bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Security Challenges on Library Resources in the Federal University of Lafia Library, Nasarawa State
Authors: Enyi Kingsley Emmanuel , Tsegba Jacob Fagga
Published: December 2021

The study looks at security challenges, causes and effects of security challenges on the resources, types of collection that are more vulnerable to security breaches, challenges encountered in combating the breaches, measures to reduce & address security breaches in Fed. Uni. Lafia library (6) objectives with research questions guided the study. The study uses survey research design. The population examined is (30) library staff & (100) undergraduate students in Fed. Uni. Lafia, summing total population to (130). Data was collected using a questionnaire titled effect of security challenges on library resources in federal University of Lafia library. Random sampling technique was used for the study. Mean tables, frequencies and percentage were used to analysed data. It shows, library is faced with the challenges of book theft, non-return of materials, mutilation, overdue books, shelving of books. Recommendations; To increased security in the library by supervision, patrolling/surveillance, buy copiers, installed security gadgets in the library premises & fencing.
An Improved BPNN Algorithm Based on Deep Learning Technology to Analyze the Market Risks of A+H Shares
Authors: Wu Yi , Zhu Delong , Liu Zijian , Li Xin
Published: December 2021

The backpropagation neural network (BPNN) algorithm of artificial intelligence (AI) is utilized to predict A+H shares price for helping investors reduce the risk of stock investment. First, the genetic algorithm (GA) is used to optimize BPNN, and a model that can predict multi-day stock prices is established. Then, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) algorithm is introduced to improve the GA-BP model, aiming to provide a practical approach for analyzing the market risks of the A+H shares. The experimental results show that for A shares, the model has the best prediction effect on the price of Bank of China (BC), and the average prediction errors of opening price, maximum price, minimum price, as well as closing price are 0.0236, 0.0262, 0.0294 and 0.0339, respectively. For H shares, the model constructed has the best effect on the price prediction of China Merchants Bank (CMB). The average prediction errors of opening price, maximum price, minimum price and closing price are 0.0276, 0.0422, 0.0194 and 0.0619, respectively.
Rehabilitative management of pelvic fractures needs to be further optimized
Authors: Li Zehua , Maimaitiming Dilihumaer , Sun Leqi , Wang Haoran , Xiong Weixi
Published: December 2021

We read with interest the review by Piccione et al. into the rehabilitative management of patients with pelvic fracture (PF). This review adds to our knowledge about the significance and indispensability of early multidisciplinary intervention in PF. From our perspective, however, potential bias might be caused by several unanswered questions. The uncertain methodological process and the unclear definition could misguide the rehabilitation strategies while still in dispute. Therefore, further high-quality studies should be conducted to optimize the multidisciplinary rehabilitation of patients with PF.
Nutritional Status of Children with Epilepsy, Attending the Pediatric Neurology Clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu
Authors: Aronu Ann E. , Uwaezuoke Ndubuisi A. , Bisi-Onyemaechi Adaobi , Ubesie Agozie C. , Ojinnaka Ngozi C.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Malnutrition is a direct or underlying cause of 45% of all deaths of under-five children in Nigeria. Nigeria has one of the highest burden of malnourished children in the world. Certain vulnerable groups such as children with chronic diseases are often neglected in nutritional studies.

Objective:

This study sought to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among children with epilepsy, attending the Neurology Clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.

Materials and Methods:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Study participants were epileptic children aged 6 months to 18 years. Socio-economic status was determined using the Oyedeji classification. Weight and height were measured using standard protocols. The weight for height, body mass index for age, and height for age z-scores were calculated using the WHO Anthro and Anthro Plus software. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, and significant p-values were set at less than 0.05.

Results:

One hundred and twenty children with epilepsy aged 6 months to 18 years who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Seventy-eight (65%) were males; (male: female ratio = 1: 0.5). The overall prevalence of wasting, stunting, overweight, and obesity were 5.8%, 9.2%, 10.8%, and 5.8%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between various forms of malnutrition and the gender, age group, and socio-economic status of study participants (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Overweight was the most common form of malnutrition, followed by stunting among the epileptic children. There is need for regular anthropometric monitoring of children with drug-naive epilepsy with targeted interventions to correct malnutrition in them during the course of epilepsy management.
Quality of Sleep among Oncology Nurses and Intensive Care Nurses
Authors: Pareek Shatrughan , Kaushik Narendra K. , Kumar Nitesh , Gupta Kapil , Pareek Anupam , Kumawat Nitesh , Ramawat Yashawant
Published: December 2021

Background:

Nurses working in shift duties, including night duties, are subject to a cumulative sleep debt, a decreased quantity and quality of sleep, and continuous sleep deprivation. Hence, nurses working in shift duties are prone to sleep disturbance.

Objective:

To determine and compare the quality of sleep among oncology and intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.

Materials and Methods:

Descriptive approach was adopted for this study. The sample comprised 126 nurses working at the units of Prince Bijay Singh Memorial (PBM) Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan, who were selected by purposive sampling technique. The quality of sleep was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 20.0.

Results:

In this study, majority of the participants (60.32%) were men. Majority of the nurses (75.40%) were working on a regular basis. The mean sleep quality scores of intensive care and oncology nurses were 3.863 ± 1.988 and 5.317 ± 1.899, respectively. The observed difference was statistically significant (t = 4.097; p < 0.001). Overall, there was poor quality of sleep in 46% of the participants. The intensive care unit (ICU) nurses are more likely to have poor quality of sleep than oncology nurses (61.90% vs. 30.16%; Χ2 = 18.15; p < 0.001). In addition, a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.6645, P = 0.0001*) was observed between the sleep quality of ICU and oncology nurses. Among the intensive care nurses and oncology nurses, there was no significant association between sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, working status, job status, and the PSQI scores. (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Intensive care nurses and oncology nurses have poor quality of sleep, which can affect their health and professional performance. The ICU nurses have poorer quality of sleep than oncology nurses. Nurse administrators and hospital administration should take initiatives to reduce the prevalence of poor sleep among these nurses.
Determinants of Descending Thoracic Aortic Size Measured by Echocardiography
Authors: Ejim Emmanuel C. , Oguanobi Nelson I. , Ubani-Ukoma Chidi B. , Udora Nneka C. , Chigbo Ejindu J. , Okwulehie Vincent A. , Okonkwo Alex K. , Iyidobi Tobenna
Published: December 2021

Background:

Aortic size is known to be an important predictor of cardiovascular diseases. There is a dearth of data on factors affecting thoracic aorta size in the black African population.

Objective:

To determine the predictors of descending thoracic aortic size measured by echocardiography.

Materials and Methods:

Transthoracic echocardiographic reports of 167 consecutive subjects were retrospectively reviewed. Data obtained from the register included age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate.

Results:

A total of 167 individuals aged between 12 and 96 years were studied. These were composed of 94 males and 73 females with mean age of 51.64 ± 16.31 and 46.90 ± 15.77, respectively. The mean descending thoracic aortic dimension was 23.35 ± 3.73 mm. The aortic measurement was found to be significantly higher in the male subjects (p < 0.05). A multi-variate correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between descending thoracic aortic dimension and (1) age, (2) weight, (3) body mass index, (4) systolic blood pressure, (5) diastolic blood pressure, (6) pulse pressure, and (6) mean arterial blood pressure (p < 0.05). These relationships were further explored using regression models. The most important predictors of aortic dimension in this study were age, weight, and sex (p < 0.05). Our result suggests a linear relationship between age and descending thoracic dimension.

Conclusion:

Age, body weight, and gender significantly affect the size of the descending thoracic aorta and could predict cardiovascular risk.
Polymorphism of interleukin-6 -174 G/C (rs1800795) & the corresponding interleukin-6 level as a prognostic marker of cervical cancer
Authors: Wagh Priyanka , Kulkarni Priyanka , Kerkar Shilpa , Tongaonkar Hemant , Chaudhari Hemangi , Warke Himangi , Deodhar Kedar , Rekhi Bharat , Mania-Pramanik Jayanti
Published: December 2021

Background & objectives:

Aetiology of cervical cancer (CaCx) is multifactorial. Besides human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, many immunogenetic factors are involved in this complex process. The present study was carried out to investigate one such factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), a central pro-inflammatory cytokine and a polymorphism at its promoter region -174 G/C (rs1800795) with CaCx.

Methods:

HPV-infected women with or without CaCx were enrolled in group I and II, respectively. Another group of uninfected healthy women was also included as group III for comparison. Polymorphism in IL-6-174 G/C and IL-6 levels were analyzed by sequence-specific primer PCR (PCR-SSP) and ELISA, respectively.

Results:

Groups I (n=111) and II (n=87) had significantly higher frequency of IL-6-174 GG genotype [odds ratios (OR)=3.9; P<0.001 and OR=3.2; P<0.001, respectively] as compared to group III (n=163). Furthermore, individuals with GG or GC genotypes had high IL-6 levels than those with CC genotypes. IL-6 levels were significantly (P<0.001) elevated in group I. This was also significantly high in untreated cases as compared to treated (P<0.05) ones. IL-6 levels of treated group were comparable with groups II and III.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Our results suggested a possible association of IL-6-174 GG with CaCx, which was also associated with high IL-6 levels. Decreased levels of IL-6 following treatment indicate its possible prognostic use in CaCx cases.
Screening for cervical cancer
Authors: Rajaram Shalini , Gupta Bindiya
Published: December 2021

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the world. To eliminate cervical cancer by 2030, the World Health Organization has given the target of 70 per cent coverage of twice lifetime screening. A multitude of screening methods are available, including cytology, human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing and visual inspection tests. Precision tests, including molecular and protein biomarkers such as DNA methylation, p16 immunostaining, and HPV mRNA testing help to enhance specificity of the screening. Worldwide HPV DNA testing with or without cytology is used as a screening method of choice, while in resource-poor settings, visual inspection tests are recommended. The major hurdle is a uniform and systematic implementation with a recall method in the population. Besides, controversies still exist regarding strategies to manage HPV-positive women and developing guidelines to screen the vaccinated population.
Etiology of obstructive jaundice and its correlation with the ethnic population of Sikkim
Authors: Bhutia Karma D. , Lachungpa Tsella , Lamtha Sangey C.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The aim of the study was to find out the etiology of obstructive jaundice and its correlation with the ethnic population of Sikkim.

Material and Method:

The data of patients with obstructive jaundice admitted under the Department of Gastroenterology was collected retrospectively from March 2019 till February 2020. There were a total of 73 patients of obstructive jaundice patients, the benign etiology was found to be more common than malignant etiology.

Results:

The male-to-female ratio in our study was 0.35:1. The most common etiology of benign cause of obstructive jaundice was choledocholithiasis (95.83%) followed by common bile duct stricture (3.07%), Mirizzi syndrome (1.53%). The most common causes of malignant obstructive jaundice were carcinoma of gall bladder (62.5%) followed by carcinoma of periampullary region (12.5%), cholangiocarcinoma (12.5%), carcinoma of head of pancreas (12.5%).

Conclusions:

The most common etiology of obstructive jaundice in this study was choledocholithiasis. There was no any correlation of obstructive jaundice with ethnic population of Sikkim.
Morbidity profile of under-5 slum dwellers of Amritsar city
Authors: Singh Jasmeet , Singh Tejbir , Lal Mohan , Mahajan Sanjeev , Ruchika  , Padda Preeti
Published: December 2021

Context:

Children living in slums are deprived from basic necessities. Unhygienic environment and deficient nutrition hinder their growth and make them more prone to infectious diseases.

Aims:

To study morbidity profile of under-5 children and determine social epidemiological factors associated with it.

Settings and Design:

A descriptive cross-sectional study in urban slums of district Amritsar.

Methods and Material:

In total, 400 households each from four slums (1600 in total) were randomly selected. One to one interview with mother of each under 5 was conducted and information was recorded on pretested performa. Height and weight with haemoglobin estimation was done for each child.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive statistics (frequencies and proportions) and univariate logistic regression was applied to determine factors associated with under nutrition.

Results:

Out of 1136 under-5, 50, 45 and 8% were stunted, underweight and wasted. Severe malnutrition was seen among 23%. In total, 79% had anaemia. About 69% suffered from one or more infectious disease in last 3 months. Anaemia, birth order >2, lower socio-economic status and suffering from any infectious disease in last 3 months were associated with malnutrition.

Conclusions:

Severe malnutrition and anaemia was high among under-5 of urban slums and 69% suffered from infectious disease in last 3 months emphasizing on addressal of health needs of under-5 residing in urban slums.
Changing scenario of C-section delivery in India
Authors: Roy Nivedita , Mishra Piyush Kumar , Mishra Vijay Kumar , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Varandani Souryakant , Batham Sonu Kumar
Published: December 2021

Background:

Caesarean section (C-section) delivery is a serious maternal health concern in the long run. Notedly, there is a lack of studies dealing with understanding the ways and reasons of C-section deliveries becoming a public health issue in today’s time in India and the measures to reduce the unnecessary caesarean sections. We have conducted this study to study the changes in the state-wise prevalence of C-section deliveries in India and understand C-section delivery’s socioeconomic and biomedical predictors.

Materials and Methods:

The study uses data from the fourth and fifth rounds of the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS). The per cent differences in the C-section deliveries from NFHS-4 to NFHS-5 across the states were measured through relative changes. The association between the C-section delivery and socioeconomic and biomedical factors were assessed using multiple logistic regression.

Results:

This study revealed that the C-section deliveries are higher in the southern states than in the other parts of India. Literacy plays a vital role in C-section deliveries. The probabilities of C-section deliveries are more in 30–40 and 40 + years. The women belonging to the median wealth index category were more likely (OR–CI, 1.62 [1.55–1.66]) to undergo the C-section followed by the women from wealthy households (OR–CI, 1.46 [1.41–1.52]).

Conclusion:

The Government’s health policymakers should take the initiative to reduce the C-section section delivery by means of building maternal health literacy and awareness among women and the community so that its future implications can be minimised. It is crucial to formulate a mandate and implement it in the states where C-sections are too high through community health workers and primary care providers.
Alleviating cervical radiculopathy by manipulative correction of reversed cervical lordosis
Authors: Chu Eric Chun Pu
Published: December 2021

Cervical radiculopathy is a neurologic condition caused by nerve root compression in the cervical spine, resulting in pain, numbness, sensory or motor dysfunction in the upper extremities. We present the case of a 57-year-old woman working as an insurance agent who suffered from chronic neck pain and numbness in the left arm for six months. Cervical radiographs revealed a reverse in natural lordotic curve. The patient was diagnosed with left C6 radiculopathy due to cervical spondylosis. Since cervical traction, rehabilitative exercise, acupuncture, and pain medicines previously failed to provide a long-lasting relief of symptoms, the patient sought chiropractic care. She was treated with spinal manipulation in combination with intermittent motorized cervical traction for three months. As a result of care, the patient experienced complete relief of symptoms, full cervical mobility, and high WHO Quality of Life score. A restoration of cervical lordosis was demonstrated on the 4-year follow-up radiograph.
The effectiveness of visual triaging and testing of suspected COVID-19 cases in primary care setting in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdalrouf Abuobieda , Ibrahim Alaa , Abdulmogith Mohammed , Yousif Attiat , Okeil Nawaf Al , Otaibi Azzam Al , Albattal Saad , AlAbood Abood , Maher Medhat , AlRasheed Abdelaziz , Kofi Mostafa
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Asymptomatic individuals could be a source of spreading the infection, especially in their households. Triaging and testing an individual for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection rely on the criteria included in the adopted triaging instrument, and adopted case definition of a suspected case. They both may need to be reviewed and modified to make them more effective in making the right decision.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was used to find out the effectiveness of triaging instrument and the case definition used in the fever clinic (FC) in one of our primary care centers. The data of 630 randomly selected participants who were tested in our center between April 12 and August 12 2020 were analyzed.

Results:

About 36.8% of the 630 tested participants were positive for COVID-19. Symptomatic patients were 3.93 (95% CI; 2.58, 5.98; P < 0.001) times more likely to test positive than asymptomatic ones. The participants with a history of contact with a COVID-19 confirmed case were 1.47 (95% CI; 1.03, 2.10; P = 0.032) times more likely to test positive compared to those without such history. Symptomatic with and without history of contact were 8.40 (95% CI; 3.23, 21.86; P < 0.001) and 4.91 (95% CI; 1.84, 13.09; P < 0.001) times more likely to test positive compared to asymptomatic contact, respectively. Moreover, patients with comorbidity were also 1.85 (95% CI; 1.31, 2.60; P < 0.001) times more likely to test positive than healthy ones. The mean of the number of the households, and the mean of the number of households tested positive significantly exceeded the means of those tested negative by 1.03 (95% CI; 0.48, 1.57; P < 0.001), and 0.98 (95% CI; 0.68, 1.28; P < 0.001), respectively. From the studied triaging items only symptoms, comorbidities, and the number of households tested positive were independently associated with testing positive. Moreover, from studied symptoms, only fever, cough, myalgia, and loss of taste and smell were independently associated with testing positive. Finally, from the studied comorbidities, only diabetes mellitus was independently associated with testing positive.

Conclusion:

At the time of outbreak and pandemic, people get worried and need to be reassured, and contacts would then seek testing. However, resources including manpower, material, and money need to be protected and used wisely. Thus, the adoption of an evidence-based updated testing policy is crucially needed. Furthermore, early identification of the potential sources of the infection is also crucially needed to control the spreading of the infection.
Dermatological manifestation can be an early sign in Covid-19
Authors: Barman Bhupen , Marak Anita , Jamil Md , Marak Patrick S. R. , War Gwenette Andrea , Baruah Arup , Boruah Polina
Published: December 2021

Various dermatological manifestations have been observed in patients with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection ranging from maculopapular rashes, urticaria, chickenpox-type lesions, chilblain-like, distal-limb ischemia, and livedo racemosa. While most of these cutaneous findings are self-resolving, they may aid in the timely diagnosis of this infection. We are reporting three patients presenting with dermatological features resembling (i) varicella zoster, (ii) herpes labialis, and (iii) Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) who were subsequently diagnosed with Covid-19 infection. The skin lesions disappeared after successful treatment of Covid-19.
Influence of physicians’ BMI on counseling practice for obesity in primary health care clinics in Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alnasiri Anas Salem Ahmed , Alruwaili Naif Muhanna
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine the perceived frequencies about counseling to obese patients, among physicians stratified by body mass index (BMI), working in primary health care clinics (PHCC) in Aljouf region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

All primary health care physicians in Aljouf region were invited to participate in the study. The study was conducted between January to March 2020. Demographical variables and questions related to counseling for weight loss. Physicians’ BMI and questions related to counseling were analyzed to study the statistical significances.

Results:

Of 118 participants majority were under 40 years old (47.5%) while there were 74 (62.7%) males and 44 (37.3%) female physicians in the study. Fifty percent of the study participants were overweight while 16.1% were obese. Significantly high proportion of the participants were agreed that patients are not trust on weight loss advice by overweight/obese physicians (P = 0.014). Secondly, over 90% of respondents were agreed to counsel their patients to do exercise and do dietary adjustments for weight loss however it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Participants showed a general agreement that physicians’ own health has significant effect on weight loss counseling provided to the patients. Hence, it is important to improve physicians own health because patients also get inspired by physicians’ health and appearance and that can help to make weight loss counseling more effective and fruitful.
Prevalence of depression and quality of life in primary caregiver of children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sonune Swapnil P. , Gaur Anil K. , Shenoy Anuradha
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Study the correlation of depression and quality of life (QoL) in primary caregivers (mothers) of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods:

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 203 primary caregivers (mothers) of children with CP. The depression and QoL in the caregivers were assessed using the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) (physical, psychological, social and environmental domains), respectively. The child’s gross motor function level was determined using the Gross Motor Functional Classification System-Expanded and Revised (GMFCS-ER). The association of depression and QoL in mothers to functional limitation in children were assessed. For statistical methods, P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The severity of the depression showed a statistically significant negative correlation with the physical domain (r = −0.498, P < 0.0001), psychological domains (r = −0.486, P < 0.0001), social relationships (r = −0.165, P = 0.019) and environmental domains (r = −0.195, P = 0.005). The mean QoL domains scores showed a decreasing trend with increasing motor dysfunction of the child, with a statistical association for physical (r = −0.327, P < 0.0001) and psychological domains (r = −0.440, P < 0.0001). Out of all the baseline demographic factors, the child’s age was a significant risk factor affecting the mother’s QoL (P = 0.041).

Conclusion:

CP, being a debilitating disease, requires around-the-clock caregiving for the child. However, caregiving causes a significant impact on the QoL with increasing severity of depression among the mothers.
A time-and-motion analysis of multipurpose healthcare workers from Kashmir
Authors: Wani Rabbanie T. , Chowdri Iqra N. , Nazir Umar , Haq Inaamul
Published: December 2021

Background:

A multipurpose health worker (MPHW) is the pivotal functionary and the first point of contact in health care sector. This study explores the work-related activity of MPHWs in the different domains and also assesses their time utilization pattern.

Methods:

A time and motion study was conducted among 12 multipurpose health care workers (MPHWs) from 10 different Subcenters of block Hazratbal. Participants self-reported their daily activities on a time measurement sheet for 6 days. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS v25.0. Calculations are based on a total of 544.5 person-hours of observation by ANMs.

Results:

Time utilization pattern revealed that ANMs spent one-fourth of their time on maintaining registers. Observations on self-reporting were comparable with that of observations made by external observers.

Conclusions:

This study reflects the workload in different domains of MPHWs’ activities and nature of their work, relevance of their job responsibilities in the context to Indian public health standards for their job.
Lower serum phosphate levels in patients with Legionella pneumonia relative to patients with non-Legionella pneumonia
Authors: Wada Mikio , Kawashima Atsushi
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Few studies have evaluated serum phosphate levels in patients with Legionella pneumonia admitted to hospitals in Japan. This study aimed to assess serum phosphate levels among inpatients with Legionella pneumonia on admission and compare them to those of inpatients with non-Legionella community-acquired pneumonia.

Methods:

This case-control study included patients aged ≥16 years who were treated for Legionella pneumonia from April 2011 through March 2017 and those aged ≥16 years who were treated for non-Legionella community-acquired pneumonia from August 2014 through July 2015. Legionella pneumonia was diagnosed based on a positive result on the urinary antigen test, as well as radiographic examinations. Serum phosphate levels on admission were compared between Legionella and non-Legionella patients. In addition, serum phosphate levels on admission and on hospital day 5–7 were compared in Legionella patients.

Results:

We evaluated 8 Legionella patients and 61 non-Legionella patients. Median serum phosphate levels on admission were 1.90 and 2.80 mg/dL in Legionella and non-Legionella patients, respectively (P = 0.008). By hospital day 5–7, serum phosphate levels in Legionella patients had increased to 2.61 mg/dL (P = 0.029, relative to admission), which did not significantly differ from those of non-Legionella patients on admission (P = 0.372).

Conclusion:

Serum phosphate levels on admission were approximately 32% lower in Legionella pneumonia patients compared to non-Legionella pneumonia patients, but both were comparable by hospital day 7.
Manifestations and risk factors of post COVID syndrome among COVID-19 patients presented with minimal symptoms – A study from Kerala, India
Authors: Anjana Nalinakumari Kesavan Nair , Annie Twinkle Thomas , Siba Shajahan , Meenu Maheswari Suresh , Chintha Sujatha , Anish Thekkumkara Surendran Nair
Published: December 2021

Background:

COVID 19 is associated with the development of post COVID syndrome usually manifested as fatigue, anxiety, joint pain, headache, chest pain, dementia, depression, and dyspnea. Documented evidence of post COVID syndrome among patients with asymptomatic or mild infections, especially from India is less.

Methodology:

A community based prospective cohort study was conducted among 154 patients admitted in CFLTCs of coastal Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during May-August 2020. They were enrolled at the time of their admission to CFLTCs and were followed up for three months after discharge. The discharged patients were followed up at regular intervals of three weeks and three months by telephonic interview using a structured proforma.

Results:

Out of the 154 patients followed up, 57 (37%) were men and 97 (63%) were women. The mean (SD) age of study participants was 31.49 (18.4) years. At least one symptom was present in 120 (78.0%) patients at the time of admission. Cough (29, 18.8%), fever (26, 16.8%), headache (25, 16.2%), rhinitis (23,14.9%) and sore throat (18, 11.7%) were the major symptoms reported at the time of admission. At the end of three weeks, 11 (7.1%) patients and at the end of three months 18 (11.7%) patients reported to have symptoms. Fatigue (5.8%), headache (5.8%) myalgia (3.2%) joint pain (2.5%) and exertional dyspnea (2.5%) were the predominant symptoms. Presence of fatigue, cough and breathlessness at the time of admission, and presence of another COVID positive family member were significantly associated with the appearance of post COVID symptoms.

Conclusion:

Post COVID syndrome is not uncommon in COVID 19 patients with minimal symptoms. Understanding long term consequences of COVID 19 is as important as management of acute COVID 19 due to its multisystem involvement and its implications on health and well-being.
An anaesthetic quandary
Authors: Sahu Seelora , Swain Amlan , Singh Umesh Kumar , Shukla Rajiv
Published: December 2021

Anaesthetic management of cardiac disorders in pregnancy has always been complicated and challenging. A rare but extremely fatal entity, peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a life-threatening disease affecting the parturient with mortality rates as high as 35–50%. Developing in late pregnancy or immediately after delivery, this unique disorder endangers not only the mother but the baby as well. We report here a case of a 28-year-old female parturient presenting at 37 weeks of gestation for caesarean delivery with recently diagnosed peripartum cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction of 28%) complicated by severe preeclampsia. She developed cardiac failure just before the induction of anaesthesia. She was successfully resuscitated, operated under general anaesthesia and shifted to the critical care unit for further management.
Therapeutic effects of green tea as an antioxidant on oral health- A review
Authors: Vyas Tarun , Nagi Ravleen , Bhatia Archana , Bains Sandeep Kumar
Published: December 2021

Green tea has protective effects against various diseases such as malignancies, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Green tea has been suggested to promote periodontal health by reducing inflammation, preventing the resorption of bones and restricting the growth of certain periodontal-related bacteria. Green tea has antioxidant, carcinogenic, antimicrobial and non-inflammatory properties. This traditional drink is also used to treat systemic chronic diseases, including carcinoma. Recent studies have shown that host immuno-inflammatory reactions, in addition to microbial activity, are more likely to destroy oral tissues. In such cases, green tea is considered to be a natural preventive and curative agent. The potential benefits of green tea and its polyphenols in oral health is capturing the interest of the researchers; hence, this review discusses the therapeutic effects of green tea in the prevention of periodontal and oral diseases.
The anisotropic Calderón problem on 3-dimensional conformally Stäckel manifolds
Authors: Daudé Thierry , Kamran Niky , Nicoleau François
Published: December 2021

Conformally Stäckel manifolds can be characterized as the class of

n

-dimensional pseudo-Riemannian manifolds

(M,G)

on which the Hamilton–Jacobi equation

G(\nabla u, \nabla u) = 0

for null geodesics and the Laplace equation

-\Delta_G \, \psi = 0

are solvable by R-separation of variables. In the particular case in which the metric has Riemannian signature, they provide explicit examples of metrics admitting a set of

n-1

commuting conformal symmetry operators
for the Laplace–Beltrami operator

\Delta_G

. In this paper, we solve the anisotropic Calderón problem on compact

3

-dimensional Riemannian manifolds with boundary which are conformally Stäckel, that is we show that the metric of such manifolds is uniquely determined by the Dirichlet-to-Neumann map measured on the boundary of the manifold, up to diffeomorphims that preserve the boundary.
A new approach to de Rham–Witt complexes, after Bhatt, Lurie, and Mathew
Authors: Illusie Luc
Published: December 2021

This is a report on B. Bhatt, J. Lurie, and A. Mathew,
Revisiting the de Rham– Witt complex
, Astérisque 424 (2021). We review the main definitions and properties of the
saturated
de Rham–Witt complexes constructed by B. Bhatt, J. Lurie, and A. Mathew. A few complements are added, concerning the genesis of the notion, examples, and finiteness properties and open problems.
Impacts of Anthropogenic Stressors on Hydrochemistry, Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Sediment Characteristics of the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
Authors: Fasuyi O.F. , Yusuf W.A. , Nkwoji J.A.
Published: December 2021

The anthropogenic impact on the water, benthic macroinvertebrates and sediment grain size of Lagos lagoon was investigated between July and October, 2019. Ten sampling stations were selected based on their importance as likely sources of different forms of anthropogenic stressor to the lagoon. Water temperatures, pH and salinity were measured in situ. Water and benthic samples were collected monthly and analysed using standard methods. Nutrient levels were determined using a spectrophotometer. The hydrochemistry of the stations differed significantly (p<0.05) with the exception of temperature and pH. The sediment grains across the study stations consists basically of sand and mud, with sand dominating the grain type. A total of 502 individuals comprising 3 phyla, 4 classes, 10 families and 11 species was recorded. The phylum mollusca which contributed 92% to the total number of individuals was represented by two Classes; Gastropoda and Bivalvia, with the gastropod Tympanotonus fuscatus having the highest number of individuals (321). Thephylum Annelida represented by one Class, Polychaeta and two Species Nereis sp. and Capitella capitata contributed 6% to the total number of individuals. The class Crustacea, representing the Phylum Arthropoda was the least sampled (7 individuals) constituting about 1.4% of the total population Result showed that different pollution sources have negatively impacted the water chemistry of the lagoon and reduced the diversity and abundance of its benthic macroinvertebrates community. The sedentary nature of this group of benthic fauna could be the major reason why they are most impacted.
Abundance and Habitat Preference of the Genus Euplectes in Protected and Non protected Habitats of Jos East Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Francis M.J. , Chaskda A.A. , Ombugadu A. , Karau S.D. , Mathias O.C. , Olori-Oke O. , Yakubu C.K.
Published: December 2021

The knowledge on the factors influencing habitat selection is of uttermost importance because it guides the development of conservation action plan for species. Till date, there is no baseline study on the genus Euplectes in Northern Nigeria thus, an attempt to investigate the habitat preference of the genus was carried out in Amurum Forest Reserve and the nonprotected habitats of Fobur. Line transects of 200m were randomly laid across the study sites. The abundance of Bishop species was highest in farmland compared to grassland and rocky outcrop. Therefore, the number of the species was significantly different between habitats (F2, 573 = 5.454, P = 0.0015). There was a significant relationship between flock size and number of seeds across habitat types. Number of individual birds increased with increase in seed number (F1, 57 = 21687.786, P < 0.001). With the exception of grass height, there was a highly significant difference in relation to vegetation variables taken between plots where Bishop species were sighted and the random points where they were not seen (P < 0.001). The finding suggests that farmlands should be integrated into conservation plan in the nonprotected area based on the high population of the genus recorded.
Isolation and Characterization of Photorhabdus Spp. (Enterobacteriaceae) Isolated From Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora in Kashere, Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu H.U. , Tahir F. , Agbo E.B. , Kela S.L.
Published: December 2021

Photorhabdus bacteria are symbiotically associated with the infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Heterorhabditis. These bacteria after infecting a susceptible host, produces a host of lethal toxins that killthe insect hosts within 24 to 72 hours. Consequently they have emerged and are trending as excellent biological control agents against insect pests of agricultural crops. Therefore, this study aim to isolate, identify and test the pathogenicity of Photorhabdus bacteria isolated from Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, entomopathogenic nematode from Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. To this end phenotypic and biochemical tests were conducted. The tests conducted showed that the isolate exhibited characteristics similar to those of Photorhabdus bacteria that have been identified. Last instar larvae of G. mellonella exposed to different concentrations of the bacterial isolate showed some level of susceptibility of the larvae to the bacterial isolate confirming its biological control potential.
La tributación y eficiencia administrativa en las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYMES), registradas en el MIPRO del cantón Manta, provincia de Manabí
Authors: Tómala-Pinto Jesús Jacinto , Zambrano-Loor Rita Mayda , Rivas-Cedeño Limber Leónidas
Published: December 2021

Los impuestos proporcionan al gobierno fondos para invertir en el desarrollo, aliviar la pobreza, proporcionar servicios públicos y construir infraestructura material y social para el crecimiento a largo plazo. Además, existe un vínculo mutuamente beneficioso entre la fiscalidad y la buena gobernanza. De esta manera, la innovación en la asistencia tributaria y para el desarrollo puede fortalecer el sistema tributario, ya que los impuestos pueden tener un impacto positivo en la calidad de la gobernanza y la relación entre el gobierno y los ciudadanos. A su vez, la buena gobernanza puede tener un impacto positivo en el cumplimiento y la movilización de ingresos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la tributación y eficiencia administrativa en las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes), registradas en el MIPRO del cantón Manta, provincia de Manabí. Para ello se recurrió a entrevistar a las pymes del sector, al igual que a la comunidad universitaria de la Facultad de Contabilidad y Auditoría. A través de esta investigación fue posible lograr el acercamiento y la cooperación entre la Facultad de Contabilidad y Auditoría, Universidad - Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas.

Palabras claves: Pymes, Tributación, Eficiencia administrativa, Cooperación.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Distance Learning Physical Education for Disabled Students
Authors: Tarabrina Natalia Yu. , Wilczewski Tomasz
Published: December 2021

The article discusses the effectiveness of the application of the distance learning program at the level of the functional state and reserve capacities of the organism of students with disabilities: for 12 students of 17-19 years old with idiopathic structural scoliosis of II and III degrees of S-shaped type, engaged in a full-time program (stage I) and for the same students studying remotely (stage II), it was studied the functional indicators of the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system, the function of external respiration, the tone of the paravertebral muscles of the back and neck, as well as indicators of strength and endurance. Then a comparison was made of the studied indicators of stages I and II. It is shown that distance learning has a negative impact on the health of students: hypertonicity of the muscles of the back and neck significantly increases almost twice (the most sensitive is the cervicothoracic region), there is a shift of autonomic tone by 10.73% towards sympathicotonia: heart rate blood pressure increased by 19.06% by 7.9%, respiratory rate by 7.92%, tidal and minute volumes by 17.8-20%, respectively. At the same time, strength endurance and the level of performance decrease by 11.7%. Such changes contribute to the tension of neurohumoral mechanisms of self-regulation, which leads to a decrease in the stock of functional reserves and significantly narrows the range of possible adaptive responses. It is shown that the informatization of the educational system in the edu cational process of students with disabilities should be of a mixed type, where the traditional form of classes remains the leading one.
Preparing students for pharmacy practice using critical thinking and reflection
Authors: Garza Kimberly B. , Ford Channing R. , Moseley Lindsey E. , Wright Bradley M.
Published: December 2021

Background: Social, behavioural, and administrative sciences are among the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) mandated foundational knowledge requirements for pharmacy school curricula. However, they are often taught in isolation, whereby students lose sight of their meaning and significance in the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP).      Objective: The objective was to assess performance and critical thinking skills and explore student perceptions of a Longitudinal Patient Case assignment that integrates knowledge from multiple domains into a learning experience exploring how patients and pharmacists navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system.     Methods: Student pharmacists developed their case throughout the term by incorporating course concepts, then submitted a narrated PowerPoint presentation. Quantitative data sources included overall scores, scores for each domain, midterm and final examination scores, and final course grades, analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation. Student reflections encouraged self-discovery and professional identity development and served as the qualitative data source. Thematic analysis occurred through a multi-phase approach.      Results: All first-year student pharmacists (n = 153) participated. Scores on the narrated PowerPoint were significantly correlated with midterm and final exams and were moderately correlated with overall course grades. Themes that evolved from students’ self-reflections focused on project execution and learning/knowledge.      Conclusions: Synthesising and applying content across a course in this manner enables students to make connections, think critically, and be creative.
Estudio de la satisfacción de los estudiantes universitarios con asignaturas de contenido cuantitativo
Authors: Martin Caraballo Ana M. , Paralera Morales Concepción , Ramírez-Hurtado José M.
Published: December 2021

La implantación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior obligó, hace ya unos años, arealizar numerosos cambios en la enseñanza universitaria. En este nuevo sistema, yatotalmente implantado en la actualidad, hace que sea el alumno el verdadero protagonista desu aprendizaje y que el profesor solo sea un mero ayudante de ese proceso. Así, el alumnotiene una participación activa y continua en el sistema. Por este motivo, creemos que el estudiode la satisfacción de los alumnos debe convertirse en un objetivo primordial, ya que nos llevaráa detectar posibles anomalías en el desarrollo de la docencia. por ello, uno de los principalesobjetivos de este trabajo es tratar de medir la satisfacción de los estudiantes universitarios conasignaturas de contenido cuantitativo impartidas en grados de facultades de empresa.Además, se pretende estudiar si hay diferencias en la percepción que tienen los estudiantessobre la docencia de estas asignaturas en distintas universidades españolas, utilizando paraello una variante del modelo tradicional de importancia-valoración. Los resultados muestranque, de forma general, los estudiantes presentan un mínimo grado de insatisfacción con latotalidad de los atributos, si bien, el grado de satisfacción tampoco es elevado. Por otro lado,el estudio mostrará que entre las distintas universidades existen diferencias significativas enla percepción que tienen los estudiantes de algunos aspectos de la docencia de estasasignaturas.
Mortality of Swamp Buffalo Calves during the Lactation Period
Authors: AL-NAJJAR Khaled
Published: December 2021

This study was conducted to determine mortality of swamp calves under semi-intensive rearing conditions at Shtiha government Station in Al-Ghab District, Syria. A total of 501 buffalo calves born throughout period 2008-2018 were analyzed for suckling calf mortality rate study. SAS software (2012) was used to compare four mathematical models [basic and full linear fixed models, logistic, and logarithmic (Log linear) models] to estimate calf mortality during nursing period from birth to 90 days of age. Overall mean mortality rate ranged from 14.5±3.3 to 19.2±2.7%. Sex effect of a calf was significant in the basic model. Calving period and calf weight at birth were significant according to the basic and full models. Interaction between the calving periods and birth weight was highly significant by full linear fixed and Log linear models, confirming that birth weights during the calving period were heterogeneous. The maximum likelihood analysis shows that calf sex, calving period, and birth weight were significant in the logistic model. The parity and birth weight were significant in the linear Log linear model. Effect of birth weight was significant in all models, which confirms its importance in calf mortality. In conclusion, management of buffalo calves and improvement of birth weight to be greater than 30 kg is required to reduce mortality rates during the lactation period of buffalo calves.