bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous serum eye drops versus lacrimal gland injection of platelet-rich plasma for severe dry eye
Authors: Allam Ibrahim Y.
Published: January 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of autologous serum (AS) eye drops versus lacrimal gland injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of severe dry-eye disease (DED).

Setting and design

This is a prospective comparative interventional study that was carried out at Eye Tech Centre, Alexandria, Egypt.

Patients and methods

The study included 40 eyes of 20 patients with severe DED. They were randomized into two groups: group A received lacrimal gland injection of PRP transcutaneously into the external one-third of the orbital rim at a depth of 4 mm to the superior area on days 0, 30, 60, and 90, while group B received AS eye drops five times daily for the duration of the study. Both groups received preservative-free artificial tears eye drops (hyaluronic acid) —three to five times daily for the study duration. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks after the first injection or the initiation of AS eye drops for the subjective changes in symptoms and in ocular surface parameters.

Results

The patients’ age ranged from 46 to 71 years (mean=56.0±8.2 years). Both groups showed a significant improvement of dry-eye symptoms (P<0.05) using the Ocular Surface Disease Index scoring with group B having more significant improvement of symptoms compared with group A patients after 3 months of follow-up (P<0.05). Schirmer's test I showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups over the follow-up period (P<0.05), with no statistically significant difference between the two groups after 3 months (P>0.05). The other ocular surface parameters, using the ocular surface analyzer, including the noninvasive tear breakup time, tear-meniscus height, and lipid-layer thickness, showed significant improvement in both groups (P<0.001), while the meibomian gland loss area showed no statistically significant change throughout the follow-up period, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups after 3 months (P>0.05).

Conclusions

Both AS and lacrimal gland injection of PRP proved the safety and efficacy in the treatment of severe DED and were comparable. More studies are needed to confirm these results.
Effect of intravitreal Bevacizumab injection at the time of phacoemulsification on the development of macular edema in diabetic patients with and without preoperative retinopathy
Authors: Elsadi Khaled Waleed , Dahab Ahmed Abdel Sattar , Eissa Iman Magdy , Fathy Adel , El Rakhawy Khaled
Published: January 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravitreal Bevacizumab injection at the time of phacoemulsification on the incidence of postoperative diabetic macular edema (DME) in diabetic patients without preexisting DME.

Patients and methods

The study included 40 diabetic patients with no preexisting DME who underwent phacoemulsification. They were divided into two groups: group A (controls) included 20 eyes in which phacoemulsification was performed without Bevacizumab injection and group B (Bevacizumab): included 20 eyes in which 1.25 mg Bevacizumab was injected at the conclusion of surgery. Macular optical coherence tomography and visual acuity were assessed at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

The incidence of DME in the noninjected patients was 5, 20, and 30% at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months, respectively, compared with 0, 5, and 5% in the Bevacizumab injected patients. This difference in incidence was only statistically significant at 6 months (P=0.15 at 2 months and 0.04 at 6 months). On comparing the baseline central macular thickness in the control and Bevacizumab groups (229.4±26.8 and 230.8±26.7 μm, respectively) to the 6-month follow-up values (278.3±52.3 and 254.7±26.2 μm, respectively), a higher statistically significant difference was found in the control group (P=0.0001) versus the injected group (P=0.002) denoting more progression of DME in the control group.

Conclusion

Prophylactic intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab at the time of phacoemulsification is potentially effective in the midterm prevention of DME in cases with and without preoperative diabetic retinopathy.
Prognostic factors for over-correction and under-correction in basic intermittent exotropia surgery
Authors: Abdelaziz Sahar T.A. , Sabry Ahmed M. , Ibrahiem Mohamed F.K.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic factors for over-correction and under-correction following surgery for basic intermittent exotropia.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective nonrandomized study that included 86 patients with basic intermittent exotropia who were candidates for surgery. Patients were subjected to full ophthalmic and orthoptic examination and A scan measurement. The surgical plan was binocular surgery, with a goal of five prism diopters of over-correction. With at least 12 months of follow-up, postoperative correction within 10 prism diopters was considered orthophoric.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 7.83±4.67 years, and 51% of the patients were females. The range of preoperative angle of deviation was 30–80 prism diopters (mean=50.12±12.99). Myopia ranged from −0.5 to −5.0 diopters (D), and hypermetropia ranged from +0.5 to +4.0 D. The axial length ranged from 18.37 to 25.49 mm (mean=22.42±0.95 mm). The success rate was 74.4% after 1 year of follow-up, whereas 11.6 and 14% were over-corrected and under-corrected, respectively. In the under-correction group, a preoperative large angle of deviation was the only statistically significant factor (P=0.02). In the over-correction group, the statistically significant factors were female sex (P=0.0001), myopia (P=0.001), longer axial length (P=0.04), large preoperative angle of deviation (P=0.005), and surgery involving greater than or equal to two muscles (P=0.003).

Conclusion

Large preoperative angle of deviation was the only risk factor for under-correction, whereas in over-correction, the risk factors were female sex, myopic refraction, longer ocular axial length, large preoperative angle of deviation, and surgery involving more than two muscles.
Assessment of the role of intranasal silicone-tube fixation in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Alahmadawy Yomna A. , Abdelfattah Rana A. , Elessawy Kareem B.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intranasal lacrimal tube fixation compared with no fixation on postoperative lacrimal tube stability.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective, comparative, interventional study that included 160 eyes of 133 children with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Cases were randomly categorized into two groups: group A that included 80 eyes for whom intranasal fixation of lacrimal tube was performed and group B that included 80 eyes for whom lacrimal intubation without tube fixation was performed.

Results

Tube extrusion occurred in three (3.8%) eyes of group A compared with 14 (17.5%) eyes of group B after the first month of follow-up, a statistically significant difference (P=0.005). At the end of the sixth postoperative month, the tube was still present in 71 (88.75%) eyes in group A compared with 58 (72.5%) eyes in group B with a statistically significant difference (P=0.009). Loose tube occurred in five (6.25%) eyes of group A compared with 16 (20%) eyes of group B with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.018). Tubes were well tolerated in 68 (85%) eyes of group A and in 54 (67.5%) eyes of group B, a statistically significant difference (P=0.009). A positive correlation was detected between the looseness of the tube and tube tolerance (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Intranasal lacrimal tube fixation resulted in lowering of the rate of tube extrusion, especially in the first postoperative month.
Micropulse diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in refractory pediatric glaucoma
Authors: Helmy Hazem
Published: January 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and long-term efficiency of high-energy-level micropulse diode laser application in the treatment of refractory pediatric glaucoma patients.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective, noncomparative case series study that included 90 eyes of 90 pediatric patients with glaucoma who were refractory to surgery. Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with a high energy level was performed in all cases. The primary outcome measure was intraocular pressure reduction, whereas the secondary outcome measures were complications, number of medications, need for repeated treatment, and number of repetitions over a 24-month follow-up period.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 5.97±2.63 years, with 57.8% of the cases being females. Primary congenital glaucoma represented 44% of the cases. The intraocular pressure decreased from 27.44±4.3 to 12.38±1.46, 14.72±4.11, 16.96±5.57, 15.76±3.75, 15.01±1.33, and 15.07±1.31 mmHg at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively, respectively (P≤0.001). Qualified success was achieved in 77.8% of the cases, whereas complete success was reported in 22.2% of the cases. One session of treatment was sufficient in 46.4% of the cases, whereas a second session was needed in 27.8% of the cases, and a third session was needed in 7.8% of the cases. Repetition of treatment was performed at 6 months in 40.6% of the cases. The number of needed sessions and the number of postoperative medications as well as the success rate did not depend on the etiology of refractory pediatric glaucoma. None of the patients lost vision or had more than two lines decrease of best-corrected visual acuity. No major complications were met. However, uveitis occurred in 25.6% of the cases and subconjunctival hemorrhage in 5.6% of the cases; both were completely treated with medical treatment. Antiglaucoma treatment was significantly decreased postoperatively from three to two types of antiglaucoma eyedrops (P≤0.001).

Conclusion

Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation with a high energy level is a safe and long-term effective tool to control refractory pediatric glaucoma. Neither the type nor the cause of refractory glaucoma affects the success rate of this procedure.
Efficacy of Posterior Sub-Tenon's Capsule Injection Compared to Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide for Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed Hamdy Ghazy , Salman Abdelrahman Gaber , Said Azza Mohamed Ahmed , Al-Feky Mariam Ahmad , Moustafa Moustafa ElHusienni
Published: January 2022

Background:

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is defined as a retinal thickening in one-disc diameter of the center of the macula. It is a number of microvascular retinal changes that lead to blood-retinal barrier disruption, causing leakage of fluid and plasma components into the inner and outer plexiform layers.

Aim of the Work:

To conduct a systematic review and a meta-analysis estimating the efficacy and complications of posterior sub-Tenon's capsule injection of triamcinolone acetonide (STTA) compared to intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for management of DME.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDS, web of science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for published studies from January 01, 2000 to September 01, 2019. This meta-analysis included ten studies. They were randomized controlled clinical trials, and about 343 patients with DME (469 eyes) participated in these studies.

Results:

This study demonstrated a statistically significant change in the mean of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement and central macular thickness (CMT) reduction in both groups when comparing the baseline to 1- and 3-month follow-ups after the injection, though with no statistically significant difference in the IVTA compared to the STTA group. At a 6-month follow-up, both groups showed no significant differences in the BCVA and CMT compared to the baseline. Both groups showed no statistical differences in the BCVA or CMT over the follow-up periods. Regarding intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, the present study showed that the mean IOP was elevated in both groups at 1- and 3-month follow-ups after the injection compared to their baseline. There was a statistically significant difference between both groups at 1 and 3-months. The IOP was more elevated in the IVTA compared to the STTA group. At a 6-month follow-up, both groups showed no significant difference in the IOP elevation compared to the baseline. IOP elevation was the most reported adverse effect in all included studies. Cataract formation is also reported in some studies, though no other complications, such as endophthalmitis, vitreous hemorrhage, and/or retinal detachment, are reported in any of the studies.

Conclusion:

STTA injection has a comparable effect to the IVTA injection and carries a lower risk of intraocular complications. It is considered an easy, safe, and valid alternative to intravitreal injection for the treatment of DME.
Changes in Peripapillary Blood Flow after Dorzolamide 2%/Timolol 0.5% versus Latanoprost 0.005%/Timolol 0.5% using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: El-Saied Heba Magdy Ahmed , Elhalim Wael E. Abd , Abdelhamid Mohamed , Elessawy Kareem Bakr
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The purpose is to compare the changes in the peripapillary blood flow in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after administration of dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination versus latanoprost 0.005%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination, using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Patients and Methods:

In this prospective, comparative, nonrandomized study, patients with POAG received simultaneous treatment with dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination in the right eye (Group 1) and latanoprost 0.005%/timolol 0.5% fixed combination in the left eye (Group 2) for 1 week. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using applanation tonometry; and peripapillary capillary density and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was assessed using OCTA before starting treatment and 1 week after the treatment.

Results:

IOP reduction was superior in Group 2; however, this was not statistically significant. Both groups showed an increase in the peripapillary capillary density and RNFL thickness after 1 week of the treatment as evaluated by OCTA angiography. However, this increase was not statistically significant. There was only a statistically positive correlation between IOP reduction and increase in the superior-hemiradial peripapillary capillary density (P = 0.037) in Group 1 and between IOP reduction and increase in the total RNFL thickness and superior hemi-RNFL thickness (P = 0.044, 0.032, respectively) in Group 1.

Conclusion:

Intraocular pressure decreased in both groups with no significant difference between both groups. There was more increase in radical peripapillary capillary density and RNFL thickness following treatment in dorzolamide 2%/timolol 0.5% group compared to the other groups; however, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.
Clinical and histopathological aspects of lichenoid dermatitis in patients of retroviral diseases
Authors: Tambe Swagata A. , Zambare Uddhao S. , Nayak Chitra S. , Patil Priyanka D. , Chhonkar Aditi
Published: January 2022

Context:

Lichen planus (LP) is known to be associated with viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, but its association with HIV is rarely reported. Lichenoid drug eruptions have been implicated as the side effects of anti-retroviral therapy.

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of this study is to study demographics, clinical, histological, and immunological profile of the HIV patients presenting with lichenoid dermatitis.

Subjects and Methods:

HIV patients presenting with LP such as lesions were evaluated with complete history and physical examination. Demographic profile of patients was studied with features such as age, sex, duration of disease, distribution of the lesions, CD4 count, concomitant medications, associated comorbidities, and response to the treatment.

Results:

Twenty-one HIV patients presenting with LP such as lesions were studied. Of these, 20 patients had LP and one patient had lichenoid drug reaction. The age of the patient ranged from 40 to 60 years with no sex predilection. The duration of lesions ranged from 15 days to 7 years. Eleven patients had simultaneous cutaneous and oral involvement, five patients had only oral involvement and four patients of LP and one patient of lichenoid drug reaction had only cutaneous lesions. All the patients were on antiretroviral therapy, mainly on lamivudine, zidovudine, and nevirapine. Almost all the patients had CD4 count of more than 250 at the time of presentation. One patient was diagnosed to have lupus erythematosus and LP overlap. Patients were treated with oral medications such as corticosteroids, methotrexate, and dapsone and topical medications such as corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors.

Conclusions:

The appearance of LP such as lesions in HIV patients is a rare occurrence with 11 cases of LP reported till date. Our case series of 20 patients will throw light on possible etiology and difficulties in the management of LP such as lesions in HIV patients.
Early Intervention within 24 h Using Anterior Midline Single Incision with Dual Plating for Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures Schatzker Type V and VI
Authors: Singhi Prahalad Kumar , Raju Sivakumar , Thangamani Vinoth , Velur Nagendra Reddy Sudeep Kumar , Muthu Chidambaram
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Schatzker Type V and VI fractures are high-velocity injury; they are bicondylar fractures of proximal tibia with significant articular involvement multiple displaced condylar fracture lines, metaphysiodiaphyseal extension with comminution with high incidence of compartment syndrome and soft tissue injury. Span, scan and plan, and later open reduction and internal fixation with dual incision dual plating is gold standard; Midline incision is considered as history and associated with complications.

Purpose:

The purpose of the study is to evaluate functional outcome in Type V and VI Schatzker bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, with early intervention using anterior midline approach and Dual plating.

Materials and Methods:

We analyzed retrospectively 35 patients from 2015 to 2018 at our tertiary center. All patients were operated within 12–24 h of injury using anterior midline approach and dual plating. Patients were evaluated radiologically (coronal alignment using medial proximal tibial angle, sagittal alignment using posterior proximal tibial angle and condylar width) functional and clinical assessment was done using Rasmussen and visual analog scale scoring at regular intervals till the last follow-up.

Results:

Bony union was achieved at average of 14 weeks (12–20 weeks), 80% patient had excellent and good results. 22% of patient needed bone grafting which was done primarily and 11.1% patient required an additional split skin graft and flap surgery. Complications such as deep and superficial infection were seen in 8.5%, knee stiffness (range of motion <90°) in 8.5%, and varus/valgus malalignment in 14.4% was seen. None of our patients had deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Average of hospital stay was 5.6 days only.

Conclusion:

Early intervention with single-incision anterior midline approach with dual plating for complex Type V and VI Schatzker bicondylar tibial plateau fractures can still be considered as a method of treatment when intervened early. The excellent functional outcome in this study, lower rate of complications, less incidence of DVT and shorter hospital stay are well comparable to dual incision technique.
A Qualitative Study of Impediments to Total Knee Replacement among Indians with Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Reddy Maryada Venkateshwar , Mulpur Praharsha , Guravareddy Annapareddy Venkata , Gudapati Dinesh , Reddy Vinai Yeruva , Dinakar Mridula
Published: January 2022

Objective:

The objective of this study is to determine the barriers for seeking a total knee replacement (TKR) in Indians with osteoarthritis, despite an increasing need for the surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Interviews were conducted with 350 Indian patients (109 males, 241 females) who underwent TKR at a tertiary care orthopedic center. The interviews were conducted with each individual based on a questionnaire of 18 questions, which emphasized the patient's reasoning and perceptions regarding TKR. Questions were asked after the patients were admitted but before undergoing TKR. Pain severity and disability before receiving TKR were measured with the Lequesne Index and Oxford Knee Score.

Results:

Patients requiring TKR were undergoing surgery 13 months after being advised for surgery. Multiple barriers in choosing surgery were identified: (i) wanting to manage pain and disability for as long as possible, (ii) loss of autonomy in making the decision to undergo surgery, (iii) financial issues in affording surgery, (iv) belief that the patients themselves are unfit for surgery and fear of postsurgical complications and morbidity.

Conclusions:

Despite there being several barriers to the surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis, physicians must develop strategies to help bridge the gap between patients requiring TKR and the patients electing to undergo the surgery.
Head and Neck Trauma
Authors: Prabhakar Abhilash Kundavaram Paul , Abraham Sisha Liz , Hazra Darpanarayan , Nekkanti Ankita Chowdary
Published: January 2022

Background:

Head and neck trauma is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in India. The mode of trauma has varies with geographical progress and it is important to understand the factors associated with severe head injury among this cohort.

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational study of all adult trauma patients with head and neck trauma presenting to our emergency department (ED). Details of the incident, injuries and outcome were analyzed.

Results:

During the 3-month study, the ED attended to 16,169 patients with 2022 being trauma victims. Among them, 51.4 3% (n = 835) adults who sustained head, face or neck trauma and hence were included in the final analysis. Overall, RTA s were the predominant mode of injury (81.2% (n = 678), followed by fall on level ground (6.5%; n = 54), fall from height (5.1%; n = 43) and assault (3.7%; n = 31). A history of consuming alcohol prior to the incident was obtained in 16.2% (135) of the patients. Head, face, and neck injuries were seen in 74.9% (n = 626), 64.1% (n = 536), and 4.9% (n = 41) of patients respectively. Bivariate analysis showed male sex (90.3% vs. 76.8%; unadjusted odds ratio [OR]: 2.81, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.19–6.64; P = 0.018) and pedestrian injuries (19.4% vs. 8.5%; unadjusted OR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.30–5.07; P = 0.006) to have a statistically significant association with sustaining severe head injury.

Conclusion:

Head and neck trauma comprises a significant proportion of patients with trauma with RTA and falls being the most common causes. Among patients with head and neck trauma, males and pedestrians have an increased odds of sustaining severe head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8).
Hamartomas of Body
Authors: Mohapatra Debahuti , Biswal Rupanita , Biswal Tapan
Published: January 2022

Introduction/Background:

Hamartoma is a mass of disorganized tissue indigenous to the particular site. Although traditionally considered as developmental malformations, many hamartomas have clonal chromosomal aberration that is acquired through somatic mutation, thus now considered to be neoplastic. They arise virtually in all organs, either sporadically or in association with autosomal dominant syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care health institute for 3-year period (January 2013 to December 2016), which included all visceral hamartomas from head to toe. Detailed clinicoradiological and pathological examination was done along with ancillary tests for definite diagnosis.

Observation:

The study included nine cases, categorized site wise as head and neck (one case of cystic lymphangioma), cardiothoracic (one case of chondroid hamartoma), gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (one case of Brunner's gland hamartoma), hepatic (one case of cystic lymphangioma), and genitourinary tract (four cases of angiomyolipoma [AML] and one case of myelolipoma). The age ranged from 1 year to 70 years showing a male predilection. The tumors were variable sized ranging from 0.5 to 20 cm in dimension either solitary or multiple. Some large tumors clinically masqueraded as malignant tumors and presented with complications. The postsurgical course and prognosis of all patients were uneventful.

Conclusion:

Hamartomas are usually not associated with significant morbidity but for the size and location of the tumor. Despite slow-growing and self-limiting behavior, some predispose to malignancy especially in the epithelioid AML and familial GIT hamartoma or may be seen associated with malignancy in syndromic forms.
Opioid-Free Anesthesia for Patient Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Sarma Riniki , Gupta Nishkarsh , Kumar Vinod , Bharati Sachidanand Jee
Published: January 2022

Opioid-based anesthesia is associated with unwanted adverse effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, itching, and urinary retention. Opioid-free anesthesia is a combination of multimodal analgesia that aims to avoid perioperative opioids altogether. Various methods, such as regional blocks, and drugs, such as lignocaine, dexmedetomidine, and ketamine, can be used to evade the use of opioids. Here, in a series of five cases undergoing breast cancer surgery, we attempt to use a combination of analgesic techniques that result in complete avoidance of opioids during the intraoperative period.
End-Stage Renal Disease and Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Retrospective Analysis in Renal Transplant Patients
Authors: Goyal Vipin Kumar , Moin Khayyam , Deganwa Mangilal , Garg Vishnu Kumar , Nimje Ganesh
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

End-stage renal disease is the last stage of progressive renal failure that is almost always accompanied by cardiovascular complications such as systemic and/or pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), valvular regurgitation, and so on. Among these, DCM is a common preoperative echocardiographic finding that necessitates specialized treatment.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with DCM who underwent renal transplantation using an intraoperative goal-directed strategy for fluids, inotropes, and vasopressors were included in this retrospective study. The demographics of the patients, their preoperative comorbidities, investigations, echocardiographic data, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative data and complications were all recorded and analyzed.

Results:

Hypotension was the most common intraoperative complication in 10 out of 22 patients (95% confidence interval: 0.24–0.66). There were no other major cardiopulmonary complications in any of the patients. There were no renal complications, such as delayed graft function or acute tubular necrosis, in any of the patients.

Conclusions:

Fluids, inotropes, and vasopressors must all be managed carefully during the perioperative period in DCM patients. The use of advanced dynamic indices is critical not only for achieving goals but also for avoiding complications.
The Use of Telemedicine in Mitigating the Effects of Reduced Antenatal Care Visits during the COVID-19 Infection Lockdown in Nigeria
Authors: Mbachu Ikechukwu Innocent , Ejikunle Samson Dayo , Pauline Mbachu Chioma Ngozichukwu , Okohue Jude Ehiabhi , Umeononihu Osita Samuel , Ojiyi Chukwuemeka , Obiagwu Hilary , Ukah Marcel Chukwuemeka , Osuagwu Ihechinyerem Kelechi
Published: January 2022

Aims and Objectives:

The study evaluated the use of telemedicine in the management of pregnant women during the COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among medical practitioners that care for pregnant women and a self-administered online questionnaire (google form) was used to obtain relevant information from the respondents. Data were analyzed using Stata software version 16.

Results:

A total of 138 medical practitioners participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 41.30± 7.5 years. Seventy (51.47%) work in national public tertiary health institutions while 27(19.85%) work in-state public tertiary and 19(13.97%) in private specialist hospitals. There was a significant reduction in the number of patients seen during the period when compared to the number before the pandemic(p=0.013). Fifty-one (36.96%) of the medical practitioners said they practiced telemedicine, with the majority 41(80.39%) using audio calls.

Conclusion:

The use of telemedicine was poor among the medical practitioners despite the drop in antenatal attendance.
Statistical analysis of extreme value of meteorological elements observed for the last 31 years (1989–2019) at Narora site
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Gautam Y. P. , Kumar Vimal , Kumar S. , Saradhi I. V. , Kumar A. Vinod
Published: January 2022

Understanding of extreme weather conditions at the site of interest is essentially required in the design of engineering structures so that the structures can withstand weather stresses. This paper presents an analysis of extreme values of meteorological elements observed at Narora site for the last three decades (1989–2019). The elements considered are extreme air temperature (°C), minimum relative humidity (%), extreme wind gust (km/h), maximum rainfall (mm) in a day and a month, and annual rainfall. The extreme value analysis reveals that the maximum air temperature, maximum wind gust at 30 m, maximum monthly rainfall, and maximum annual rainfall obey Fisher-Tippett Type-1/Gumbel extreme value distribution, whereas minimum air temperature, minimum relative humidity (%), annual daily maximum rainfall (mm), and annual minimum rainfall (mm) obey Fisher-Tippett Type-2/Frechet extreme value distribution function. Distribution function parameters, i.e., location, scale, and shape parameter for each variable, have been determined. Extreme values corresponding to return periods of 50, 100, and 1000 years are worked out using best fit linear regression curve as a compliance of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Safety Guide Recommendations. The derived extreme values are particularly useful to designer for arriving at suitable design basis values of different elements to ensure the safety of the reactors and other civil structures in Narora region, with respect to stresses due to weather conditions. Extreme values corresponding to return periods of 50 and 100 years at Narora are compared with corresponding values at other three nuclear reactor sites in India, namely, Tarapur, Kalpakkam, and Trombay. In addition, the time series pattern analysis of rainfall for 31 years at the Narora site closely following the 2-year moving average rainfall data pattern. These results can be used for water harvesting, irrigation, and floods management plans in the future.
Estimation of indoor 222 Rn and 220 Rn concentration and annual inhalation dose in the indoor environment around Kolar district of Karnataka state, India
Authors: Reddy K. Umesha , Kaliprasad C. S. , Suresh C. , Ningappa C. , Mata B. N. Beena Ullala , Srinivasa E.
Published: January 2022

The indoor 222Rn and 220Rn were measured by using deposition progeny sensors and single-entry pinhole dosimeter around Kolar Gold Fields of Karnataka state, India. The thirty different places were identified and fixed the dosimetry cups for the determination. The 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations of indoor environment range from 26.2 ± 1.3 to 138.4 ± 1.6 and 21.2 ± 0.8 to 133.3 ± 1.5 Bq/m3 with a mean value of 68.8 ± 1.6 and 61.8 ± 1.5 Bq/m3, respectively. The equivalent concentrations of 222Rn and 220Rn values vary from 0.9 ± 0.4 to 7.6 ± 1.1 and 6.8 ± 0.8 to 19.8 ± 1.8 Bq/m3 with a standard value of 4.3 ± 0.8 and 14.2 ± 1.3 Bq/m3, respectively. The values between the equilibrium factor between 222Rn, 220Rn, and their daughter were also calculated and found to be 0.23 and 0.07, respectively. The average annual intake of 222Rn, 220Rn, and their daughters' products is 2.28 mSv/y1, slightly below the global average of 2.4 mSv/y1from all components. The data obtained compare average values in the world.
Clinical Characteristics of Crohn's Disease in a Cohort from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Qari Yousef A.
Published: January 2022

Objective:

In Saudi Arabia, there are limited studies on the clinical characteristics of patients specifically with Crohn's disease (CD). This study was conducted to describe the clinical characteristics of CD at a tertiary care center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This retrospective study included all patients aged >14 years who had a definitive diagnosis of CD and were managed at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between 2012 and 2018. Data were collected for the following categories: clinical, laboratory, radiological, histological features at presentation, and disease-related complications.

Results:

The study included 245 newly diagnosed CD patients, aged 14–73 years (median: 26.3 years). All subjects presented with abdominal pain. Majority of the patients (59.7%) received a definitive diagnosis of CD >3 months after the onset of symptoms; 15.1% were initially suspected to have intestinal tuberculosis. Diarrhea and bleeding per rectum were reported in 60.8% and 49.7% of the patients, respectively. Sacroiliitis was the most frequent extraintestinal manifestations (11.4%). In terms of disease location, the terminal ileum (L1) was the most affected area (46.9%). Twenty-five patients had perianal disease, of which 40% had complex fistulae and 36% had perianal abscesses. The majority had hemoglobin levels >10 g/dl (74.1%), decreased serum iron (69.6%) and ferritin (50.5%) levels, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (68.2%) and C-reactive protein (82.2%).

Conclusions:

The majority of the patients in our cohort presented with the characteristic quartet of abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and diarrhea. This study also found a significant number of patients with CD in Saudi Arabia experience diagnostic delay, which may contribute to disease morbidity and complications. These findings highlight the need for future studies to determine factors influencing this diagnostic delay.
Antibiotic-Resistance Genes in E. coli strains in GCC Countries
Authors: Bindayna Khalid Mubarak , Joji Ronni Mol , Ezzat Hicham , Jahrami Haitham Ali
Published: January 2022

Background:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) inEscherichia coliis an alarming issue worldwide, including in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, yet the prevailing gene patterns have not recently been reviewed. This study was conducted to determine and report on the dominantE. coliantimicrobial resistant gene patterns in GCC countries.

Method:

A scoping review identified the predominant AMR genes in GCC countries: CTX M, TEM, SHV, NDM, OXA, and VIM genes. For the systematic review, two authors independently searched Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science for interventional, clinical, or observational studies on the chosen AMR-conferring genes inE. colipublished from GCC countries between January 2013 and June 2019, when the last search was carried out. The search strategy followed the PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias was assessed using a 6-item standardized checklist. Random-effects modeling was used for all analyses.

Results:

A total 32 studies were included in the final synthesis of evidence. Overall, CTX-M (53.8%) was the most prevalent gene in the region followed TEM (40.6%), NDM-1 (28.4%), OXA (24.3%), VIM (8.5%), and SHV (7.8%). Most included studies were from Saudi Arabia: CTX-M was again most common with a prevalence of 46.8% from 5442 isolates.

Conclusion:

The risk of bias analysis showed a mean quality score of 4.25 ± 0.75, indicating high-quality in studies included in this meta-analysis. This review found that CTX-M gene is the most common AMR-conferring gene inE. colistrains from most GCC countries.
Genetic Diversity and Connectivity of Sea Urchin Tripneustes gratilla in Region Surrounding Cenderawasih Bay, Papua-Indonesia and Indo-Pacific
Authors: Toha Abdul Hamid A. , Ambariyanto Ambariyanto , Widodo Widodo , Hakim Luchman , Sumitro Sutiman B. , Aminin Agustina L. N.
Published: January 2022

Cenderawasih Bay has extremely high biodiversity with an enormous amount of endemic species due to geography isolation. Tripneustes gratilla is one of the species that is abundant in the bay. The species has ecological value that is suitable for bio-indicators of the environmental condition. Since the Bay relatively isolated area, then we examined the impact of the geographical conditions on genetic diversity and connectivity of Tripneustes gratilla among populations in the region surrounding Cenderawasih Bay based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase-1 gene. Results of the study showed that genetic variation of the species within the population is high; despite the genetic variation among populations was low. The data suggested that the entire population of T. gratilla were closed connected, homogeneous, and shared polymorphic profile. Then we assumed the gene flow occurred for a long time among populations without geographical barriers. This information is a warrant to develop an effective strategy to maintain biodiversity in the Cenderawasih Bay.
The Structural Annotations of The Mir-122 Non-Coding RNA from The Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Parikesit Arli Aditya , Imron Imron , Nurdiansyah Rizky , Agustriawan David
Published: January 2022

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is an important fisheries commodity. Scientific efforts have been done to increase its quality. One of them is staging a premium diet such as a fat-enriched diet. The transcriptomics approach is able to provide the signatures of the diet outcomes by observing the micro(mi)RNA signature in transcriptional regulation. Hence, it was found that the availability of mir-122 is essential in the regulation of a high-fat diet in tilapia. However, this transcriptomics signature is lacking structural annotations and the complete interaction annotations with its silencing(si)RNA. RNAcentral website was navigated for the latest annotation of mir-122 from tilapia and other species as a comparison. MEGA X was employed to comprehend the miRNA evolutionary repertoire. The RNA secondary structure prediction tools from the Vienna RNA package and the RNA tertiary structure prediction tools from simRNA and modeRNA are secured with default parameters. The HNADOCK tools were leveraged to observe the interaction between mir-122 and its siRNA. The post-processing was conducted with the Chimera visualization tool. The secondary and tertiary structure of the mir-122 and its siRNA could be elucidated, docked, and visualized. In this end, further effort to develop a comprehensive molecular breeding tool could be secured with the structural annotation information.
Antioxidant Activity of Endophytic Bacteria Derived from Hoya multiflora Blume Plant and Their Cellular Activities on Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Pudjas Nabila Tsoerayya Gustia , Mubarik Nisa Rachmania , Astuti Rika Indri , Sudirman Lisdar I
Published: January 2022

Endophytic bacteria isolated from plant tissues can produce the same secondary metabolites as their host plants. One of the metabolites that the bacteria can produce is antioxidants. This research aimed to analyze and measure the antioxidant activities of two endophytic bacteria, i.e. Bacillus siamensis HMB1 and Bacillus aryabhattai HMD4 cultures, derived from Hoya multiflora Blume plant, a tropical epiphytic plant species that grows in Indonesia, and to identify their cellular effects on Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The active compounds went through extraction process, and the antioxidant activities were measured, the extracts went under phytochemical analysis, and their phenol and flavonoid contents were measured. In vitro analysis was carried out using S. pombe. The results of this research indicated that both cultures had antioxidant activities, where HMB1 showed the highest IC50 value (51.18 mg/ml) among all. In vitro analysis indicated that HMD4 bacterial crude extract in 250 ppm concentration showed the highest resistance effect and significantly enhanced S. pombe growth. In addition, the results of the LC-MS analysis suggested that a total of 14 compounds potentially had antioxidant activity.
Skeletal Maturation Pattern among Down Syndrome Individuals in Benin, City. Nigeria.
Authors: AGHIMIEN Osaronse Anthony , AJAYI Emmanuel Olubusayo , IZE-IYAMU Idia Nibokun
Published: January 2022

Background: The assessment of skeletal maturity is important in the timing of orthodontic treatment especially in the modification of dento-facial growth. The use of cervical vertebrae as a method of assessment of skeletal maturity has rarely been used among Down Syndrome.

Objective: To assess skeletal maturity among individuals with Down Syndrome using the cervical vertebrae maturation stages.

Methods: The study was conducted among 21 Down Syndrome with mean ages of 11.70 ± 1.83 years (males) and 13.64 ± 1.75 years (female); and 21 control individuals with mean ages of 12.00 ± 2.00 years (male), and 13.50 ± 1.90 years (female). The independent t-test and chi-square test were used to determine significant differences among the continuous (age) and categorical variables (cervical vertebrae maturation stages) respectively when matched with gender and chronological age. Fischer exact test was used when an expected frequency presentation was <5. A p-value of < 0.05 was set as statistically significant.

Results: Down Syndrome males had delayed maturation at 11 years but accelerated at 12 with early attainment of maturity at 15 years. Down Syndrome female had a delay tendency in skeletal maturation from 11–15 years of age. Overall, Down Syndrome had a 1.242 probability of either having a delay or advancement in skeletal maturation which was not statistically significant. Conclusively, the skeletal maturation pattern between Down syndrome patients and normal individuals was not statistically different. 

Conclusion: The average timing for commencement of orthodontic treatment especially growth modification for normal individuals can be applied for individuals with Down Syndrome as this present study did not show any statistically significant difference in their overall skeletal maturation.Down syndrome.
Evaluation of patients’ compliance to recall visits after tooth extraction at the Dental Centre, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH): A two-year retrospective study
Authors: OMOROGBE Owen Stephen , ORHUE Osazee kelvin , OSAYANDE Edorisiagbon
Published: January 2022

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the level of patients’ compliance with recall / follow-up visits attending the dental Centre of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Methods: This study adopted a descriptive retrospective study of case notes retrieved from the medical records department of the dental Centre, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. The period under study covers 2019 to 2021. The data was collected by means of 1232 questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages.

Results: The result showed that the participants in the age bracket of 18-40 years of age (277) complied better to recall visit in comparison with the study age distributions which are 41-65 years (218) and age above 65 years (188). As per the influence of gender on compliance of patients with post-extraction recall visits, it was observed that the male participants (288) responded better to the recall visits compared to the female participants (251). The Relationship between distance away from the hospital and compliance of patients with post-extraction recall visits was also evaluated, and it was observed that the patients closer to the hospital within 5km (442) complied better to recall revisit in comparison to the participants who were within 10km (224) from the hospital as well as the participants that were 10km & above (17). Finally, the influence of interval between procedure and recall visit was also evaluated, and the result revealed that the participants that were given 7 days of recall revisit (663) complied better compared with the participants who were given 14days duration for recall revisit (478).

Conclusion: The data from this study highlighted the possible need for a paradigm shift in patient-doctor interphase especially as it concerns recall visits. Compliance to recall appointment by the patients depends largely on age, gender, distance from hospital and interval between procedures and is mainly responsible for the noncompliance of patients to recall visit.
TỐI ƯU PHÂN BỐ CÔNG SUẤT TRONG HỆ THỐNG ĐIỆN SỬ DỤNG THUẬT TOÁN CÂN BẰNG
Authors: NGUYỄN NGỌC ANH  , DƯƠNG THANH LONG  , NGUYỄN THANH THUẬN
Published: January 2022

Tối ưu phân bố công suất (OPF) để đạt các mục tiêu kinh tế và kỹ thuật là một trong những bài toán quan trọng trong vận hành hệ thống điện. Bài toán này đã thu hút được nhiều sự quan tâm từ các nhà nghiên cứu trong những năm gần đây. Trong bài báo này, thuật toán tối ưu hóa cân bằng (EO) được đề xuất để giải quyết bài toán tối ưu phân bố công suất (OPF), với các hàm mục tiêu khác nhau như giảm thiểu chi phí nhiên liệu, chi phí phát thải, giảm tổn thất công suất thực trên hệ thống, giảm độ lệch điện áp tại các nút tải và nâng cao độ ổn định điện áp. Phương pháp đề xuất (EO) đã được kiểm tra trên hệ thống chuẩn IEEE 30 nút và so sánh với các phương pháp tối ưu hóa bầy đàn (PSO), thuật toán tiến hóa vi phân (DE), đàn ong (ABC) và thuật toán sói sám (GWO) đã cho thấy khả năng và độ mạnh của giải thuật trong việc giải quyết bài toán OPF.
XÁC ĐỊNH THÔNG SỐ BỘ ĐIỀU KHIỂN PID ĐIỀU KHIỂN VỊ TRÍ `CON LẮC NGƯỢC BẰNG THUẬT TOÁN TỐI ƯU NGẪU NHIÊN
Authors: TRẦN MINH CHÍNH  , NGUYỄN HOÀNG HIẾU
Published: January 2022

Hệ con lắc ngược và xe là một trong những hệ phi tuyến kinh điển thường được sử dụng để nghiên cứu trong điều khiển phi tuyến. Bộ điều khiển PID được sử dụng rộng rãi, cho kết quả tốt nhất trong điều kiện không biết mô hình toán học của hệ thống điều khiển. Tuy nhiên, để đạt được hiệu quả tốt nhất thì các thông số PID cần được tính toán và lựa chọn phù hợp cho từng hệ thống. Bài báo đề xuất phương pháp xác định thông số bộ điều khiển PID điều khiển con lắc ngược ở vị trí cân bằng thẳng đứng sử dụng thuật toán tối ưu Jaya. Bên cạnh đó, bài báo sẽ so sánh kết quả của thuật toán với các phương pháp điều khiển khác như LQR, tuyến tính hóa…
NGHIÊN CỨU XÂY DỰNG CHƯƠNG TRÌNH MÁY TÍNH ĐỂ XÁC ĐỊNH BỀ DÀY LỚP CHẾT ĐẦU DÒ GERMANIUM SIÊU TINH KHIẾT SỬ DỤNG THUẬT TOÁN DI TRUYỀN KẾT HỢP VỚI MCNP5
Authors: VÕ XUÂN ÂN
Published: January 2022

Thuật toán di truyền ngày càng được sử dụng rộng rãi trong nhiều lĩnh vực để xác định giá trị tối ưu cho bộ tham số của các hệ thống phức tạp. Đặc biệt, trong nghiên cứu hệ phổ kế gamma, việc kết hợp thuật toán di truyền với chương trình mô phỏng Monte Carlo MCNP5 đã cho phép xác định kích thước hình học tối ưu từ hộp đựng mẫu cho đến cấu trúc buồng chì che chắn. Công trình này đề xuất nghiên cứu xây dựng chương trình máy tính để xác định bề dày lớp chết của đầu dò germanium siêu tinh khiết loại p sử dụng thuật toán di truyền kết hợp với MCNP5. Kết quả cho thấy rằng phổ gamma tính toán và phổ gamma thực nghiệm trùng khớp tốt với nhau. Mặc khác, phương pháp này cho phép tự động tính toán trên các máy tính cá nhân thông thường từ khâu chuẩn bị các thông số đầu vào cho đến việc thực hiện quá trình tìm kiếm giá trị tối ưu của bề dày lớp chết nên tiết kiệm đáng kể thời gian tính toán và kết quả tính toán có độ tin cậy cao.