bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Эконометрика
Authors: Sarkisyan R. S.
Published: January 2022

В пособие включены классические регрессионные модели, регрессионные модели с фиктивными переменными, регрессионные модели с распределенными лагами, авторегрессионные модели, системы одновременных уравнений. Приводятся основные методы анализа экономических процессов и показателей по статистическим данным. Учебный материал содержит достаточное число решенных типовых задач, а также контрольные вопросы и задачи для самостоятельной работы. Некоторые задачи сопровождаются описаниями реализации на компьютере.
Rediscovery of Serangium montazerii Fürsch in Georgia and updated list of the Coccinellidae of Georgia
Authors: Migeon Alain , Arabuli Tea
Published: January 2022

This article provides an updated list of the Coccinellidae of Georgia, recording 84 species. Serangium montazerii Fürsch nec S. parcesetosum Sicard is also rehabilitated as a species actually present in the country.
The rediscovery of Carya poilanei (Juglandaceae) after 63 years reveals a new record from China
Authors: Zhang Wei-Ping , Bai Wei-Ning , Zhang Da-Yong
Published: January 2022

Despite having been first published in 1941, Carya poilanei (A.Chev.) J.-F.Leroy is only known from three collections in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. It has not been recollected since then and was long suspected to have become extinct through repeated deforestation events. Here, we report the rediscovery, and meanwhile the first new record in China, of this extremely rare gigantic hickory species at Yunnan province 63 years after its last collection in 1958. Three small patchy subpopulations were found with a total of about 50 adult trees having diameter at breast height (DBH) larger than 60 cm, together with some seedlings and saplings, but the fruit set was low. Based on new and fresh material, we present a revised morphological description of C. poilanei, and an updated distribution map for the species. In addition, we also provide a key for the hickories in China. Lastly, we suggest C. poilanei should be listed as a Critically Endangered (CR) species according to the latest IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Parcours de scolarisation pendant et après l’Unité d’enseignement en maternelle : une analyse des trajectoires individuelles pour quatre élèves ayant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme
Authors: Briet Gaëtan , Le Maner-Idrissi Gaïd , Seveno Tanguy , Le Sourn-Bissaoui Sandrine
Published: January 2022

Ce travail vise à évaluer les trajectoires développementales de 4 enfants ayant un TSA, à la fois pendant leur scolarisation en Unité d’enseignement en maternelle (UEM) et durant les premiers mois de leur parcours post-UEM. L’analyse des trajectoires individuelles montre une diminution des comportements autistiques durant les premiers mois de scolarisation en UEM. Au niveau développemental, des progrès sont observés sur le plan des compétences cognitives, langagières, motrices et imitatives. Malgré une diversité des orientations de sortie et des trajectoires évolutives hétérogènes entre enfants, les progrès effectués semblent se poursuivre durant le parcours post-UEM. Enfin, l’analyse des profils individuels suggère que ce parcours de scolarisation après l’UEM pourrait être associé au tableau clinique initial des enfants. Les implications de cette étude sont discutées en vue d’optimiser la mise en œuvre de ce type de dispositif inclusif et de favoriser la continuité des parcours scolaires des élèves ayant un TSA.
L’Élysée, maison militaire : une dimension ancienne, devenue politique
Authors: Vial Philippe
Published: January 2022

Construit pour un officier général, l’hôtel d’Évreux a ensuite été remanié par un maréchal d’Empire, puis un empereur. La décoration de l’Élysée, son onomastique, conservent la mémoire de cette dimension guerrière devenue graduellement politico-militaire. Cette évolution trouve son équivalent dans la transformation de la « maison militaire ». Institution d’essence monarchique, celle-ci est de nouveau activée à partir de 1872, quand le Palais redevient la résidence officielle du président de la République. Après 1958, la présence des militaires à l’Élysée prend une importance inédite, notamment avec l’instauration d’un état-major particulier du président, désormais « chef des armées ».
Patients With Cirrhosis Who Have a Model for End-stage Liver Disease Sodium Score of 8 or Greater Are at Increased Risk of Poor Outcomes in Operatively Treated Tibia Fractures
Authors: Renninger Christopher H. , Jaeblon Todd , Slobogean Gerard P. , O'Toole Robert V. , O'Hara Nathan N.
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare 30-day readmission rates for cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients after tibia fracture fixation by retrospectively identifying all surgically managed tibial plateau, tibial shaft, and pilon fractures from 2010 through 2018 in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (N=14,028). The primary outcome measure was 30-day readmission rates. Secondary outcome measures included 30-day rates of reoperation, length of stay, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and wound complications, including deep or superficial infection. Cirrhotic patients (n=665) and non-cirrhotic patients (n=13,363) were identified using the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index test. Cirrhotic patients were more likely to have preoperative ascites, renal failure, bleeding disorders, and preoperative transfusions. No differences were reported between the two groups in readmission rate or any of the secondary outcome measures, except that cirrhotic patients' length of stay was longer by 0.5 day. Stratification of the cirrhotic cohort demonstrated that a Model for End-stage Liver Disease sodium (MELD-Na) score of 8 or greater was associated with a 4.1-fold increase in the rate of readmission (5.9% vs 1.5%;
P
<.01). No other differences were identified based on MELD-Na score stratification. Patients with advanced cirrhosis (MELD-Na score ≥8) have an increased risk of 30-day readmission after tibia fracture surgery. Cirrhosis associated with a lower MELD-Na score might not significantly increase the risk of 30-day complications in patients with tibia fractures. [
Orthopedics
. 2022;45(2):79–85.]
Risk Factors for Gram-Negative Fracture-Related Infection
Authors: Konda Sanjit R. , Dedhia Nicket , Ganta AbhisheK , Behery Omar , Haglin Jack M. , Egol Kenneth A.
Published: January 2022

In this study, we evaluated risk factors for gram-negative fracture-related infection in a mixed cohort of gram-positive and gram-negative fracture-related infections to guide perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical fixation of fractures. We performed a retrospective review of all patients with fracture who were treated at an urban academic level I trauma center between February 1, 2012, and June 30, 2017. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) open or closed fracture with internal fixation; (2) deep, acute to subacute (<6 weeks), culture-positive fracture-related infection; and (3) age 18 years or older. Infections were classified as gram positive, gram negative, or polymicrobial. Demographic, surgical, and postoperative characteristics were compared among groups. Of 3360 patients, 43 (1.3%) had a fracture-related infection (15 gram negative, 14 gram positive, and 14 polymicrobial). Risk factors for gram-negative infection included initial external fixation (
P
=.038), the need for soft tissue coverage of an open fracture site (
P
=.039), lower albumin level at the time of infection (
P
=.005), and hospitalization for longer than 10 days (
P
=.018). Perioperative gram-negative antibiotic prophylaxis for fracture fixation surgery should be considered for those who have been staged with external fixation, require soft tissue coverage, are at risk for malnutrition in the postoperative period, and have prolonged inpatient hospitalization. [
Orthopedics
. 2022;45(2):91–96.]
The Location Consistency Index Helps to Distinguish Eyes With Subclinical Keratoconus From Normal Eyes
Authors: Wang Mengyi , Shi Ce , Zhou Yuheng , Ye Yufeng , Fan Xin , Huang Huimin , Yu Xiangle , Lu Fan , Shen Meixiao
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE:

To develop a novel index that combines the locations and magnitudes of corneal alterations to improve discrimination of eyes with subclinical keratoconus from normal eyes.

METHODS:

A Scheimpflug-based tomography system was used to image 252 eyes (normal: 78 eyes, subclinical keratoconus: 71 eyes, and keratoconus: 103 eyes) of 252 patients from two clinical centers. Coordinates and magnitudes of the maximum corneal protrusion alterations were extracted from curvature, elevation, and pachymetry maps. A location consistency index (LCI) was calculated from the Euclidean distances among these locations. A logistic regression model, named the location consistency enhanced score (LCES), which combined the LCI and the magnitudes of these maximum alterations, was trained and tested in two different datasets.

RESULTS:

The LCI in eyes with subclinical keratoconus was 7.8 ± 2.6 µm, which was significantly different from that in normal eyes (11.8 ± 3.9 µm) and eyes with keratoconus (5.8 ± 2.4 µm) (all
P
< .001). The LCI could differentiate eyes with subclinical keratoconus from normal eyes with a sensitivity of 67.6%, specificity of 83.3%, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.81. Combining the magnitudes of these maximum alterations with the LCI for the LCES yielded a sensitivity of 90.0% and a specificity of 74.4% for differentiating eyes with subclinical keratoconus from normal eyes (AUC: 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS:

The LCI can assist in differentiating eyes with subclinical keratoconus from normal eyes. The LCES is a potential new index to assist in a confirmatory test of eyes with subclinical keratoconus.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2022;38(1):35–42.]
Visual and Refractive Outcomes Following SMILE to Correct Myopia Performed by Surgeons in Training
Authors: Ramirez-Miranda Arturo , Mangwani-Mordani Simran , Hernandez-Bogantes Erick , Abdala-Figuerola Alexandra , Olivo-Payne Andrew , Larrea Jaime , Navas Alejandro , Graue-Hernandez Enrique O.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE:

To assess visual outcomes and complications following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) performed by cornea fellows under the supervision of experienced surgeons.

METHODS:

This retrospective, noncomparative case series was designed to assess outcomes following SMILE procedures performed at a large surgical center by cornea fellows between May 1, 2012 and March 30, 2015. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE) up to −10.00 diopters (D), and complications were recorded.

RESULTS:

A total of 114 patients (228 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. The mean preoperative SE was −5.79 ± 1.95 D (range: −1.75 to −10.00 D) and the mean cylinder was −2.21 ± 1.43 D (range: 0.00 to −5.50 D). At the last follow-up visit (average: 6.4 months), 94% of the patients achieved a UDVA of 20/30 or better and 96% of the patients achieved stability in their vision. Adverse events were encountered in 40 eyes (17.5%), with epithelial defect being the most common. Two patients required a second intervention to improve visual outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

SMILE performed by cornea fellows under the supervision of an experienced surgeon is an effective and safe refractive procedure with a short learning curve and excellent visual outcomes.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2022;38(1):28–34.]
Role of Precision Medicine in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Cahaney Christine , Dhir Aditi , Ghosh Taumoha
Published: January 2022

Childhood cancer is the leading cause of nonaccidental death in children and adolescents. Over the past 50 years, development of novel therapies and improvements in supportive care have led to improvements in long-term survival rates. However, there remains great morbidity associated with cancer treatment among childhood cancer survivors, and the outcomes for patients who relapse remain poor. The introduction of precision medicine, an approach that uses the understanding of genetic and biochemical profiles of a disease (as enabled by next-generation sequencing) to tailor treatment to a patient, has quickly started to change the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of pediatric oncology. With its use, a better understanding of tumor biology, improved classification systems for various cancers, and genetically and molecularly targeted therapeutic strategies have been developed. We review the implementation of precision medicine in pediatric oncology and its effect on diagnosis, management, and treatment of pediatric cancers.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2022;51(1):e8–e14.]
Palliative Care Across the Continuum of Childhood
Authors: Vandermeer Rachel J. , Kain Victoria J. , Hoehn K. Sarah
Published: January 2022

Palliative care should be integrated along the continuum for all children living with life-limiting illness. Many misconceptions about palliative care exist, including the misunderstanding that palliative and curative care are mutually exclusive. Many associate palliative care with hospice and do not recognize that palliative care is available and beneficial before end of life. Palliative care should be initiated at the time a family receives a life-limiting diagnosis and should continue throughout the child's life. Children may have a better quality of life and even longer life span when palliative care has an earlier initiation. In this article, we discuss these common misconceptions and describe how children and families benefit from palliative care when it is integrated along the illness continuum. In addition, we discuss how pediatricians can incorporate these principles into their practice to support their families.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2022;51(1):e40–e46.]
A free boundary problem of nonlinear diffusion equation with positive bistable nonlinearity in high space dimensions I : Classification of asymptotic behavior
Authors: Kaneko Yuki , Matsuzawa Hiroshi , Yamada Yoshio
Published: January 2022

We study a free boundary problem of a reaction-diffusion equation \begin{document}$ u_t = \Delta u+f(u) $\end{document} for \begin{document}$ t>0,\ |x|<h(t) $\end{document} under a radially symmetric environment in \begin{document}$ \mathbb{R}^N $\end{document}. The reaction term \begin{document}$ f $\end{document} has positive bistable nonlinearity, which satisfies \begin{document}$ f(0) = 0 $\end{document} and allows two positive stable equilibrium states and a positive unstable equilibrium state. The problem models the spread of a biological species, where the free boundary represents the spreading front and is governed by a one-phase Stefan condition. We show multiple spreading phenomena in high space dimensions. More precisely the asymptotic behaviors of solutions are classified into four cases: big spreading, small spreading, transition and vanishing, and sufficient conditions for each dynamical behavior are also given. We determine the spreading speed of the spherical surface \begin{document}$ \{x\in \mathbb{R}^N:\ |x| = h(t)\} $\end{document}, which expands to infinity as \begin{document}$ t\to\infty $\end{document}, even when the corresponding semi-wave problem does not admit solutions.
Wicked²: The increasing wickedness of educational developers as DEI cultural influencers
Authors: Dietz Lauri , Jenkins China M. , Cruz Laura , Handy Amber , Kumar Rita , Metzker Julia , Norris Ian
Published: January 2022

The global pandemic that began in 2020 amplified the chasm between higher education’s stated goals to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the systemic realities that many students, instructors, and staff grapple with on a daily basis. We contend that attenuating the barriers to DEI outcomes means first acknowledging that DEI is a wicked problem, in that it is impossible to solve because of competing, conflicting, and complex sociocultural forces from within and outside our institutions. We also contend that educational developers (EDs) are particularly well situated within the higher education ecology to be key cultural influencers in how to mitigate DEI-related wicked problems by tapping into our deep commitment to lifelong learning as a means for honing and modeling an equity mindset.
Social Science, the Social Question, and the Formation of Elites: German Social Science Student Associations (1890s-1900s)
Authors: Dubois Antonin
Published: January 2022

This article considers the conflicts linking the social question to the social sciences in Germany around 1900 through the analysis of the student associations for social sciences (Sozialwissenschaftliche Studentenvereine). Students did not seek an introduction to social sciences as academic scientific disciplines in particular, which remained loosely autonomous and suffered from heterogeneous definitions and uses. Much more, students looked for a scientific legitimacy for the resolution of the social question, a task that had to be tackled by the elite they felt destined to join. For a large part of university and political authorities, this interest for the social question could only mean socialism. Therefore, they repressed these associations, especially in Prussia, despite their certain attractivity. The history of these associations allows to understand the attempts to redefine the social role of elites as well as the institutionalisation of the social sciences, which turn out to be closely linked.
Persisting attachment to physical cultural goods
Authors: Gilliotte Quentin
Published: January 2022

Drawing on sixty interviews conducted around France, and a quantitative quota-based study with 2000 respondents, this article shows why there is a “persisting” use of physical cultural goods (CDs, DVDs, vinyl records, boxed video games, etc.). On the one hand, these physical goods have “practical” advantages which mean they are easier for many respondents to use and re-use on an everyday basis, to have nearby, and to share with others. On the other, these goods entail constraints that have been made virtues, and which contribute to the pleasure of their use, recreating the rarity and singularity in the consumer experience. This singularity is primarily based in a sensory relationship to cultural goods (through smell, touch, place in domestic space) and through forms of ritual associated with moments of acquisition or consumption.
Business Process Reengineering of Digital Learning Ecosystems
Authors: Susanto Heru , Mohiddin Fadzliwati , Fang-Yie Leu , Sanip Muhammad Syamim , Susanto Alifya Kayla Shafa , Setiana Desi , Rosiyadi Didi , Ibrahim Fahmi , Insani Asep , Khusni Uus
Published: January 2022

This study was conducted to investigate e-learning acceptance and factors influencing higher institution students in Brunei Darussalam. Among the factors involved in this study were perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, self-efficacy, technology availability, and usage and intention to use. Technology acceptance models (TAM) were used as a basis for the study and for hypothesizing the effects of such variables on the use of e-learning. The findings of this study found that there is significant influence of self-efficacy to perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness while perceived ease of use has direct impact to perceived usefulness and perceived usefulness has influence on intention to use towards e-learning systems.
Integrating Keyword Segmentation and Budget Allocation Decisions in Sponsored Search Advertising
Authors: Ayanso Anteneh , Visser Derek , Yoogalingam Reena , Kusy Martin
Published: January 2022

Budget constrained sponsored search advertisers must decide how to allocate their advertisement budget across ad campaigns and individual keywords. In this paper, a simulation model that integrates the complex issues involved in keyword segmentation and campaign organization is used to evaluate performance of various budget allocation strategies. Using the buying funnel model as the basis for keyword segmentation and campaign organization, we analyze Volume-based, Cost-based, and Clicks-based budget allocation strategies and evaluate their performance implications for different firms. The simulation model is empirically evaluated using four Fortune 500 companies and their keyword data obtained from a leading provider of keyword research technology. The results and statistical analyses show significant improvements in budget utilization using the proposed allocation strategies over a Baseline commonly used in practice. The study offers useful insights into the budget allocation problem by leveraging a theoretical framework for keyword segmentation and campaign management.
Grass Carp Reovirus Nonstructural Proteins Avoid Host Antiviral Immune Response by Targeting the RLR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Jie , Man Wu Xiao , Fang Qin , Bi Yong Hong , Nie Pin , Chang Ming Xian
Published: January 2022

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) is a highly virulent RNA virus that mainly infects grass carp and causes hemorrhagic disease. The roles of nonstructural proteins NS38 and NS80 of GCRV-873 in the viral replication cycle and viral inclusion bodies have been established. However, the strategies that NS38 and NS80 used to avoid host antiviral immune response are still unknown. In this study, we report the negative regulations of NS38 and NS80 on the RIG-I–like receptors (RLRs) antiviral signaling pathway and the production of IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes. First, both in the case of overexpression and GCRV infection, NS38 and NS80 inhibited the IFN promoter activation induced by RIG-I, MDA5, MAVS, TBK1, IRF3, and IRF7 and mRNA abundance of key antiviral genes involved in the RLR-mediated signaling. Second, both in the case of overexpression and GCRV infection, NS38 interacted with piscine TBK1 and IRF3, but not with piscine RIG-I, MDA5, MAVS, and TNF receptor–associated factor (TRAF) 3. Whereas NS80 interacted with piscine MAVS, TRAF3, and TBK1, but not with piscine RIG-I, MDA5, and IRF3. Finally, both in the case of overexpression and GCRV infection, NS38 inhibited the formation of the TBK1-IRF3 complex, but NS80 inhibited the formation of the TBK1-TRAF3 complex. Most importantly, NS38 and NS80 could hijack piscine TBK1 and IRF3 into the cytoplasmic viral inclusion bodies and inhibit the translocation of IRF3 into the nucleus. Collectively, all of these data demonstrate that GCRV nonstructural proteins can avoid host antiviral immune response by targeting the RLR signaling pathway, which prevents IFN-stimulated gene production and facilitates GCRV replication.
Sufentanil alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting inflammation and protecting the blood-brain barrier in rats
Authors: Wang Zhen , Du Xiaoyan , Yu Daoyang , Yang Yang , Ma Gaoen , Jia Xueli , Cheng Lulu
Published: January 2022

Stroke is a brain system disease with a high fatality rate and disability rate. About 80% of strokes are ischemic strokes. Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) caused by ischemic stroke seriously affects the prognosis of stroke patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of sufentanil (SUF) on CIRI model rats. We used middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) to make the CIRI model in rats and monitored region cerebral blood flow (rCBF) to ensure that blood flow was blocked and recanalized. We used ELISA and RT-PCR to detect the expression of inflammatory factors in rat serum and brain tissue. In addition, we detected the expression of metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9 and collagen IV in brain tissues and performed Evans blue (EB) assay to determine the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Finally, we clarified the apoptosis of brain tissue through the TUNEL staining and the detection of caspase3, Bcl2 and Bax. Various concentrations of SUF, especially 5, 10 and 25 μg/kg of SUF, all alleviated the infarct size, neurological function and brain edema of MCAO rats. SUF pretreatment also effectively reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in MCAO rats, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In addition, SUF also inhibited MMP2 and MMP9 and promoted the expression of collagen IV, indicating that SUF attenuated the destruction of the BBB. SUF also inhibited caspase3 and Bax rats and promoted Bcl2 in MCAO rats, thus inhibiting cell apoptosis. SUF pretreatment effectively improved the neurological function and cerebral infarction of MCAO rats, inhibited excessive inflammation in rats, protected the BBB, and inhibited cell apoptosis in brain tissue.
Water content, resorption of N and P, and the growth of teak Tectona grandis L.f. seedlings on four types of growing media under drought stress
Authors: Santosa Slamet , Soekendarsi Eddy , Priosambodo Dody , Kasim Abdul Hayat
Published: January 2022

Growing media that contain organic materials can provide nutrients and water for plants. This study analyzed the availability and effects of nutrients and water, N and P resorption, and growth of teak seedlings under drought stress. The growing medium was made from ultisol soil (M1), ultisol soil with husk charcoal (M2), ultisol soil with chicken manure (M3), and ultisol soil with compost (M4), then planted with teak seeds. Maintenance was conducted by field capacity watering for 30 days. Teak seedlings were treated with drought stress for 90 days. Based on the analysis, growing media total N ranged from 0.19 to 0.28%, total P ranged from 0.10 to 0.17%, and water ranged from 11.40 to 16.20%. Teak seedling leaves contain N nutrient ranging from 0.34 to 0.95 % and P nutrient ranging from 0.04 to 0.16 %. The N resorption ability of teak seedlings ranged from 26 to 31%, and P resorption was around 20 to 25 %. The height growth of teak seedlings ranged from 80 to 115cm, the stem diameter from 1.4 to 1.8cm, the leaf area from 630 to 650cm2, and the thickness of the leaves from 545 to 462µm. Growing media made from ultisol soil and chicken manure (M3) produced the best water content, N and P resorption, and the growth of teak seedlings after 3 days of drought stress.
Bee diversity in fragmented areas of Volcano Etna (Sicily, Italy) at different degrees of anthropic disturbance (Hymenoptera: Apoidea, Anthophila)
Authors: Turrisi G.F. , Bella S. , Catania R. , La Greca P. , Nobile V. , D'Urso V.
Published: January 2022

The present three-year study traces the diversity of four bee communities in fragmented pedemontane areas of Volcano Etna (Catania province, Sicily) near the Metropolitan City of Catania, under different land management regimes. The selected areas comprise two different urban parks within Catania (Parco Gioeni and Parco degli Ulivi), a Nature Reserve (Complesso Immacolatelle e Micio Conti, San Gregorio di Catania), and an agroecosystem (a citrus orchard, Aci Catena). Previous data obtained from a well-investigated area (Leucatia, north of Catania) have been used as a control for bee diversity for this study. The results include an outline of bee species richness, data on the composition of bee communities, and seasonal patterns, using several diversity indexes. The study of bee diversity shows a total of 163 species, arranged in five families. The four investigated locations include 104 species arranged in four families: Andrenidae (20 species), Halictidae (15 species), Megachilidae (31 species), and Apidae (38 species); with a similar number of species (102) recorded in the control site (Leucatia). The study highlights strong seasonal variations of bee communities in all investigated sites, with differentiated seasonal patterns, whose compositions are affected mainly by forage sources, suitable nesting sites, as well as human activities. The data obtained provide a rough but basilar framework to assess management strategies to maintain adequate levels of bee diversity, especially for those areas with moderate to high environmental fragmentation. Our findings highlight the importance of season-long sampling of bee population factors if used as indicators in ecological studies.
Quality of Life and Diabetes in India: A Scoping Review
Authors: Aarthy Ramasamy , Mikocka-Walus Antonina , Pradeepa Rajendra , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Mohan Viswanathan , Aston-Mourney Kathryn
Published: January 2022

In recent years, numerous studies have explored the quality of life (QoL) in those with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this scoping review was to explore the current state of knowledge on QoL and its various associated factors among people with diabetes in India. Three databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, and Medline) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A total of 41 articles were included in the review. The included studies were largely conducted in the Southern states and mainly investigated individuals with type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were the instruments used most often. In general, the studies showed that people with diabetes had poorer QoL than those without diabetes, and women with diabetes reported poorer QoL than men, consistent with findings across the world. However, the studies had significant methodological flaws which limit the validity and generalizability of the findings. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conduct high-quality QoL studies which are representative of all states of India as well as different types of diabetes in India in order to address this gap in the evidence.
Video Consultation Versus In-Person Clinic Visit for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes during COVID-19 Pandemic (VIP-CD Study)
Authors: Dutta Aditya , Mahendru Shama , Sharma Rutuja , Singh Anshu , Jain Anjali , Jevalikar Ganesh , Mithal Ambrish
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy of video consultation (VC) for prospective glycemic control against that of in-person clinic visit (IPV) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective, cohort study of 96 individuals with type 2 diabetes followed up for a period of ≤6 months. The cohort was divided into two groups depending on the mode of consultation, namely IPV (n= 48) and VC (n= 48). Baseline and follow-up characteristics including glycemic profile and lipid profile were compared.

Results:

The cohort had a mean age of 55.4 ± 13.8 years, median diabetes duration of 8 (0.3-70) years, a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.8 ± 5.8 kg/m2, 44 (46.3%) females, and uncontrolled hyperglycemia (HbA1c 8.7% ± 1.9%). Both groups were adequately matched at baseline. At the time of first visit, cessation of previous medications was more frequent in the IPV group (37.5% vs 8.3%;P= 0.001) than in the VC group. Follow-up was earlier in the VC group as compared to the IPV group (43.2 vs 87.9 days;P= 0.000). During the follow-up period, both groups had similar and adequate glycemic (mean HbA1c 7% ± 1%) and lipid profile control. Cox regression model showed that the VC group achieved glycemic control quicker as compared to the IPV group.

Conclusions:

Telemedicine is an effective mode of consultation for attaining glycemic control during COVID-19 pandemic, possibly owing to the quicker follow-up without the risk of potential in-clinic/hospital exposure to COVID-19.
One-Hour Postload Plasma Glucose in Obese Indian Adults with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: An Observational Study from North India
Authors: Jesrani Gautam , Gupta Monica , Kaur Jasbinder , Kaur Narinder , Lehl Sarabmeet S. , Singh Ram
Published: January 2022

Background:

Metabolic perturbations and hyperglycemia are increasingly identified as causal factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Insulin resistance, an indirect marker for initiation of NAFLD can be promptly diagnosed with standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). One-hour postOGTT plasma glucose measurement can have a significant impact on early identification of dysglycemia with NAFLD and may be superior to fasting and 2-hour plasma glucose.

Objective:

To assess 1-hour post OGTT plasma glucose levels and presence of NAFLD in obese adults.

Materials and Methods:

In this observational study, we included 101 consecutive obese (body mass index >25 kg/m2) participants of age 20–50 years without known illness of diabetes mellitus. Their anthropometric and laboratory characteristics were recorded and a standard OGTT was performed. Plasma glucose (PG) levels were measured during fasting, 1-hour (1-hour-PPG), and 2-hour (2-hour-PPG) intervals. All participants underwent ultrasound of the abdomen by a single, experienced observer for fatty liver (FL) grade assessment. Comparison of the PG and FL was done by the Chi-square test and aPvalue <0.05 was considered statistically significant with a 95% confidence interval. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.0 (IBM®SPSS Statistics Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA).

Results:

The result demonstrated that 53 adults had 1-hour-PPG values above the cutoff (≥155 mg/dl), whereas only 20 individuals had raised PG at 2 hours (≥140 mg/dl). All study subjects (100%) had an evidence of FL disease on ultrasound scan. Among these, 33 had grade I and 68 participants had grade II or III FL. About 41.6% of individuals had deranged 1-hour-PPG levels and higher FL grades as compared to 11.9% individuals with raised 2-hour-PPG values and FL of same grades. The relationship between 1-hour-PPG and FL grades was also statistically significant (Pvalue <0.05).

Conclusions:

1-hour-PPG levels were more deranged in obese adults without diabetes, and had more consistent and significant relationship with higher FL grades than the 2-hour-PPG levels.
An extremely rare tracheal tumor in coronavirus disease-2019 screening: Marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Beyoglu Muhammet Ali , Sahin Furkan Mehmet , Albayrak Aynur , Yekeler Erdal
Published: January 2022

Mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma is extremely rare due to the scarcity of lymphoid tissue in the trachea. To date, approximately 20 cases of tracheal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma have been reported. This case report presents a primary tracheal extranodal marginal zone lymphoma case detected incidentally during the coronavirus disease-2019 screening.
Association of microRNA polymorphisms with gastric cancer risk in the North Chinese Han population
Authors: Xin Qian , Shan Shan , Ding E , Jin Mingxin , Li Bei , Li Jiangxia , Liu Qiji , Yi Cuihua , Li Jisheng
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims:

MicroRNA (miRNA) was found as a class of endogenous, important regulators of gene expression and involved in the regulation of many biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Increasing studies have suggested that miR-146a, miR-196a2, and miR-499 play important roles in the development processes of gastric cancer (GC). The aim of our study is to investigate whether three common miRNA polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility of GC.

Materials and Methods:

MiR-146a rs2910164 (G > C), miR-196a2 rs11614913 (C > T), and miR-499 rs3746444 (A > G) were genotyped by Taq-man assays in the present case–control study (386 patients, 341 controls). The associations between the selected miRNA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of GC were estimated by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval using logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Our results showed that none of the three SNPs was associated with the risk of GC in allelic frequencies and multiple genetic models. Further stratified analysis with regard to clinical-pathological parameters of GC patients indicated that miR-146a rs2910164 SNP was strongly associated with age (OR = 0.53, P = 0.001) and gender (OR = 0.61, P = 0.006).

Conclusions:

The present study showed no association of the investigated miRNA SNPs with the risk of GC in the north Chinese population.
Inventory management practices in the blood bank of an institute of national importance in India
Authors: Mishra Siddharth , Daga Anoop , Gupta Anant
Published: January 2022

Background:

The demand and supply gap in blood and components has always existed in healthcare facilities. Blood inventory management is crucial to meet the demand and to minimize wastage. This study explores the blood inventory management practices at the blood bank of an institute of national importance in India.

Methods:

The technicians of the blood bank were interviewed on the practices they followed on blood inventory management and records were reviewed where required.

Results:

Simple rule of thumb practices, the experience of staff, training, clear policy on stock keeping and allocation, daily stock review, record-keeping, monthly performance review, automation, adoption of information system, regular communications, and leadership emerged as factors contributing to inventory management.

Conclusion:

The blood bank follows simple procedures and relies on the experience of its staff to manage its inventory. Rigorous training, strict oldest-unit-first-out (OUFO)/first-in-first-out (FIFO) principle for stock management, stringent allocation policy, diligent record-keeping, daily stock review, and monthly performance reports were identified as the key drivers for inventory management. Other measures like regular preventive maintenance of equipment, robust blood bank information system, communication with stakeholders, and effective leadership were found to contribute indirectly to inventory management practices.
Family physician's perception towards virtual care during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alakeel Reem A. , Alaithan Ali A. , Alokeil Nawaf , Kofi Mostafa
Published: January 2022

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has ingendered a significant transition in medical practice towards an online model of care. Although virtual methods of service have been liberally used these past months, the precise level of satisfaction of physicians is important to understand the barriers that the service faced and the future of maintaining these models of patient care. This quantitative study aimed at measuring the satisfaction of family medicine physicians with virtual services while practising in Saudi Arabia during COVID-19 pandemic.

Design and Setting:

A questionnaire was distributed to participating physicians working in Saudi Arabia. Demographic, satisfaction, and thoughts on future applicability of online care was evaluated.

Results:

A total of 118 physicians responded to the questionnaire. Demographic values were mostly evenly distributed whereas mean satisfaction level during the pandemic was 77.53% ± 15.04. The only variable impacting levels of satisfaction was overall burden of work in number of different sites worked for on a weekly basis.

Conclusion:

The family medicine physicians who worked during the pandemic using virtual services were generally satisfied with the services. Future studies should evaluate the applicability of using these tools after the end of the pandemic.
Management patterns for skin aging among Saudi dermatologists
Authors: Almohideb Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Background:

Skin aging is a complicated process affected by intrinsic, chronological, and extrinsic, environmental, determinants, and it is affected, to a large extent, by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The present study aims to assess the antiaging treatment strategies in a real-world setting in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey that was conducted from May 2020 to October 2020, involving all eligible dermatologists working at different academic, governmental, and private sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Results:

A total of 200 dermatologists were included in this study, of them, 33% were aged between 24–35 years. 28.5%, 25.5%, 24.5%, and 21.5% of the participants had 7–10, 4–6, >10, and 0–3 years of practice, respectively. Generally, 80 (40%) of the dermatologists reported that 10–20% of their patients consulting for antiaging, while 50 (25%) reported that 41–60% of their patients consulted for antiaging treatment. Cream products were preferred by 105 (52.5%) of the users. In general, 158 (79%) prescribe growth factors Post-procedures, while 29 (14.5), 24 (12%), and 22 (11%) prescribe them for under-eye dark circles, acne scars, and aging skin, respectively. 124 (62%) prefer to use it in combination with retinoids.

Conclusion:

The results of this survey indicate the fact that female patients and the age group 31-40 years old are more likely to seek skincare and antiaging therapy. Most dermatologists prescribed growth factors together with retinoids and only a small proportion of them used growth factors are antiaging modalities.
Efficacy of a local corticosteroid injection on pain, disability and radial nerve thickness in patients with lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Vasudeva Abhimanyu , Parihar Ritika , Neyaz Osama , Bharti Ajay , Handa Gita
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a steroid injection with conservative therapy (CT) versus CT alone on pain, functional limitations and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the radial nerve (RN) in patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE).

Methods:

In this clinical trial, seventy subjects in the age group of 30–60 years with a clinical diagnosis of LE were recruited. Patients received an ultrasound-guided steroid injection and CT (Group A, n = 35) or CT alone (Group B, n = 35). Pain intensity (numeric pain rating scale), functional limitations (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire) and the CSA of RN (mm2) using ultrasound were assessed at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks.

Results:

There was a significant difference in pain intensity (P < 0.05) at 4 weeks in favour of Group A but not at 12 weeks. A statistically significant difference was not present favouring either group concerning disability at both the follow-ups. The difference in CSA of the RN at the affected side in both groups A and B was not statistically significant at either the spiral groove or the antecubital fossa at baseline or the subsequent follow-ups.

Conclusions:

The CT with a steroid injection proved to be more efficacious in the short term concerning pain intensity and functional limitations. The RN thickness is not increased in patients with LE, thereby refuting its role to some extent in the pathogenesis of LE.
Gaps in moderate plaque psoriasis management
Authors: Almohideb Mohammad , Almohideb Nora Abdulrahman
Published: January 2022

Background:

There are many barriers that usually lead to under-treatment of moderate psoriasis patients, with subsequent unsatisfactory results and clinical outcomes.

Objective:

Given this lack of consistent guidelines on treating moderate plaque psoriasis patients, the aim of the current study is to define how Saudi dermatologists define and treat such cases in the real-world clinical setting.

Methods:

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey from May 2020 to October 2020, involving all eligible dermatologists working at different academic, governmental, and private sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Results:

Finally, a total of 260 dermatologists were included in the final analysis; out of them, 140 (53.8%) were males and 120 (46.2%) were females. Regarding the tools used by participating dermatologists for diagnosis of moderate psoriasis, most of the participants (86.5%) used Body Surface Area (BSA), 7.3% used Physician Global Assessment (PGA), and 6.2% used Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Cutoff scores for defining moderate psoriasis varied widely among surveyed dermatologists. The surveyed dermatologists reported that 46% of their patients with moderate plaque psoriasis were receiving biologics as their primary therapy, while 24.1% were receiving prescription topical treatment, 20.3% were receiving an oral systemic therapy, 4.9% were using over-the-counter topical treatment, and 4.7% were receiving phototherapy.

Conclusion:

There is a pervasive lack of consensus regarding the definition of moderate psoriasis, with reported wide ranges among the commonly used severity tools in psoriasis patients.
Are myths surrounding long-acting reversible contraception the reason for a huge unmet need for spacing pregnancies?
Authors: Anant Monika , Sinha Kajal , Agrawal Ananya
Published: January 2022

Background:

Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC), a highly effective class of contraceptives, has a limited uptake by few couples due to lack of awareness, unavailability, and myths surrounding their application and side effects.

Aims:

This study was undertaken to understand and to clear myths of LARC among patients as well as to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and preference.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study using a semistructured questionnaire was conducted in the out-patient Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, in a tertiary level hospital in Eastern India. A total of 600 women responded to the structured validated questionnaire.

Results:

High prevalence of teenage marriages (64%), teenage pregnancies (44%), and unwanted pregnancy (41%) was noted among responders. The knowledge scores were low in 66.7%, moderate in 26.66%, and only 6.66% had high level >80% scores in the 15 questions about LARC methods. While 41% had a positive attitude to future use of LARC, a majority (59%) had a strong negative attitude due to many myths of genital tract infections, discharges, and cancer, changed menstrual bleeding patterns, delayed conception after discontinuation, and altered sexual functions. Out of those with a positive attitude, 21% of women had a preference for intrauterine devices, 19.5% of women for injectables, and only 0.5% of women preferred contraceptive implants. 24.5% of women had used LARC in their lifetime but a meager 5% were currently using them.

Conclusions:

The study shows that there is a huge unmet need for spacing contraceptive methods as childbearing spacing is not maintained. There were lack of correct knowledge and awareness, and numerous myths surrounding LARC methods.
A community-based cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of post-partum depression
Authors: Randhawa Avneet , Chaudhary Neha , Brar M.S. , Verma Virender , Munder Sneh Preet
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Post-partum depression can have adverse long term effects. For the mother, the episode can be the precursor of chronic recurrent depression. For her children her on going depression can contribute to emotional, cognitive and interpersonal problems in their later life. In the present study, we aimed to identify the incidence of depression in post-partum period and explore the underlying etiological factors responsible for the same.

Materials and Methods:

A cross sectional study was conducted on 250 post- natal mothers covered under UHTC, Tripuri, Patiala. The data collection was done through one to one interview technique with mental evaluation done by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale instrument. Based upon the results, the cases were classified either as normal or presence of psychiatric morbidity. Psychiatry referral was provided to those requiring it. Association of post-partum depression with various socio-demographic and medical correlates was then sought through statistical analysis.

Results:

Post-partum depression was observed in 82 out of 250 females (32.8%). On univariable analysis family income, illiteracy, history of depression, caesarean section, death in family, were significantly associated with post-partum depression. On multi-variable analysis, poverty, female gender of baby, domestic violence and were observed as true predictors of depression in post-partum period (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Depression was prevalent among almost one-third of postnatal females. Poverty, Cesarean section, domestic violence and poor spousal support have been identified as major contributors towards psychiatric morbidities. Taking care of these largely modifiable risk factors can prevent development of postpartum depression.