bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypericum perforatum and Azadirachta indica (Neem) oil in the management of chronic leg ulcers: An uncontrolled retrospective observational case review
Authors: Turk Lisa , Thuile Tobias , De Marzi Valentina , Antonacci Giovanni , Puviani Mario , Eisendle Klaus
Published: December 2021

Chronic nonhealing leg ulcers are debilitating with high morbidity in a vulnerable patient population and pose a frequent clinical and socioeconomic problem. Numerous local treatment options exist, but clinical trials are rare and wound management still represents a big challenge. Recently a wound dressing based on the natural remedies Hypericum perforatum and Neem oil has been proposed for chronic wound management, but trials on nonhealing leg ulcers are missing. Uncontrolled retrospective observational case review on all patients under our supervision with chronic leg ulcers who underwent treatment with a plant-derived wound dressing based on Hypericum perforatum and Azadirachta indica (Neem) oil. It could be retrieved in a total 16 cases (11 female) with a median age of 71 years. All ulcers (7 ulcers on the leg and 9 ulcers on the feed) showed a complete healing after a median healing time of 82 days (Mean 85, range 14-180 days). No side effects occurred, medication was painless or even reduced pain. Wound dressings based on Hypericum perforatum and Neem oil are well tolerated and could be a potential additional simple treatment option in the management of non-healing leg ulcers. Prospective controlled trials are needed to confirm these observations.
Screening of halotolerant microfungi isolated from hypersaline soils of Algerian Sahara for production of hydrolytic enzymes
Authors: Dendouga Wassila , Belhamra Mohamed
Published: December 2021

The Algerian Sahara contains numerous hypersaline ecosystems including salt lakes in which the fungal diversity has not been characterized. The abundance and diversity of soil microofungi in three salt lakes in south-eastern Algeria was investigated together with their profiles of hydrolytic enzyme. Fungal population size and relative abundance were determined in about 75 soil samples by plate count. From 69 fungal isolates, 46.38% were Aspergillus, 20.29% were Penicillium, and 11.59% belonged to Cladosporium genus. The 69 isolates have been studied at different constant temperatures and salinities. All fungal isolates are halotolerant or halophiles with the ability to grow at 50°C. The screening for extracellular halophilic enzymes at 40°C showed that 69.57% of the isolates were able to produce at least two types of the screened enzymes. Protease was the most abundant enzyme detected in 60.87% of the total isolates. The results obtained of all the growth tests indicate the adaptability of fungal isolates tested to the extreme conditions and their possible utilisation as producers of halophilic-active hydrolytic enzymes.
Lipotoxicity in Human Lung Alveolar Type 2 A549 Cells
Authors: Tsai Kun-Feng , Shen Chen-Jung , Cheung Chi-Wai , Wang Tzong-Luen , Chow Louis W.C. , Leung Yuk-Man , Wong Kar-Lok
Published: December 2021

Palmitic acid (PA) is a saturated free fatty acid which, when being excessive, accounts for lipotoxicity. Using human lung A549 cells as a model for lung alveolar type 2 epithelial cells, we found that challenge of A549 cells with PA resulted in apoptotic cell death, as reflected by positive annexin V and PI staining, and also appearance of cleaved caspase-3. PA treatment also caused depletion of intracellular Ca2+ store, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and oxidative stress. Tannic acid (TA), a polyphenol present in wines and many beverages, alleviated PA-induced ER stress, oxidative stress and apoptotic death. Thus, our results suggest PA lipotoxicity in lung alveolar type 2 epithelial cells could be protected by TA.
The Risk Stratification of Coronary Vascular Disease as Linked to Homocysteine, its Modulating Genes, Genetic Polymorphisms, Conventional Predictors, and with Antihypertensive Medicaments
Authors: Masud Rizwan , Anjum Aiman Farogh , Anwar Muhammad Zeeshan , Khan Wajahat Ullah , Shahzad Muhammad Akram , Jawwad Ghazala
Published: December 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) have multifactorial nature, and owing to their disparate etiological roots, it is difficult to ascertain exact determinants of CVD. In the current study, primary objective was to determine association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in folate pathway genes, homocysteine, antihypertensive medication, and of known risk factors in relation to CVD outcomes. The participants numbered 477 (controls, n = 201, ischemic heart disease patients, n = 95, and myocardial infarction cases, n = 181, respectively). SNPs that were queried for homocysteine pathway genes included, “methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)” gene SNPs rs1801133 and rs1801131, “methyltransferase (MTR)” SNP rs1805087, “paraoxonase 1 (PON1)” SNP rs662, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms rs4646994. Medication data were collected through questionnaire, and serum-based parameters were analyzed through commercial kits. The analysis of variance and multiple comparison scrutiny revealed that age, gender, family history, cholesterol, creatinine, triglyceride, high density lipoproteins (HDL), homocysteine, beta-blocker, ACE inhibitors, MTHFR and PON1 SNPs related to coronary artery disease (CAD). On regression, rs662 SNPs and C-reactive protein had nonsignificant odds ratio, whereas age, gender, creatinine, and HDL were nonsignificant. Family history, cholesterol, homocysteine, beta blocker, and ACE inhibitors, homocysteine, rs1801133 and rs1801131 SNP maintained significance/significant odds for CAD. The current study indicates an intricate relationship between genetic variants, traditional factors, and drug usage in etiogenesis of arterial disease. Differences in SNPs, their modulated effects in consensus with medicinal usage may be related to ailment outcomes affecting coronary vasculature.
A Study of the Cardioprotective Effect of Spermidine
Authors: Omar Eman Magdy , Omar Rasha Said , Shoela Mai Said , El Sayed Norhan Sobhy
Published: December 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is an instant death of cardiomyocytes that ends in a large mortality worldwide. Thus, there is a great interest to come up with novel protective approaches for AMI to mount cardiomyocyte survival, enhance postinfarcted cardiac function, and countermand the process of cardiac remodeling. Spermidine has vital roles in vast cellular processes under pathophysiological circumstances. This study aims to enhance our comprehension of the role of autophagy as a possible protective sequel of spermidine supplementation on postinfarction ventricular dysfunction in a rat model of AMI induced by isoproterenol (ISO). Thirty male rats were divided into three groups (control, AMI, and spermidine + AMI). AMI was induced by subcutaneous ISO injections for two consecutive days. Rats were pretreated with spermidine by intraperitoneal injection before induction of AMI. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded in all rats 24 h after the second dose of ISO. Rats were sacrificed after ECG recording, and samples were taken for biochemical assessments. Spermidine intake before induction of AMI in rats significantly attenuated cardiac dysfunction where cardiac enzymes are decreased, and ECG changes induced by ISO are reversed in cardiomyocytes. Spermidine affects the autophagic flux of autophagy-related protein expression (LC3-II, TFEP, and p62). Furthermore, it increased the total antioxidant capacity.
Efficacy of voriconazole and amphotericin B in corneal preservative media
Authors: Das Sujata , Mitra Sanchita , Garg Prashant , Mallick Aparajita , Priyadarshini Smruti R , Sharma Savitri
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of voriconazole and amphotericin B in McCarey–Kaufman (MK) media.

Methods:

MK media vials were supplemented with either voriconazole at 1, 2, 20, 50, 100 μg/mL or amphotericin B at 0.5, 1, 2, 10, 20 μg/mL. The standard inoculum of the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strain of Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium keratinoplasticum was added to the set of vials. The efficacy outcomes were calculated as ‘viable fungal colony counts’ determined from the samples taken on Days 0 and 4. MK media containing fungal inoculum but without antifungal supplements were used as control.

Results:

In the voriconazole arm, on Day 4, a reduction in the colony count was observed for Candida albicans (1 μg/mL, 36%; 100 μg/mL, 100%), Aspergillus flavus (1 μg/mL, 53.8%; 100 μg/mL, 80.4%), and Fusarium keratinoplasticum (1 μg/mL, 39.0%; 100 μg/mL, 72.2%). Similarly, in the amphotericin B arm, on Day 4, a reduction in the colony count was observed for Candida albicans (0.5 μg/mL; 99.9%; 20 μg/mL, 100%), Aspergillus flavus (0.5 μg/mL, 65.2%; 20 μg/mL, 84.8%), and Fusarium keratinoplasticum (0.5 μg/mL, 90.1%; 20 μg/mL, 100%).

Conclusion:

Compared to voriconazole, the addition of amphotericin B significantly reduces fungal contamination in MK media.
A case of endogenous candida endophthalmitis with incidental cytomegalovirus infection and optic neuropathy in a patient recovered from severe COVID-19
Authors: Kaluarachchi Sanjeewa , Abeykoon Muditha
Published: December 2021

A 62-year-old female diabetic recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia after receiving a prolonged course of steroids. She presented with a clinical picture of left-eye panuveitis with white cotton ball chorioretinal lesions and RAPD suggesting an optic neuropathy (VA HM). Diagnostic vitrectomy was performed to take samples for infective screen and to give intravitreal voriconazole empirically. Smear, culture, and PCR for viral DNA confirmed mixed infection of endogenous Candida endophthalmitis and incidental CMV infection. With further treatment, her corrected vision improved to 6/18 with regressing fungal lesions in serial fundus photographs. Prompt diagnosis and intervention preserved her vision and prevented potential life-threatening complications.
Stromal rejection in penetrating keratoplasty following COVID-19 vector vaccine (Covishield) – A case report and review of literature
Authors: Rajagopal Rama , Priyanka T Maria
Published: December 2021

Endothelial rejection has been described following both m-RNA and vector-based vaccines for COVID-19. There is one case report of a stromal rejection described following influenza vaccination. We report a case of stromal rejection following vector-based COVID-19 vaccination, which might be the first case reported so far.
Intraocular lens power calculation changes before and after isotonic collagen cross-linking in keratoconus patients
Authors: Namitha V G , Kumar Dhivya Ashok
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To find the intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation changes before and after isotonic collagen cross-linking (CXL) in keratoconus patients.

Methods:

Thirty-five eyes of 25 patients who underwent isotonic CXL were included. The cases included conventional CXL (n = 16), accelerated CXL (n = 7), contact lens-assisted CXL (CACXL) (n = 9), accelerated CACXL (n = 3). All underwent ocular biometry (IOL master), corneal topography (Orbscan II), and simulated keratometry (Orbscan II) preoperatively and 1-year post CXL. Change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), simulated keratometry (Sim K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and IOL power were analyzed in the overall data and then grouped based on flattening (Group A) and no flattening (Group B) of Sim K value post CXL procedure.

Results:

For the overall data, there was no significant change in IOL power (P = 0.05) at the end of 1 year, BCVA showed a significant increase (P < 0.01), and Sim K reading showed a statistically significant flattening (P = 0.001); ACD and AL showed insignificant change. In intergroup comparison, there was no statistically significant change in IOL power. However, in Group A, a significant change in BCVA and Sim K values was observed. In both groups (Group A and Group B), IOL power was found to be negatively correlated with AL and Sim K values.

Conclusion:

Isotonic CXL did not affect IOL power calculation at the end of 1 year. However, significant change in BCVA and sim K reading was noted.
The spectrum and clinicopathological correlation of eyelid lesions: Twenty years’ experience at a tertiary eye care center in South India
Authors: Banerjee Prabrisha , Koka Kirthi , Alam Md Shahid , Subramanian Nirmala , Biswas Jyotirmay , Krishnakumar Subramanian , Mukherjee Bipasha
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To study the epidemiological pattern and diagnostic accuracy of histopathologically proven eyelid lesions over a period of two decades.

Methods:

A retrospective study of all histopathologically proven eyelid lesions from April 1996 to March 2016 was conducted. The lesions were broadly categorized as benign or malignant. Inflammatory and infectious lesions were included under the benign category. The percentage and diagnostic accuracy of each lesion was calculated.

Results:

There were a total of 994 (M = 551, F = 443) cases. The mean age of the patients was 43.5 ± 19.9 years. There were 809 (81.4%) benign and 185 (18.6%) malignant lesions. Benign lesions were commonly seen in the fourth decade, while the malignant ones in the late fifth decade. The upper lid was the most common site in both groups (n = 481, 48.4%). The commonest benign lesion was chalazion (n = 484, 59.8%). Dermal nevus (n = 94, 11.6%) was the most common benign neoplasm, while Molluscum contagiosum (n = 25, 3.09%) was the most common infectious lesion. Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) (n = 103, 55.7%) was the leading malignant lesion followed by basal cell carcinoma (n = 39, 21.1%). Eleven malignant cases were misdiagnosed as benign (5.9%). Chalazion (99.1%) and SGC (65%) had the highest diagnostic accuracy, while Molluscum (40%) and squamous cell carcinoma (40%) were the most misdiagnosed lesions in the respective groups.

Conclusion:

Benign eyelid lesions are far more common than malignant ones. Atypical and rare presentations may lead to misdiagnosis. Knowledge of epidemiological patterns and clinical features can help in achieving higher diagnostic accuracy.
Internal limiting membrane peeling for large macular hole: Tailoring the rhexis to the shape of the hole
Authors: Shukla Dhananjay , Kalliath Jay
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To report a simple modification of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling tailored to the shape of the macular hole to improve the closure rates.

Methods:

This is a single-center interventional case series. conducted between 2016 and 2020. The minimum follow-up was 4 months. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon. Twenty consecutive patients (21 eyes) with large idiopathic macular holes (horizontal diameter: ≥600 μm) were enrolled; vertical hole diameters were also measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Following vitrectomy, ILM peeling was performed over a horizontally oval area (additional 1 disc-diameter temporally); perfluoropropane gas (C3F8, 15%) tamponade was used. Hole closure and change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were monitored after absorption of the gas. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuities were compared using paired t-test. IBM SPSS (ver. 26) was used for analysis.

Results:

The macular holes were horizontally oval rather than circular without exception: mean horizontal and vertical diameters were 714 μm (range: 600–1020 μm) and 602 μm (490–844 μm), respectively. Following vitrectomy, macular hole closure was obtained in 20/21 eyes by the last follow-up (mean: 28 months, median: 34 months; range 4–48 months). Mean Snellen BCVA improved from 20/200 to 20/63 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

All the macular holes in the study were observed to be horizontally oval. A corresponding horizontal enlargement of the ILM rhexis yielded excellent anatomical and satisfactory visual outcomes.
Validating the use of U-tool as a novel method for measuring the corneal diameter in infants screened for congenital glaucoma
Authors: Bafna Rahul Kumar , Mahalingam Karthikeyan , Rakheja Vaishali , Sharma Namrata , Gupta Shikha , Daniel Roy Arokiam , Gupta Viney
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The Castroviejo caliper is routinely used for measuring the corneal diameter in patients with primary congenital glaucoma, but needs an examination under anesthesia (EUA) or sedation. A simple U-shaped tool was devised to aid in the estimation of the corneal diameters of patients in settings where an ophthalmic caliper is not available or EUA is not feasible.

Methods:

Infants presenting to the congenital glaucoma clinic posted for EUA were recruited. The demographic details of the patients such as age, sex, and diagnosis were noted. A simple U-shaped tool was devised using three Schirmer strips or a printable ruler. Before the patient underwent a EUA, the corneal diameters were measured using the U-tool. During EUA, corneal diameters were measured using the Castroviejo caliper.

Results:

The mean age of infants was 6.7 ± 3.39 months (R = 1–12). The mean corneal diameter measured using the U-tool was 13.29 ± 1.33 mm and with Castroviejo caliper was 13.18 ± 1.39 mm. The difference between the corneal diameters measured using the two techniques was −0.114 mm with the Bland–Altman plot 95% Limits of agreement (LoA) from −0.965 to 0.737 mm. Corneal diameters measured with both instruments had a good correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficient = 0.95, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

U-tool can be used for screening congenital glaucoma by first-contact physicians or optometrists. It can also be used by ophthalmologists when EUA is delayed.
Validity of an Indigenously Developed Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research-Quality of Life Questionnaire in Heart Failure Patients of a Tertiary Cardiac Center
Authors: Javaregowda Devaraju Chandagalu , Nanjappa Veena , Sadananda K S , Manjunath C N
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Heart failure (HF) causes a high impact on morbidity and mortality; it also affects the quality of life (QOL) and psychometric components.

Aim:

To develop a simple module to assess QOL including various parameters such as functional status, symptoms, emotional well-being, financial impact, social function, and health-related behavior. Methods: The study was conducted at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, Mysore, which has an annual inpatient admissions of over 12,000 cardiac cases. Two hundred patients were included in the study. All 200 patients were given both Minnesota Living with HF (MLHFQ) Questionnaire and Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research (SJICSR) Questionnaire after translation into their native language.

Results:

Out of 200 patients, 75% were male. 71% of them had ischemic heart disease. The mean questions filled were 18.45 in SJICSR-QOL questionnaire and 20.29 in Minnesota questionnaire. The time taken for the researcher to conduct the interview and for the patient to fill up the SJICSRQOL Questionnaire was significantly less than that needed for the Minnesota Questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha tool was utilized to analyze the reliability. When seven subgroups were considered, the questions showed reliability of 0.879, and when six subgroups were considered, the reliability was found to be 0.898.

Conclusion:

Both SJICR-QOL and MLQOL are valid and reliable tools of measure of QOL in patients with HF. The time taken was lesser, and more questions were answered in SJCISR-QOL questionnaire. It is a potential tool for future use in both research and clinical practice in congestive HF patients, even in primary care setting.
Assessment of Artifacts Induced by Various Dental Restorative Materials on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography- An in vitro Study
Authors: Ghorai Laboni , Asha M. L. , Raja Jigna V.
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess and compare quantitatively and qualitatively the artifacts induced by various commonly used dental restorative materials in different sections of CBCT image and to characterize the pattern of artifact.

Material and Methods:

Thirty dental plaster blocks, each with one of each of mandibular second premolar, first molar and second molar teeth with crowns aligned as in the natural dentition were scanned by CBCT device and analyzed using CS 3D imaging software, before and after the first molar was prepared and restored with dental amalgam, composite resin or glass ionomer cement (GIC), 10 plaster blocks being randomly selected for each restorative material. The reformatted axial, coronal and sagittal scans were then quantitatively assessed for artifact by two calibrated dento- maxillofacial radiologists by comparing the control and restored scans of each plaster block in a blinded manner and documented the slice numbers from which the image became diagnostic. Then, the slice numbers were converted into millimeters away from the restoration.

Results:

Paired t test, ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical analyses. The level of significance was set at α = 5%. Depending on the extent, the majority of artifacts produced were as follows: Dental amalgam >Composite resin >GIC. The artifact was most extensive in the coronal section. Streaks and scatter artifacts, linear artifacts extending outward from tooth surface and hypodense halo were predominant.

Conclusion:

Different dental restorative materials cause various amounts of artifacts in different planes of projection of CBCT image due to differences in density and atomic number.
Usefulness of Demirjian's Comprehensive Dental Chart for Age Estimation in Dental Practice – A Pilot Radiographic Study
Authors: Bagga MunBhawni , Punia Ramandeep S. , Halappa Thippeswamy S.
Published: December 2021

Demirjian 7-teeth method is a gold standard for dental age estimation (DAE) so it has been simplified to a comprehensive chart (DAEcc) to make it user-friendly. This pilot study aimed to assess applicability and usefulness of DAEcc. 250 OPGs (130 men, 120 women, 5–15 years) were evaluated for DAE in the North Indian population using DAEcc and compared it to chronological age. Results showed a positive correlation between chronological age and estimated age (Correlation = 0.9; P < 0.001). However, like the original Demirjian 7-teeth method here also a slight overestimation of age was there but DAEcc is a more time-efficient method.
Hybrid Tumour of Central Ossifying Fibroma and Complex Odontoma in the Mandible – A Rare Case with Review of Literature
Authors: Santosh Vasavi K. , Hinduja Shweta , Debnath Anindya K. , Waghmare Mandavi
Published: December 2021

Central ossifying fibroma is a rare, benign fibro osseous lesion that arises from the periodontal ligament. Odontoma is one of the most common odontogenic tumors containing enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulpal tissue. A 15-year-old boy came to our department with the chief complaint of missing teeth and malocclusion. On complete clinical and radiological investigations, we suspected a fibro osseous lesion and an odontoma occurring in the same site in the mandible, which was confirmed histopathologically to be complex odontoma and central ossifying fibroma. The patient was treated with en bloc resection and iliac crest graft. Such hybrid tumors where there is a synchronous occurrence of two tumors have been rarely reported in literature. There has been no established correlation in such cases but reporting more such cases may help in the establishment of a relationship.
The Spider Web Sign in the COVID Lung
Authors: Paul Rudrajit , Som Kunal
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 infection causes a severe form of viral pneumonia in a proportion of the infected patients. Over the last 1 year, a lot of typical and atypical radiological changes in COVID pneumonia have been documented. These radiological appearances can help in the diagnosis of COVID infection even before genetic test results are available. While some of these signs are nonspecific and found in a lot of other infections, there are a few signs that have been newly described specifically during the current pandemic. Here, we present such a rare sign in a patient from Eastern India.
Nutritional Status and Anemia in Persons with Cancrum Oris
Authors: Chukwuma Benedict Chimezie , Mujtaba Bala , Ibikunle Adebayo Aremu , Taiwo Abdurrazaq Olanrewaju , Ogunsanya Ayomide
Published: December 2021

Background:

Cancrum oris, also known as Noma, is a devastating infectious disease that destroys the soft and hard tissues of the face and peri-oral tissues. The etiology of noma is still unknown, but several risk factors have been identified such as malnutrition, poverty, poor oral and general hygiene.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status (using body mass index) and hemoglobin levels of patients managed with Cancrum oris at the NOMA Children's hospital (NCH) in Sokoto Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This was a 4 year' retrospective study of patients managed with NOMA at the NCH from 2016 to 2019 using the hospital records.

Results:

One hundred and ninety-five (195) patients were seen within this period. The mean BMI was 16.768 standard deviation 4.59 (Underweight) with about 49% of the total patients seen being underweight. Anemia was observed in 60% of the patients.

Conclusions:

Malnutrition features are common among noma patients, observed in 49% of noma patients in Sokoto. This is in line with several other reports. However, this study raises questions on a possible relationship of noma with anemia beyond its coexistence with malnutrition.
Giant Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in a 46-Year-Old Man
Authors: Idowu Najeem Adedamola , Ajamu Olushola , Oguntola A. S. , Adeleye-Idowu Suliyat , Elijah Ajadi , Adekunle Adebayo Ayoade
Published: December 2021

Giant benign prostatic hyperplasia has been defined as a prostate specimen weighing 500 g and above. This pathology is not common, and only a few have been reported in the medical literature to date. It is a disease of the aging men and occurs less commonly before the age of 50 years. Our aim is to report the management of a 46-year-old African man with benign prostatic hyperplasia that weighed 610 g after enucleation. This is the largest benign prostatic hyperplasia ever reported in Nigerian literature. The patient presented with voiding and storage lower urinary tract symptoms and had open transvesical prostatectomy on account of refractory acute urinary retention and failed medical therapy. The outcome established that open simple prostatectomy remains an effective intervention for symptomatic giant benign prostatic hyperplasia in our immediate community.
Sexual Assault among Pediatric Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Anyanwu Onyinye Uchenna , Daniyan Olapeju Wunmi , Ogbonna-Nwosu Chinyere Georgiana , Ezeanosike Obumneme Benaiah , Ikegwuonu Charles Izuchukwu
Published: December 2021

Background:

Sexual assault is a term that includes various types of forced or inappropriate sexual activity. Children are increasingly becoming victims with most cases not reported due to the fear of stigmatization. The study was done to determine the prevalence and describe the pattern of sexual assault among children attending the Children outpatient unit of a tertiary hospital.

Patient, Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study of cases of sexual assault among children who presented at the Children outpatient unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki between September 1, 2016, and August 31, 2018. Cases of sexual assault were identified from the hospital records. Relevant data were extracted from the case files of the affected children and entered into a profoma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Results:

A total of 10,400 children aged 1–18 years attended the Children outpatient unit during the study period, 78 (0.8%) of these children were cases of sexual assault. There were 74 (94.9%) females and 4 (5.1%) were males. The mean age of cases was 8.95 ± 4.78 years. School-aged children had the highest case of sexual assault, the most common type of sexual assault was rape. Abdominal pain was the most common presenting complaint and the perpetrator was known to the victims in 58 (74.4%) of cases, while 25.6% of the perpetrators are strangers.

Conclusion:

Rape is the commonest type of sexual assault in this study and in most cases, the perpetrators were known to the victims.
О двух прямых предельных переходах от полиномов псевдо-Якоби к полиномам Эрмита и осциллятор псевдо-Якоби в однородном гравитационном поле
Authors: Nagiyev Shakir Mamed
Published: December 2021

Представлены два новых предельных соотношения, которые позволяют непосредственно свести ортогональные полиномы псевдо-Якоби к полиномам Эрмита с несдвинутым и сдвинутым аргументами. Доказательства этих соотношений основаны на методе математической индукции. Полученные пределы открывают путь к изучению в терминах полиномов псевдо-Якоби новых точно решаемых моделей квантово-механических гармонических осцилляторов в однородном внешнем поле. В качестве приложения рассматривается модель линейного квантового осциллятора с зависящей от координаты массой во внешнем однородном гравитационном поле (осциллятор псевдо-Якоби во внешнем поле). Представлена обобщенная форма гамильтониана, описывающего квантово-механические системы с массой, зависящей от координаты.
The Architecture of ELT Coursebooks
Authors: Skela Janez , Burazer Lara
Published: December 2021

This paper is an attempt to develop a design-oriented approach to ELT coursebook evaluation, with a particular focus on the internal organization of coursebook units at both intra-unit and inter-unit levels. We believe that looking at coursebooks from the position of the materials designer sheds some additional light on ELT coursebook evaluation. The design-oriented approach to ELT coursebook assessment proposed in the paper goes well beyond the immediate, and often superficial, ‘check-list’ methods commonly used to help teachers select coursebooks. In other words, the design-oriented approach to ELT coursebook assessment enables teachers an insight into ‘the architecture’ of textbooks. On this ‘journey to the centre of ELT textbooks’, we try to highlight how language teaching materials have been resolving the conundrum of the dynamic combination of the What (content), and the How (pedagogy/methodology).
In presenting a materials design process, we start off with the assumption that there has always been a broad basis of theoretical and pedagogical notions that can inform the content and organization of ELT coursebooks, and upon which coursebook writers can build when designing instructional materials. The article then discusses three stages of the design process, offering a more detailed analysis of the complex issue of unit structure at intra- and inter-unit levels. We explore different formats of unit structure, its components, ways of creating coherence throughout the unit, and its underlying methodology/pedagogy. The last point prompts the conclusion that today’s ELT materials are produced in response to a perceived market demand that is often at variance with the latest theoretical developments in ELT.
Religion Helps Migrants: Roman Catholic Church and the Migrant Crisis During the Pontificate of Pope Francis
Authors: Szabaciuk A.
Published: December 2021

This essay evaluates the standpoint that the Roman Catholic Church has adopted regarding the European migrant crisis. Some countries feel a severe outfl ow of people due to mass labor migration; others must deal with the challenges as transit states, and others – enormous challenges generated by the infl ux of economic immigrants and refugees. The most popular theories of migration and public policies very often ignore the ethical component of migration. One of the entities that constantly emphasizes the humanitarian aspect of migration is the Holy See. Popes, beginning with Leo XIII, have repeatedly raised the issue of rights to a dignifi ed life and decent work, and if it is necessary also to migrate in search of a safe shelter and a better life. Pope Francis, like his predecessors, referring to the problem of migration, puts people fi rst. He emphasizes that all migration streams consist of individuals who deserve respect and care because we see in them the face of God. This paper concludes that the Church remains the signifi cant international body impartial amidst the growing European schism on the migrant issue.
Multifaceted Islam: Malaysia
Authors: Roknifard Ju. V.
Published: December 2021

This paper analyzes the Islam’s impact on the Malaysian politics. Islam as an instrument of Malaysia’s foreign policy has been used by the political elite of the state for decades. Observers note the Islamization of the country’s foreign policy, especially during the premiership of Najib Razak (2008– 2018). However, the trend towards Islamization can be traced back to the moment Malaysia gained independence from Great Britain in 1957 and especially during the premiership of Mahathir Mohamad (1981–2003). The formation of such a foreign policy of Malaysia took place against the background of the Islamization of the political and social environment within the country, which, in turn, was the result of an internal political struggle. Thus, the projection of Malaysia’s identity into the outside world and the foreign policy corresponding to this identity was often motivated by the need to retain or attract the support of the malay-muslim majority in the domestic political arena. Since many of the issues raised in the article relate to identity both at the national and global level, a constructivist paradigm is used to conceptualize Malaysia’s foreign policy with a special emphasis on the identity of states. Particularly important in this process is the formation of domestic and foreign policy discourse. Malaysia’s Islamic identity is viewed externally in three dimensions: the Sunni state, the activist state in the Islamic world and the standard of moderate Islam. Consideration of these dimensions reveals quite obvious contradictions between them, as well as between rhetoric and real politics.
Adaptation and Sinicization: Contemporary Religious Policy of the CPC Leadership
Authors: Lomanov A. V.
Published: December 2021

The article examines the key stages in the evolution of the ideological and political approaches of the CPC leadership to religious activity since the beginning of the 21st century. The main points of the study were the Chinese interpretations of the problems of “adaptation to a socialist society” and “Sinicization.” The author tries to identify the relationship between continuity and innovation in the religious policy of the Chinese authorities, taking into account the historical context of the ongoing changes and responses from religious circles. Based on the methods of discourse analysis, an attempt has been made to demonstrate multi-faceted complexity of the problem of “Sinicization” and to outline the contours of all-embracing balanced approach to the study of this topic. The fi rst part of the article examines the foundations of the policy of directing religion towards “conformity to socialist society” formulated under Jiang Zemin. The second part analyzes the main components of Xi Jinping’s concept of “Sinicization” of religions. Chinese believers are encouraged to interpret religious dogmas in accordance with the requirements of social progress and in the spirit of conformity with the best traditions of Chinese culture. The article examines the main directions of “Sinicization” adopted by offi cially recognized religions, covering the spheres of doctrine and liturgical practice, practical work with believers, and training programs for clergy. It is emphasized that the one-sided reduction of “Sinicization” to the state-sponsored policy of “repression” prevents researchers from looking deeper into historical and cultural aspects of the problem. It is concluded that “Sinicization” of religions will help to prevent socio-political marginalization of religions in the course of deep transformations of modern China.
Typological Analysis and Development of District Area Based on Potential Sectors in Pasaman Regency, West Sumatera Province, Indonesia
Authors: Darius Deop , Jamal Abd , Syathi Putri Bintusy
Published: December 2021

The decentralization of Indonesia allowed the development in the regency level to improve to the highest level. However, the impact can only be maximized by utilizing the potential economy embodied in the regent. This study investigates the development of the Pasaman Regency by analyzing the potential sector and the stage development of the sector. Therefore, this study uses mixed research methods with explorative approaches and uses Contribution Sectors Analysis, Location Quotient Analysis model, Shift Share Analysis model, and Klassen typological analysis model, The data used is the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Pasaman Regency and West Sumatra Province in the period 2010 until 2019 and data on the production of the Pasaman Regency base sector in each district in 2015-2019. The result showed that the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors have the largest contribution to the GRDP of Pasaman Regency which is 55.51%, then the sector that belongs to the base sector with the value of LQ>1, namely the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors. The sectors that experienced a net change or shift and had a positive value and the highest level of excellence were the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors of 10,718,410,000. Klassen Typology Analysis is based on the base sector, namely the agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sectors with the largest contribution to the fisheries sector so that the grouping of regions using fisheries data with the results of Panti and South Rao Districts is classified as advanced areas and Lubuk Sikaping and Mapat Tunggul Selatan districts are classified as lagging areas. There is a shift in territory caused by land transfer, changes in the profession, and accessibility. The development of district areas in Pasaman Regency through the fishery sector in the form of fish cultivation, fish feed factories, and fish processing industries is expected to improve the welfare of the community, especially sub-districts that are not classified as developed areas so that the trickle-down effect and the realization of equitable distribution
Strengthening Personal Data Protection, Cyber Security, and Improving Public Awareness in Indonesia: Progressive Legal Perspective
Authors: Marune Abraham Ethan Martupa Sahat , Hartanto Brandon
Published: December 2021

The development of technology, communication, and the internet has positive and negative influences on all sectors of life in society. One of the negative impacts and problems is the alleged criminal act of buying and selling data and the absence of a special law (lex specialist) regarding the regulation of Indonesian personal data. The purpose of this research is to analyze in-depth the efforts to strengthen the protection of personal data, cyber security, and increase public awareness of the perspective of Progressive Law in Indonesia. This study uses a normative juridical method using secondary data, a statutory approach, a conceptual approach, and a case approach. This scientific paper concludes that the Synergy of Ministries and related institutions (Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary) is the key to protecting personal data and cyber resilience. Then, strengthening efforts should be made, namely immediately passing the Draft Law on Personal Data Protection (RUU PDP), forming an independent institution. However, if at this time a dispute occurs, it can be resolved by Article 30 of the ITE Law and the PMH Lawsuit (Tort), supported by a progressive legal approach and futuristic interpretation by the judge examining the quo case. The synergy of government agencies, the private sector, and other stakeholders is needed to increase public awareness by increasing education/dissemination of efforts to prevent misuse of personal data.
Evaluation of Senior High School History’s Program Curriculum Implementation of Curriculum 2013 in the Province of DKI Jakarta
Authors: Kusuma Sumardiansyah Perdana , Musnir Diana Nomida , Syahrial Zulfiati
Published: December 2021

The purpose in this study to evaluate of Senior High School (SMA) Historys Program Curriculum Implementation in Jakarta Province. This study used the CIPPO program evaluation model includes: (1) Context, consisting of the fundamental framework, curriculum standards, and curriculum goals; (2), Input, consisting of elements of curriculum developers, principal, teacher, and student; (3) Process, consisting of planning, learning, and assessments; (4) Product, and the effect of history (5) Outcomes, consisting of history.This research is qualitative with documentation studies, interviews, and observations, which are then enriched with a quantitative data in the form of tests. Data analysis techniques include data collection, data condensation, data presentation, and conclusions. The population studied were SMAN 70, SMAN 48, SMAN 77, and SMAN 18 which implemented Curriculum 2013 and opened a class Science Social Knowledge (IPS) where the subjects of History Indonesia and History Interest in the same academic Interest in Students. The results of the study show that there is a systemic bias, starting from stakeholder understanding, curriculum documents, processes by teachers, learning outcomes, to learning outcomes in the implementation of the High School History Curriculum in the 2013 Curriculum in DKI Jakarta Province.
Hapticity in Digital Education Atmosphere
Authors:   Department of Architecture, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University (TNKU), Tekirdag, Turkey, Ozdamar Esen Gokce , Yucel Caymaz Gokcen Firdevs ,   Department of Architecture, Istanbul Aydın University (IAU), Istanbul, Turkey, Yavas Hulya ,   Department of Architecture, Istanbul Aydın University (IAU), Istanbul, Turkey
Published: December 2021

This article focuses on the effects of the decreased ability to perceive touch in distance learning for all of the actors in architectural design studios during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. As part of face-to-face architectural pedagogy, the tactile experience of architectural materials, models, and corporeality in the studio environment assumes great importance. However, in contrast, these aspects are diminished when it comes to digital education, generating new topics for discussion. This article asks how and to what extent distance education models can affect the process of learning, understanding, discussing, and designing architecture, amidst the prospect of continuous digital education in the post-pandemic period. Hence, it examines the awareness and experiences of haptic perception of first-year students at the Istanbul Aydın University Department of Architecture through in-depth interviews recorded on Zoom. Between 2020 and 2021, the interviews investigated haptic perception, observed construction techniques, factors affecting design materials, the way and place in which materials were perceived, the methods of sharing and transferring designs with studio instructors, questions about the obstacles encountered, and expectations for the post-pandemic period. The outcomes of these in-depth interviews showed that there is a close relationship between the students’ bodily interests and their awareness with regards to perceiving materials and that the former indicated a tendency towards making models. It was observed that students had preferred digital design tools in the pre-pandemic period, and in addition to the digital tools that students often use as a design approach, they negotiated as designing through hand-drawing in order to gain the “thinking with one’s hands” experience in this study. This emphasizes the need for haptic experiences in an architectural educational environment.
Journey of rheumatoid arthritis patients in Tunisia: From symptoms to treatment
Authors: Fazaa Alia , Bettaieb Hiba , Sellami Meriem , Miladi Saoussen , Ouenniche Kmar , Souebni Leila , Kassab Selma , Chekili Selma , Zakraoui Leith , Abdelghani Kaouther , Laatar Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Objectives: This study aims to assess the different delays of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients’ journey from disease onset to treatment initiation and to identify possible influencing factors.

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 100 patients (14 males, 86 females; mean age: 56.5±12.4 years; range, 26 to 82 years) who met the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria for RA between January 2019 and January 2020. Demographic and clinical data and disease characteristics were collected from the patient interviews and medical files. Five different intervals were defined from symptom onset until the initiation of conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs).

Results: The mean age at RA onset was 46.6±12.4 years. Median delays from onset of symptoms until general practitioner (GP) and rheumatologist consultations were six (range, 0.25 to 240) months and 12 (range, 0 to 242) months, respectively. Median delays from onset of symptoms to RA diagnosis and treatment with csDMARDs were 15.7 (range, 2 to 252) months and 18 (range, 2 to 270) months, respectively. The mean number of consultations was 7.3±4.2 and the median number of physicians visited before the diagnosis was three (range, 1 to 8). The RA diagnosis delay was associated with rural geographic environment (p=0.02), lack of social insurance (p=0.027), progressive symptoms onset (p=0.006), morning stiffness (p=0.023), being initially examined by a GP (p=0.02), number of consultations (p<0.001; r=0.49), and number of physicians consulted before diagnosis (p=0.001; r=0.33) respectively. Based on the patients’ self-perception, the main causes of this long delay were lack of financial means (33%), wait times until exploration results (31%), wait times until the first GP or rheumatologist visit (26%), and geographical difficulty in accessing healthcare services (18%).

Conclusion: Our study results suggest that patients with RA experience a significant delay until diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Healthcare providers should urgently consider factors related to diagnosis delay to shorten RA patients’ journey.
Serum progranulin levels in axial spondyloarthropathy and relationship with clinical features
Authors: İldemir Doğangün Didem , Kasapoğlu Aksoy Meliha , Altan Lale
Published: December 2021

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the serum progranulin (PGRN) levels in patients with axial spondyloarthropathy (AxSpA) and to identify the correlation between disease activity, symptom severity, acute phase reactant (APR), and serum PGNR levels in patients with AxSpA.

Patients and methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study included a total of 152 patients (105 males, 47 females; mean age: 41.8±10.3; range 20 to 65 years) with AxSpA according to the 2009 Assessment of SpondyloArthritis Society (ASAS) criteria who received treatment and 100 healthy individuals (61 males, 39 females; mean age 43.4±14.2; range 20 to 65 years) between February 2018 and February 2019. Serum PGRN levels from the venous blood were analyzed in both groups. The clinical AxSpA assessment scales were used in the patient group. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were examined.

Results: The mean serum PGRN level was 6.9±5.4 ng/mL in the patient group and 11.2±6.0 ng/mL in the control group. Serum PGRN level was significantly higher in the control group (p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between the PGRN levels and disease activity, symptom severity, duration of disease, and age of the patient (p>>0.05). Serum PGRN levels were significantly higher in female patients in the patient group (p<0.01). In the control group, the serum PGRN levels of individuals with a high body mass index were significantly higher (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Serum PGRN levels of patients with AxSpA who are under treatment and follow-up are significantly lower than healthy individuals. Serum PGRN levels in female patients with AxSpA are also significantly higher than male patients. Serum PGRN levels do not seem to be related to disease activity.