progressed from the low-to medium-/high-risk group or PROMISE categories A to B, A to C or A to D. In multivariate analysis, mortality risk in 1, 3, 6, and 12 months increased significantly in poor performance score, in PROMISE category B, C, and D. In high LENT risk-group, an increased mortality risk was shown in only 12 months of survival

Conclusions:

Our data show that poor performance score (ECOG 3-4), PROMISE category B, C, and D significantly increase mortality risk and the LENT score is inadequate in predicting survival.
Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment among Adults in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State
Authors: Hudu Umar Fatima , Odugbo Ojo Perpetua , Mpyet Caleb Damilep
Published: July 2022

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among adults in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, Nigeria. This was a rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) study in which a multistaged sampling technique was used to select a total of 22 clusters. Households were selected by the compact segment technique, which were visited door by door until 39 persons aged 50 years and above are identified and recruited for the study. Examination and diagnosis was made based on the RAAB protocol to determine the major cause of visual impairment. The prevalence of visual impairment and blindness was 18.8% [confidence interval (CI) = 16.2–21.4%] and 5.6% (CI = 4.2–7.0%), respectively. The wards with the highest prevalence of visual impairment are Rigiza (45%), Gangare (35%), and Ibrahim Katsina ward (35%). About 96.8% causes of visual impairments and 95% causes of blindness were avoidable with cataract [78 (48.8%)], glaucoma [26 (16.3%)], uncorrected refractive error [25 (15.6%)], cataract surgical complications [17 (10.6%)], and couching [5 (3.1%)] being the most common causes of visual impairment and cataract [18 (37.5%)], glaucoma [16 (33.3%)], and couching [5 (10.4%)] being the most common causes of blindness. The prevalence of visual impairment was found to be 18.8% in Jos North Local Government Council, and this varies among the wards with Rigiza, Gangare, and Ibrahim Katsina having the highest prevalence. Most of the causes were avoidable. There is a need to reorganize the existing eye-care program and also integrate eye-care services into the existing health-care services that are not rendering eye-care services in the LGA so as to reduce the burden of blindness and visual impairment.
Ocular Manifestations of Rubella Virus Disease in a 32-Year-Old Female Patient Case Report
Authors: Grace Ogbonna , Fidelis Anyika , Rosemary Ehigbor
Published: July 2022

Rubella (German measles) is a viral disease that affects all age groups. It is spread through contact with airborne droplets of the virus found in the cough or sneeze of infected people. It can also be spread through sharing of cutleries and drinks with infected persons. Following rubella infection, symptoms may be nonspecific as with most viral infections, and may include: arthralgia, cough, runny nose, low grade fever, maculopapular rashes, and lymphadenopathy. Rubella infection cannot be clinically differentiated from other viral diseases based on symptoms. However, it is important for clinicians to know symptoms which may be suggestive of rubella for quick differentials and implementation of precautionary measures against its spread, hence this case report. In this study, we report a case of rare ocular involvement of the third cranial nerve in a 32-year-old black woman with rubella which resulted in pain on superior eye movement and partial eyelid ptosis. The patient also reported experiencing blurred vision, light sensitivity, and objects appearing washed out. All her symptoms appeared 17 days after she had embarked on an international travel (through Ethiopia) and sharing a can of drink with a child who she did not know his measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination status. She tested positive to rubella immunoglobulin M test. However, all of the patient's ocular symptoms resolved 6 weeks after their onset following the resolution of the rubella symptoms.
Serum Levels of Vitamin C among Patients with and Without Age-Related Cataract at The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Kalambe Aisha S. , Muhammad Rilwan C. , Ayanniyi Abdulkabir A. , Imam Abubakar
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

To evaluate serum levels of vitamin C in patients aged between 45 and 60 years with and without age-related cataract.

Methods:

One hundred and eighty consenting adults were recruited for this hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study and distributed equally into the cataract and no-cataract groups. They were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire on their demographics, health, lifestyle, and nutritional habits followed by full ocular examination. All the subjects had blood drawn and serum vitamin C assayed using the Cell Biolabs’ Oxiselect Ascorbic Acid Assay kit. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 statistical software. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

One hundred and seventy-eight serum vitamin C assays were analyzed (response rate of 98.9%). One hundred and fifty-eight (88.8%) participants had low levels of vitamin C, whereas 20 (11.2%) had normal levels. Serum vitamin C levels were significantly higher among the no-cataract group than the cataract group with mean values of 0.121 to 0.567 mg/dL [mean ± 2 standard deviation (SD)] and 0.160 to 0.454 mg/dL (mean ± 2SD), respectively [P = 0.004 and 95% confidence interval of −0.64 to −0.013]. Serum vitamin C levels were significantly higher among the male participants in each group (P = 0.004). Serum vitamin C was found to have a weak positive correlation with the age of the participants (P = 0.577).

Conclusion:

In a vitamin C-depleted study population, serum vitamin C was found to have an inverse relationship with age-related cataract.
Management of unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis with facial asymmetry
Authors: Sharma Abhinav Kumar , Balasubramanian Sasikala , Raghavan Savitha Lakshmi , Singh Sheetal Sanjay , Krishnakumar Raja V. B.
Published: July 2022

Long-standing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis may compromise facial form and function. Treatment planning needs to address both the ankylosis and the facial deformity. A 21-year-old male patient with unilateral TMJ ankylosis of the right side with gross facial asymmetry was planned for a two-stage surgical procedure. First-stage surgery was done to release fibrous ankylosis, create a new functional joint and achieve adequate mouth opening. A vertical ramus osteotomy with superior repositioning of the proximal ramal segment and interpositional temporalis myofascial flap was done to achieve a functional joint and correct the facial height discrepancy. As the mouth opening was <35 mm, ipsilateral coronoidectomy was done and the resected coronoid process was used a graft in the mandibular angle region. 35 mm of mouth opening was achieved intraoperatively.
Current utilization and hydrochemical characteristics of geothermal aquifers in the Bjelovar sub-depression
Authors:   Croatian Geological Survey, Zagreb, Marković Tamara , Sladović Željka ,   Geoda, Zagreb, Croatia, Domitrović Dragutin ,   Calida Aqua, Soblinec, Croatia, Karlović Igor ,   Croatian Geological Survey, Zagreb, Croatia, Larva Ozren ,   Croatian Geological Survey, Zagreb, Croatia
Published: July 2022

The Bjelovar sub-depression is situated in the north-western part of Croatia, on the southwestern margin of the Pannonian Basin System where favourable geothermal conditions exist. Thermal waters are used for recreation, balneotherapy, space heating, directly as sanitary water and electricity production. Geophysical, geological and borehole data were used to determine the types of geothermal reservoirs. In addition, several campaigns were conducted to sample geothermal waters from the Daruvar spa, Velika-1 and Krečaves locations for isotope (δ18Ο and δ2H) and physico- chemical (EC, T, pH, DO, Na+, K+, Mg2+, NH4+, Ca2+, SO42-, Cl-, Br-, F-, SiO2 and H2S) analyses to determine their hydrochemical characteristics. Two major types of geothermal reservoirs were determined: (i) ‘basement – BM’ reservoir, (ii) ‘basin fill – BF’ reservoir. The BM reservoir consists of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sediments composed of: (i) fractured/karstified carbonate sediments and/or (ii) fractured/fissured crystalline/metamorphic rocks. The BF reservoirs are ‘Lower Pannonian’ and ‘Upper Pannonian’ sediments composed of coarse and fine-grained sand, sandstones and marls. The BM geothermal aquifers are the most important ones in the study area. The stable isotope δ2H and δ18O indicate that the monitored thermal waters have a meteoric origin, but without recent replenishment. Monitored waters belong to mixed hydrochemical types, from Na-ClHCO3 to Na-HCO3 types in the deep basin thermal waters and a CaMg-HCO3 type in the thermal waters from shallower parts. The study area has great geothermal potential. The estimated total available thermal power from Križevci, Velika-1 and the Daruvar spa is 70.5 MWt, but only 28 % of this thermal power is used. Since the predominant activity in the study area is agriculture, the geothermal resources available could lead to modern agricultural development and consequently contribute to increasing the standard of living of the local population. However, additional geophysical, geological, hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigations at a number of new potential locations are required to estimate the total available geothermal resources.
Molecular Detection of Rickettsia felis in Fleas of Companion Animals in East Texas
Authors: Wang Lixin , Rupani Ammie , Grado Luis A. , Lopez Salazara Luis M. , Trinidad LaReyna A. , Cook Jerry L. , Bechelli Jeremy
Published: July 2022

Flea-borne spotted fever is an emerging insect-borne rickettsial infection caused by Rickettsia felis and has been identified worldwide. This study sought to explore the prevalence of rickettsiae associated with fleas on companion dogs and cats from Walker and Montgomery Counties in East Texas. Fleas were collected from animals entering local veterinary clinics for routine checkups. Collected fleas were identified as Ctenocephalides felis or Pulex irritans and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of rickettsiae and subsequent sequencing. An estimation of the bcMLE (bias-corrected maximum likelihood estimation) of pooled samples was calculated. Four hundred eighty-eight fleas (comprising C. felis and P. irritans) were collected from 16 cats and 77 dogs. Our results demonstrate R. felis in 21 pools of fleas from dogs (bcMLE 15.28%) and a bcMLE of 7.25% from flea samples collected from cats. Sequence analysis revealed R. felis as the only Rickettsia that could be amplified in our samples using the rickettsial citrate synthase gene and subsequent sequencing. In this study, the presence of R. felis in fleas from companion cats and dogs suggests a potential risk of flea-borne spotted fever in humans who encounter flea-infested animals.
Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Huluka Dawit Kebede , Etissa Eyob Kebede , Ahmed Sebrina , Abule Hiluf Abate , Getachew Nebiyu , Abera Sisay , Seyoum Abebaw Bekele , Araya Hiruy , Gebreyes Tsegaye , Tadesse Anteneh Bethlehem , Gebremedhin Getachew Demoz , Gebregziabher Yonas , Tefera Rediet Yitagesu , Tereda Addisu Birhanu , Feleke Yohannes , Abebe Yonathan , Gebremariam Tewodros Haile , Ahmed Hanan Yusuf , Amogne Wondwossen , Haisch Deborah A. , Sherman Charles B. , Schluger Neil W.
Published: July 2022

Data from much of Africa are still scarce on the clinical characteristics, outcomes of treatment, and factors associated with disease severity and mortality of COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, Ethiopia’s first COVID-19 treatment center. All consecutive symptomatic SARS CoV-2 RT-PCR positive individuals, aged 18 and older, admitted to the hospital between March 13 and September 16, 2020, were included. Of the total 463 cases, 319 (68.9%) were male. The median age was 45 years (interquartile range 32–62). The most common three symptoms were cough (69%), shortness of breath (SOB; 44%), and fatigue (37%). Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity, followed by diabetes mellitus. The age groups 40 to 59 and ≥ 60 were more likely to have severe disease compared with those < 40 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.88–6.31 and aOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.91–6.90, respectively). Other factors associated with disease severity included the presence of any malignancy (aOR = 4.64, 95% CI: 1.32–16.33) and SOB (aOR = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.35–6.25). The age group ≥ 60 was significantly associated with greater in-hospital mortality compared with those < 40 years. In addition, the presence of any malignancy, SOB, and vomiting were associated with higher odds of mortality. In Ethiopia, most COVID-19 patients were male and presented with cough, SOB, and fatigue. Older age, any malignancy, and SOB were associated with disease severity; these factors, in addition to vomiting, also predicted mortality.
Associations between Antenatal Syphilis Test Results and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Western Kenya
Authors: Laktabai Jeremiah , Mobley Victoria L. , Prudhomme-O’Meara Wendy , Taylor Steve M.
Published: July 2022

Maternal syphilis remains a major contributor to poor pregnancy outcomes. Syphilis point-of-care (POC) tests are now used for pregnancy screening; the effect of screening on outcomes is unclear. We enrolled women presenting to antenatal care (ANC) in a matched cohort study at a single site in Kenya tested by either a syphilis-only or an HIV/syphilis dual POC test. Syphilis POC-positive women (patients) were matched 1:2 with POC-negative women (control subjects) on gravidity, gestational age, and HIV status, and were monitored through delivery. Syphilis serum testing was performed every 8 weeks. Pregnancy outcomes were assessed up to 1 month after delivery and compared using prevalence ratios. A total of 151 women were enrolled (51 patients and 100 control subjects) at a mean of 22 weeks gestation; 24% were HIV positive and 40% were paucigravid. A positive Treponema pallidum hemagglutination test was more common among patients (64.7%) than control subjects (11.1%, P < 0.001). Only two women met the definition for incident syphilis. Pregnancy outcomes were available for 147 women. The prevalence of low birthweight (LBW) was greater among patients (15.2%) than control subjects (5.4%, P = 0.052). Of the 109 women with concordant syphilis POC and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination test results at ANC enrollment, LBW prevalence was significantly greater among test-positive (25%) than test-negative (4.9%) women (adjusted prevalence ratio, 5.84; 95% CI, 1.08–31.5). Despite treatment with penicillin, latent syphilis at ANC enrollment was associated with a more than 5-fold increased risk of LBW. Alternate implementation strategies for syphilis POC testing may be necessary to realize the potential of ANC syphilis screening to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Body Lice among People Experiencing Homelessness and Access to Hygiene Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Preventing Trench Fever in Denver, Colorado, 2020
Authors: Marshall Kristen E. , Martinez Heather E. , Woodall Tracy , Guerrero Andrés , Mechtenberg Jessica , Herlihy Rachel , House Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Eight people with human body louse-borne Bartonella quintana infections were detected among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in Denver during January–September 2020, prompting a public health investigation and community outreach. Public health officials conducted in-person interviews with PEH to more fully quantify body lice prevalence, transmission risk factors, access to PEH resources, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected resource access. Recent body lice exposure was reported by 35% of 153 interview participants. In total, 75% of participants reported reduced access to PEH services, including essential hygiene activities to prevent body lice, during Colorado’s COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Future pandemic planning should consider hygiene resource allocation for PEH populations to prevent emerging and reemerging infections such as B. quintana.
Phylogeography of the economic seaweeds Chondrus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) in the northwest Pacific based on rbcL and COI-5P genes
Authors: Yang Mi Yeon , Kim Myung Sook
Published: July 2022

The red algal genus Chondrus have long been used as raw materials for carrageenan and dietary fiber in health foods. Despite the importance of genetic information in safeguarding natural seaweed resources, knowledge of the population genetics of Chondrus in the northwest Pacific is limited. In this study, genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of 45 populations (777 specimens) of Chondrus from Korea, China, and Japan were evaluated based on mitochondrial COI- 5P gene sequences, and phylogenetic relationships were confirmed based on plastid rbcL gene sequences. Molecular analyses assigned the specimens in this study to three Chondrus species: C. nipponicus, C. ocellatus, and C. giganteus; phenotype-based species classification was impossible owing to their high morphological plasticity. We found moderate intraspecific genetic diversity and a shallow phylogeographic structure in both for C. nipponicus and C. ocellatus, and low intraspecific genetic diversity in C. giganteus. Each of the three species exhibited high-level intraspecific gene flow among regions based on the most common haplotypes (CN1 for C. nipponicus, CO1 for C. ocellatus, and CG1 for C. giganteus). Our comprehensive genetic information provides insights into the phylogeographic patterns and intraspecific diversity of the economically important Chondrus species. It also highlights the need to conserve existing natural Chondrus resources through continuous monitoring of genetic diversity and phylogeographic pattern.
Effects of light-emitting diodes on protoplast regeneration from gametophytic cells of the commercial kelp Undaria pinnatifida (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Avila-Peltroche Jose , Won Boo Yeon , Cho Tae Oh
Published: July 2022

Light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) are a lighting source useful for the precise evaluation of light quality effect on biological systems. Despite the importance of light spectra on the regeneration of land plant protoplasts (“naked cells”), this factor has not been tested yet on protoplasts from multicellular algae. This study reports on the effects of pure primary colors (red, blue, and green), dichromatic (red plus blue, RB, 1 : 2) and white LEDs on protoplast regeneration from male and female Undaria pinnatifida gametophytes. We also evaluated the effect of different light spectra on pigment composition (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c, and fucoxanthine), and the light intensities under the best condition on the regeneration process. In the early stages, blue or RB LEDs increased the percentage of dividing female protoplasts, whereas red, blue, and RB LEDs enhanced that of dividing male protoplasts. In the later stages, RB LEDs showed a positive effect only on the percentage of multiple rhizoid-like protrusions (male gametophyte). They also increased the final area of both regenerated gametophytes. The LEDs did not affect pigment composition in female gametophytes. In male gametophytes, in contrast, they reduced chlorophyll c, while blue, RB, and green LEDs decreased fucoxanthin. Under RB LEDs, the optimal light intensity was 80 μmol photons m-2 s-1 for female gametophytes and 40 to 60 μmol photons m-2 s-1 for male gametophytes. Our results suggest that dichromatic LED illumination (red–blue) improves regeneration of U. pinnatifida gametophyte-isolated protoplasts. Thus, dichromatic LEDs might a suitable light source for enhancing protoplast regeneration in brown seaweeds.
Kanserle İlişkili Yorgunluk Yönetiminde Güncel Stratejiler ve Hemşirelik Girişimleri
Authors: KARAKUŞ Zeynep , CANLI ÖZER Zeynep
Published: July 2022

Kanser, dünya çapında önde gelen ölüm nedenlerinden biridir. Kanser hastaları yorgunluk, ağrı, bulantı, uyku bozukluğu, nefes darlığı, depresyon ve anksiyete gibi birçok semptom yaşamaktadır. Kanserle ilişkili yorgunluk, tanı aşamasında ve tedavinin bitiminden yıllar sonra bile hastaların kendini güçsüz hissetmesine neden olabilmektedir. Ağrı ve bulantı gibi semptomların aksine kanserle ilişkili yorgunluk, birçok hasta ve sağlık profesyoneli tarafından sürecin doğal bir parçası olarak kabul edildiğinden, tanınmayan ve tedavi edilmeyen bir semptom olmaya devam etmektedir. Kanserle ilişkili yorgunluğun etiyolojisi ve patofizyolojisi yeterince aydınlatılamadığından, yönetiminde altın standart bir tedavi yöntemi bulunmamaktadır. Ancak kanserle ilişkili yorgunluk palyasyonunda farmakolojik ve farmakolojik olmayan müdahaleler kullanılmaktadır. Hemşireler, kanserle ilişkili yorgunluk yönetimindeki girişimleri klinik uygulamaya aktarmada kilit role sahiptir. Bu derlemede, güncel kılavuzlarda kanserle ilişkili yorgunluk yönetiminde önerilen stratejiler ve hemşirelik girişimleri sistematik şekilde verilmiştir. Önerilen girişimlerin hemşirelik bakımına katkı sağlayacağı ve kanserle ilişkili yorgunluğu azaltarak hastaların iyilik halini artıracağı düşünülmektedir.
Formación del profesorado universitario en TIC y discapacidad. El caso de la Universidad de Sevilla
Authors: Román-Graván Pedro , Fernández-Cerero José
Published: July 2022

La presencia de estudiantes con necesidades educativas especiales en las universidades españolas está incrementándose en las últimas décadas, siendo necesario la formación del profesorado en determinadas áreas. El estudio tiene como objetivo principal conocer las percepciones de los responsables tecnológicos y de formación de los centros universitarios de educación superior de Sevilla capital y provincia sobre el conocimiento del profesorado universitario en relación con las Tecnologías de la información y Comunicación (TIC), como apoyo al alumnado con discapacidad. Se ha implementado una metodología de corte cualitativo, siendo el principal instrumento de recogida de información las entrevistas semiestructuradas. La muestra del estudio ha sido compuesta por un total de 10 expertos en el ámbito de la discapacidad y tecnología. Atendiendo a las conclusiones del estudio presente, se hace notable la poca concienciación sobre la temática y el poco tiempo que dispone el profesorado. En cuanto a las principales barreras se encuentra también la falta de formación tecnológica que estos disponen a la hora de aplicar las TIC como apoyo al alumnado con discapacidad.
Social Welfare and Religion in the Middle East
Authors: Jawad Rana
Published: July 2022

The original analysis in this book presents a new and comprehensive narrative of social welfare in the Middle East through an examination of the role of religious welfare.