bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Norm as an exclusionary reason for action
Authors: Hadžistević Brano
Published: November 2021

Legal rules are respected and observed for various reasons but Raz believes that a legal norm is an exclusionary reason for action, i.e. the reason that cannot be weighed with other reasons which have to direct our conduct. Thus, there are first-order reasons which may be balanced in reaching some practical decision, but there are also second-order reasons which preclude such balancing. Raz's theory starts from the fact that norms are created by authorities whose statements represent (second-order) reasons for action, regardless of their merits and moral acceptability. However, although the norm is valid regardless of its merits, Raz does not deny the importance of legitimacy and morality because he believes that law claims to legitimate moral authority. The first part of this paper is dedicated to Raz's understanding of the reasons for action, while the second part focuses on rules as reasons for action. Their uniqueness is visible even intuitively but the author particularly considers Raz's views that a rule is a content-independent and exclusive reason for action. The third part of the paper is dedicated to Raz's understanding of authority and the final assessment of the following question: is the norm a strong or an exclusionary reason for action?
Reflections of fairness in the field of contemporary taxation
Authors: Dimitrijević Marina
Published: November 2021

Fairness of taxation is one of the inevitable topics in the domain of evaluating the effects of taxation within the national framework. The path towards instituting fair taxation is burdened by many obstacles, which are particularly prominent in times of complex and changing socio-political and economic trends. Given that each period has its own traps, the full content, true meaning and factual acceptance of fair taxation postulates have to be constantly reexamined. In that context, this paper examines fairness of taxation and its reflections in the sphere of contemporary taxation. Considering that fair taxation is a reliable support for building correct tax-law relations, the author provides a detailed analysis of fundamental requirements for its implementation, expressed in the form of general tax obligation (tax universality) and equal distribution of tax load. In particular, the author clarifies the occurrence of a relatively limited effect of the general tax obligation in contemporary conditions, caused by the existence of tax exemption and tax reliefs, and elaborates on the dimensions of horizontal and vertical equity in taxation. The paper also provides an in-depth examination of tax system transformations, achieved as a result of conducted tax reforms in the past few decades, with the aim of confirming the hypothesis about the dwindling significance of the ability-to-pay principle (paying taxes according to economic capacity) as a fundamental rule for modelling contemporary tax structures.
Civil liability for damage caused by a robot when performing a medical procedure
Authors: Pichler Davorin , Tomić Dražen
Published: November 2021

Robots in medicine, unlike industrial automation, can be viewed as an extension or enhancement of human capabilities. The legitimacy of robotics in the health care system stems from the fact that its use increases the efficiency of the treatment process and improves the health of an individual. On the other hand, involving robots in the medical procedures brings a high degree of risk and liability for damage. Legal doubts that arising in regard of the use of robots in medicine are related to civil liability for damage caused to the patient during the medical procedure. In that context, it is necessary to determine the model of indemnity liability that applies to damages due to the action of robots in a medical procedure. Which system shall be applied: the system of subjective liability based on fault (guilt), or the system of objective liability without determining the injurer's fault? This issue is gaining in importance given the degree of autonomy of robots in performing medical procedures. The paper will emphasize the need for legislative intervention in the Croatian legal system in order to adapt to the growing use of robots in medicine. The paper will summarize the results of the analysis on these issues and offer possible solutions in court practice and legal dogmatics.
Headspace gas chromatographic determination of β-caryophyllene in Epilobium angustifolium L. extracts
Authors: Vičkačkaitė Vida , Lukoševičiūtė Marija , Poškus Vilius
Published: November 2021

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a plant widely used in folk medicine. It is rich in biologically active compounds including phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, aliphatic acids and sterols; however, until now, little attention has been paid to its volatile components. This research demonstrated that Epilobium angustifolium L. is rich in β-caryophyllene that is possibly responsible for its unique therapeutic properties. The leaves of Epilobium angustifolium L. are traditionally used as a tea. On the other hand, β-caryophyllene is soluble in oils, thus an extract of Epilobium angustifolium L. in edible oils should also demonstrate a healing effect. Therefore, quick and reliable methods of β-caryophyllene determination in edible oils and in water solutions are required. In this work, headspace gas chromatography is suggested to determine β-caryophyllene. At the optimized chromatographic conditions for β-caryophyllene solutions in coconut oil the calibration curve was linear up to 10 mg g–1, the detection limit was 60 µg kg–1, for β-caryophyllene solutions in water the calibration curve was linear up to 40 µg l–1, and the detection limit was 6 µg l–1. The methods were applied for the β-caryophyllene determination in the extract of Epilobium angustifolium L. in sunflower oil and in Epilobium angustifolium L. tea.
Arbejdet som middel, mennesket som mål – eller omvendt?
Authors: Morgen Mikkel B.B.
Published: November 2021

Det er et efterhånden velkendt fænomen, at dansk arbejdsmarkedspolitik siden midten af 1990’erne har båret præg af en bred og stigende favorisering af en såkaldt ’aktiv’ linje. Her bevæger man sig bort fra tidligere tiders mere eller mindre passive forsørgelse af arbejdsløse henimod strengere krav om aktivering i beskæftigelsesindsatser, større kontrol med borgere på forsørgelse og fokus på borgerens pligt til gennem lønnet beskæftigelse at bidrage til velfærdssamfundets sammenhængskraft (Bredgaard, Jørgensen, Madsen & Rasmussen, 2011; Goli, 2016). I årene omkring førtidspensions- og fleksjobreformen af 2013 så denne udvikling imidlertid ud til at træde ind i et nyt stadie i kraft af, at daværende beskæftigelsesminister i den socialdemokratiske regering, Mette Frederiksen, fremførte behovet for en stærkt intensiveret beskæftigelsesorientering af den danske socialpolitik.
OK18: Solidaritetspagt, musketer-ed, massemobilisering og tæt på storkonflikt i den offentlige sektor
Authors: Høgedahl Laust , Ibsen Flemming
Published: November 2021

OK18 blev en af de mest højdramatiske overenskomstfornyelser i den offentlige sektors historie. Overenskomstforhandlingerne kom i helt nye situationer, som ikke var prøvet før. Alle tre områder: stat, kommuner og regioner endte alle i Forligsinstitutionen på samme tid, og begge parter varslede konfl ikt. I denne artikel undersøger vi – via kvalitativt data kombineret med teori om magtressourcer – hvorfor det kom så vidt, og hvordan det til trods for højspændte forhandlinger alligevel lykkes parterne at indgå forlig.
Læringsmiljø mellem fælleshed og fællesgørelse – en analyse af den nye policy-term læringsmiljø
Authors: Schmidt Christina Haandbæk , Slott Malene
Published: November 2021

Med den reviderede dagtilbudslov fra sommeren 2018 er læringsmiljø blevet et nyt og dominerende begreb, som det pædagogiske personale i alle typer af dagtilbud skal forholde sig til. I denne artikel undersøger vi, hvordan policy-begrebet læringsmiljø kan begribes ved at betragte det via to teoretiske perspektiver, som de er formuleret af Bronwyn Davies og Iram Khawaja. De teoretiske perspektiver er udvalgt på baggrund af et Foucault-inspireret metateoretisk blik og ’en kritisk mistænksom og kritisk håbefuld’-position. Med dette blik kan vi anskue læringsmiljø som udspændt mellem daginstitutionstraditionelle børne- og legeforståelser på den ene side, og målstyrede læringsforståelser på den anden side. Konsekvensen af det kritisk mistænksomme og kritisk håbefulde blik er, at vi ikke stiller os uden for den politiske læringsdagsorden og kritiserer. Tværtimod stiller vi os ind midt i læringsdagsordens udspændthed, og i solidaritet med det pædagogiske personale, der skal tilrettelægge pædagogiske læringsmiljøer, tilbyder spørgsmål, der kan bidrage til at gøre dem bedre i stand til at forholde sig kritisk til og handle i henhold til den nye praksis- og professionsdefi nerende term læringsmiljø. Til sidst i artiklen præsenterer vi et bud på en ’spørgende metodologi’, der kan fungere som stedfortrædende forsker, når det pædagogiske personale sammen med børnene skal skabe pædagogiske læringsmiljøer.
Styringen af de offentligt ansatte har taget overhånd
Authors: Bilstrup Mads
Published: November 2021

Socialrådgivere er blevet administratorer, pædagoger ’opbevarer’ børn, mens sygeplejersker må have løbesko på for at nå alle patienter. Er det sådan, vi ønsker at bruge de offentligt ansattes faglige kompetencer – eller kan vi finde på klogere løsninger til at lette presset på det offentlige arbejdsmarked?
'Chatbots' y sesgos: aliados para el discurso del odio
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Martínez Silvia
Published: November 2021

La inteligencia artificial (IA) va ganando terreno y su empleo cada vez se está haciendo más extensivo. La usamos a veces sin darnos cuenta, dialogamos con ella en forma de chatbots y, en muchas ocasiones, su labor puede condicionar de manera clara nuestra visión y la representación que recibimos de la realidad. La detección de sesgos que pueden adquirir en la fase de diseño o desarrollo posterior resulta clave y por ello su estudio y la implementación de iniciativas que aboguen por la ética y la transparencia resultan necesarios.
The mitochondrial iron transporter ABCB7 is required for B cell development, proliferation, and class switch recombination in mice
Authors: Lehrke Michael Jonathan , Shapiro Michael Jeremy , Rajcula Matthew J , Kennedy Madeleine M , McCue Shaylene A , Medina Kay L , Shapiro Virginia Smith
Published: November 2021

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are cofactors essential for the activity of numerous enzymes including DNA polymerases, helicases, and glycosylases. They are synthesized in the mitochondria as Fe-S intermediates and are exported to the cytoplasm for maturation by the mitochondrial transporter ABCB7. Here, we demonstrate that ABCB7 is required for bone marrow B cell development, proliferation, and class switch recombination, but is dispensable for peripheral B cell homeostasis in mice. Conditional deletion of ABCB7 using Mb1-cre resulted in a severe block in bone marrow B cell development at the pro-B cell stage. The loss of ABCB7 did not alter expression of transcription factors required for B cell specification or commitment. While increased intracellular iron was observed in ABCB7-deficient pro-B cells, this did not lead to increased cellular or mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, ferroptosis, or apoptosis. Interestingly, loss of ABCB7 led to replication-induced DNA damage in pro-B cells, independent of VDJ recombination, and these cells had evidence of slowed DNA replication. Stimulated ABCB7-deficient splenic B cells from CD23-cre mice also had a striking loss of proliferation and a defect in class switching. Thus, ABCB7 is essential for early B cell development, proliferation, and class switch recombination.
A Study on Decisional Factors for Service Life of Fire Trucks
Authors: Chun Chang-Sub , Kim Seung-Mo
Published: November 2021

The lifetime of fire trucks depends on their built-in pumps. A fire truck delivers water to the site of a fire accident via its pump that is composed of an impeller and a casing. As its service time increases, the clearance between the two elements increases. This causes leakage in the pump to increase beyond its limit and the pump can no longer fulfill its principal role. In general, fatigue, erosion, and corrosion are considered to be the major mechanisms for pump failure. From this study, it has been observed that fatigue is not the main factor for failure because of the small magnitude of stress it induces. Erosion by particles shows a high erosion rate of the suction area of the impeller. Cavitation, which is a key mechanism of corrosion, is observed at a suction depth of 7 m and is observed to widen at 7.1 m depth. Finally, the lifetime of the fire trucks is found to be affected by the motion of sucking the natural water of ponds, rivers, etc.
Role of Valgus Osteotomy and Fixation with Double Angle Blade Plate in the Management of Neglected and Ununited Femoral Neck Fracture
Authors: Aggarwal Hari Om , Bakshi Amandeep Singh , Chawla Harjit K Singh , Jain Ayush , Singh Jaspreet
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Femoral neck fracture non union in young patients is a challenging complication as joint replacement is not readily recommended and hip salvageable procedures are relatively unsatisfactory. Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy described by Pauwels F is one of the treatment options for management of non union of femoral neck in young patients, which was later reciprocated by other surgeons. Aim: To assess the efficacy of valgus osteotomy and fixation with double angle blade plate in the management of neglected and ununited femoral neck fracture. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, which included 30 patients of femoral neck fracture non union in whom intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy was performed and fixed with 120° double angled blade plate. The preoperative and postoperative neck-shaft angle was compared using the paired t-test. A p-value of <0.05 indicated statistically significant result. Results: There were 22 males (73.3%) and 8 females (26.7%). Mean age of patients was 35 years. Delay in presentation ranged from 8 weeks to 58 weeks (mean 24 weeks). By Pauwel’s classification, there were 13 Type II fractures and 17 Type III fractures. Mean follow- up was 18 months (12 to 36 months). The mean preoperative neck- shaft angle of 95° (range 80-110°) increased to 132° (range 120- 140°) after surgery. In all patients, there was improvement in leg length discrepancy after osteotomy. Femoral neck fractures united in 25 patients (83.3%). Conclusion: Valgus osteotomy and fixation with 120° double angle blade plate is a reliable method for treating non union femoral neck fracture in young adults. It provides rigid internal fixation and good results.
Effectiveness of Letrozole and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Injection in Ovulation Induction: A Cohort Study
Authors: Udealor Peter Chukwudi , Asimadu Eric Ezenwa , Iloghalu Emeka
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Ovulation stimulation followed by timed intercourse or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is widely used for treatment of anovulatory infertility. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of Letrozole (LE) alone versus LE and human chorionic gonadotropin injection in ovulation induction and pregnancy rates in women undergoing ovulation induction/follicular tracking in Enugu, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The longitudinal cohort study was carried out in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Livingston Specialist Gynaecological Hospital in Enugu, Nigeria. Study population were women coming for ovulation stimulation/follicular tracking. Ovulation was confirmed by ultrasound evidence of ovulation with a progesterone level of greater or equal to 25 nmol/L on day 21, positive pregnancy test/ultrasound detection of a gestational sac. Patients were consecutively assigned to group A or B. Group A received LE only for the induction while group B received 10000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin injection in addition to LE. A total of 5 mg of LE was given daily from day 3 to day 7. The primary outcome measured was the number of ruptured/crenated follicles on either arm while the secondary outcomes were the number of Luteinised Unruptured Follicles (LUF) and pregnancy rates. The Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States). Results: A total of 50 women were in each arm of the study. There was no significant difference in age and parity between the two arms. There was no significance difference between the period of infertility and the number of the previous cycles of ovulation stimulation. (p=0.444 and 0.526, respectively). Ovulation was significantly associated with HCG injection (p=0.001). However, there was no statistical significance between both arms regarding the number of LUF (p=0.216). HCG injection was significantly associated with pregnancy. Subjects who took HCG injection were over two times more likely to become pregnant than those without HCG injection (OR=2.488, 95% CI for OR=1.057-5.857, p=0.037). Conclusion: This study showed that both the ovulation rate and pregnancy rate are significantly improved when human chorionic gonadotrophin injection is given after ovarian stimulation.
Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy in Middle Aged Indian Population- A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Balasubramaniyan Jayanty Venkata , Lakshmi RH , Badimela Phalgun , Murthy Jayanty Sri Satyanarayana
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Mitral Stenosis (MS) is a chronic complication seen among patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Commissurotomy (PTMC) is a non surgical intervention indicated exclusively for MS with favourable valve morphology. Aim: To determine the outcomes of PTMC in middle aged Indian population in relation to clinical and haemodynamic parameters. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, between 1994 and 2019. Study was based on analysis of data from 82 patients diagnosed with MS, that underwent successful PTMC. Patients in the age group of 40 to 60 years with symptomatic MS {Mitral Valve Area (MVA) <1.5 cm2 on echocardiogram} were included in this study. Successful PTMC was defined in terms of MVA >1.5 cm2. Participants were divided into two groups based on Wilkins score of 8 as a cut-off. The continuous variables of the study subjects were described and interpreted by averages and compared between the groups by independent t-test. The pre, post and follow-up characteristics were analysed by averages and interpreted by paired t-test and confirmed by repeated measures of ANOVA. Results: Group A with Wilkin’s score ≤8 showed better results in terms of functional status improvement [New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification], MVA, mean gradient across mitral valve and Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (PAP) with p-values <0.05 after a mean follow-up period of one year. Conclusion: Long-term outcomes of PTMC is better in patients with lower Wilkin’s score than those with higher scores in terms of functional status improvement, maintenance of MVA and mitral valve mean gradient pressure. These factors favour the optimal utilisation of PTMC as an alternative to surgery especially among middle aged population.
Analytical Study of Conjunctival Bacterial Flora in Diabetic and Non Diabetic Patients
Authors: Chatterjee Tamojit , Ghosh Shrutakirti , Saha Rinki , Samaddar Sandip
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Conjunctiva is a transparent mucous membrane that lines inside of the eyelids and covers the sclera. It is composed of non keratinised, stratified columnar epithelium with goblet cells. Normal microbial flora constitutes organisms which are present in eyelids and conjunctiva without causing any disease. At birth eyes are sterile but they are later infected by various organisms. Gram positive organisms are mostly prevalent in ocular flora. Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial disease that can affect all ocular structures. Aim: To compare the microbial flora between diabetic and non diabetic patients and to study there sensitivity to antibiotics. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical study conducted on a total of 100 patients attending Department of Opthalmology of Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India between June 2019 to July 2019. They were not using any topical ocular preparation. Conjunctival swab was taken from upper fornix of the patients and cultured and the results obtained were analysed using Chi-Square test. Results: Conjunctival flora of a total of 100 patients, 30 diabetic and 70 non diabetic, were screened. Among the 30 diabetic patients, there were 15 (50%) male and 15 (50%) female. The most common isolated bacteria in diabetic and non diabetic groups were staphylococcus aureus (diabetic 70%, non diabetic 85.7%). There was a statistically significant difference in microbial flora pattern between the diabetic and non diabetic group. There was higher proportion of staphylococcus epidermidis among diabetic patients compared to non diabetic patients (p-value <0.01) and there was a higher proportion of staphylococcus aureus among non diabetics (p-value <0.01). Conclusion: Present study found statistically significant difference in the microbial flora between diabetics and non diabetics. This will help the clinician to plan for the antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery for patients attending the Out Patient Department (OPD).
Ovarian Neoplasms: Clinicopathological Spectrum in Tribal Rajasthan, India
Authors: Mukhiya Geeta , Sharma Nalini , Savalia Kruti Arvindkumar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Ovarian neoplasms have increased in incidence in leading sites of cancer in five old population based cancer registries on comparing first ten and last ten years data. All three germ layers are afflicted in process of ovarian neoplasm- ceolomic epithelium, germ cell and sex chord/stromal cells. Due to this, ovarian masses are spread widely over all age groups. However, a correct pathological diagnosis goes a long way in management of the disease and consequent benefit to patient. Aim: To assess the histopathological pattern, age, laterality and distribution of ovarian tumours in a tertiary care centre of tribal part of Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: Retrospective hospital based study wherein 157 ovarian specimens received in Department of Pathology of Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan over a period of three years were studied after obtaining permission from ethical committee. Details such as age, signs and symptoms, laterality were retrieved from patient file. Only benign, borderline or malignant ovarian neoplasm specimens removed surgically were included. Physiological cysts were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used and results were expressed as percentages. Results: Out of 157 ovarian neoplasms, 42 (26.75%) were from hysterectomy specimen, 44 (28.03%) from planned cystectomy for mass, 71 (45.22%) from cytoreductive surgery or tissue obtained from Exploratory Laparotomy. A 63.06%, 33.76% and 3.18% of neoplasms were benign, malignant and borderline, respectively. Extremes of age lied between 14 to 84 years. Mean age for benign, malignant and borderline tumours respectively was 38.60 years (SD=15.21), 47.79 years (SD=14.53) and 38.4 years (SD=14.04), respectively. Unilateral tumours were clearly in abundance with 85.35%. Right-sided tumours were more (49.04%). Surface Epithelial Tumours (SET’s), Germ Cell Tumour (GCT’s) and Sex Chord Stromal Tumours (SCSCT’s) were 59.24%, 34.39% and 6.37%, respectively. Out of 10 cases, 60% were malignant (Granulosa cell tumour). No metastatic tumour was seen during the study period. Conclusion: To effectively reverse the trend in a developing country like India each and every gynaecologist should be aware and well versed with histo-morphological pattern of ovarian neoplasms specific to a region.
Dietary Habits and their Impact on the Physical Status of School Going Adolescents in Delhi: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kanjilal Maumita , Kumar Uma , Gupta Gajendra Kumar , Agrawal Deepika , Arya Ravi Kant , Batra Jyoti
Published: November 2021

Introduction: The dietary habits and food preferences in the adolescent age group can influence their physical growth. The importance of healthy eating habits cannot be ignored. Faulty eating habits among adolescents contribute towards undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. Aim: To evaluate the dietary habits and nutritional status of school-going, urban adolescents. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 1600 adolescents from 10 government schools in Delhi between April 2018 and March 2019. The socio-demographic profile, anthropometric measurements and dietary habits using simplified dietary gap assessment tool was recorded. The nutritional status of the participants was categorised as per World Health Organisation- Body Mass Index (WHO-BMI) Z-score for adolescents. The data collected was analysed using the statistical analysis software Graph Pad version 5. Chi-square test was applied to assess the association between dietary habits and BMI status. Results: A total of 855 males (mean age 13±2 years) and 745 females (mean age 13.4±2 years) with age range between 10 and 19 years participated in the study. A total of 955 (59%) adolescents consumed milk or milk products, 655 (41%) consumed fruits, and 838 (52%) consumed green leafy vegetables in their daily dietary habits along with their staple diets. 1089 (68%) of adolescents were undernourished, out of which 328 (30%) skipped their regular meals. The Chi-square analysis revealed that consuming junk food (p=0.005) and buying eatables from street shops (p=0.0025) were significantly associated in adoloscents from the age group of 15-19 years. It was observed that male participants consumed milk and milk products more often than female participants (p<0.0001). Faulty dietary habits of skipping meals or eating junk food or buying eatables from street shop was associated with more number of participants under the obese/ overweight category (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The poor choice of dietary habits significantly affects the physical development among school-going adolescents. Study participants who belonged to the late adolescent age group had more tendencies to develop faulty dietary habits. The study will help to plan for nutritional supplementation and create awareness to develop healthy food choices among adolescents.
Time Transition of Routines in Fast Food Consumption-Importance to Public Health
Authors: Khare Akansha , Sharma Chandra Pal , Gupta Neelu Jain
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Fast Food (FF) consumption reduces the nutritional quality of daily diet. FF is even more detrimental to human health, if preferred during night-time meals, because metabolism is slower at end of the day. Quality of food and time of eating are nutritional determinants of the health. Aim: To study the association of anthropometric and societal factors such as age, Body Mass Index (BMI), health awareness with frequency of FF and preference for meal timings. Materials and Methods: Through a cross-sectional Google-form food preference survey of 2887 people, it was sought to uncover a possible association between the perception and frequency of FF and preference for mealtimes. Unadjusted associations of people’s eating preferences with age, BMI and health awareness with FF intake was analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients, Cronbach’s α, Eigen values, odd ratios, relative risk factors and χ2-tests. Results: The high odd ratio revealed greater FF popularity in adolescents and children as compared to adults. Principal component analysis revealed four important factors (Eigen value >0.9; factor weight >12%) viz., age, busy life, body weight and weekend drive. Taking FF as a food quality index, there was food quality jetlag between week days and weekends. Psychometric analysis revealed a positive association between preferred mealtime and FF intake. Conclusion: Mealtimes regulate the human circadian system; therefore, health consequences of FF consumption ensconce other determinants of public health like night eating and lifestyle. The deteriorating effects of FF are associated with circadian disruption. More research is needed to highlight associativity of different lifestyle factors detrimental to circadian health.
Clinicohormonal Parameters as a Primary Step to Differentiate Normosmic Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism and Kallmann Syndrome in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India
Authors: Bhadra Ram Chandra , Saha Dona , Baidya Arjun
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a rare gonadal dysgenesis in which puberty does not take place naturally. It occurs due to insufficient pulsatile secretion of Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and the resulting Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) deficiency leads to absence of or delayed sexual maturation. Kallmann syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder characterised by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism associated with anosmia or hyposmia. When anosmia is absent, the same is referred as normosmic Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH). Aim: To find out the significant differences between Kallmann syndrome and nIHH based on clinical features and biochemical assessment as a primary measure to initiate the treatment early. Materials and Methods: This hospital based cross-sectional observational cohort study was conducted in Department of Endocrinology, Nilratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India. The study was done on 55 cases of IHH presenting to the department with delayed secondary sexual characteristics. Results: Out of these 55 cases, 45 (81.8%) were of nIHH and only 10 (18.2%) cases were of Kallmann Syndrome. It was found that both the conditions show male predominance. Smell abnormalities were present only in Kallmann group. The level of serum testosterone was significantly higher (p<0.05) in nIHH subjects (mean-35.59 ng/dL) than patients with Kallmann Syndrome (mean-14.90 ng/dL). Patients with Kallmann syndrome showed significantly reduced pubic and axillary hair development and absence of gonadal development. Conclusion: Absence of puberty with anosmia/hyposmia with low serum FSH and LH, drastically reduced serum testosterone, are factors that point towards the diagnosis of Kallmann syndrome even in absence of genetic study, which is helpful for initiation of hormone replacement therapy for treatment.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kumar Devesh , Upadhyay Sachin , Varma Hashmukh Shantilal , Thakur Darwin Kumar
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Impaired wound healing has a significant socio- economic impact. The introduction of Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) has been one of the major breakthroughs in the management of nonhealing wounds owing to its property of granulation tissue formation via effects related to local sub atmospheric pressure and fluid drainage. Aim: To study the efficacy of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) in wound healing. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was performed on 50 patients out of which 41 were males 82% and 9 were females (18%) with chronic non healing wounds of different aetiologies between the age of 15-70 years. Eligible patients were treated with NPWT at two days interval for an average of two dressings. Patients were evaluated after two dressings for appearance of granulation tissue, reduction in wound size and decrease of bacterial load in the wound. Paired t-test and Chi-square tests were used. The p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The use of NPWT in different types of open wounds, pressure sores, postoperative wounds resulted in reduction of wound size (p-value=0.001), infection rate (p-value=0.001) within a week after two dressings to finally be closed with split skin grafting or secondary suturing. Conclusion: NPWT dressing is a safe, reliable intervention for patients with chronic wounds associated with impaired wound healing, particularly with wounds larger in surface area which requires closure by split skin grafting or musculocutaneous flaps.
Bilateral Sacroiliac Joint Fusion: A Case Report
Authors: Pushpa NB , Ravishankar MV , Pushpalatha K
Published: November 2021

Sacroiliac (SI) joint is the articulation which forms the part of the bony pelvis. It plays an important role in locomotor activity, and childbirth during labour. It helps in the transmission and distribution of axial body weight from the spine to the pelvis. This synovial joint exhibit limited gliding movements within the joint cavity. About 15-30% of low backache aetiologies are attributed to SI joint dysfunction. People who are overweight, have co-morbid conditions, and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing vertebral joint deformities called spondylarthropathies. They are group of inflammatory disorders which are involving the vertebral spines and peripheral joints, where the symptom of stiffness is prominently seen. The anatomical variations in the SI joint morphology like accessory SI joint, iliosacral complex and sacral defect, dismorphic joint, are of compelling interest concerning SI joint pathologies from the orthopaedic viewpoint. This case report presents a bilateral fusion of SI joint, found in a skeleton in the museum of medical college.
Gigantic Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation Presenting as Recurrent Lung Infection
Authors: Kunwar Brajesh Kumar , Ingle Farah , Ingle Atul , Tulagseri Chandrasekhar
Published: November 2021

The abnormal connection between pulmonary arterial and venous circulation is known as Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation (PAVM). It was first described by Churton in 1897. The presentation varies from incidental findings to shortness of breath, haemoptysis, chest pain, syncope and cyanosis. Patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia are prone to develop PAVM. PAVMs are quite rare, the frequency ranges from 2-3 per 1,00,000 population. Treatment options include surgical intervention and embolisation, the former is now used seldom. The surgical intervention is more invasive than the percutaneous intervention procedure also known as embolotherapy or embolisation. In the present case, authors encountered a rare case of a 30-year- old male presented with giant PAVM with 13 mm diameter (60.65×35.32 mm in dimensions), where patient presented with fever since two months and vomiting. Considering his symptoms, he was initially suspected as Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) positive. However, his Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test was reported negative. It was decided to treat him with vascular plug embolisation. A 16 mm Ampletzer vascular plug II was deployed in such a way that it does not occlude the lower branches of Left Pulmonary Artery (LPA). After deploying the vascular plug, the patient was stable and tolerated the procedure well. He was discharged after two days of observation considering his haemodynamic stability.
Functional Outcome of Weight Bearing Heel following its Reconstruction by Distally Based Sural Flaps
Authors: Agrawal Neeraj Kant
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Tissue defects of the heel require resurfacing by flaps that could bear a great proportion of body weight and assist in pain free locomotion with minimum morbidity. The distally based sural flaps, also known as reverse sural flaps, have found widespread applications including reconstruction of the weight bearing heel. The durability of the reverse sural flap and its ease of resurfacing peculiar contour of the heel have encouraged its use. The evaluation of the functional aspect of this flap with regards to the pain, ulceration and ambulation is vital to establish and authenticate its use in heel reconstruction. American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical ratings scale is one of the assessment schemes for its evaluation. Aim: To evaluate the usefulness and versatility of reverse sural flap in reconstruction of heel as well as assessment of functional outcome of foot using AOFAS scoring system. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, carried out in the Department of Plastic Surgery at a tertiary care centre in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India, 15 patients with soft tissue defects of the weight bearing heel were found who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Reconstruction was carried out using reverse sural flap and its surgical planning as operative details were discussed. AOFAS scale was used to measure functional outcome of the reconstructed heel. Results: Average age was 38.33±13.48 years and they presented earlier than 72 days. The dimensions of the reverse sural flap were 147.46±20.87 cm2 to resurface heel defects of 57.75±17.08 cm2. The largest defect was 13 cm long and 7 cm wide. Three flaps demonstrated distal necrosis as the length: width ratio was more than the well described safe limit of 3:1. They were 19- 22 cm long while the width was narrowed to 5-7 cm at the base resulting in unfavourable dimensions and consequent necrosis. Other complications were persistent discharge and ulceration. AOFAS rating had a maximum score of 60, the average score being 50.2±7.39 (31-58). Conclusion: The AOFAS clinical rating is a reliable and valid quantitative tool which is used for evaluating functional outcome in patients with reconstruction of weight bearing heel. Reconstruction of such challenging defects by the distally based sural flap proves its versatility and relialibity. At the same time, the surgical technique of flap harvest is safe, of shorter duration and provides alternative to microsurgical reconstruction.
CIÊNCIA EM SALA DE AULA: UMA REFLEXÃO CRÍTICA ACERCA DA OBRA “ARTEFATOS EM GRAMÁTICA: IDEIAS PARA AULAS DE LÍNGUA”, DE PIRES DE OLIVEIRA E QUAREZEMIN
Authors: Krieck Letícia Emília , Hochsprung Vitor , Borges Humberto
Published: November 2021

Esta resenha aborda o e-book Artefatos de gramática: ideias para aulas de língua, organizado pelas professoras Roberta Pires de Oliveira e Sandra Quarezemin. O material é resultado de trabalhos realizados a partir de uma extensão realizada na Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina e contou com sete projetos que exibem artefatos em gramática que podem ser praticados em contexto escolar, constituindo-se ideias para professores aplicarem e replicarem com seus estudantes. Nesta resenha, apontamos os pontos principais de cada capítulo, relacionando-os � nossa perspectiva teórica, que parte da Teoria e Análise Linguística. Avaliamos o e-book como uma ferramenta muito favorável ao trabalho com a língua portuguesa sob a perspectiva científica – portanto, uma ótima leitura para professores de Língua Portuguesa e todos aqueles interessados em propostas metodológicas que entendam a língua por esse viés.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Dentists Regarding Tetracycline Teeth Staining and Treatment Protocol - A Questionnaire Study
Authors: Gaur Shivangi , Madhulaxmi M.
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Aesthetics is an important attribute to man’s overall view of himself .The term “tooth discoloration‟ refers to the fading away of the natural colour of the tooth or replacement with a stain, usually of a different colour to the point of notice. Tooth discoloration has been classified as extrinsic or intrinsic. Tetracycline staining which is characteristic in children born of mothers who were on tetracycline medication. These children develop a brown staining on most of their deciduous and permanent teeth. A variety of treatment methods including tooth-whitening options have been sought. The aim of this KAP survey was to assess the knowledge , attitude and practice of various clinical practitioners both undergraduate and postgraduate regarding Tetracycline tooth staining, its aetiology and treatment modalities.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted across various Dental Clinics and Hospitals in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.Theself-administered questionnaire was written in English was adapted based on many other previous surveys of similar nature. It was circulated as digital questionnaires (GoogleForms) It had 15 items, 5 in the knowledge, 5 practice components and 5 in the attitude component, and took about 10 min to complete.

Results: Among the 250 responses it was observed that 66.7% of the respondents were endodontists and the remaining 33.3% were general practitioners.33.3% of respondents had an experience of 2 to 6 years while 16.7% of respondents had a 8 year or more experience. All the respondents were based in and around Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The mean Knowledge score was 70%, while mean attitude and practice scores varied between 87% to 91% and were considerably much better.

Conclusion: The fabrication of a detailed treatment protocol for the treatment of tetracycline based tooth staining in various clinical scenarios and the standardization of such a protocol, while also upgrading the basic theoretical knowledge is necessary. This could in tern help delivering better treatment to the patient while considering both the affordability as well as aesthetic satisfaction of the patient.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Herbal Root Canal Irrigants and 3% Sodium Hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis: An In-vitro Study
Authors: Ahamed Shafie , Raju Vignesh Guptha , Krishnamurthy Madhuram , Kumar V. Naveen , Selvendran K. E.
Published: November 2021

Nigella sativa (kalonji) has been used since ancient times as a nutritional supplement and for treating various infections and chronic ailments. As pathogens become resistant to most drugs, kalonji can be used as an alternative compound in modern medicines. The use of herbal extracts as endodontic irrigants might be beneficial as a part of a growing trend to seek natural remedies for dental treatment.

Aim:  To compare the antibacterial potency of Aqueous Nigella sativa extract, Aqueous Neem leaf extract, and 3% Sodium Hypochlorite.

Materials and Methods: Test solutions were tested against E. faecalis (ATCC 29212) to check for their Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by double dilution method and Kill time to measure their antimicrobial potency to be used as an intracanal irrigant.

Results: The study's limitations show that Aqueous Nigella sativa extract has a better antimicrobial effect than Aqueous Neem leaf extract and 3% Sodium Hypochlorite solution against E. faecalis.
Thermally Controlled Charge‐Carrier Transitions in Disordered PbSbTe Chalcogenides
Authors: Evang Valentin , Reindl Johannes , Schäfer Lisa , Rochotzki Alexander , Pletzer‐Zelgert Pauline , Wuttig Matthias , Mazzarello Riccardo
Published: November 2021

Binary and ternary chalcogenides have recently attracted much attention due to their wide range of applications including phase‐change memory materials, topological insulators, photonic switches, and thermoelectrics. These applications require a precise control of the number and mobility of charge carriers. Here, an unexpected charge‐carrier transition in ternary compounds from the PbTe–Sb2Te3 pseudo‐binary line is reported. Upon thermal annealing, sputtered thin films of PbSb2Te4 and Pb2Sb2Te5 undergo a transition in the temperature coefficient of resistance and in the type of the majority charge carriers from n‐type to p‐type. These transitions are observed upon increasing structural order within one crystallographic phase. To account for this striking observation, it is proposed that the Fermi energy shifts from the tail of the conduction band to the valence band because different levels of overall structural disorder lead to different predominant types of native point defects. This view is confirmed by an extensive computational study, revealing a transition from excess cations and SbPb for high levels of disorder to PbSb prevailing for low disorder. The findings will help fine‐tune transport properties in certain chalcogenides via proper thermal treatment, with potential benefits for memories, thermoelectric material optimization, and neuromorphic devices.
A Face‐to‐Face Dimer of Au3 Superatoms Supported by Interlocked Tridentate Scaffolds Formed in Au18S2(SR)12
Authors: Shigeta Taro , Takano Shinjiro , Tsukuda Tatsuya
Published: November 2021

A new sulfur‐containing gold cluster, Au18S2(STipb)12, was serendipitously obtained using the bulky thiol, 2,4,6‐triisopropylbenzyl mercaptan (TipbSH), as protecting ligands. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that Au18S2(STipb)12 has a deformed octahedral Au6 core clutched by two tridentate S[Au2(STipb)2]3 units in an interlocked manner. Based on density functional theory calculations, we propose that the Au6 core with two electrons is better viewed as a face‐to‐face dimer of Au3(1e) superatoms rather than an electronically closed Au6(2e) superatom. In situ formation of the sulfide anions (S2−) via C‐S bond breakage is ascribed to the steric repulsion between the TipbS ligands.
Layered Double Hydroxide‐Assisted Fabrication of Prussian Blue Membranes for Precise Molecular Sieving
Authors: Bian Qi , Zhang Mu , Liu Yi , Liu Liangliang , Li Yang , Wang Chen , He Gaohong , Liu Yi
Published: November 2021

Prussian Blue (PB), which was first discovered as robust blue‐colored pigment in the year 1706, has shown promising prospects in disease treatment, energy conversion, water splitting, and sensing. Relying on the uniform 3.2 Å‐sized pore channels as well as high stability in aqueous environments, in this study, we pioneered in situ preparation of polycrystalline PB membranes to justify their dye rejection and metal ion discrimination ability in aqueous environments. Among various factors, the introduction of calcined NiFe layered double hydroxide buffer layers on porous α‐Al2O3 substrates was found to play a paramount role in the formation of continuous polycrystalline PB membranes, thereby leading to excellent dye rejection efficiency (>99.0 %). Moreover, prepared PB membranes enabled discriminating different monovalent metal ions (e.g., Li+, Na+, and K+) depending on their discrepancy in Stokes diameters, showing great promise for lithium extraction from smaller‐sized metal ions.
Polyvinyl alcohol based bio‐composite films reinforced by liquefaction products and cellulose nanofibrils from coconut coir
Authors: Wu Jun , Wang Dun , Meng Fanrong , Li Jihui , Huo Chunqing , Du Xueyu , Xu Shuying
Published: November 2021

In this study, coconut coir was chemically converted to coir‐polyols (CP) via atmospheric liquefaction under microwave assistance, during which a combination of polyethylene glycol 400 and glycerol, and 98% sulfuric acid were applied as the liquefaction solvents and catalyst, respectively. The obtained CP was then analyzed in terms of its molecular weight distribution, hydroxyl values, and functional groups. Later, CP/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) bio‐composite films reinforced without and with coir cellulose nanofibrils (CCNF) were prepared. After comprehensive characterization, the CP/PVA films exhibited higher stability in medium‐temperature range, while the CCNF/CP/PVA films on the other hand possessed higher properties of tensile strength, elongation at break, and water resistance. The proper dosage of reinforcing agents for preparing PVA‐based ternary blend films were proposed at 3% of CCNF and 10% of CP (based on film dry weight), which exhibited the best balance of properties in the critical parameters such as tensile strength and elongation at break.
Covered stents favored in complex aortoiliac disease
Authors: Winscott John G. , Hillegass William B.
Published: November 2021

Key Points

Covered balloon expandable stents have 2 year primary patency rates of approximately 85% compared to 75% for uncovered stents in complex aortoiliac disease.

A reduction in the area and thickness of neointimal hyperplasia may explain the superior maintenance of post‐procedural ankle‐brachial index improvements and patency of covered stents for complex aortoiliac disease.

Improved outcomes prediction based on anatomic disease (Trans‐Atlantic Inter‐Society Consensus disease classification) and clinical characteristics may inform patient‐specific device selection to improve long‐term outcomes and cost‐effectiveness in the endovascular treatment of aortoiliac disease.