bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 68
Authors: Jain Mayank , Jain Abhilasha
Published: February 2023

Background: Metabolic diseases have been associated with morbid obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus being the most common. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has been used as a primary procedure for weight control with acceptable records of effective weight loss together with evidence of improvement of associated comorbidities.

Methods: The patients enrolled for bariatric surgery were thoroughly screened for diabetes mellitus and if already diabetic, their diabetic control (HbA1c, fasting blood sugars) and treatment protocols were recorded. Post-surgery patients were followed (minimum 6 months). Our primary outcome target was studying the effect of surgery on weight loss and diabetic control. Remission of type 2 DM was considered when postoperative levels of HbA1c score less than 6.5% and fasting blood glucose less than 126 mg/dl with no oral medications or insulin.

Results: Fifteen patients were diagnosed with morbid obesity with DM. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was done to treat obesity and comorbid conditions. Among them, fourteen patients had significant improvement of their glycaemic control and five managed to stop the hypoglycaemic medication.

Conclusion: LSG plays a significant role as a metabolic control procedure rather than a bariatric restrictive procedure only.
Abstract 73
Authors: Basavaraj GS , Fatema Zareen , Kamath Deepa , Narendra BS
Published: February 2023

Objective: To assess the effect of novel, personalized diabetes care program, on glycemic variabilityand other metabolic parametersamong people with Diabetes Mellitus (PwD)

Methods: It was a 3-month follow-up study in PwD enrolled in OneCare 12-week virtual remote care program. Patients underwent 14 days of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) with Abbottfreestyle libre device at the beginning and end of the program. Using 96 daily blood glucosereadings from each patient’s CGM, daily glycemic variability values were averaged over first three days of first sensor application and last three days of second sensor application ending at day 90. Glycemic variability was calculated using EasyGV© software, a custom program that calculates various parameters of glycemic variability. Program was supported by health coach who remotely monitored patients through weekly scheduled calls to track progress. The patient’s data, including HbA1c, weightwas also used for the analysis.

Results: 50 CGM tracings were obtained and 44 evaluable CGM tracings, of 22 patients were included in the study with the mean age of 42.23 (13.2) years. 73% were male, duration ofdiagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) 3 (0.3-20) years, baseline HbA1c (%) of 8.8 (2.08), weight (kgs) of 75 (12.1). Post intervention, decline in HbA1c (%) was -1.87 (SD 1.85, p <.001). The significant mean improvement in FBS and PPBS (mmol/l) was -2.04 (SD 2.87) and -3.76 (SD 4.12) respectively. Mean weight (kgs) change was -4.22 (SD 3.3, p <.001). On day 1-4 of program participation, the mean (SD) of Coefficient of Variation (%CV) was 30.2% (12.3). This decreased to 22.9% (6.7) during days 87-90 (p = 0.02). Mean standard deviation of blood glucose on the first day of program participation was 2.1 (0.62). This decreased to1.63 (0.62) during days 87 to 90 (p = .01). The Mean Average Glucose (MAG) value on initial days of the program were 4.9 (1.05), which decreased to 4.4 (1.3) at the end of program (p = 0.02). Mean M value reduced from 29.56 (59.6) to 9.6 (21.7) (p = 0.04).

Conclusion: Through 3-monthpersonalised lifestyle program, PwD achieved significant improvements in glycaemic variability and other metabolic parameters. A well designed prospective study is warranted to prove these feasibility results obtained.
Abstract 74
Authors: Sharma R. K. , Mehta Urvansh
Published: February 2023

A 18 year old male presented to Endocrinology OPD with a 13 year old history of difficulty in walking and knee deformity. He had a 4-year-old history of scrotal swelling. Despite having done corrective surgery, the deformity was refractory and again reverted in the last 5 years. The remaining physical examination was unremarkable.

Upon detail history and evaluation, his Sexual Maturity Rating was around 4-5 with Vitamin D Deficiency. Patient’s intact PTH was 468 pg/ml. Radiological evaluation was showing decreased bone density and valgus deformity of knee. Patient’s Urine routine came was significantly acidic and upon administration of steroid improvement was seen.

This gave a rare presentation of Rickets with Proximal RTA and Hyperparathyroidism. Patient was evaluated and followed up with vitamin and mineral supplementation. The relation of antagonizing factors disrupting the equilibrium between parathyroid hormone and calcium at tubular level is clinically scarcely reported. Active follow up and prompt, effective treatment is vital in such cases.
Abstract 77
Authors: Aswini Machiraju , Vivekanand Bongi , Ch Anitha Mounika , Ramesh Jayanthy , Subrahmanyam K. A. V. , Sreenivasulu P.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Disorder of sex development (DSD) is defined as congenital condition in which the development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex is atypical. It is a social and medical emergency that requires a multidisciplinary team approach for appropriate diagnosis and management.

Objective: To study the clinical profile of patients with DSD presenting to a tertiary care center in South India.

Methods: Retrospective analysis. 42 patients with DSDs were included. Patients with Turner and Klinefelter syndrome were excluded. Detailed history including age and mode of presentation, sex of rearing, any genital surgeries were noted. The hormonal profile of the patients included serum 17 OHP (basal or stimulated), LH, FSH, Testosterone (T), Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), Androstenedione (A) as indicated.

Results: 23 of 42 patients (54%) had 46 XX DSD and 18 patients (42%) had 46 XY DSD. One child had 47 XXY DSD with STAR deficiency (genetically proven). Majority of the patients with DSDs had Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (n = 23, 54%). Among CAH, Simple Virilising CAH (n = 21) is the most common variety with 3 of them being 11 beta hydroxylase deficiency. Other forms of CAH included Classic salt wasting, 3 beta HSD and STAR deficiency (n = 1 each). 8 patients (19%) were diagnosed to have 5 alpha reductase deficiency and 3 patients (7%) with androgen biosynthetic defects. 4 patients (9%) had Gonadal dysgenesis (Complete and Partial Gonadal Dysgenesis, Mixed Gonadal Dysgenesis with Gonadoblastoma, Ovo testicular DSD; n = 1 each). Two patients had Androgen insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS/PAIS; n = 1 each). One child had Y q deletion. 19 patients (45%) presented at birth or within 5 years of birth with crises/atypical genitalia. Eleven patients (26%) presented between 5 to 10 years of age with atypical genitalia. Rest of them presented in peri or post pubertal period. 5 patients of Simple Virilizing CAH (23%) presented with precocious puberty. 4 patients of 46 XX DSDs (17%) were reared as males. 7 patients (38%) of 46 XY DSDs were reared as females. Around 50% of the patients (n = 21) underwent genital reconstruction surgeries/gonadectomy.

Conclusion: CAH is the most common cause of DSDs in our series. Though 21 hydroxylase deficiency is the most common form of CAH, with the availability of genetic studies other forms of CAH are also being diagnosed. 5 alpha reductase deficiency diagnosed biochemically contributed to 19% of our DSDs. Majority of our patients presented before 10 years of age with atypical genitalia. Early diagnosis and appropriate counselling may prevent psychological suffering and gender dysphoria in these patients.
Abstract 90
Authors: Vipin V P , Jayakumar RV , Dominic Nibu , Gayathri G , Nair Rohit P. V.
Published: February 2023

Background: Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the recommended standard test to distinguish between unilateral and bilateral disease in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. Use of co syntropin stimulation during AVS has been advocated. However, co syntropin is not widely available in India. Synthetic porcine sequence corticotrophin is freely available as Acton Prolongatum. Here we report 2 cases, where Acton Prolongatum stimulated AVS was used for subtyping primary aldosteronism.

Methods: Two patients with hypertension and hypokalemia were detected to have hyperaldosteronism. Their clinical and laboratory parameters are shown in Table 1. AVS was done to subtype the disease. Two doses of Inj. Acton Prolongatum, 0.5 ml, were given, intra muscularly, 1 hour apart (2nd dose given 30 minutes before procedure). Peripheral blood samples for ACTH were taken 1 hour and 2 hours afterthe 2nd injection. The right and left adrenal veins were sequentially cannulated, via the right femoral vein and samples were collected from each side and from the right femoral vein. The samples were assayed for aldosterone and cortisol.

Results: The results of AVS are shown in Table 2. The peripheral blood samples collected after intra muscular injection of Acton Prolongatum showed high levels of ACTH (at 1 hour and 2 hour) suggesting adequate stimulation. The first patient had no lateralisation and the second patient had lateralisation to the right side. Accordingly, the first patient was managed with spironolactone and the second patient underwent robotic right adrenalectomy.

Conclusion: In instances where Co syntropin is not available for AVS, Acton prolongatum may be successfully used as an alternative.
Abstract 91
Authors: Sravya S. L. , Jadhao Pooja , Mangaraj Swayamsidha , Kanwar Jaya Bhanu , Sahoo Abhay
Published: February 2023

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the influence of body composition on bone mineral density and content, among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 114 (63 females and 51 males) T2DM patients with a mean age of 58 ± 6.6 years. Patients with chronic systemic illness, on steroids, fractures, treatment for osteoporosis, severe arthritis, weight loss programmes or surgeries are excluded. Total body, lumbar spine, total hip and neck of femur bone mineral densities (BMD), total lean mass (TLM), android lean mass (ALM), gynoid lean mass (GLM), total fat mass (TFM), android fat mass (AFM) and gynoid fat mass (GFM) and total bone mineral content (TBMC) were measured by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Student t test, Karl Pearson’s correlation co-efficientand Multivariate regression were used to analyse the data.

Results: Age distribution, duration of DM, glycaemic levels, BMI and bone parameters were similar among both the genders. As expected, males had higher total BMC and BMD at various sites (P < 0.001). TLM, ALM and GLM are significantly (p < 0.001) higher among men whereas TFM (p = 0.002) and GFM (P < 0.001) are significantly higher among women. AFM (p = 0.587) is similar in both sexes. After multivariate regression analysis, total BMC showed a positive correlation with TLM (β = 0.398, P = 0.007), TFM (β = 0.516, P = 0.021) among females and GLM (β = 0.433, p = 0.014) among males and negative correlation with BMI in both females (β = -0.275, p = 0.004) and males (β = -0.324, p = 0.009). Total hip BMD showed a positive correlation with GLM (F-β = 0.352, p = 0.041, M-β = 0.420, p = 0.012) in both the sexes.

Conclusion: Total BMC has a positive correlation with TLM & TFM in females and GLM in male. TBMC showed a negative correlation with BMI in both sexes. Hip BMD is positively associated with GLM in both the sexes, whereas, BMD at various other sites is not affected by the body composition.
Abstract 97
Authors: Dhawan Garima , Saikia Uma Nahar , Panda Naresh K. , Dahiya Divya , Bhadada Sanjay K. , Saikia Biman , Bakshi Jaimanti , Radotra B. D.
Published: February 2023

Background: The mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) gene encode the MDM2 protein which is the negative regulatory factor of the p53 protein. MDM2 forms a complex with p53 and its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity plays a role in the degradation of p53. The overexpression of MDM2 is explored in several malignancies like liver cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, esophagogastric cancer, and breast cancer. Here we identified the potential function of MDM2 in the tumor development and formation of Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC): Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) & Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma (FTC).

Methods: Real-Time PCR was performed for the gene-expression study of MDM2 using K1 and FTC133 cell lines and in tissue samples (total of 30 samples- 10 PTC, 10 FTC & 10 control tissue). To discover the biological function, Both the cell lines were treated with different concentrations of SAR405837 (MDM2 inhibitor) and performed cell culture experiments such as MTT assay, scratch assay, colony formation assay, and apoptosis assays. We also examined the protein expression of MDM2 in PTC and FTC tissue samples by Immunohistochemistry and observations were further correlated with clinicopathological parameters in DTC patients with a follow-up study.

Results: We found that MDM2 expression was elevated in both PTC and FTC tumor tissue samples and in cell lines. Inhibiting MDM2 by SAR405838 showed a positive correlation in cell viability, cell migration, and cell death in both the cell lines which confirms that MDM2 is involved in tumorigenesis and tumor development of thyroid cancer. We found a significant correlation of MDM2 with clinicopathological parameters of PTC and FTC patients.

Conclusion: We determined that MDM2 is upregulated in both papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma. Moreover, our results suggested that the overexpressed MDM2 may potentially serve as a therapeutic target, and its inhibitorSAR405838 can be used as directed therapy selection and may have clinical utility for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
ROS1 in non-small-cell lung carcinoma: A narrative review
Authors: Nathany Shrinidhi , Batra Ullas , Sachdeva Rashi , Sharma Mansi , Amrith BP , Vaidya Shriya
Published: February 2023

ROS1 rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a distinct molecular subtype of NSCLC, accounting for 2% of cases. Typically, these are genomic rearrangements resulting in a fusion oncoprotein that causes unabated constitutive signaling. Patients with ROS1 rearranged NSCLC have distinct clinical and histologic profiles and show excellent outcomes with various small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors. For the preparation of this review, we searched the literature in databases like PubMed, Embase, and Scopus with keywords such as “ROS1”, “ROS1 crizotinib”, and “Oncogene NSCLC.” We included 72 articles. This is a narrative review of the molecular biology, clinical, and pathologic characteristics, detection methods, and management of ROS1 rearranged lung cancer.
COVID-19 among health-care providers during the first and second wave of infection in India
Authors: Ajith Thekkuttuparambil Ananthanarayanan , Remith Panamparambil Ramakrishnan
Published: February 2023

Health-care providers or health-care workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection when compared to the general population. An early routine screening of both symptomatic and asymptomatic HCWs is essential to prevent transmission of infection and thus the nosocomial spread. The cumulative prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among Indian HCWs is unknown. This systematic review was aimed to analyse the prevalence of SARS-Co-V2 disease (COVID-19) among Indian HCWs. Data were collected from a comprehensive computerised search in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, Scopus and Web of Science using the terms 'Prevalence of COVID-19 among HCWs in India' and 'prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs in India'. Results of original research papers and meta-analysis published were collected and data analysed. Results of seven studies on 31656 HCWs in India were pooled. Overall, average prevalence of COVID-19 among the HCWs was 12.3%. Majorities were frontline workers irrespective of the gender. Most of the cases were symptomatic, with cough and fever as major clinical presentations. Findings suggest that adequate organisation of clinical wards and personnel, appropriate personal protective equipment supply and training of all workers directly and repeatedly exposed to COVID-19 patients should be prioritised to decrease the risk of infection. Furthermore, the duty time of HCWs who works in COVID treating area should be minimised.
Primary synovial sarcoma of the brain in a 35-year-old patient
Authors: Bhavani P. Harika , Subramanian B. V. , Das Pranabandhu , Lakshmi A. Y. , Rukmangadha N.
Published: February 2023

Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma with a poor prognosis and has an origin of uncertain histology. It frequently presents as a localised disease, especially near large joints around the knee and thigh. Intracranial disease, which is rare, has been reported as a metastasis from synovial sarcoma. We report the case of a patient with no obvious primary extracranial pathology, suggesting primary intracranial synovial sarcoma. A 35-year-old male presented with altered sensorium for 1 week. Imaging was suggestive of a left frontal high-grade tumour, for which he underwent decompression. Histology showed biphasic synovial sarcoma. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography did not show lesions elsewhere. He underwent radiotherapy adjuvantly.
Predictors of severity in COVID-19
Authors: Peraka Ramadevi , Shalini M. B. , Reddy Jayabhasker
Published: February 2023

Background:

In the context of home monitoring of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 disease (COVID-19) patients, it is imperative to evaluate the accuracy of finger pulse oximetry oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the assessment of hypoxia.

Methods:

Retrospective data analysis was performed on (n = 132) hospitalised COVID-19 patients with various levels of severity, in whom SpO2, haematological, biochemical and arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters were measured within 48 h after admission. Discrepancy between SpO2 and arterial blood oxygen saturation SaO2 was compared between mild, moderate and severe COVID-19 to assess the accuracy of finger pulse oximetry.

Results:

We found that total white blood cell count, neutrophil %, neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, platelet–lymphocyte ratio, ferritin, C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly increased in severe COVID-19, while lymphocyte % was significantly less when compared to mild and moderate cases. Multivariable analysis suggested that red cell distribution width (RDW) and LDH together account for significant variance in the severity of disease. The SpO2 and SaO2 were significantly less in the severe group. The difference between SpO2 and SaO2 has a clinically meaningful albeit statistically nonsignificant trend with the discrepancy greater in severe COVID-19 cases when compared to mild and moderate cases.

Conclusions:

Finger pulse oximetry has the potential to underestimate the severity of hypoxia in severe COVID-19 and this has implications in the decision to start oxygen therapy. RDW and LDH constitute the best parsimonious set of variables to predict severity.
Adverse effects associated with the use of N95 mask among health-care workers at the COVID-19 care units
Authors: Hussain Saad Abdulrahman , Mahmood Naza Mohammed Ali , Mahmood Trefa Mohammed Ali , Salih Neega Aras Mohammed , Abdulrahman Zainab Saad
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Health-care workers have to use the N95 mask as a part of the protection kit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The adverse effects of such practice are not fully elucidated. The study aims to evaluate negative impacts of N95 face masks on health-care personnel at COVID-19 care units.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

One hundred and twenty-two health-care workers (aged 20–58 years) from various health-care settings in Sulaimani, Iraq, from January to August 2020, were enrolled in this prospective, cross-sectional study. The physiological variables (blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) were recorded before putting on the N95 mask and postremoval of the mask. The incidence of adverse effects such as headache, difficulty breathing, redness, irritation, and dizziness were also reported as a number and percent at the end of the work shift.

RESULTS:

There was a statistically significant difference in the physiological parameters after removal of the mask compared with baseline. Only diastolic pressure was significantly lower in those working >6 h when compared to those working 1–6 h. The changes in physiological markers were poorly and nonsignificantly associated with the duration of wearing the mask. Moreover, 67.2%–70.5% of the participants complain of headaches and breathing difficulties, while 45.9%–51.6% reported signs of itching, redness, and irritation. However, health-care workers who put on the face mask >6 h showed signs of headache, breathing difficulties, and itching at the exposed areas higher than those working for 1–6 h.

CONCLUSION:

N95 mask negatively impacts the physiological variables of health-care providers. The adverse effects may lead to excessive exhaustion after long shifts in the intensive care unit during treatment of COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19
Authors: de Melo Maria do Carmo Barros , Ferri Priscila Menezes , de Vasconcelos Monica Maria Almeida , Reis Zilma Silveira Nogueira , Godoy Solange Cervinho Bicalho , Palmeira Vitória Andrade , Rocha Gabriel , Torres Rosalia Morais , Tupinambás Unaí
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Educators and health assistants can act as key players in controlling the pandemic. In general, they are respected by the community, especially in rural areas, and can help guide and raise the population's awareness of preventive measures. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the results in knowledge progress of an e-learning course offered to educators and health assistants by a public university and to analyze the profile and satisfaction of the participants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A single group pre- and post-test design based on a questionnaire, interventional, study was conducted in the period from April 20th to June 20th. All participants of the course answered sociodemographic and satisfaction questionnaire and a pre- and post-test. Data were descriptively arranged and regarding the distribution and comparison of means and frequency, paired t-test for group comparisons. P < 0.05 was statistically significant. Data were collected from the Moodle® teaching platform, without identifying the participants.

RESULTS:

A total of 674 participants were enrolled in the five groups, and 583 concluded the course (86.5%). The reasons for those who did not access the entire course (n = 47) were: Lack of time, difficulty in accessing the internet, and lack of experience with distance learning courses. On the evaluation of the course platform, from the tutors in general and the degree of satisfaction in several questions, participants marked maximum grades. The comparison between pre- and post-proficiency scores showed increased proficiency of the enrolled groups (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The course contributed to the training of health assistants and educators, preparing them to act in a participatory way in the prevention and control of the pandemic. The course was well evaluated and there was a progression of knowledge by the participants.
Academic burnout among trainee teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bouhaba Abdelmounaim , Madhi Youssef El , Soulaymani Abdelmajid , Hami Hinde
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

The trainee teacher seems to be more and more faced with frustration and stress during the training phase, caused by accumulation of requirements and duties, making them susceptible to the risk of burnout. The purpose of this work is to study the academic burnout of trainee teachers at the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region's Regional Center for Education and Training Professions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Seven hundred thirty-nine trainee teachers responded to a self-questionnaire comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey scale in its French validated version, as well as stress factors during the academic year 2020–2021. Both inferential and descriptive methods of data analysis were used to represent the effect of sociodemographic variables on burnout levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS:

In agreement with the literature, most of trainee teachers show moderate and high levels of academic exhaustion; the main stressors presented are financial instability and training overload, and the level of study influences the scale of burnout among trainee teachers.

CONCLUSION:

The result of this study can serve as a predictor of academic burnout among Moroccan trainee teachers.
Evaluating the usability of a national health information system with heuristic method
Authors: Bouraghi Hamid , Rezayi Sorayya , Amirazodi Shahrzad , Nabovati Ehsan , Saeedi Soheila
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND:

Hospital Statistics and Information System is one of the most important health information systems in Iran used in all hospitals in this country. Usability problems can reduce the speed and precision of users when interacting with this system. This study aimed to identify the usability problems of a national health system called “AVAB”.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020, and three experts evaluated the usability of this system independently by the heuristic evaluation method. Nielsen's usability principles were used to identify usability problems and to classify their severity.

RESULTS:

A total of 86 unique problems were identified. The highest number of problems were related to the two principles of “help and documentation” and “match between system and the real world” with 23 and 11 usability problems, respectively. The lowest number of problems were related to the two principles of “visibility of system status” and “help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors,” each with three problems. 58.1% of the identified problems were in the group of major and catastrophic problems.

CONCLUSIONS:

With the help of heuristic evaluation method, a significant number of usability problems of Hospital Statistics and Information System were identified. Most of the identified problems were major and catastrophic, and it is necessary to solve these problems by the designers and developers of this system.
Beware of the master masquerader- A case series of cavitary lung disease with hearing loss
Authors: Vinay V , Jain Sandeep , Abdullah V Yasir , Sharma Amit , Kanna M. N. Dinesh , Sethi Prabhpreet
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an etiologically unknown systemic disease characterized by necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Additionally, it is accompanied by vasculitis of small and medium-sized blood vessels. It manifests clinically as a triad involving the lungs, upper airways, and kidneys. It is estimated that 90% of patients will exhibit upper or lower airway symptoms and around 80% develops the renal disease. In this article, we describe three case scenarios with varying presentations. GPA should be considered among the possible etiologies of cavitary pulmonary lesions with ear manifestations including hearing loss with poor response to unusual treatment.
Post-COVID mucormycosis in presentation of periodontal abscess
Authors: Agarwal Ashutosh , Ratre Madhu S. , Uikey Guruprasad , Newaskar Vilas
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 pandemic has traumatized deep inside in minds and lives of human beings. Those who have survived are at risk of many post-COVID complications; mucormycosis being one of the most common as well as morbid infections. Mucormycosis is also known as black fungus, it is a life-threatening opportunistic fungal infection. Inoculation occurs by inhalation of spores in nose, paranasal air sinuses and in lungs. Mucormycosis is often associated in patients with compromised immunity and it presents with characteristic black necrotic eschar and necrosis. Disease affecting the facial region possess a challenge because it often disseminates with sino-orbital and cranial involvement at the time of diagnosis. Dental practice occasionally encounters unusual and subtle symptoms with non-pathognomonic clinical signs of several fatal diseases which may pretend like a common oral disease. Hence, the key knowledge to oral and primary care physicians and its precise application is necessary for the early diagnosis of such fatal infections to prevent untoward consequences in this COVID era. This article presents a case of mucormycosis with chief complaint of pain and swelling in right front tooth region, which mimicked as periodontal abscess in a patient, leading to delay in the diagnosis possess greater challenges during the treatment.
Intimate partner violence in India: Need for renewed corollary during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gopi Kumbha , Pal Deb Kumar , Taywade Manish , Sahoo Bimal Kumar
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered any type of behavior involving the premeditated use of physical, emotional, or sexual force between two people in an intimate relationship. The prevalence of health-seeking attitude towards IPV in India is very low among victims affected by it. The chances of facing violence or even in their maternal life were substantially high among women having lesser education or without any financial empowerment. Data have been quite supportive whenever elevated odds of risk of experiencing controlling behavior from their spouses were concerned. Safety strategies for violence programming could increase monitoring and evaluation efforts to reduce violence. Women with vulnerabilities like being marginalized, least resourced, and disabled are likely to suffer violence in an intimate relationship. Primary care physicians have a definitive role and involvement of other stakeholders like ward members and self-help groups to mitigate such occurrences.
Assessing the NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL PROGRAMME (NTCP) guidelines-based education model in semi-urban school population: An interventional study
Authors: Sheikh Tarannum B. , Reche Amit , Madhu Priyanka P. , Chhabra Kumar G. , Chitlange Pooja , Kewelramani Muskan
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Awareness in semi-urban school population about harmful effects of tobacco use. Hence, the objectives of the present research protocol are to evaluate the incidence of tobacco usage amongst school children and educators, to evaluate the knowledge of students and teachers regarding the harmful effects of tobacco, to educate students and teachers regarding the deleterious effects of tobacco and to evaluate the success of the intervention.

Material and Methods:

This study will be conducted at a semi-urban school located in the Wardha district. A cluster of students and teachers will be selected and will be given a pre-test to assess their knowledge regarding tobacco. The questionnaire will also help in evaluating the total number of participants consuming tobacco. Teachers will be given intervention when the data from the pre-test has been analysed. They will be educated regarding tobacco and its effects on oral health with the use of PowerPoint presentations, posters and models. Activities such as skits, role plays and discussions will be performed. Teachers will be asked to educate the students regarding the same. After the students are educated, they will be given a post-test to evaluate their understanding after the teachers have educated them. Tobacco users will be motivated to complete the cessation of tobacco. A questionnaire comprises 20 questions that are taken from National Tobacco Control Programme (NTPC) guidelines.

Expected Results:

The proposed study represents a major step towards tobacco cessation amongst semi-urban school population. Overall, the study includes evaluating the knowledge of participants, educating them regarding the harmful effects of tobacco and motivating the participants who are tobacco chewers to complete stoppage of habit. The study will develop a valid and reliable change and would contribute in the development of good oral health. This research will provide in the Indian context, evidence that will underpin better selection in semi-urban schools of the Wardha district.

Conclusion:

The proposed study represents a major step towards tobacco cessation amongst semi-urban school population. The study will develop a valid and reliable change and would contribute in the development of good oral health.
Contractive inequalities between Dirichlet and Hardy spaces
Authors: Llinares Adrián
Published: February 2023

We prove a conjecture of Brevig, Ortega-Cerdà, Seip and Zhao about contractive inequalities between Dirichlet and Hardy spaces and discuss its consequent connection with the Riesz projection.
Central algebraic geometry and seminormality
Authors: Monnier Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2023

We develop the theory of central ideals on commutative domains. We introduce and study the central seminormalization of a ring in another one. This seminormalization is related to the theory of regulous functions on real algebraic varieties. We provide a construction of the central seminormalization by a decomposition theorem in elementary central gluings. The existence of a central seminormalization is established in the affine case and for real schemes.
PLACES OF CRI-ACTIVE AGING
Authors: Rocha Eduardo , Resende Lorena Maia , Portella Adriana Araújo , Woolrych Ryan
Published: February 2023

Brazil, like other countries in the world, has been showing an increasingly long-lasting population growth. Over the last decade, much research has focused on understanding the complexity and impacts of aging. However, it is still not clear whether there is any relationship between the specific ways of life of the elderly and the sense of place they experience. We ask: what places and types of activities can contribute to a better quality of life for the elderly in their home, neighborhood, neighborhood and city? In order to analyze how the elderly live with the places they inhabit in contemporary urbanity, in order to provide new strategies for inclusive urban planning, the research used the method of photographic diaries to understand these dynamics. The study was applied in the Brazilian cities of Pelotas/RS, Belo Horizonte/MG and Brasília/DF, each one with three sections of neighborhoods chosen by different income groups (high, medium and low). Even with their great urban, economic and cultural differences, these cities have in common the transformations in the age pyramid, making the study more heterogeneous and diverse. As a result, it was possible to approach the concept of “becoming-child”, bringing together contemporary French philosophy with the sense of "good place" found in the elderly in the research. These coexistences led us to propose the exercise of composition of a “becoming-child-elderly”, towards a will to power and affirmation of architectural and urban life for a “creative-active” elderly person. Keywords: Aging, Photographicdiaries, Becoming-Child-Elderly, Territories, Elderlyfriendlycity,Senseofplace.
Phytochemicals content and in-vitro antioxidant properties of Azadirachta indica seeds, leaves and twigs prepared from different extraction techniques
Authors: Ali Javid , Rehman Inayat ur , Bangash Javed Abbas
Published: February 2023

The current study was design to exploit the Azadirachta indica leaves, seeds and twigs for %yield, phytochemicals content and antioxidant activities using infusion, hydroalcoholic, decoction and microwave extraction techniques. The phytochemicals contents were determined by standard reported methods. While antioxidant activity was assessed by three (03) standards In-vitro antioxidant test systems as 1, 1’-diphynyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity and Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity method using ascorbic acid as standard. The highest extractive yield was observed in seed were 44.00±02% (infusion), 38.00±00% (Hydroalcoholic) and 20.00±03% (decoction). Followed by leaves and twigs parts of neem. The high amount (+++) phytochemicals contents were extracted from neem leaves infusion and hydroalcoholic extracts as compared to seeds and twigs neem parts with decoction and microwave extraction methods. The highest Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves infusion extract showed at 1000 mg/L remarkably inhibited DPPH inhibition activity (85±01), H2O2 scavenging activity (83±01%), and NO scavenging activity (78±01%). The antioxidants activities showed a dose dependant manner, the higher the concentration showed high antioxidant activities. The results pointed to the significant antioxidant activities of the leaves infusion and hydroalcoholic extraction techniques, the overall strength being in the order of infusion >hydroalcoholic >decoction >microwave in leaves, seeds and twigs extracts. In all cases, the extracts obtained from leaves showed higher antioxidant activity and higher phytochemicals contents than the other extraction technique obtained from seeds and twigs. The results indicate that Azadirachta indica leaves, seeds and twigs extracts have potent antioxidant activities that would have beneficial effects on human health and infusion extracts are superior with better antioxidant potential.
COMMENT: On Ethiopia’s Digital ID Bill, Data Privacy, Warts and All
Authors: Kinfe Yilma
Published: February 2023

Ethiopia has been considering a Digital Identification legislation in the past few years. This comment offers a critical analysis of the legislative proposal with a focus on three aspects of the Bill.  First, it analyzes the extent to which the Draft Digital Identification Proclamation attends to data privacy concerns associated with digital identification systems. Second, it considers the Bill’s approach to the risks of digital exclusion or discrimination that are common in systems of digital identification. Finally, the comment discusses major areas of normative ambiguities that would undermine the effective implementation of the Bill upon its enactment. The submission is that the Bill requires substantial revision before adoption by the legislature.
Pharmacy students’ knowledge of psychotropic medicines and their attitude towards providing pharmaceutical care to patients with anxiety in Nigeria
Authors: Akande-Sholabi W. , Bakare O. E. , Adebisi Y. A.
Published: February 2023

Background: Healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists, play critical roles in the management of mental disorders by assessing the potential for adverse reactions, providing medication counseling, and medication review optimize treatment regimens.Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge of pharmacy students in a Nigerian university regarding psychotropic medicines and their attitude towards providing pharmaceutical care to patients with anxiety.Method: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in May 2021 among fourth- and fifth-year pharmacy students in a Nigerian university. The data were summarized using descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and percentages. Chi square was utilized to examine the association between the demographic characteristics and the respondents' overall knowledge and attitude.Results: The response rate was 85%, as 126 responses were received. About half of the respondents 69 (54.8%) reported that they have received training on psychotropic medicines and 9 (9.1%) have been previously diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Only 53 (42.1%) and 71 (56.3%) of our respondents knew that escitalopram and alprazolam are categorized as anxiolytics respectively. Most respondents would like to talk to patients with anxiety about their medications 110 (87.3%), attend training on pharmaceutical care for patients with anxiety 103 (81.7%), and obtain a medication history for people with anxiety 113 (89.7%). Ninety-four (74.6%) pharmacy students would like to suggest prescription medication for a patient with anxiety and only 88 (69.8%) would like to correct any errors in prescription in any anxiety cases. Our findings also revealed that there is a significant association between the students’ attitude and year of study (p=0.038) and previous training on psychotropic medicines (p=0.004).Conclusion: Findings from this study suggested that participants require improved knowledge and training of psychotropic medicines.
Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of propolis ointment against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Arhewoh M.I. , Agbamu E. , Agare G.I. , Enwa F.O. , Aduba P. , Atamenwan J.O.
Published: February 2023

Background: This study was carried out to determine the antimicrobial effect of propolis ointment formulations against Staphylococcus aureus.Methods: Propolis was extracted with 70 ml Ethanol (99 %) and the ointment was prepared by incorporating the extract into emulsifying ointment BP. Formulations were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus using agar diffusion test. Physicochemical properties of the formulation (pH, viscosity and spreadability) were determined using a pH meter, and viscometer. Homogeneity and texture were also determined. Differences in means were evaluated by the independent student t-test at p-value < 0.05.Results: The ointment was dark brown, greasy with a smooth texture. The viscosity of the propolis emulsifying ointment and simple ointment was 11133 ± 1229 and 11800 ± 1100 cP with spreadability of 6.32 ± 1.33 and 6.00 ± 2.40 mm2/g respectively. The pH of the simple and emulsifying ointment was 7.10 ± 0.05 and 7.22 ± 0.06 respectively. There was however reduced pH, spreadability and viscosity of the formulation over a period of 90 days (3 months) resulting in more acidic preparations less than 6 (5.65) in batch F2. Depth of penetration of the simple ointment was between 6.00 ± 0.8 mm to 7.55 ± 0.8 mm and 6.75 ± 0.5 mm to 9.20 ± 1.10 mm for the emulsifying ointment over a period of 14 days. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the propolis extract against Staphylococcus aureus was 300 mg/ml. Inhibition zone diameter of the simple and emulsifying ointment were 16.5 ± 1.3 mm and 17.0 ± 1.2 mm respectively.Conclusion: Propolis can be formulated as an ointment for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. The physicochemical properties of the formulation were stable with gradual decline over a period of 3 months. The propolis ointment exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
A Finite Axiomatisation of Finite-State Automata Using String Diagrams
Authors: Piedeleu Robin , Zanasi Fabio
Published: February 2023

We develop a fully diagrammatic approach to finite-state automata, based on
reinterpreting their usual state-transition graphical representation as a
two-dimensional syntax of string diagrams. In this setting, we are able to
provide a complete equational theory for language equivalence, with two notable
features. First, the proposed axiomatisation is finite. Second, the Kleene star
is a derived concept, as it can be decomposed into more primitive algebraic
blocks.
Inserção de alimentos fontes de flavonoides no Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar: revisão de literatura
Authors: Reis Camila  Máximo dos , Zanoti Fonseca Karina
Published: February 2023

A oferta de alimentos saudáveis para indivíduos em fase escolar é fundamental para favorecer o crescimento e o desenvolvimento adequados. Os estudantes das escolas públicas brasileiras possuem o direito garantido de acesso à alimentação no ambiente escolar por meio do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE). Os flavonoides são compostos bioativos de importância nutricional, principalmente para a prevenção e/ou combate das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), que são as doenças que mais matam no mundo e têm atingido, cada vez mais, crianças e adolescentes. O objetivo desse artigo foi realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre a relevância nutricional da inserção de alimentos fontes de flavonoides na alimentação escolar. Realizou-se uma revisão de literatura pautada na leitura exploratória de textos completos selecionados através da biblioteca online Scientific Eletronic Library Online - Scielo, da base de dados Public Medline - PubMed publicados no período de 2011 a 2021 e dos documentos vinculados aos Ministérios da Educação , da Saúde e da American Dietetic Association. Nessa revisão, para compreensão do tema, foram abordadas a conceituação, contexto histórico e a aquisição de alimentos do PNAE, a situação nutricional de escolares no Brasil e a inserção de flavonoides na alimentação escolar. Concluiu-se que os alimentos fontes de flavonoides são relevantes do ponto de vista nutricional para os escolares ao prevenirem as DCNT e que podem ser facilmente inseridos no cardápio escolar, por contemplarem todos os requisitos preconizados pelo PNAE, como por serem de fácil acesso.
A Comparative Study of High School Students' Math Achievement and Attitudes: Do Math Teacher Qualifications Matter?
Authors: Saenz Marisa B. , Nandakumar Vandana , Adamuti-Trache Maria
Published: February 2023

Using nationally representative High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 data, this quantitative study examined how math teacher qualifications affect U. S. 9th graders’ math achievement and attitudes. The study is guided by the Cognitive Apprenticeship Theory that emphasizes that expert teachers enable students to learn as apprentices and construct knowledge within the activity, context, and culture in which it is learned. The study shows that not only does cognitive apprenticeship enable skill development and knowledge acquisition, but it shapes student math self-efficacy and interest in the subject, and it develops their math identity if students viewed math teachers as role models. The study employs a comparative research design to explore the main effects and interaction between teachers’ credential type and field of study degree on student outcomes. One notable finding is that teacher credentials (i.e., level of education certification) affected student math achievement and math identity but had weaker effects on math self-efficacy, math utility and interest in math courses. Second, holding a math degree affected students’ math achievement and math identity, while holding a degree in education had some positive effects on increasing students’ interest in math courses. Results have direct implications for the field of Mathematics Education showing that teacher qualifications affect student beliefs and attitudes toward mathematics.
Nature of Mental Image of University Students on Social Media: Facebook as a Model
Authors: AlKhudari Majed Numan
Published: February 2023

Social media networks have become a prominent role in forming social relations, especially among university students, the transmission of information, the circulation of data, and the spread of topics among students and all members of society. In addition, these networks reflect how people think, their lifestyles, and what issues they think about. Through them, we can study the prevailing behavior patterns, including the stereotypical or mental image of Syrian students in Jordan. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify the nature of the mental image of Syrian students in Jordanian universities as reflected by social media and to know the mental image in its various economic, political, and entertainment aspects that social media reflects on Syrian students. Also, the study looked at revealing patterns of social media use among students. The study followed the descriptive approach to achieve these objectives. A questionnaire was used on a sample of Jordanian university students. The results concluded that the Syrian students in Jordan live in good conditions and are treated well by the people of Jordan. Also, students in Jordanian universities do not differentiate between students according to their nationalities. Syrian students only suffer from poor material living conditions and suffer bad psychological conditions because of immigration and leaving their homelands. The material assistance provided by international organizations can significantly alleviate their suffering, and the image formed about them among the Jordanian people is a good one. Finally, Jordan did not witness any negative actions by these students. Rather, they reflected the good image of the Syrian Arab student. In light of the results, the study presented some recommendations and suggestions.