bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Alchemy
Authors: Ma Junhong
Published: October 2023

This research focuses on the commercialized practice of Fengcha in the contemporary tea retailing business. Adopted as an industry standard, this practice includes the systematic training of workers and showcases the historical process of cultural transmission. In recent years in urban China, traditional literati aesthetics in tea art education have resonated with the burgeoning middle class, reinforcing image building on the production side, and culminating in a tea culture rich with ritualistic and performative elements. This refined interpretation not only gives insight into the historical and cultural significance of tea in China but also highlights the complex intersection of tradition, commerce, and gender. The transformation of a simple act of hospitality into a profound symbol of culture and identity showcases the adaptability of cultural heritage in the modern era.
Exploring the Causal Relationship Model of Foreign Tourists' Behavior and Soft Power Creation in Gastronomy Tourism
Authors: Suanpang Pannee , Nuanla-ong Sippanan , Thanyaki Sureeporn
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to explore the causal relationship model between foreign tourists' behavior and the creation of soft power in gastronomy tourism with a focus on a case study of Ayutthaya World Heritage, Thailand. The research investigates the factors that would influence foreign tourists' behavior and their impact on soft power creation in the context of gastronomy tourism. Using quantitative data collected through surveys of 400 samples and analysis relationship between international tourists' behavior and the creation of soft power, the findings revealed that international tourists' behavior was influenced by various factors, such as travel motivation, cultural interest, Thai cuisine, and destination image. These factors significantly affected the tourists' decision-making process. This research provides insights into the causal relationship model between foreign tourists' behavior and the creation of soft power in gastronomy tourism.
Normative and Regulatory Dimensions of Institutional Culture
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez José G. , Vargas-González Omar C.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the normative and regulatory dimensions of institutions and culture. The analysis is supported by the institutional theoretical framework proposed to distinguish conceptual distinctions between normative, regulatory, and cultural dimensions of institutions which can be used strategically as background of theoretical assumptions and in decision making leading to categorization. The method employed is the meta-analytic-descriptive and reflective based on the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical literature review. It is concluded that the regulatory, normative, and cultural dimensions are relevant dimensions of institutions. More studies use multiple either formal, informal, regulatory, normative, and cultural dimensions, among others, drawing into conclusions.
Solidarity Liquor
Authors: Widtayakornbundit Sarun
Published: October 2023

The study is focus on the management of community distilled liquor which is local wisdom and a cultural product in the form of a social business case study. The study explains the origin of liquor in Thailand, as well as the cause of the change in the crisis of the community business and the solutions, and expands the boundaries of knowledge to ensure an understanding about Thai local wisdom, which is a soft power with potential in knowledge from the past to the present along with the importance of using alcohol relevant to Thai traditions. This chapter integrates a social business to find the value to be provided to communities and stakeholders and anticipates business trends by applying a population ecology theory for business survival. Therefore, the benefit represents the ability to expand the soft power of the community distilled liquor to promote cultural knowledge and entrepreneurship, as well as applying the factors to conduct next studies.
The Synergy of Human Resource Management, Corporate Social Responsibility as an Organizational Soft Power and Sustainable Performance
Authors: Patil B. S. , Priya M R Suji Raga
Published: October 2023

Organisations in today's business landscape are acknowledging the importance of adopting sustainable practises beyond financial performance. This study advocates for a comprehensive approach that integrates human resource management (HRM) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) as organisational soft power to achieve long-term success and positively impact the economy, society, and environment. The research aims to explore the interplay between HRM practises and CSR initiatives (as an organisational soft power) and their effect on sustainable performance outcomes in the luxury hotel industry located in the Bangalore region by incorporating a mixed-mechanism approach. Also, the study seeks to provide insights and guidance for organisations in designing and implementing HRM strategies that promote CSR as an organisational soft power and contribute to sustainable performance outcomes. The findings will provide actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers in designing effective organisational soft power, HRM, and CSR strategies in the studied context.
The Use of Food in Cinema as a Soft Power Instrument
Authors: Şengül Serkan , Çakır Merve Uçkan
Published: October 2023

Regarding reaching large audiences, cinema is one of the oldest known advertising tools and is often used by countries as a soft power tool. Although food's social and cultural reflections in the cinema are not a new development, it has increased in recent years. It is thought that cinema increases intercultural interaction and helps to reshape borders in the globalizing world. Sensing social concepts such as food and marginalization, the relationship between food and gender, food, and social discrimination related to daily life are conveyed through cinema. One of the biggest motivations for writing the chapter is to examine the soft power effect of culinary culture in the cinematic narrative. In this study, the relationship between soft power and cinema was examined. At the same time, the use of food as a soft power element in cinematic narrative is examined. In this context, the importance of food as a soft power source in cinema in terms of nation branding and the place of Turkish culinary culture in cinema has been discussed.
Analysis of the Status of the Pilgrimage Tourism Potential of Malda District, West Bengal
Authors: Das Barnali
Published: October 2023

Tourism is a major engine of economic growth in the world. In ancient times, travelers travelled from one country to another country or one region to another region in order to spread religion or for gaining knowledge about religion. Travelers or tourists travelling for religion or spiritual purposes are called religious tourists or pilgrimage tourists and that's where religious tourism developed. Pilgrims or devotees are sometimes seen travelling over long distances in the hope of gaining virtue. All over the world there are many religious spots like Hajj in Mecca, Church in Jerusalem, and four Dhams of India, etc. Malda, one of the most underdeveloped districts of West Bengal, has religious tourism potential. There is a saying, ‘First is Medina and then is Adina'. Apart from this, Ramkeli Village, and many Buddhist temples and Bihara are located there. Devotees of both the Hindu and Muslim faiths perform Puja at Jahuratala temple. This chapter is an attempt to analyse the pilgrimage tourist potential as well as the status of the pilgrimage tourism of Malda district.
Rejuvenating Keezhputhupet and Thennambakkam Sacred Grove as Special Interest Tourism Sites
Authors: Preethi H. , Ramasamy Rajesh
Published: October 2023

The sacred groves of Keezhputhupet and Thennambakkam are pockets of tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF) located in the districts of Villupuram and Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu, India. These groves are bounded by spiritual, socio-cultural, biological, ecological, medicinal, economical, and historical values. The main motives of this research are to determine the significance of revitalising the sacred groves and to explore ways to promote Keezhputhupet and Thennambakkam sacred groves as a special interest tourism site. This study adopts qualitative research approaches using semi-structured interview and observations. Myths, taboos, superstitious beliefs, religious practises, mythological stories, transformation of the grove to temple complex, the installation of Vedic god, the role of stakeholders in safeguarding and promoting the grove as tourism product were discussed. According to the study, tourism and active stakeholder participation can revitalise the destination image of the grove, promote spatial recovery, and transform the grove into a biodiversity heritage hotspot.
Development of a Post-Pandemic Socio-Cultural International Tourism Conceptual Model
Authors: Strang Kenneth David
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this chapter is to review the technology-related religious pilgrimage literature and develop a conceptual model for analyzing tourist consumer behavior after the coronavirus pandemic is over. Religion, pilgrimages, technology, eco-tourism, environmental conservation, and service quality are contemporary factors that require integration in order to better understand tourism behavior and thereby develop better tourism products for the future. Twenty-two factors were developed and proposed for a future socio-cultural tourism model. The results will be of interest to international tourism researchers, government data collection agencies, product designers, and market stakeholders.
IoT Devices in Healthcare
Authors: Suganya A. , Manoj Kumar S.
Published: October 2023

With billions of sensors used in numerous IoT applications,IoT is a cutting-edge technology.Sensors gather data for required analysis are crucial components utilized in IoT.This chapter's goal is to cover various healthcare-related applications, technologies, and issues. In order to give healthcare, academia and researchers research directions to address healthcare system difficulties, this chapter reviews, highlights, and identifies the technologies of IoT healthcare systems and can be useful by offering better therapies while effectively utilizing the healthcare.Integration of IoT with smart technologies is discussed in this chapter, which will make the IoT more widespread, profitable, and accessible at all times and locations.Last but not least, several potential possibilities and difficulties are highlighted, along with practical advice that can help the IoT healthcare system.
Visible Light Communication-Based Internet of Things for Healthcare
Authors: Jayasanthi M. , Kalaivani R.
Published: October 2023

Presently IoT Health care systems utilize Radio Frequency (RF) signal to transmit the data. The capacity, latency and crowded frequency spectrums are the bottle-necks of RF-based communication. Apart from spectral congestion, interference and security issues, electromagnetic RF exposure may result in health issues. This limitation can be besieged by the advanced optical wireless communication technologies, by transmitting binary via optical signal through a technique is known as visible light communication or VLC. Amalgamation of VLC- IoT-based systems opens new era in real time health monitoring, which provides fast data collection, processing and real time communication. It eliminates the interference created by RF based devices in special equipment and complete safety during the exposure of patients. This chapter discusses about the VLC transmitters and receivers, current challenges and future trends of VLC, VLC based IoT for healthcare systems. VLC does not employ electromagnetic-waves and therefore have no side effect on human especially pregnant women.
Smart AI-Powered Wearable Sensors for Pregnant Women
Authors: Narayanan Lakshmi Kanthan , Subbiah Priyanga , Alais Muralidharan R. Rengaraj , Balaji V. Senthil
Published: October 2023

Information and communication technology today enables health organizations to contact marginalized people in remote areas using sensing and artificial intelligence technologies. Applications of these technologies are even more crucial for maternal and newborn health because they are essential for a healthy society. Over the past few years, scientists have been researching sensing and artificially intelligent healthcare systems for mother and baby health. Sensors are utilized to monitor patient health parameters. The wearable sensors and AI algorithms mentioned in this chapter are based on existing systems and are designed to estimate risk factors for both mothers and children before, during, and after pregnancy. The sensors and AI algorithms employed in these systems are included in this review, which also examines each approach's characteristics, results, and innovative aspects in chronological sequence. Additionally, it discusses the datasets that were used, additional difficulties, and possible future paths for research.
Improving Maternal Health by Predicting Various Pregnancy-Related Abnormalities Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Nandhini K. , Jayapriya J. , Vinay M.
Published: October 2023

Over the past few decades, artificial intelligence has been showing its high relevance and potential in a vast number of applications, particularly in the healthcare domain. Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to promote a healthy birth. Getting early and regular prenatal care improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy. Complications involved in the individual's pregnancy need to be predicted on time accurately. AI can help clinicians to make decisions by assisting them in decision-making. In this regard, the objective of this chapter is to provide a detailed survey of various pregnancy-related abnormalities; and to explore various machine learning algorithms to classify/predict pregnancy-related abnormalities with higher accuracy. A generic framework that focuses more on classifying various features into normal and abnormal, and to be monitored patients to provide support and care during an emergency.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Pregnant Women
Authors: Parida Priyadarsan , Dash Sonali , Rout Ranjita
Published: October 2023

Machine learning algorithms have the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare providers care for pregnant women. By using various input variables such as maternal characteristics, medical history, ultrasound measurements, and biomarkers, machine learning algorithms can develop personalized risk assessments to guide clinical decision-making and interventions. Additionally, these algorithms can monitor fetal well-being by analyzing electronic fetal monitoring data and detect signs of fetal distress. Image analysis algorithms can also identify fetal anomalies or complications more accurately and efficiently than manual interpretation of images. Finally, machine learning algorithms can develop personalized treatment recommendations based on clinical data, such as identifying optimal medication dosages and recommending the most appropriate delivery mode for women with prior cesarean deliveries. Overall, leveraging machine learning can improve the care of pregnant women and help ensure healthy outcomes for both mother and baby.
Enterprise Collaboration Optimization in China Based on Supply Chain Resilience Enhancement
Authors: Jin Minyan
Published: October 2023

With the promotion of the new round of industrial revolution, the development environment of enterprises has undergone tremendous changes. Collaboration among enterprises has become crucial for enhancing core competitiveness, with the concept of the supply chain playing a key role. However, the complex and vulnerable nature of the supply chain operation environment poses various risks, hampering effective cooperative relationships between enterprises. This article proposed integrating the partial least-squares-artificial neural network (PLS-ANN) method to address this issue and optimize collaborative enterprise practices. The study examined enterprise collaboration optimization. This article uses used artificial neural network (ANN) to classify various complex data, implement an intelligent algorithm model for synchronous processing, and combine partial least squares (PLS) to classify and process the data information generated by collaborative networks to find the best match, minimizing the negative impact of multiple correlations of variables on enterprise collaboration. An empirical analysis was conducted in 2022, focusing on a manufacturing enterprise's supply chain and external cooperation management. The analysis examined two aspects: the supply chain's risk resistance level and the effectiveness of enterprise cooperation. Results showed that after implementing the PLS-ANN model, the average trust index between the enterprise and eight cooperative partners increased to approximately 0.652, compared to the initial average trust index of only 0.528. Detailed data analysis indicated that the PLS-ANN method effectively improved the supply chain's risk resistance capability while optimizing the cooperative relationships among all participating enterprises.
2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diabetes: Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Yang Ye Seul
Published: October 2023

To prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is one of the ultimate goals in the management of patients with diabetes, it is important to control not only hyperglycemia, but also modifiable CVD risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia. In addition, antiplatelet agents should be used under appropriate conditions. It is necessary to evaluate whether the patient has CVD, the degree of other complications, the presence of comorbidities or other CVD risk factors, and the duration of diabetes. In this article, I will review the revised and key points of the 8th edition of the Korean Diabetes Association clinical practice guidelines for management of hypertension and dyslipidemia and the use of antiplatelet agents in patients with diabetes.
2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diabetes: Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Pumps
Authors: Jin Sang-Man
Published: October 2023

With the expanding use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and insulin pumps worldwide, several international guidelines dedicated to diabetes technology have been developed. Recently, the Korean Diabetes Association released a new version of their clinical practice guidelines including substantial changes in recommendations on the use of CGM and insulin pumps. Of note, continuous use of real-time CGM is now recommended to all people with diabetes using insulin, including people with type 2 diabetes using once daily basal insulin. Convincing evidence from recent automated insulin delivery (AID) trials supports the recommendation of AID as standard therapy in type 1 diabetes. This review summarizes the results of recent clinical studies on CGM and AID and their influence on the new clinical recommendations.
Health assessment of rural primary school children in Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Naik Gitismita , Pal Rahul , Kumar Mohan
Published: October 2023

Background:

Optimal health status during childhood and adolescence is the foundation for future health and well-being. Habits formed in this period could prevent the early development of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the health status of primary school children in terms of morbidity, growth, dietary behavior, and hygiene.

Materials and Methods:

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from an opportunistic screening of rural primary school in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. All primary class children were included resulting in a sample of 215. Data were collected using Google forms and analyzed with Stata v16.

Results:

Of 215 children, only 45.6% were appropriately vaccinated till date, 70.2% had not taken vitamin A regularly; prophylactic iron and folic acid (IFA) and albendazole were taken regularly by 23.7% and 69.8% of children. Children with active complaints were 25% and 43.7% had dental caries. The percentage of children with grade 3, grade 2, grade 1 thinness, normal, and overweight were 15.4%, 22.3%, 36.7%, 24.7%, and 0.9%, respectively; and did not differ significantly between boys and girls. The mean weight and height were significantly lower at all ages for both boys and girls in comparison with Indian council of medical research standards with a maximum difference at 11 years (MD, −10.31 kg; 95% confidence interval, −12.55 to −8.08). The dietary behavior and hygiene practice was suboptimal in the study population.

Conclusion:

Thinness/underweight and stunting remain a significant problem among school-going children and adolescents. Change in dietary pattern with increased consumption of junk food and carbonated drinks could be a concern among school-age children.
The effect of nasal surgeries on olfactory functional outcome
Authors: Varghese Sherin , Aroor Rajeshwary , Goutham Maniyankode Krishnamohan , Saldanha Marina , Bhat Vadisha Srinivasa
Published: October 2023

Background:

Nasal pathologies can alter the olfactory function there by the quality of life. In this study, we did an olfactory assessment in patients undergoing nasal surgeries, and the preoperative values were compared with the postoperative values.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to assess the role of nasal surgeries on olfactory functions in patients with nasal pathologies.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 70 participants undergoing nasal surgeries were subjected to olfactory function assessment using the Modified I smell test, which comprises olfactory threshold testing and odor identification, and the Numerical Rating Scale. Olfactory assessment was done preoperatively, 4th week and 12th week after the surgery.

Results:

Among 70 cases, 18 were sinonasal polyposis (25.75%), 16 (22.85%) were chronic rhinosinusitis cases, 35 (50%) deviated nasal septum cases and only one (1.4%) bilateral inferior turbinate hypertrophy case. The overall mean preoperative combined olfactory score (COS) value was 16.03 ± 2.55, 18.06 ± 1.68 in the 4th week of the postoperative period, and in the 12th week, it was 17.99 ± 1.83. There was a significant improvement in olfactory function when preoperative COS was compared with postoperative COS in different nasal surgeries. The olfactory impairment in nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis was more when compared to other nasal pathologies like nasal obstructions due to deviated nasal septum and turbinate hypertrophy. Overall, 91.7% of participants who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and 90% of FESS + septoplasty cases showed improvement in olfactory function. Only 50% of septoplasty cases showed improvement.

Conclusion:

Nasal pathologies are more common among men of the age group 21–30 years. Olfactory impairment in nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis was more compared to other nasal pathologies like nasal obstructions due to deviated nasal septum. FESS significantly improves the olfactory function in chronic rhinosinusitis and sino-nasal polyposis patients.
Maternal mortality due to hepatitis E and hepatitis A virus: A less explored cause of death
Authors: Patil Lalita Y , Charpe Prasad S , Lande Shruti S , Jashnani Kusum D , Dhende Priyanka
Published: October 2023

Background:

Hepatitis E and A viruses are known to cause acute hepatitis in pregnant females and its manifestations range from inapparent to fulminant hepatitis. Due to low immune status and high steroid hormone levels during pregnancy, women are at high risk of contracting an infection. Pregnancy and risk factors like unhygienic practices and poor living conditions can lead to hepatitis E and A infections, which might complicate to fulminant hepatitis and lead to mortality.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective study from January 2014 to December 2020 was performed at a tertiary care hospital. Out of 4,202 postmortems performed, 344 were maternal mortality cases, of which 54 were hepatitis E/A/both positive. These 54 cases were studied by correlating clinicopathological, biochemical parameters with gross and histopathological examination of liver.

Results:

Maximum cases belonged to the age group of 18–25 years (33, 61.11%) and mortality was highest in multigravida (30, 55.55%) and maximum mortality occurred in the postpartum period (19, 35.18%). On microscopic examination of hepatitis E/A/both positive 54 cases, 31 deaths (57.40%) were attributable to submassive hepatic necrosis, 16 (29.62%) to massive hepatic necrosis, 3 (5.55%) due to viral hepatitis and 1 each (1.8%) was caused by cerebral edema, liver abscess, bronchopneumonia, and intrapulmonary hemorrhage.

Conclusion:

Hepatitis E and A infection during pregnancy can lead to mortality due to submassive to massive hepatic necrosis. Early diagnosis and preventive measures such as safe water drinking, personal hygiene, and improved living standards can prevent the pregnant women from morbidity and mortality.
Health assessment by using medical astrology principles: A community-based survey
Authors: Bahl Aarti , Patil Akanksha Adhikrao , Deshpande Prasanna R
Published: October 2023

Background:

Medical astrology is an extended arm of astrology that helps in understanding the association of various parts of the body, diseases, and disorders with the nature of the sun, moon, planets, and the 12 astrological signs. Despite the extensive availability of astrological literature, research conducted in the field of Vedic Medical astrology remains scarce. The study aimed at providing a general health assessment of participants using astrological principles, thereby implementing statistical analysis to prove the association amongst the same.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of participants toward medical astrology.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective, observational study, the Lagna Kundali of the participants was obtained using Astrosage software. The general health of the participants was assessed by implementing medical astrology principles. Thereby, the participants were interviewed for their pre-existing knowledge, level of satisfaction attained, reliability, and willingness to recommend medical astrology using a set of questionnaire. A study score was devised.

Results:

A total of 131 participants were interviewed, counseled, and analyzed. The study population had a slight male predominance (51.90%). The average age distribution of the study was 31 years (±10.99 years). The average score of the study was 12.38 (out of 20). On the basis of score evaluation, 46% of the total participants (59) showed a “good” response towards knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical astrology, whereas the remaining showed poor response. The correlation between the age of the participants and their familiarity with medical astrology principles was found to be significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The level of satisfaction was found to be very high in the majority of participants. Overall scoring was “good” in nearly half of the participants. We conclude that medicine and astrology, hence, if combined will help medical science and can prove to be a good therapeutic branch in the future. However, a lot of research work should be carried out to ensure advancement of medical astrology.
Abdominal lymphangioma in a child: A case report
Authors: Majumdar Lahari , Jha Shivam K , Mallik Sourav , Halder Pankaj
Published: October 2023

Cystic lymphangioma of the mesentery and retroperitoneum is a rare, slow-growing lesion. It produces a variety of symptoms, from an asymptomatic abdominal mass to an acute abdomen. In cases when it is possible, complete surgical excision is the optimum method of treatment. We describe a 5-year-old boy who had a brief history of abdominal pain and distension. Imaging analysis revealed an intraabdominal multiloculated cyst lesion that was likely an omental or hydatid cyst. The patient underwent surgery, and the cyst could be completely excised without any gut resection. The tumor biopsy revealed a cystic lymphangioma.
Bibliometric Profile of the World Scientific Production on Thanatology in Nursing: Visibility, Impact, and Alternative Metrics
Authors: Espinoza-Carhuancho Fran , Barja-Ore John , Mayta-Tovalino Frank
Published: October 2023

Objective: We will analyze the bibliometric metrics of the global scientific production in thanatology for nursing care. Methods: A cross-sectional and retrospective study with a bibliometric approach evaluated publications indexed in Scopus from 2017 to 2022. MESH terms were selected, and together with the Boolean operators AND OR a search strategy was developed and applied on December 20, 2022. We also analyzed the metadata of the publications included in the study using Elsevier’s Scival program. Results: Scientific production has increased from 29 in 2017 to 48 in 2022. Most of the articles analyzed had national cooperation (45.2%) and single authorship was presented in a lower proportion (9.6%). The United States (55) is the country with the most publications; in addition, South Korea had the lowest production (10) and lowest weighted impact (FWCI: 0.35). The articles are mainly published in first-quartile journals, such as the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. The University of Toronto has 71% more citations than expected. Lester David and Dadfar Mahboubeh lead the subject with four published articles each. Conclusion: Thanatology in the field of nursing is a topic that has increased in recent years, and its main means of dissemination are the scientific journals of the Q1 and Q2 quartile. The leading country in this area was the United States, while Brazil was the only Latin American country with institutions among the most productive.
Nerve conduction parameters and its correlations with glycemic control and duration in type 2 diabetes mellitus − A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shaji Rafi Mohamed , Abdullah Mohammed , Nagabushana1 Divya , Kulkarni Ashwin , Aslam S Shaikh Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Background: Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and can lead to a wide array of complications, which are concerning as these are considered a leading cause of disability due to foot ulceration, amputation, gait disturbances, and injuries secondary to falls. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) enable the diagnosis of sensory and motor neuropathy even if the dysfunction is subclinical. This study was conducted to assess the correlation between glycated hemoglobin and duration of diabetes with the parameters of NCS among patients of type 2 DM. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center in South India. The study was conducted from November 2022 to February 2023. Sixty patients with type 2 DM who presented to the outpatient department with symptoms of neuropathy were included in the study. Detailed clinical history was taken and clinical examination was done. NCS was conducted in them. The parameters of NCS were correlated with HbA1c and duration of diabetes. The statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS software version 29.0. Results: Sixty patients with type 2 DM were included in the study. The mean age of type 2 DM patients was 60.92 ± 10.9 years. The mean duration of type 2 DM (in years) was 12.8 ± 6.5. Twenty-three participants (38.3%) had solely an axonal pattern of diabetic neuropathy; whereas 20 (33.3%) participants showed a combined axonal and demyelinating pattern of diabetic neuropathy. There was a significant negative correlation between HbA1c and NCS parameters such as nerve conduction velocity, amplitude, and persistence (p < 0.001); and a significant positive correlation between HbA1c and NCS parameters such as latency and F-wave latency (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between parameters of NCSs and duration of DM (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Glycemic control and duration of DM have a significant impact on the nerve conduction parameters. Patients with poor glycemic control have decreased NCS parameters such as velocity, amplitude, and persistence; and increased parameters such as latency and F-wave latency. Strict glycemic control can be reinforced for better management of diabetic neuropathy.
Assessment of peripheral nerve conduction in iron deficiency anemia patients in Indian rural adult population attending a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Paunikar Vaishali M , Rawekar Alka T , Barapatre Suchit A
Published: October 2023

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common nutritional deficiency anemia in India. Peripheral neuropathy can result due to iron deficiency as it disrupts myelination and neuronal energetics in neuronal functioning. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) can quantitatively detect peripheral nerve dysfunction. This study was conducted to observe effect of IDA on peripheral nerve conduction velocity in adults using neuroelectrophysiological techniques with the aim to recommend Complete Blood Count for serologic evaluation of patients with peripheral neuropathy in Indian population. Objectives: This study aims to compare motor and sensory nerve conduction study parameters between controls and IDA patients and evaluate the effect of various grades of IDA on motor and sensory nerves. Methodology: 30 newly diagnosed patients of IDA in age group of 20-45 yrs and 30 healthy controls in same age group were recruited in this study. NCS was conducted on bilateral motor and sensory median and ulnar nerves in Neurophysiology laboratory using Neurosoft machine. Neuroelectrophysiological data of both the groups was evaluated and analysed using Student’s unpaired t test. Also, patients were categorised as mild, moderate and severe anemia cases and one way ANOVA was used for comparison among patients with various grades of anemia. Results: CMAP (compound muscle action potential), SNAP (sensory nerve action potential) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of bilateral median and ulnar nerves was reduced and DL (distal latency) was increased in bilateral median and ulnar nerves in patients with IDA compared to controls. The results were statistically significant (p=0.001). A highly significant difference between motor and sensory nerve conduction values between mild, moderate and severe IDA patients was also observed (p=0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study confirmed peripheral nerves involvement in IDA patients. As severity of anemia increases, peripheral neuropathy worsens. These results can be extrapolated for screening patients with peripheral neuropathy for iron deficiency as a routine part of diagnostic approach for peripheral neuropathy.
Vanillic acid exhibits potent antiproliferative and free radical scavenging effects under in vitro conditions
Authors: Surya Saravanan , Sampathkumar Palanisamy , Sivasankaran Shanmugam M. , Pethanasamy Manoharan , Elanchezhiyan Chakravarthy , Deepa Balasubramaniam , Manoharan Shanmugam
Published: October 2023

Cells endure oxidative stress as a result of an imbalance between the status of body’s reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. Higher production of ROS or weak antioxidant defense mechanism in the cell could lead to various pathological disorders, including carcinogenesis. The present study investigated the in vitro free radical scavenging activity and antiproliferative efficacy of vanillic acid using a spectrum of radical scavenging assays and cytotoxic assays, respectively. Vanillic acid’s antioxidant ability was investigated using in vitro antioxidant assays such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), hydroxyl, and superoxide radical scavenging assays. The current study observed an excellent free radical scavenging capacity of vanillic acid, which was comparable to that of ascorbic acid (reference drug). The antiproliferative effect of vanillic acid was assessed in mammary cancer cells (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 [MCF-7]) by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, ROS generation potential, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, and by evaluating its apoptotic induction potential. The cell viability of breast cancer cells was drastically decreased by vanillic acid, and its antiproliferative potential in MCF-7 cells could be due to its ability to induce excessive generation of ROS and its apoptotic induction potential. The present investigation thus explores antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of vanillic acid under in vitro conditions.
Study on consumption of fast food and its association with BMI among medical students in a tertiary care center of eastern India
Authors: Sharma Sumita , Patnaik Lipilekha , Pattnaik Sumitra , Mohapatra Gurukrushna
Published: October 2023

Background: Food that is instantly cooked and served at establishments is known as fast food. It consists of foods like pizza, ice cream, chicken nuggets, French fries, fried chicken, sandwiches, and chips. Medical students are no exception to the fact that today’s youth adhere intensely and fashionably to the fast-food culture. As medico has to work in stressful routine that seriously affects the eating habits and different food pattern. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence regarding consumption of fast food among medical students, its pattern, and to explore various factors influencing the students for it. Objectives: To study the consumption of fast food and its association with BMI among medical students in a tertiary care center of eastern India. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during the month of October 2021 to January 2022. All the undergraduate MBBS students were taken as study population. A structured questionnaire was developed as study tool to capture all data, which were analyzed through SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 177 students participated in the study, among which 56% were male and rest 44% were female students. The mean age was found as 19.67 ± 3.33 years. Though majority students (93.8%) were being aware of the fact that consuming fast food leads to many diseases and disability, most of the students continue to eat fast food. It may be due to reasons of tasteless food at hostel canteen (34.69%), followed by new taste of fast food with company (30.25%) and to avoid wastage of time (4.07%). Conclusion: The superintendent of the hostel should be mindful of ensuring that all students receive food that is of a high standard. Because common people follow the example set by future doctors, medical professionals must be aware of this for the sake of their own well-being. In restaurants, wholesome snacks can take the place of deep-fried dishes. Government and media should support these channels. By enacting strict restrictions to control the marketing of fast meals in the Indian market, the consumption of fast food by youngsters can be decreased. Levying a high fee on manufactured and imported prepared foods. Medical students’ choices of low-fat menu items and the amount of food they order may be limited by nutritional labelling of food.
High-Frequency Hearing Sensitivity Level among Young Adults with Insulin-Dependent and Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sekaran Gnana , Gnanasekaran Tamil Selvan , Samayan Kala , JS Kumar , Prabhu Venkataraman , G Selvarajan , G Muthukumaran , Suprent Ambethkar , K Deepalakshmi
Published: October 2023

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Patients of DM body cells are exposed to excessive amounts of plasma glucose, and the symptoms reported to complicate the sensory hearing organ. Spiral ganglion atrophy, vestibulocochlear nerve myelin sheath degradation, a reduction in the number of spiral lamina nerve fibres, and thickening of the stria vascularis and small arteries capillary walls are all potential chronic auditory repercussions of diabetes. The damage to any part of the hearing mechanism can lead to hearing loss. The present study aimed to investigate the high-frequency hearing sensitivity level among young adults diagnosed with Insulin-dependent and Non-Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus. It is an observational study design. Totally 90 participants were included between the age range of 31–40 years and divided into three groups (Control, Insulin-dependent DM, and Non-Insulin dependent DM). Each group had 30 participants. The results indicated that the hearing sensitivity level in high frequencies decreased when compared to lower frequencies. Most of the participants were observed to have reduced hearing sensitivity from mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. The study concluded that strong evidence that hearing loss may be a sign of DM.
Is current NEET PG Counselling process full of LUCK and GAMBLING?
Authors: Priyadarsh  , Savithri
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Each year, many students attempt the NEET PG entrance exam and then attend the counselling process to get admission in PG. However, each year, we see a lot of issues and delays in the counselling process. All these lead to the PG counselling process having some very confusing rules, and it causes a great deal of confusion and uncertainties among the students, while selecting for their deserved PG seats and attending subsequent rounds. The element of LUCK plays a significant role in allocation of PG seats. Issues like a single candidate blocking multiple seats in state and All India rounds, non-synchronisation between All India and state rounds, delay in some individual state rounds, court cases, addition or deletion of seats in the counselling process, and so on are frequent in each year’s counselling process. The factor of LUCK plays a big role in somebody getting or not getting a seat. This should be completely eliminated. Simple measures like fixing the accountability, management of loopholes of the counselling process beforehand, hearing about any court cases, proper and fixed information about availability of seats in each college way before the starting of the counselling process, keeping real-time data on seats retained or left, synchronised counselling, or possibility of offline centralised counselling are some of the cost-effective impartial methods. These methods will help the students to make informed choices and reduce the element of LUCK from the counselling process. After such hard work, students deserve a counselling process which ensures less uncertainty and no role of luck and eliminates any unfair advantage/disadvantages because of faulty procedures and system issues. If such issues happen each year, it is fair to say that it is because of its sheer ignorance and in-decisions by the officials to improve the counselling process.
Awareness of diabetic retinopathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending Donga Clinic in Francistown, Botswana
Authors: Kgame Tshegofatso , Wu Huiqun , Geng Jinsong
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Context:

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence is steadily increasing in the country and by raising patient awareness, health providers can educate on regular eye exams, stimulate collaboration with experts, enhance monitoring and follow-up, and improve the patient’s overall condition

Aim:

To assess the awareness of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) during their new/follow-up visit in a diabetes clinic

Settings and Design:

Patients were given a questionnaire for 4 weeks

Methods and Material:

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were analyzed with SPSS

Results:

A total of 160 patients were enrolled (59.08 study was conductedents wite females. 42% had DM duration of less than 5 years. Hypertension was a comorbidity at 83%. Blood sugar control was good among 53%. 96.3% were nonsmokers, 1.9% quit smoking, and 1.9% smoked. 100% believed diabetes may affect their eyes, 83.1% stated eye exams were necessary even when diabetes was well managed, 96.9% believed eye exams were necessary when diabetes was poorly controlled. Majority (43%) felt they should go for eye checkups every 6 months. 75% were unaware of the treatments available for DR. Patients were aware of blindness, cataract, glaucoma, DR, at 63%, 14%, 10%, and 13%, respectively. The primary reason for undergoing eye examination was doctor’s referral at 94%. Healthcare provider was the common source of information on DM complications (79%).

Conclusion:

The need arises to raise DR awareness to increase case detection thus reduce the strain of DR’s sight-threatening complications.
Evaluation of the association between inflammatory markers and the prognosis of Covid-19
Authors: Manjili Danial Amiri , Mohammadnia-Afrozi Mousa , Rostami Ali , Babaei Fatemeh Naghdi , Bayani Masoumeh
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) triggers the immune system and causes changes in the serum level of inflammatory markers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, ferritin, interleukin-6, LDH, D-dimer, and procalcitonin (PCT); in this study, we investigate the association between the serum level of inflammatory markers and the prognosis of COVID-19, which included mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission of patients

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital, Babol, from March 2020 to March 2021. Demographic indicators and inflammatory markers were recorded in the questionnaire and were investigated based on disease outcome, length of hospitalization, need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and need for hospitalization in the ICU and ventilator. Patients who died or were discharged within the first 24 hours of hospitalization (before the test) were excluded from the study. Finally, the data were recorded in SPSS Statistics 26.0 and then analyzed.

Results:

The average age of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in the hospital was 57.92 ± 16.18. The prevalence of death due to coronavirus disease in hospitalized patients was 8.5%. Besides, 23.5% of patients were hospitalized in the ICU and 28.5% required NIV. Based on the disease’s outcome, a significant difference was found in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), so the NLR was significantly higher in patients who died due to coronavirus. Moreover, the levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), D-dimer, LDH, and PCT in deceased individuals were considerably higher compared to those who recovered.

Conclusion:

NLR, ESR, D-dimer level, LDH, and PCT are among the markers that affect COVID-19 patient outcomes. The increment of any of these markers will lead to an increase in the risk of death and also the need for ICU admission.