bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing a baseline of published air pollution and health research studies in the Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Area
Authors: Wernecke Bianca , Pillay Naidoo Natasha , Wright Caradee Yael
Published: June 2023

An umbrella review study was conducted to establish a baseline of published air pollution and health research studies in the Waterberg-Bojanala Priority Area (WBPA). Forty peer-reviewed research studies were included based on the systematic search criteria. Less than ten studies considered air quality and health in the WBPA (as opposed to only air quality) and of these studies, only a few collected human health data in relation to air pollution exposure. Identified studies together showed that air quality is a problem in the WBPA, with ambient air quality levels often exceeding national ambient air quality standards. Based on the findings, we recommend that more focused health studies be conducted in the WBPA to better understand the air pollution-related health burden at the population and the individual level. Such studies will help bolster the baseline evidence of the impacts of air pollution on human health and wellbeing in the WBPA and support decision-making in the future.
The Influence of External Stakeholders on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting: Toward a Conceptual Framework for ESG Disclosure
Authors: Wong Wai-Khuen , Teh Boon-Heng , Tan Siow-Hooi ,   Multimedia University
Published: June 2023

In recent years, governments and investors globally are compelling major corporate organizations to disclose important environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. The continued flatlining of ESG reporting quality has led some parties to call on policymakers to take advantage of the distinct contextual pressure from external stakeholders to improve corporate ESG commitments. However, the relationship between external stakeholders and ESG disclosure remains ambiguous, both theoretically and empirically. Grounded in stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, resource-based theory, and slack resource theory, this article reconceptualizes Ullmann’s 1985 model of corporate social performance to present a novel conceptual framework to examine the external stakeholders-ESG disclosure relationship. This article contributes to the literature by illustrating the mediating effect of the strategic posture and the moderating effect of corporate financial performance on corporate ESG discourse perpetuated by powerful stakeholders.
Agronomic Responses of Sweet Corn - Peanut Intercropping to Liquid Organic Fertilizer Grown in Different Dosages of Vermicompost
Authors: Fahrurrozi  , Muktamar Zainal , Sudjatmiko Sigit
Published: June 2023

Applying organic fertilizer and intercropping systems are among the techniques for preserving land sustainability in organic vegetable production systems. In organic vegetable production, the use of liquid organic fertilizer has been suggested in addition to the use of solid organic fertilizer. This study evaluates how growth and yields of sweet corn and peanuts grown utilizing row intercropping respond to different vermicomposting dosages. A factorial experiment is arranged using a split-plot design with three replicates. The main plot is vermicomposting dosages; 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 Mg/ha, and the sub-plot was the applications of liquid organic fertilizer, not fertilized and fertilized with liquid organic fertilizer. Results show that the application of liquid organic fertilizer elevated plant height and leaf area, length, diameter, and weight of husked ears of sweet corn. Vermicomposting increased plant height, husked ear length, husked ear diameter, and husked ear fresh weight of sweet corn. Twenty Mg/ha is the best dosage for producing sweet corn intercropped with peanuts. However, using vermicompost and liquid organic fertilizers did not increase the growth and yields of peanuts. Evaluation of nutrient uptakes by intercropped crops, sweet corn, and peanut, in organic production systems, should be the subject of further study.
EMANCIPATORY AND FEMINIST IDEAS IN THE NOWEL «THE TEACHER» BY TADEUSZ MICIŃSKI
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko national University of Kyiv, Dyka Alina
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to feminist ideas in T. Miciński’s novel «The Teacher». Attention is drawn to the general features of «Young Poland» as an era in Polish culture and the place of feminism in it. The author focuses on the pecu- liarities of the collection «The Oaks of Tchernobyl», on its main ideas and preface. The way of expressing T. Miciński’s thoughts and emotions in the novel «The Teacher» is considered, namely his convincing attempt to express femininity in a work written by a man. A brief psychological portrait of the main character of the story is given, as well as the influence of her biography on the girl’s worldview is substantiated. The article examines the differences between the two editions of the novel «The Teacher» ‒ 1896 and 1911. Attention is drawn to the plot changes, a brighter solution, deeper metaphors and more clearly defined feminist concepts. It emphasizes the noticeable change of Amelia in the 1st and 2nd editions of the novel: from indecisive and naive to a mature and strong girl. Wojciech Gutowski’s concept of the «Valkyrie-Bee» is analyzed, according to which the «Valkyrie» symbols in the story signify courage, the desire for freedom and the readiness of the main character to fight against the social norms of the time. The symbols of «Bee» mean obedience, hesitation and attachment to their students. The «Valkyrie’s» constant struggle with the «Bee» (and the victory of the former) is one of the main feminist ideas in the story. The author of the article also draws attention to a number of other female characters who embody feminist images: Zosia, Manya, Stefka, Mrs. Kurbet and Anna. Zoska’s moral and professional growth throughout the plot is emphasized, as well as a symbolic allusion to Kl- ementyna Hoffmanova, which turns Zoska into a powerful image of the women’s movement in Poland, which seeks to develop, achieve more and help future generations. The conclusion is made about the power of feminist ideas in the novel and the possibility of the author’s unconscious influence of «The Teacher» on the development of the women’s movement in Poland.
Outcomes of early and interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis at a teaching hospital in Kerala: A prospective observational comparative study
Authors: J Thomas , AN Oommen , J Mathew , V Abhijith , RR Joy
Published: June 2023

Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a widely used treatment modality for acute cholecystitis remains controversial. This prospective observational comparative study investigated patient outcomes for early (ELC) and interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ILC) in patients with acute cholecystitis admitted to the General Surgery Department at a tertiary care centre in Thrissur, Kerala, between December 2018 and June 2020. Of 67 patients, 34 were assigned to ELC and 33 to ILC groups and followed up for 2 weeks post-surgery. Patient characteristics, clinical features, investigations, intra operative details and post operative outcomes were tabulated. Comparison of age was statistically analyzed using student’s ‘t’ test, demographics and morbidity data using Fisher’s exact test/ Chi-square test and length of hospital stay using Mann Whitney U test. Mean age was significantly higher in the ILC group. 66% of study participants were females with a higher proportion of females observed in the ILC group. Post-surgical complications were not significantly higher in ELC group compared to ILC group. Total length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the ILC group than in ELC group (10.2 ±4.5 vs. 7.1 ±3.0) days, p value: 0.001). Duration of hospital stay for the laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure taken separately, was longer in ELC group comparatively, 7 ±3.01 versus 4 ±-2.38, (p value: <0.001). There was no mortality. It was observed in the present study that ELC is preferable to ILC for acute cholecystitis with added benefit of shorter hospital stay. Further large randomized trials would be valuable to make recommendations for future management. Keywords: acute cholecystitis; laparoscopic cholecystectomy; hospital stay; conversion rate
Association between depression and diabetes in the South-Eastern zone of the state of Uttar Pradesh-India: A cross-sectional study
Authors: A Singh , J Shukla , N Sachan , R Kumari , GP Dubey
Published: June 2023

Background: Depression is among the most common mental health problems among people with chronic complications like type 2 diabetes mellitus is brought on by flaws in insulin secretion and activity; however, genetic factors also play a role in both insulin resistance and beta-cell failure, but environmental factors also play a role in aggravating both problems. The presence of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes may interfere with treatment and efficacy. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression in this metabolic variant clinical condition, type 2 diabetes mellitus, in major tertiary care hospitals in the South-Eastern Uttar Pradesh cities of Allahabad and Varanasi. Subjects and methods: For this study, 206 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus from rural and urban areas were recruited. Demographic, clinical, and diabetes-related data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9), a standardized questionnaire developed in the United States and validated in the Indian population. Results: The prevalence of depression in diabetics in the community was 43.2%. The most common type of depression was mild (29.3%, 26), and the least common was severe depression (3, 3.37%). Several factors were associated with depression in the female gender: living in a rural area, unemployment, and being single. The complications of diabetes and other chronic conditions, such as hypertension and obesity, are also associated with depression. Conclusion: Depression was found to be particularly high in the study population. Because depression can significantly impede patient adherence to treatment, there is an urgent need for early diagnosis and treatment. This requires integrating mental health care for diabetes patients. Keywords: prevalence; diabetes; depression; community; higher rate
Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nail for Charcot neuroarthropathy of foot - A prospective observational study
Authors: AK Shan , S Binoy , S Biju , KA Kumar , R Shibu
Published: June 2023

Background: Surgical treatment is often needed for Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) of foot. Even though good outcomes were reported with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) in CN patients, the choice of implant is still an issue. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of TTCA with retrograde intramedullary nail, in patients with CN. Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was done with 41 consecutive patients treated with TTCA with hindfoot retrograde IM nail. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was used for the outcome evaluation, one year after surgery. Results: The mean age was 67.4(±8.7) years, with 63.5% females. Most common cause was diabetes mellitus (75.6%), followed by post-traumatic CN (19.5%) and chronic alcoholism (4.9%). Eleven (26.8%) had good score at the end of 1 year compared to five (12.2%) pre-op and twenty (48.8%) had fair score compared to fifteen (36.6%). The AOFAS score increased one year after surgery (p value 0.001). In twenty (48.8%) patients, the time taken for union was more than 6 months; and in 15 (36.6%) union occurred within 6 months of surgery. Six (14.6%) patients had non-union. Two (4.9%) had deep infection along with non-union. Hardware failure was seen in 3 (7.3%) patients. Hardware failure with non-union was reported in one (2.4%). Four (9.8%) patients had superficial wound infection and amputation done in one (2.4%) patient. Conclusion: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with retrograde intramedullary nail is an acceptable and safe procedure with good clinical outcomes in patients with Charcot arthropathy which obviates the need for amputation. Keywords: Charcot neuroarthropathy; tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis; intramedullary nail; amputation
SOSYAL BİLGİLER DERS KİTAPLARINDA YER ALAN GENEL AĞ HABERLERİNE İLİŞKİN ÖĞRETMEN GÖRÜŞLERİ
Authors: Çakmak Zafer , Aslan Süleyman
Published: June 2023

Sosyal bilgiler dersi konularının aktarımı esnasında genel ağ haberlerinin kullanımının önemli bir amacı da, güncel bilgiler yoluyla ders içeriği somutlaştırmaya yardımcı olmaktır.
Genel ağ haberlerinin ders kitaplarında kullanılması ders içeriğini ve müfredatını zenginleştirerek güncel olaylarla bağdaştırıp tamamlamakta, Sosyal Bilgiler ders kitaplarının kapsamında mevcut olan kavram ve genellemeleri öğrencilerin öğrenebileceği canlı ve güncel materyaller haline getirmektedir.
Bu çalışmanın amacı, sosyal bilgiler ders kitaplarında yer alan genel ağ haberlerinin kapsama, yeterliliğe ve yararlarına ilişkin öğretmen görüşlerinin değerlendirilmesidir. Öğretmenlerin görüşlerini elde etmek için nitel araştırma yaklaşımı kullanılmış ve veriler araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulmuş beş sorudan oluşan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu aracılığıyla elde edilmiştir. Araştırma, Diyarbakır ilinde çalışan 20 Sosyal Bilgiler öğretmeni ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veri analiz tekniği olarak betimsel analizi kullanılmıştır.
Araştırma sonucunda sosyal bilgiler öğretmenlerinin ders kitaplarında kullanılan Genel ağ haberlerinin dersin içeriği ile uyumlu, etkileyici ve yararlı oldukları konusunda görüş bildirmişlerdir. Ayrıca Genel ağ haberlerinin akademik başarıyı artırıcı ve kazanımları destekleyici yönü vurgulanmıştır. Bununla birlikte genel ağ haberlerinin daha fazla kullanılması gerektiği belirtilmiş olup kullanılan genel ağ haberlerinin yurt içi olduğu kadar yurt dışı haberlerle desteklenmesi görüşü ön plana çıkmıştır. Ayrıca öğretmenlerin ders kitaplarına konulan genel ağ haberlerinin güncel olması ve görsellerle desteklenmesi konusunda görüşlerini belirtmişlerdir.
LONG-TERM HEMODYNAMIC OUTCOMES OF DIFFERENT AORTIC VALVE INTERVENTIONS – A REVIEW OF COMPARATIVE STUDIES
Authors: Komarov Roman N. , Badalyan Samson S. , Chernyavsky Stanislav V. , Ismailbayev Alisher M. , Enginoyev Soslan T. , Mukanova Maruar B. , Gafurov Furkatdzhon S. , Babakulova Nargiza M. , Owusu Richmond
Published: June 2023

Highlights

Valve replacements using mechanical prostheses are not inferior, and sometimes even advantageous to bioprostheses in terms of transvalvular hemodynamics and left ventricle reverse remodeling;

During the average follow-up period, a significantly lower average pressure gradient and a higher effective opening area were recorded in the group undergoing neocuspidization with autologous pericardium compared to other types of implants;

Despite the obvious hemodynamic advantages of transcatheter aortic valve replacement, the midterm follow-up has revealed significant residual aortic regurgitation, which is highly undesirable.

 

Abstract

Currently, there are not enough data on the comparative analysis of echocardiographic outcomes, especially in regards to the state of the left ventricle in the long term after different aortic valve interventions. In this review, we present up-to-date literature data (publications published over 20 years) concerning echocardiographic outcomes after different aortic valve replacements. For the search of publications, the authors used international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed and Cochrane. The search keywords were: “aortic valve surgery”, “long-term period”, “echocardiographic outcomes”, “quality of life”. The analysis includes only comparative randomized, prospective or retrospective studies. A comparison between mechanical and biological prostheses has demonstrated that mechanical valves, in addition to displaying higher durability, can be advantageous in certain situations to bioprostheses in relation to transvalvular hemodynamics and reverse left ventricle remodeling. Regarding the comparison of stentless and stented bioprostheses with respect to peak transvalvular gradients and the effective orifice area, an obvious advantage was observed in the stentless bioprosthesis group. The majority of randomized clinical trials have showed great hemodynamic advantages of the Ross procedure in comparison with other types of aortic valve replacement, and an increase in the number of participants (due to future trials) may demonstrate even greater statistical significance. We have found only one publication that presents data on the comparison of the mid-term hemodynamic outcomes of neocuspidization of the aortic valve using autologous pericardium with other types of interventions. With an average follow-up period of 426±270 days, a significantly lower average pressure gradient and a higher effective orifice area were recorded in the neocuspidization group. Despite hemodynamic benefits of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the mid-term period after surgery, the results of postoperative monitoring show significant residual aortic regurgitation, which is highly undesirable.
Dyspareunia in pelvic ring in women
Authors: Gudushauri Yago G. , Konovalov Vyacheslav V. , Solod Eduard I. , Kakabadze Malkhazi G. , Kalinin Evgeniy I. , Marychev Ivan N.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: Currently, researchers are interested in little-studied complications such as pain during intercourse, mainly in the pubic region, often combined with diastasis of the pubic symphysis. Our data and those of domestic and foreign authors presented the main problematic aspect, i.e., dysfunctions of the pubic symphysis. Literature data revealed the main reasons for the emergence of the above problems. The main complications of pelvic ring injuries, including sexual dysfunction in female patients, depending on the main causes, are considered.
OBJECTIVE: To improve the results of the treatment of the structural and functional disorders of pubic articulation in women.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the traumatology and orthopedic department No. 1 of the Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics (Moscow), 34 patients with pubic symphysis were examined. 26 (76.5%) patients underwent surgical treatment metallodesis of the anterior pelvic half-ring with a plate, along with a defect plasty with osteoplastic biocomposite material for chronic postpartum ruptures and post-traumatic injuries of the pubic symphysis. The Majeed rating scale was used to determine sexual dysfunction and evaluate pelvic ring function.
RESULTS: Of 34 patients associated with chronic postpartum rupture or posttraumatic rupture of the pubic symphysis, 26 (76.5%) had sexual dysfunction; the time interval between natural childbirth and surgical treatment of the pelvic ring varied from 6 months to 10 years (mean 5.7 years), 12 (35.2%) patients developed moderate to severe accumulation symptoms from the lower urinary tract. 26 women underwent surgical intervention: metallodesis of the anterior pelvic half-ring which demonstrated the possibility of stopping dyspareunia.
CONCLUSION: Vertical or horizontal instability of the anterior pelvic ring leads to pelvic diaphragm failure in women, which in most cases causes dyspareunia.
Comparison of the treatment results of humerus diaphysis post-traumatic false joints using vascularized bone grafts with and without a monitor skin flap: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Golubev Igor O. , Sarukhanyan Anna R. , Merkulov M. V. , Bushuev Oleg M. , Shiryaeva Galina N. , Kutepov Il'ya A. , Kuznetzov Vasiliy D.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND: The use of the microvascular flap in reconstructive surgery of complicated nonunions of the diaphysis of the humerus is highly valuable. Flaps with compromised blood supply are possible in up to 10% of cases and often lead to the failure of vascularized reconstruction. The combined skin + bone graft is a simple, useful, and reliable option for flap vitality control with a high success rate.
OBJECTIVE: To compare microvascular grafting with versus without monitoring the skin flap.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one microvascular grafting was performed from 2010 to 2017 in patients with humeral non-union and bone defects in the Department of Microsurgery and Trauma of the Hand of Priorov National Medical Research Center of Traumatology and Orthopedics. A combined skin bone flap was used in 23 (56%) patients, and in 18 (44%) patients, grafting was performed without monitoring the skin flap Computed tomography and X-ray imaging were used to monitor non-union healing. The use of a signal skin flap is an effective way to control blood flow in the graft and improves treatment results.
RESULTS: In the group without monitoring of the skin flap, non-union healing was documented in 14 (77%) cases. In the group with monitoring of the skin flap, nonunion healing occurred in 22 (96%) cases.
CONCLUSION: Monitoring the skin flap is an effective option to ensure microvascular flap blood supply control and improves the outcomes in humeral nonunion healing.
Estrategias de las empresas del sector agroalimentario en las redes sociales. Las empresas malagueñas en Instagram
Authors: Vegas-García Lorena , Paniagua Francisco Javier
Published: June 2023

El objeto de este trabajo es analizar cómo comunican las empresas del sector agroalimentario en Instagram. Se analizan 1000 publicaciones descargadas a través de Fanpage Karma de 25 empresas malagueñas especializadas en este ámbito que tienen cuenta oficial en esta red. Se aplica la técnica del análisis de contenido, partiendo de una visión cuantitativa -reacciones, me gusta y comentarios-, junto con una perspectiva cualitativa, basada en el estudio de las estrategias, los formatos narrativos predominantes, el tono y el tema que más interacción generan entre los grupos de interés.  El tema que más reacciones genera en los seguidores es el evento online; mientras que la estrategia con más interacción es el sorteo o concurso. En cuanto al tono que más moviliza a los stakeholders es la recomendación, y la emoción, el deseo. No obstante, no siempre se da el caso de que, a más publicaciones mayor impacto en la audiencia.
Orman teşkilatında çalışan orman mühendislerinin yeşil ürünlere yönelik algı ve tutumlarını etkileyen faktörler
Authors: TOPALOĞLU Gökhan , ALKAN Hasan
Published: June 2023

Bu araştırma orman teşkilatında çalışan orman mühendislerinin yeşil ürün konusundaki algı ve tutumlarını ölçmek amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu bağlamda orman mühendislerinin sürdürülebilir orman yönetimi, algılanan çevre bilgisi, çevresel tutum, çevresel kaygı, sertifikasyon ve yeşil ürünlere karşı tutumları ile demografik özellikleri arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Verilerin elde edilmesinde anket tekniğinden faydalanılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında 119 orman mühendisine anket uygulanmıştır. Verilerin analiz edilmesinde istatistik paket (SPSS 22) programından yararlanılmıştır. Ölçeklerin faktör analizi sonuçları sürdürülebilir orman yönetimi ölçeği (KMO; 0,702 alfa; 0,460), algılanan çevre bilgisi ölçeği (KMO; 0,741 alfa; 0,589), çevresel tutum ölçeği (KMO; 0,714 alfa; 0,448), çevresel kaygı ölçeği (KMO; 0,816 alfa; 0,876), sertifikasyon ölçeği (KMO; 0,838 alfa; 0,840) ve yeşil ürünlere karşı tutum ölçeği (KMO; 0,780 alfa; 0,822) sonuçlarının faktörleşmeye uygun olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Araştırmada Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis H, Faktör analizi ve Korelasyon analizlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırmada değişkenlerin demografik özelliklere göre anlamlılığına ilişkin yapılan analiz bulgularına göre katılımcıların çevresel tutumları eğitim durumlarına göre, sertifikasyon bilgisi ise katılımcıların sertifikalı birimde çalışma durumlarına göre anlamlı farklılık göstermektedir. Değişkenler arasındaki ilişki incelendiğinde, sürdürülebilir orman yönetimi ile sertifikasyon bilgisi arasında negatif yönlü ilişki bulunurken, yeşil ürünlere karşı tutum ile çevresel kaygı ve sertifikasyon arasında pozitif yönlü anlamlı ilişki bulunduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Comparison of various decalcifying agents to evaluate their efficacy
Authors: John Sharon , Devi Priya , Sharma Pooja , Gupta Shalini , Chandra Shaleen
Published: June 2023

Background: Bone is a biological complex structure primarily comprising collagen and minerals. It is important to demineralize these mineralized tissues to remove their calcium apatite crystals for analysing the sub-cellular, cellular, and fibrillar architecture. Six demineralizing agents’ efficacy was examined by assessing their duration, ease of handling tissue, staining, and histological criteria. The present study aimed to evaluate six commonly used demineralizing agents to identify the best decalcifying agent.
Methods: Twenty resected hard tissue specimens (1 cm × 1 cm x 1 cm) from the archives were used in the study. These segments were decalcified by solutions namely 10% nitric acid, 10% formic acid, 14% ethylene di amine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), a mixture of formic acid and hydrochloric acid (formic + HCL) 4% each, and a mixture of formic acid and nitric acid 4% each (formic + HNO3), 10% formal nitric acid further subjected to radiographic endpoint test.
Results: The present study confirmed the fact that samples treated with EDTA showed the best overall impression in terms of tissue integrity and histology followed by 10% formal nitric acid which gave fairly good cellular details and was also rapid in the action.
Conclusions: Based on the present study findings, we suggest that 10% formal nitric acid is the better decalcifying agent available, considering time and tissue integrity as two main factors.
The effect of vitamin D on haemoglobin, patient assessed disease activity and endoscopic assessment in ulcerative colitis patients with anaemia
Authors: Dalal Komal , Goyal Sarita , Goyal Sandeep
Published: June 2023

Background: Anemia has a dramatic impact on patient's quality of life, yet anemia in patients with UC is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Hepcidin has been identified to be a central regulator of iron absorption from the intestines and of plasma iron levels. In this study we evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on haemoglobin levels, patient assessed disease activity and endoscopic assessment in ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods: In this prospective, open-labeled, parallel-group, randomized, comparative clinical study, we assigned newly diagnosed cases of UC with haemoglobin levels between 8-11 gm/dL to receive either standard therapy for 12 weeks or to receive oral 4000IU vitamin D3 along with standard therapy for 12 weeks.
Results: Data from 60 patients were analyzed after 12 weeks. Supplementation with vitamin D3 significantly raised haemoglobin level in treatment group from (9.09±0.20) (Mean ± SEM) at baseline to 9.62±0.22 (Mean ± SEM) at 12 weeks. On assessment of abdominal pain with NRS scale at the end of treatment at 12 weeks the reduction in NRS score was to 3.47±0.29 in group I and to 2.23±0.21 in group II (p=0.0012) which was highly significant. There was also a statistically significant reduction in the Likert scale at the end of 4, 8 and 12 weeks in both groups. At week 12, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in improving the endoscopy score.
Conclusions: Daily high dose vitamin D supplementation is beneficial in ameliorating UC symptoms like abdominal pain and has a positive effect on haemoglobin levels.
Metronidazole induced neurotoxicity: a case report
Authors: Azad Abul K. , Singh Rohit K. , Sinha Rani I. , Sinha Keshav K. , Kumar Munish
Published: June 2023

Metronidazole is a well-known antimicrobial agent, used for the treatment of anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections. It is generally well tolerated with common side effects like nausea, dizziness, headache and metallic taste in the mouth. But prolonged use of metronidazole can cause neurotoxicity like ataxic gait, dysarthria, seizures and encephalopathy. Here, we are reporting a case of a 60 years old male patient who was a chronic alcoholic with liver abscess and he developed acute ataxia and dysarthria after four weeks use of metronidazole. The causality of metronidazole in this case was “probable” with score 7 as per Naranjo scale. The patient was managed by discontinuing the metronidazole and there was considerable improvement in his gait and speech after that. The case was recorded properly in adverse drug reaction reporting form and was sent to nearby adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring centre.
A basic insight into COVID-19 vaccines: an overview
Authors: Khan Sarfaraz Alam , Siddiqui Nazeem Ishrat
Published: June 2023

Atypical serious respiratory illnesses were reported in December 2019 from Wuhan, a city of China, which later spread to other places rapidly and became a global pandemic. Soon it was discovered to be caused by a novel corona virus, named as the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease caused by it as corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19). Since COVID-19 is a new viral disease, world is still struggling to find out a permanent remedy to overcome this serious health problem. Developing safe and effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has become the only way forward to tackle it. Various vaccines have been developed and are approved for mass vaccination on emergency basis. Both classical and next generation vaccine platforms are being used to develop COVID-19 vaccine. It seems interesting to have a look on the various types of vaccines and get an insight into them so that we can get familiarize with the COVID-19 vaccination.
D-dimer: a biomarker for predicting disease severity and outcome in hospitalized children with COVID-19 and post COVID multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Saqlain Nazish , Bari Attia , C. Aimen , Sadiq Masood
Published: June 2023

Background: COVID-19 has presented with varied signs and symptoms with raised inflammatory markers among which D-dimers have been highlighted right from the beginning. Objectives were to analyze the relationship of D-dimers with the disease severity and outcome of children with COVID-19 and MIS-C in a developing country. 
Methods: It was a retrospective study conducted at a pediatric tertiary care hospital from March 2020 to November 2021. Clinical and laboratory details of confirmed COVID-19 and post COVID-19 MIS-C cases were recorded. D-dimer testing was performed using Chemiluminescence technique. It’s relation with disease severity and predictive role for in-hospital mortality were established by using ROC curves and cut-off values were calculated by using SPSS-24.
Results: Of 272 children, 182 were of COVID-19 and 90 were of MIS-C. The mean age for COVID-19 and MIS-C patients was 5.4±4.8 years and 6.4±3.5 years respectively. Mild disease was seen in 33% cases while 17.6% were critical and 56.2% had some under lying comorbidity at presentation. Mean D-dimers were significantly higher in children with severe disease, who required ICU admission and non-survivors as compared to those with mild or moderate disease, not requiring ICU care and survivors, both in COVID-19 and MIS-C patients. ROC curve identified D-dimer value of ≥4.58 µg/ml (AUC=0.845) for COVID-19 cases and ≥4.73 µg/ml (AUC=0.682) for MIS-C patients as predictive of mortality.
Conclusions: Raised D-dimer level is a reliable predictor of disease severity and outcome in children with COVID-19 and MIS-C. The D-dimer value of 4.58 µg/ml for COVID-19 cases and 4.73µg/ml for MIS-C patients was found to be the cut-off levels for predicting mortality
The epidemiology of neonatal respiratory distress in a tertiary care neonatal Centre Kashmir India
Authors: Gaurav  , Naik Suhail Ahmad , Ahmad Syed Tariq
Published: June 2023

Background: Respiratory distress is most common cause of neonatal admission to NICU and has different etiologies with similar clinical presentation. Early diagnosis of specific cause for respiratory distress is very important as different etiologies have different specific treatment and require altogether different ventilatory strategies. Objectives were to study the demographic and etiological profile of neonatal respiratory distress.
Method: Hospital based prospective observational study conducted in department of pediatrics, associated hospital of GMC Srinagar.
Results: Respiratory distress was more common in males 56.30%, frequency of prematurity was 68% and most common mode of delivery lower section caesarian section (LSCS) 69.10%. Different maternal risk factors associated with adverse outcome premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (37.7%), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) (34.60%), maternal hypertension (31.50%), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (26.9%). Common causes for respiratory distress in neonate were transient tachypnea of newborn (TTN) (22.0%), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (20%), meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) (16.90%), sepsis (14%) and perinatal asphyxia (12%).
Conclusions: Early diagnosis of specific cause for respiratory distress is very important as different etiologies have different specific treatment and require altogether different ventilatory strategies. The TTN was the most common cause of distress in term newborns, followed by perinatal asphyxia, meconium aspiration, neonatal sepsis, and congenital heart diseases (CHD). Therefore, timely diagnosis and management of these conditions is very imperative to discharge an intact neonate from the NICU.
Effect of antiepileptic drugs on bone metabolism in children using biochemical markers: a case control study
Authors: V. Rajan Gopika , Sreenivasaiah Bharathi , Lunavath Narayana , Yerroju Kodandapani
Published: June 2023

Background: Most epileptic patients are diagnosed and treated in childhood and adolescence and this period is crucial in attaining peak bone mass. Few studies are conducted on children showing long term effects of AEDs on bone metabolism. So, the present study was conducted to evaluate correlation of long-term uses of AEDs with changes in bone metabolism using biochemical marker.
Methods: Total of 140 subjects divided into 70cases - Epileptic children aged 1 to 14 years who are on AEDs for at least 6months and 70 Controls- Children aged 1 to 14 years not on AEDs.  Semi structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. Venous blood samples were collected and sent for laboratory investigations like Serum vitamin D, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, Parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase levels.
Results: Mean age of study population in cases was 7.74±4.43 years and in controls was7.65±3.72 years. Mean vitamin-D, calcium, phosphorus decreases while PTH and ALP increases with duration of treatment in epileptic children with a statistically significant difference between them (P<0.05). Mean serum vitamin D level in cases and in controls was with no statistical significant difference between two groups. Mean serum calcium, phosphorus, parathormone and alkaline phosphatase levels in cases and controls all had a statistically significant mean difference between two groups. Serum vitamin-D, serum calcium, serum phosphorus was low in patients treated with enzyme inducing when compared to non-enzyme inducing drugs in epileptic children with a statistically significant difference between them (P<0.05). Serum vitamin-D, serum calcium, serum phosphorus was high in patients on monotherapy when compared polytherapy in epileptic children with a statistically significant difference between them (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Present study shows that children on AEDs for longer duration had low bone mineral parameters when compared to normal children. The study emphasizes that mineral levels need to be monitored in epileptic patients as they are at a higher risk of falling and bone fractures.
Recurrent metabolic acidosis: is it by chance?
Authors: Naushad Aleena , Krishnanunni Sudha , Anand Manjula , Pachat Divia , Mohanlal Smilu
Published: June 2023

Succinyl CoA 3 oxoacid CoA transferase deficiency (SCOTD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of ketone body utilization which present with recurrent episodes of metabolic acidosis. We have a 23-month old child who presented with 3 episodes of metabolic acidosis. Each time the toxicology profile came positive for ethyl alcohol. We couldn’t get any history suggestive of poisoning. So we were in a great dilemma and considered the possibility of Munchausen syndrome by proxy and a metabolic cause. Even though the initial genetic result was nonspecific when we reanalyzed the sample for genetic analysis it came positive as Succinyl CoA 3 oxoacid CoA transferase (SCOT) deficiency. The child required intensive care support in all 3 times. We were able to manage the child with supportive measures each time. Now the child is under regular follow up and doing well. SCOTD should be considered in any children presenting as recurrent episodes of metabolic acidosis. The rarity of this disorder will lead to the diagnostic dilemma that we face as like in this case.
Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis: an unusual cause of primary pulmonary hypertension in pediatric age group
Authors: Thapar Vayom , Sarthalia Madhur , Kumar G. Durga Phani , Saini Susheel K. , Kumari Seema , Saini Ajay K.
Published: June 2023

Pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) is a rare and controversial entity that is known to be a cause of pulmonary hypertension and is microscopically characterized by proliferation of dilated capillary-sized channels along and in the alveolar walls. Clinically, it is mostly seen in adults. PCH’s main clinical presentations are progressive dyspnea, fatigue, hemoptysis, palpitations and later irreversible pulmonary hypertension and right-sid­ed heart failure. It is characterized by severe hypoxemia, centrilobular ground-glass opacities on computed tomography and pulmonary congestion triggered by pulmonary vasodilating therapy. The imaging features include diffuse centrilobular ground‑glass opacities with features of pulmonary hypertension. We present a case of PCH in a 4‑year‑old boy who was diagnosed with post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) in echocardiography and computed tomography of the thorax.
Study of correlation of hypothyroidism with diabetic microvascular complications in type 2 diabetic adult Indian females
Authors: Chauhan Devendra S. , Kushwaha J. S. , Giri Richa , Gautam S. K.
Published: June 2023

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are more prone to thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism in them leads to an aggravation of microvascular complications. Screening for thyroid dysfunction in diabetic patients will allow early treatment of hypothyroidism. The aim of this study is to assess the correlation of hypothyroidism with diabetic microvascular complications.
Methods: This is a cross‑sectional study that was conducted at department of medicine GSVM Medical College, Kanpur. 200 female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the out‑patient department were included. Subjects with any prior history of thyroid disease, chronic liver disease, or acute illness were excluded from the study.
Results: Our study describes 14% prevalence of hypothyroidism (subclinical hypothyroidism 13.5%) among 200 diabetic subjects. Among hypothyroid patients 64.29% patients had nephropathy, 60.71% patients had neuropathy, 64.29% patients had retinopathy whereas euthyroid patients had 26.74%, 25% and 29.07% nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy respectively.
Conclusions: The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 14% among female patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in this study. Overt hypothyroidism was 0.5 % and subclinical hypothyroidism was more common (13.5%) among the study subjects. Patients having hypothyroidism were more likely to be having diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy.
Predictive factors of epiretinal membrane in complicated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment tamponaded with silicone oil
Authors:   State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China, Qian Yuan-Jie , Sun Yi-Meng ,   State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China, Mijit Alfira ,   State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China, Jiang Zhi-Hao ,   State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China, Wei Yan-Tao ,   State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong Province, China
Published: June 2023

AIM: To determine the incidence and predictive factors for epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation in eyes with complicated primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) tamponaded with silicone oil (SO).
METHODS: This retrospective case-control study included 141 consecutive patients with (51 eyes) and without (90 eyes) ERM formation after primary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and SO tamponade for complicated RRD. The risk factors for ERM were assessed using logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: The prevalence of postoperative ERM was 36.2% (51/141). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors for ERM in SO-tamponaded eyes included preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy [PVR; odds ratio (OR), 2.578; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.580–4.205, P<0.001], preoperative choroidal detachment (OR, 4.454; 95%CI 1.369–14.498, P=0.013), and photocoagulation energy (OR, 2.700; 95%CI 1.047–6.962, P=0.040). The duration of the preoperative symptoms, intraocular SO tamponade time, giant retinal tear, preoperative vitreous hemorrhage, preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, number of breaks, quadrants of RRD, axial length, and photocoagulation points were not predictive factors for ERM formation.
CONCLUSION: Preoperative PVR, choroidal detachment, and photocoagulation energy are risk factors of ERM formation after complicated RRD repair. Better ophthalmic care as well as patient education are necessary for such patients with risk factors.
Sustainable Cities and Communities from Malaysian Local Authorities Perspectives
Authors: Azudin Afirah , Endut Wan Anisah , Noor Nor Raihana Asmar Mohd , Jusop Mariana , Long Yasmiza
Published: June 2023

Perspectives of Malaysian local authorities on the development of sustainable cities and communities (SCC) are examined in this study, with a focus on the effects of cost-benefit analysis (CBA), private finance initiatives, and risk management. Additionally, the challenges faced by local authorities in developing SCC are presented. A qualitative method was used, involving face-to-face interviews with local authorities. Content analysis was conducted, and the results show that CBA, private finance initiatives, and risk management have a significant impact on the development of SCC. The primary challenge in implementing SCC is the limited funding available to support their implementation. This study sheds light on the importance of considering CBA, private finance initiatives, and risk management in developing SCC from the perspective of Malaysian local authorities. The findings also highlight the need for more funding and resources to support SCC implementation in Malaysia.
Mu‘tezilî Tanımlar Literatürünün Kayıp Halkası: Kādî Abdülcebbâr’ın Ḥudûdü’l-elfâẓ’ı –İnceleme ve Neşir–
Authors: ÇETİN Serkan , KILAVUZ Ulvi Murat
Published: June 2023

İslâm düşüncesinde farklı alanlarda disiplinlerin/ilimlerin teşekkülüne müteakip disiplinlerin/ilimlerin kendilerine özgü kavramları ve terminolojileri de oluşmaya başlamış ve daha sonraki süreçte bu kavramsallaştırmaya katkı sunacak müstakil tanım (ḥudûd) risâleleri telif edilerek her disiplindeki/ilimdeki kavramın anlam ve kullanım çerçevesi daha da netleştirilmiştir. Temel olarak kullanılan kavramın ıstılahî anlamının belirlenmesi ve böylece takip edilen kelâmî temayülün desteklenmesi adına, kelâm ilmi özelinde de bu türe ait eserler kaleme alınmıştır. Kelâm ilmi özelinde bu alana en büyük katkıyı ise şüphesiz Mu‘tezilî kelâmcılar vermiştir. Nitekim başta Kādî Abdülcebbâr (ö. 415/1025) olmak üzere öğrencileri Ebû Reşîd en-Nîsâbûrî (ö. 420/1029’dan sonra) ve İbn Şervîn (V./XI. yüzyılın ilk yarısı) gibi isimler tarafından kelâmî kavramları ihtiva eden özgün risâleler telif edilmiştir. Zeydî kelâmcı ve fakih Ebü’l-Kāsım el-Büstî’nin (ö. 420/1029 civarı) henüz bir nüshasına ulaşılamayan Tehẕîbü’l-ḥudûd’u da bahsedilen eserlerle eş zamanlıdır. Bu gelenek, İmâmî-Mu‘tezilî çizgide Ebû Ca‘fer et-Tûsî’nin (ö. 460/1067), kurgusu ve yer yer yaptığı açıklamalar itibariyle mûcez bir kelâm eseri hüviyeti de taşıyan el-Muḳaddime fi’l-medḫal ilâ ṣınâʿati ʿilmi’l-kelâm’ı ve Şerîf el-Murtazâ’ya (ö. 436/1044) nispet edilen el-Ḥudûd ve’l-ḥaḳāʾiḳ isimli eserde yansımasını bulmuştur. Ebû Ca‘fer el-Mukrî en-Nîsâbûrî’nin (ö. VI./XII. yy.’ın ortaları [?]) el-Ḥudûd’u ise bu gelenek içerisindeki en hacimli örnek olarak göze çarpmaktadır.

Mu‘tezilî gelenek içerisinde mevcut eserler arasında ilki olması açısından bu türe ait en önemli eser, yakın zamana kadar kayıp olduğu düşünülen ve tarafımızdan keşfedilen bir mecmua içerisinde, önemli bazı diğer Zeydî-Mu‘tezilî eserlerle birlikte bulunan, Kādî Abdülcebbâr’ın Ḥudûdü’l-elfâẓ isimli risâlesidir. Genel olarak kelâmî kavramların yer aldığı ve kısmen fıkha ve mezhepler tarihine ilişkin kavramların da bulunduğu bu risâlede Kādî Abdülcebbâr dile dayalı bir tanım teorisi ortaya koymuştur. Buradaki yaklaşımı, el-Muğnî’sinde tanım ve tanımlamaya yönelik ortaya koyduğu görüşlerle uyumludur. Nitekim klasik mantıkta beş tümel üzerinden yürütülen tanım (ḥad) ve betim (resm) yerine, ele alınan kavramın manasına mutabık ve ondan daha açık olan bir lafız üzerinden yapılan lügavî tanım metodunu benimsemiş ve bu doğrultuda ele aldığı kavramın kısa bir tanım ve açıklamasına yer vermiştir. Bu durum, önceki Mu‘tezilî kelâmcılar tarafından felsefeye mesafeli yaklaşmaları nedeniyle Aristotelesçi tanım anlayışının alternatifi olarak kullanılan dile dayalı tanım anlayışının, Kādî Abdülcebbâr tarafından da tevarüs edildiğini açıkça göstermektedir. Ebû Reşîd en-Nîsâbûrî’nin el-Ḥudûd’u gibi Kādî’yi takip eden dönem bazı kaynaklarda görülen yaklaşım da onun etkisini imlemektedir.