bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Certification Exams Reflect Current Practice
Authors: Myers Tara L. , DeGarmo Sean , Horahan Marianne
Published: October 2024

Certification exams are often the least understood aspect of certification processes. This article delves into the development of certification exams, highlighting their crucial role in assessing the knowledge and skills required for effective job performance. It explores how exams are meticulously crafted to align with specific job tasks, knowledge areas, and skill sets within various nursing specialties. Through collaborative efforts between practicing nurses and exam developers, these exams are designed to uphold validity, reliability, and fairness standards. Ultimately, certification exams are pivotal in evaluating nurses' competencies in vital aspects of clinical practice, facilitated by ongoing partnerships between nurses and certifying bodies.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2024;55(11):513–516.]
Exploring immune response and lab markers across COVID-19 severity levels
Authors: Desheva Y. , Shvedova T. , Lerner A. , Kudar P. , Kopteva O. , Petrachkova D. , Koroleva I. , Leontieva G. , Ponkratov S. , Suvorov A.
Published: October 2024

This retrospective cohort study investigated antigen-specific antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 and laboratory markers in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients of varying severities. Serum or plasma samples collected early in the pandemic were analyzed for the presence of IgG antibodies and IgG subclasses which target the recombinant spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Correlation analyses were conducted to assess the possible relationship between the IgG subclasses to SARS-CoV-2 proteins, inflammatory markers, and the severity of the disease. It was shown that the severity of the disease positively correlated with the C-reactive protein (CRP), but most of all with the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) levels. IgG titers against the S- and N-proteins decreased in the most severe COVID-19 cases, which potentially attributed to a delayed IgG formation compared to milder infections. The presence of anti-spike IgG displayed a medium negative correlation trend (not statistically significant, which might be due to the small sample size in our study) with laboratory markers (such as CRP, Fibrinogen, Degree) which are suggestive of infection severity. anti-S IgG correlated positively but weakly with the serum histamine levels. The presence of anti-N IgG at the time of hospitalization correlated with the subsequent outcome. At the same time, anti-N IgG1 correlated with the detection of the viral RNA in the blood. Thus, seroconversion may occur later in patients with a more severe pneumonia. The summary data suggests correlations between the expression of inflammatory markers and the antibody responses, which can also serve as early clinical markers.
Breast mass lesion area detection method based on an improved YOLOv8 model
Authors: Lan Yihua , Lv Yingjie , Xu Jiashu , Zhang Yingqi , Zhang Yanhong
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer has a very high incidence rate worldwide, and effective screening and early diagnosis are particularly important. In this paper, two improved You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8) models, the YOLOv8-GHOST and YOLOv8-P2 models, are proposed to address the difficulty of distinguishing lesions from normal tissues in mammography images. The YOLOv8-GHOST model incorporates GHOSTConv and C3GHOST modules into the original YOLOv8 model to capture richer feature information while using only 57% of the number of parameters required by the original model. The YOLOv8-P2 algorithm significantly reduces the number of necessary parameters by streamlining the number of channels in the feature map. This paper proposes the YOLOv8-GHOST-P2 model by combining the above two improvements. Experiments conducted on the MIAS and DDSM datasets show that the new models achieved significantly improved computational efficiency while maintaining high detection accuracy. Compared with the traditional YOLOv8 method, the three new models improved and achieved F1 scores of 98.38%, 98.8%, and 98.57%, while the number of parameters reduced by 42.9%, 46.64%, and 2.8%. These improvements provide a more efficient and accurate tool for clinical breast cancer screening and lay the foundation for subsequent studies. Future work will explore the potential applications of the developed models to other medical image analysis tasks.
Système immunitaire et dynamique du cerveau
Authors: Garel Sonia
Published: October 2024

Aux xixe et xxe siècles, les découvertes en neurobiologie et en immunologie ont bouleversé la manière dont nous comprenions les interactions des êtres vivants avec leur environnement. Malgré ces avancées, il faudra attendre le tournant du xxie siècle pour que le dogme de la séparation entre cerveau et système immunitaire soit discuté. Depuis une vingtaine d'années, les études attestent le rôle de cellules immunitaires du cerveau non seulement dans la construction et le fonctionnement de l’activité cérébrale, mais aussi dans l’apparition de pathologies neurodégénératives et psychiatriques. Il apparaît donc essentiel de cultiver une approche systémique qui vise à considérer le cerveau dans sa dynamique d’évolution et dans le contexte plus général du corps. Cette approche, qui cherche également à connaître l’origine des maladies, est une source d’espoir pour l’émergence de nouvelles voies thérapeutiques.
Empowering Early Cancer Detection
Authors: Babu C. V. Suresh , Asmaa Begum M. S. , Lokeshwaran G. K. , Akshaya A. S.
Published: October 2024

This chapter explores Applications of smartphone technology in cancer diagnosis make it a game-changing part of healthcare, especially in terms of better early diagnosis and empowering patients. This abstract synthesizes some recent developments of the application of smartphones in detecting cancer, focusing on skin and cervical cancers. Recent studies have reported that AI algorithms developed on smartphones could accurately estimate skin lesions for malignancy. For instance, a clinical validation study assessed two neural network algorithms that attained sensitivities of 96.4% and 95.35% in detecting malignant skin lesions, hence establishing the potential of the smartphone as a diagnostic tool in dermatology. Widespread use of smartphones enables access to methods of early detection, mainly in underserved regions of a country, reducing the healthcare burden from late-stage cancer diagnoses.
A Predictive Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Traditional and Tree-Based Regression Algorithms
Authors: Singh Hari , Sewal Piyush , Verma Dinesh Chander
Published: October 2024

A lot of works exist in the literature that compares regression algorithms on different datasets. This chapter presents a model that uses best subset selection approach for the predictors and performs an exhaustive empirical comparison of eight regression algorithms Linear Regression, Multi-Linear Regression, Polynomial Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors, Lasso, Ridge, Decision Tree, Gradient Boost Tree, and Random Forest Regression algorithms on various predictors from Covid-19 dataset. The model is evaluated for train accuracy on metrics R2, Root Mean Square Error, and Mean Absolute Error. The test R2 and adjusted-R2 metrics evaluate the model on cross-validation prediction test errors. The predicted values of dependent variables are checked for similarity and validation using statistical z-test.
Investigation of Copper Addition on Corrosion Behavior of a Ferrous Based Shape Memory Alloy for Biomedical Implant Applications
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad Muneeb , ur Rahman Rana Atta , Abbas Syed Zameer
Published: October 2024

Permanent biomedical implants pose several issues in long term scenarios like infections, inflammation, implant fracture, tissue damage, cancerous tumors formation, and skin allergies. Biodegradable biomedical implants are a new interest that function by degrading internally after achieving the implant goal. Shape memory alloys like Nitinol and Iron based shape memory alloys have applications in biomaterials due to the excellent property of super elasticity and shape memory effect respectively with the ease of small surgery requirement. To achieve biodegradability, the alloy composition is to be set while not compromising other properties such as biocompatibility, mechanical properties, shape memory properties, and magnetic properties. Slow corrosion rates of Fe-Mn alloys are reported and alloying addition, surface modifications, and novel manufacturing techniques are suggested to overcome this problem. In this study, the effect of addition of copper addition effect on the degradation behavior of Fe-30Mn-5Si is investigated. Austenite is the major phase present in both samples and small amounts of martensite are also present. For 10% copper, an additional copper rich phase is formed along the grain boundaries as it was beyond the solubility limit of iron matrix. The electrochemical corrosion test shows that 10% Cu addition resulted in 1.72 times higher corrosion rate than that of 5% Cu addition. As 5% Cu addition is within the solubility limit of iron matrix, and it forms a solid solution with iron that creates a passive layer during corrosion testing results in slower degradation.
A Novel Elastomeric Dielectric Materials: Natural Rubber/Copper-Modified Activated Carbon
Authors: Yingshataporn-A-Nan Thanathach , Thusanaphoom Panachai , Lardsaluk Thanadol , Moolchai Nattawut , Sosa Narongrit , Jeungthanasirigool Wiwat , Sukhawipat Nathapong
Published: October 2024

In this research, a new elastomeric dielectric material is created by integrating natural rubber (NR) with activated carbon derived from coconut shells that has been modified with copper (Ac-Cu). Here, The copper content, ranging from 0 to 2%, was meticulously examined on the AC surface through a reduction technique from copper (II) to copper (0), with the Ac-Cu concentration fixed at 15 parts per hundred of rubber (phr). Systematic investigations into the effects of the additive were conducted across various parameters, encompassing optimum curing time (t90), density, crosslink density, mechanical properties, morphology, and dielectric properties. Results revealed a notable influence of copper on the curing process, resulting in decreased cure time, and a corresponding decrease in crosslink density as the copper content increased. Interestingly, copper incorporation demonstrated a positive impact on mechanical properties. Dielectric property analysis further confirmed a direct effect of increasing copper content on the frequency range of 0.85 to 1.15 GHz. This work not only introduces a pioneering dielectric material but also provides crucial insights into the nuanced effects of copper modification, offering avenues for tailored material design in the realm of enhanced dielectric applications.
Characterization and Performance Analysis of TiO2 Coated UHMWPE for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Gul Rizwan Mehmood , Nawaz Ahmad , Ali Kamran Muhammad , Khan Fahd Nawaz
Published: October 2024

Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a highly versatile polymer known for its exceptional mechanical properties, however, its limited life as an implant material for Total Joint Replacement (TJR) necessitates surface modification to extend its lifespan. This study aims to enhance the surface properties of UHMWPE through application of ceramic coatings. Magnetron sputtering method was used to deposit thin film of white Titania (TiO2) on the material’s surface. To evaluate the surface characteristics, such as surface roughness, uniformity and structure, coated and uncoated samples were analyzed through Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD). The material performance in relation to biological context was investigated through Contact Angle measurement. A comparative analysis of coated and uncoated samples was then performed. The coated samples showed better wettability compared to uncoated sample. This fact highlights the hydrophilic nature of film. The results of the coated UHMWPE suggest that this surface modification technique could significantly extend the lifespan of UHMWPE implants in TJR, potentially addressing the current limitations associated with their longevity.
Microbial Pigment Isolation, Culturing, and Extraction to Use as Textile Dyes
Authors: Hewagama H. L. , Somarathna G. M. T. K. , Herath L. , Peiris S. E.
Published: October 2024

The textile industry is one of the largest worldwide polluters of clean water due to the heavy use of synthetic dyes. These chemicals negatively affect the environment, especially aquatic life due to their toxic and mutagenic properties. Synthetic dyes cause harm to human health such as skin allergies and respiratory sensitization. Several advantages such as ease of extraction, availability, high yields and no seasonal variation make microbial pigments the most ideal source of natural pigments. This study was done to isolate colour pigment producing bacteria and fungi from soil collected from organic farms from various locations in Sri Lanka. Out of 7 soil samples, 3 yielded pigment producing bacteria and fungi. In total, 9 pigment producing bacteria and 3 pigment producing fungi were isolated. Gause’s synthetic agar yielded the most pigmented isolates. Isolates were inoculated in broths and pigment production was observed. Extracellular pigments produced by 5 of the bacterial isolates were extracted by a water-based method. The antibacterial activity of the pigments in their crude and concentrated forms was tested using the well diffusion method against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P. Inhibition zone against S. aureus was observed for both crude (12.33±0.58mm) and concentrated pigments (9.67±0.58mm) extracted from purple pigment producing bacterial isolate (BPU). This pigment has the potential to be used in antibacterial textile preparation. Extracted pigments were used to dye scoured cotton fabric with the use of 3% alum as mordant. Pigment from BPU isolate resulted in better coloured fabric.
31st Annual Scientific Sessions Book of Abstracts: ‘Transforming Healthcare: Fostering Leadership, Professionalism and Efficiency’, 25th – 27th October 2024, Hotel Galadari, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijesinghe Chandana
Published: October 2024

NA
Da la scheggia rotta usciva insieme parole e sangue: an unusual case of bleeding and the metaphor of a clinical trial
Authors: De Gaetano Giovanni
Published: October 2024

In the Canto XIII of the Inferno, in the forest of suicides, Dante and Virgil encounter a damned soul who, though not revealing his name, is easily identifiable as Pier delle Vigne, a notary and right-hand man of the emperor Frederick II in Palermo. Among other achievements, Pier delle Vigne signed the Constitutions of Melfi and, in 1224, the founding act of the University of Naples. Later, due to court intrigues, he fell out of favor with the emperor and committed suicide. The suicides in Hell have lost their bodies, transformed into trees or bushes (“men we were, and now we are stumps”). The report of Dante, Virgil and Pier delle Vigne’s encounter follows a sequence that, more than 700 years earlier, mirrors the general path of modern scientific research, in particular of clinical trials: from the observation of an unusual episode of bleeding (a tree that speaks and from which words and blood flow together), to the formulation of a hypothesis, from the mentor-student relationship to the experiment without informed consent, from empathy with the patient to the definition of autoimmunity and inflammation, and finally to the publication of the case.
Analysis of structured discharge planning implementation for discharged inpatients: a multicenter study
Authors: Rahayu Candra Dewi , Purnamasari Ika , Alviana Fifi , Wibowo Dwi Ari , Amir Haeril
Published: October 2024

Discharge planning is an approach taken by the nurse, patient, and family that includes a needs assessment that will address a detailed care plan after the patient is discharged from the hospital. Discharge planning is essential for patients to prevent re-visiting patients with the same complaints or symptoms that require new treatment and to reduce length of stay for patients. In addition, a structured discharge planning can improve the quality of nursing care. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of structured discharge planning in inpatients. The method employed is a descriptive quantitative carried out in 9 hospitals. The results show that 78.03% of discharge planning has been carried out on inpatients. 54.3% of discharge planning was carried out since the patient's admission, and 45.7% was carried out when the patient was about to be discharged. Discharge planning is carried out ranging from assessment, diagnosis, intervention, implementation and evaluation. Discussion and conclusion state that the discharge planning has been carried out in a structured manner but the implementation has not been optimal and has not been fully performed when the patient is admitted to undergo treatment at the hospital.
Fine-grained recognition algorithm of crop pests based on cross-layer bilinear aggregation and multi-task learning
Authors: Ruan Juquan , Liu Shuo , Mao Wanjing , Zeng Shan , Zhang Zhuoyi , Yin Guangsun
Published: October 2024

Fine-grained recognition of crop pests is a crucial concern in the field of agriculture, as the accuracy of recognition and generalization ability directly affect the yield and quality of crops. Aiming at the characteristics of crop pests with a wide variety of species, small inter-class and large intra-class differences in external morphology, as well as the problems of uneven sample distribution and noisy labels in fine-grained image datasets under complex environments, we propose a fine-grained recognition model of crop pests (MT-MACLBPHSNet) based on cross-layer bilinear aggregation and multi-task learning, which consists of three key modules: the backbone network module, the cross-layer bilinear aggregation module, and the multi-task learning module. A new union loss function is designed in the primary task of the multi-task learning module, which is used to alleviate the two problems existing in the model training fine-grained image datasets. The experimental results show that the model effectively balances the model complexity and recognition accuracy in a comparative analysis with several existing excellent network models on the IP102-CP13 dataset, with the recognition accuracy reaching 75.37%, which is 7.06% higher than the Baseline model, and the F1-score reaching 67.06%. Additionally, the generalization of the model is also verified on the IP102-VP16 dataset, and the model outperforms most of the models in terms of recognition accuracy and generalization ability, which can provide an effective reference for fine-grained recognition of crop pests.
Inflammatory back pain as an unusual manifestation of Takayasu arteritis: a case report
Authors: Gorial F.I. , Awadh N.I. , Al-Shakarchi A. , Al-Gburi G.
Published: October 2024

Takayasu arteritis and spondyloarthritis are two rheumatological diseases whose co-existence is well-documented in the literature. Data on the presence of inflammatory back pain in Takayasu arteritis without a diagnosis of spondyloarthritis, however, is scarce. Here, we present a 33-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency department with acute-onset chest pain associated with left carotidynia, carotid bruit, and left arm claudication, normal electrocardiogram and computed tomography angiographic features suggesting Takayasu arteritis, including stenosis and occlusion of the aorta and its branches. Two years prior, he had undergone a clinical work-up for an inflammatory back pain accompanied by alternating buttocks pain, morning stiffness lasting more than half an hour, and heel pain. HLA-B27 status and magnetic resonance imaging of the sacroiliac joints were both negative. He was prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and was placed on adalimumab 40 mg SC every two weeks but had to switch to etanercept two months before his emergency admission due to supply issues. Oral prednisolone was initiated at a dose of 60 mg/day with symptomatic improvement in both his inflammatory back pain and his chest pain, but he had to be switched to methotrexate and infliximab due to steroid side effects. Inflammatory aortitis should be considered as a possibility during the assessment of inflammatory back pain to mitigate the risks of delayed diagnosis.
Assessment of Behavioral Properties of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis against Aluminum-induced Neurotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Srivastava Vartika , Pattanayak Chaitali , Sarkar Sougata , Das Mangala Charana , Chaudhury Harish Chandra
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to dementia and cognitive impairment. Current treatment modalities of AD do not cure the disease completely, rather it only slows the progression and are associated with numerous adverse effects. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. is an ornamental shrub having various medicinal properties such as analgesic, hepatoprotective, anti-arthritis, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory effects.

Methodology:

The present study was carried out using ethanolic extract of the leaves of N. arbor-tristis L. (NALE) plant. About 36 albino Wistar rats were taken and divided into six groups containing six rats each. Group I was the normal control (rats received normal diet), group II rats were positive control (received aluminum chloride), group III rats were standard control group (received donepezil), while groups IV, V, and VI were test treatment control groups (received varying doses of NALE extract). Behavioral assessment was done by four procedures, namely Morris water maze test, locomotor test, passive avoidance, and elevated plus maze test.

Results:

The NALE treatment group showed a significant improvement in behavioral parameters and was comparable with standard group.

Conclusion:

Nyctanthes showed neuroprotective and cytoprotective effects by decreasing acetylcholinesterase activity and reducing oxidative stress. Hence, it is postulated that this product can be useful for the treatment of AD.
An Audit of Intraoperative Frozen Section at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Buch Archana C. , Karnavat Neha Praveen , Ambekar Mayur , Karpe Shreya Vinayak , Valecha Isha Harish , Chandanwale Shirish S.
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Frozen section (FS) is an important diagnostic tool for intraoperative decision-making. Audit of FS is an integral aspect of qualitative measure of pathology services. The aim of the study was to correlate FS diagnosis with final diagnosis and study diagnostic accuracy.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted for a period of 12 months from July 1, 2021, to June 31, 2022, at a tertiary care center. A total of 122 consecutive frozen cases were studied retrospectively. The FS and corresponding formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue section with their final histopathological examination reports were studied and analyzed. The results were analyzed as concordant and discordant rates, which were compared with other similar studies. Reasons for discordance were discussed.

Results:

The patients were in the age range of 3 months to 87 years with a male:female ratio of 1.1:1. The turnaround time from receipt of sample to release of frozen report ranged from 10 to 40 min (average = 20 min). Indications of FS were for primary diagnosis of lesion (n = 66), resection margin assessment (n = 41), lymph node assessment (n = 12), and assessment of donor liver tissue (n = 3). Maximum number of specimens were from the surgery department, and the most commonly sampled site was oral cavity. The concordance and discordance rates were 95.90% and 4.10%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative FS diagnosis aids in proper surgical decision-making and management. Periodic audit of FS and analysis of discrepancies is important to avoid mistakes in FS diagnosis.
The application of chest wall perforator flaps in total breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer: A case report
Authors: Kokkonis Dimitrios , Zambia Koukouritaki
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Chest wall perforator flaps (CWPFs) have become a useful tool in oncoplastic surgery in recent years, and they can facilitate breast-conserving surgery for women who would otherwise be candidates for mastectomy. Patients with excess skin and fat in the lateral chest wall can be suitable for this technique. So far, it was believed that these local flaps cannot provide adequate volume for total breast reconstruction. Thus, there is a paucity of data on the subject, except for very few small case series worldwide. Here, we present a case report of a female breast cancer patient who underwent immediate total breast reconstruction after mastectomy, using two stacked perforator flaps from the lateral chest wall and the upper abdomen. This case report shows that CWPF can be a new alternative to other methods of breast reconstruction, such as implants and free or pedicled musculocutaneous flaps.
Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Anambra State, Nigeria: Prevalence, pattern, determinants and coping strategies
Authors: Okonkwo Benjamin Chukwunonso , Ezeama Nkiru Nwamaka , Edeh Gabriel Chidera , Okolo Shadrach Arinze , Chiekezie Chinonuju Franklin , Anagwu Chidindu Prince , Awugosi Michael Chukwuebuka
Published: October 2024

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has emerged as a global phenomenon, with pregnant women being particularly vulnerable, especially in developing countries. Despite its diverse manifestations and severe impacts, IPV is sometimes perceived as culturally acceptable or as a means of controlling women.

Aims:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns and determinants of IPV amongst pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at a tertiary hospital in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional survey enrolled 400 pregnant women receiving ANC at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State. Data collection utilised semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.

Results:

In this study we found a 21.8% prevalence of IPV. Psychological violence was the most common form, followed by sexual and physical violence at rates of 72.4%, 35.6%, and 32.2% respectively. Risk factors associated with IPV included low educational attainment, maternal unemployment, average monthly income of <50,000 naira, partner unemployment and substance abuse, increased maternal age, having family members choose their partner and marital conflicts. Various coping strategies were identified amongst victims, including help-seeking, spiritual recourse, substance abuse, retaliation and divorce. Alarmingly, 75.9% of the participants took no action when faced with IPV.

Conclusion:

This study underscores the prevalence of IPV among pregnant women, with approximately one in five reporting victimisation during pregnancy. Psychological, sexual, and physical forms of violence occurred in decreasing order of prevalence. We found that a range of factors, including individual and relationship-related factors, correlated with increased odds of IPV. Women who experience IPV adopt different strategies, including help-seeking, spiritual recourse, substance abuse, retaliation, divorce and in some cases, passivity.
Addisonian Pigmentation – The Great Mimicker – A Review
Authors: Verma Damini , Sarkar Rashmi , Mendiratta Vibhu , Srivastava Amol
Published: October 2024

Skin colour usually depends upon melanin, haemoglobin, and carotenoids. Pigmentary disorders indicate an increased amount of melanin, leading to a darker colour of the skin, called hypermelanosis. Addison’s disease is a rare endocrinal disorder with severe oral and systemic manifestations. Any form of diffuse skin hyper-pigmentation which is more pronounced on sun-exposed areas mimics Addison’s disease and is called Addisonian pigmentation. Pigmentation often precedes other manifestations by months to years and hence can lead to early diagnosis and can prevent life-threatening adrenal crisis. The most common cause of adrenal insufficiency in developing countries is tuberculosis. A similar pattern of pigmentation has been reported in Cushing’s syndrome, ectopic ACTH-producing tumours, vitamin B12 deficiency, and thyrotoxicosis. Addisonian pigmentation can be a manifestation of multiple systemic diseases; hence, an inter-disciplinary approach is needed with extensive clinical and laboratory evaluation. It is not merely a cosmetic concern. Not much data are available in the literature regarding this entity. This brief review serves as an important source for clinicians to stay up-to-date regarding the history, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and management of this entity.
Rippled Pattern Basal Cell Carcinoma – A Rare Variant with a Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Ayyanar Pavithra , Sahu Ajit , Tripathy Sagar R. , Muduly Dillip K.
Published: October 2024

The rippled pattern of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a very uncommon variant and poses a diagnostic challenge. A 52-year-old male presented with an ulcerated lesion over the scalp for 8 years. The wedge biopsy of the lesion showed an infiltrating tumour in the upper dermis and mid-dermis with focal attachment with the epidermis. The tumour was arranged in a rippled pattern. The tumour cells were monomorphic with a round to oval nucleus, arranged parallelly with fine chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli. Brisk mitosis, apoptotic bodies, and necrosis were noted. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for p63; focally positive for androgen receptor, Bcl-2, and CD10; and negative for epithelial membrane antigen and CK20. We report this rare case of BCC because of its peculiar pattern, discuss the differential diagnoses, and review the clinicopathological features of reported cases.
Beyond the norm: An unusual case of rapidly progressive dementia due to neurocysticercosis: A diagnostic odyssey
Authors: Shaikh Suhail , Toshniwal Saket , Kinkar Jiwan , Acharya Sourya
Published: October 2024

An 18-year-old girl from a remote village in Central India presented with rapidly worsening forgetfulness and poor academic performance. A magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple neurocysticerci in the brain at different stages of development. She received antihelmintic therapy along with corticosteroids, resulting in significant improvement in her dementia symptoms. This case highlights the importance of early intervention in rapidly progressive dementia to promptly address treatable causes and reduce morbidity. It further emphasizes the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis as a cause of dementia.
Determinants and levels of depression among young adult patients with epilepsy: a cross-sectional study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Tamilnadu, India
Authors: Suganya M. , Padmapriya D.
Published: October 2024

Background: People with epilepsy tend to have more psychological problems, including anxiety and depression. Similarly, a three times higher risk of premature death was prevailed (or expected) in people with epilepsy than that in the general population. The main objective of this study is to analyze the determinants and the levels of depression in young adult patients with epilepsy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care medical hospital and research center, in Chennai, Tamilnadu. Forty-one young adults aged 18–25 years with a diagnosis of epilepsy willing to participate were included based on inclusive criteria. A general information questionnaire and Zung self-rating depression scale (SRDS) were used to analyze the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and evaluated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software to test the P-value significance. Results: 39.0% of patients felt downhearted or blue most of the time. The majority of male (44.4%) and female (85.8%) patients stated that they were in moderate depression (the score range was from 60 to 69). There was an association between variables of age groups, family income, number of comorbidities, and last episode of seizure with the level of depression among young adult patients significant at, P-value < 0.01. Conclusion: This study revealed that to remove the stigma of epilepsy, raising awareness in society and educational campaigns about epilepsy may be helpful. Thus, efforts should be undertaken to control seizures, reduce depression, and improve the overall quality of life of young adult patients.
A Survey on Genetic Disease − Autism Spectrum Disorder Prediction and Classification in Machine Learning
Authors: Kanchana A. , Khilar Rashmita
Published: October 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a hereditary, neurological condition with many aetiologies that manifest in early childhood. Mental illnesses, including anxiety, poor communication, and a lack of recurrent interest, may result from ASD. It can be highly advantageous for children to improve their psychological wellness level if the ASD is recognized in the earlier years of life. Furthermore, machine learning (ML) approaches are now essential for diagnosing and categorising ASD. The creation of computer programmes that can acquire data and utilise it to gain knowledge for oneself is the main goal of this aspect of artificial intelligence. Many scholars have suggested various ML strategies for quickly and accurately detecting the various forms of ASD. This paper presents a survey on ASD prediction and classification using ML methods-based research articles from the year 2016 to 2023. Moreover, the current survey article discusses the performance assessment employing different metrics and made a comparative assessment to determine the ML model’s effectiveness. From this survey, it is identified that Artificial Neural Network model has attained better results than other ML algorithms. Moreover, further ASD studies employing an ML strategy for feature selection, prediction and classification can greatly benefit from this research.
Health literacy, nutrition literacy, and B vitamins status in patients with recurrent ischemic heart disease episodes: A hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Julandani Ruqaiya Saif Abdullah , Sadiq Muhammad Athar , Wesonga Ronald , Al Balushi Ruqaiya Moosa Ibrahim , Waly Mostafa I. , Ahmed Sheeraz , Ba Omar Hafid Aqeel
Published: October 2024

Background: In Oman, ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most common type of cardiovascular disease, and there are multifactorial causes, including nutritional deficiencies of B vitamins (folate and B12) and health illiteracy. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the health literacy, nutrition literacy, and B-vitamin (folate and B12) status of patients with recurrent episodes of IHD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of 5 months from February to June 2022. The enrolled study participants had an angiographically proven recurrence of IHD, and they were interviewed using a study questionnaire to identify their sociodemographic data, health status, and nutrition status. Folate and B12 were measured in the sera of the study participants. Results: Most participants were in their middle age (62%), and the frequency of the IHD recurrence was noticed among men, married, and unemployed. The serum values of folate and vitamin B12 were within the normal range among the IHD patients. Health literacy categories were affected by the employment status (χ2
1 = 6.05, P = 0.01), and the binary logistic regression confirmed the statistical significance between employment status and health literacy (odds ratio; 1.7, P = 0.005). Nutrition literacy had a significant difference regarding the education variable (χ2
1 = 8.34, P = 0.004), and the sociodemographic variables were not associated with nutrition literacy. Conclusion: The investigated health and nutrition literacy measures might be used for assessing IHD patients’ literacy and detecting any deficits that needed to be improved.
Fahr syndrome: linking late onset depression and cognitive decline
Authors: Toshniwal Saket S. , Chadha Yatika , Kinkar Jiwan , Acharya Sourya
Published: October 2024

Fahr syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by bilateral calcifications of the basal ganglia and other brain regions, has been associated with various neuropsychiatric symptoms. This case report highlights the correlation between late-onset depression and cognitive decline in a patient diagnosed with Fahr syndrome. A 45-year-old female patient presented with progressive cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms over a period of 2 years. Neuroimaging revealed extensive calcifications in the basal ganglia and frontal lobes consistent with Fahr syndrome. Neuropsychological assessment confirmed significant deficits in memory, attention, and executive function. Pharmacological intervention for depression resulted in partial improvement in mood but limited effect on cognitive symptoms. This case underscores the importance of recognizing Fahr syndrome as a potential etiology for late-onset depression and cognitive decline, necessitating comprehensive neurological evaluation and management.
Sensory evaluation, nutritional profile and chromatographic characterization of Panjeeri laddu: A traditional nutritional supplement for postpartum healthcare
Authors: Saroch Arushi , Singh Divyani , Sathyan Anjana Chandhiruthil , Patil Giramalla , Chaudhari Swapnil , Yadav Pramod R. , Ruknuddin Galib , Prajapati Pradeep Kumar
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Panjeeri laddu (PL), a traditional dietary regime popular in Himachal Pradesh and other northern parts of India, is utilized for postpartum care. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional profile, sensory analysis of PL, which may highlight its potential health benefits. In addition, HPTLC and FTIR analysis were performed to further characterize the prepared PL.

METHODS:

Proximate analysis of PL was done to determine the content of moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrates, ash, and fiber—mineral analysis quantified calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. High-performance liquid chromatography-based vitamin analysis identified the presence of B vitamins (B1, B3, B5, B6, and B9) and vitamin E. Fatty acid profiles were determined using gas chromatography. A sensory analysis of the prepared PL was conducted through 20 volunteers.

RESULTS:

The analysis revealed that PL is a calorie-dense food source, rich in protein (15.23 g/100 g), fat (38.10 g/100 g), and carbohydrates (40.18 g/100 g). Micronutrient analysis identified the presence of essential minerals and B vitamins. The fatty acid profile indicated the presence of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

DISCUSSION:

The nutritional profile of PL suggests its potential to contribute to energy intake and provide essential nutrients during postpartum recovery. Investigation of the bioactive compounds present in PL and their potential health benefits is warranted. Understanding these properties could support the traditional use of PL in postpartum care and pave the way for future research on its potential therapeutic applications.

CONCLUSION:

This study provides a foundation for understanding the nutritional value of PL. The results support the continued exploration of PL’s potential role in promoting postpartum health and well-being.
Primary Adrenal Neuroblastoma in an Adult: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Owarie Naina , Daimary Michimi , Goswami Rashmi Rekha , Datta Balmiki
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Neuroblastoma (NB), an embryonal malignancy originating from neural crest cells, is predominantly a pediatric disease, making adult cases exceedingly rare. This case report documents the presentation and diagnostic process of a 23-year-old female diagnosed with adrenal NB, a condition scarcely encountered in adults. The patient presented with abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Imaging through computed tomography scan revealed a large necrotic mass in the left adrenal region. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed round cells with scant cytoplasm and characteristic nuclear features, suggesting a round cell tumor, potentially NB. Surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis of poorly differentiated NB with low mitotic-karyorrhectic index. Adult NB, with an incidence of 1 in 10 million per year, has a notably worse prognosis compared to pediatric cases. The literature lacks consensus on optimal treatment protocols for adult patients, though a multimodal approach including surgery, chemotherapy, and possibly radioactive iodine therapy is often employed. This case underscores the utility of FNAC in preliminary diagnosis and highlights the clinical challenges posed by adult NB, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive studies to develop standardized treatment guidelines.
Awareness Regarding Medical Device Safety among Physicians: A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Survey
Authors: Mukherjee Shatavisa , Era Nikhil , Roy Siddhartha
Published: October 2024

Background:

With the huge inflow of medical devices into the healthcare market, it is imperative to monitor the device safety throughout its period of usage, with the help of a systematic continual surveillance mechanism. Although the Materiovigilance Program of India has been formally introduced since 2015, there exists a dearth of awareness regarding its existence and functioning among the major stakeholders of patient safety. Addressing this gap, the study probes the awareness regarding materiovigilance among the doctors in eastern India.

Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out using a 20-item structured survey tool to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical professionals regarding safety surveillance of medical devices. Responses obtained were statistically analyzed and interpreted.

Results:

Principal elements of medical device adverse event (MDAE) reporting were known to around 40% of respondents. However, the time frame for reporting an event/incident was found to be grossly unclear. Over 30% of respondents were aware of the effect of MDAEs and that its reporting could enhance patient safety. Items related to practice domains revealed that although around 50% of respondents of either category encountered MDAEs in their practice setup, only 10.95% of faculty and 6.41% of residents have reported it. Less than 5% of the respondents were ever trained on how to report MDAEs. The mean domain score for knowledge was on higher mark for the faculty, while that for attitude and practice domains were higher for the residents.

Conclusion:

There was a gross dearth of awareness regarding materiovigilance among the doctors. Enhanced sensitization regarding medical device safety surveillance in all healthcare levels can definitely help the situation ensuring patient safety.
Clopidogrel therapy in nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion: A case report and therapeutic insight
Authors: Al Ghaithi Houda , Al Hinai Ahmed , Al Abri Mohammed , Al-Futaisi Abdullah
Published: October 2024

Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is a significant cause of vision impairment in adults, often associated with various systemic and ocular risk factors. The current literature presents a limited understanding of the efficacy of antithrombotic agents in CRVO management, with sparse comparative studies evaluating the effectiveness of different antiplatelet therapies. Here, we report the case of nonischemic CRVO in a 54-year-old male with multiple systemic comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Initial treatment with aspirin 100 mg daily resulted in worsening visual acuity (VA) and retinal pathology, prompting a transition to clopidogrel 75 mg daily due to patient refusal of intravitreal injection. Remarkably, clopidogrel therapy led to rapid and sustained improvement in VA, macular edema resolution, and complete resolution of retinal vascular pathology within weeks. This case underscores the therapeutic potential of clopidogrel in nonischemic CRVO management, suggesting its superiority over aspirin in select patients. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the differential efficacy of antiplatelet agents and highlight the need for further comparative studies to guide optimal treatment strategies in CRVO.
Neuropsychiatric manifestations of Wilson’s disease – A therapeutic challenge
Authors: Mahanta Debasish , Mohanty Nitya Gopal
Published: October 2024

Wilson’s disease (WD) occurs due to abnormal copper metabolism and often presents with various neurological, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Variable symptoms and a high propensity for medication-related adverse effects frequently make their management difficult. Here, we discussed two cases of WD presented to psychiatric OPD with variable neuropsychiatric symptoms managed conservatively but frequently complicated by newer symptoms, and medication-related side effects, which lead to multiple consultations and frequent changes in drug schedule. Therefore, we found it a great therapeutic challenge, and more discussion and research are warranted for such a condition.
Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Anthocyanins on Body Weight, Lipid Peroxidation, and Lipid Profile of Cadmium-exposed rats
Authors: Orororo Osuvwe Clement , Asagba Samuel Ogheneovo
Published: October 2024

Background:

Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) are dangerous to human health because they are highly toxic and persist for a long time in the environment.

Objective:

This study determined the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L anthocyanins (HSA) on body weight, lipid peroxidation, and lipid profile of Cd-exposed rats.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-five Wistar rats weighing 185 ± 5.2 g were divided into five treatment groups: Group A: Control (feed and water only), B: Cd (3 mg/kg b wt), C: HSA (3 mg/kg b wt), D: HSA Pre-Cd (HSA 3 g/kg b wt) for 5 consecutive days before a single dose of Cd (3 mg/kg body weight), and E: HSA Post-Cd (a single dose of Cd [3 mg/kg body weight] on the 1st day then HSA [3 mg/kg body weight] for 5 consecutive days).

Results:

Cd toxicity, at the dose administered, was manifested through significant (P > 0.05) reduction in body weight, increase in lipid peroxidation, and changes in serum lipid profile (increase in low-density cholesterol and reduction in high-density cholesterol), but administration of H. sabdariffa anthocyanins to rats before and after Cd exposure significantly (P < 0.05) increased body weight of rats, reduced Cd-induced increase in serum total cholesterol levels, and protected tissues against Cd-induced lipid peroxidation.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that HSA is effective as an ameliorator of Cd-induced changes in body weight, lipid peroxidation, and lipid profile of rats.