bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of efficacy of band ligation and suture ligation in the treatment of second degree hemorrhoids
Authors: Gole S. N. , Toppo Nitin , Poptani Manoj
Published: June 2021

Background: Rubber band ligation (RBL) and suture ligation are treatment strategies adapted for management of second degree hemorrhoids, an anorectal condition leading to distal displacement of anal cushions. Aim of current study was to investigate efficacy of suture ligation and band ligation techniques used in management of grade two internal hemorrhoids in terms of intraoperative n post-operative complications.Methods: An observational prospective study was conducted on 108 patients presented with grade 2 internal heamorrhoids at JNM medical college, Raipur between 2018 to 2019. Patients were divided in two equal groups receiving rubber band and suture ligation as treatment approaches. Efficacy of both treatment approaches was studied in terms of post-operative complications observed at immediate, one week and one month follow-ups and on the basis of hospital stay time required.Results: Majority of patients in both the groups were males with most number of cases in age group of 31-40 years. There was no significant difference in dietary habits of patients in both group as well as efficacy of both treatment techniques. Post-operative pain, discomfort, prolapse were common complains in band ligation group with pain persisting even during one month follow-up. Pain, bleeding per rectum, discomfort and irritation per rectum were the most common post-operative complaints of suture ligation group during follow-up.Conclusions: Although efficacy of both treatment strategies were equivalent, RBL would be recommended over suture ligation treatment strategy due to requirement of regional anesthesia to reduce operative difficulty and more hospital stay time in suture ligation treatment strategy.
Quantum-Resistance in Blockchain Networks
Authors: Allende López Marcos , López Diego , Cerón Sergio , Leal Antonio , Pareja Adrián , Da Silva Marcelo , Pardo Alejandro , Jones Duncan , Worrall David , Merriman Ben , Gilmore John , Kitchener Nick , Venegas-Andraca Salvador E.
Published: June 2021

This paper describes the work carried out by the Inter-American Development Bank, the IDB Lab, LACChain, Cambridge Quantum Computing (CQC), and Tecnológico de Monterrey to identify and eliminate quantum threats in blockchain networks. The advent of quantum computing threatens internet protocols and blockchain networks because they utilize non-quantum resistant cryptographic algorithms. When quantum computers become robust enough to run Shor's algorithm on a large scale, the most used asymmetric algorithms, utilized for digital signatures and message encryption, such as RSA, (EC)DSA, and (EC)DH, will be no longer secure. Quantum computers will be able to break them within a short period of time. Similarly, Grover's algorithm concedes a quadratic advantage for mining blocks in certain consensus protocols such as proof of work. Today, there are hundreds of billions of dollars denominated in cryptocurrencies that rely on blockchain ledgers as well as the thousands of blockchain-based applications storing value in blockchain networks. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based applications require solutions that guarantee quantum resistance in order to preserve the integrity of data and assets in their public and immutable ledgers. We have designed and developed a layer-two solution to secure the exchange of information between blockchain nodes over the internet and introduced a second signature in transactions using post-quantum keys. Our versatile solution can be applied to any blockchain network. In our implementation, quantum entropy was provided via the IronBridge Platform from CQC and we used LACChain Besu as the blockchain network.
Relationships between metropolitan, satellite and regional city size, spatial context and economic productivity
Authors: Leishman Chris , Bond-Smith Steven , Liang Weidong , Long Jinqiao , Maclennan Duncan , Rowley Steven
Published: June 2021

This report considers evidence about the existence and scale of agglomeration economies, including in Australian cities. It examines whether city size affects productivity, and whether economic productivity, city size and rising housing costs are interdependent.
Large Incidental Intracardiac Thrombus in a Patient with Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Dalal Niti , Divya Aabha , Bakhtawar Juhi , Swain Mona
Published: June 2021

Rheumatic heart disease contributes to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and remains a predominant cause of cardiac morbidity in developing nations. Coronary angiography is indicated as a routine procedure in the preoperative assessment of patients with valvular heart disease, who are older than 40 years age. Though transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is routinely done preoperative in every patient, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is an important imaging modality especially for the identification of thrombus. The diagnosis of associated left atrial thrombus changes the approach to the surgery, regardless of the symptoms. Rheumatic mitral valve disease contributes to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is the predominant cause of cardiac morbidity in developing nations. This case demonstrates incidental finding of large left atrial thrombus, diagnosed incidentally through transesophageal echocardiography in a patient who was previously diagnosed as a case of severe mitral stenosis with coronary artery disease.
Study of Serum Amylase for Predicting the Severity of Organophosphorus Poisoning and Correlation with Respiratory Failure - A Cross Sectional Study at KIMS, Hubballi, Karnataka
Authors: Gangadharappa Raghu , Kalegowda Manojkumar B. , Golla Bharath
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are insecticides which are widely used in agriculture. Acute organophosphorus poisoning is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like India. Considering financial burden / availability of tests, we need cheap and easily measurable biomarkers for predicting prognosis / complications in a limited resource country, like India. We intend to correlate the levels of serum amylase in patients admitted with acute organophosphorus poisoning for predicting the severity of acute OP poisoning and also to correlate serum amylase association with respiratory failure. METHODS This was a prospective observational study. Total of 94 patients of OP poisoning admitted to KIMS Hospital, Hubballi between January 1st 2017 and December 31th 2017 were studied. Detailed history, clinical examination, and lab investigations like pseudocholinesterase, serum amylase and other relevant investigations were carried out. Peradeniya OP poisoning scale was applied to all the study subjects and the severity of OP poisoning was graded as mild, moderate, severe. Data obtained was analysed by different statistical methods. RESULTS OP poisoning was more common in adults of age group between 20 – 30 years, Incidence was more in male patients and mortality rate was 12.8 %. Mean values of serum amylase negatively correlate with pseudocholinesterase levels and it was statistically significant. Correlation between the severity of OP poisoning (based on Peradeniya score) and biochemical parameters like pseudocholinesterase, serum amylase was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The correlation between the severity of OP poisoning and biochemical parameter– serum amylase, was statistically significant and it was useful in predicting the development of respiratory failure. Pseudocholinesterase and serum amylase were also useful to predict the outcome of the patient. KEYWORDS Amylase, Organophosphorus Poisoning, Pseudocholinesterase, Peradeniya Score
A Hospital Based Study of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Various Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease and Associated Risk Factors among Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Deshpande Rajesh , Yadav Amit Kumar , Porwal Vipin
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Multiple mechanisms have been identified contributing to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and it is one of the important sequelae of CKD and needs early detection. We wanted to study PAH in various stages of CKD and its association with renal and cardiovascular parameters. METHODS This was an observational study. PAH was diagnosed if mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) was ≥ 25 mmHg using 2D - Doppler echocardiography in 96 CKD patients. Staging of CKD was done as per Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) stages 1 - 5. Age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, stages of CKD, corticomedullary differentiation (CMD), estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) were included as risk factors. Data was analysed by calculating percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi square and t test. P value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS PAH was detected in 37 (38.5 %) of CKD patients. Prevalence of PAH increased with stages of CKD being highest (59 %) in stage 5 and this was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.04). PAH was detected earliest in stage 2 (23.5 %). Lower mean eGFR ml / min / 1.733m2 (24.43 ± 17.8 vs 40.98 ± 25.7, P = 0.001) altered corticomedullary differentiation (50.9 % vs 20.5 % p = 0.003), reduced LVEF (81 % vs 26.7 % P = 0.000) and LVH (65 % vs 19.6 %, P = 0.000) were significantly associated with PAH in CKD patients. CONCLUSIONS PAH in CKD patients increases with CKD stages. Onset of PAH in CKD patients may be earlier and significantly associated with left ventricular dysfunction. KEYWORDS Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
C-Reactive Protein Level in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – A Cross Sectional Study in Kerala, India
Authors: B.H. Gayathri , M Sahila , Arun Meera , J.S Sravan
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the main causes for infertility. Many studies show that PCOS is associated with production of some inflammatory factors like CRP and IL - 18, which has a prognostic significance in analysing the risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVD). American heart association (AHA) has put forward C - reactive protein (CRP) as a clinically useful marker for risk of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies show an increased incidence of high levels of CRP in PCOS patients as compared to controls. If such an association is proved in our population, CRP can be used as an ideal marker to screen apparently normal young PCOS women for CVD. So we wanted to assess the CRP levels in PCOS through this study. METHODS This was a cross sectional study conducted in the outpatient departments of Infertility and Gynaecology in a tertiary care hospital of South India, from 2018 to 2019. It was conducted among women of age 25 - 35 years who were diagnosed to have PCOS according to Rotterdam’s criteria, satisfying inclusion criteria. Women of age 25 - 35 years without PCOS were taken as comparison group. The study was conducted in 50 PCOS women and 50 women without PCOS were taken as comparison group. Data was obtained with the help of appropriate questionnaire and laboratory investigations. CRP level was assessed by Immunoturbidimetric method. RESULTS CRP was found to be significantly elevated (P < 0.01) in PCOS (1.87 ± 2.16) when compared to women without PCOS (0.16 ± 0.4). CONCLUSIONS CRP levels were significantly higher in PCOS women as compared to women without PCOS. Thus CRP can be used as tool to assess inflammatory state in PCOS. KEYWORDS Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, C Reactive Protein, Inflammation
Mesenteric Lymphadenopathy in Children with Chronic Abdominal Pain - A Single Center Retrospective Case Control Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Puducherry
Authors: S Satyamanasa Gayatri Vinay , R Bruntha , M Sudhagar
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Mesenteric lymphadenitis (MLN) is found commonly associated with children having chronic abdominal pain, but its significance is rarely mentioned in literature. Mesenteric lymphadenitis is the inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes that drain the gastrointestinal tract. The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and significance of mesenteric lymphadenopathy among children with chronic abdominal pain (CAP). METHODS This is a single center retrospective case control study conducted in the department of paediatrics of a private medical college in Puducherry. Data was obtained from the records over a period of past 24 months. Cases were defined as 5 - 15 years aged children presenting with chronic abdominal pain. Controls were defined as 5 - 15 years aged children who were subjected to abdominal ultrasonography for reasons other than abdominal pain. Records over past 24 months were studied and for uniformity of analysis, a total of 100 children aged 5 - 15 years, were included in both the groups. Data from the case records was analysed retrospectively to calculate the prevalence of mesenteric lymphadenitis in both the groups. RESULTS Chronic abdominal pain was almost equal in both sexes with a male : female ratio of 0.9 : 1. In our study, the incidence of significant MLN among children with chronic abdominal pain was 89 % [n = 89, out of 100 cases] and was 26 % among controls [n = 26, out of 100 controls]. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that MLN is one of the most common findings in children with CAP with higher incidence among cases than controls and is statistically significant. Abdominal ultrasonography is a useful tool in the evaluation of CAP to rule out organic causes. KEYWORDS Chronic Abdominal Pain (CAP), American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), Mesenteric Lymphadenopathy [MLN], Recurrent Abdominal Pain (RAP)
Occurrence of Alcohol Dependence, Pattern of Alcohol Use, and Psychiatric Comorbidity in a Tertiary Care Centre in Upper Assam, India
Authors: Deka Kamala , Baruah Manju Partha , Bora Dipjyoti
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND There has been an increased rate of diagnosis of alcohol dependent syndrome (ADS) observed in our psychiatry clinic constituting a major portion of them into inpatients care. Evaluation of psychiatric complaints in patients with alcohol dependant syndrome is challenging at times. Depression has been found to be a common psychological association seen in them. Suicidality and other selfharming behaviour as a co morbidity are also not uncommon. There is dearth of information available on occurrence of alcohol dependent syndrome in psychiatry attendees and pattern of alcohol use especially from this part of north-eastern region of Assam. We wanted to assess the occurrence and pattern of alcohol use disorder amongst patients attending psychiatry unit of a tertiary care centre in upper Assam, estimate its bed occupancy rate, and determine psychiatric comorbidity among them. METHODS A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among 104 consecutive subjects attending Psychiatry department of Jorhat Medical College, Assam. After thorough examination and informed written consent subjects were administered with alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) and MINI plus. Semi structured socio demographic Proforma was used to collect information on demographic data and different variables. As it was a descriptive study, data collected were organized in frequency tables and analysed using percentage. RESULTS In present study, prevalence of alcohol dependent syndrome in psychiatry set up was 12.68 % and bed occupancy rate of ADS was 13 %. Majority were between the age 28 and 47 years, males, Hindus, married, belonged to nuclear family and hailed from upper lower social class followed by lower middle class. Approximately 18 % of cases had psychiatric co morbidity and majority of them had depression and suicidality. CONCLUSIONS A major number of alcohol dependant patients attended psychiatry OPD and occupied almost half of the beds as inpatients of a tertiary care hospital. Mood disorder was the commonest comorbid condition in these patients. Though the results cannot be generalized, it may definitely reflect the magnitude of alcohol use in this region. Hence forth a psychiatry unit like ours warrant a full-fledged department for treatment of ADS and alcohol related problems and some policy to work for its prevention. KEYWORDS ADS, Occurrence, Bed Occupancy, Psychiatric Co-Morbidity
Comparative Study between Topical Heparin and Nebulised Heparin in the Management of Thermal Burn Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Tirupati
Authors: Challapalli Srikanth Reddy , Gandikota Venkata Prakash , Chilakala Archana , Gaddam Yaswanth Kumar
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Burn treatment is complex and involves many components. Topical solutions that contain antiseptic, antibiotic, and growth factor properties are effectively used in superficial burns. Heparin satisfies all the parameters. Routes of heparin administration described are subcutaneous, topical, intravenous, and inhalation. In this study, the need was felt to evaluate the efficacy of various heparin routes such as topical against nebulised heparin. METHODS 100 consecutive thermal burn patients were studied prospectively under two groups i.e., topical heparin (T group) and nebulised heparin (N group). Hospital stay, final scar outcome, wound infection rate, secondary procedures, pain medication, dressings and antibiotics required were compared. RESULTS It was found that the T patients complained of less pain and received less pain medication, fewer dressings and antibiotics compared to N group. Significantly less IV fluids were infused to T group 36 vs 64 litres compared to N group (P < 0.01). T group had fewer secondary procedures 6 vs 14 compared to N group. The number of days in hospital for T was significantly less (over all P < 0.0001). 14 patients (28 %) in the topical group were discharged from the hospital in 10 days or less compared with 8 patients (16 %) in the nebulised group (P < 0.001, S). 38 out of the 50 H patients (76 %) were discharged in less than 3 weeks compared with 22 nebulised group patients (32 %) (P < 0.001, S). CONCLUSIONS Usage of Heparin is safe, needs no monitoring by bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT), or partial thromboplastin time (PTT). The final scar outcome with parameters such as scar itchiness, texture, the wound infection rate, secondary procedures like a skin graft, post-burn contractures release were fewer in burn patients treated with topical heparin. KEYWORDS Topical Heparin, Nebulised Heparin, Hospital Stay, Scar Outcome, Secondary Procedures, Pain
Comparison of Grading and ER, PR Hormone Receptor Status of Carcinoma Breast in FNAC with Histopathology - A Cross Sectional Study from Thrissur, Kerala
Authors: Madathiveetil Suma , Thodiyil Jisha Kalathil , Rose Freena
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in cities in India and 2 nd most common cancer in the rural areas. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a less invasive pre-operative diagnostic method and is preferred over core / excision biopsy to decide the benign or malignant nature of the breast lump. Prognostic factor assessment by FNAC would allow the identification of patients who would benefit from neo adjuvant treatment (patients with grade 3 tumours) and in whom conservation surgery is inadvisable.1 The purpose of this study is to compare the grades of breast cancer in FNAC with histopathology as gold standard and compare the oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) hormonal expression pattern on immunocytochemistry (ICC) with immunohistochemistry (IHC). From this study we intend to assess the usefulness of cytological grading and ER, PR hormone receptor status pre-operatively so that hormonal therapy can be included with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS This is a cross sectional study with a sample size of 50, conducted in the Department of Pathology. RESULTS Out of 50 cases, maximum number of patients were in the age group of 51 - 60 years. 68 % had attained menopause; 69 % of patients had tumour size between 2 - 5 cm and 90 % of tumours were in the upper outer quadrant of breast. Considering hormonal expression, in case of ER there was a moderate agreement between ICC and IHC (κ = .428, P = 0.005) and no agreement was seen in case of PR (κ = .073, P = 0.625). Regarding the cytological grading, this study showed highest degree of concordance with grade II tumours with a sensitivity of 75.9 %. For Grade I it was 2.5 % and for grade III, it was 33.3 %. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of hormonal status and nuclear grading is fairly reliable on cytology when performed on qualitatively superior FNAC material from the primary breast lesions. KEYWORDS Carcinoma Breast, FNAC, ER / PR, Immunocytochemistry, Immunohistochemistry, Cytological Nuclear Grading
Efficacy of Alvarado and Appendicitis Inflammatory Response Scores in the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Appendicitis - A Cross Sectional Study from Nizamabad, Telangana
Authors: Ravinder Gudas , Kumar Keerthi Sunil , Kumaraswamy Boda
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND Accurate clinical diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are the two important events that help the surgeon in the management of acute appendicitis. Two diagnostic score systems that help in avoiding the removal of normal appendix are reviewed in this study. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Alvarado score (AS) and Appendicitis inflammatory response scores (AIRS) in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) and correlate their efficacy in the management of acute appendicitis as per the diagnostic scores used. METHODS This was a cross-sectional clinical study. 73 patients who attended the emergency ward for clinical features of acute appendicitis were included in the study. Clinical examination included the diagnostic tools 1. The Alvarado score, 2. Appendicitis Inflammatory Response score. Based on their score a provisional diagnosis was made among the patients. All the data was classified and analysed. RESULTS The positive predictive value was 63/73 (86.30 %) with Alvarado diagnostic tool and 66/73 (90.41 %) with AIS diagnostic tool. The false positive values using Alvarado system was 06.84 % and 04.10 % with AIS system. The true negative rate of diagnosis of acute appendicitis in this study was 09.58 %. CONCLUSIONS Both Alvarado and AIS diagnostic tools were simple and accurate in the early diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the adult population. Both the tools are highly sensitive and specific in nature. KEYWORDS Appendix, Acute Appendicitis, Perforation, USG, Laparotomy and Alvarado Score
Assessment of Carotid Artery Distensibility and Elasticity in Patients with Asthma
Authors: Bozkurt Yılmaz Hatice Eylül , Yılmaz Mustafa
Published: June 2021

As asthma and atherosclerosis have similar pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors, asthmatic patients may have an increased risk of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the possibility of a higher risk of atherosclerosis in asthma patients compared with healthy controls by measuring carotid elasticity and distensibility. This was a cross-sectional study on 326 participants including 221 patients (129 [58.37%] females) with persistent asthma, aged 46.47±11.58 years, body mass index (BMI) of 29.74±3.99, and 105 healthy control subjects (60 [57.14%] females) aged 46.08±11.35 years, and BMI of 29.42±3.76. Of the 221 patients with asthma, 75 (33.93%) had mild, 74 (33.48%) had moderate and 72 (32.57%) had severe asthma. The carotid distensibility and elasticity were recorded and compared in both patients and control groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients and healthy control groups in terms of age, BMI and gender (p=0.775, p=0.482, and p=0.834, respectively). A statistically significant difference was determined between the patient and control groups in respect of both distensibility and elasticity (10.93±1.64 vs. 11.5±1.31, p=0.002 and 0.21±0.03 vs. 0.22±0.04, p=0.001, respectively). Statistically significant differences were determined between the control group and the asthma subgroups in respect of distensibility and elasticity (p<0.001, for both comparisons). The results showed that the difference was mainly due to the patients with severe asthma. Carotid distensibility and elasticity were decreased in asthmatic patients, and the main reason for this decrease was the patients in the severe asthma group. These results may suggest that the risk of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis is increased in patients with asthma, especially those with severe asthma.
Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis and Eczema in Adolescents Living in Yazd City: Part of Global Asthma Network Survey
Authors: Nafei Zahra , Behniafard Nasrin , Mirzaei Mohsen , Karimi Mehran , Akbarian Elahe
Published: June 2021

Allergic rhinitis and eczema are two common global diseases that can lead to impaired quality of life. Determining the prevalence of these allergic disorders can be useful in planning prevention and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of allergic rhinitis and eczema in adolescents living in Yazd city. Using an electronic questionnaire based on the Global Asthma Network (GAN) core questionnaire, 5141 adolescents aged 13–14 years were cross-sectionallysurveyed. The prevalence of current symptoms of rhinitis turned out to be 36.3%, proving significantly higher in boys (p=0.009). Moreover, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis in the past year leveled at 12.4% and 10.5%, respectively; however, the former was significantly higher in females (p=0.014). Additionally, severe rhinoconjunctivitis was observed in 0.2% of the participants with no gender preference (p=0.09). Confirmed hay fever by a doctor was reported in 13.2% of adolescents, significantly higher in males (p<0.001). The prevalence of current itchy rash and current eczema was found to be 5.5%, and 2.9%, respectively, with no difference in terms of gender. Severe atopic eczema and eczema confirmed by a doctor were seen in 0.4% and 5% of the participants, no gender preference was identified. Concurrent prevalence of current rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema was detected in 1% of the participants. Despite the increasing trend of allergic diseases in most parts of the world, the prevalence of rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in adolescents has not increased in Yazd in the last two decades, and this city is located in a low to moderate prevalence area.
Plasma Levels of MicroRNA-146a-5p, MicroRNA-24-3p, and MicroRNA125a-5p as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Safari Fatemeh , Damavand Elia , Rostamian Abdol-Rahman , Movassaghi Shafieh , Imani-Saber Zeinab , Saffari Mojtaba , Kabuli Majid , Ghadami Mohsen
Published: June 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammation of the articular tissue. This study aims to evaluate the expression of microRNA (miR)-146a-5p, miR-24-3p, and miR-125a-5p in the plasma of RA patients and compare them with those of healthy controls to obtain a specific expression profile for earlier diagnosis and assistance in treating patients. This study was performed on 50 RA patients and 50 healthy controls. Five microliters of blood were taken from each patient/control. Plasma RNA was extracted using the Trisol solution. cDNAs were synthesized; using moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) and deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP). Real-time PCR was performed using SYBR green kit. The mean expression of miR-146a-5p, miR-24-3p, and miR-125a-5p in the RA group were 8.1±1.9, 6.5±1.2, and 6.8±2.2 and in the healthy group were 4.8±1.6, 3.6±2.2, and 3.4±1.7, respectively. Significant differences were also observed in the mean expression of these three miRNAs in four subgroups of RA patients with different disease activity based on disease activity score 28 (DAS28) (p<0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that miR-146a-5p (AUC=0.8, sensitivity=96%, specificity=86%), miR-24-3p (AUC=0.7, Sensitivity=95%, Specificity=75%) and miR-125a-5p (AUC=0.71, sensitivity=93%, specificity=84%) could be used as suitable biomarkers for RA diagnosis. Increased expressions of miR-146a-5p, miR-24-3p, and miR-125a-5p in RA patients indicate that the miRNAs are involved in disease incidence and progression, and the measurement of their expression can play an essential role in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Disseminated Mycobacterium simiae Infection in a Patient with Complete IL-12p40 Deficiency
Authors: Mahdaviani Seyed Alireza , Marjani Majid , Jamee Mahnaz , Khavandegar Armin , Ghaffaripour Hosseinali , Eslamian Golnaz , Ghaini Mehdi , Eskandarzadeh Shabnam , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta , Mansouri Davood , Velayati Ali Akbar
Published: June 2021

Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) is a rare group of genetic disorders characterized by infections with weakly virulent environmental mycobacteria (EM) or Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Herein, we described the case of a 4.5-yearold boy with protein-losing enteropathy, lymphoproliferation, and candidiasis, who was found to have disseminated Mycobacterium simiae infection. A homozygous mutation in the IL12B gene, c.527_528delCT (p.S176Cfs*12) was identified, responsible for the complete IL-12p40 deficiency. He was resistant to anti-mycobacterial treatment and finally died due to sepsis-related complications.
Análise da representação da figura do cientista em filmes de ficção cientifica
Authors: Berk Queiroz Amanda , Borges Rocha Marcelo
Published: June 2021

Entendendo o potencial que o cinema tem para apresentar informações, inclusive científicas, para o público em geral, torna-se importante entender como a figura do cientista vem sendo representada nestas obras. Assim, neste estudo foram selecionados 14 filmes de ficção científica com o objetivo de investigar as representações de cientista nas atividades cientificas. A análise do material foi pautada na análise fílmica proposta por Vanoye e Goliot-Leté, associada à análise de conteúdo categorial temática de Bardin. As categorias foram elaboradas a priori e a posteriori da observação dos filmes. Foi possível constatar a predominância da figura do cientista herói-aventureiro com habilidades para solucionar problemas de caráter cientifico e que se arrisca em favor da humanidade. Destaca-se que representações como esta e, as demais encontradas no estudo, podem reforçar padrões de cientistas que permeiam o imaginário da população. Considera-se assim, que as reflexões apresentadas tornam-se relevantes no sentido de gerar possíveis desdobramentos para outras pesquisas que contribuam para problematizar a visão de cientista na produção do conhecimento cientifico.
Dinámica de precios y valoración de activos contingentes en mercados con riesgo de liquidez
Authors: Moreno Trujillo John Freddy
Published: June 2021

Se consideran modelos de mercado en donde se incorpora un factor de liquidez asociado a la dinámica de los precios y a las estrategias de negociación de los agentes. Se estudia el caso en el cual el factor de liquidez es una función determinística del precio y otro en donde este factor es estocástico descrito por un proceso Cox-Ingersoll-Ross. Se consideran diferentes tipos de estrategias de negociación y se establecen de forma explícita las ecuaciones diferenciales estocásticas para la dinámica de los precios, así como las ecuaciones diferenciales parciales no lineales de valoración de activos contingentes correspondientes.
Organik ve Konvansiyonel Tarım Koşullarında Yetiştirilen Bazı Uçucu Yağ Bitkilerinin Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Bir Ön Çalışma
Authors: KARIK Ünal , TUNÇTÜRK Murat , ÇINAR Orçun , OĞUR Erdinç
Published: June 2021

Bu çalışma organik ve konvansiyonel tarım koşullarında yetiştirilen bazı tıbbi ve aromatik bitkilerin kalite özelliklerini belirlemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Materyal olarak Anadolu adaçayı (Salvia fruticosa Mill.), İzmir kekiği (Origanum onites L.), lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel.), lavander (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), bahçe nanesi (Mentha spicata L.) ve tıbbi nane (Mentha x piperita L.) kullanılmıştır. Bitkiler tam çiçeklenme döneminde hasat edilmiş, inkübatörde kurutulmuş ve uçucu yağları su distilasyonu yöntemiyle çıkarılmıştır. Uçucu yağların kimyasal bileşimi GC/MS ile belirlenmiştir. Bitkilerdeki uçucu yağ oranları organik ve konvansiyonel tarım koşullarında türlere göre sırası ile Anadolu adaçayında %2,8-3,2, İzmir kekiğinde %3,5-3,8, lavandinde %5,4-6,3, lavanderde %3,1-3,4, bahçe nanesinde %1,7-2,2 ve tıbbi nanede %2,1-2,4 arasında değişim göstermiştir. Uçucu yağların ana bileşenleri ve oranları ise organik ve konvansiyonel tarım koşullarında türlere göre Anadolu adaçayında 1,8-sineol %40,92-44,52, İzmir kekiğinde karvakrol %43,84-48,47, lavandinde linalol %32,84-34,69, lavanderde linalil asetat %33,03-36,28, bahçe nanesinde karvon %53,64-59,01 ve tıbbi nanede menthon %40,86-45,32 arasında değişim göstermiştir. Sonuç olarak, organik tarım koşullarında incelenen tüm türlerin uçucu yağ oranlarının düştüğü tespit edilmiştir. Bununla birlikte, organik ve konvansiyonel tarım koşullarında uçucu yağlarda bulunan ana bileşenlerin oranlarında önemli bir değişim meydana gelmemiştir.
Performing Self: Questions of Identity Competence in a Virtual World Point to Real Life Constructions
Authors: Robinson Jennifer
Published: June 2021

The Author provides an ethnographic examination of interpersonal communication in a virtual world uncovering how the technology of virtual worlds reveals the technologies of culture and how both are a means for shaping our experience of the world and for revealing the world we seek to know.
Rules and Boundaries: The Morality of Eve Online
Authors: Sóleyjarson Óli Gneisti
Published: June 2021

One of the main research topics in the article was the question of morality and ethics within the Eve Online computer game players. The Author decided to use face-to-face interviews with players and CCP employees (the game founder company) and also play the game to get a feel for it, read discussions on bulletin boards, and used various other ways to get information about the game and the people playing it just to make the conclusion that there was so much paranoia amongst the players within the game: everyone was spying on everybody else.
Messages on Memorial Internet Websites Relating to Suicide in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Gustavsson Anders
Published: June 2021

The Author presents a study of memorial websites relating to persons who have committed suicide. These websites are set up at the same websites as those that commemorate other dead persons, for example www.tillminneav.se which means ‘to the memory of’. Speaking openly about suicide is both remarkable and unique when contrasted with the reticence of former days. Messages expressed in these exceptional situations have not previously been subjected to scientific analysis. The aim of the present study is to determine which elements are common to memorial websites for both suicides and other categories of deceased persons, and which are distinctive. In addition, a comparison will be made between conditions in Sweden and in Norway.
Morphological and Physiological Performance of Indian Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] Genotypes in Respect to Drought
Authors: Mishra Nishi , Tripathi M.K. , Tiwari Sushma , Tripathi Niraj , Gupta Neha , Sharma Akash
Published: June 2021

Background: Soybean is a key crop that grants an imperative supply of oils and proteins to humans and animals; however, its productivity spectacularly diminished owing to the occurrence of drought stress. Methods: The present investigation was executed during Kharif 2018-2019 to recognize drought tolerant genotypes on the basis of an array of morpho-physiological traits. Morpho-physiological analysis among 53 genotypes divulged the existence of drought tolerance capability in studied genotypes. Result: On the basis of current findings, it can be concluded that drought stress retards the growth and metabolic activity of soybean genotypes. These parameters showed considerable amount of variability under drought stress at different growth stages in soybean. Among 53 soybean genotypes, four genotypes viz., JS97-52, AMS 2014-1, RVS-14 and NRC-147 was found to be drought tolerant.
Seed Fortification and Foliar Spraying with Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Enhances Yield and Yield Attributes in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]
Authors: Nivethadevi P. , Swaminathan C. , Kannan P. , Tamilselvi E.
Published: June 2021

Background: Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.), the most important highly prized pulse crops is grown throughout India. The productivity can be evaluated through various input management practices including inorganic and organic as well as natural way of cultivation. Methods: Both lab and field investigations were carried out to choose best tree leaf extracts for seed fortification and foliar nutrition in blackgram and also to evaluate performance of Vrikshayurvedic farming practices with seed fortification and foliar spraying of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts and basal nutrition of Delonix regia. Comparison with conventional scientific practices and do-nothing farming practice was also made. Result: Vrikshayurvedic farming (Delonix regia + Moringa oleifera @ 5%) as green leaf manure and foliar spray with tree leaf extract, respectively, registered highest vales for growth and yield parameters. It was at par with conventional scientific practice (RDF @ 25:50:25 NPK kg ha-1 and foliar spray with DAP 2% twice @ 30 and 45 DAS). It is inferred that vrikshayurveda treatments resulted in better plant growth, DMP, seed yield, pod yield equivalent as that of conventional practice and superior to do-nothing practice. It also helps to improve and maintain soil fertility over a long period of time.
PESQUISA-AÇÃO NO CONTEXTO DO PROJETO RESPOSTA RÁPIDA À SÍFILIS: EXPERIÊNCIA DO USO DA METODOLOGIA DA PROBLEMATIZAÇÃO COM O ARCO DE MAGUEREZ
Authors: Guidone Pereira Sobreira Paula , Santiago Dias dos Santos Adriano , Bastos Santana Lutigardes , Sobreira da Silva Mario Jorge
Published: June 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é relatar a experiência da realização de uma oficina junto aos profissionais de saúde, visando o planejamento de ações voltado para o combate à sífilis.  Tomando como base a metodologia da pesquisa-ação, realizou-se uma oficina em uma Clínica da Família localizada em um município da Baixada Fluminense / RJ. Empregou-se a metodologia da problematização, tendo como referência a Teoria do Arco de Charles Maguerez analisando o funcionamento cíclico em 5 etapas: observação da realidade; definição dos pontos-chave; teorização; proposição de hipóteses de solução; e, aplicação à realidade. Os dados foram analisados em cada uma das etapas e foi produzido um relatório sobre a experiência. Como resultado foram elaboradas oito propostas para o alcance dos objetivos do Projeto de Resposta Rápida à Sífilis. A vivência dessa prática permitiu desenvolver um processo de ação-reflexão-ação das atividades assistenciais exercida pelos profissionais de saúde da unidade em questão, sendo um exemplo de trabalho efetivo do apoiador em conjunto com os atores do território visando produzir mudanças nas práticas de gestão e assistência na busca de melhores resultados no combate à sífilis.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO APOIADOR DE PESQUISA E INTERVENÇÃO DO PROJETO SÍFILIS NÃO NA IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DE AÇÕES ESTRATÉGICAS NO ENFRENTAMENTO À SÍFILIS NO MUNICÍPIO DE ALVORADA/RS
Authors: Zilio Carla , Rocha Baldin Sandra Regina
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: Descrever como foi implementado o Projeto Interfederativo de Resposta Rápida à Sífilis nas Redes de Atenção à Saúde, mais conhecido como “Projeto Sífilis Não”, no município de Alvorada/RS. Método: trata-se de um relato de experiência do apoiador de pesquisa e intervenção do Projeto Sífilis Não que busca elencar as principais atividades desenvolvidas pelo apoiador  no período de maio de 2018 a março de 2020, sustentada no referencial teórico do Apoio Matricial e da Educação Permanente em Saúde. Resultados: as atividades desenvolvidas contribuíram para a construção e o fortalecimento dos processos de trabalho relacionados à Sífilis a partir da implementação de estratégias conduzidas pelo Comitê de Investigação da Transmissão Vertical de HIV, Sífilis e Hepatites Virais do município de Alvorada. Conclusão: a experiência relatada mostra que as estratégias promoveram ações conjuntas entre as áreas de vigilância e assistência, consolidando as ações do Comitê e a implementação da linha de cuidado da criança exposta à sífilis e com sífilis congênita.
TRAJETÓRIA DA ARTICULAÇÃO DO “PROJETO QUALIREDE” COM A RESPOSTA PARA A SÍFILIS NO MUNICÍPIO DE CUIABÁ – MATO GROSSO, 2019
Authors: Silva Fabiano Lima da , Freire Míriam , Astolfo Susi , Kehrig Ruth
Published: June 2021

O diagnóstico oportuno, tratamento adequado e fortalecimento do contínuo do cuidado no enfrentamento da sífilis permitem reduzir a sua transmissão nos diversos grupos populacionais. A qualificação do cuidado em Infecções Sexualmente Transmitidas (IST), com destaque para a sífilis, propicia o controle desses agravos. Tal efeito depende em parte da qualidade da assistência ambulatorial e implica a articulação em rede entre os serviços especializados e de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) para o cuidado devido à Saúde Sexual e Reprodutiva da população. A articulação de iniciativas relacionadas à qualificação do cuidado das IST, a exemplo do “Projeto Sífilis Não”, assim como o “Projeto QualiRede”, propõe uma intervenção com a finalidade de aprimorar o contínuo do cuidado a pessoas que vivem com agravos que compõem as IST. No município de Cuiabá/MT, foi possível desenhar um projeto piloto de aproximação às intervenções preconizadas nos respectivos protocolos oficiais no âmbito do SUS. A metodologia de intervenção baseou-se em oficinas de aprendizado com responsáveis técnicos e coordenadores de Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) selecionados da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Cuiabá com os objetivos de diagnóstico da situação e construção de planos de trabalho locais para o enfrentamento destes agravos. A intervenção operada ancorou-se no automonitoramento local das ações por UBS, dados e informações das unidades, de indicadores de base populacional, de resultados clínicos e da qualidade organizacional dos serviços.  A construção do contínuo do cuidado em IST implica na integração das ações de promoção, prevenção, diagnóstico e assistência
MOSAICOS DO PENSAR E DO FAZER: CONSTRUINDO UMA PROPOSTA DE ENFRENTAMENTO À SÍFILIS DO PENSAR E DO FAZER: CONSTRUINDO UMA PROPOSTA DE ENFRENTAMENTO À SÍFILIS
Authors: Campos dos Santos Sofia , Priamo Vania , Soares Jamile
Published: June 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é descrever o processo de elaboração de uma proposta do Plano Municipal de Enfrentamento à Sífilis. As apoiadoras puderam vivenciar as etapas de construção do documento, através do acompanhamento de diferentes atividades com diversos setores da Secretaria Municipal da Saúde (SMS). Foi possível observar aspectos relevantes de um trabalho coletivo, intersetorial e multiprofissional, bem como foi uma oportunidade avaliar o papel do apoiador e a importância das contribuições do Projeto Sífilis Não para a implantação/implementação de ações para combate ao agravo. A metodologia utilizada para construção do “Plano da Sífilis” baseou-se no planejamento estratégico em saúde (PES), adotada pela Secretaria Municipal de Saúde (SMS) desde 2014. Esse processo resultou, além da proposta de um plano, na implantação da Câmara Técnica Municipal de Prevenção da Transmissão Vertical da Sífilis, HIV, HTLV e Hepatites Virais (CPTV).
A EXPERIÊNCIA DO APOIO PARA O FORTALECIMENTO DO MANEJO DA SÍFILIS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE
Authors: Sousa Santos Luis Saulo , Machado Thamyris Mendes Gomes , Lima Silvia Cristina Viana Silva
Published: June 2021

Apresenta-se uma experiência de intervenção vivenciada junto aos profissionais da Atenção Primária das Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) de um município da região metropolitana do Maranhão, executada no contexto do Projeto Resposta Rápida à Sífilis – Sífilis Não do Ministério da Saúde (MS), durante o mês de outubro de 2019. Utilizou-se uma metodologia que envolveu a educação permanente em saúde, com estabelecimento de vários espaços coletivos com participações efetivas. A intervenção aconteceu em 04 etapas, com várias estratégias de diálogos, trocas, debates e estudos de casos sobre a sífilis adquirida e congênita. O primeiro momento constituiu-se em uma reunião para pactuações e alinhamentos da proposta com a SEMUS e SES; na segunda etapa, oficializou-se a intervenção e houve a comunicação aos gerentes das UBS; a etapa três constituiu-se das realizações das rodas de conversas in loco nas UBS, durante três semanas, envolvendo 22 equipes de Estratégia Saúde da Família, perfazendo um total de 271 participantes. Observou-se a dificuldade por parte de alguns profissionais, médicos e enfermeiros, na condução do manejo da sífilis no pré-natal das gestantes e suas parcerias sexuais, relacionados desde a oferta e solicitação do exame, o diagnóstico de sífilis na gestante, o tratamento e a importância do VDRL para o seguimento dos casos. Evidenciou-se que muitas condutas não estavam em consonância com o PCDT IST (2019), do MS, que estabelece os critérios para diagnóstico de infecções/doenças ou agravos à saúde, o tratamento, com recomendações a serem seguidas pelos profissionais de saúde e gestores do SUS.  E, que os odontólogos necessitam ser envolvidos nas ações de prevenção e manejo da sífilis. A etapa final permitiu análises sobre o nível de conhecimento adquirido pelos profissionais, e revelou a importância do apoio institucional junto ao Projeto Sífilis Não. Considera-se que a intervenção contribuiu para a reorganização das práticas colaborativas desses profissionais da atenção primária a saúde, na perspectiva de melhoria na atenção aos usuários(as) com sífilis e o incentivo a participarem de outras ações, intervenção e estudos sobre a temática.
The experience of confronting unemployment: vocational training in the region (on the example of the republic of Kalmykia)
Authors: Ubushaeva Bayrta , Tsatkhlanova Tamara , Burkutbaeva Namina
Published: June 2021

Objective changes in the national economy provide sufficient grounds for state authorities to realize the importance of not only professional training of employees but also their retraining and further education. Thus, the widespread introduction of information and electronic technologies in all branches of the national economy systematically requires the availability of specialists with a high level of knowledge, experience, and new competencies in the labour market. Long-term neglect in the development of a uniform model in the training system of the studied categories of individuals has led to the fact that the labour market of regions, including municipalities, has experienced difficulties of a chronic nature. Therefore, the system of training unemployed citizens and socially vulnerable categories of people (parents who are on maternity leave, disabled people, people of pre-retirement age) should have new methods, technologies, and tools that are more effective than those that were