bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sobre el método científico
Authors: Reyes Osvaldo
Published: September 2023

Se conoce como Método Científico a la secuencia de pasos que se deben seguir para obtener un conocimiento que sea válido desde la perspectiva de las ciencias. Este método, que rige la forma como hacemos investigaciones, se apoya sobre dos grandes pilares: la reproducibilidad y la refutabilidad.

La reproducibilidad implica que un determinado experimento debe ser capaz de ser reproducido por cualquier persona en cualquier lugar, aunque no necesariamente obteniendo los mismos resultados. Es por esto por lo que insistimos en que las conclusiones alcanzadas por un determinado investigador no pueden ni deben ser tomadas como ley absoluta, ya que las estadísticas nos dicen que dicho resultado puede ser fruto del azar y que solo repitiendo el mismo podemos estar seguros de la veracidad de las conclusiones alcanzadas. Uno de los mayores errores cometidos por los investigadores modernos es perseguir la primicia de un hallazgo y querer ser los primeros en decir o encontrar algo, lo que no es más que un intento de satisfacer el ego. Es igual de importante repetir los estudios ejecutados por otras personas y ver si se obtienen los mismos resultados en idénticas circunstancias. Son estas evaluaciones subsecuentes las que dan valor a los resultados de una investigación y las que nos permiten establecer la utilidad de aplicarlos de manera global en la población general.
Pasteurella Cinsi Bakterilere Bağlı Protez Eklem Enfeksiyonları: Derleme
Authors: ÖNER Süleyman Kaan , ALKAN ÇEVİKER Sevil , KOZLU Süleyman
Published: September 2023

Protez eklem enfeksiyonları kalça ve diz artroplastisi sonrası sık görülen bir komplikasyon olup Pasteurella cinsi bakterilere bağlı olarak nadir de olsa karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Özellikle bağışıklığı baskılanmış ve hayvanlarla yakın teması bireylerde ortaya çıkan bu enfeksiyonlar hakkında literatürde yeterli düzeyde çalışma yoktur. Bu derleme çalışmasında, Pasteurella cinsi bakterilere bağlı gelişen protez eklem enfeksiyonları konusunda literatürün derlemesini ve uygulanan tedaviler ile tedavi sonuçlarının gözden geçirilmesi amaçlandı.
The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among hemodialysis patients in a tertiary care hospital in Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Khorrami Mohammad-Bagher , Amali Arian , Sadeghi Mahmood , Riahi-Zanjani Bamdad
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Hepatitis and acquired immunodeficiency are major health concerns in high-risk patients with renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. This might be due to the number of blood transfusions, age, and dialysis duration. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in hemodialysis patients to determine the effectiveness of preventive measures already in place and the possible correlation between various risk factors and viral infection in the Hemodialysis Center in Mashhad, Iran.
Methodology: Sixty-five patients were included in a retrospective cross-sectional study. The demographic information was collected. Hepatitis-B surface antigens, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies were screened using ELISA.
Results: Out of 65 patients, 34 (52.3%) were male, and 31 (47.7%) were female. Mean duration of dialysis was 30.68 ± 26.39 months, and the mean age was 64.95 ± 14.09 years. We found 9 (13.8%) patients that were HBV positive (HbsAg-positive), and 3 (4.6%) patients were HCV positive. Sex and the number of blood transfusions were found to be risk factors for HBV infection and had statistical significance (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). No statistical significance was found between HBV- and HCV- positivity and the mean age of patients (p = 0.84 and p = 0.76, respectively). All patients were HIV-negative.
Conclusions: Prevalence of HBV was high and significant. More preventive measures need to be developed, and further studies should be conducted to examine the effectiveness of these measures. Moreover, evaluating the prevalence rates of HBV, HCV, and HIV in other hospitals and dialysis centers in Mashhad is recommended to minimize viral infections. Initial HBV vaccination for patients that require hemodialysis is crucial.
Pulmonary functions and life quality assessment results two years after COVID-19 comparison with the sixth month results
Authors: Bardakci Mustafa İlteriş , Ozturk Esin Nagihan , Ozkarafakili Müfide Arzu , Ozkurt Hüseyin , Yanc Uğur , Yıldız Dilek Sevgi
Published: September 2023

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on patients 24 months after severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Methodology: Fifty-four patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated on the 24th month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry and short form of health-related quality of life scale (SF-36) were used. Chest computed tomography (chest-CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement.
Results: Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % values of 19 patients (35.18%) and forced vital capacity (FVC) % values of 23 patients (42.54%) were found lower than expected on the 24th month. Physical function, energy-vitality, social functionality and general health parameters were found lower than normal on the SF-36 scale. 27 (50.00%) patients had a chest-CT abnormality. There was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values and group 3: medium-lower lobe dominant, reticulation + traction, 10-50% surface area. Chest-CT of 6 patients was fully recovered. No correlation was found between chest-CT findings on the 24th month and BMI, length of hospitalization, white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin and D-dimer values at the time of hospitalization.
Conclusions: Functional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients on the 24th month. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long-term problems that may arise.
First record of Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910 (Hemiptera, Coreidae) in the Canary Islands, a novel pine pest detected through citizen science in an oceanic archipelago
Authors: Lugo David , Suárez Daniel , Martín Sonia , Afonso Óscar , Martín Alicia , Ruiz Carlos
Published: September 2023

The 'western seed bug', known as Leptoglossus occidentalis, is considered a global invasive species that has experienced a recent rapid expansion worldwide, becoming an important pest species for coniferous forests.

With the 'Canary Islands early-warning network for the detection and intervention of invasive exotic species' (RedEXOS), this species was detected for the first time in the Canarian rchipelago in an urban area in the eastern part of the sland of Gran Canaria. This early detection is crucial for understanding the potential damage in one of the islands with the highest surface area of natural endemic pine forest.
Documenting Biodiversity in Underrepresented Languages using Crowdsourcing
Authors: Fuseini Mohammed Kamal-Deen , Abah Agnes , Waagmeester Andra
Published: September 2023

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and it is essential for our planet's health and well-being. Language is also a powerful medium for documenting and preserving cultural heritage, including knowledge about biodiversity. However, many indigenous and underrepresented languages are at risk of disappearing, taking with them valuable information about local ecosystems. Also, many species are at risk of extinction, and much of our knowledge about biodiversity is in underrepresented languages. (Cardoso et al. 2019). This can make it challenging to document and protect biodiversity, as well as to share this knowledge with others.

Crowdsourcing is a way to collect information from a large number of people, and it can be a valuable tool for documenting biodiversity in underrepresented languages. By crowdsourcing, leveraging the iNaturalist platform, and volunteer contributors in the open movement including the Dagbani*1 and Igbo*2 Wikimedian communities, we can reach people who have knowledge about local biodiversity, but who may not have been able to share this knowledge before. For instance, the Dagbani and Igbo Wikimedia contributors did not have enough content on biodiversity data until they received education about the need. This can help us to fill in the gaps in our knowledge about biodiversity, and to protect species that are at risk of extinction.

In this presentation, we will discuss the use of crowdsourcing to document biodiversity in underrepresented languages, the challenges and opportunities of using crowdsourcing for this purpose, and some examples of successful projects. We will also discuss the importance of sharing knowledge about biodiversity with others and share some ideas on how to do this.

We believe that crowdsourcing has the potential to be a powerful tool for documenting biodiversity in underrepresented languages. By working together, we can help protect our planet's biodiversity and ensure that this knowledge is available to future generations.
Breeding of Buckwheat in Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, NARO
Authors: Suzuki Tatsuro , Katus Kenjiro , Kochi Nobuo , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: September 2023

The Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center is one of the regional agricultural research and development centers of the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) in Japan. The center aims to bring NARO’s agricultural technologies to the forefront of agriculture.
Evaluation of Buckwheat Genetic Resources in Slovenia within the ECOBREED Project
Authors: Kolmanič Aleš , Titan Primož , Svoboda Pavel , Jágr Michal , Dvořáček Václav , Meglič Vladimir , Hlásná Čepková Petra , Janovská Dagmar
Published: September 2023

Understanding the diversity in morpho-phenological characteristics, as well as variations in nutrients and nutraceutical compounds among the different buckwheat genetic resources, plays an important role in their effective use and breeding purposes. In 2020 and 2021, a total of 23 buckwheat accessions were grown in the Slovenian environment. During this period, selected morpho-phenological traits were evaluated together with the analysis of protein content, total content, antioxidant activity, and 17 different phenolic compounds. A remarkable variation in the thousand seed weight was observed between the years 2020 and 2021, while the protein content remained constant in both years and locations. Regarding the content of phenolic compounds, it was confirmed that buckwheat grains are an excellent source of these compounds. Among these compounds, rutin, vitexin, epicatechin, and orientin were identified as the predominant components in the grains. The evaluation of common buckwheat accessions revealed considerable diversity in the studied characteristics within the Slovenian environment. The varieties Sweden-1, ´Tempest, and Dozhdik performed well under the Slovenian conditions.
Considerations on Transitional Justice and the Defense of Human Rights in the Continuum of the Colombian Armed Conflict
Authors: Palacios Valencia Yennesit
Published: September 2023

Transitional justice according to international standards for the protection of human rights, must satisfy the demands of the victims regarding the rights to truth, justice, reparation, and measures of non-repetition. Nevertheless, as far as the Colombian case is concerned, the persistence of the armed conflict shows a tension between the defense of human rights and the imprecise outcome of the transitional justice process. For this reason, the main advances of the Special Tribunal for Peace are identified, noting among other things that fear and crime factors, as categories of analysis, have legitimized the attack against the "enemy", since the historicity of the armed conflict as a continuum.
Quarta Revolução Industrial e os impactos da era digital na morfologia e na regulação do trabalho
Authors: Beltramelli Neto Silvio , Melo Maria Gabriela Vicente Henrique de
Published: September 2023

Partindo da noção de Quarta Revolução Industrial, o artigo se ocupa da compreensão dos impactos da aplicação da tecnologia digital à produção capitalista, sob o ponto de vista da morfologia do trabalho e de seus reflexos para a regulação das relações laborais. Para tanto, empreendeu-se estudo de caráter exploratório, baseado nas produções científicas do campo sociológico sobre os já constatados ou cogitados impactos e desafios da recente transformação digital dos modos de produção no mundo do trabalho e suas consequências no campo regulatório trabalhista. Conclui-se que as facilidades e possibilidades produtivas semeadas pela tecnologia de ponta se mostraram intensificadoras da exploração da força de trabalho formal e informal e que, no campo jurídico, a ampliação da flexibilização de direitos e da previsão de contratos de trabalho atípicos, bem como a negação do vínculo emprego para prestadores de serviços por plataformas digitais revelam precarização jurídica dos direitos trabalhistas na era digital.
Attacks on Web Applications
Authors: Malik Ayushi , Gehlot Shagun , Aggarwal Ambika
Published: September 2023

Online applications hold sensitive data that is valuable, and hackers strive to identify weaknesses and exploit them in order to steal data, pose as users, or disrupt the application. Web applications are increasingly exposed to dangers and attack vectors that are more advanced. Additionally, theft of private information—such as user credentials or billing information for credit cards—occurs frequently. Attackers initially concentrated on obtaining personal information that was accidentally exposed through poorly built or poorly protected web apps. Insecure design, security misconfiguration, vulnerable and outdated components, identification and authentication failures, etc. are some of the most prominent web application vulnerabilities that will be covered in this chapter. The authors are using countermeasures including fuzz testing, source code review, and encoding approaches to get around these vulnerabilities. As a result, this chapter offers information on the various attacks that website visitors who use web applications encounter.
Penetration Testing Tools and Techniques
Authors: Kumar Abhijeet
Published: September 2023

Penetration testing is an ever-growing field that deals with a lot of products and services. This chapter will begin introduction of networking, Linux, and Bash. Furthermore, the common tools of the trade (Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, Burp suite, etc.) for specific type of penetration testing assessments. Readers are recommended to do their own research on such topics in order to gain more in-depth knowledge. Links to additional reading materials will be added in the reference section at the end of the chapter. Readers are advised to go through them at least once to learn more comprehensive information about some chapter topics.
Evaluating Intraoperative Infusion of Low Dose Ketamine vs. Low Dose Ketamine and Dexmedetomidines Perioperatively in Head and Neck Surgeries
Authors: Naik Shradha Vidyadhar , Joshi V. M.
Published: September 2023

The use of opioids is linked to impaired gastrointestinal motility. In order to prevent postoperative ileus, opioid use should be kept to a minimum and alternative medications should be used in its place. One issue is the absence of a consistent criteria for the risk of postoperative urine retention. Opioid usage, however, is unquestionably a significant risk factor. Even though the processes are only poorly understood, efforts that reduce the use of opioids have been proven to reduce its incidence. The issue of postoperative shivering has finally, at least in part, been resolved by avoiding large opioid doses and using alpha-2 agonists. It has recently been questioned whether opioids should be used routinely during surgery, especially in cases where patients are fat. The need of opioids may be decreased by using alpha-2 agonists, which have a strong analgesic effect. The CNS and peripheral alpha-2 adrenergic receptors are bound by alpha-2 agonists. By preventing the central sympathetic outflow, they lower blood pressure.
Harris Hawk Optimization Study of Geosynthetic-Encased Stone Columns Supporting a Railway Embankment in Soft Clay
Authors: Balasubramani M. A. , Venkatakrishnaiah R. , Raju K. V. B.
Published: September 2023

Numerous earth retaining and earth-supported buildings have been built during the last three decades using geogrid as reinforcement. In more recent times, it has been used to reinforce railroad sleepers in order to improve their structural integrity and use. Before conducting the experimental study on the strain and temperature sensing capabilities of the smart geogrid, a general explanation of the manufacturing process for the FBG integrated smart geogrid was provided. It has now been developed to employ an external sensor to provide a reference displacement for the Harris Hawk optimization (HHO) recommended to find the appropriate weighted coefficient in order to calibrate the reconstructed deformation. The geosynthetic-encased stone column (ESC) is a frequent ground improvement approach because of the current site circumstances (low shear strength) and the need to finish the project within the allotted time.
Current Trends for Using Moringa Oleifera Seed (MOS) in Water and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Husein Mansuur , Husein Alhassan Abdul Latif , Konwuruk Niib , Ibrahim Hamdu , Issaka Zakaria , Kaba Peter
Published: September 2023

The unprecedented incidence of rising industrialization, population concentration, and mismanagement of water resources has contributed to water scarcity and pollution in many countries. Water pollution poses a great health threat to humans and animals, as well as the ecosystem. Researchers around the globe have brought to light different methods of using natural Moringa oleifera seed in water and wastewater treatment through coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, biosorption, photocatalysis, and adsorption, among others. These trends toward using natural products for water purification can help avoid the side effects of synthetic chemicals such as alum employed in wastewater decontamination and minimize the cost of treatment. This chapter seeks to comb through the literature and identify the available trends in using Moringa seed to treat water and wastewater, as well as highlight their prospects and challenges for developing countries.
The Moderating Role of State Regulation on Stakeholder Market Orientation and Sustainability Performance at Tourism Destinations
Authors: Tsetse Ernest Kafui Kwasi , Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdulai , Ocloo Elikem Chosniel , Agbesi Emmanuel Kofi
Published: September 2023

Using a survey method, the study used responses from 313 Ghanaian tourism businesses in selected regions and the PLS-SEM in analysing the data. The study established that ecological regulation significantly moderates the StMO-SP relationship while political regulation negatively moderates the StMO-SP nexus. State regulations significantly influence Stakeholder market orientation and sustainability performance at tourism destinations. The study recommends that tourism managers and planners be cognisant with state regulation requirements in fashioning and implementing their StMO-SP strategies. Tourism destination managers and planners who are involved in using StMO in improving sustainability management practices to take into account the role of key stakeholders in fashioning and implementing their sustainability strategies. Future research directions have been discussed.
Assessment of Environmental Knowledge
Authors: Ansah Nana Benyi , Aidoo Isaac , Agbevade Justice
Published: September 2023

While developed countries continue to progress in environmental impact mitigation, global south countries have immature environmental mitigation and performance strategies. The need for formidable knowledge of various environmental themes and categories is thus essential to educate construction contractors on the awareness of their environmental challenges. Knowledge of sustainable standards provides the pathway to achieving the U.N.'s sustainable development goals (SDGs) in providing construction sustainability. This study assessed the awareness level of the Ghanaian construction contractor using climate change as the environmental theme. A survey was carried out on the theme using a 5-point Likert scale. The survey was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The contractor's environmental consciousness level was estimated using linear regression analysis to determine their grasp of climate change. According to the findings, the Ghanaian construction contractor is adequately informed of climate change.
Examining the Use of ChatGPT in Language Teaching
Authors: Özdemir-Çağatay Sibel
Published: September 2023

While AI technology has advanced, research on ChatGPT's role in language teaching is quite limited. No study yet has explored its impact among Turkish English educators. This study engaged English teachers from primary to higher education. 110 teachers, 49.1% from K-12 schools and 50.9% from universities, responded to an online survey in March 2023. ChatGPT's potential emerged in supplying authentic texts, fostering skills, and personalizing content. Concerns arose about ethics, plagiarism, and content quality. Some found ChatGPT inadequate without human validation. It also raised worries about curbing student creativity and critical thinking. The study suggested teachers need digital competencies—tech skills, pedagogical alignment, and ethical awareness—to improve teaching practices, assessment methods, and engagement. Teachers need guidance on ChatGPT use and ethical awareness, and training on integrating higher order thinking into lessons.
Personalized Learning Through Gamification
Authors: Yeşilçınar Sabahattin
Published: September 2023

Gamification has emerged as an effective method for enhancing student engagement and motivation. This approach can be especially useful for English language learning, where learners may face challenges in staying motivated and engaged with the material. By utilizing ChatGBT, learning can be gamified to improve the learning experience. This chapter explores the benefits of gamification for English language learning and outlines how ChatGBT can be used as a gamification tool. ChatGBT's interactive and personalized capabilities can be utilized to create a gamified learning environment. Furthermore, this chapter provides practical examples of how ChatGBT can be used to gamify various aspects of English language learning, including vocabulary acquisition, grammar practice, and reading comprehension. The chapter also discusses challenges and limitations of ChatGBT. Overall, this chapter emphasizes the potential of gamifying English language learning through ChatGBT to enhance learners' motivation and engagement, as well as to improve their language skills in a fun and interactive way.
Enhancing Outcomes, Fostering Values, and Shaping Pedagogy With ChatGPT in English Learning Courses
Authors: Davidson Chad Christopher
Published: September 2023

Through a value-oriented framework, this chapter explores uses of the AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to enhance student learning outcomes, foster individual student values, and promote the harmony between both of these. This exploration occurs via practitioner research of two projects given in two courses. The practitioner research is value-oriented in that its focus is on the use of ChatGPT to foster these values of course outcomes and individual student values. The courses and research occurred from fall semester 2022 to spring semester 2023 in a university in eastern Türkiye. The discussion in the chapter works to advance an understanding of AI's potential use in the development of innovative pedagogical strategies that cater to diverse learner values in order to enhance learning outcomes, promote learner values, and add to the repository of evidence-based practices and case studies implementing AI in language education that can serve as part of the foundation for further research and language teaching experimentation.
Data Acquisition Using NI LabVIEW for Test Automation
Authors: Santhosh Pratik , John Daniel C. , Kodigandla Pallavi , Uma Maheswari V. M. , Sujatha S.
Published: September 2023

In a fighter aircraft, the pilot's safety is of utmost importance, and the pressure sensing in the pilot's mask is essential for ensuring the pilot's safety. This innovative solution ensures the swift and accurate measurement of pressure, minimizing the risk of potential hazards and enhancing military aviation safety. Additionally, it provides a robust and reliable solution that can withstand the harsh and challenging conditions often encountered in the field. This chapter explores the advanced capabilities and benefits of utilizing the National Instrument USB-6363, programmed with LabVIEW, in military aviation, highlighting its potential for revolutionizing pressure measurement processes in this critical field. It describes a research study on developing a pressure-sensing system for pilot masks using NI USB 6363 and LabVIEW.
Real-Time Recording and Analysis of Facial Expressions of Video Viewers
Authors: Kanjalkar Pramod Madhavrao , Patil Shubham , Chinchole Prasad Jitendra , Chitre Archit Ashish , Kanjalkar Jyoti
Published: September 2023

Automated facial emotion recognition (AFER) is a technique with rising usage across a range of practical real-world applications ranging from security to advertising. AFER can be used to assess the emotional state of patients with mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety to guide treatment decisions. Companies can use facial emotion recognition to gauge consumer reactions to different products or advertisements, providing valuable insights for product development and marketing strategies. The following paper examines the concept of facial emotion recognition using AI-based models and compares the results of two different techniques. The first technique uses face emotion detection using haar cascade classifier along with convolutional neural networks (CNN), and the second technique uses face emotion detection using facial landmarks along with CNN.
Software Defect Prediction Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Cauvery G. , Suresh Dhina , Aswini G. , Jayanthi P. , Kalaiselvi K.
Published: September 2023

Software defect prediction gives development teams observable results while influencing business outcomes and development flaws. Developers can uncover flaws and plan test activities by anticipating problematic code sections. Early identification depends on the percentage of classifications that make the right prediction. Additionally, software-defective data sets are supported and partially acknowledged because of their vast size. The confusion, precision, recall, identification accuracy, etc., are assessed and compared with the existing schemes in a systematic research analysis. Previous research has employed the weak simulation tool for software analysis, but this study proposes building three machine learning models using linear regression, KNN classifier, and random forest (RF). According to the analytical investigation, the suggested approach will offer more beneficial options for predicting device failures. Moreover, software-defected data sets are supported and at least partially recognized due to their enormous dimension.
A Review on Pragmatic Prerequisite Utilization of IoT in SCML for Industry 4.0
Authors: Thilak Reddy C. , Yogananthan S. , Ulle Ravishankar S. , Sinha Rupesh Kumar
Published: September 2023

Embracing digital transformation has led to a major industrial change in the field of supply chain management qualitatively. This research deliberates emerging technologies identified as IoT (internet of things) which with other technologies like AI and ML, big data, and cloud computing an inevitable requirement for industry 4.0 implementation based on the complex needs following organizational structure. Study in the region of utilization of IoT in SCML is scarce in developing countries. However, the following inevitable SCM drivers such as real-time realization, barriers in enabling demand flow, value optimization from the business perspective, including elements of sustainability, the rising expectation of customers, and cutthroat competition amongst the manufacturers and service providers, have led to the utilization of IoT SCML industry. Especially when the constraints like time management and flow of materials are in high focus.
A Study of Detecting Individual to Mental Health of Fear of Falling (FOF) in Indian Cities
Authors: Malik Bhavika , Kamath Akshath Lilesh , Iyer Anusha Krishnan , Ghag Anuj Dinesh , Sneha S. , Shah Nandini , Gill Arshkirat
Published: September 2023

The relationship between fear of falling (FOF) and fall-related injuries in elderly is becoming quite prominent and its factors have not been explored. FOF is a person's anxiety towards mobilizing, with a perception that a fall will occur. Approximately 25% to 55% of community-living elderly are afraid of falling. The context of this problem is generalized in terms of FOF and has no sufficient data available for washroom spaces. Physical, medical, and psychological performances of 175 people in the age gap of 65 - 75 years were considered, over three cities i.e., Mumbai, Pune, and Kota. Past fall histories, medical histories, GAUG tests and responses to various washroom activities were recorded to establish the FES table. On the basis of these evaluations the factors causing FOF were determined, and a city comparison was made. This chapter provides an overview of FOF and a foundation on which to base decisions about the design of preventive interventions.
Macrolide's Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Acute and Subacute Inflammation (Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, and Roxithromycin)
Authors: Thorat Vandana M. , Bharambe Mahesh Manohar
Published: September 2023

The key characteristics of acute inflammation are the exudation of fluid and plasma proteins and the emigration of leukocytes, mostly neutrophils, and it often begins within minutes or hours in response to infection and tissue damage and lasts for many hours. After the harmful agents have been removed, the acute inflammatory response fades, but if the response fails to eradicate the stimuli, the reaction might develop into a prolonged phase referred to as chronic inflammation. Since there is no safe, effective anti-inflammatory drug, scientists continue to study inflammation. Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, and Roxithromycin were tested for anti-inflammatory properties in Wistar rats with acute and sub-acute inflammation. Karad's largest animal house supplied 200–300g Wistar rats. Before the studies, the animals were used to the 24-hour cycle of light and dark for ten days. There was generally enough water and rat pellets. The IAC authorised this study (Institutional Animal Ethics Committee).
Identifying the Cognitive and Digital Gap in Educational Institutions Using a Technology Characterization Software
Authors: Monsalve Alexandra María Silva , Garzón Duvan Andrés Garzón
Published: September 2023

This research aims to identify the existing technological and cognitive gaps in educational institutions through the implementation of characterization software. To meet this objective, the study establishes a framework of digital competencies to validate the level of performance using the input of educational community members, which allows for establishing a diagnosis regarding the use and appropriation of technological resources. The study utilized an applied research methodology based on a validation approach using the technological acceptance method. The findings reveal educational institutions' lack of knowledge in identifying and appropriating technological resources. The research concludes that recognizing technology and technological resources can lead to the improvement of educational processes. It also provides a framework for researchers to present proposals that allow them to recognize technology's mediating role in the teaching-learning process.
Gossypiboma, a rare cause of failure in surgical intervention: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Ukekwe Francis I. , Nwokoro Onyekachi C. , Nnamani Celestine E. , Nwidenyi Isaiah O. , Ugwueke Ikechukwu
Published: September 2023

Gossypiboma (GB) is a rare but avoidable cause of failure in surgical intervention due to retention of a surgical swab in the body after an operation. It leads to potentially fatal complications with far reaching medico-legal implications. We report a case of a 28-year-old female who presented with a month history of severe abdominal pain following a myomectomy surgery. Abdominopelvic ultrasound and Computed Tomography (CT) reported an ill-defined mass in the abdomen. Exploratory laparotomy revealed extensive peritoneal adhesions, and a hard mass walled off by the greater omentum and adherent to the jejunum. Histopathological evaluation of the excised mass showed gauze-like material surrounded by intense granulomatous inflammation, adherent to intestinal segments. She was subsequently treated with ceftriaxone, metronidazole and pentazocine, and discharged home after an uneventful postoperative period.
Bowel preparation in children and adolescents undergoing ileo-colonoscopy: what is new?
Authors: Eke C. B. , Onyia J. O. T. , Eke A. L. , Ukekwe F. I.
Published: September 2023

Ileo-colonoscopy is a vital diagnostic and therapeutic tool undertaken for evaluating and treating gastrointestinal tract pathologies in children and adolescents as well as adults. Proper visualization of the lower intestinal mucosa, completion of the procedure including terminal ileum/cecal intubation, detection of pathological lesions and therapeutic maneuvers are hinged on how adequate the bowel preparation is. About 25% percent of pediatric patients have inadequate bowel preparations, which can lead to prolonged colonoscopy procedure time, missed pathology, difficult ileal intubation/incomplete examination, and requiring cancellation or repeat procedure with attendant anesthetic risks. An ideal bowel preparation regimen should clear the colon of fecal material with no alteration of the colonic mucosa that could affect the histological findings. There is no acceptable universal regimen for bowel preparation in children; however wide variability of practices exists globally. Hence, the current review is aimed at analyzing recent published literature and personal practical experiences as well as developing a standard bowel preparation guideline that will improve outcome of the ileo- colonoscopy procedure in children particularly in resource limited settings.
Pyoderma gangrenosum developed from aggravated pemphigus foliaceous after dog bite
Authors: Kwak Jun Ho , Na Chan Ho , Shin Bong Seok , Kim Min Sung , Choi Hoon
Published: September 2023

Dear Editor, Pyoderma gangrenosum(PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis that causes the development of painful ulcers on the skin, initially starting with nodules or abscesses, and quickly progressing at the peripheral regions into ulcers.1 The exact cause is not yet known, and 20-30% of patients are said to experience a pathergy phenomenon in which lesions occur in the sites of previous trauma.2 In addition, pyoderma gangrenosum is accompanied by systemic diseases, such as Crohn's disease or inflammatory colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hyperthyroidism.3 Although numerous reports indicate that pyoderma gangrenosum is associated with systemic diseases,4 case reports on the association of pyoderma gangrenosum with skin diseases, especially blistering disorders, are very rare. [...]
Can hydradenitis suppurativa be associated with inflammatory joint involvement? Report of a case series and review of the literature.
Authors: Graceffa Dario , Silvestri Martina , Cameli Norma , Lora Viviana , Cristaudo Antonio , Bonifati Claudio , Cota Carlo , Saraceni Pierluigi
Published: September 2023

Dear Editor, Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) or acne inversus, is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease with a significant negative impact on the patient's quality of life, from a psychological, social and occupational point of view. The disease mainly affects the female sex and occurs between puberty and 40 years of age. It is estimated that in Europe the prevalence of the disease in the general population is 1%.1 Recent studies have shown a high incidence of inflammatory arthritis, in particular spondyloarthritis, in patients with HS.2 In this report, we present 18 cases of patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, visited at the San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, who presented joint symptoms. [...]
Six-minute step test performance in asymptomatic adults
Authors: Kalra Riya , Goyal Kanu , Goyal Manu , Vaish Hina
Published: September 2023

The objectives of this study were i) to measure a six-minute step test (6MST) in asymptomatic adults; ii) to determine the applicability of Arcuri et al.’s reference equation to Indian adults; iii) to develop a prediction equation for Indian adults. 110 adult males and females aged 18-40 years were recruited for this prospective cross-sectional study conducted in India. Participants underwent 6MST. Applicability was assessed by comparing the findings of the 6MST with the values derived from Arcuri et al.’s predicted equations using the Bland-Altman plot. A multiple regression analysis was used to develop the prediction equation. The mean±SD six-minute step count was 159.42±17.60 steps and 150.78±14.39 steps in males and females respectively. The 6MST for males can be determined by males (steps)=204.371-1.521×age(years) and females (steps)=179.567-1.06×age (years). Arcuri et al.’s equation cannot be used to predict 6MST in Indian adults. Region-specific equations are useful to assess the values.
Antioxidation and anti-inflammatory activities of blended essential oil
Authors: Chaiwong Suriya , Akkarasiritharattana Kunthasaya , Jarmkom Khamjira , Amorndoljai Punyanut
Published: September 2023

The mixtures of essential oils are increasing popularly in holistic medicine. The different ratios of oil components in the preparation can result in different health benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a mixture of essential oil formulation having promising bioactivities for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. The five popular essential oils including vetiver oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, lemongrass oil, and phlai oil were selected for blended formulation. The selected oils were mixed in a suitable ratio and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging, respectively. The prepared blended essential oil formulation had clear yellow-pale color and good smell. The blended oil showed good antioxidative activity by acting as a hydrogen donator. However, the blended oil presents mild anti-inflammatory activity via NO quenching action. The results of this study exposed that the developed blended essential oil formulation has promising properties to be used as a natural antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
Re-admission and quality of life among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after telemedicine video nursing consultation - a randomized study
Authors: Saleh Safaa , Skeie Svein , Grundt Heidi
Published: September 2023

Background: Our previous study showed a reduced cumulative length of re-admission stays due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations during one year after telemedicine video consultation (TVC). The current study evaluated the effects of TVC on the length of re-admission stays within 12 months follow up post-TVC compared to phone call follow up or COPD usual care in a randomized study. Our secondary aim was to assess the impact of TVC on the frequency of re-admissions within 12 months of follow up. Patient satisfaction, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were also evaluated. Methods: The study was a prospective randomized study of COPD patients who after hospital discharge for acute COPD exacerbations, were randomized to monitoring by TVC at home compared to phone call follow up for two weeks by a specialist nurse at the hospital or usual COPD care. Prospectively, we compared the cumulative durations and frequencies of hospital re-admissions due to COPD exacerbations within 12 months follow up after TVC, phone call follow up or usual COPD care.Results: Among 173 COPD patients followed for 12 months, 99 were re-admitted. The median cumulative length of readmission stays per patient within 12 months post-TVC did not differ from those followed by phone calls or with usual COPD care. The number of patients re-admitted and the number of re-admissions due to COPD exacerbations were also equal in the three groups. Patient satisfaction was high among those followed by TVC and phone calls, and the HADS and CAT scores favorably declined from baseline to post-intervention in patients followed by TVC and phone calls. Conclusions: The study could not demonstrate a beneficial effect of TVC on the cumulative length of re-admission stays or on the number of re-admissions within 12 months following an acute COPD hospital stay, as compared to those followed by phone calls or with usual COPD care. Patient satisfaction was high among those followed by TVC and phone calls, and the declines in HADS and CAT scores seem to be consequences of increased empowerment and competence for good self-care in COPD patients, remaining through the one-year observation period.
Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life of Caregivers for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Treated with Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Gencer Gökçe Yağmur Güneş , Erdem Nazan Şimşek , Ipek Lutfiye , Özkaynak Sehur Sibel , Uçar Tanju
Published: September 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to identify caregiver burden (CB) and contributing factors to CB for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients under Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation (STN-DBS) treatment, and investigation the factors, affecting the caregivers’ quality of life (QoL).

Methods:

Twenty-four PD patients under STN-DBS treatment and their caregivers participated in this study. Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was applied for the clinical assessment of the patients. Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Minnesota Impulse Control Disorders Interview (MIDI) were used to screen for neuropsychiatric symptoms of the patients. CB was evaluated with the Caregivers Burden Inventory (CBI) and the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC-s). The health-related QoL of caregivers was assessed with the Short Form Survey-36 (SF-36).

Results:

Mean total CBI and BSFC-s scores of caregivers were 32.53 ± 19.71 and 11.66 ± 8.86, respectively. Nineteen caregivers defined moderate or severe caregiver burden according to BSFC-s. Both CBI and BSFC-s scores were significantly associated with UPDRS-part-1 scores, but not with the age and gender of both the patients and their caregivers, disease duration, PDQ39, BDI, HADS, LARS scores, and scores of patients for other UPDRS parts. The presence of impulse control behaviors (ICBs) significantly increased the total CBI score and total BSFC-s (P < 0.01). The caregivers’ total and all domain scores of SF-36 were significantly affected by higher CBI and BSFC-s scores.

Conclusions:

The CB of the patients under STN-DBS treatment was severe. Non-motor symptoms, particularly impulsivity, significantly increased CB and worsened the caregivers’ mental and physical health.
Correlates of Psychological Stress and Trauma Symptoms with COVID-19 Exposure among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Chillal Guruprasad , Patwal Rahul , Vidya G. , Anitha G. S. , Savitha C. , Shivamurthy Geetha , Ranganath T. S. , Jayashree Sajja , Jyothsna C. S. , Kushal B.R. , Keerthana R. , Metre Krishna , Gopinath Lavanya , Devi D. Thulasi
Published: September 2023

Background:

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been at the frontline of the healthcare and have reported higher risk of infection along with higher stress levels. This study aims to understand the association of the stress and trauma related symptoms in HCWs in relation to the COVID 19 exposure.

Methods:

A prospective follow up study was conducted in HCWs working at two obstetric centers in India from July to August 2020. HCWs who had been exposed to COVID 19 patients were assessed for stress and trauma related symptoms before the RTPCR test and once after the RTPCR test results were out. The Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), Perceived Stress scale (PSS) and Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) were used to assess the stress and trauma related symptoms in HCWs.

Results:

A total of 151 HCWs participated in the study. 120 (79.4%) of the participants were female. 95 out of the 151 (62.5%) participants belonged to the 20-40 years age group. There was a significant reduction in stress related scores of HCWs in both SRQ-20 and PSS after the RTPCR results.

Conclusion:

There is increased psychological distress in HCWs after exposure to COVID infection, which significantly decreases once their COVID test is done. This indicates that the fear of infection itself is a stressful and traumatic process affecting the HCWs. The results highlight the importance of screening HCWs for stress related symptoms after exposure. Providing immediate psychological support to the HCWs will improve mental status and working capacity at the earliest.
Double Trouble: A Case of Ictal Bradycardia Syndrome Complicating Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Harikrishna Ganaraja Valakunja , Bhat Vivek , Kodapala Suresha
Published: September 2023

Ictal bradycardia (IB) is an uncommon and serious extraneural manifestation of epilepsy. We describe the case of a patient with temporal lobe epilepsy, who, despite appropriate antiepileptics, developed status epilepticus with pharmacologically refractory bradycardia. Electrocardiogram showed features of a complete heart block with the right bundle branch block and escape rhythms. A temporary pacemaker was inserted, in addition to antiepileptics for seizure control. He maintained intrinsic heart rhythm, and since discharge, has not suffered further seizures. IB probably result from massive parasympathetic discharge from the insula and limbic system. It occurs in <1% of seizures, usually in temporal lobe epilepsy, regardless of the presence of structural cardiac anomalies. Longer duration arrhythmias can cause asystole and syncope and could be fatal. Our report highlights the role of central autonomic centers in severe bradycardia, and adds to the body of the literature regarding this rare phenomenon.