bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Usage of Social Media during COVID- 19 Lockdown Period of 2020 in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jinasena S. J. , Weerasinghe P. N.
Published: March 2022

The evolution of media in recent years has changed the audience behavior around the world. After the arrival of digital media, the audience is changing their media habits with convergent media. Social media is the leading medium and specific tool which is used to communicate in the convergent media context. Social media is commonly referred to Web 2.0 internet-based applications that facilitate sharing different information and building relationships with each other in a virtual community. It also plays a dynamic role in transforming people’s lifestyles in modern society. After the World Health Organization (WHO) defined the COVID- 19 outbreak as a global pandemic and announced that it will affect every aspect of human life around the globe, many countries around the world took decisions such as imposing curfew, quarantines and closing non-essential stores, schools, universities and factories to control the health pandemic in their countries. As a result of the isolations, individuals are spending more time with social media on their devices to get information and entertain themselves. The people of Sri Lanka also use social media to get updates about the current scenario and control their stress during the lockdown period. This study aimed to determine the usage of social media during the COVID- 19 lockdown period OF 2020 in Sri Lanka. To determine this study Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp and Viber were selected as the most popular social media platforms in Sri Lanka. The study was conducted as a quantitative research approach by using online survey data collection method. Questionnaire tool is used as the quantitative data collection method and data was collected through the online survey of the non-probability convenience sample method. Statistical analytical method is used to analyze the data to determine the usage of social media context in Sri Lankan ociety. The research techniques are used to define the research question of “How social media was used in Sri Lanka during the 2020 COVID- 19 lockdown?” Furthermore, findings reflected the characteristic usage of social media in Sri Lankan society during the lockdown period of 2020.
Qualitative Study on Perceptions of Female Graduates towards the Sector of Employment
Authors: De Silva Ariyabandhu O. K.
Published: March 2022

Female graduates’ perception on private sector employment in Sri Lanka is vital to understand what they may seek in pursuing a career in the private sector upon graduation. The mismatch between having more women in higher education compared to men versus higher unemployment of females compared to males, raises the question: how do females perceive being employed in the private sector? This interpretive study thus aims to identify the determinants of the female graduates’ perception on sector of employment upon graduation. Five thematic areas were identified through the literature review to analyze the perceptions such as: salary expectation, career growth, work environment, reputation of the organization and family’s perception of the organization.  Qualitative evidence gathered from the 15 semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted among female Management Faculty graduates from three state universities in Colombo, Sri Lanka suggests that potential for career growth, work environment and reputation of the company were important determinants in choosing a career in the private sector. Salary expectations and family’s perception of the organization were not strong determinants according to the study despite literature stating otherwise. This study also reveals that lecturers’ perceptions about the private sector vs. public sector employment, asymmetry of knowledge about private vs. public sectors, political influence in gaining a job in the public sector and peers’ perception about the sector of employment are factors that shape the career perception about the sector of employment for female graduates.
Attitudes towards Developing E-portfolio as an Extension for Personal Learning Environment of Universities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pitigala P. K. G. C.
Published: March 2022

The study on the attitudes towards developing e-portfolio as an extension for Personal Learning Environment of Universities in Sri Lanka is aimed at energizing students to be actively involved in learning culture, assess students regularly, and predict final results to maintain the effective and efficient two-way flow of information. An electronic portfolio is a collection of electronic evidence assembled and managed by a user, usually on the Web. The study mainly emphasizes the attitudes of the main stakeholders of the e-portfolio, such as Administrators, Academic Staff Members, and Undergraduates. The study is conducted as a case study at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, using convenience sampling method. The questionnaire method is used to collect data and descriptive analysis and bivariate analysis are used to analyze data and graphical methods and equations have been used to present the gathered data. The study is concluded with positive opinions from administrators, academic staff members, and undergraduates while designing an e-portfolio for the university system. The system flowed with the feasibility study and requirement analysis, which are driven by the development of the e-portfolio. The e-portfolio system design, which consists of system architecture, database, and system design, is illustrated in the study. Finally, the study proposed to develop the e-portfolio as an extension for personal learning which, already exists in the university context in Sri Lanka.
Use of Solar Electricity: Is it a matter of standard of living? Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe C. N. , Bandara R. M. S. D. , Ranasinghe R. S. L. B.
Published: March 2022

In the fast-moving technological world, innovations such as Renewable Energy Sources available in the form of Solar Electricity have started playing a significant role in people’s day-to-day lives. The impact of changes or expected changes in a given population’s Standard of living as a reason for such a dramatic shift in electricity consumption is a field of interest that has not been thoroughly examined in the existing literature. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine and assess the relationship between the Household shift to solar electricity and the Standard of Living, in an attempt to conclude statistically whether such a shift would be a matter of Standard of Living with regard to a developing nation in the South Asian region, namely, Sri Lanka. The research design has taken into consideration the Household size, Economic Status and the Standard of Living in relation to the two-folded sources of electricity used in Sri Lanka, Solar and Grid electricity. The study has based its roots on the existing literature in relation to the Developed countries carried out by Schelly in 2014. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to carry out investigations related to the aforementioned relationship and Chi-square values and Mann-Whitney U Test Values were used as statistical measurements to arrive at conclusions, respectively.
Propionibacterium acnes in urine and semen samples from men with urinary infection
Authors: Manente Lucrezia , Gargiulo Umberto , Gargiulo Paolo , Dovinola Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

Objective: Propionibacterium acnes has been implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate disease as acute and chronic prostatic inflammation, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer although it should still be clarified if Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a commensal or accidental prostate pathogen. Aiming to evaluate the pathogenic potential for genitourinary tract of Propionibacterium acnes, we investigated the frequency of P. acnes genome in urine or semen samples from men with recurrent symptoms of urinary infection and negative testing for the most common urinary tract pathogens and sexually transmitted infections (STI) agents as Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Materials and methods: The DNA extracted from urine and semen samples was analyzed for evaluating the P. acnes genome presence by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Infections were treated with vancomycin and cephalosporins antibiotics and then the search for the P.acnes genome by realtime PCR was repeated. Results: The P. acnes qualitative real-time PCR revealed the genome in 73 out of 159 samples examined (108 urine and 51 semen). After antibiotic therapy, P. acnes was never detected. Conclusions: These results suggested that P. acnes genome determination should be performed in cases of chronic inflammation in the urinary tract to identify an unknown potential pathogen of genitourinary tract.
Antegrade placement of JJ catheter in the treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction: Retrospective analysis of a single centre
Authors: Ordek Eser , Kolu Mehmet , Demir Mehmet , Kati Bulent , Pelit Eyyup Sabri , Yagmur Ismail
Published: March 2022

Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the results of antegrade JJ stent placement in upper urinary tract obstruction in patients where retrograde placement was not possible. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who underwent antegrade JJ stent placement for malignant ureteral obstruction in the urology clinic of a university hospital between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 were included in the study. JJ stent was placed under local or general anaesthesia guided by ultrasonography and fluoroscopy. Age, gender, kidney function values, pathologies causing obstruction, and complications of the patients were examined. Results: In this study, 40 patients (16 men, 24 women) who underwent antegrade JJ stent placement were included. The mean ages of the women and men included were 51 (31-91) years and 62.5 (26-81) years, respectively. In all, antegrade JJ stenting was performed in 61 renal units of these patients. Of these, 21 were bilateral, 11 in the right collecting system and 8 in the left collecting systems. Clinical and technical success was achieved in 59 of the 61 procedures (96.6%). Arteriovenous fistula developed in only one patient, whereas no serious complications such as massive bleeding, resistant hematuria or pseudoaneurysm occurred in the remaining patients. The procedure was completed in a mean time of 15-30 minutes. Conclusions: Antegrade JJ stent placement is a procedure with a high success rate and low risk of complications that can be used in patients with severe ureteral obstruction owing to malignant or benign aetiologies. This method should be applied in centres experienced in malignant ureteral obstruction and on patients where retrograde placement was not possible. Furthermore, it should be considered as an alternative treatment option to open surgery as it can be performed under local anaesthesia in patients at a high risk of anaesthesia.
Spousal communication, fertility preference and other factors affecting contraceptive use among married couples in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibikunle Austine Idowu , Ajayi Paul Oladapo , Ibikunle Oluwafunmilayo Oluwadamilola , Ibirongbe Demilade Olusola , Alabi Ayodele Kamal , Durowade Kabir Adekunle
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To assess and compare the relationship between spousal communication, fertility preference, and other factors with contraceptive use among married couples in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out in Ado- Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Nigeria between the 12th of August 2017 and the 15th of February 2018. A pre-tested, semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 976 respondents by a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed (univariate, bivariate, and binary logistic regression analysis) using SPSS version 24.0. Factors that showed statistical significance (P<0.05) were included in a binary logistic regression to determine significant predictors of contraceptive use.

Results:

The proportion of respondents currently using contraceptives was 56.9%. The education status of the respondents revealed that those with primary education were more likely to use contraceptives than those without formal education [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 8.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.97-36.2, P<0.001]. Respondents with fair spousal communication were more likely to use contraceptive than those with poor communication (aOR 4.9, 95% CI 2.80-8.71, P<0.001). In addition, fertility preference of 4 or less children was found to be significantly associated with contraceptive use (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 1.67-5.50, P<0.001) compared to a preference of more than 4 children. Finally, the urban respondents were more likely to use contraceptives than those in the rural setting (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.16-2.41, P=0.047).

Conclusions:

Educational status, residential site, spousal communication, and fertility preference significantly influence the level of contraceptive use among married couples. Couples should endeavor to discuss more on issues bordering on their fertility preference and contraceptive issue. Government should formulate policies to improve the rural uptake of contraceptives using identified target interventions.
An ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of human infertility in eastern Algeria
Authors: Djerrou Zouhir , Benyezzar-Kenana Houria , Maameri Zineb , Benhamza Louiza
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To summarize medicinal plants used in the treatment of couple fertility disorders.

Methods:

An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted with 30 traditional healers from some localities of Skikda region in eastern Algeria. A standard questionnaire was used in the interview which focused mainly: the treated fertility disorders, the used medicinal plants species, parts used, and preparation methods. The relative frequency of citation and percentages of infertility troubles were calculated and analyzed.

Results:

The most important treated disorders in men were dysfunction of libido (44.22%), low sperm concentration and motility (25.33%), low semen volume (17.67%) and prostate disorders (5.66%). Women were treated mainly for menstruation disorders (35.32%), breast problems (29.53%) and sexual asthenia (25.82%). The survey identified 28 plant species belonging to 15 families, used by different ethnic groups, particularly women (58.00%), to address different fertility disorders. Three plant families were largely used viz Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, and Apiaceae. In term of relative frequency citation, ten dominated plant species were: Zingiber officinalis L. (0.96), Nigella sativa L. (0.83), Lepidium sativum L. (0.80), Capsicum annuum L. (0.60), Cuminum cyminum L. (0.56), Origanum vulgare L. (0.55), Allium sativum L. (0.50), Petroselinum sativum L. (0.43), Salvia officinalis L. (0.42), and Foeniculum vulgare L. (0.40). A number of investigated plants were scientifically confirmed by phytochemical and pharmacological studies to have one or more significant effects on couple fertility. However, much controversy was found in literature concerning the efficacy of some cited plants.

Conclusions:

The study highlights the important use of medicinal plants in management of couple infertility in eastern Algeria. More experimental studies are recommended to confirm or to refute these traditional uses and to ascertain the safety of these medicinal plants to consumers.
Effects of plication procedures in special cases of Peyronie's disease
Authors: Li Wen Ji , Bao Jie-Wen , Guo Jian-Hua , Zheng Da-Chao , Xie Min-Kai , Wang Zhong
Published: March 2022

General recommendations regarding surgical techniques are not always appropriate for all Peyronie's disease (PD) patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of plication procedures in PD patients with severe penile curvature and the effects of early surgical correction in patients who no longer have progressive deformities. The clinical data from 72 patients who underwent plication procedures were analyzed in this study. Patients were divided into Groups A and B according to the curvature severity (≤60° or >60°) and Groups 1 and 2 according to the duration of disease stabilization (≥3 months or <3 months). At the 1-year follow-up, 90.0% (36/40) and 90.6% (29/32) patients reported complete penile straightening, and 60.0% (24/40) and 100.0% (32/32) patients reported penile shortening in Groups A and B, respectively. No curvature recurrence occurred in any patient, and no significant differences were observed in postoperative International Index of Erectile Function–Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF), erectile pain, sensitivity, or suture knots on the penis whether such outcomes were grouped according to the curvature severity or the duration of stabilization. However, the duration from symptom onset to surgical management in Group 1 was significantly longer than that in Group 2 (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]: 20.9 ± 2.0 months and 14.3 ± 1.2 months, respectively, P < 0.001). The present study showed that the plication procedures seemed to be an effective choice for the surgical treatment of PD patients with severe penile curvature. In addition, the early surgical treatment seemed to benefit those patients who already had no erectile pain and no longer exhibited progressive deformity.
Assessment of prevailing practices for identification of tuberculosis in children admitted in nutritional rehabilitation centres: A multicentre study
Authors: Singh Manjula , Dhingra Bhavna , Bishnu Bipra , Pandey Dhruvendra , Anand Praveen K. , Gupta Sarika , Das Vidyanand Ravi , Kodan Parul , Kabra Sushil Kumar ,   NRC group
Published: March 2022

Background & objectives:

To eliminate tuberculosis (TB), the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) has given an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of TB in children. This study was carried out to assess the prevailing practices to identify TB in severely malnourished children admitted to various nutrition rehabilitation centres (NRCs).

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 41 NRCs across five States having a maximum number of NRCs was carried out. Details of children admitted to the NRCs and the investigations carried out in the form of obtaining X-ray film, tuberculin skin test (TST) and gastric aspirate for cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) for diagnosis of TB over three months were collected.

Results:

A total of 2121 children with severe acute malnourished (SAM) across 41 NRCs (Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, Kolkata, Lucknow and Ratlam) were evaluated. X-ray of the chest was done in 473 (22%), TST was done in 135 (6%) and gastric aspirate was collected in 56 (3%) children. CBNAAT was done in only 56 SAM children. Ten children among those screened were confirmed to have pulmonary TB and were linked to treatment as per the National TB guidelines.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Although NTEP suggests universal screening of all malnourished children admitted in the NRCs, but the prevailing practices indicate that the NRCs are grossly under-utilizing molecular diagnostic tests for diagnosis of TB. There is a gap between prevailing practices and suggested guidelines for the identification of TB in children admitted in the NRCs.
Electroencephalography-based cortical sources of working memory in the subjects with opioid addiction: A pilot study
Authors: Sadananda Sankeerth , Dastidar Shaon Ghosh , Chitturi Vinay , Singh Balhara Yatan Pal , Sharma Ratna , Kaur Simran
Published: March 2022

Background & objectives:

Working memory impairments in the subjects of opioid addiction may stem from an aberrant cortical activity in the executive areas, and may help in early identification of individuals with addictive tendencies and may also be used as a neurofeedback mechanism in adjunct to the existing therapeutics.

Methods:

Electrical neuroimaging via 128-channel electroencephalography (EEG) recording was done in 15 male subjects with opioid addiction (29.45±5.6 yr) during the performance of Sternberg Working Memory Task. EEG data were acquired and analyzed for cortical sources during task as compared to resting (baseline) condition.

Results:

Working memory deficits were manifested as decrease in accuracy percentage in the subjects with opioid addiction, while no significant difference was seen in reaction time, on comparison with laboratory-acquired matched controls. Standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA)-based EEG source analysis revealed higher cortical activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, inferior, middle and superior temporal gyri, inferior frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobule, inferior parietal lobule and precuneus, whereas significant lower activity was seen in superior and middle frontal gyri, parietal lobule, cingulate cortex and pre- and postcentral gyri when the task was compared to baseline in the subjects with opioid addiction. Further, a negative correlation was seen between the accuracy of task performance and activation ratio for the significant gyri in the subjects with opioid addiction.

Interpretation & conclusions:

EEG cortical sources revealed the failure of deactivation of default-mode network (DMN) during the task amongst the subjects with opioid addiction. In addition, there was a decrease in the executive function areas in the subjects with opioid addiction. This lack of sufficiently active executive network and persistence of DMN during the task (as compared to baseline) may potentially form the basis of functional impairments in the subjects with opioid addiction.
Aging, VO2 max, entropy, and COVID-19
Authors: Spedding Michael , Marvaud Robin , Marck Adrien , Delarochelambert Quentin , Toussaint Jean Francois
Published: March 2022

The decline in human performance with age at 5000 m, an athletic event requiring high VO2 max, is remarkably precise, and unavoidable, and related to entropy, even at an individual level. Women and men show an identical age-related decline, up to ~100 years old. The precision of the decline shows the limitations for therapy of aging. Mortality incidence for COVID-19 shows a similar relationship. We propose that initial VO2 max has a critical role in COVID sensitivity because of the direct relationship of disease severity with oxygen use, and the parallel decline in aging.
Utility of reticulocyte indices in the diagnosis of pancytopenia
Authors: Das Jonali , Khonglah Yookarin , Tiewsoh Iadarilang , Chowdhury Zachariah , Barman Himesh
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Pancytopenia is a hematological condition in which there is a reduction in all three cell lines of blood. This study aims to evaluate the utility of reticulocyte indices such as reticulocyte % (retic %), immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), and mean reticulocyte volume (MRV) in identifying the cause of pancytopenia.

Materials and Methods:

Reticulocyte indices were measured by an automated coulter. These values were then correlated with relevant biochemical and bone marrow results and cases were stratified into different etiological groups. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was performed and various cut-off values were derived based on the reticulocyte indices. ROC was repeated to further classify cut-off values at every level to help formulate a diagnostic algorithm.

Results:

A total of 154 cases of pancytopenia were obtained. Ages ranged from 7 months to 87 years with a mean of 42, the male:female ratio was 1.08:1. The majority of the cases were megaloblastic anemias in which the cut-off values for retic % was <0.91 with a sensitivity of 78.1% and specificity of 70%, IRF was 0.45 with a sensitivity of 76.7% and specificity of 64%, and MRV was >121.8 fl with a sensitivity of 83.6% and specificity of 80%. The values on ROC could segregate nutritional from nonnutritional causes. The IRF and MRV also helped to differentiate megaloblastic anemia from dual deficiency anemia.

Conclusion:

Reticulocyte indices help identify the cause of pancytopenia. They can segregate nutritional anemia from other causes of pancytopenia allowing presumptive treatment to be initiated and may obviate invasive procedures such as bone marrow examination.
Mucormycosis following COVID-19 infection-An epidemic developing in a pandemic, a case series from a tertiary care hospital of India
Authors: Singhai Abhishek , Unnikrishnan Sooraj , Jain Pragya
Published: March 2022

When the world is still struggling to fight the Coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, an epidemic of mucormycosis following the COVID-19 infection is increasing in India. Mucormycosis is a rare life-threatening fungal infection with a high mortality rate. Is this increase due to the rampant usage of corticosteroids, some immune dysfunction in COVID-19, uncontrolled blood sugar, increased ferritin, use of industrial oxygen, use of unsterile mask, or use of unsterile water as a humidifier in oxygen delivery systems? This remains a question. In this case series, we present five cases of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis which followed after the COVID-19 infection in these patients. We have included patients’ clinical, laboratory, and radiological data in this case series and reviewed the literature.
Comparative effectiveness of oral dexamethasone vs. oral prednisolone for acute exacerbation of asthma: A randomized control trial
Authors: Banoth Bhaskar , Verma Anjali , Bhalla Kapil , Khanna Alok , Holla Saraswathi , Yadav Swati
Published: March 2022

Background:

Acute exacerbation of asthma is a common condition leading to emergency visits. Prednisolone is a commonly prescribed drug in the standard management of acute exacerbation of asthma along with other drugs. This study was planned to see the efficacy of oral dexamethasone when compared with oral prednisolone in the management of acute exacerbation of asthma.

Methods:

A single-center pilot study in the form of randomized control trial was done by recruiting children aged 2–14 years diagnosed with acute asthma exacerbation with mild to moderate severity. A total of 88 patients received oral dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg) in two doses 24 h apart, which was compared with 87 patients who received oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg) in two divided doses 12 h apart for 5 days. The patients were assessed at the time of admission (zero hour), at 4th hour, and on the 5th day by various parameters such as respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) score, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), 6-h admission stay, and rate of hospital admission.

Results:

Baseline demographic profile, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, indoor pollution, and use of Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) among the two study groups were comparable. Six-hour emergency stay and rate of admission were significantly lower in the dexamethasone group (P < 0.05). Improvement in PRAM score, PEFR, use of accessory muscles, and respiratory rate was also better in dexamethasone group at the 4th hour and 5th day (P < 0.05). In addition, oral dexamethasone was shown to have less incidence of vomiting/gastritis than prednisolone (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Oral dexamethasone can be considered a reliable and better option as compared with prednisolone due to its faster action and minimal side effects.
Severe diabetic ketoacidosis and autoimmune pancreatitis with SIRS in an adolescent with LRBA deficiency – A rare complication of a common primary immunodeficiency disease
Authors: Ravindran Divya , Mugunthan Rajavel Sagul Ramanuja , Shruthi Tarikere Krishnamurthy , Jayaraman Dhaarani
Published: March 2022

Common variable immunodeficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency disorder. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-responsive beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency is categorized as a common variable immunodeficiency associated with autoimmune manifestations and inflammatory bowel diseases. We report a rare case, an adolescent presenting with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and acute pancreatitis with multiorgan dysfunction with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) with homozygous LRBA mutation.
Bilateral pheochromcytomas presenting as shock: A rare case report
Authors: Pandya Radhika H. , Barad Hardev V. , Raghunandan G.C. , Trivedi Bhadra Y.
Published: March 2022

Pheochromocytomas are rare chromaffin cell tumors of adrenal medulla (90%) that secrete catecholamines. Among children, the average age of presentation is 11–13 years, with a male preponderance of 2:1. Symptoms may be caused by catecholamine overproduction, local pressure, or metastasis. Sustained hypertension is the most common symptom. Elevated circulating catecholamines can cause cardiovascular alterations such as coronary vasospasm, ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias, and dilated cardiomyopathy, precipitating in cardiogenic shock. We present a rare case of cardiogenic shock as the initial presentation of a bilateral pheochromocytoma in a child.
Relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and distal-symmetric diabetic polyneuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus referred to Kosar Hospital in Semnan and related indicators in 2019–2020
Authors: Reshdat Sara , Mehri Mohammad , Pourkalhor Shahryar , Najmaldin Atousa , Foroutan Majid
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases and one of its important complications is diabetic neuropathy. Due to the relationship between diabetes and thyroid disorders, the present study was performed to determine the association between subclinical hypothyroidism and end-stage diabetic polyneuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

In this descriptive, analytical study, 154 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to Kosar Hospital in Semnan were evaluated. After recording their demographic information, samples were received for biochemical testing. The patients’ neuropathy was then evaluated based on the United Kingdom screening test (UKST). The results were recorded in the data collection form and then analyzed using SPSS Statistics 22 software.

Results:

In this study, 154 patients were studied, including 49 with subclinical hypothyroidism and 105 with euthyroid. The results of the present study showed that the mean age of patients in the subclinical hypothyroid group was 60.08 years and in the euthyroid group was 60.77 years. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the patients’ age, blood pressure, duration of diabetes, body mass index, fasting blood sugar (FBS) and Glucose, and 2-hour post prandial (2HPP) were not statistically significant between the two groups. The frequency of neuropathy severity based on clinical signs during examination and symptoms mentioned by the patients in the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.005 and P = 0.001, respectively). The severity of neuropathy was not significantly associated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that the severity of neuropathy based on the clinical signs during examination and the symptoms mentioned by the patient in diabetic patients is related to subclinical hypothyroidism. Further studies are recommended.
COVID-19 associated pulmonary mucormycosis: A systematic review of published cases with review of literature
Authors: Rai Deependra K.
Published: March 2022

Background:

There is sharp rise in cases of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis worldwide and specially during second wave of COVID-19 pandemic. This systemic review was conducted to characterize pulmonary mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 infection.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted in the electronic database of PubMed and Google Scholar from 1st January 2020 to June 5, 2021 using keywords. Details of all the cases that reported pulmonary mucormycosis in people with COVID-19 so far, were retrieved and analyzed.

Result:

Total 9 articles of pulmonary mucormycosis with COVID-19 infection were reported in the database of PubMed and Google Scholar. Only one case till date was reported from India, others are from USA (n-3), Italy (n-2), France (n-1), UK (n-1), and Arizona (n-1). Pooled data from this study showed mucormycosis was predominantly seen in males (8 male, 1 female). The most common comorbidities associated were diabetes (n-3), hematological malignancy, (n-2) and end-stage renal disease (n-2), while 2 cases did not show any associated comorbidity. All the cases were having severe COVID-19 infection and 7 out of 9 patients were in ICU and on mechanical ventilation at the time of diagnosis. None of the cases associated with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) except 1 patient with sinus involvement. Mortality was found in 7 out of 9 patients.

Conclusion:

There is a need to keep a high index of suspicion in patients with severe COVID-19 infections, diabetic, and received treatment in ICU with ventilator support for early diagnosis and treatment. Although Mucor is less common than Aspergillus infection, it is associated with higher mortality.
Understanding health care seeking behavior in a tribal setting in West Bengal
Authors: Taraphdar Pranita , Vasudeva Abhimanyu , Sheikh Nishat Ahmed , Bharti Ajay , Chanu Asem Rangita , Yadav S.L. , Sahu Samantak
Published: March 2022

Background:

The health-related problems of the tribal population depend on their ecology and culture. Often the tribal people do not utilize the medical and preventive health services available to them. Health problems in tribal groups need special attention because many tribal communities are backward. The current study was planned to determine the healthcare-seeking behavior of the tribal population in India.

Method:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study, conducted by interviewing key respondents of each participating family.

Result:

Two-thirds of the key respondents were literate and half (53.8%) of the total households in the three villages had a per capita monthly income between Rupees 500-1499. More than half (57%) of all respondents preferred government institutions for moderate illness, and the rest equally opted for private practitioners and quacks. However, for emergencies, dog bites, and snake bites, all key respondents in the three study villages unanimously preferred government institutions. A significant population (38.5%) got their children delivered at home. The majority of illiterate respondents (86.1%) preferred government institutions for health care of under-five children, while 60% of literates expressed a similar view. The choice of government institutions as a source of health care was increasingly favored with decreasing per capita monthly household income.

Conclusion:

Traditional healers are no longer preferred among the tribal population but they are reluctant to avail them because of the loss of valuable time. Home delivery is still prevalent. With improving socioeconomic status, people are going further away from government services as private practitioners, and quacks take less time.
Peppermint drop effect on ileus following cesarean section
Authors: Mousavi Vahed Seyyedeh Houra , Afiat Malihe , Dadgar Salmeh
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Intestine dysfunction and ileus are one of the cesarean section complications. medicinal herbs have been used to restore the postoperative intestinal function. Therefore, we decided to use a mint drop to improve bowel function after cesarean section.

Methods and Materials:

102 women enrolled in the study. The patients were simply randomized and double blindly divided into two groups of 51 patients and giving them medication (mint drops) or placebo. Then, the initial evaluation included hearing the first bowel sound, having nausea and vomiting, the first gas passing feeling time, the first defecation feeling time, and duration of hospitalization was evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results:

The mean time to hearing the first intestinal sounds was 9/05 ± 2/44 hours in the placebo group and 5/78 ± 1/25 hours in the treatment group. The interval between surgery and the first gas passing feeling time in the placebo group was 12/24 ± 3/91 hours and in the treatment group was 7/87 ± 2/02 hours. None of the patients had nausea and vomiting.

Conclusion:

Considering the significant difference between two groups in the meantime interval to hearing the first intestinal sound, the first gas passing feeling time, and the first defecation feeling time, we conclude that the peppermint drop is more effective than placebo in improving bowel function.
Seven day continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic telemetric study with pocket electrocardiographic recording device for detecting hydroxychloroquine induced arrhythmias
Authors: Walia Rohit , Prabhakaran Nanda , Kodliwadmath Ashwin , Singh O Buddha Charan , Mahala Prakash , Kaeley Nidhi
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for COVID-19 treatment and prophylaxis raised issues concerning its cardiac safety owing to the possibility of QT prolongation and arrhythmias. There was no study on long-term electrocardiographic telemetry monitoring of patients taking HCQ. We planned a continuous electrocardiographic Holter telemetry of these patients for 7 days.

Material and Methods:

Health care workers taking HCQ as pre exposure prophylaxis and patients on HCQ were monitored using seven day Holter electrocardiographic telemetry with continuous beat to beat analysis. Telemetry can instantly convey any arrhythmic event or significant QT prolongation to the medical faculty.

Results:

Twenty-five participants with a mean age of 42.4 ± 14.1 years were included in the study; 40% were females. Twenty percent of participants needed to stop HCQ. Four patients developed QT prolongation >500 ms and needed to stop HCQ, one patient had accelerated idioventricular rhythm and stopped treatment, and one had short episodes of atrial fibrillation. No malignant arrhythmia or ventricular arrhythmia, or torsade de pointis were noted. No episode of significant conduction disturbance and arrhythmic death was noted. Baseline mean QTc was 423.96 ± 32.18 ms, mean QTc corrected at 24 h was 438.93 ± 37.95, mean QTc was 451.879 ± 37.99 at 48 h, and change in baseline mean QTc to max QTc was 30.74 ± 21.75 ms at 48 h. All those who developed QTc prolongation >500 ms were greater than 50 years of age.

Conclusion:

Ambulatory telemetry ECG monitoring detects early QT prolongation, and stopping drugs prevents malignant arrhythmias. HCQ seems to have less risk of QT prolongation in young, healthy individuals.
Challenges in managing glaucoma-related morbidity due to lockdown in a developing country
Authors: Sen Saswati , Das Matuli , Das Manmath Kumar , Dash Snehalata
Published: March 2022

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the ocular morbidity due to delayed presentation in glaucoma patients because of COVID lockdown.

Methodology:

This was a retrospective study of 15 cases presented to us between October 2020 and February 2021. Cause of glaucoma in our study group was either primary angle closure, pseudoexfoliation, lens-induced glaucoma, or neovascular glaucoma. The cause of delayed presentation was identified and patients were treated with antiglaucoma medications, Nd-Yag laser, and surgery as per the standard treatment protocol.

Results:

With both medical and surgical intervention, some useful vision was restored in five cases while in rest it was not salvageable. The vision in the affected eye ranged from 6/60 in Snellen’s chart to perception of light and projection of rays positive. Better results were achieved in angle, closure, and lens-induced glaucoma cases as compared to neovascular glaucoma cases.

Conclusion:

The time of presentation in such cases is as important as the etiopathogenesis. We are left with limited treatment options if the presentation is late. The lockdown ended but it unraveled quite a few instances of disease presentation which were totally preventable under normal circumstances. Introspection on finding out newer and proactive methods to reach people suffering from such irreversible but preventable diseases is the need of the day especially when preventable but irreversible diseases like glaucoma are considered.
Assessment of pre and post donation changes in hematological parameters and serum calcium and magnesium levels in plateletpheresis donors
Authors: Syal Neha , Kukar Neetu , Arora Harkiran , Kaur Arunpreet , Handa Anjali , Maharishi R. N.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Single donor platelet products are preferred over random donor platelet products due to several advantages. However, safety issues with regard to post procedure hematological decrements and serum calcium and magnesium levels in donors undergoing plateletpheresis have been explored minimally.

Aims:

This prospective study was done to analyze the effects of plateletpheresis on donor’s hematological parameters and serum calcium and magnesium levels.

Settings and Design:

It is a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted in the department of immunohematology and blood transfusion.

Material and Methods:

This study was undertaken on 150 healthy plateletpheresis donors over a period of 1 year. Blood samples were collected from each donor before and after the procedure, one in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) vial for estimation of hematological parameters and another in plain vial for serum calcium and magnesium levels.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Paired t-test was used to analyze the data.

Results:

This study included donors in the age group of 18 to 60 years who underwent plateletpheresis on Haemonetics model of a machine (MCS) + intermittent flow cell separator. A statistically significant increase was observed in mean post procedural Hb (0.95%), Hct (0.7%), and red blood cell (RBC) count (1.3%). There was a decrease in mean post procedural platelet count (27.5%), white blood cell (WBC) count (4.02%), mean serum calcium (1.5%), and serum magnesium (5.1%), which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.001). No significant change was observed in post procedural mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW).

Conclusion:

Amid the need of increased demand for plateletpheresis, donor safety must be ensured. Failing to do so can be detrimental to blood supply chain, hence stringent programs for post donation screening of plateletpheresis donors need to be established.
Tongue Lesions as an Oral Diagnostic Challenge for a Primary Care Physician- A Clinical Case series
Authors: Raman Praveena
Published: March 2022

Tongue acts as a mirror of our body. Diagnosis of tongue lesions is challenging to primary physicians as they might be the first sign or may be a part of underlying systemic diseases. Knowledge on the lesions of tongue is necessary for oral and overall health planning and education. Hence, this article illustrates a clinical case series of tongue lesions among a rural population in south Chennai, thus imparting a higher awareness of the specific tongue pathology-related etiology and management to increase the awareness on thorough oral screening including detailed assessment of tongue and provide a holistic care to patients to improve the Oral health related and Overall quality of life of patients (OHRQOL/QOL).
Knowledge, attitude and practices towards antibiotic use among patients attending Al Wazarat health center
Authors: Alkhalifah Hamzah M. , Alkhalifah Khalid M. , Alharthi Abdullah F. , Elzahrany Yazeed R. , Aljuhani Mohammad Abdullah
Published: March 2022

Background:

Despite recent government efforts to control antibiotic purchase by the public, the rate of self-prescription is still alarmingly high in Saudi Arabia. Increased and inappropriate antibiotic use has been identified as an important factor behind bacterial resistance. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the Saudi public’s awareness of antibiotic use and resistance. However, none of the local studies examined the awareness and practices among patients attending primary care services. Additionally, the influencing factors of awareness and practices have never been comprehensively examined.

Objective:

To assess the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic use and their influencing factors among a sample of patients at a primary care setting.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was used to examine patients attending Al Wazarat Health Center in Riyadh between 1 January 2018 and 31 March 2018. Data was collected using a structured study questionnaire which included data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants, as well as knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic use. Scores were calculated for knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic use and were translated to a 100-point scale for easy interpretation.

Results:

The current analysis included 343 participants. The average age was 32.5 ± 10.0 years. The majority of the participants were women (63.0%), married (65.9%), and had college or higher education (57.0%). The overall antibiotic awareness level was 54.7% (including 43.9% for knowledge and 71.7% for attitude) and appropriate antibiotic practices were 68.3%. The scores of both awareness and practices were positively and significantly correlated (correlation coefficient = 0.440, P < 0.001). In addition to appropriate antibiotic practices, awareness was significantly associated with higher educational level and having children.

Conclusions:

The current findings indicate the need to improve awareness and understanding of the public regarding appropriate antibiotic use by targeting patients who attend primary care services with posters, structured educational sessions, and physician advice.
Awareness about total knee replacement among Saudi population
Authors: Almaawi Abdulaziz , Aloud Wael , Alshayhan Fahad , Aljedia Khaled , Alaskar Fahad , Alsuleiman Omar
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

The purpose of this study is to identify the knowledge of the general population about knee osteoarthritis and its surgical interventions in the management of knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent disease. A lack of knowledge about the nature of the disease may delay seeking medical advice until the advanced stage of the disease.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 486 participants (≥18 years) who were sampled randomly from an osteoarthritis awareness campaign located within a shopping facility located in Riyadh in 2020. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, which included six domains; demographic information, causes, symptoms, treatment, complications, and general questions. Data for this study were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS 22; IBM Corp., New York, NY, USA). Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and categorical variables were expressed as percentages. The t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used for continuous variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the associated factors with a low level of knowledge. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Most of the participants in our study were males (56.8%) and Saudi nationals (89.7%). (83.74%). Consider that surgical intervention is the best treatment when non-surgical options do not work. The mean questionnaire score for the 486 participants was found to be 20.85 ± 5.29 out of 35 points. In comparing the male to female total scores, we found the mean female total score to be statistically significant and higher than that of the males with a P value of 0.036. Furthermore, we found that the non-Saudis had a total score higher than the Saudis with a P value of 0.016. On the other hand, the difference in the total scores between the city and rural area residents and different educational levels were statistically insignificant.

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that the majority of the community has satisfactory awareness about the treatment options of knee osteoarthritis. It also demonstrates the domains that require more effort for increased public awareness of knee osteoarthritis.