bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kajian Perubahan Garis Pantai Muara Gembong, Bekasi
Authors: Alimuddin Alimuddin , Aryanti Dini
Published: December 2020

Abstrak. Secara geografis, wilayah Pesisir Muara Gembong berbatasan secara langsung dengan Laut Jawa sehingga sangat rentan tehadap bencana abrasi yang serius dan perlu untuk dilakukan pemantauan secara kontinu. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui luasan abrasi yang terjadi dan mendapatkan alternatif penanggulangan abrasi di lokasi penelitian. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode tumpang tindih (overlay) citra satelit Landsat tahun 2012 dan tahun 2020 dengan menggunakan program ER Mapper untuk memperbaiki kualitas citra sebelum diolah selanjutnya dan program ArcGIS untuk tumpang tindih (overlay) citra serta prediksi perubahan garis pantai untuk tahun 2030 menggunakan program GENESIS. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Februari – Juli tahun 2020 di Pantai Muara Gembong, Bekasi. Hasil tumpang tindih Citra Landsat tahun 2012 dan tahun 2020 menunjukkan bahwa luasan abrasi di Muara Gembong adalah 252.071,71 m2. Tinggi muka air laut rata-rata adalah 0,60 m dengan surut terendah 0,49 m dan pasang tertinggi 0,62 m. Berdasarkan hasil analisis pasang surut maka dapat diketahui tinggi rencana bangunan pantai yang akan dibangun yaitu 2,87 m. Berdasarkan hasil simulasi yang dilakukan maka bangunan pantai yang tepat untuk mengatasi persoalan abrasi yang terjadi di lokasi penelitian adalah breakwater.Coastline Change Study in Muara Gembong, BekasiAbstract. Geographically, the Muara Gembong Coastal area is directly bordering to the Java Sea, so it is very vulnerable to serious abrasion disasters and it is necessary to carry out monitoring continuously. The aim of this research is to determine the extent of abrasion that occurs and to find alternatives to abrasion control at the research location. This research using the overlay method of Landsat imagery in 2012 and 2020 using the ER Mapper program to improve image quality before further processing and the ArcGIS program to overlay images and predict changes in coastlines for 2030 using the GENESIS program. The research was conducted in February - July 2020 at Muara Gembong Beach, Bekasi. The overlay results of Landsat imagery in 2012 and 2020 show that the area of abrasion in Muara Gembong is 252,071.71 m2. The mean sea level is 0.60 m with the lowest tide is 0.49 m and the highest tide is 0.62 m. Based on the results of the tidal analysis, it can be seen that the planned height of the coastal buildings to be built is 2.87 m. Based on the results of the simulations carried out, the beach protection building suitable for abrasion problems at the study location is the breakwater.
Ferromagnetic Ordering Theory of Colloidal Suspension of Magnetic Particles in Liquid Crystal
Authors: Petrov D. A. , Skokov P. K.
Published: December 2020

A molecular-statistical theory of colloidal suspension of spherical ferromagnetic particles in a nematic liquid crystal matrix is considered. A tensor expression of the suspension Hamiltonian is proposed, which contains contributions that make it possible to describe the ferromagnetic state of the studied system. Within the mean-field approximation, a system of equations is obtained that describes various orientational states of the suspension. Phase diagrams of the suspension are plotted. It is shown that depending on temperature and intensity of particles interaction with the liquid crystal matrix, the suspension can be in an ordered state with different magnetic properties, namely, in the ferromagnetic and superparamagnetic nematic phases, in addition to the isotropic phase.
Changes of biochemical parameters in blood serum rats under chronic light desynchronosis
Authors: Batotsyrenova E.G. , Zolotoverkhaja E.A. , Kashuro V.A. , Sharabanov A.V.
Published: December 2020

Ten biochemical parameters total protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, total bilirubin, ALT, AST, APh were determined during long-term light mode changes in serum of rats. Changing the light mode, a number of parameters revealed unreliable 24-hour rhythms. An ultradian 12-hour reliable rhythm has been for serum total protein of rats exposed to constant darkness during 1 month. The light-modified model can be used to study the effects of the chemical factor in combination with the physical factor of the external environment, as well as in preclinical toxicity tests of medicinal substances in different light modes.
The effect of cryoprotective agents on proteins of the erythrocyte membrane-cytoskeleton complex
Authors: Zemlianskykh N.G.
Published: December 2020

The aim of the study was to evaluate of the effects of glycerol and DMSO, belonging to the endocellular type of cryoprotective agents (CPAs), as well as polyethylene glycol, dextran, sucrose, and mannitol, related to exocellular CPAs, on proteins of the membrane-cytoskeleton complex (MCC) of human erythrocytes at the stage preceding freezing. The assessment of protein modifications was performed by SDS-PAGE using different approaches when preparing samples for analysis. The use of β-mercaptoethanol in the solubilizing buffer showed no changes in the MCC polypeptide profile of erythrocytes preincubated with CPAs thus suggesting good biocompatibility of the studied substances. The use of the cross-linking reagent diamide for assessment of protein modifications did not reveal structural abnormalities that would result in significant changes in the localization of −SH groups and an increase in the production of high-molecular-weight polypeptide complexes identified by SDS-PAGE without β-mercaptoethanol. However, the recognized changes in the electrophoretic mobility of proteins in the area of band 5 in erythrocytes incubated with CPA in the presence of diamide suggest a reorganization of the structural state of actin protofilaments, which can be caused by alterations of actin monomers themselves or initiated by modifications of actin-binding proteins in the presence of CPAs. In addition, an increase in the amount of the protein fraction located between bands 5 and 6 in the MCC profiles of erythrocytes incubated with CPA and diamide was revealed. Despite the similarity of the reaction of erythrocyte proteins to different CPAs, the properties of cells depending on MCC, may differ due to modifications in the macromolecule structures, which are not associated with changes in the localization of the −SH-groups of proteins. The results obtained indicate that CPAs may have a significant impact on the erythrocyte MCC, and this requires further research.
The study of tryptophan metabolite concentrations in blood serum and fecal extracts from obese children
Authors: Shestopalov A.V. , Shatova O.P. , Gaponov A.M. , Moskaleva N.E. , Appolonova S.A. , Tutelyan A.V. , Makarov V.V. , Yudin S.M. , Rumyantsev S.A.
Published: December 2020

We found that changes in the concentrations of tryptophan metabolites in the blood serum and in the intestinal contents are one of the mechanisms for the formation of metabolic coupling in the system "macroorganism-intestinal microbiota", which undergoes significant changes in the development of obesity. Although blood kynurenine remained basically unchanged in obese children we found an increase in some of its serum metabolites: anthranilic, kynurenic and xanthurenic acids. It is noteworthy that in the analysis of fecal matter in obese children, revealed a 2-fold increase in the level of kynurenine while the concentration of kynurenine pathway metabolites corresponded to the level of the group of healthy children. This may indicate the metabolic activation of the microbiota associated with the intestinal mucosa. This is also supported by the absence of statistically significant differences in the concentration of indole in healthy children and in obese children in fecal analyses, and a significant increase in the concentration of indole-3-lactate and indole-3-acetate in the blood serum of obese children.
Prediction of inhibition of influenza virus neuraminidase of various strains by using a generalized model constructed using the data on the position of known ligands
Authors: Mikurova A.V. , Rybina A.V. , Skvortsov V.S.
Published: December 2020

Several variants of models for predicting the IC50 values of inhibitors of influenza virus neuraminidase are presented for both individual strains and for combinations of data for neuraminidases of several strains. They are based on the use of calculated energy contributions to the amount of change in the free energy of enzyme-inhibitor complexes. In contrast to previous works, aimed at the complex modeling, we added a procedure of comparison of the docking variants with one of the neuraminidase inhibitors, for which the structure of the complexes was determined experimentally. The choice of the comparison structure was made according to the similarity of structures evaluated using the Tanimoto metrics and the limit of the RMSD value for a similar part of the structure was no more than 2 Å. Using this limitation and filtering datasets for a particular strain by the Q2 value obtained in the leave-one-out control procedure it is possible to construct equations for predicting the IC50 value with a Q2 value close to the minimum confidence threshold (0.57 in this work). Taking into consideration that in this version of the prediction, a minimum set of energy contributions is used, which does not provide for expensive calculations of entropy contributions, the result obtained supports the correctness of using a generalized model based on the data on the position of known ligands to predict the inhibition of neuraminidase of the influenza virus of various strains.
Implementation of Team Teaching in Construction Management Education
Authors:   Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia, Zhang Peng , Feng Yingbin
Published: December 2020

Evidence suggests that team teaching is linked to significant tangible and intangible benefits to students, academic staff, and institutions. Partnering with industry participants is an emerging trend of team teaching in the higher education sector. Partnering with industry participants in curriculum design and unit delivery will ensure that students learn about important industry developments and help students improve their employability. It also will be helpful for academic staff to engage with the industry. Team teaching has been piloted at the School that the Authors are working at and the outcomes were very positive. In 2020, team teaching is required to be implemented in another core unit of Construction Management Undergraduate Program. By addressing the lessons learnt in implementing team teaching in the Authors’ units and being guided by previous research, a plan to implement Team Teaching in this core unit is presented in this paper. This plan will be evaluated and improved after each semester and it will be redeveloped with the industry partner every 3 years.
NATURAL CONVECTION HEAT TRANSFER INSIDE HORIZONTAL CIRCULAR ENCLOSURE WITH TRIANGULAR CYLINDER AT DIFFERENT ANGLES OF INCLINATION
Authors: MOHAMMED Akeel
Published: December 2020

Numerical simulation study by using Fluent CFD software has been carried out to investigate the steady. laminar natural convective heat transfer for air formed by heated inner equilateral triangular cylinder inside cold circular enclosure. The triangular cylinder was located at center of enclosure with four radius ratio RR=1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3; and four inclination angles, θ=0o (the base of triangle cylinder at bottom), 20o, 40o and 60o (the base of triangle at top). All numerical calculations were performed in the range of Rayleigh number extends from 103 to 107. The fluid and temperature fields were represented in the form of streamlines and isotherms. Results show that, As Rayleigh number increases, the streamlines become more concentrated next to the walls and the center of vortex displays upward towards the central plane of enclosure. Also, there is no effect for the inclination angle of triangular cylinder on the peak values of local Nusselt number along the inner surface of circular cylinder except the positions of these peaks due to turning of thermal plumes.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF PARABOLIC TROUGH COLLECTOR WITH RECEIVER POSITION ERROR
Authors: DONGA Ramesh , KUMAR Suresh , KUMAR Abhay
Published: December 2020

In the present study, the effect of receiver position error on the optical and thermal performance of a parabolic trough collector (PTC) has been studied. Optical analysis of the PTC has been carried out by using Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) method. The solar heat flux profile obtained from the optical analysis is coupled with the finite volume method (FVM) to study the thermal performance of the PTC. Simulations have been done for experimental SEGS LS2 solar collector used in Sandia National Laboratories. Syltherm 800 has been considered as heat transfer fluid (HTF). Receiver position errors in two directions i.e. along optical axis and lateral direction, have been taken. Results show that the receiver position error substantially influences the solar heat flux distribution and hence the temperature distribution on the absorber tube. The maximum circumferential temperature difference over the absorber tube increases up to by 199.7 K with receiver dislocation along the optical axis. The effects of the receiver position error on the optical efficiency and collector efficiency have also been studied. A maximum drop of 32% in the optical efficiency is observed when the receiver is displaced from the focus by 1.63% of focal length of the collector in both directions. The collector efficiency decreases by up to 14% when the receiver is offset by 1.63% of focal length of the collector along optical axis (away from the trough).
Use of health belief model to explain the behaviour of following safety measures during the use of household chemical products among adult females in Riyadh
Authors: Albadr Tamador , Alfawzan Sara , Aljarba Brooj , Alshehri Rana , Mahboub Samira
Published: December 2020

Background: The hazards and life-threatening conditions resulting from using household chemical products can be avoided or minimized by following certain safety measures. To investigate following safety measures during use of household chemical products (HHCP) among women and to explain that behaviour using the Health belief model (HBM).Methods: This was a cross sectional study. The study was conducted among adult females in Riyadh. The total sample size was 449 by convenience Sampling. this study started in September 2019 till April 2020. the questionnaire included 3 sections which were sociodemographic characteristics, safety measures followed during use of HHCP and the last section assessed the six components of health belief model.Results: Data analysis was done using JMP version 14.2 and the cutoff point of significance was 0.05. 30.3% of the studied sample demonstrated good level of following safety measures. There was no association between the level of following safety measures during the use of HHCP and level of education among studied sample (p value>0.05). The mean of each component of HBM was higher among women with good level of following safety measures than those who follow safety measures poorly. This was significant for perceived susceptibility (1.397 vs 1.269, p=0.03), perceived barriers (8.080 vs 7.038, p=0.0001), self-efficacy (2.889 vs 2.750, p=0.0240) and motivation factors (cues to action) (14.75 vs 13.69, p=0.0001).  Conclusions: Health belief model can successfully explain following safety measures behaviour during use of HHCP. Motivation factors has the greatest impact on this behaviour.
Association of serum uric acid-creatinine ratio with microalbuminuria and glycemic status (HbA1c) as an early indicator of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kulkarni Swathi , Yadav Anurag
Published: December 2020

Background: The serum uric acid is a good predictor of renal injury in both diabetes patients and non-diabetes. Creatinine is the marker to detect the renal function. Aim of our study was to assess the correlation of the serum uric acid to creatinine ratio with the Microalbuminuria and glycemic status (HbA1c) in diabetes mellitus patients.Methods: It is analytical observational study conducted in urban tertiary care hospital attached to medical college between July to august 2019 after obtaining the ethics clearance. Participants aged between 18 to 60 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus and healthy controls were included in present study. The patients with diabetic nephropathy with grade 3 and above and non-diabetes patients with history of ischemic heart disease, advanced hypertension, Chronic or acute kidney disease, liver disease, known case of hyperuricemia/gout, alcoholics, acute febrile illness, urinary tract infection, cancer were excluded from present study.Results: Total of 131 individuals were included in present study that fulfilled inclusion criteria. The mean age of the participants was 56.70±11.9 with 64 females and male 67 (male: female ratio of 1). Among 131 participants, 60 were with T2DM and 71 were normal control. Our study showed a significant strength of association between the UACr with the urine MAU (r=0.760, p<0.001), where-as the SAU was associated with MAU excretion in urine (0.52, p<0.001). The UACr was also significantly associated with the HbA1c (r=0.25, p=0.01).Conclusions: Urine microalbuminuria and HbA1c were significantly correlated with the ratio of uric acid to creatinine in the serum. The serum uric acid creatinine ratio (UACr) is a good predictor for predicting renal damage in patients with diabetes mellitus at an early stage of illness.
Clinicopathological study of patients with pancytopenia
Authors: Srinivas Y. , Elyas Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Background: Pancytopenia is due to bone marrow failure characterized by anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. It a common hematological disorder. Low blood counts in the bone marrow failure disease result from deficient hematopoiesis. Marrow damage and dysfunction also may be secondary to infection, inflammation, or cancer. Pancytopenia has an extensive differential diagnosis and it can result from damage to bone marrow destruction of preformed blood cells peripherally with increased reticulocyte count. Aim of the study were to study the different etiological conditions and clinical features of pancytopenia in rural medical college.Methods: This study has been conducted in the department of general medicine in association with the pathology department and between March 2019 to February 2020, 45 patients were included in this study. males were 27 and females were 18. The age group is between 20 years and 60 years. 2 ml of anticoagulant blood send for HB% total count, platelet count, packed cell volume, and RBC indices.Results: The total no. of patients included in this study were 45 among these 45 patients, males were 27, and females were 18. The common age group is between 20 and 60 years and the common causes of aplastic anemia in our study are megaloblastic anemia.Conclusions: Pancytopenia is a common hematological problem in India. In our study megaloblastic anemia is the most common cause of pancytopenia females are affected during pregnancy. So, periodical clinically examined and investigations may reduce the incidence. of further research with a large sample size and meticulous investigations required to replicate the finding of the study.
Attitude of pregnant women towards institutional delivery: a study in Khaag block-a tribal area of the Kashmir valley
Authors: Nabi Sahila , Ain Syed Najmul , Javaid Shazia , Gull Shayista
Published: December 2020

Background: Motherhood is often a positive and fulfilling experience but for many women it is associated with suffering, ill health, and even death. Improving maternal health is one of the thirteen targets for the sustainable development goal 3 (SDG-3) on health adopted by the international community in 2015. Objective of the study was to find out the attitude of pregnant women towards institutional delivery in Khaag block of district Budgam.Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted, in February 2018 to March 2018, to assess attitude of pregnant women towards place of delivery in a tribal area of Khaag area of district Budgam. For this study, 99 pregnant women were approached. Informed consent was obtained from the participants and the registered pregnant women were interviewed by a pre-designed questionnaire.  Results: Mean age at the time of contact was 28 years with a standard deviation of 3.87 years. The maximum years of schooling were 10 years. It was found that the last delivery was conducted at hospital for about 76% of women but for the present pregnancy 88% of the women had decided to have it conducted at the hospital. Thus, the attitude of women towards institutional deliveries has changed positively (p=0.001).Conclusions: Percentage of institutional deliveries is still less in rural area of Khaag is Kashmir. For decreasing the maternal and infant mortality rates further, much is still to be done. Awareness needs to be generated among common masses for promoting institutional deliveries. Educating women folk will make them confident in decision making.
Incidence of tennis elbow and association of hand grip strength among college students
Authors: B. Riyas Basheer K. , Rai Subhashchandra , A. M. Irshana Balkies , N. P. Jasim Junaid
Published: December 2020

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is an overuse injury involving the origin of common extensor tendon at elbow joint. Among the college students there is more complaint on wrist and elbow. Objective was to find out the incidence of tennis elbow & grip strength among the students during the entire academic year.Methods: Three hundred and seventy subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria with age respondents between seventeen to twenty four years. This study is done in those students who have local tenderness on palpation over the lateral epicondyle (grade 2). NPRS was used for measuring the pain intensity. Mill’s test and Cozen’s test was performed to confirm the tennis elbow. The subject is asked to squeeze the dynamometer three times with left and right hand respectively. There was one minute resting period between each squeeze were taken into account.Results: The incidence of confirmed tennis elbow was 4.05% & 2.70% in right and left respectively. Among those participants Mill’s test was positive in 16.2% on right and left side and Cozen’s test was positive in 8.1% on right side and 5.4% on left side. The mean rank of left and right grip strength for the students who are confirmed as tennis elbow were 52.75 Kg and 50.67 Kg and for not-confirmed were 36.56 Kg and 36.41 Kg respectively.Conclusions: The study concluded that 6.7% incidence rate of tennis elbow was observed in college students during the entire academic year. And also concluded there is no much significance correlation between grip strength and tennis elbow incidence rate.
Evaluation of retinal nerve fibre layer, optic nerve head, and macular ganglion cell analysis measurements for early glaucoma detection using spectral domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Bhardwaj Rahul , Sharma Sandeep , Gaur Rachana , Singh Sindhuja , Chaudhary Prakhar , Sain Monika , Zaidi Sayed Abbas Ali , Khan Gayasuddin
Published: December 2020

Background: Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is very important to diagnose glaucoma in early stages so that timely management can be done. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), is a newer device which helps to diagnose glaucoma early. The aim of our study was to evaluate the RNFL, ONH, and mGCA (GCL+IPL) measurements for early glaucoma detection using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).Methods: Total 30, POAG (primary open angle glaucoma) suspects were compared with 30 normal controls. The Cirrus HD-OCT optic disc cube 200 × 200 protocol was used to measure ONH, RNFL and macular parameters.Results: The average cpRNFL thickness of all quadrants was significantly lower in POAG suspects, (84.13±7.42 μm versus 103.85±8.95 μm, p<0.001). The superior GCL+IPL thickness of POAG suspects and controls was 75.75±2.60 μm and 80.05±1.74 μm, respectively, (p<0.001). The inferior GCL+IPL thickness of POAG suspects and controls was 75.98±2.59 μm and 80.00±1.79 μm, respectively, (p<0.001).Conclusions: The SD-OCT is an important device to diagnose POAG suspects, early. The GCA measurements and average RNFL (especially superior and inferior) measurements, both are equally good to discriminate between glaucoma suspects and normal controls.
Study of the price variation analysis of proton pump inhibitors available in Indian pharmaceutical market
Authors: Bhushan Rabi , Kishore Anupam , Chandra Akash , Kumar Ajay , Singh Haribansh Kumar
Published: December 2020

Background: In now day’s proton pump inhibitors are prescribing more and more by Indian physicians not only in peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis but also along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to overcome the side effects as gastric irritation and discomfort by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There are many brands of PPI drugs available in Indian market. Costly drugs can lead to economic burden which results in decreased compliance or even non-compliance. Non–compliance leads to incomplete treatment which tends to increase morbidity. Increase in the patient medication cost was found to associated with decreased adherence to prescription medication. Hence this study was done to assess the cost variation of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) drugs.Methods: The maximum and minimum price of each brand of the drug in INR was noted by using Drug Today January to April 2020 edition, Vol-1. The cost ratio and the percentage cost variation for individual drug brands was calculated. The cost of 10 tablets/capsules was calculated in case of oral drug. At last the cost ratio and percentage cost variation of various brands was compared.Results: Percentage variation in cost for proton pump inhibitors marketed in india was found to be tablet/capsule Esomeprazole [20mg]: 297.65, tablet/capsule Esomeprazole [40mg]: 344.41, capsule/tablet Omeprazole [10mg]: 74.51, capsule/tablet Omeprazole [20mg]: 542, Tablet/capsule Pantoprazole [40mg]: 3297.33, tablet/capsule Rabeprazole [10mg]: 1160, tablet/capsule Rabeprazole [20mg]: 1101.05, capsule/tablet Lansoprazole [15mg]: 306.69, capsule/tablet Lansoprazole [30mg]: 336.33,   capsule/tablet Dexlansoprazole [60mg]: 7.69.Conclusions: Capsule Pantoprazole [40mg] shows highest cost ratio and percentage cost variation as 33.97 and 3297.33. While capsule Dexlansoprazole [60mg] shows lowest cost ratio and percentage cost variation as 1.07 and 7.69.
Arteriovenous fistula: a rare complication of distal radial access for coronary angiography
Authors: Ghali Mark , Alzuhairi Karam S. , Hyasat Kais , Dunn Richard F. , Asrress Kaleab
Published: December 2020

Distal radial access is an emerging alternative approach for coronary angiography, preferred for its reduced complications and time to haemostasis, and improvement of patient and operator comfort. Arteriovenous fistula formation is a very rare complication following this approach, which requires recognition but which can be managed conservatively in certain instances.
Moderate associated fetal ventriculomegaly: prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Albu Cristina Crenguta , Albu Dinu Florin , Albu Stefan Dimitrie
Published: December 2020

Ventriculomegaly (VM) is a descriptive term, indicating the enlargement of the ventricles of the brain. We present the case of a 32-year-old primiparous women, at 18 weeks of pregnancy, who was referred in our clinic for a routine prenatal ultrasound examination. The ultrasound scan highlighted a single malformed fetus with several major abnormalities of the fetal head: hypoplastic nasal bone, agenesis of corpus callosum, choroid plexus hyperplasia, solid hypoechoic mass on the external wall of the left ventricle, no visible cavum septum pellucidum, third ventricle visible, moderately enlarged and VM with evolution to bilateral hydrocephalus. The parents were informed about the major severity of anomalies and decide to terminate the pregnancy. Prenatal ultrasound examination was decisive in the early prenatal diagnosis and optimized management of the malformed fetus with VM.
Age related hearing loss and cognitive impairment - a current perspective
Authors: Swain Santosh K.
Published: December 2020

Age related hearing loss (ARHL) is one of the commonest health conditions of the elderly people which have an important relation with the cognition. Long standing hearing deprivation leads to decline of the cognitive performance. This has impact on quality of communication and result in social isolation, depression and enhances the dementia. Cognitive decline may be misdiagnosed or over-diagnosed when the sensory abilities of the patients are not properly evaluated. Adequate intervention by use of hearing aid or cochlear implant improves the communication, cognitive function, social, emotion function and positively impact on the quality of life. With rise of the elderly population and concomitant increase of ARHL with associated cognitive impairment, it is imperative to discuss this morbid clinical entity in present scenario. Cognitive decline in elderly age have a profound impact on the affected person, on caregivers and society. The financial costs for cognitive impairment in ARHL are also major source of concern for the society. In this review article, we focus on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, hypotheses of etiological mechanisms between the ARHL and cognitive decline or impairment, impact of cognitive impairment on quality of life and prevention.
Role of oral health during COVID-19
Authors: Mani Koushiki , Karini Johnny
Published: December 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-Cov-2] has challenged the health care system worldwide. Currently, more than 43 million people are affected by this disease worldwide.1 The risk factors known to develop complications of COVID-19 are age along with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, COPD, CKD etc. This same population is also at risk for developing oral diseases. Other known risk factors for oral diseases are smoking, alcohol consumption. Preliminary reports suggest that there may be a connection between SARS-CoV-2 infections and the microbial load in the oral cavity.2 Yoon et al reported that SARS-CoV-2 viral load was consistently high in the saliva in the early stages of COVID-19.3 Few studies report that oral hygiene interventions in patients with pneumonia have drastically improved clinical outcome.4,5 Researchers also reported that improved oral care significantly reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients in an intensive care unit.6 Thus oral health is extremely important in the current pandemic of COVID-19.
Unanticipated diagnosis- intraparenchymal leiomyoma of the breast: case report
Authors: Goncalves Ines C. , Ventura Nuno , Valente Tania , Ferreira Gonçalo , Torgal Margarida , Amado Cristina , Santos Miguel C.
Published: December 2020

Smooth muscle neoplasms are uncommon, particularly if we are talking about the mammary gland. We report a case a case of a 38-year-old female with an 11.6 mm right breast nodule. A wire-guided surgical excision was performed and the histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies revealed a leiomyoma. There are no radiological criteria to allow the diagnosis of smooth muscle neoplasm and histopathological evaluation is the definitive diagnostic method. Despite being a benign neoplasm, it may mimic malignancies and therefore present a diagnostic challenge.
Patient information on the internet for surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease: is it good enough?
Authors: Besson Alex J. , Kei Christy , Jackson Belinda , Yeung Trevor M. , Deftereos Irene , Yeung Justin M. C.
Published: December 2020

Background: Our study aimed to identify the search engines and terms commonly used by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and aimed to assess the quality and readability of these resources.Methods: Patients attending IBD clinic were surveyed, regarding search engines, terms and number of websites viewed. Websites according to these predetermined criteria were identified. Website content was described and quality was assessed using DISCERN. Readability was graded using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES).Results: From 33 survey responses, Google was universally utilised. Forty-two websites met the inclusion criteria (19 for Crohn’s disease (CD), 23 for ulcerative colitis (UC). Only one website originated from Australia. Websites were infrequently updated (CD 21%, UC 17%) within the previous 12 months. Overall readability was poor with a mean FRES of 35.8 (11.8, range 15.7-57.7) for CD and 35.7 (11.3, range 19.4-54.3) for UC websites. Quality was moderate to poor with only five (12%) websites being rated as high quality (2 CD, 3 UC).Conclusions: There is very little Australian based web information available on IBD surgery and overall, it is of a low readability and poor content quality. There is need for the development of patient targeted health literature to help these patients.
Same-day cardiac surgery cancellations at a large UK centre and patient satisfaction survey
Authors: Jasionowska Sara , Hammond Rory F. L. , Awad Wael I.
Published: December 2020

Background: Same-day cancellation of cardiac surgeries is a disheartening experience for patients. The primary aims of this study were to determine the frequency and reasons for same-day cancellations, and associated patients’ outcomes. The secondary aims were to evaluate patients' reactions to cancellations and to propose measures to reduce cancellations.Methods: We prospectively reviewed all elective and urgent in-patient adult cardiac surgeries performed from August 2017 to March 2018. Procedures were divided into cancelled (C) and not cancelled (NC) groups. A qualitative patient satisfaction survey was undertaken.Results: Overall, 1388 patients were scheduled for cardiac surgery during this period. Elective surgeries constituted 70.7% (981/1388) and urgent 29.3% (407/1388). 231/1388 (16.7%) procedures were cancelled for the following reasons: 30.5% lack of ITU beds, 20.1% patient medically unfit, 8.2% ITU staff shortage, 6.9% emergency case intervention and 34.2% other. There was no significant difference in mortality between groups (2.6% in C versus 1.6% in NC, p=0.62). In group C, 36% (84/231) of patients underwent surgery within 72 hours of cancellation, 47% (110/231) of procedures were rescheduled, and 6.9% (16/231) were not performed. 30.7% (71/231) were potentially preventable. All cancelled patients were asked to complete the survey; 43.7% (101/231) responded, with 22.8% (23/101) describing feeling upset. However, 92.1% (93/101) felt the cancellation was justified.Conclusions: This single institutional study suggests a relatively high number of planned same-day surgeries are being cancelled. A third of these may be preventable. Despite this, patients were understanding. Actions to decrease cancellations should be identified to improve efficiency.
Acute intestinal obstruction in adults: etiology, clinical presentation, investigations and management: a longitudinal study
Authors: Bargaje Pankaj , Wasnik Nitin
Published: December 2020

Background: Aim of the study was to evaluate the causes of acute intestinal obstruction, modes of presentation and outcome of conservative and operative management in acute intestinal obstruction.Methods: The study was conducted in tertiary care academic hospital from November 2017 to October 2019. 60 Patients over 18 years of age who were diagnosed with acute intestinal obstruction were included in this study.Results: The result of present study showed that mean age distribution was 46±15.4 years. Incidence in males was more compared to females. Pain in abdomen was found in 54 (90%), vomiting in 38 (63%), distension of abdomen in 37 (61%) and constipation in 42 (70%) as patient’s chief complaint. Commonest cause was adhesions followed by obstructed inguinal hernia.Conclusions: From the result of present longitudinal study it can be concluded that conservative management can be tried in patients with previous history of abdominal operation and intestinal tuberculosis. Acute intestinal obstruction was more common in male than female. X ray abdomen in standing position and USG helps in ascertaining the site of intestinal obstruction.
A prospective observational study on lymph node mapping of sentinel lymph node biopsy using methylene blue in carcinoma breast
Authors: John Joel , U. Sansho E.
Published: December 2020

Background: Modern screening methods has made it possible to diagnose breast cancer in as early stage as possible and axillary lymph node status is still the most important prognostic indicator in carcinoma breast. In this study we are trying to analyse the preference of lymph nodal staining in SLNB using methylene blue in early breast cancer, so that surgeons will be more aware of anatomical positions of the stained nodes, thus favouring more precise dissection, reducing the morbidity.Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Kottayam. All cases of clinically N0 carcinoma breast undergoing modified radical mastectomy were included. We injected 3 ml of methylene blue in the subareolar region in three places depending on the quadrant in which tumour was situated, before putting the skin incision for modified radical mastectomy and the pathologist segregated the stained lymph nodes after confirming the anatomical locations.Results: The study here was diagnostic test evaluation and the diagnostic test being evaluated was sentinel lymph node biopsy using methylene blue. Commonest group of lymph nodes, where sentinel lymph nodes were identified were anterior group (30 out of 34 sentinel lymph nodes).Conclusions: Though sentinel lymph node biopsy using methylene blue is not a fool proof method; knowing the mode of methylene blue flow i.e., anterior more than central and then posterior group of lymph nodes will definitely reduce the morbidity involved, and above all saving time of the surgery.
Intestinal atresia: histopathologist view
Authors: Shweta Shweta , Vaiphei Kim
Published: December 2020

Background: Intestinal atresia forms one of a common cause for intestinal obstruction in neonates. There is a debate about its pathogenesis and many theories have been suggested. Studies regarding its clinical and histomorphological features are less in Indian literature. The present study aimed to determine the clinical and histomorphological features of cases of intestinal atresia.Methods: Thirty-nine cases of intestinal atresia were studied both retrospectively (twenty-six) and prospectively (thirteen) over a period of two years. Their clinical and histomorphological features were studied.Results: Intestinal obstruction was most common clinical diagnosis. Type II atresia was most common. Ileal atresia was highest in number. Associated congenital anomalies noted were situs inversus with splenunculi, patent vitelo-intestinal duct, duplication cyst, Meckel’s diverticulum, ileocecal web, duodenal web and omphalocele. Histological features such as inspissated meconium, calcification, ulceration, fibrosis, thick-walled vessels, edema were noted.Conclusions: Findings such as mucosal edema, congestion, ulceration, submucosal edema, thick-walled blood vessels, fibrosis, hemorrhage, transmural ischemia, calcification, suggest that an intra vascular accident may be responsible for origin of the atresia.
Acquired idiopathic phlebectasia of the penis: case report
Authors: Houry Younes , Labyad Abdessamad , Redouan Rabii
Published: December 2020

There is a many example of diseases of blood vessels involving serious diagnostic difficulties and sometimes the etiologic factors may be only presumed. Varicose veins rarely affect the penis, and we were unable to find in dermatologic and urologic literature reports of a similar case. We report here a case of a 26-year-old man with a history of a penis getting bigger since his adolescent life associated with minor pain, discomfort, and a primitive erectile dysfunction. After a complete medical history, physical examination and ultrasonic doppler color investigation, the diagnosis of acquired phlebectasia of the penis was confirmed. The patient was treated surgically by ligaturing and section of the voluminous dorsal varicose veins of the penis and reducing the ventral scrotal skin, with successful aesthetic and functional results, with a follow up more than 3 months. Varicose veins of the penis are an exceptional pathology. This condition may not need any treatment. However, when varicose veins cause great discomfort, pain, aesthetic or sexual issues, surgery is the best option of the patient.
Multiloculated peritoneal inclusion cyst: a case report
Authors: Jain Sunita Prakash , M. Arun C. , K. Doreswamy , Reddy Amasa Vishwanath
Published: December 2020

Multiloculated peritoneal inclusion cysts (MPIC) are uncommon abdominopelvic cysts seen in perimenopausal women. We describe a perimenopausal woman presenting with pelvic mass. This patient presented to us with all signs and symptoms involving abdomen and the pelvis. On emergency laparotomy, it was seen that multioculated cyst occupied the whole of abdomen arising from the peritoneum. The condition was successfully treated with surgery. Histopathological examination (HPE) report proved it to be multi loculated peritoneal inclusion cyst. This case is presented for its rarity in itself, presenting as intestinal obstruction, in a healthy female, that too without previous history of any surgery.
Inflammatory pseudo-tumoral primary hepatic tuberculosis: a surgeons dilemma
Authors: B. Dharmesh J. , Balija Satya Sree
Published: December 2020

Pseudo-tumor hepatic tuberculosis is a rare entity. Tuberculosis involving the liver in the absence of active pulmonary tuberculosis is very uncommon. It is characterized by non-specific symptoms and radiological polymorphism. This case report illustrates the difficulty in reaching the correct diagnosis in case of hepatic masses, which are most often confused with carcinoma of the liver, primary or metastatic and hence, in the past referred to as pseudo-tumoral hepatic tuberculosis. We report a case of an inflammatory pseudo-tumor of the liver due to tuberculosis in a 6 years child. Computer tomography showed evidence of a large heterogenously enhancing predominantly cystic multiseptated mass in left lobe of liver with peripheral nodular enhancement and persistent enhancement of internal septations and nodular solid components. Hence malignant tumor was initially considered in view of the radiological findings. Alpha fetoprotein was within normal limits. The patient was treated surgically by debridement of left lobe of liver.
Male breast carcinoma in the oldest old: an extremely rare entity
Authors: Jagannath Spandana , Aggarwal Lalit , Ali Shadan , Kumar Ashok , Mohta Anup
Published: December 2020

Male breast cancer is a rare disease and is seen in <1% of all newly diagnosed cancers in men. The present understanding of its biology, natural history, and treatment strategies is mainly based on the research findings on female breast cancer. The median age of diagnosis is 67 years. Very few cases of male breast cancer have been reported in men aged more than 70 years of age, however no case has been reported in age >85-year-old (age group now referred to as the oldest old). Risk factors include increasing age, radiation exposure, hormonal imbalance including testicular dysfunction, infertility, obesity, cirrhosis and genetic predisposition. Survival in men with breast cancer is similar to survival in women with breast cancer matched for age and stage. However, men have poor prognosis because of the more advanced stage of their cancer at the time of diagnosis. The surgical operation is usually mastectomy with axillary clearance or sentinel node biopsy. Indications for radiotherapy are similar to that for female breast cancer. Because 90% of the patients are oestrogen receptor-positive, tamoxifen is a standard adjuvant therapy, but some individuals could also benefit from chemotherapy. We report a case of male breast cancer in an 88-year-old man which is probably first in in the literature to the best of our knowledge and a brief summary of its natural history and treatment strategies are given.
The structure of normal modes in parallel ideal optical fibers with strong coupling
Authors:   V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Alexeyev C.N. , Barshak E.V. ,   V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Lapin B.P. ,   V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, Yavorsky M.A. ,   V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we studied an effect of strong evanescent coupling on the structure of normal modes in a system of parallel ideal multimode optical fibers. Using the formalism of the degenerate perturbation theory and a scalar waveguide equation for this system, analytical expressions of higher-order supermodes and their propagation constants have been determined. We have shown that the structure of modes in the case of strong evanescent coupling coincides with the structure of normal modes for weakly coupled parallel fibers. We have demonstrated that in the presence of strong coupling, expressions for corrections to the scalar propagation constant are modified, deducing them analytically.
Increasing the classification efficiency of hyperspectral images due to multi-scale spatial processing
Authors:   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Borzov S.M. , Potaturkin O.I. ,   Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: December 2020

Classification of the land cover types from multi- and hyperspectral (HS) imagery is traditionally carried out on the basis of analysis of scatter plots of pixel values in a multidimensional feature space, which are used as brightness in individual channels. To increase the reliability of HS image classification, approaches are used based on simultaneously accounting for the characteristics of each pixel and the nearest-neighbor pixels, i.e., on the joint analysis of spectral and spatial features. The pixel neighborhood analysis is performed at various stages of the classification process. In this work, using a test hyperspectral image, the efficiency of spectral-spatial data classification methods that take into account spatial information at various stages of processing is studied. Special attention is paid to selecting the size of the spatial processing core. It is shown that the best results are obtained by combining pre-processing of raw data before performing the procedures of pixel-by-pixel spectral classification and post-processing of the resulting maps. Prospects of multi-scale smoothing of initial images, with the increase of the number of spectral-spatial features being multiple of the number of the scales, are shown.
The Place of the Romani Language and Culture in Poland: Questionnaire Based Insights
Authors: Bloch-Rozmej Anna
Published: December 2020

Miejsce języka i kultury Romów w Polsce. Spostrzeżenia na bazie ankiety

Celem artykułu jest prezentacja najważniejszych informacji dotyczących kultury Romów i języka romskiego w Polsce. Przedstawiona analiza oparta jest na wynikach ankiety przeprowadzonej przez autorkę wśród Polaków posiadających konto na Facebooku. Opis badania poprzedza wnikliwa dyskusja najistotniejszych elementów kultury romskiej oraz wydarzeń historycznych, które ukształtowały współczesne oblicze tej społeczności. Artykuł zawiera także charakterystykę języka romskiego, który bardzo różni się od polszczyzny. Celem przeprowadzonego badania było określenie stosunku Polaków do Romów, ich języka i kultury, odkrycie popularnych stereotypów, które funkcjonują w społeczeństwie polskim oraz próba odkrycia ich źródeł. Wiedza ta może bowiem w istotny sposób pomóc w budowaniu pozytywnych relacji między Polakami i Romami.