bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress on Environment, Health and Growth in Urban Areas of Developing Countries
Authors: Khuc Van Quy
Published: November 2022

Dear colleagues,The open access journal Urban Science (ISSN 2413-8851) is pleased to announce that we have launched a new Special Issue entitled "Research Progress on Air Quality and Human Health: From Psychological to Economic and Social Costs in Urban Areas of Developing Countries" I am serving as Guest Editor for this issue. Given the depth of your expertise in this field, I would like to cordially invite you to contribute an article to the Special Issue with free of charge. For more information on the issue, please visit the Special Issue website at: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/urbansci/special_issues/5V9A86RFN8Papers may be submitted from now until 31 December 2023 as papers will be published on an ongoing basis. Submitted papers should not be under consideration for publication elsewhere.
Differential expression of ZNF385D in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: November 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases that affect the motor neurons, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have little treatment options and are generally rapidly fatal (1, 2). We harnessed the power of unbiased, whole transcriptome differential gene expression analysis, utilizing primary patient cells and tissues to discover genes whose expression defines ALS using published and public data (3, 4). We found significant differential expression of ZNF385D, encoding zinc finger protein 385D, in the skeletal muscle of patients with ALS. ZNF385D was also differentially expressed in the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived motor neurons of patients with ALS. ZNF385D transcript was present at significantly higher levels in ALS patient skeletal muscle as compared to control skeletal muscle. These analyses will begin to define the transcriptional landscape of ALS.
The sins of the parents are to be laid upon the children: biased humans, biased data, biased models
Authors: Osborne Merrick , Omrani Ali , Dehghani Morteza
Published: November 2022

Technological innovations have become a key driver of societal advancements. Nowhere is this more evident than in the field of machine learning (ML), which has developed algorithmic models that shape our decisions, behaviors, and outcomes. These tools have widespread use, in part, because they can synthesize massive amounts of data to make seemingly objective recommendations. Yet, in the past few years, the ML community has been raising the alarm on why we should be cautious in interpreting and using these models: they are created by humans, from data generated by humans, whose psychology allows for various biases that impact how the models are developed, trained, tested and interpreted. As psychologists, we thus face a fork in the road; Down the first path, we can continue to use these models without examining and addressing these critical flaws, and rely on computer scientists to try to mitigate them. Down the second path, we can turn our expertise in bias towards this growing field, collaborating with computer scientists to mitigate the deleterious outcomes associated with these models. This paper serves to light the way down the second path by identifying how extant psychological research can help examine and mitigate bias in ML models.
Self-report assessment of alcohol sensitivity: An examination of the effects of different probes
Authors: Boness Cassandra L. , Sher Kenneth J.
Published: November 2022

Objective: Level of response (LOR) to alcohol is associated with several alcohol-related risk factors and outcomes. However, existing self-report measures of LOR have important limitations. For example, the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol Scale assesses a limited range of alcohol-related effects. Although the Alcohol Sensitivity Questionnaire (ASQ) samples a broader range of effects, it uses different probes across effects, confounding type of effect with method variation associated with the use of different probes. Focusing on the ASQ, we systematically evaluate variation in estimated LOR as a function of how number of drinks to achieve an effect is probed. Our approach addresses a major limitation of existing LOR measures which fail to account for sensitivity variability across drinking occasions. Method: This study randomized 732 adult drinkers into one of four versions of the ASQ that assessed sensitivity to 15 alcohol-related effects, systematically varying the follow-up probes. Results: Accounting for (a) the minimum number of drinks consumed before feeling an effect, and (b) the maximum number of drinks consumed without feeling an effect for all effects is superior to the original ASQ approach in predicting relevant outcomes. Conclusions: Assessments of sensitivity should probe for minimum and maximum number of drinks across each of the effects. If impractical to probe for both, consistently probing for maximum number of drinks is desirable.
Exploring the Mechanism of Self-Attribution Occurrence using Multiple Dummy Cursors
Authors: Takada Kazuma , Watanabe Keita
Published: November 2022

Virtual reality and robotics technologies have developed interactions with augmented and replicated bodies in digital space. By simultaneously moving multiple bodies in various locations in ample space, users can reach distant objects and interact with them by switching the bodies without having to make significant movements themselves. Previous researches has investigated the design interfaces for manipulation and switching in such interactions using multiple bodies based upon the user's perception of the objects. However, the mechanism by which a self-attribution arises from multiple objects reflecting self-motion is still unclear. To investigate this mechanism, we developed a dummy cursor experiment in which participants were presented with multiple independently moving dummy cursors in addition to the cursors they moved on the screen. The presented dummy cursors moved in different directions and were temporally synchronized with the participants' movements. Participants identified the cursor whose movement exactly matched the mouse they were manipulating from among the multiple dummy cursors displayed on the screen. To investigate under what conditions participants could identify the cursor they were operating, we compared the identification rates by varying the number of dummy cursors presented and how they were moved. As a result, participants could identify the cursor they were operating with a very high probability, even when there were many dummy cursors. Through these results, we discuss the occurrence of a self-attribution among multiple objects related to self-motion and the possibility of parameters contributing to self-attribution.
Does Boredom Increase Impulsive Choice in People Who Use Cocaine?
Authors: Chao Thomas Wen-Chi , Todman McWelling , Foltin Richard W. , Evans Suzette M. , Bedi Gillinder
Published: November 2022

Background: Impulsive choice – the tendency to choose immediate over larger delayed rewards – is associated with both cocaine use and relapse. Little is known about the influence of transient states on impulsive choice in people who use cocaine (PWUC). This study investigated the direct effects of induced boredom on impulsive choice (i.e., temporal discounting) in PWUC relative to well-matched community controls. Methods: In a mixed within-between subject design, 41 PWUC (≥1x cocaine use in past 3 months; 7 females) and 38 demographically-matched controls (5 females) underwent two experimental conditions in counterbalanced order. Temporal discounting was assessed immediately after a standardized boredom induction task (peg-turning) and a self-selected video watched for the same duration (non-boredom). Subjective mood state and perceived task characteristics were assessed at baseline, during experimental manipulations, and after the choice task. Results: PWUC and controls were demographically well-matched and similar in reported drugs use other than cocaine, except for recent cigarette and alcohol use (PWUC>controls). As expected, peg-turning increased boredom in the sample overall, with higher boredom reported during peg-turning than the video (p<.001, η2p=.20). Participants overall exhibited greater impulsive choice after boredom than non-boredom (p=.028, η2p=.07), with no preferential effects in PWUC (p>.05, BF01=2.9). Conclusion: Experimentally-induced boredom increased state impulsivity irrespective of cocaine use status, suggesting a broad link between boredom and impulsive choice. This is the first study to show that transient boredom directly increases impulsive choice. Data support a viable laboratory method to further parse the effects of boredom on impulsive choice.
Humus status of chernozem soils formed under deep hydrogen release and different humidification conditions
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Sukhanova N.I. , Kiryushin K.A. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University
Published: November 2022

Purpose of the study: to reveal changes in some humus characteristics in chernozems under the influence of of two factors, specifically, humidification and the flow of endogenous hydrogen. Place and time of the study. Soil sampling and hydromenty were carried out on the territory of the Gryazinsky district of the Lipetsk region (Krivoborgsko-Saltykovsky trough, the territory with leached chernozems) and on the territory of the Oktyabrsky district of the Voronezh region (Khopersky deep fault, the territory with ordinary chernozems) in June 2017. Methods. The molecular hydrogen content was measured directly in the field with a portable hydrogen gas analyzer VG-3B. The total soil organic carbon (SOM) content was determined by the Tyurin method, and pH was measured potentiometrically. To assess the SOM composition, an alkaline pyrophosphate extraction was used. The luminance values of soil samples were determined using the CIELAB international chromaticity system and the LRV system on the Nix Color Sensor spectrocolorimeter. Results. The study showed that under the influence of hydrogen flow in different humidification regions, the effect of these two factors was different. Tthe establishment of the reductive regime, signs of podzolization and gleing in the morphological profile, acidification of the soil bulk and brightening of the upper humus horizon were found to be common features between the soils of these regions. However, the effect of such active reducing agent as hydrogen on the SOM and qualitative composition in these regions varied greatly. In the drier region with ordinary chernozems, SOM accumulated in hydrogen relief depressions (from 2.4 to 5.4%), and due to their sharp predominance (three times, sometimes four times) in SOM composition and predominance in the soil profiles, fulvic acids determined a sharp increase in soil acidity. The leached chernozems, on the contrary, manifested a significant SOM loss (from 3.9 to 2.2%), with humic acids predominating in SOM composition. This effect was most likely associated with the removal of more mobile SOM components outside the soil profile in the more humic climate of the Lipetsk region.
A prospective study on reliability and effectiveness of different hematological parameters for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care hospital of sub-Himalayan region
Authors: Nilay Ranjan Bagchi
Published: November 2022

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in newborn.Early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is the top priority to all clinicians for early initiation of appropriate treatment which will reduce the morbidity and mortality in neonates and minimizes the unnecessary antibiotic therapy which will lead to overwhelming threat of multidrug-resistant organism.
Aims and Objectives: The recent study was undertaken to study the reliability and effectiveness of hematological parameters and Rodwell’s hematological score for early diagnosis of sepsis in neonates.
Materials and Methods: In this study,212 neonates were studied out of which 88 were blood culture proven sepsis and 39 were culture negative but hematological parameters positive probable sepsis.The rest 85 were both culture negative and hematological parameter negative and were considered normal baby and taken as control group in this study. Hematological parameters were studied in all cases included in the study which include total leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil count, immature/total neutrophil ratio, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and other components of Rodwell’s scoring criteria. Recent statistical analysis of all the components and hematological scoring system (HSS) done to find out the reliability and effectiveness.
Results: Analysis of hematological parameters showed that absolute neutrophil count, immature to total neutrophil ratio and platelet count have a better sensitivity and specificity in relation to other parameters.CRP and total leukocyte count have better specificity but sensitivity was very low.In the HSS, it has been shown that this scoring system was highly sensitive and specific with a high positive predictive value and negative predictive value.Among the different parameters studied, association of total leukocyte count(P<0.0001)and reduced platelet count(P<0.0001) is the most consistent indicator found in this study but association with CRP was found to be statistically insignificant(P=0.0703).
Conclusion: HSS system, total leukocyte count, absolute neutrophil count and platelet count are very reliable indicator for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis which is cheap, simple, less time consuming, and cost effective.
A clinical comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of intubating doses of atracurium and cisatracurium in patients undergoing general anesthesia
Authors: Priyanka Harle  , Preeti Goyal  , Gupta Abhishek , Namrata Jain  , Kothari Dilip
Published: November 2022

Background: Skeletal muscle relaxation is integral part of general anesthesia. Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs like cisatracurium are devoid of any signs of histamine release and can improve the quality of intubating conditions.
Aims and Objectives: We decided to assess the efficacy of Cisatracurium when compared to atracurium in terms of intubating conditions and hemodynamic parameters in patients undergoing surgeries under general anesthesia.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 80 patients in the age group of 20–65 years were randomly allocated into Group A received Atracuruium 0.5 mg/kg and Group B received Cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg for intubation after administration of induction agent. Intuabating conditions were assessed by Cooper et al., score and hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure were recorded at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 30 min of intubation. Any signs of histamine release were noted.
Results: Demographic profile was comparable between the two groups. As per Cooper et al., score intubating conditions were excellent with Cisatracurium group as compared to the atracurium group which was statistically significant. Hemodynamic parameters during intubation and after intubation were comparable between two groups. No associated signs of histamine release were noted in either of the groups. 
Conclusion: From our clinical comparative study, we have observed that Cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg provides better intubating conditions and stable hemodynamic profile with no signs of histamine release as compared to atracurium 0.5 mg/kg dose.
Role of S-100 stain for demonstration of different patterns of nerve changes in spectrum of leprosy – A prospective study
Authors: Gangwar Deepti , Javed Iqbal  , Pooja Jaiswal  , Sara Siddiqui  , Rumpa Das  , Shalini Suman
Published: November 2022

Background: A confirmatory diagnosis of tuberculoid (TL) and borderline TL (BTL) leprosy is dependent on the demonstration of nerve involvement within granuloma or acid-fast bacilli. It is very difficult to identify nerve elements in hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains. S-100 stain in this study is used to highlight nerve in TL leprosy so as to reach a definitive diagnosis of TL leprosy.
Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to demonstrate nerve involvement and various changes of nerves in different forms of leprosy and use of S-100/or confirmation of TL leprosy/BTL leprosy.
Materials and Methods: Skin biopsies of a total of 53 cases of leprosy were studied. The study is conducted in the department of pathology, HIMS, Safedabad, Barabanki U.P. The present study included all the new leprosy patients visiting the outpatient department of Skin and V.D, department, HIMS, Safedabad, Barabanki, U.P. Study period was 2015–2016 (1 year). All biopsies were studied in H&E stain. Biopsies were further subjected to S-100 stain so as to make a confirmatory diagnosis of TL leprosy/BTL and were then classified according to Ridley-Jopling classification only histological parameters of classification were used in this study.
Results: In the present study, it was observed that the majority of patients were between the ages of 31 and 40 years (39.5%), males were mostly affected (10.5%), and family history was positive (8.4%). Hypopigmented skin lesion was the most common clinical lesion (31.2%).TT was the most common clinical diagnosis (25.4%). IL was the most common histopathological diagnosis (26.1%). The nerve changes were demonstrated in TL/BTL leprosy using S-100 immunostain. It was observed that the most of the cases of TL/BTL demonstrated fragments of nerves that were infiltrated by lymphocytes. This was the most common pattern seen among the patients of TL/BTL leprosy. Complete nerve was not identified in any of the cases.
Conclusions: S-100 immunostain simplified detection of nerve twigs in TL/BTL leprosy. It was also seen that the most of the fragmented nerve elements were present within the granulomas. The TL spectrum of leprosy significantly affected nerves and using S-100 helped in differentiating it from other forms of leprosy.
A study on feeding practice and its effect on growth and morbidity of infants in the first 6 months of life in slums of Bankura Municipality
Authors: Gupta Avisek , Tanjib Hassan Mullick  , Gourab Biswas  , Chakraborty Sohanjan
Published: November 2022

Background: Infant feeding practice in first 6 months of life is a major determinant of growth, nutritional status, and morbidity.
Aims and Objectives: This study conducted to assess the infant feeding practice in first 6 months of life and to determine its effect on growth, nutritional status, and morbidity of study participants.
Materials and Methods: A population-based longitudinal study was conducted among 49 infants in slums of Bankura Municipality within 1 week of their birth and they were followed up to the age of 6 months.
Results: Proportions of male and female infants were almost equal. Proportions of exclusively breastfed infants at 0, 3, and 6 months were 87.8%, 79.6%, and 46.9%,respectively. Mean weight and length gain at 6 months were significantly higher in infants with increased duration of exclusive breastfeeding (P=0.008 and 0.042, respectively). Mean cumulative infant feeding score (at 6 months) was higher among normal babies (115.6±0.7.3) than the underweight babies (110.0±3.7). Mean cumulative morbidity score at 6 months was lower in infants who were exclusively breastfed for 6 months (7.2±2.5) than those who were exclusively breastfed for <6 months (7.8±2.6). Mean weight gain (at 6 months) was significantly increased with higher maternal education (P=0.030). Linear regression showed that weight gain and length gain had significantly positive linear relation with cumulative infant feeding score at 6 months, whereas cumulative morbidity score had negative but not significant correlation with weight gain and significantly negative linear relation with length gain.
Conclusion: This study identified that various components of infant feeding practice in study participants were suboptimal. It was also observed from this study that feeding practice was important determinant for growth, nutritional status, and morbidity.
Efficacy of topical application of insulin versus platelet rich plasma versus normal saline dressings in the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: A study from a tertiary care center in India
Authors: Katiar Vikash , Prem Shanker  , Anil Kumar Verma  , Mishra Yukteshwar , Gaur Mohini
Published: November 2022

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the major complications of diabetes. Despite proper insulin treatment and a strict diabetic diet, 15% of diabetic population develop non-healing ulcers which leads to amputation of the lower limb. Wound dressings represent a part of the management of diabetic foot ulceration. Normal saline (0.9%) wound dressings have been a useful adjunct in the treatment of open wounds. Topical insulin dressing improves wound healing by regulating oxidative and inflammatory responses. PRP dressing has emerged as an adjunctive and newer method for treating DFUs. Hence, the present study was undertaken to compare the effect of topical insulin, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and normal saline dressing in healing of DFU.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the comparison between topical application of insulin versus PRP versus regular normal saline dressing in healing of DFU.
Materials and Methods: It is a duration based prospective comparative study including 60 patients divided equally into normal saline dressing group, topical insulin dressing group and PRP dressing group after they fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria and after obtaining the proper informed and written consent from relatives/patients. Ulcers at days 0, 7 and 14 in terms of size, depth and percentage reduction in area of wound were analyzed.
Results: The mean ulcer size at day 14 in normal saline was 4.19±0.95, in Insulin 2.64±0.83 while 2.08±0.47 in PRP group. The mean ulcer depth at day 14 in normal saline was 5.35±1.18, in insulin 4.30±1.38 while 2.35±1.42 (mm) in PRP group, percentage reduction of mean ulcer size in normal saline was 27.02±4.46, in insulin 50.31±7.53 and 63.80±5.75% in PRP group.
Conclusion: PRP appears to be a promising agent in terms of faster wound healing, more significant reduction in the size of DFU as compared to topical insulin and other conventional dressings.
Usefulness of ultrasonography in diagnosing abdominal trauma compared to computed tomography scan
Authors: Barun Prakash  , Kuiri Shib Shankar , Anjela Naskar  , Kanchan Kundu
Published: November 2022

Background: Abdominal trauma following road traffic accident is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all age groups. Imaging such as ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) scan plays a critical role in the evaluation of these patients. The accuracy of CT scan in hemodynamically stable blunt trauma patients has been well-established.
Aims and Objectives: Assessment of usefulness of USG in diagnosing abdominal trauma with reference to involvement of different organs in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive accuracy compared to CT scan.
Materials and Methods: It is a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 87 patients in imaging and sonology room under the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Bankura Sammilani Medical College and Hospital, Bankura, West Bengal with a time frame of years.
Results: In this study, the sensitivity of USG in detecting hemoperitoneum as compared to CT was found out to be 88.8%. USG had sensitivity – 79.3%, specificity – 98.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) – 95.8%, negative predictive value (NPV) – 90.4%, and predictive accuracy – 91.9% for splenic injury. For liver injury, USG had a sensitivity – 80%, specificity – 98.5%, PPV – 94.1 %, NPV – 94.2 %, and predictive accuracy – 94.25%. For renal injury, USG had sensitivity – 83.3%, specificity – 98.6%, PPV – 90.9%, NPV – 97.3%, and predictive accuracy – 96.5%. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and predictive accuracy of USG for pancreatic injury in comparison to CT were 100%.
Conclusion: When the findings of abdominal injury on USG were compared to CT scan, which was taken to be the gold standard, it was observed that USG was fairly sensitive in detecting hemoperitoneum and solid organ injury (especially when the grades of injury was higher), but it showed less sensitivity in detecting lower grades of solid organ injuries and hollow visceral injuries (such as injury to the bowel and bladder). These cases, which were missed on USG were detected on CT scan and CT scan also helped in better grading of the visceral injuries. CT also helped in better detection of other associated findings such as pelvic fractures and pneumoperitoneum.
A study on role of DSA in intracerebral vascular anomaly comparison with computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Halder Soumitra , Mondal Dilip Kumar , Sharmistha Bhattacherjee  , Datta Panchali , Daksit Debashis , Datta Sumit
Published: November 2022

Background: Brain imaging techniques provide the ability to noninvasively map the structure and functions of the brain. Brain vascular malformation mainly affects people in the 5th decade followed by 4th and 3rd decade.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic supremacy of computed tomography angiography (CTA)/magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the detection of intracranial vascular anomalies.
Materials and Methods: An observational descriptive study with cross-sectional design was performed among 50 patients of both sexes undergoing DSA test at Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata with acute stroke syndrome or any other symptoms suggesting intracranial vascular lesion, who were investigated with one or more index tests and a reference standard diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) or MR scanning or other parameters. DSA served as the standard of reference for presence of intracranial vascular anomalies.
Results: Out of the 50 patients included in the study, 41 were diagnosed with vascular malformations by DSA. Moya moya disease was diagnosed in three and distal AV fistula in six patients. In the 41 patients with vascular malformations, CTA could correctly identify 17 (41.5%) cases whereas MRA could identify 73.2% cases.
Conclusion: DSA can be used for both diagnostic and interventional angiography. Its high spatial and temporal resolution have maintained DSA as a very important tool. The study reveal DSA is more superior to accurate angioarchitectural delineation of different intracerebral vascular malformation.
Risk factors and clinical features in young patients with myocardial infarction: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shivaprasad KR  , Anil Kumar
Published: November 2022

Background: Changes in lifestyle with increased sedentary lifestyle are associated with its consequences such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, diabetes, and eventually myocardial infarction (MI). Coronary artery diseases (CADs) although have been commonly seen in elderly individuals it’s now being increasingly recognized in a relatively younger age group (<45 years). The present study was aimed at analyzing risk factors and clinical presentation of MI in young (<45 years).
Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to study risk factors and clinical profile of young patients with MI.
Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective cohort study, in which 60 young patients (age <45 years) of age were included on the basis of a predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thorough history was obtained and detailed general and cardiovascular examination was done. Electrocardiogram, basic hematological profile, and 2 D echo were done in all cases. Clinical profile, site of infarction, and severity of systolic dysfunction were studied. P<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: A total of 60 patients were studied. Out of these 60 cases, there were 48 (80%) males and 12 (20%) females with a M: F ratio being 1:0.25. Although the mean age of female patients (40.25±3.44 years) was more than male patients (38.62±4.43 years), the difference was not found to be statistically significant (P>0.05). Obesity, family history of CADs, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes were common risk factors in studied cases. Majority of the patients (81.67%) presented with typical chest pain radiating to left arm. The atypical clinical features were seen in 11 (18.33%) patients. In m ost of the patients (63.33%) there was anterior wall infarction. Inferior wall infarction and anteroseptal MI were seen in 12 (20%) and 10 (16.67%) patients, respectively.
Conclusion: MI in young patients is increasing. Majority of the risk factors associated with MI in young patients are modifiable risk factors. A high index of suspicion is necessary in diagnosing these patients in time particularly in cases, where there is atypical presentation.
Role of high resolution ultrasonography in leprosy
Authors: Kush Dugad  , Satish Pathak  , Rajul Rastogi
Published: November 2022

Background: Ultrasonography is a safe and cost-effective modality to assess gross morphological changes in nerves non-invasively. Early diagnosis will allow the early institution of therapy and arrest the progression of the disease thus, helping in decreasing disabilitygrading.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assessing the role of high resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) in leprosy. The objectives of the study were to detect sonographic changes in nerves in leprosy patients, and to detect neural complications by sonography in leprosy patients.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted over 18 months from the year 2020–2021 at ‘Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Research Centre, Moradabad. A total of 37 patients were included in our study. HRUS was performed on the bilateral ulnar nerve (UN), median nerve (MN), radial nerve (RN), lateral popliteal (LPN) nerve, and posterior tibial nerve (PTN) to see the following parameters: Nerve thickening, echogenicity, color flow, and abscess.
Results: The UN was most frequently involved followed by the PTN, MN, LPN, and RN. Diagnostic performance of HRUS for echogenicity was good with sensitivity, positive predictive value, and accuracy and was observed as 91.17%, 100%, and 91.17%, respectively.
Conclusion: HRUS has several benefits in leprosy scanning; it is a reliable and non-invasive method of assessing alternations in the nerve at sites that may be difficult to be biopsied for histology.
Abdominal tumors in children: A comprehensive study on the diagnosis, management, and clinical outcome of pediatric patients with lymphoma in Kashmir
Authors: Akhtar Zahida , Kaleem Zahid , Kakroo Showkat Majeed
Published: November 2022

Background: Although primary abdominal tumors are rare but their diagnosis, high-cost treatment and psychological instability among both patients and parents are challenging. There are several types of abdominal tumors in pediatric age group which include neuroblastoma, Wilm’s tumor, hepatoblastoma, lymphomas, soft-tissue sarcomas, and germ cell tumors.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was objectively conducted to identify Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) tumors among all patients presented with abdominal tumors. In addition to this, histopatological profile, clinical profile and disease prognosis among such patients has also been analyzed.
Materials and Methods: A total of 64 pediatric patients presented with primary abdominal tumors were included in the study but only 20 patients with lymphoma were identified. The study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Division, SMHS Hospital Srinagar with effect from 2005 to 2008.
Results: The Majority of NHL patients were found to have Stage II and Stage IV. Moreover, all the four cases of Hodkins lymphoma had Stage IV. Out of the 20 patients with lymphoma six died, of them five had NHL and one patient had HL, thus placing the overall survival rate as 70%.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that both NHL and HL tumors may develop to advanced stage and even patient may die if the timely diagnosis and proper management is not there. We recommend collective team work of medicos from various departments for the precise diagnosis and optimal management of such patients.
Current practices in organization of anesthesia drug tray
Authors: Jois Sowmya , Madihalli Janardhan Iyengar Sowmya , Mahesh Chandra  , Srinivasan Rangalakshmi , Namachivayam Arunkumar
Published: November 2022

Background: The risk of medication error is high in the operating room, since the anesthesiologist prepares, stores, and administers the medication. Poor labeling practices and cluttered drug trays increase the risk of syringe swap and medication error. Well-organized drug tray can reduce the incidence of erroneous drug administration and decrease the response time during intraoperative emergencies.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the attitude and practices of anesthesiologists in organizing drug trays.
Materials and Methods: In the first part of the study, 30 drug trays with 209 syringes were observed before and after the procedure for 14 parameters. At the end of the procedure, a questionnaire was given to the anesthesiologists involved about their knowledge of labeling and organizing drug tray.
Results: All the labels were handwritten with 139 (74.7%) syringes labeled circumferentially, and 47 (25.2%) syringes labeled vertically. Unlabeled syringes found were 23 (11.0%). Labels were legible in 168 (90.3%) syringes. Syringes were not found to be replaced in their designated place according to the template at the end of surgery in 7 (23.3%) trays. About 66.7% of anesthesiologists had experienced incorrect pickup of the syringe and 40.0% of anesthesiologists reported that they rely on other pointers apart from the label to identify the drug.
Conclusion: This study identifies the variation of practices in labeling, organizing, and maintaining drug tray among anesthesiologists. Adherence to institutional protocol, eternal vigilance, and improvement in error reporting practice would minimize the incidence of medication error.
A prospective study evaluating patterns of liver siderosis in beta-thalassemia major patients undergoing splenectomy
Authors: Basak Souvik
Published: November 2022

Background: Hepatic iron overload resulting from multiple red cell transfusions over a long period of time is a complication of thalassemia major. Hepatocellular iron deposits with a decreasing gradient from periportal to centrilobular areas in the liver have been referred to as the HH pattern and those deposits primarily in reticuloendothelial cells and macrophages with occasional heterogeneous deposits in periportal hepatocytes are referred to as the non-HH pattern.
Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patterns of liver siderosis in these patients and correlate with number of units of blood transfused.
Materials and Methods: Thirty beta-thalassemia patients were selected, having splenomegaly and during splenectomy, liver biopsy was taken and sent for histopathology examination and pattern of siderosis was noted as HH (Hepatocytes), non-HH (Reticuloendothelial cells/Kupffer cells/macrophages) or HH; non-HH (Mixed).
Results: Mean number of units transfused was 48.429±9.53 (SD) for patients having HH pattern of liver siderosis whereas it was 58.667±13.27 (SD) for patients having HH; non-HH pattern of liver siderosis. Independent-samples non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was performed and P-value was found to be 0.028 which emphasized that total number of units of blood transfused vary significantly with two groups showing different patterns of siderosis.
Conclusion: Hence, pattern of liver siderosis can be a good indicator for transfusional iron overload in beta-thalassemia major patients.
Differentially expressed genes identification and bioinformatics analysis of venous blood in patients with mild preeclampsia
Authors: Wang Lingling , Shoujun Xie  , Chunli Ren  , Huachuan Zheng  , Xing Zhao
Published: November 2022

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is a syndrome characterized by hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) and proteinuria that develops after 20 weeks of gestation. It is classified as mild PE and severe PE. Placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and fetal death are common complications of PE, which is a serious threat to maternal and infant safety during pregnancy. Bioinformatics analysis can dig into the undiscovered biological information, and have a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases. At present, the pathogenesis of PE has not been fully studied. There is no information in literature on key gene screening and bioinformatics studies of mild PE.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore the differential genes screening and related biological process (BP) in venous blood of patients with mild PE.
Materials and Methods: GSE48424 dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, differential genes were screened. Gene ontology (GO)|Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was completed. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of differential genes was mapped using STRING and Cytoscape. Identify key modules and genes involved in mild PE.
Results: A total of 433 up-regulated and 1242 down-regulated genes were obtained. GO function analysis showed that BP was mainly related to endosome organization, dephosphorylation, and endomembrane system organization. Cellular component is mainly related to promyelocytic leukemia body, nuclear membrane, and nuclear envelope. Molecular function is mainly related to ubiquitin-like protein transferase activity，phosphoric ester hydrolase activity, and phosphatase activity. KEGG showed that differential genes were enriched in sphingolipid, TNF, herpes simplex virus 1 infection, and pancreatic cancer pathway. The PPI network of differential genes was constructed to obtain 10 key genes involved in mild PE: SGMS1, SGPP1, ASAH1, PPAP2C, PPAP2B, PPP1R12A, WDR82, PPP2R2A, PPP4R2, and PPP4R1.
Conclusion: Using bioinformatics technology to identify the hub genes involved in mild PE can provide a favorable basis for further study of biological markers and pathogenesis of mild PE.
A study to observe the effectiveness of dacryocystectomy in the management of chronic dacryocystitis
Authors: Bhanumurthy Gangalapuram  , Padala Venkateswara Prasad  , Mahesh Gajula
Published: November 2022

Background: Diseases of the Lacrimal sac could be secondary to the disease of the neighboring areas, namely, that of nose, orbit, and the face. And yet, the diseases of the Lacrimal sac can spread to these areas.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to observe the effectiveness of dacryocystectomy in the management of chronic dacryocystitis.
Materials and Methods: A total of 35 male and female patients with chronic dacryocystitis were part of the study after obtaining informed consent. All the cases underwent surgery under local anesthesia. Incision was made and lacrimal sac was exposed. Bone resection of lacrimal fossa was performed. This is followed by the incision of the mucosal flaps. Postoperatively, the patient is kept on antibiotic, anti-inflammatory drugs, nasal decongestant drops, and antibiotic eye drops. The skin wound is dressed daily. Irrigation of the Lacrimal sac is done daily from 2nd post-operative day onward with warm saline to which few drops of gentamicin is added. Skin sutures are removed on 5th day. The patients are followed regularly.
Results: The success rate in our series is 97.14%. The follow-up period in our series ranged between 3 months and 13 months during the follow-up. As described by stallard (1980) and paymann (1982), in 33 of our cases, the initial bony window is fashioned with a lacrimal dissector by inserting it into the suture line between the maxilla and lacrimal bone in the lacrimal fossa and breaking the Lacrimal bone.
Conclusion: The study results support that dacryocystectomy is effective in the management of chronic dacryocystitis. The study also recommends further studies with larger sample size in this area.
Serum level of hepcidin in chronic kidney disease - A hospital-based study from South India
Authors: Vijayapriya Indirajith  , Saravanan Sivagnanam  , Rajeswari Rajappa
Published: November 2022

Background: The term “chronic kidney disease (CKD)” refers to a variety of pathophysiologic conditions characterized by impaired kidney function and a steady fall in glomerular filtration rate. CKD is a slowly progressive silent epidemic that affects approximately 12% of the world population.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to estimate the level of serum Hepcidin in patients with CKD compared to healthy controls.
Materials and Methods: Hundred subjects both male and female over the age of 18 were included in the study and informed consent was obtained from each of them. The study population was divided equally into two groups. Blood serum was collected to estimate level of hepcidin, urea, creatinine, ferritin, iron, total iron binding capacity, hs C-reactive protein (CRP), and total proteins. Urine was collected in a sterile container for urine protein creatinine ratio.
Results: Hepcidin could be a prognostic marker in the clinical outcome of CKD especially in the progression of CKD. There was a highly significant positive correlation of serum Hepcidin with hsCRP, ferritin, creatinine, urea, urine protein creatinine ratio, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Significant negative correlation of serum Hepcidin with Creatinine Clearance, Iron, TIBC, Transferrin saturation, Hemoglobin, and Total Proteins had been observed.
Conclusion: The current study showed that patients with CKD and anemia have considerably higher serum hepcidin concentrations. The level of hepcidin increases as disease progresses in CKD patients. Hepcidin, mediator of anemia in CKD is the potential target to treat anemia in them to prevent death due to cardiovascular complications and improve their quality of life.
The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Fixed Prosthodontics: A Survey Among Dental Practitioners in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Rathi A. , Jha R. K. , Bhochhibhoya A. , Guragain M.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The aim of the study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and fixed prosthodontics practice guidelines amongst dental practitioners of Eastern part of Nepal.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was done among dental practitioners of Eastern Part of Nepal Practicing in Private Clinics and Dental Schools. A total of 250 dentists were selected randomly from private and public sectors and dental schools. A survey was conducted through a printed and online standard questionnaire with 18 open as well as multiple choice questions delivered to dental practitioners. All data were collected and coded, the statistical analysis was done using SPSS statistical software package. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.
Result: The study showed that 167 (66.8%) were males while 83 (33.2%) were females. 80 (32%) of dentists were practicing crown and bridge for 1‑3 years, 88 (35.2%) of dentists were practicing crown and bridge for 4‑10 years, 38 (15.2%) of dentist were practicing for 11‑15 years while 44 (17.6%) of them were practicing for more than 16 years. Most of respondents 175 (70%) worked in private clinics. 90(36%) of participants fabricated study models before commencing fixed prosthodontic treatment. 190(76%) of participants always used radiographs for abutment tooth evaluation. Vitality test for restored abutments were always done by 115 (46%) respondents. Majority of respondents 200 (80%) were using high-speed hand pieces and diamond bur during preparation 130 (52%) While preparing of teeth for dental prosthesis. additional cured silicon was mostly used by most of the practitioners 110 (44%) for making final impression with a Putty and wash techniques 183 (73.2%).165 (66%) participants used wax for bite registration, 100 (40%) of respondents always used retraction cord and 08(43.2%) practitioners never give provisional crown and bridges. Both written prescriptions and verbal communications were used during communication between dentist and lab by 175 (70%) respondents.
Conclusion: The dental practitioners of Eastern part of Nepal displayed acceptable level of knowledge and awareness regarding fixed prosthodontics practice. However, to further enhance efficiency and performance, an effort should be made to update the knowledge by conducting CDE on recent advances in dentistry and dental practices.
Digital Decodings? Becoming-Ungenderable in Online Spaces
Authors: Hurley Emerson
Published: November 2022

The online self is a new kind of body, producing new kinds of affects and offering new opportunities for self-expression. This paper draws on the ontological framework developed by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari in their seminal work Capitalism and Schizophrenia (1983; 1987) to explore the operation of gender in digital space. The constitution of the (gendered) self online is understood as a deliberate, measured act, allowing users to curate their identities in ways more fully expressive of their desires than is possible offline. Two possibilities thus emerge: the imposition of gendered subjectivities may be resisted – and perhaps escaped altogether – or the masculine/feminine binary may be further entrenched through the visual medium. In either case, the Internet Age is characterised by more dynamic, creative and intense modes of gender politics.
A Study on Spatial Resolution according to Composition Material of ACR phantom in MDCT
Authors:   KOREA SOCIETY OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY, Keum Woong-Jin , Kim Moo-geon , Hong Ju-Wan , Kim Yung-Kyoon
Published: November 2022

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is well known as a crucial parameter in quality assurance of computed tomography (CT) scanners that provides detailed information of both contrast and resolution of CT images. In this study, modulation transfer function (MTF) of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) was evaluated by changing the substance of phantom and the measurement parameters. The analysis of MTF gives following results: 1) Bone (the highest contrast material) and air (the lowest contrast material) exhibited variance by 0.030 lp/cm at MTF(50%). 2) In addition, slice thickness of 1.25-mm and 10.0-mm exhibited 0.110 lp/cm and 0.065 lp/cm at MTF(50%), respectively. 3) MTF (50%) showed 50.31% difference depending on the image reconstruction algorithm. Especially, bone algorithm showed higher MTF (50%) than standard algorithm by 26.69%. 4) In addition, the Full (360°) mode linear interpolation showed higher MTF (50%) than the Plus (540°) mode by 10.71%. For a accurate measurement of MTF while performing CT quality control, a phantom module which consists of diverse substance is required. Also, the optimal image which reflecting the size and shape of lesion can be obtained with a suitable scanning factor for diagnosis.
The indiscreet charm of Eccentrism
Authors: Pronin A. A.
Published: November 2022

The article is devoted to a centennial of Eccentrism, a collection of manifestos by the artistic group FEKS (The Factory of the Eccentric Actor), created and published in 1922. The author focuses on the problem of the collection’s originality as a manifesto and the personalities of its individual authors: G. Kozintsov, G. Kryzhitsky, L. Trauberg, and S. Yutkevich. The history of their writing and the manifestos themselves are considered from the viewpoint of FEKS’s nascent aesthetic platform and in a broader context of the manifesto tradition of the Russian avant-garde movement. The article offers a hypothesis that Eccentrism was conceived by the group’s founders as a kind of FEKS periodical, but that project was doomed once Kryzhitsky and Yutkevich left the group in the summer of 1922. Further analysed are each of the four articles in the collection, their interplay in getting the group’s message across, and the role of each of the four directors in the genesis of FEKS. All four contributions create a consistent message; Eccentrism combines a sharp and rhythmic language, typical of avant-garde manifestos, with a snappy imperative tone and juvenile self-advertisement.