bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Right to the city" (H. Lefebvre, D. Garvey): history and modernity
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Podolian G. P. , Rykhlytska O. D. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the analysis of the important, but now neglected right of modern citizens around the world – the right to the city. For the first time this topic was considered by the French sociologist H. Lefebvre. D. Garvey continues this work on the results of the 2008 economic crisis. The authors consider modern economic (financial crises, growth of real estate markets, impoverishment, exploitation, debt accumulation, fraud practices, etc.), social (urbanization, suburbanization, growing social inequality, polarization, segregation), geographical (spatial indicators of urbanization, import of the specified models of spatial arrangement of cities all over the world), moral (indifference, enmity, meanness in relations between well-off and low-paid citizens, disappearance of various forms of solidary collective urban activity). Problems of urban life are based on a critique of the complex processes of growth of capitalist management with parallel urbanization and globalization processes. The idea of finding a balance between the contradictory in social and private interests of urban activity is defended. The city acts as a set of tangible and intangible assets. Each type of society forms a special type of city. Each city can be "read" if you know the language of symbols. The influences of ideology and symbolism in the city on the consciousness of citizens are more than important. The modern existence of the city is characterized by the growing importance of the influences of the ideology of the ruling groups. The importance of active development of urban space is associated with material, historical, cultural, features of social life. The importance of creating and improving the city by residents is emphasized. The city is the result of creating space for a social life. Possible means of fighting for the right to the city through active public activity, formation of systemic coordinated protest movements in the world, creation of science about the city with the use of scientific analysis of urban problems, approaches to urban planning, use of modern technology, knowledge and art, are analyzed.
Clinical efficacy of assisted intranasal ventilation after polysegmental pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Authors: Nikiforov Vladimir V. , Stebletcov Sergey V. , Maslennikova Olga M. , Zakirova Alina S. , Pashovkina Olga V.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: The development of ways of rehabilitation of patients after polysegmental viral pneumonia that enable the collapsed alveoli being transferred to a ventilated and actively perfused state is certainly relevant. In this regard, non-invasive respiratory support can be considered as a reasonable additional method of treatment for these patients.
AIMS: Assess the feasibility of non-invasive assisted ventilation of the lungs after suffering polysegmental pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 patients after bilateral polysegmental pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The first group of patients (21 people), in addition to the standard treatment, underwent non-invasive assisted intranasal ventilation in the BiPAP mode with a final expiratory pressure of 48 cm of water. Art. 60 minutes three times a day for 1012 days. The second group (19 people) did not receive ventilation benefits. Before the start of therapy and at the end of the course, spirometry, computed tomography of the chest organs were performed with the calculation of the volume of the affected lung tissue according to the Thoracic VCAR program.
RESULTS: Upon completion of the course of treatment and rehabilitation measures in patients of the first group, the following was observed: a decrease in atelectatic changes and pneumofibrosis, an increase in the volume of ventilated areas of the lungs, the volume of the affected lung tissue according to computed tomography significantly decreased (on average, up to 269.8%; p 0.05). There was a significant improvement in the indicators of spirometry in the first group. The increase in the volume of forced exhalation in one second was 2532%, while vital capacity of the lungs was 2731%. When evaluating long-term pulse oximetry, the average saturation at night in these patients increased from 91.22.1 to 96.41.8 (p 0.05). Clinical improvement in patients of the first group led to a decrease in bed-days to an average of 15.4, while in patients of the second group it averaged 23.4 days.
CONCLUSION: The use of assisted intranasal ventilation restores the ventilation-perfusion ratio, which is confirmed by a significant improvement in clinical and instrumental parameters.
Present problem of neurororehabilitology: methods for quantitative assessment of pathological increased muscle tone
Authors: Shunenkov Denis A. , Loginov Alexey A. , Bosenko Sergey A. , Saveliev Oleg G. , Kovaleva Nadezhda Yu. , Vorobiev Alexander V. , Lebedev Alexey S. , Kanarskii Mikhail M.
Published: February 2022

One of the urgent problems of neurorehabilitation is spasticity ― a motor disorder that depends on the rate of muscle stretching due to the enhancement of tonic stretch reflexes due to a violation of supraspinal inhibitory signals, which is manifested by intermittent or prolonged involuntary muscle activation. In addition to spasticity, the clinical forms of lesions of the upper motor neurons in the form of muscle hypertonicity include rigidity and dystonia.
Although spasticity is one of the most common occurrences, its precise definition and pathophysiology remain unclear.
Spasticity reduces the effectiveness of rehabilitation of patients with severe disabling diseases. With organic lesions of the brain, movement disorders are often caused by increased muscle tone, which makes it difficult to perform simple movements. For the correct setting of treatment goals for a patient with spasticity syndrome, including for the development of an individual rehabilitation program with a further assessment of its effectiveness, it is necessary to correctly determine the spasticity and its severity, differentiate from other forms of pathological changes in muscle tone (rigidity, plasticity, contractures), as well as to assess the impact on the active and passive function of the limb, daily life and quality of life of the patient.
An important issue in the rehabilitation process is the method of quantitative assessment of the pathological increase in muscle tone, for which the collection of complaints and anamnesis, physical neurological examination, scales and various options for instrumental examination are used.
The review article presents modern and traditional methods for quantifying muscle tone, as well as methods of therapy.
Investigation of the Essential Nature of TCA Cycle Enzyme Fumarate Hydratase in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors:   , Kleinwaks Lindsay Pomykala , Vaidya Akhil B.
Published: February 2022

Plasmodium falciparum is unable to synthesize purines, relying on the purine salvage pathway (PSP). Adenylosuccinate synthase and adenylosuccinate lyase act on scavenged hypoxanthine, adenosine, and aspartate to produce AMP, generating fumarate as a byproduct. We are interested in understanding the fate of this fumarate and the putative link to TCA metabolism. A fumarate cycle has been proposed in which PSPderived fumarate is recycled to aspartate by the action of fumarate hydratase (FH), malate dehydrogenase, and aspartate aminotransferase. PSP-essentiality raises the question as to whether the fumarate cycle is also essential. Plasmodium FH is an iron-sulfur (Fe-S) containing Type I enzyme, distinct from the Type II FH present in host cells, raising the possibility of its being an attractive drug target. Previous studies have shown that the FH gene could not be genetically disrupted using traditional knockout techniques. We have carried out additional characterization studies to have additional information needed for exploration of PfFH as a drug target. Further attempts to disrupt PfFH using a CRISPR/Cas9 approach were unsuccessful, supporting that PfFH cannot be genetically ablated. We were, however, able to tag the 3'-UTR of PfFH with a glucosamineregulatable ribozyme (glmS) sequence. This has provided a means to assess consequences of conditional expression knockdown. Using glucosamine for ribozyme-mediated mRNA degradation, it was discovered that PfFH protein expression can be knocked down up to 98% without detriment to parasite viability in as little as one asexual cycle. Monitoring gene expression showed no change in PSP-related or glycolytic enzymes, suggesting the 2-5% of FH remaining is all that is required for parasite viability. Metabolomic analysis of the knockdown line showed no changes in related metabolite presence, confirming that PfFH knockdown has no effect on parasite viability. Ectopic expression of PfFH alternatively showed an 11-fold increase in FH as well as changes in expression of phosphofructokinase, triose phosphate isomerase, and aspartate aminotransferase, which may reflect a role for FH in PSP-metabolism. Taken together, the data supports that PfFH expression cannot be completely depleted by knockout and that overexpression of PfFH trigger changes in cellular metabolism, suggesting that this divergence from Type II FH might be important for the purine salvage pathway, and is likely essential for parasite viability.
The antimalarial drug target PfATP4 and effects of its inhibition at the intersection of life and death in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors:   , Ramanathan Aarti Atmaram , Vaidya Akhil B.
Published: February 2022

Plasmodium falciparum P-type Na⁺ /H⁺ ATPase (PfATP4) is a novel antimalarial drug target that is crucial for maintaining low [Na⁺]_i in malaria parasites during the intraerythrocytic cycle. Drugs targeting PfATP4 cause disruption of Na⁺ homeostasis within the parasite, a consequence that leads to parasite death and rapid in vivo clearance. Here we showed that PfATP4 exists as a large complex. Immuno-pulldown and proteomic analyses revealed that PfATP4 assembles co-translationally into homo-oligomeric complexes. PfATP4 forms a distinct class within P-type ATPases having fewer transmembrane (TM) helices compared to their orthologues. We hypothesized that reduced TM helices might necessitate oligomerization for its function. We predicted pi-pi interactions between aromatic amino acids in the last helix to be critical for oligomerization. By using merodiploid parasite lines expressing wildtype or mutant PfATP4 genes at an ectopic locus, in which endogenous copy is conditionally expressed, we showed that, unlike the wildtype, parasites expressing mutant PfATP4 were unable to oligomerize and complement the knockdown of endogenous PfATP4 causing parasite demise. To understand signaling events that lead to parasite demise upon Na⁺ homeostasis disruption, we carried out phosphoproteomic analysis of parasites treated with PfATP4-active drugs. This revealed massive dephosphorylation of parasite proteins upon drug treatment. One of the most significant modifications was of A TP-dependent phosphofructokinase (PfPFK). Further, analyses reveal enrichment in pathways related to cell cycle progression such as DNA replication, repair, microtubule-organization, chromosome segregation and mRNA metabolism. Having previously shown that PfATP4-active drugs trigger premature schizogony, these data lead us to propose a metabolic-collapse to be a physiological requisite preceding schizogony.
EXTRACTION OF METHANE GAS DURING BROWN COAL MINING AND POSSIBILITY OF ITS USAGE
Authors:   Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnology, Department of Montaneous Sciences, Institute of Earth’s Resources, Kosice, Slovak Republic, SKVAREKOVA ERIKA , RIMAR MIROSLAV ,   Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Manufacturing, Technologies with a seat in Presov, Department of Process Technique, Presov, Slovak Republic, KIZEK JAN ,   Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Manufacturing, Technologies with a seat in Presov, Department of Process Technique, Presov, Slovak Republic, TEPLICKA KATARINA ,   Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnology, Department of Montaneous Sciences, Institute of Earth’s Resources, Kosice, Slovak Republic, SOFRANKO MARIAN ,   Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Mining, Ecology, Process Control and Geotechnology, Department of Montaneous Sciences, Institute of Earth’s Resources, Kosice, Slovak Republic, LOPUSNIAK MARTIN ,   Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Institute of Architectural Engineering, Department of Building Structures, Kosice, Slovak Republic
Published: February 2022

Coal mining is still proceeding in some countries today, although EU countries have agreed to move to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. Mine gases were developed during coalification. The quantity of gas inside the coal deposits depends on the: level of coalification, quantity of colliery tip and on conditions, which have contributed to the keeping of gas inside the coal deposits. Mine gases are endangering mining operation hence it is necessary to assure their dilution or extraction. We can use the extracted mine gas in different ways from supplies to the system of natural gas up to using it in different appliances. This article deals with the formation, acquisition and extraction of mine gas locally during mining operation. This technology increases the safety of the mining area. It contributes to the reduction of CH4 emissions and uses them for energy purposes.
A comparative study on the pharmacovigilance scoring of causality assessment grading and staging of topical pharmacotherapy of ofloxacin 0.3% ophthalmic solution in bacterial conjunctivitis and ofloxacin 0.3% otic solution in otitis externa
Authors: Hazra Moumita
Published: February 2022

Background: Topical pharmacotherapeutic modalities would minimalize systemic adverse effects. Ofloxacin, the bactericidal racemic mixture, has inhibitory effects on DNA gyrase, DNA topoisomerase IV and IL-1α, IL-6, and IL-8. This was a comparative study for pharmacovigilance scoring of causality assessment grading and staging of topical ofloxacin pharmacotherapy in bacterial conjunctivitis and otitis externa.Methods: Group A=50 bacterial conjunctivitis patients were prescribed topical ophthalmic 0.3% ofloxacin, 2 drops in each eye after every 3 hours for 2 days, and 2 drops in each eye after every 6 hours for next 5 days; and group B=50 otitis externa patients were prescribed topical otic 0.3% ofloxacin, 3 drops in each ear after every 6 hours for first 2 days, and 5 drops in each ear after every 12 hours for next 5 days. Comparative adverse drug reactions occurrence, like transient ocular burning or discomfort, ocular irritation, redness, stinging, pruritis, photophobia, ocular watering and dryness in group A, and pruritis, headache, dizziness, mild ear pain, rashes, and hypersensitivity reactions in group B, were analysed with adverse event case report forms, on days 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 30, and on follow-ups, with causality assessment scores, from adverse drug reactions grading and staging.Results: The occurrence of adverse effects were statistically non-significant, in both groups, with causality assessment scoring for group A: -11, none on average=Unlikely causality, and group B: -11, none on average= Unlikely causality.Conclusions: Topical ofloxacin therapy in group A and group B patients, were safe and tolerable; with nil causality of association of adverse drug reactions.
Mothers’ preference for routine immunization appointment reminders in Gombe, Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Rasaki Aliu , Rasheed Ibrahim Olayinka , Amina Mohammed , Adamu Girbo Ahmad , Shina Hassan Kamiliudeen , Rasheedah Ibraheem Mobolaji
Published: February 2022

Background: Globally, under-5 children account for three-quarter of the two million annual deaths caused by vaccine preventable diseases (VPD). The VPD is comparatively higher in developing countries, and in particular, Nigeria where 1 in 5 childhood deaths is VPD-related. This higher mortality has been attributed to inequitable uptake of immunization variably caused by low education, confusion and forgetfulness among others. The millennium mobile phone proliferation has made it a useful reminder tool. We therefore explore access to mobile phone, willingness and predictors of willingness to receive reminder by mothers. Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire was deployed in this cross-sectional study to obtain relevant information from 384 mother-child pairs at the immunization clinic (cluster) over 9 months.Results: A total of 372 (96.9%) and 379 (98.7%) mothers had access to personal and husbands’ phone respectively while 339 (88.3%) mothers showed willingness for a reminder. The factors significantly associated with willingness for immunization reminder were mother’s tertiary education (p=0.008), mother’s unemployment (p=0.011), father’s occupation as senior public servant (p=0.001) and mother’s access to personal phone (p=0.015). Adjusting for confounders, the factors predictive of willingness for immunization reminder were access to personal phone (aOR 11.1, 95% CI 3.160-390.08) and mother’s tertiary education (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.822-5, 302).Conclusions: Access to personal phone and improved education are significant tools in enhancing immunization coverage.
Assessment of palliative care in chronic hematological conditions in children in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Kaushik Dipesh , Kumar Pancham , Sood Arvind , Sood Ambika
Published: February 2022

Background: The aim of palliative care is most certainly the improvement of quality of life of patients suffering from various haematological diseases like leukaemia, haemophilia, thalassemia owing to the importance of palliative care in ensuring quality end-of-life care, provision of palliative care has been identified as an international human right. The objective of this study was to asses palliative care in chronic haematological conditions using Paediatrics palliative screening scale (PaPaS).Methods: 71 cases who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study for assessment of palliative care.  Then, the data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 13) and descriptive and interferential statistics were used.Results: In leukaemia patients the mean PaPaS score was reported to be 23.58 (SD: 7.43). Nineteen participants (61.29%) had a PaPaS score of >25 and 12 participants (38.71%) had PaPaS score of less than 25. In thalassemia patients the mean PaPaS score was reported to be 27.42 (SD: 6.54). Twenty participants (64.52%) had a PaPaS score of >25 and 11 participants or 35.48% had PaPaS score less than 25. In haemophilia patients the mean PaPaS score was reported to be 32.88 (SD: 4.94). Seven participants (87.5%) had a PaPaS score of >25 and only single participants or 12.5% had PaPaS score less than 25. In lymphoma patient the PaPaS score was 34.Conclusions: Chronic hematological diseases have lot of unmet needs of palliative care and study calls for creation of hospice and palliative care facility in all hospitals to meet the unmet needs of palliative care.
Case series of paediatric patients of acute acalculous cholecystitis associated with severe malaria in endemic region over past 3 years at single center
Authors: Vageriya Natasha L. , Inayath Lamia , Athawale Hemangi , Daginawala Taha , Tewari Shweta , Mane Shivaji
Published: February 2022

Although acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) is a rare occurrence in all age groups; its incidence in paediatric patients is 50-60%. Yet ACC in children with malarial parasitic infection is extremely rare with only 12 cases reported as per English literature. We report 7 children with severe malaria developing ACC in a single institute in India over past 3 years. They were managed conservatively under strict observation and recovered completely without any surgical intervention. At a mean follow up of 1.5 years they are asymptomatic with a normal ultrasound imaging.
A rare case of 5p-deletion in a child: Cri-du-chat syndrome
Authors: Narayanan Rajeshwari , Arunachalam Savitha , Jagannathan Prahada
Published: February 2022

The Cri-du-chat syndrome (CdCS; OMIM#123450) is a contiguous gene syndrome caused by a variable deletion of the short arm of the chromosome 5 (5p-). The incidence ranges from 1:15,000 to 1:50,000 live-births. The CdCS diagnosis is suspected in a child with cat like cry during infancy, facial dysmorphisms, hypotonia and delayed psychomotor development. Genotype-phenotype correlation studies shows clinical and cytogenetic variability in CdCS. High resolution G banding karyotyping with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is the definitive method for a precise diagnosis of CdCS. There is no specific therapy for CdCS but early rehabilitative and educational interventions improve the prognosis and is crucial for social rehabilitation. Here the authors reported this case in view of its rarity and classical clinical features and molecular cytogenetic findings.
Heterozygous SLC1A2 mutation in a child with early infantile seizures and global developmental delay
Authors: N. Rajeshwari , J. Prahada , A. Savitha
Published: February 2022

Seizures are a major neurologic disorder in infants and children. It can affect children at any age, from birth through adolescence. Early onset of seizures at birth or in the first few months of life can cause severe cerebral dysfunction. Also, recurrent and persistent seizures lead to severe cognitive and behavioral impairment in children. Hence, control of seizures is crucial for optimal neurodevelopment. Genetic aetiology of seizures is suspected in early onset recurrent seizures below one year of age, refractory to multiple anticonvulsants. Genetic testing in children with recurrent and therapy resistant seizures provides clue to aetiology, helps in treatment, has prognostic value. It also helps to estimate risk of seizure recurrence and helps avoid unnecessary investigations. We hereby report a case of early onset recurrent seizures with global developmental delay. Next generation sequencing revealed heterozygous missense mutation in SLC1A2 gene which is identified as an epileptic encephalopathy (EE) associated gene.
A study of gonadal dysfunction in women with thyroid disease
Authors: Vasudevan Manasa Saligrama , Hosalli Naveenkumar
Published: February 2022

Background: Thyroid diseases are among the commonest endocrine disorders. It effects growth, embryonic development, tissue differentiation, maturation, metabolism, increases chronotropic and inotropic action of heart. The aim was to study gonadal dysfunction in women with thyroid disease; to study levels of FSH, LH, prolactin, estrogen and testosterone in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid.Methods: All participants fulfilling the inclusion criteria were interviewed as per proforma and medical details were recorded in proforma sheet and patients were subjected to necessary blood investigations.Results: Among 80 study subjects, majority were in the age group 26-35 years (60.1%) and majority had overt hypothyroid disease (72.5%). Symptoms of hypothyroid subjects mainly were fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, oligomenorrhea. Hyperthyroid subjects had fatigue, palpitations, oligomenorrhea, polymenorrhea. Prolactin had positive correlation with TSH in hypothyroid subjects, their LH, FSH levels were normal and sex steroid levels were low. In contrary, majority of the hyperthyroid subjects had normal prolactin and FSH, high LH and high sex steroid levels.Conclusions: The study demonstrated that thyroid disease in women causes menstrual abnormalities due to altered gonadotropin patterns which in turn alter ovarian hormone pattern. Hypothyroidism is associated with hyperprolactinemia leading to anovulation and abnormal menstrual cycle. Hyperthyroidism is associated with increased levels of LH, estrogen and testosterone with normal levels of PRL and FSH. Screening, identifying and correcting thyroid disease should be undertaken to prevent infertility as early as possible.
Sonographic features of pelvic pain among adults in a Nigerian population
Authors: Eze Joseph C. , Ezugwu Emmanuel E. , Nwodo Victor K. , Ugwuanyi Daniel C. , Ezeh James E.
Published: February 2022

Background: Pelvic pain is abdominal pain located below the level of umbilicus, including frequent lower back pain with or without radiation to the thighs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the common ultrasound findings in subjects with pelvic pain.Methods: It was a retrospective study and involved collection of information from the folders of the subjects. A total of 820 folders were used for this study. Information collected from these folders included; the age, sex, provisional diagnosis and ultrasound findings. Data collected was arranged and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used and results arranged in frequency tables and percentages.Results: The result showed that males were 160 (20%) and females were 660 (80%). The age ranged from < 20years to 70 years and above. The mean age of the subjects was 35.66±15.82 years. The mean age of the male is 51.83±21.56 years and that of the females is 31.77±11.02 years. Normal scan was the predominant ultrasound finding. The most common pathological finding was uterine fibroid (21.3%) and followed by pelvic inflammatory disease (15.2%).Conclusions: Ultrasound is an essential tool in the diagnosis of pelvic pain in males and females. Uterine fibroid was the most common pathological finding in females while benign prostate hypertrophy was the most common in males.
Levosimendan: evolution over last two decades
Authors: Gupta Kishore , Shah Dhiren , Naik Dhaval
Published: February 2022

Levosimendan was maiden agent at the time of its emergence, promoting inotropy mainly through calcium sensitization of cardiac troponin C (cTnC). Levosimendan seems a lucrative option but has not demonstrated a clear superiority to other inotropes in well-designed trials. We searched the PubMed database and reviewed the pertinent studies published till 2021 and summarized various trials/studies to come to a consensus regarding its indications in cardiac patients. Patients with decompensated heart failure requiring inotropic support and receiving beta-blockers represent most widely accepted indication. Levosimendan infusions are increasingly used to facilitate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) weaning and avoiding hospitalizations in patients with end-stage heart failure. Levosimendan doesn’t seem to have long term survival benefit in ventricular dysfunction patients undergoing surgery. The evidence supporting the role in right ventricular failure is not well-established. These lines of evidence require further investigation and their clinical significance needs to be evaluated in specifically designed prospective trials.
Myiasis of the head-neck region: a grossly underreported entity in the practice of otorhinolaryngology
Authors: Chatterji Probal , Choudhary Somya
Published: February 2022

Background: The term “myiasis” denotes a parasitic infestation of live human/vertebrate animal host by dipterous larvae of flies. In the head-neck region, the nasal cavity is most commonly involved. Risk factors include extremes of age, habit of sleeping outdoors in daytime and rural residence. The maggots have a tendency to burrow into host tissues with propensity to cause local/distant complications. There is paucity of clinical material on this subject suggesting that it is grossly under-reported. This study was performed to determine the patient profile, various sites of involvement, associated complications and response to treatment.

Methods: Detailed history was taken regarding relevant points followed by clinical examination in every case. Radiological investigation was advised whenever indicated. Daily removal of maggots was done endoscopically and patients were discharged only when they were maggot free on two consecutive days. All relevant information was noted in a standard case sheet.

Results: 20 patients were identified with female preponderance of 2.3:1. All patients hailed from lower socio-economic background and 85% had rural residence. Cases presented throughout the year with maximum incidence in summer. Most patients were in extremes of age. 80% had nasal cavity involvement followed by aural (15%) and tracheostomal involvement (5%). Complications were exclusively associated with nasal myiasis. Aural myiasis was seen exclusively in children.

Conclusions: Myiasis of the head-neck region appears to be an omnipresent health problem in the Indian subcontinent with propensity for complications if left untreated. It is a grossly under-reported condition with no standard treatment protocol.

 
Management of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: our experience
Authors: Pawar Rameshwar T. , Nitnaware A. Z. , Patel Seema , Singh Pradyumna , Rana Dharmik , Bhatt Himani
Published: February 2022

Background: Mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive, angio-invasive fungal infection caused by the fungus belonging to mucoraceae family that has predilection for the paranasal sinuses and adjacent mucosa. Of all the forms of mucormycosis, rhino orbital cerebral (ROCM) is the most commonand most aggressive. Our aim is to study the diagnosis, investigation, medical and surgical management of ROCM.

Methods: A retrospective study of 273 patients was conducted at the department of ENT, government medical college and hospital, Nagpur between March 2021 to August 2021. Data was collected and analysed.

Results: Total 273 patients of mucormycosis were included in this study. There was total 197 (73%) males and 76 (27%) females, patient belonged to age group between 16 to 74 years. Diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical presentation and typical radiological and histopathological findings. On radiography, disease may be limited to a single sinus or involve multiple sinuses. In our study maxillary sinus was most commonly involved sinus 265 (97.06%) followed by ethmoid sinus 258 (94.50%), sphenoid sinus 209 (76.55%), frontal sinus 88 (32.23%). Extension to pterygomaxillary and infratemporal fossa was seen in 160 (58.60% patients), frontal bone involvement in 7 (2.56%), intra-orbital extension 67 (24.54%), intracranial extension 43 (15.75%), mandibular erosion 4 (1.46%).

Conclusions: Rhino orbital cerebral mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection, with very high mortality. Interprofessional management typically consists of intervention from an infectious disease specialist, otorhinolaryngologist, microbiologist, ophthalmologist, and paramedical staff, all working hand in hand for better achievement of results. Early diagnosis and intervention surely achieve better prognosis.
Fibrous dysplasia of maxillary sinus-our experience
Authors: Jayakumar Varunkumar , Jaiswal Shubhalaxmi Atmaram
Published: February 2022

The fibrous dysplasia is a benign bone disease, of slow growth and unknown etiology. The involvement of the craniofacial skeleton is not uncommon and generally produces facial asymmetries. Presenting case series with fibrous dysplasia occupying the entire maxillary sinus confirmed with the radiological investigations. The patients were clinically examined and with proper explained consent patients were worked up for excision of the involved lesion. Coronal sections of paranasal sinuses was done and diagnosis was confirmed. Patients were posted for recontouring of fibrous dysplasia and achieved cosmetic refigurement. The surgical treatment remains as the main therapeutic approach and the postoperative follow-up is necessary due to this condition recurrent nature.
A synchronous medullary and papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Varela-Cano Oscar , Luna-Peteuil Zelik , Luna-Ortiz Kuauhyama
Published: February 2022

The synchronous occurrence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is rare (<1%). The medullary component determines the prognosis. A 31-year-old female with no relevant personal or family cancer history presented with swelling on the right side of the neck. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy was positive for MTC and PTC. Mass sequencing of 322 genes associated with cancer came back negative. The histopathological examination revealed synchronous MTC and PTC with thymic and bilateral lymph node metastasis. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy with bilateral radical neck dissection (II-V), central dissection, and mediastinal dissection including the thymus. The extent of surgery is determined by MTC and the analysis of RET and BRAF mutations. Post-operative treatment must include monitoring for specific markers (calcitonin and thyroglobulin, respectively, for MTC and PTC). Based on histopathological results and recurrent PTC, TSH suppression and iodine-131 therapy should be considered. Recurrent MTC must be treated with new targeted therapies.
Phacomatosis pigmentovascularis: a rare case report
Authors: Singh Santosh K. , Pandey Amit K. , Meena Balavant S.
Published: February 2022

Phacomatosis pigmentovascularis is a rare group of syndromes characterized by the co-existence of a vascular nevus and a pigmentary nevus with or without extracutaneous systemic involvement. The existing classifications of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis are based on phenotypic characteristics. We report a case of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis, with nevus flammeus, nevus anaemicus and dermal melanocytosis without extracutaneous manifestations. The molecular basis of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis is yet to be elucidated. Whether the various subtypes of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis are separate molecular entities or phenotypic variants of the same disease needs to be settled.
An unusual presentation of Gomm-Button disease: a diagnostic enigma
Authors: Lakamsani Nagapadma , K. Sridevi , S. B. Ramamurthy D. V. , A. L. Senthil Kumar , Salecha Akshay Jain
Published: February 2022

Gomm-Button disease (Sweet syndrome) typically presents with abrupt onset of tender skin lesions accompanied by fever and neutrophilia. Histopathology shows the presence of dense neutrophilic infiltrates, oedema without vasculitis. One of the criteria for diagnosis of sweets syndrome is the absence of vasculitis. However, recent reports suggest that vasculitis should not exclude the diagnosis. We present a case of Sweet syndrome with an atypical clinical and histopathological presentation.

 
White halo around a congenital melanocytic naevus
Authors: Nayak Vijayalakshmi , Nakka Monica
Published: February 2022

This is a case report of Sutton nevus/ Halo naevus/ leukoderma acquisitum centrifugum in a young boy around congenital melanocytic naevus without any associated vitiligo. Halo naevi occur in 1% of the white population. The prevalence is higher in patients with Turner syndrome. It can occur at any age but frequently occurs in a young person. It can be associated with vitiligo and turner syndrome. Postulated pathogenesis is destruction of the melanocytes by cytotoxic T cells. There is frequently lymphocytic infiltration around the naevus in the histopathological examination, and ultrastructurally we can see cytotoxic changes in the naevus cells. It is mainly seen around the acquired congenital naevus but can also occur around spitz naevi, neurofibroma, primary or secondary malignant melanoma. 50% Sutton naevus regress in months to years. Usually, no treatment is required unless, when in doubt, you can do an excision biopsy. Our patient was managed conservatively and followed every six months. This case is being reported because of the condition's rarity and for learning purposes.  
Breve 23. Fallas en el mercado de medicamentos genéricos en Chile y recomendaciones para mejorar la competencia
Authors: Rodríguez Lesmes Paul , Flores Arenas Bárbara
Published: February 2022

Este breve presenta un resume los principales allazgos del estudio presentado en la Nota Técnica, "Fallas en el mercado de medicamentos genéricos en Chile y recomendaciones para mejorar la competencia"Fallas en el mercado de medicamentos genéricos en Chile y recomendaciones para mejorar la competencia". Este estudio analiza el mercado de medicamentos genéricos y su nivel de competencia en Chile. A pesar de los beneficios que genera la existencia y disponibilidad de genéricos en el mercado una vez expira la patente, en la práctica, el funcionamiento del mercado de medicamentos presenta fallas que limitan los niveles de competencia. La presente publicación indaga en las causas que limitan la competencia y su efecto sobre el precio final que enfrentan los consumidores. Para proponer recomendaciones concretas de política pública para el contexto chileno. El estudio presenta tres análisis cuantitativos de concentración de mercado: a nivel de los hogares, a nivel de las compras públicas y a nivel de las farmacias. A partir de los resultados obtenidos y de un análisis cualitativo de entrevistas a actores clave, surgen recomendaciones que se clasifican en torno a un nivel macro o sistémico y según actor: distribuidores, prescriptores y pacientes. Más allá de que cada uno, presenta sus propias particularidades, para lograr eficiencia en el gasto público y privado en medicamentos se requiere de esfuerzos colectivos y de políticas complementarias entre los diferentes niveles del mercado.
Evaluación extendida del Programa de País: República Dominicana: 2013-2020
Authors: Soriano Alejandro , Rojas-Hosse Andrea , Vaca Orlando , Putic Melanie
Published: February 2022

Este documento presenta la evaluación de la Oficina de Evaluación y Supervisión (OVE) sobre el Programa de País del Grupo del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) con la República Dominicana durante el período 2013-2020, lo que corresponde a dos periodos de planificación estratégica. Esta es la quinta evaluación independiente que realiza OVE del programa del Grupo BID en la República Dominicana. Las anteriores cubrieron los periodos 1991-2003 (documento RE-306); 2004-2008 (documento RE-371); 2010-2013 (documento RE-453) y 2013-2016 (documento RE-505). La presente evaluación, al igual que otras de este tipo, tiene por finalidad examinar la relación del Banco con la República Dominicana desde una perspectiva independiente e integral, y atiende al doble propósito de fortalecer la rendición de cuentas y compartir lecciones aprendidas de cara al apoyo futuro del Banco y, en especial, a la próxima Estrategia de País. La Evaluación del Programa de País examina de forma detenida el diseño, la implementación y los resultados de las operaciones aprobadas o activas entre 2013 y 2020, teniendo en cuenta el contexto nacional y los documentos estratégicos aplicables.
Fatores que Influenciam a Satisfação de Discentes com Instituições Educacionais na Modalidade a Distância no Ensino Superior Brasileiro
Authors: Silva Paulo de Jesus Santos , Bastos Sérgio Augusto Pereira
Published: February 2022

O objetivo desta pesquisa é identificar os fatores antecedentes que afetam a qualidade percebida do curso e a posterior satisfação dos alunos com instituições de ensino superior na modalidade a distância. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, com corte transversal e dados quantitativos obtidos por meio de aplicação de questionário eletrônico. Os dados foram analisados por modelagem de equações estruturais. Os resultados indicam que os construtos de suporte à aprendizagem, risco financeiro e habilidade tecnológica influenciam a qualidade percebida do curso que, por sua vez, impacta positivamente a satisfação com a instituição de ensino pelos discentes. Logo, há contribuição teórica para a área de ensino-aprendizagem. De forma prática, os resultados confirmam caminhos para a ampliação da modalidade EaD, contribuindo para o aprimoramento e a criação de novas tecnologias voltadas ao ensino EaD, assim como de metodologias de ensino, de forma a aumentar sua utilização exponencialmente, a adesão de mais alunos e o processo de melhoria contínua dos resultados.

Palavras-chave: Ensino-aprendizagem. Educação a distância. Qualidade percebida. Satisfação com instituições de ensino.
Diseño optimizado del perfil de pala de un aerogenerador doméstico de 700 W mediante algoritmo genético
Authors: Sánchez-Orgaz Eva María , Maronda-Tarrasa Iolanda , Muñoz-Pellicer David , Martínez-Sanchís Sandra
Published: February 2022

Los aerogeneradores domésticos son una fuente de energía limpia que no está siendo explotada por la población debido, en parte, a su elevado coste. El objetivo de este artículo es encontrar un perfil optimizado de pala para potenciar la producción de aerogeneradores domésticos. Cumpliendo con los ensayos a estática y dinámica, se pretende obtener un producto con menores costes asociados al material y producción de este. Para dicha optimización se empleará el algoritmo genético ya que presentan algunas fortalezas como que encuentra el óptimo global o su posibilidad de manipular muchos parámetros al mismo tiempo.
Evaluación del desempeño de un motor-generador que utiliza GLP de alto contenido de butano como combustible
Authors: Romero-Piedrahita Carlos Alberto , Mejía-Calderón Luz Adriana
Published: February 2022

En este trabajo se presentan los resultados del diagnóstico de desempeño de un grupo motor-generador de 6 cilindros, originalmente diseñado para funcionar con combustible diésel o con gas natural, operando en modo de encendido por chispa y alimentado con gas licuado de petróleo (GLP) de alto contenido de butano. Con el fin de evaluar la operación en estados estacionarios y transitorios del motor-generador, se ha diseñado un protocolo original de prueba y registro de variables de operación, basado en una secuencia escalonada de cargas, que comprende el arranque en frío, la operación en vacío, la operación en unos puntos de carga media y a una limitada plena carga. Durante las pruebas se registraron continuamente la variación de la velocidad de rotación del cigüeñal, el tiempo de calentamiento, las temperaturas del motor, las vibraciones del bloque, la potencia activa/reactiva y frecuencia del motor-generador, así como las emisiones de escape. Los resultados evidencian que, durante el arranque en frío el motor tarda en alcanzar la velocidad nominal, su tiempo de calentamiento es largo y su respuesta de revoluciones durante los transitorios de carga también es lenta, reflejándose esto último en las desviaciones de voltaje y frecuencia de la energía de salida; también durante los transitorios se intensifican los niveles de vibración, aunque los valores se inscriben dentro de los rangos aceptables según la normativa. El desempeño del par del grupo motor-generador es bueno cuando opera con GLP, satisfaciendo las exigencias para las unidades de motor-generador de clase G2, pero durante los cambios transitorios no cumple con las especificaciones requeridas para la clase G1, en términos de desviaciones de frecuencia y voltaje. A la luz de los límites de emisiones sugeridos por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) para las unidades estacionarias, se puede concluir que, sin ajustes y regulaciones apropiados particulares para el GLP, el conjunto motor-generador no cumple con los límites de emisión de monóxido de carbono.
Composite materials reinforced with fique fibers – a review
Authors: Gómez-Suarez Sergio Andrés , Córdoba-Tuta Edwin
Published: February 2022

Fique is a fiber of South American origin that has adequate properties to be used as reinforcement in composite materials, recently there have been various research for the development of composite materials with this fiber type. This article compiles different studies into composite materials reinforced with fique fiber. Initially discussed the issues related to the properties and treatments most commonly used to fiber to improve their quality and adhesion, then the types of matrix and the main manufacturing techniques that have been used for the manufacture of composites reinforced with fique fiber are described, followed by the different tests and characterization tests that have been applied to them to know their main properties and finally, their applications and the use of micromechanical models to describe them.
Diseño de ahoyador mecánico que mejora la mezcla de suelos y fertilizantes en una sola operación
Authors: Sánchez-Santos Juan Carlos , Ossa-Jiménez Carlos Andrés
Published: February 2022

El objeto de esta investigación es el desarrollo de un equipo agrícola para tractor, cuya función es la excavación de un hoyo de profundidad variable, que permita en una sola operación: (a) Suministrar y realizar una mezcla homogénea de suelo con enmiendas; (b) Mejorar la porosidad y la densidad aparente del suelo; (c) Incrementar la capacidad de penetración radicular de la planta; (d) Normalizar las condiciones para el desarrollo inicial de la plantación; (e) Reducir costos de producción y tiempos de siembra. Procedimientos de la ingeniería inversa e ingeniería concurrente se usaron para para el tratamiento de temas de innovación, adelantando estudios de mercado, estados de la técnica y revisiones de ofertas de especializadas consignados en catálogos técnicos de empresas fabricantes de equipos agrícolas, los cuales fueron contrastados con desarrollos patentados encontrados en entornos académicos para el desarrollo de prototipos virtuales y físicos. Se utilizaron diversas técnicas, métodos de diseño y uso de programas CAD – CAE, para efectuar validaciones, cálculos y comprobaciones como: análisis CFD, construcción de prototipos rápidos (3D Print) y uso de otras tecnologías CNC que se emplearon para la construcción de prototipos físicos a escala 1:5, seleccionando aquellos que tuvieron mejor comportamiento en estudios cinemáticos de fluidos, con los cuales se realizaron pruebas en diversos tipos de suelo. Los resultados de esta investigación aplicada presentan una propuesta y prototipo de diseño a escala 1:1 de un nuevo producto, los enfoques y metodologías empleadas en este estudio se pueden replicar en investigaciones para el diseño y desarrollo equipos o maquinaria agrícola cuyo objetivo es la optimización y la eficacia de procesos de siembra de plantaciones perennes de tardío rendimiento.
Sistema de control métrico bidimensional para tornillos metálicos utilizados en osteosíntesis
Authors: Castillo-Cañas Ivan Rodrigo , Rojas-Chacón Damar Nicolás , Meneses- Fonseca Jaime Enrique , González Gómez Andrés Leonardo
Published: February 2022

Los tornillos metálicos utilizados en osteosíntesis son fabricados con dimensiones precisas para evitar complicaciones en el procedimiento quirúrgico, y optimizar costes y tiempo de producción. Este trabajo de investigación propone un sistema de control que consta de un microscopio digital USB, una base de iluminación LED y una interfaz gráﬁca de usuario (GUI) desarrollada en ImageJ (software de código abierto), cuyo objetivo es validar metrológicamente la calidad de las dimensiones de los tornillos. En los resultados se comparó el largo y ancho del tornillo, obtenido con el sistema propuesto, y la misma medida obtenida con un calibrador pie de rey como un procedimiento de validación metrológica.
An Improved Algorithm Based on Chicken Swarm Optimization for Localization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Rabhi Seddik , Ouahab Abdelwhab , Baddou Saliha , Chetouah Karima
Published: February 2022

The main purpose of localization in wireless sensor networks is to determine the location of the randomly collected sensors. Recently, bio-inspired localization techniques have become popular thanks to its precise and fast solution. In this paper, a recently developed meta-heuristic algorithm based on the social behavior of chickens called chicken swarm optimization (CSO) is used to solve the node localization problem. The studies that we have carried out have demonstrated the clear effect of our proposed approach by changing the characteristics of the network and the number of chickens used, as well as its ability to improve a classical approach based on CSO; and the comparison results with PSO showing the superiority of proposed approach.