bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facteurs individuels associés à l’usage irrationnel des médicaments essentiels génériques, Burkina Faso
Authors: Wandj Nana Lady Rosny , Sombié Issa , Soura Abdramane Bassiahi
Published: November 2021

Introduction : L’évaluation de la qualité des prescriptions médicamenteuses dans une région est sans doute un élèment important. Cependant, la compréhension des facteurs pouvant influencer cette qualité serait plus intéressante. Objectif : L’objectif de cette étude est d’analyser l’influence des facteurs individuels sur la rationalité de la prescription des médicaments essentiels génériques (MEG) au district sanitaire de Bogodogo, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Méthode : Une étude transversale descriptive et analytique a été menée en mai 2016 dans 15 centres de santé et de promotion sociale du district sanitaire de Bogodogo. Une méthodologie mixte a été adoptée : les indicateurs de prescription ont été calculés à partir d’un échantillon de 764 ordonnances médicales ; les techniques d’observation et d’entretiens semi-dirigés auprès de 15 prescripteurs ont permis de recueillir les données qualitatives, qui ont fait l’objet d’une analyse thématique. Le test du Chi 2 suivi d’une régression logistique a permis d’apprécier les relations entre les variables étudiées au seuil de 5 %. Résultats : La prescription médicale s’est avérée non rationnelle au district sanitaire de Bogodogo. L’ancienneté, la qualification, l’utilisation du Guide de diagnostic et de traitement , la perception des MEG et l’expérience personnelle avec ces derniers étaient associés à la rationalité de la prescription. Conclusion : Cette étude a ainsi mis en évidence l’influence de certains facteurs individuels sur la rationalité de la prescription des MEG et pourra permettre de définir de nouvelles stratégies pour l’amélioration de l’offre des soins de santé primaires.
Chemical and nutritional characterization of bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: de Lima Julliane Destro ,   Molecular Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology department, Paranaense University, Umuarama, PR, Brazil, Rivadavea Wesley Ribeiro , Kavalco Sydney Antonio Frehner , Junior Affonso Celso Gonçalves , Lopes Ana Daniela , da Silva Glacy Jaqueline ,   Agricultural Research and Rural Extension Company of Santa Catarina (EPAGRI), Chapecó, SC, Brazil,   Center for Agricultural Sciences—State University of West Paraná (UNIOESTE), Marechal Candido Rondon, PR, Brazil
Published: November 2021

Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are the most important legume for human consumption, and have essential nutrients for physiological processes. As examples, we can mention Fe and Zn. As a strategy to increase these nutrients in the population's diet, beans stand out as a potential candidate, as it already has high levels of these minerals compared to other foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate 14 bean genotypes from the EPAGRI Bean Genetic Improvement Program, Brazil, regarding Fe and Zn content, availability of Fe and Zn in vitro, amount of phytic acid, tannins, proteins, and moisture. The results showed a high positive correlation between the total amount of Zn with bioavailable Zn; the total amount of Fe, and the total amount of Zn; and the total amount of bioavailable Fe with Zn. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences for all characteristics evaluated, showing an interesting variability that can be considered for future crosses aiming at nutritional quality.
Performance study of a baffled solar dryer
Authors: Maia Cristiana Brasil ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, PUC Minas, Av. Dom José Gaspar, 500, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, da Silva Gisele Mol , Bianchi Luiz Felippe Guardia , Ferreira André Guimarães ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, CEFET-MG, Av. Amazonas, 7675, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a hybrid solar dryer with baffles disposed of on the solar collector. When the levels of solar radiation are low, an electrical heater is used to increase the drying air temperature. A photovoltaic system feeds the electrical heater and the fans, and it is also used to preheat the drying air, increasing the temperature at the inlet of the solar collector. Experimental results of corn drying indicated that the baffles augmented the energy efficiency of the system (from 23.5 to 24.9%) and the temperature rise in the solar collector (from 13.5 to 20.2 ℃), reducing the time required for the corn to reach the final desired moisture content.
Applicability conditions of the Stokes formula
Authors: Bretonnet Jean-Louis ,   Université de Lorraine, LCP-A2MC EA 3469, 1 Bd. F. Arago, Metz, France, Wax Jean-François
Published: November 2021

In our research work on the microscopic properties of liquids in relation to biotechnical applications, we were led to use the Stokes formula to calculate the force exerted by a fluid on colloidal suspensions, and to look in the bibliography for the demonstration of this formula. The proofs that we have found are often partial and the applicability conditions not always explicit, which led us to resort to the initial demonstration made by Stokes [1] in 1850 with the mathematical formalism used in that time. Here we give the detailed demonstration by means of the vector analysis specific to this type of problem. We end the article with a brief discussion of low Reynolds number flows dominated by viscosity and where inertial effects are neglected.
Book Reviews
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Book Review
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Abstracts - The burdick syllabus
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Letters to the Editor
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: November 2021

No abstracts available.
Treatment of elbow joint injuries
Authors: David L. Mace
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Correspondence
Authors: Schermbrucker G. S.
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Injuries to the Knee Joint
Authors: Sacks Sidney
Published: November 2021

No abstract available.
Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in self-reported diabetics among various ethnic groups and associated risk factors in North-East India: A hospital-based study
Authors: Singh Harsh V , Das Shubhra , Deka Dipali C , Kalita Iva R
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To describe the prevalence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among different ethnic groups of North-East India and to study the associated risk factors.

Methods:

In this hospital based cross sectional study 7,133 individuals among the age group of 20-79 years, attending the OPD, were screened for presence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (HbA1c >7% or previously diagnosed). Among them, 780 (10.94%) had diabetes; they were evaluated for presence of any retinopathy (based on fundus photograph and fluorescein angiography), its grade (based on International DR severity scale), and risk factors. DR patients were further grouped into different ethnicities (Assamese, Bengali, minor tribes, and other immigrants).

Results:

Of the 780 patients with diabetes, 58 patients had type 1 DM and 722 patients had type 2 DM. The overall prevalence of DR was 30.0% with vision-threatening retinopathy and maculopathy being 10.00% and 4.49%, respectively. The prevalence of retinopathy range was the highest in the immigrants’ group (50.00% among type 1 DM and 44.93% among type 2 DM) and lowest in the tribal’s groups (16.67% among type 1 DM and 22.35% among type 2 DM). The risk factors showing significant association with DR were longer diabetes duration, older age, family history of diabetes, higher HbA1c level, associated hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and pregnancy state (P value <0.05).

Conclusion:

Every third patient with diabetes had some form of DR with Vision Threatening DR (VTDR) affecting every tenth patient. There was also a wide variation in the prevalence of DR among ethnic groups and this difference could not be attributed to variation in the known measurable risk factors among different ethnic groups, thus signifying the role of ethnicity in occurrence and severity of DR.
Impact of age-related macular degeneration on diabetic retinopathy: An electronic health record based big data analysis from a tertiary eye centre in South India
Authors: Sahoo Niroj K , Mehta Mehul C , Rani Padmaja K , Khanna Rohit C , Raman Rajiv , Bhattacharya Jayanta , Das Anthony V , Murthy Gudlavalleti VS , Narayanan Raja
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To determine whether the presence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, case-cohort study performed in patients with a systemic diagnosis of diabetes at a tertiary health care center from May 2011 to April 2020. A total of 43,153 patients (1,024 AMD patients and 42,129 non-AMD patients) were included in the analysis. A total of 1,024 age and diabetes mellitus (DM) duration-matched controls were chosen from the non-AMD group for risk factor analysis. The severity of diabetic retinopathy was compared between the patients with AMD and the patients without AMD.

Results:

Out of the enrolled 43,153 diabetic patients, 26,906 were males and 16,247 were females. A total of 1,024 patients had AMD and 42,129 had no AMD. The mean age of the cohort was 58.60 ± 0.09 years. The overall prevalence of DR was noted to be 22.8% (9,825 out of 43,153 eyes). A significantly lower prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) (23% in non-AMD, 11.4% in AMD, OR = −0.43, P < 0.001), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (12% in non-AMD, 8.2% in AMD, OR = −0.66, P < 0.001), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (11% in non-AMD, 3.2% in AMD, OR = −0.27, P < 0.001) was seen in the AMD patients. No significant difference was seen between the dry and wet AMD. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the lower age, absence of AMD, and male gender were associated with a higher risk of PDR.

Conclusion:

The presence of AMD was noted to statistically reduce the risk of DR. Our results may be useful in the field of resource allocation and awareness of DR.
Calculation of intraocular lens power and to determine the relationship between ocular biometry and severity of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: Adlakha Neha , Kaur Manpreet , Singh Anurag A , Sharma Vaibhav
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To calculate the intraocular lens power and to determine the relationship between ocular biometry and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

The study group included 150 type II diabetic subjects with DR. The control group consisted of 150 type II diabetic subjects having no DR. Axial length (AL), corneal power, and anterior chamber depth were measured using LenStar. DR and diabetic macular edema were classified according to International DR Classification. Crystalline lens power was calculated using Barrett Universal II formula. AL to corneal radius ratio was calculated. Chi-square test was used for categorical variables.

Results:

In multivariate logistic models adjusting for age, sex, glycosylated hemoglobin, duration of diabetes, Mean age of patients in the study group was 62.45 ± 4.85 years, whereas in the control group, it was 63.37 ± 7.29 years. Of the eyes with DR, 117, 76, 69, and 38 had mild NPDR, moderate NPDR, severe NPDR, and PDR, respectively. The difference in the mean duration of diabetes mellitus and glycosylated hemoglobin in both study and control groups was found to be statistically significant. A progressive decrease in the mean AL and the anterior chamber depth was observed with increasing severity of DR, and difference was statistically significant. There was a progressive increase in intraocular lens power with increasing severity of DR, and difference was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion:

In persons with diabetes mellitus, globe elongation plays quite an important role in protective effects against DR, with contribution from intraocular lens power and other refractive components.
A Delphi method based consensus statement for surgical management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in India
Authors: Sengupta Sabyasachi , Sindal Manavi D , Shanmugam P Mahesh , Bhende Pramod , Ratra Dhanashree , Nagpal Manish , Narayanan Raja , Rajendran Anand , Saravanan Veerappan , Kelkar Aditya , Maiti Aniruddha , Chakraborty Debdulal , Dogra Mohit , Behera Sourabh
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To derive consensus statements for surgical management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) for vitreoretinal (VR) surgeons.

Methods:

Thirteen prolific VR surgeons representing all regions of India were invited to participate in a 42-point questionnaire based on the Delphi methodology describing various surgical scenarios commonly encountered in PDR. Consensus was derived using predefined robust analytics. Scenarios that returned a moderate consensus in round 1 were taken to round 2 as per the Delphi methodology. After considering all inputs, the final consensus criteria were developed.

Results:

A strong consensus was derived about waiting for 4 weeks before considering vitrectomy. In treatment-naïve eyes with fresh vitreous hemorrhage (VH), the wait time was slightly shorter for extramacular tractional retinal detachment (2–4 weeks) and longer (4–6 weeks) for eyes treated previously with laser or anti-VEGF agents. The expert panel recommended using preoperative anti-VEGF only in eyes with large membranes requiring extensive dissection. For post vitrectomy VH, while a conservative approach was recommended for the first episode of VH, experts recommended immediate vitreous lavage for recurrent episodes of VH. In eyes with iris neovascularization, the panel recommended immediate anti-VEGF injection followed by early vitreous lavage in nonresponsive eyes. A strong consensus was derived for stopping antiplatelet agents before surgery, while there was only a moderate consensus for performing vitrectomy for recalcitrant macular edema unresponsive to anti-VEGF injections in the absence of traction.

Conclusion:

This study provides valuable consensus on managing the different scenarios encountered during surgical management of PDR and should help guide the VR surgeons in clinical decision-making.
Comparison of anatomical and functional outcomes of vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling in recalcitrant diabetic macular edema with and without traction in Indian patients
Authors: Vikas S J , Agarwal Divya , Seth Sankalp , Kumar Aman , Kumar Atul
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To study and compare the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with the internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in the eyes with recalcitrant diabetic macular edema (DME) with and without vitreomacular traction.

Methods:

A comparative prospective interventional study was undertaken in which group 1 included 45 eyes of 45 patients with DME with vitreomacular tractional component and group 2 included 45 eyes of 45 patients with recalcitrant DME without a tractional component. Both groups underwent standard PPV with ILM peeling. All the patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. The parameters evaluated were changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) parameters, and occurrence of any intraoperative/postoperative surgical complication.

Results:

The mean CMT improved significantly from 540.6 and 490.2 μm at the baseline to 292.5 and 270.6 μm at 6 months in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean BCVA logMAR improved from 0.78 ± 0.21 to 0.62 ± 0.22 in group 1 and 0.84 ± 0.19 to 0.65 ± 0.21 in group 2 at 6 months follow-up which was not statistically significant. The improvement in the mfERG was seen in group 2 as a significant increase in P1 wave amplitude in ring 2 (2–5°) (P < 0.004) and a significant decrease in P 1 wave implicit time in ring 1 (central 2°) (P < 0.001). None of the eyes suffered from the loss of BCVA or any major surgical complication in either group.

Conclusion:

PPV in recalcitrant DME provides good anatomical outcomes and the results are comparable in DME with and without a tractional component.
Inflammatory mediators in diabetic retinopathy: Deriving clinicopathological correlations for potential targeted therapy
Authors: Sheemar Abhishek , Soni Deepak , Takkar Brijesh , Basu Soumyava , Venkatesh Pradeep
Published: November 2021

The role of inflammation in diabetic retinopathy (DR) is well-established and dysregulation of a large number of inflammatory mediators is known. These include cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, mediators of proteogenesis, and pro-apoptotic molecules. This para-inflammation as a response is not directed to a particular pathogen or antigen but is rather directed toward the by-products of the diabetic milieu. The inflammatory mediators take part in cascades that result in cellular level responses like neurodegeneration, pericyte loss, leakage, capillary drop out, neovascularization, etc. There are multiple overlaps between the inflammatory pathways occurring within the diabetic retina due to a large number of mediators, their varied sources, and cross-interactions. This makes understanding the role of inflammation in clinical manifestations of DR difficult. Currently, mediator-based therapy for DR is being evaluated for interventions that target a specific step of the inflammatory cascade. We reviewed the role of inflammation in DR and derived a simplified clinicopathological correlation between the sources and stimuli of inflammation, the inflammatory mediators and pathways, and the clinical manifestations of DR. By doing so, we deliberate mediator-specific therapy for DR. The cross-interactions between inflammatory mediators and the molecular cycles influencing the inflammatory cascades are crucial challenges to such an approach. Future research should be directed to assess the feasibility of the pathology-based therapy for DR.
Optical coherence tomography angiography in the management of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Borrelli Enrico , Sacconi Riccardo , Querques Giuseppe , Bandello Francesco
Published: November 2021

The introduction of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has granted a significant improvement in the assessment of patients with diabetes. In this review, we will provide a description of the prominent OCTA findings in diabetes. In detail, this imaging technology proved that both the retinal and choroidal circulation is affected in diabetic subjects. The recent employment of widefield technology and a three-dimensional (3D) visualization in OCTA imaging are also discussed.
Barriers in establishing systematic diabetic retinopathy screening through telemedicine in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Yim Daniel , Chandra Shruti , Sondh Rajan , Thottarath Sridevi , Sivaprasad Sobha
Published: November 2021

Vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) is one of the leading causes of impaired vision in the working-age population. Early identification, timely diagnosis, and prompt treatment of VTDR have to be tackled simultaneously to reduce the rate of blindness due to this condition. Considerable emphasis has been placed globally on establishing diabetic retinopathy screening (DRS) programs to enable early identification and referral of VTDR for treatment. However, there is an urgent need to shift from the common practice of opportunistic screening to a systematic DRS pathway to ensure that individuals with diabetes are screened at regular intervals and treated appropriately. While systematic DRS programs have been successfully established in countries such as the United Kingdom (UK), it continues to be a challenge to initiate and sustain such programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), home to approximately 80% of people with diabetes. Telemedicine is widely recognized as an ideal DRS screening program. Although it has resulted in an upsurge of opportunistic screening, systematic recall of screened patients remains a challenge. In addition, the link between referred patients from the telemedicine programs to treatment centers is often not established or has failed to deliver; so, there is minimal impact of these telemedicine programs on VTDR blindness at present. This review covers the various barriers of establishing and sustaining systematic telemedicine DRS programs, especially in resource-constrained settings, and the challenges in aligning telemedicine to VTDR treatment pathways to ensure patients with VTDR are treated promptly and effectively.
Telemedicine in diabetic retinopathy screening in India
Authors: Ramasamy Kim , Mishra Chitaranjan , Kannan Naresh B , Namperumalsamy P , Sen Sagnik
Published: November 2021

With ever-growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its most common microvascular complication diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Indian population, screening for DR early for prevention of development of vision-threatening stages of the disease is becoming increasingly important. Most of the programs in India for DR screening are opportunistic and a universal screening program does not exist. Globally, telemedicine programs have demonstrated accuracy in classification of DR into referable disease, as well as into stages, with accuracies reaching that of human graders, in a cost-effective manner and with sufficient patient satisfaction. In this major review, we have summarized the global experience of telemedicine in DR screening and the way ahead toward planning a national integrated DR screening program based on telemedicine.
Association of metformin use among diabetics and the incidence of primary open-angle glaucoma – The Chennai Eye Disease Incidence Study
Authors: George Ronnie , Asokan Rashima , Vijaya Lingam
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

Studies have reported the usage of metformin being associated with the reduced risk of progression of glaucoma. The current study aims to determine the association of metformin usage among subjects with diabetes mellitus and the six-year incidence of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

In this prospective cohort study, subjects who did not have glaucoma at the baseline and had a follow-up after a six-year interval were included. Details such as medical and drug history, applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, pachymetry, optic disc evaluation, and automated perimetry were collected. Incident POAG was defined as subjects who do not have glaucoma at baseline and developed glaucoma as classified International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology Classification at the follow-up. The association between the subjects who were on metformin for treatment of diabetes mellitus and development of incident POAG was assessed.

Results:

Among the 4302 eligible participants, 128 (3%) had incident POAG. There were 905 (21.0%) subjects who had diabetes mellitus of which 142 (15.7%) were using metformin. Of the subjects with POAG, 92 (71.9%) were nondiabetics and 36 were diabetics (28.1%). Among the diabetics, the incidence of POAG among those on metformin was 5.6% (8 participants) and those not on metformin was 3.6% (28 participants). There was no difference in the incidence of POAG in subjects with diabetes mellitus, with and without metformin use (P = 0.25). Logistic regression showed no association of metformin use with the incidence of POAG (OR: 1.33, 95 CI: 0.58–3.04, P = 0.49) after adjusting for age, gender, and place of residence.

Conclusion:

The current study did not find any association between the effects of metformin on the incidence of POAG.
Clinical profile and magnitude of diabetic retinopathy: An electronic medical record–driven big data analytics from an eye care network in India
Authors: Das Anthony Vipin , Prashanthi Gumpili Sai , Das Taraprasad , Narayanan Raja , Rani Padmaja Kumari
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

This study aimed to describe the clinical profile and magnitude of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients presenting to a multitier eye hospital network in India.

Methods:

This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 263,419 individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) presenting between February 2012 and February 2021 (9-year period). The data were collected using an electronic medical record (EMR). Patients with a clinical diagnosis of DR in at least one eye were included in the analysis. Severe nonproliferative DR/proliferative DR/diabetic macular edema (DME) were considered sight-threatening DR (STDR).

Results:

In the study period, 25% (n = 66,913) were new patients diagnosed with DR. The majority of patients were males (70%). The mean age of the patients was 57 ± 10 years. The risk factors for DR were increased age: 30 to 50 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.42), and 51 to 70 years (OR = 3.02), increased duration of DM: 6 to 10 years (OR = 2.88) and >10 years (OR = 6.52), blindness (OR = 2.42), male gender (OR = 1.36), lower socioeconomic status (OR = 1.43), and rural habitation (OR = 1.09). STDR was seen in 58% (n = 38,538) of examined patients. Risk factors for STDR were increased age 31 to 50 years (OR = 3.51), increased duration of DM: 6 to 10 years (OR = 1.23) and >10 years (OR = 1.68), blindness (OR = 3.68), male gender (OR = 1.12), and higher socioeconomic status (OR = 1.09).

Conclusion:

Every fourth person with DM was found to have DR, and every second person with DR had STDR in this study cohort. These real-world big data might provide greater insight into the current status of DR. Additional big data from similar EMR-based sources will help in planning and resource allocation.
Trabeculectomy for neovascular glaucoma in proliferative diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, and ocular ischemic syndrome: Surgical outcomes and prognostic factors for failure
Authors: Senthil Sirisha , Chary Raghava , Ali Mohammed Hasnat , Cherukuri Jhansi R , Rani Padmaja K , Krishnamurthy Rashmi , Choudhari Nikhil , Garudadri Chandrasekhar
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of trabeculectomy in the eyes with neovascular glaucoma (NVG), caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), and ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS).

Methods:

A retrospective review of NVG eyes that underwent trabeculectomy between 1991 and 2019. Complete success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) between 6 and 21 mmHg without antiglaucoma medications (AGM). The risk factors were analyzed by Cox’s proportional hazard model.

Results:

The study included 100 eyes of 100 subjects with a mean age of 58 ± 9.8 years and a median follow-up of 1.27 years (interquartile range: 0.63, 2.27). The cause of NVG was PDR in 59 eyes (59%), CRVO in 25 eyes (25%), and OIS in 16 eyes (16%). Trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C was performed in 88 eyes and trabeculectomy in 12 eyes. The cumulative complete success probability of trabeculectomy in PDR was 50% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38, 65) at 1 year, 8% (1, 46) at 3–5 years. In OIS, it was 64% (43, 96) from 1 to 5 years. In CRVO, it was 75% (59, 94) at 1 year, 45% (23, 86) from 2 to 5 years. The PDR was associated with a higher risk of surgical failure compared to OIS (P = 0.04) and CRVO (P = 0.004). Other significant risk factors were increasing age (P = 0.02), persistent neovascularization of iris (NVI) (P = 0.03), higher number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections prior to trabeculectomy (P = 0.02), and delay in performing trabeculectomy (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Compared to CRVO and OIS, the eyes with NVG secondary to PDR had poor success with trabeculectomy. Older age, persistent NVI, need for a higher number of anti-VEGF injections, and delayed surgery were associated with a higher risk for trabeculectomy failure.
Identification of risk factors for targeted diabetic retinopathy screening to urgently decrease the rate of blindness in people with diabetes in India
Authors: Sen Sagnik , Ramasamy Kim , Vignesh TP , Kannan Naresh B , Sivaprasad Sobha , Rajalakshmi Ramachandran , Raman Rajiv , Mohan Viswanathan , Das Taraprasad , Mani Iswarya
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

There is an exponential rise in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in India. Ideally all people with DM should be periodically screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) but is not practical with current infrastructure. An alternate strategy is to identify high-risk individuals with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) for priority screening and treatment.

Methods:

We reanalyzed four population-based studies, conducted in South India between 2001 and 2010, and reclassified individuals above 40 years into known and newly diagnosed diabetes. Multiple regression analysis was done to identify risk factors in people with known and new DM.

Results:

The prevalence of DR in 44,599 subjects aged ≥40 years was 14.8% (18.4 and 4.7% in known and new DM, respectively), and the prevalence of VTDR was 5.1%. Higher risk factors of VTDR were older age >50 years, diabetes duration >5 years, and systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg. Targeted screening of people with diabetes using high-risk criteria obtained from this study was able to detect 93.5% of all individuals with VTDR.

Conclusion:

In a limited resource country like India, a high-risk group-based targeted screening of individuals with DM could be prioritized while continuing the current opportunistic screening till India adopts universal screening of all people with DM.
Profile of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy and its awareness among patients with diabetes mellitus attending a tertiary care center in Kashmir, India
Authors: Kaushik Madhurima , Nawaz Shah , Qureshi Tariq Syed
Published: November 2021

Purpose:

To study the profile of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR), its association with various factors affecting it, and awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending a tertiary care center in Kashmir.

Methods:

In this prospective cross-sectional study, 625 consecutive patients with DM were assessed for STDR. Demographic/clinical data were obtained. Early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) criteria were used to grade fundus photographs. Severe nonproliferative DR, proliferative DR, and/or macular edema were classified as STDR. Optical coherence tomography was used to confirm the diagnosis of macular edema.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 56.36 ± 9.29 years. The male-to-female ratio was 0.92:1. The majority (99.36%) of patients had type 2 DM. STDR was seen in 208 (33.28%) patients. Non-sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (NSTDR) was seen in 173 (27.68%) patients. Eye care was sought by 313 (50.08%) patients for the first time. STDR had a significant association with difficulty in accessing the health care facilities, duration of diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes, presence of other diabetes complications, use of insulin, and hypertension (P < 0.05 for all). Awareness that diabetes can affect eyes showed a significant association with age, gender, educational status, duration of diabetes, glycemic status, DR, and STDR (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion:

STDR is a common complication in diabetes and is duration- and glycemic control-dependent. Understanding the factors associated with STDR can help in making strategies for its prevention. Spreading awareness regarding STDR at the community level in the Kashmir valley is crucial in this regard.
Renewable Energy Resources Hybridization as an Efficient and Cost-Effective Alternative for Electrification
Authors: Kamil K.R. , Yusuf A.O. , Yakubu S.A. , Seriki S.B.
Published: November 2021

Majority of electricity generation in Nigeria comes from fossil fuels, with about two-thirds of thermal power derived from natural gas and the rest from oil, resulting in the emission of carbon dioxide (𝐶𝑂2). With the prevailing global climate change, shifting to renewable energy would reduce the greenhouse gas emission which would be the salvaging option to help our degrading environment. The aim of the resource’s hybridization process is to generate enough electricity that would help the supplementing for the inadequate electricity supply in the local province at the least detrimental effect on the environment. This work discusses the renewable energy potential of Nigeria and raises the possibility of having Nigeria electricity grid powered by small, medium and large-scale renewable energy systems. The hybridised power generation system simulations were done using HOMER simulation software. The hybridisation of the resources was able to generate 149,313 kWh/yr to adequately sustain the estimated electrical load of 126,027kWh/yr. Conclusively, cost effectiveness of the individual and hybridised systems was also considered.
Six decades of infectious bursal disease in poultry: The journey so far and challenges ahead
Authors: Lawal N. , Bello M.B.
Published: November 2021

Despite six decades of concerted efforts, Infectious bursal disease (IBD) still remains a major threat to the poultry industry worldwide. Most importantly, the emergence of variant and very virulent strains of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) has dramatically changed the epidemiology of the disease, thus resulting in the renewed efforts in the search for effective control measures. Currently, live attenuated, inactivated, and immune-complex vaccines are among the immune-therapeutic approaches employed for the control of IBD in the field alongside adequate biosecurity, albeit with various degrees of success and limitations. Progress in genetic engineering has allowed the generation of reverse genetic IBDV mutants, recombinant live viral vectors expressing the IBDV VP2 immunodominant protein, intra-serotypic recombinant IBDV viral-like particle co-expressing the outer capsid protein structures derived from 2 or more serotype 1 strains or the incorporation of either VP2 or VP2-4-3 polyprotein sequences alongside molecular adjuvants that can be used as IBD vaccine candidates to elicit an immune response. However, despite these advances, outbreaks are still reported even in flocks that have up to date vaccination records and somewhat excellent management practices. This paper reviews aspect of genetic characteristics of IBDV and reflects on the progress and future challenges in providing effective IBD vaccine to achieve effective control of both classical and very-virulent IBDV serotypes that constitute a major devastation to poultry production and health.
Isolation and genomic characterization of “unassigned” Salmonella enterica serovars from poultry in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria
Authors: Raufu I.A. , Ahmed O.A. , Aremu A. , Ameh J.A. , Ambali A.
Published: November 2021

Salmonellosis is an important global foodborne disease caused by Salmonella enterica (S. enterica). Strains that are resistant to a variety of antibiotics were known to constitute major hazard to public health. The objectives of this study are to determine the serovar distributions, genomic antimicrobial resistance, prediction of genes conferring resistance to selected antibiotics, the multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and plasmid replicon typing of “unassigned” S. enterica isolated from poultry. A total of 300 samples comprised of: post-mortem tissues (n = 150), cloacal swabs (n = 30), and poultry environment (n = 120) were aseptically collected and analyzed between January and June, 2017. Presumptive S. enterica isolates were characterized using conventional cultural methods, biochemical tests, and serotyping. The isolates were characterized, using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Method. Five “unassigned” S. enterica serovars were recovered from four matrices (liver, n = 1; water, n = 1; cloacal swab, n = 2; poultry feed, n = 1). Prediction of point mutation in parC (T57S) was reported in two strains which confer resistance to nalidixic acid; in addition to this, prediction of fosA7 that confers resistance to fosfomycin was identified in one of these strains. Three isolates each encoded plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) qnrB69 and bla-CMY-98 genes expected to confer decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, and ceftriaxone, respectively. Three sequence types, ST-6111, 6114 and 7073 were detected. None of the isolates harbored plasmid replicon. This study highlights the importance of “unassigned” S. enterica serovars in the emergence and spread of S. enterica in poultry. There is a need for the establishment of national collaborative Salmonella program to further investigate the pathogenic and public health risk to humans, of “unassigned” S. enterica serovars in Nigeria.
Molecular characterization of Salmonella enterica from poultry farms in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria
Authors: Raufu I.A. , Ahmed O.A. , Aremu A. , Ameh J.A. , Ambali A.
Published: November 2021

Poultry salmonellosis caused by Salmonella enterica is one of the most important bacterial diseases posing serious challenges to poultry production and human health worldwide. This study investigated the occurrence, serotypes, multilocus sequence types (MLSTs), antimicrobial resistance, plasmids, and 12 selected virulence genes of non-typhoidal Salmonella from poultry layer farms using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) methods. Two hundred cloaca swab samples were aseptically collected from four commercial poultry farms (layers) and transferred in sterile universal bottles on ice to the laboratory for analysis. Presumptive Salmonella isolates were detected with selective media and conventional biochemical tests. Serovars were confirmed by serotyping using the slide agglutination and Seqsero methods. Seven samples were positive for Salmonella consisting of Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) (n = 4), S. Albany (n = 2), and S. Agama with an occurrence rate of 3.5 % (7/200). Overall, 3 isolates showed the parC mutation expected not to cause resistance. Similarly, one S. Typhimurium isolate carried plasmid replicons of IncFIB(S)/IncFII(S) type without antimicrobial resistance genes. Three sequence types (STs); 19 (S. Typhimurium), 5317 (S. Albany), and 467 (S. Agama) were obtained. Salmonella Agama harboured 12 virulence genes, while S. Typhimurium and S. Albany harboured 11 virulence genes each. This study highlights the importance of S. Typhimurium, S. Albany, and S. Agama as major pathogens associated with poultry farms in Ilorin, north-central Nigeria. It equally provided baseline information on the serovar distribution, STs, resistance and the virulence gene profiles of all the serovars. Therefore, chickens can serve as a potential source of Salmonella transmission to humans, and this constitutes a potential health risk to the human population. Hence, there is a need for a specific Salmonella control program to be instituted as part of a national food safety strategy.
Lead and coliform contaminants in groundwater sources in peri-urban areas of Makurdi, Nigeria
Authors: Agyo R.A. , Ofukwu R.A. , Agada C.A. , Okoh A.E.J.
Published: November 2021

Benue State has one of the most populated state capitals in North-central Nigeria, suffering from acute water shortage despite River Benue that runs through the town. The combined effect of inadequate potable water supply and the polluted nature of the River has pushed the populace, especially peri-urban residents, to resort to water from wells and boreholes. This study investigates the possible contamination by lead, and some waterborne pathogenic bacterial burden of water from wells and boreholes. Four peri-urban areas of Makurdi, Nigeria, were selected for the study. A total of 768 samples were randomly collected, 192 from each location.The presence of lead was quantified using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, while the bacteriological assessment was done using Multiple Tube Fermentation Techniques and biochemical tests. The mean value for lead at the different sampling sites ranged from 0.030 to 0.079mg/L. The mean value of lead in all the wells and locations was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the WHO recommended values of 0.01 mg/L for lead. Five species of pathogenic bacteria were isolated and identified, namely E. coli, Salmonella subsp 3B, Enterobacter pagglomeran complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii. The mean value for E. coli at the different well types ranged from 0.000 to 0.401 CFUX10 and were significantly (P<0.05) different. Water from wells in Makurdi had high lead concentration as well as enteric pathogenic bacteria that render it not fit for human consumption. It is recommended that regulatory agencies should protect wells through the development of relevant guidelines to address the risk of water contamination.
Gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in indigenous Ghanaian West African dwarf goats
Authors: Atawalna J. , Essel-Cobbinah D. , Akpalu P.D. , Emikpe B.O.
Published: November 2021

The West African Dwarf (WAD) goat has genetic potentials that can be exploited for improved goat production. However, their testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in Ghana are not well known. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sabtiu Musah abattoir in Kumasi, Ghana, to evaluate the gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in 10 indigenous WAD goats. The samples were stored on an ice chest and transported to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory for analysis on the day of collection. In the laboratory, the testes and epididymis were separated by dissection and then freed of all connective tissue and the Tunica albuginea. The weight, length, width and volume of the testis were determined. A segment of testicular parenchyma was incised and homogenized in a 20 ml normal saline solution. The resulting homogenate was stored in the refrigerator overnight and a filtered aliquot used for estimating spermatid concentration and sperm reserves. The weight, length, width, volume of the testis and the gonadosomatic index were 70.09 ±14.19 gm, 7.46 ± 0.52 cm, 5.08 ± 0.62, cm, 102.40 ± 29.40 ml and 5.09 ± 0.07%, respectively. The sperm reserves per the whole testis, sperm reserves per gramme testis, Daily Sperm production (DSP), and DSP per gramme testis of Ghanaian WAD bucks were 146.0 ± 50.95, 2.2 ± 0.62, 41.01 ± 14.3 and 0.62 ± 0.17 x109 spermatozoa, respectively. Indigenous West African Draft goats have a high potential for sperm production. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the semen quality parameters of this breed.
EXPERIÊNCIA DE PUÉRPERAS PARTICIPANTES DE UM GRUPO DE GESTANTES NOS CUIDADOS COM O RECÉM-NASCIDO
Authors: Pereira Drews Miriane , De Lima Margarete Maria , Ferrante Boscoli de Oliveira Alves Isadora , Costa Roberta , Frello Roque Ariane Thaise , De Oliveira Custódio Zaira Aparecida
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: conhecer como as puérperas participantes de um grupo de gestantes e casais grávidos experienciam os cuidados com o recém-nascido a partir de orientações recebidas nas atividades educativas. Método: pesquisa qualitativa descritiva, realizada por meio de um formulário online, respondido entre os meses de agosto e outubro de 2020, por puérperas que participaram de um grupo de gestantes e casais grávidos. Resultados: As três categorias do estudo enfocam a importância das orientações recebidas no grupo, as principais dúvidas e dificuldades encontradas no cuidado com o recém-nascido e a experiência materna nos cuidados. Considerações finais: a experiência das puérperas nos cuidados com o recém-nascido é permeada, principalmente, por dificuldades em relação à amamentação, higiene e conforto do bebê, sendo que a educação em saúde é uma importante ferramenta na construção do saber e pode ser benéfica em relação aos cuidados com o recém-nascido.
La línea de investigación un referente de especialización en la Escuela de Estudios de Postgrado FAHUSAC
Authors: Cardona Monroy María Iliana , Mazariegos Patricia , Flores Luin Walda , Méndez Bidel , Valenzuela Maribel
Published: November 2021

OBJETIVO: establecer la perspectiva del profesor, asesor y estudiantes de la Escuela de Estudios de Postgrado de la FAHUSAC en torno a la línea de investigación y su vinculación con una de ellas como fuente de aprendizaje y saber colectivo. MÉTODO: se desarrolló un estudio con enfoque mixto de alcance exploratorio, se aplicó una encuesta a docentes, estudiantes y graduados, además de realizar un análisis documental. RESULTADOS: desde la perspectiva que tienen los informantes se evidencia que existe un posicionamiento en torno a las líneas de investigación, se realizan acciones que permiten a los estudiantes apropiarse de la utilidad y la necesidad de contar con estas para realizar investigación, ya que a partir de ellas se produce conocimiento alrededor de los problemas prioritarios que están en el marco de dichas líneas. CONCLUSIÓN: desde la perspectiva del profesor, asesor y estudiantes en torno a las líneas de investigación se conciben como fuente de especialización, y organización, más allá del conocimiento que se produce en torno a ellas, es un potencial teórico metodológico en la investigación y un medio para compartir colectivamente saberes y aprendizajes
Acoso sexual, variables predictoras y consecuencias en estudiantes en el espacio universitario
Authors: Véliz Escobar Carmen María
Published: November 2021

OBJETIVO: interpretar el acoso sexual en relación con las variables predictoras y sus consecuencias en estudiante en el espacio universitario. MÉTODO: enfoque mixto secuencial de corte transversal, con una fase de diseño no experimental y otra con diseño fenomenológico; se utilizó muestreo por clusters y muestreo de casos tipo bajo el principio de saturación de la información; las variables del estudio fueron acoso sexual, sexismo ambivalente, autoestima y rendimiento académico. RESULTADOS: a través de una regresión logística se obtuvo un modelo con ajuste adecuado, en el que aportan significativamente dos variables, ser mujer que aumenta la probabilidad de sufrir acoso sexual en un 3.43 y tener bajos niveles de autoestima en un 1.5; la autoestima también se observa como consecuencia del acoso sexual, disminuyendo un -.163 conforme aumenta la incidencia de acoso sexual. CONCLUSIÓN: las variables predictoras y consecuencias del acoso sexual coinciden en la triangulación de los datos cuantitativos y cualitativos, sin embargo, no terminan por explicar el problema del acoso sexual, debido principalmente a los factores culturales, violencia de género y al machismo estructural que lo mantienen, invisibilizan y legitiman, dentro del espacio universitario.
La formación universitaria y su relación con el comportamiento ambiental de los estudiantes del CUNSURORI, USAC, Jalapa
Authors: Martínez Castro Jerson
Published: November 2021

OBJETIVO: relacionar la formación universitaria con el comportamiento ambiental de los estudiantes en las distintas carreras del Centro Universitario de Sur Oriente –CUNSURORI- de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala –USAC-, con sede en la ciudad de Jalapa. METODO: se tomó en cuenta el enfoque del paradigma neopositivista, con un diseño mixto de estudio cuantitativo y cualitativo. El método cuantitativo fue no experimental y se realizaron pruebas de normalidad, consistencia interna, validez, correlaciones y análisis de varianza, no paramétrico, de medias y factorial exploratorio para las escalas NEP-R y ECE. El método cualitativo conllevó un análisis fenomenológico para autoridades del CUNSURORI con entrevista semiestructurada para realizar una codificación abierta, axial y selectiva. RESULTADOS: las escalas mencionadas presentaron una consistencia interna, por medio del alfa de Cronbach, en promedio de 0.674 por lo que efectivamente miden la preocupación y el comportamiento ambiental. Para la validación del constructo se realizó análisis factorial exploratorio con la prueba KMO y se obtuvo un valor de 0.681 y 0.775 para la escala NEP-R y ECE, respectivamente. En lo cualitativo hay poca preocupación por el tema ambiental. CONCLUSIÓN: el deterioro del ambiente y el uso inapropiado de los recursos naturales es una preocupación creciente en las sociedades del mundo. La ciencia busca explicaciones y propuestas que permitan minimizar el deterioro creciente del ambiente. Las diferencias del comportamiento ambiental de los estudiantes al ingreso y egreso universitario no son significativas, además, es mínima la importancia que le proveen los responsables a contenidos y actividades ambientales.