bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transporting Jade
Authors: Wu Yulian
Published: July 2021

This chapter examines jade shipments relating to the Gao-pu case to
reconstruct the complex process of transporting from Xinjiang to Beijing
in the late eighteenth century. The relay stations in Xinjiang and post
stations in northern China served the palace as crucial links to this new
territory. Focusing on the route within Xinjiang, this chapter argues that
Xinjiang officials’ management of jade delivery was developed closely
around local ecology: they worked with animal and human resources
of the local communities which were familiar with the landscape and
knowledgeable about various ecological and environmental elements.
Constructing transport infrastructure, therefore, provided a mechanism
through which court officials localized and inculcated Qing ruling power
into the material and natural world of Xinjiang.
Growing and Organizing Lotus in Qing Imperial Spaces
Authors: Siebert Martina
Published: July 2021

The chapter explores the growing of lotus in water spaces under the
control of the Imperial Household Department in and around Beijing.
This seemingly minor organizational task with meagre financial returns
was nevertheless regulated to the detail and established dependencies of
tenants and officials, of working tools and paper trails, as well as between
the flows of money and an unpredictable nature. Together they built a
functional sub-part of the court’s ideological project of presenting itself as
economically efficient. The chapter argues that the undertaking was an
ideologically efficacious spectacle visible in the bureaucratic process and
in the lakes and moats around the Forbidden City which were beautifully
covered with lotus plants.
When There Is Peace, There Are Elephants
Authors: Yu Hui-chun
Published: July 2021

The Forbidden City, the symbolic and actual centre of power of the Qing
Empire, was crowded with animals. This chapter focuses on elephants, a
crucial part of imperial ceremonial processions. As performers in various
imperial ritual ceremonies from the early Qing to almost the end of the
dynasty, elephants exemplified how the palace machine of performative
emperorship domesticated and imperialized wild animals, made them
subject to imperial rule and metaphoric paragons of imperial virtue.
The Story of An Image
Authors: Zhang Qiong
Published: July 2021

Focusing on the uniqueness of tapestries and embroideries based on
paintings, this vignette retrieves the production process of one set of
‘embroidered paintings’ based on the same painting. These objects are
outstanding pieces of artwork, often marking important historical events.
The essay investigates the sequence of commissioning the painting in
different media and the diverse patterns of production procedures,
management, and finance in the process.
Moving Pieces
Authors: Zhang Shuxian
Published: July 2021

Interior decorations were architectural components used to divide indoor
space. As the palaces of the Qing court went through constant renovation,
these components were replaced, refurbished, or moved. By examining
archival documents together with extant architectural examples, this
essay shows how the Qing court reused, sold, and recycled raw materials
from old components of interior decoration in order to reduce cost.
Nomad’s land, no man’s land?
Authors: Marchina Charlotte
Published: July 2021

This chapter examines the concrete modalities of Mongolian and Buryat
herders’ seasonal mobility patterns – how do pastoralists and their animals
nomadize? – as well as highlighting the structural differences and
similarities that characterize nomadization practices on both sides of the
Mongolia-Russia border, determined by political, economic, social and
environmental factors. On a more local scale, systematic GPS recordings
show global trends as well as individual variations. Using a short-term
diachronic approach, this chapter sheds light on the occasional changes in
nomadization practices, the abiding adaptation strategies that herders are
implementing due to increasing climatic variations and land privatization
projects or implementations. This chapter postulates that the common use
of land is a necessary condition for the maintenance of nomadic pastoralism.
From City Space to Cyberspace
Authors: Wasielewski Amanda
Published: July 2021

The narrative of the birth of internet culture often focuses on the achievements of American entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, but there is an alternative history of internet pioneers in Europe who developed their own model of network culture in the early 1990s. Drawing from their experiences in the leftist and anarchist movements of the ’80s, they built DIY networks that give us a glimpse into what internet culture could have been if it were in the hands of squatters, hackers, punks, artists, and activists. In the Dutch scene, the early internet was intimately tied to the aesthetics and politics of squatting. Untethered from profit motives, these artists and activists aimed to create a decentralized tool that would democratize culture and promote open and free exchange of information.
Cracking the City
Authors: Wasielewski Amanda
Published: July 2021

This chapter investigates the history of squatting in the Netherlands in
order to understand how it evolved from a pragmatic solution for a shortage
of housing to an organized social movement. It begins with a discussion
of how the counterculture movement in the Netherlands—Provo—established
a tradition of activism and ludic protest that promoted social
liberalism, anarchy, progressive welfare programs, and public housing.
These values were inherited by the next generation of activists in the
squatters’ movement of the late ’70s and ’80s, who developed and molded
them to conform to the less optimistic atmosphere and circumstances
of their time.
Cracking Painting
Authors: Wasielewski Amanda
Published: July 2021

This chapter addresses artist-squatters in the Netherlands, particularly the
group of neo-expressionist painters known as De Nieuwe Wilden (The New
Wild Ones). Although art schools around the country became important
meeting places for artists during the late ’70s and early ’80s, rebellious
young artists often dropped out or broke off from the more traditional
curricula offered at these institutions in favor of pursuing collective
DIY projects, such as starting their own bands and developing their own
music/art venues in squatted spaces. Squatter venues like W139, Aorta,
and V2_ focused on media art, performances, and anarchic exhibitions.
At the time, artists in the Netherlands benefited from generous state
subsidies and social benefits.
Cracking the Ether
Authors: Wasielewski Amanda
Published: July 2021

This chapter explores the earliest artist-led pirate TV project, PKP-TV,
as an example of how squatter tactics were applied to the media. The
illegal channel, which was created by the artists Maarten Ploeg (né van
der Ploeg), Peter Klashorst, and Rogier van der Ploeg, made it its mission
to crack open the closed medium of television. PKP and pirate cable TV
in the Netherlands are situated within a longer history of both alternative
TV projects internationally—such as the Videofreex and TVTV—as
well as video and film-based artworks shown on television both in the
Netherlands and abroad. Artist-led pirate television in the Netherlands,
like squatters in urban space, cracked open the media space of television
and created temporary autonomous platforms.
Passageways
Authors: Wasielewski Amanda
Published: July 2021

This chapter investigates the transitional period during which early ’80s
spatial and media practices developed into the emerging field of new
media art in the Netherlands. This part of the book explores how the
rhetoric of interactivity initially developed around television, starting
with the 1985 media art festival Talking Back to the Media. By the end of
the decade and in the first few years of the ’90s, a series of “networked
events”— events that utilized nascent internet technology—were staged,
establishing a link between former squatters (and their tactics) and the
radical leftwing media art platforms, practices, and theory of the ’90s.
Printed Cartography in the Late Ming
Authors: Akin Alexander
Published: July 2021

This chapter examines a sequence of major Ming publications in the
categories of national gazetteer, atlas, maritime defense treatise, and
encyclopedia, chosen for their influence and for their illustration of
important trends or turning points in printed cartography. Outlining
the ways in which these works organize information, it examines their
relationship to earlier precedent-setting works, demonstrating that one
feature of the Ming publishing boom was the reproduction and greatly
expanded circulation of earlier maps, some from as early as the Song and
Yuan. By the time the illustrated encyclopedias of the early seventeenth
century were being compiled, a large proportion of their maps derived
directly from the works discussed in this chapter.
Chinese Historical Cartographies
Authors: Akin Alexander
Published: July 2021

This chapter focuses on the genre of historical cartography, examining
works in a broad range of formats, including maps compiled for administration,
for education, and for religious purposes. Tracing developments to
the end of the Ming dynasty, it shows how the conditions of the publishing
boom fostered the recombination and adaptation of historical maps to new
contexts. Because of its utility in contextualizing classical works, this genre
was intimately intertwined with the publishing industry that emerged
around the national examination system, but historical maps could also
buttress, or undermine, administrative and Sinocentric perspectives.
The Jesuits as Participants in the Late Ming Publishing Boom
Authors: Akin Alexander
Published: July 2021

This chapter takes a Ming-centric approach to the Jesuit cartographic project
under Matteo Ricci and his immediate successors, discussing reactions
to the missionaries’ maps and their citation in works published by Ming
scholars. Of all the empires in which the Jesuits set foot, the Ming was the
first in which they encountered an already highly developed cartographic
culture, leading to an unusually prominent role for cartography in their
proselytization. Examining the issues the Jesuits addressed through maps,
as well as their methods of production, distribution, and influence, this
chapter argues for an understanding of their publications as part of the
late Ming publishing boom.
Chosŏn Cartography in a Trans-regional Context
Authors: Akin Alexander
Published: July 2021

This chapter examines cartographic exchange and influence between
Ming China and the neighboring Chosŏn state. The Tongguk yŏji sŭngnam
(Newly Augmented Geographical Survey of the Land of the East) was
directly inspired by the Da Ming yitong zhi (Gazetteer of the Great Ming’s
Unification). Long before the emergence of a substantial commercial
publishing industry, the maps of the Sŭngnam were widely copied in
manuscript atlases. The chaotic richness of later Ming works tended to be
rejected in Chosŏn, however, in favor of adherence to orthodox precedent.
The chapter also discusses the importation of materials into Ming China,
examining one such work in detail – the Chaoxian tushuo (Annotated
maps of Chosŏn), printed in 1600.
Japanese Cartography between East and West
Authors: Akin Alexander
Published: July 2021

This chapter examines the role of influential Ming texts such as the Sancai
tuhui (Illustrated Compendium of the Three Fields of Knowledge) and the
Huang Ming zhifang ditu (Administrative Atlas of the Imperial Ming) in
Japan, even in the context of Japan’s comparatively direct contact with the
cartographic traditions of the Dutch, the Portuguese, and other European
lands. The role of Jesuit cartography and the long-lasting influence of
Buddhist cosmology are considered within this trans-regional context.
Memory Formation and the Valorization of Commemoration
Authors: Lee Francis L.F. , Chan Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

Chapter 2 focuses on collective memory formation. It first offers a narrative
of the events in both Beijing and Hong Kong during the 1989 student
movement in order to shed light on the production of an emotional imprint
on Hong Kong people’s mind. It then analyzes the characteristics of media
representations of not only the Tiananmen crackdown but also the commemoration
activities in Hong Kong. The analysis highlights the role of
discursive valorization and scandalization of counter-commemoration
discourses in the emergence, consolidation, and strengthening of collective
memory of Tiananmen from the 1990s to the early 2010s.
Memory Mobilization
Authors: Lee Francis L.F. , Chan Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

Chapter 3 analyzes the annual memory mobilization cycle, led by the Hong
Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China and
supported by the news media, surrounding the annual candlelight vigil
on June 4. It illustrates how movement strategies and media discourses
generate an atmosphere of remembering in the society. The chapter also
draws upon population survey data to illustrate to what extent the Tiananmen
Incident was indeed regarded as an important historical event by
Hong Kong citizens, and how media and communication activities during
memory mobilization led people to recall the Incident.
Intergenerational Memory Transmission
Authors: Lee Francis L.F. , Chan Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

Chapter 4 discusses the process of intergenerational memory transmission.
It analyzes how young people in the 2000s and early 2010s took up
knowledge and developed understandings of the events in 1989 through
a web of institutions including the family, the school, and the media.
Nevertheless, the limitation of intergenerational transmission in the period
is also illustrated through comparing different generations’ attitudes
and affects toward June 4. Moreover, in-depth interviews shed light on
the challenge of intergenerational memory transmission within specific
social institutions and professions.
Changing Attitudes toward Tiananmen?
Authors: Lee Francis L.F. , Chan Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

Chapter 7 discusses the impact of young people’s identity shift on collective
remembering of Tiananmen. It examines intergenerational memory
transmission in an altered social and political context. It illustrates the
extent and characteristics of generational differences on the issue of
Tiananmen. In addition, drawing upon sociologist Karl Mannheim’s
distinction among generation of location, generation in actuality, and
generation unit, the chapter examines why and how some young people
came to abandon Tiananmen commemoration, yet others were still
recruited into the mnemonic community surrounding Tiananmen.
Digital Media and Memory Balkanization
Authors: Lee Francis L.F. , Chan Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

Chapter 8 discusses the impact of digital media on collective memory. The
chapter examines both the positive and negative impact of digital and social
media. On the one hand, the analysis notes how digital media provided
the channels for memory mobilization and the archives for memory
transmission. On the other hand, the analysis examines the problematics
of memory balkanization. It explicates how political forces have shaped the
development of digital and social media in Hong Kong and how competing
representations of the Tiananmen Incident and commemoration activities
are articulated and reinforced within distinctive memory silos.
Conclusion
Authors: Lee Francis L.F. , Chan Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

Chapter 9 concludes the book by further highlighting some of the core
findings in the study. It discusses what the analysis has taught us about
the collective memory processes and the development of society and
politics in Hong Kong.
Epilogue
Authors: Lee Francis L.F. , Chan Joseph M.
Published: July 2021

The epilogue recounts the major political events in Hong Kong between
2019 and 2020 and discusses their impact on collective remembering of
Tiananmen. Specifically, the chapter discusses how and why the Anti-
Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement led to the establishment of
the National Security Law. It then discusses the possible impact of the
NSL on the collective memory processes described in the book. It ends
with some suggestions about the possible future trajectory of collective
remembering of Tiananmen in Hong Kong.
Human platelet-rich plasma as a biological stimulant for proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sukmawati Dewi , Junaidi Helsy , Syaidah Rahimi
Published: July 2021

Platelet is one of the cells within the blood that have potential in regenerative therapy. Recently platelet-related products got special attention due to the abundance of growth factors and easy availability and processing. With the robust in cell-based therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been intensively studied for its potential to substitute the fetal bovine serum (FBS) as the supplement in cell culture. Our study aimed to investigate the use of human PRP in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) culture and its related effect on stem cell biology. We searched in vitro studies that used human PRP as a supplementing factor on human MSCs culture. From the initial 172 studies, 14 studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were analysed. The results showed that the sources of MSCs were varied, including adipose tissue, bone marrow, and dental tissue. The PRP concentration showing the best effects was ranged from 10 to 20%. In addition, most of the studies demonstrated the superiority of PRP to FBS in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs in vitro. Therefore, PRP could be an alternative to FBS in supporting a xeno-free culture system. Studies are needed to reveal the mechanism of PRP in maintaining the physiology of MSCs.
Camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora (L.); Ethnobotany and pharmacological updates
Authors: Malabadi Ravindra B. , Kolkar Kiran P. , Meti Neelambika T. , Chalannavar Raju K.
Published: July 2021

This review paper highlights the recent updates of the fragrant camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and camphor oil is used as a medicine for controlling many human diseases, relief of pain, inflammation and irritation in the body and skin. It can also be very effective in treating and preventing some serious, life threatening diseases. Recently medicinal plants (sweet worm wood; Artemisia annua) containing camphor essential oil has been tested against corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (Covid-19). Commercially, camphor is very important with many biological properties and is used as a topical ointment since camphor is a very toxic substance and oral consumption of camphor should be avoided.
Posterior nut-cracker syndrome: Urologist’s perspective – A mini review
Authors: Barad Bhaumik B. , Krishnamoorthy Sriram , Kumaresan Natarajan
Published: July 2021

Posterior Nut Cracker Syndrome (PCNS) is a rare clinical condition that occurs when the left renal vein gets compressed between the abdominal aorta and vertebral body. Posterior nutcracker phenomenon is a common anatomical abnormality, which is totally asymptomatic and diagnosed in a routinely performed abdominal imaging. The pressure gradient that develops between the renal vein and the inferior vena cava is the basic reason for all the features associated with this condition. Left renal venous entrapment would result in stagnation of blood in gonadal vessels that results in cascading effect resulting in a venous congestion and increased resistance to arterial blood flow in the kidney. Patients with pelvic congestion syndrome present with left loin pain and unilateral left varicocele. Gastrointestinal symptoms and arterial hypertension may also be the presenting symptoms. The symptoms depend upon the degree of pressure in renal veins and gonadal veins. When the dilated veins communicate with renal calyx, haematuria occurs. PNCS is best managed based on the severity of symptoms and the extent of clinical manifestations. Treatment options include conservative treatment, intra-vascular stents, chemical cauterisation, open surgical intervention and finally if everything fails, nephrectomy. PCNS is a rare entity that affects mostly females and can present with a variety of signs and symptoms. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed to achieve a prompt diagnosis. Conservative treatment is recommended for patients with mild symptoms. Severely symptomatic patients might benefit from endovascular treatment.
Alternations in serum vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and lipid profile levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients of North-West India
Authors: Singh Kuldip , Khubchandani Asha , Singh Sarbjot
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Thirty-two million Indians are suffering with diabetes mellitus worldwide and predicted that this number of diabetes to be increased to 80 million by 2030. Many reports revealed a positive relationship between diabetic patients suffering with 25 (OH) D deficiency. In developing nations like India 60% adults were found showing manifestations of vitamin D deficiency and dyslipidemia, a well-known risk factor for the development of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, we designed the study to evaluate alterations in vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus along with complete lipid profile levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in North-West Indians.Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients and equal number of healthy control subjects of both genders were recruited in the study. 5ml of blood was collected by venipuncture after 12-14 hours fasting in plain and potassium oxalate: sodium fluoride vial. Serum and plasma were separated and used for the determination of 25(OH) D levels, calcium, phosphorus and complete lipid profile levels.Results: A significantly (p < 0.001) high level of glucose was observed in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics subjects while a significant fall (p < 0.001) was recorded in vitamin D levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics in comparison to healthy control subjects. The nominal changes were seen in calcium and phosphorus levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics with respect to healthy control subjects. Statistically significant increase was found in total cholesterol (p < 0.05), triglyceride (p < 0.001) and VLDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001) levels while no significant changes was observed in LDL- cholesterol and HDL- cholesterol levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics with respect to healthy subjects.Conclusion: Aforementioned observations suggested that a significant decrease in vitamin D levels was associated with increased glucose and lipid levels like total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol levels could be responsible for the initiation of various diseases like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis etc. Hence, new interventions should be included as a part of treatment to reduce the risk of type-2 diabetics and CVDs like atherosclerosis
Effect of L-tryptophan on intestinal glucagon like peptide-1(GLP-1) in streptozotocin (stz) induced diabetic rat model
Authors: Vineetha K. K. , Rao Gayathri M. , Ashok Prabhu K. , Vinodchandran Vinodchandran , . Kavyashree , Marathe Aradhana , Vandana Blossom
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: The management of diabetes is a great challenge in this era due to several factors. The financial burden of the medications and the complications of diabetes create management demanding especially in the Indian population. A high protein-rich diet is beneficial in controlling hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Different amino acids play roles in reducing blood glucose levels in diabetes. Certain amino acids trigger hypoglycemia in diabetes by inducing the gut hormone, Glucagon-like peptide -1(GLP-1) secretion. L-tryptophan is one among them and is present in many of the food items like poultry, beans, seeds, nuts, etc., This study using albino rats focuses on the effect of L-tryptophan on intestinal GLP-1 secretion in diabetic rats by evaluating the blood glucose level, intestinal GLP-1, and intestinal histology of diabetic rats after tryptophan administration.Materials and Methods: Single dose of intraperitoneal injection of STZ (50mg/kg) used to develop diabetic model and orogastric gavage of tryptophan (50mg/kg) was done. Intestinal GLP-1 and blood glucose assay and intestinal histology were the parameters studied.Results: The results showed a significant reduction in blood glucose level and an increased secretion of intestinal GLP-1(p=0.001) in diabetic rats by tryptophan administration and recovery was seen in intestinal histology. In conclusion, in our study, the administration of L- tryptophan in diabetic rats induced a hypoglycemic effect by GLP-1 secretion and restored normal histology.Conclusion: Tryptophan administration showed hypoglycemic effect on diabetic rats as the blood glucose level was reverted to normal and the hypoglycemic effect of L-tryptophan in diabetic rats could be due to increased GLP-1 secretion.
A study of biochemical parameters in pregnant women in III trimester with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Pendli Ganesh , Chandana G. , Balaji Surekha , Devi Varaprasad M.
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the common causes of liver cirrhosis among general population.Studieshave identified NAFLD and evaluated lipid profile in pregnant women. Some have explored association that existed between lipid levels and adverse pregnancy outcome in western countries. Our aim was to find the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in pregnant women among rural population in their III trimester and to assess dyslipidemia in these women.

 

Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study conducted on 101 rural pregnant women coming for antenatal visits in their third trimester to Dept.,of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,PESIMSR, Kuppam.Liver scan was done during the regular obstetric scan to identify NAFLD. All pregnant women underwent lipid profile testing (Triglyceride,Total Cholesterol, HDL,LDL,VLDL).

 

Results: There was a 1% prevalence of NAFLD among 101 rural expectant mothers.Lipid profile significantly (p<0.05)increased with increased BMI, parity and highly educated and fairly good socioeconomic background. Women with higher body mass index and triglyceride levels delivered babies with large birth weight(p<0.05).

 

Conclusion: There are metabolic derangements in pregnant women leading to dyslipidemia even among those who did not have NAFLD. High parity women and those with high atherogenicity are at cardiovascular risk diseases in future. We suggest further studies to establish biological reference ranges for lipid profile during pregnancy. There is a need for, pregnant women to be assessed for dyslipidemia and screened for NAFLD by scanning liver along with routine obstetric scan in tertiary care centre.
Optimization and green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticle using Garcinia cambogia leaf and evaluation of their antioxidant and anticancer property in kidney cancer (A498) cell lines
Authors: Jayakar Varsha , Lokapur Vinayak , Nityasree B. R. , Chalannavar Raju Krishna , Lasrado Lyned D. , Shantaram Manjula
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: In 21stcentury, nanomedicine has turned out to be an emergent modulus operation for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The current study includes the optimization and green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from the leaves of Garcinia cambogia and interpretation of its antioxidant and anticancer activity.

 

Materials and Methods: Synthesized ZnO NPs were investigated by UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, HR-TEM, SAED, particle size distribution and DLS analysis. Furthermore, different antioxidant assays were conducted for evaluating the antioxidant activity of (ZnO NPs) and its anticancer activity using (A498) cell lines along with non-cancerous (HEK-293) cell line using MTT assay and XTT assay.

 

Results: The UV–visible spectrum showed an absorption peak at 277 nm that reflects surface plasmon resonance (SPR) ZnONPs. The presence of various functional groups was confirmed by FTIR analysis. XRD patterns indicated that the ZnO NPs had a single-phase nature with the wurtzite structure. SEM, TEM pictures confirmed the size and shape of synthesized Nanoparticles ranges of 11–32 nm and mostly hexagonal forms. The Zeta potential value of 57.9 mV revealed the surface charge of green synthesized ZnONPs. The cytotoxicity of the ZnO NPs with various concentrations (6.25 to 200 µg/mL) was measured in (A498) cell lines along with non-cancerous (HEK-293) cell line. After the exposure, to MTT and XTT assay, cellular morphology studies showed that the cancer cell viability decreased with increasing ZnO NP concentration.

 

Conclusion: The synthesized ZnONPs via a green synthetic route could be developed as anti-cancer agent against cancer cells.
Evaluation of changes seen in TMJ after mandibular advancement in treatment of Class II malocclusions, with functional appliances, a CBCT study
Authors: Parvathy Ram Mohan , Shetty Sandeep , Katheesa Parveen
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Various functional appliances are developed to remodel the glenoid fossa and, thereby change the position of the mandible and correct Class II malocclusion. Many diagnostic aids have already been used to evaluate the changes ,but Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT), three -dimensional diagnostic tool is rarely used .So this study was conducted with an aim is to evaluate the changes seen in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after mandibular advancement in class II malocclusions with functional appliance therapy, using CBCT, and also to assess and compare the efficacy of Twin Block, Power Scope and Forsus Fatigue Device used for the correction of class II malocclusion.Materials and Methods: The retrospective study was performed using the 52 CBCT scans of 26 patients with class II malocclusion due to retrognathic mandible. The subjects were divided into three groups based on appliance (Twin Block, Power Scope and Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device) used for the treatment. The changes seen in TMJ after mandibular advancement and condylar response to functional therapy was evaluated using the six. Data obtained were subjected to one-way Anova analysis with Posthoc Tukey test. Software SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: In subjects treated with Twin Block, the condyle was displaced slightly downwards and anteriorly; and condylar height was reduced. The decrease in the anterior and superior joint spaces were also found. In subjects treated with PowerScope and Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device, there was an increase in condylar height and width with a decrease in anterior and superior joint space.Conclusion: All three appliances were found to bring about changes in TMJ structures, but amongst them the Twin block has proved to be more efficient.
Impact of quality of life between old age homes and family households in geriatric population
Authors: Areeckal Anju Shaju , Arunkumar Nayanatara , Sheila R. Pai
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Life satisfaction is a key aspect of psycho-social study of aging. Social relationships and involvement in activities are key protective factors in maintaining cognitive and functional ability in elderly. The aim of this study is to compare the quality of life (1) among the elderly people living in old age homes and those living with their family, (2) among elderly men and women in Mangalore.

 

Materials and Methods: Study group consists of 160 elderly subjects above the age of 60 years, selected from old-agehomes and urban families in Mangalore. The quality of life is assessed using the questionnaires from the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL).

 

Results: The elderly persons living with their family had a better social relationship and social participation than those living at old age homes (p<0.001). The elderly at old age homes had a better personal and intimate relationship than those living with their family (p<0.001). The elderly men had a better social relationship compared to elderly women (p<0.05).The social participation and intimate relationship was not significantly different for elderly men and women.

 

Conclusion: Lack of support from family degrades quality of life of elderly. The elderly who experiences social isolation and loneliness are at a greater risk for morbidity, depression and cognitivedecline. Hence, it is the responsibility of every individual to work towards the improvement of quality of life in the elderly population.
Biosynthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract anda study of antibacterial effect against multi-drug resistance Gram-negativebacteria
Authors: Reyam F. Saleh , Ayad M Gaidan
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim:Nanoparticles for some metals can be used in the treatment of diseases caused by different pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics due to the antibacterial properties of thesenanoparticles.In the current study, thesynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag) from Cinnamon zeylanicum bark extractwas investigated.

 

Materials and Methods:One mL of cinnamon bark extract was added to 50mL of 1mM of the silver nitrate (AgNO3). After incubation time of bark extract with AgNO3at room temperature for 1-18hours, the silver nanoparticles synthesis through changed colour of the mixture to dark brown.The UV, TEM and FT-IR analysis were carried out to characterize the biosynthesized Ag-NPs, UV-Vis scan showed absorption around 435 nm while TEM showedAg-NPs spherical shape and the sizes of the and FT-IR spectrum detected the presence of different functional groups responsible for reduction and stability of Ag-NPs in an aqueous solution.

 

Results:Biosynthesized Ag-NPs showed inhibitory effect against someGram-negative bacterial species that have complete resistance to the antibiotics P, NA, VA, E, TE. The inhibition zone of Ag-NPs wasdetermined as follows (Citrobacter freundii19mm, Klebsiella pneumonae23mm, E.coli 23mm, Enterobacter spp 20 mm, Acinetobacter baumannii20mm.Therefore, Ag-NPs can be used as alternative treatment for some antibiotics.

 

Conclusion: The Ag-NPs can be successfully prepared form Cinnamomum bark plant. Besides their low cost, these NPs had an antibacterial effect especially against Gram negative bacteria which had a complete resistance to the most common antibiotics
Assessment of the routinely used surface disinfectants in hospital care settings by using different quantitative methods
Authors: Prakasam Praveen Kumar , Bhosale Namrata K. , Seetha K.S.
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Disinfectants play a vital role in the prevention of nosocomial infections. A variety of disinfectants with different mechanism of action are available in the market. Most of the hospitals and health care centres select the disinfectants trusting the claims made by the manufacturers which may not be authentic.

 

Materials and Methods: Plenty of standardised in-house disinfection testing methods are available but because of their complex procedure most of them are not feasible. Thus, in our study we employed a simple “quantitative suspension method” for testing the efficiency of the disinfectants. Commercially available disinfectants- Srivlon, Emplura, Hospal-OT, and NICE were tested against three nosocomial pathogens - Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MRSA, and Candida albicans.

 

Results: In this study, the commercial disinfectants wereacted effectively against all the three organisms. Hospal-OT had the maximum bactericidal activity followed bySrivlondisinfectant.

 

Conclusion: Our study concluded that all the four commercial disinfectants were acted against the pathogens viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MRSA and Candida albicans. Among four disinfectants, Srivlon needs a regular monitoring because of poor performance. Therefore, the proper usage of concentration and contact period of disinfectant will provide an efficient action against the pathogenic microbial population.
Effect of short-term mental stress on time- domain indices of heart rate variability in obese individuals – A case- control study
Authors: S.A. Priya , Rajalakshmi R.
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Mental stress may impact dramatically on dynamic autonomic control on heart. Many studies have demonstrated association of high body mass index (BMI) with greater risk for cardiovascular disease with disturbance in autonomic neuronal activity. Analysis of Heart rate variability (HRV)during acute mental stress assesses the autonomic status of the individual. Hence, we aimed to study the effect of acute mental stress on time domain measures in obese adults.

 

Materials and Methods:Sixty male volunteers of 30 each in study group (obese individuals) and control group (non-obese individuals) were recruited for the study. A basal recording of ECG in lead II was done on all the individuals. Then they underwent mental arithmetic stress task for 5 minutes during which again ECG was recorded. The change in time domain measures of HRV during rest and stress task was analyzed and compared between both the groups.

 

Results: Analysis of time domain measures of HRV revealed a statistically significant increase (p ? 0.001) in mean heart rate in both obese and non-obese individuals, while rMSSD(root mean square differences of successive RR interval) and SDNN (standard deviation of all NN intervals) showed a statistically significant (p? 0.001) decrease in obese individuals and non-obese individuals did not show any statistically significant change during the mental stress task.

 

Conclusion: In response to acute mental stress there was increased heart rate in both the groups. But the autonomic neuronal activity differed by way of sympathetic dominance in non-obese individuals and parasympathetic withdrawal in obese individuals.
Pattern of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and its clinical correlates
Authors: Sachdeva Ankur , Kumar Vipin , Rizvi S. Aijaz Abbas , Khullar Shilpa , Akbar Abidi Syed Sibte , Das Asim
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Management strategies of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome could be optimized if patients with greater risk are identified early and treated aggressively. Studying the pattern and predictors of alcohol withdrawal syndrome was the main objective of our study.

 

Materials and Methods: A total of 100 consenting male patients in the age group of 18-60 years diagnosed with alcohol dependence and uncomplicated alcohol withdrawal undergoing in-patient detoxification in tertiary care center in north India were included in the study. A semi structured proforma was used to collect socio-demographic data, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used as screening tool and Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessmentfor Alcohol-revised (CIWA- Ar) was used to assess severity of withdrawal.

 

Results: Symptoms like difficulty in orientation, seizures and hallucinations were relatively specific for severe AWS, while tremors and anxiety were common to all the patients and were non-specific for predicting severity of AWS. The severity of AWS symptoms correlated significantly with increasing age, duration of alcohol use and AUDIT score.

 

Conclusion:We concluded that increasing age, longer duration of alcohol use, higher AUDIT score and symptoms related to hallucinations, orientation and seizure are linked to severe alcohol withdrawal. Prior knowledge of these predictors will help to identify the patients at risk of severe alcohol withdrawal so that individual care can be enhanced.
A study of second to fourth digit ratio in relation to verbal and numerical intelligence among medical students
Authors: Vidya G. B. , Bhat S , Kavitha L.B.
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Prenatal androgens are believed to be one of the probable etiological factors influencing intellectual development of an individual. In-utero testosterone exposure has been thought to affect the digit ratio which is the ratio of lengths of index finger and ring finger (2D:4D). In the present work we intended to study the correlation of 2D:4D with numerical and verbal intelligence believed to be variable among genders. The aim of our study was to find the association of 2D:4D with Verbal Intelligence and Numerical Intelligence in a sample of medical students.

                              

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a sample of medical students. 44 female and 44 male students participated in the study. 2D:4D measurements were made using standard procedure after which the participants completed a questionnaire containing 20 questions each to test numerical and verbal intelligence.

 

Results: In this study, Males were found to have a lower 2D:4D when compared to females. Individuals with lower 2D:4D in their right-hand were seen to have lower verbal intelligence and higher numerical intelligence thus suggesting that males are born with  better numerical intelligence and females with greater verbal intelligence.

 

Conclusion: Digit ratio can be considered as a valuable indicator of individual differences in terms of intelligence, although the exact role of testosterone on brain to cause variation in these cognitive domains is yet to be clearly understood.
Efficacy of task-oriented training vs proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on mobility and balance in spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Rajalaxmi V. , Swetha P , Deepthi R.N.V. , Sathya Raja , Omana S , Siva Pragasam S.
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim:One of the most significant and common clinical finding in a majority of children with (CP)is difficulty in walking and exhibiting poor balance control which results in poor gait and reaching movements as maintenance of stability is critical. There are numerous approaches, protocols and treatment strategies to improve balance and gait control. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of task- oriented training and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises (PNF)on mobility and balance in spastic cerebral palsy.

 

Methodology: This was a comparative study design with pre-post type 20 samples were selected based on the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups. Group A received task-oriented training and group B proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and Pre & post measurements were done using paediatric balance scale and timed up and go test.

 

Results:On comparing the post-test values of group A and group B both the group showed significant difference with the pre-test, on comparing the post-test values of group A and group B, group A showed better significance than group B.

 

Conclusion: The present study concluded that there seems to be evidence that task-oriented training is more beneficial in training program for increasing the mobility and balance in spastic cerebral palsy comparing to proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
Role of isosorbide mononitrate in induction of labour: A single arm clinical trial at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Archana Sinha , Sneh Kiran , Sushant Sharma , Dipali Prasad , Sadia Parween
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim:Isosorbide mononitrate, a nitric oxide donor, induces the enzyme cyclo-oxygenase-2, leading to production of local prostaglandins in human cervix and leads to structural rearrangement of the collagen network and thereby the cervix ripens.The aim of this study was to determine the role of Isosorbide mononitrate in induction of labour, determine induction delivery interval and obstetric and neonatal outcome.

 

Materials and Methods:This study was an interventional study on 40 pregnant women conducted for a period of one year. Women requiring induction of labour, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled. Isosorbide mononitrate (40 milligrams) was inserted in the posterior fornix. If Bishop's score did not change after 24 hours of the initial dose, failure of induction of labour was considered.Those patients in whom labour pains started after isosorbide mononitrate alone were considered to be in successful group(A) while those who required additional drugs like prostaglandins were considered to be in the failed group(F).

 

Results:The mean (SD) Bishop score after 1dose of isosorbide mononitrate in the successful group (A) was 6.04 (2.16) and in the failed group (F) was 3.81 (0.83). There was a significant difference in terms of Bishop Score after 1st Dose of IMN (W = 310.000, p = 0.001) and in terms of induction-delivery time in hours (t = -2.386, p = 0.023).

 

Conclusion:This study concludes that Isosorbide mononitrate has significant role for induction of labor in terms of Bishop score changes and induction delivery interval.
Diagnosis of bacterial blood stream infections in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using 16S rRNA sequencing method
Authors: Jabbar S. Hassan , Fuad Ghazi Hassan , Ali Zaidan
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: Patients, who are positive for Coronavirus disease 2019 in association with bacterial co-infection may be more severe, the treatment is more problematic, and the treatment cycle is prolonged overall. This study aims to investigate bacterial blood stream infection in Coronavirus disease 2019 using 16S rRNA sequencing methods.

 

Materials and Methods: Two ml leftover blood samples from 50 patients with laboratory confirmed RT-PCR positive for Coronavirus disease 2019, who got admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Quarantine Center in Baghdad, Iraqi were enrolled in this clinical case series study.

 

Results: The total of 13 positive sample PCR products were sequenced. The sequencing-based identification of these isolates included: Serratia marcescens,Achromobacterxylosoxidans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus.

 

Conclusion:The significance of considering bacterial blood infection in Coronavirus disease 2019 patients even in the setting of a blood cultures are negative and clinicians ought to know about Serratia marcescens an A. xylosoxidans while treating Coronavirus disease 2019 patients due to resistant pattern to many antimicrobial agents.
Detection of plasmid-mediated AmpC-?-lactamases among clinical isolates:Adiagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Ronni Mol P , Ganesan Shanthi , Amer Almarabheh , Khalid M Bindayna
Published: July 2021

Introduction and Aim: The AmpC enzymes are cephalosporinases that impart resistance to a wide range of ?-lactam, ?-lactam/?-lactamase inhibitor combinations, and monobactams, but are sensitive to fourth generation cephalosporins and carbapenems. Identification techniques for AmpC beta lactamases are not yet adapted for the clinical laboratory, which is likely to underestimate this resistance mechanism. Detection and determination of the magnitude of AmpC is therefore critical for successful treatment and for the prevention and control of these resistant bacteria.The present study was intended to determine the prevalence of plasmid mediated AmpC genotypes among clinical isolates at atertiary care hospital of South India.

 

Materials and Methods:It was a cross-sectional study. 94 isolates [E. coli (n=31) and K. pneumoniae (n=63)] were recovered between January 2020 and June 2020. Samples underwent an initial cefoxitin screening test and a subsequent genotypic study with multiplex polymerase chain reactions for AmpC subtypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility characteristics of these clinical isolates have also been investigated.

 

Results:Thirty-seven clinical isolates were cefoxitin-resistant and genotypic analysis showed that 22 cefoxitin-resistant isolates are AmpC positive, respectively. These AmpC producers are multidrug-resistant and Klebsiella pneumoniae is the dominant strain among them. Among them single AmpC production mechanism included blaDHA producers (n=5), blaCIT producers (n=4), blaEBC producers (n=3) and blaFOX producers (n=1) and 9 isolates showed multiple AmpC genes.

 

Conclusion: AmpC isolates emergence is worrisome and emphasizes the need for further surveillance in this region. It is proposed that hospitals improve the surveillance of AmpC ?-lactamase in clinical isolates and suggest using carbapenems to treat infections caused by AmpC-producing bacteria.