bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographical Information System Based Assessment of Small Hydropower Potential in South-Eastern Nigeria: A Case Study of Abia State
Authors: Oyinna Benneth Chimaobi , Ukoba Michael O.
Published: March 2024

Small hydropower technology has gained traction in the Nigerian energy and power ecosystem owing to incentives and reforms aimed at increasing Nigeria’s energy mix for sustainable development. Utilizing these opportunities through harnessing SHP potentials has not made it to the front burner during policy formulations and implementations in South-Eastern Nigeria despite the availability of water bodies and waterlines in the region. This paper focuses on the potentials of small hydropower in Abia state and utilized ArcGIS software to conduct spatial analysis using map data overlayed by shapefiles of water bodies, waterlines, road networks and Land use, Land Cover data (LULC). Multiple ring buffers were created for various proximities around the waterbodies and waterlines and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index calculations were done to determine suitability areas for small hydropower schemes after reclassification of the data. The analysis revealed suitability areas in Osisioma Ngwa and Obingwa Local Government areas with suitable elevations and hydraulics data for run off the river schemes and siting of hydropower plants within a multiple ring buffer distance between 200m to 5km from the waterlines and roads, having a weighted score between 33-66 with NDVI range of -0.018 –0.015 indicating the presence of water bodies and built-up areas around the water bodies with NDVI range of 0.015 – 0.14 and a weighted score within the range of 11-16 This revelation also encourages the hybridization of renewable energy technology using pumped hydro storage to improve the reliability and affordability of mini-grid solutions in Abia State and Nigeria at large.
Design and Simulation of the Major Units of Acetone Plant from Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Route
Authors: Ojong Ojong Elias , Etim Victor Ita , Aquah Grace Esu Ejemot , Uzono Romokere Isotuk
Published: March 2024

A design of 225[metric tons per year] of an acetone plant from isopropanol alcohol (IPA) was developed. The design considers the fundamental principles of mass and energy balance to size the units of the acetone plant, particularly the Gibbs reactor, separator, absorber, and distillation columns. The beauty of plant design is to account for the material and energy conservation principles interactions and specify the dimensions of the main unit operations of the plant. The HYSYS simulation software was used to design the acetone plant, and the properties of the fluid were used to manually size the plant. The four components resulting from the reaction of IPA and water (acting as a catalyst) to obtain acetone and hydrogen are 2-propanol, acetone, hydrogen, and water. The balance of how these components is heated, reacted, cooled, separated, absorbed, and distilled of acetone from a mixture of IPA/water is shown logically with sketches for the material and energy values of the key unit operations of the plant. The mechanical design of the units was performed to determine the thickness of the columns. In addition, a cost-plus-economic analysis of acetone was carried out. The results indicate that, the sizing of the units gave the following results viz: manually, the reactor with sized 5.4 [m3], 1.56[m] and 2.34[m] as the diameter and height respectively, the separator was sized to 1.78[m] diameter and 2.67[m] height with 6.631[m3] volume, the absorber column gave 0.085[m] diameter, 1.1[m] height, and the distillation column design values are 0.202[m] column diameter, 10.8[m] height and the weir length of 0.154[m]. The overall cost, including the cost of utilities for the entire plant, was [$]7.792million; the equivalent annual operating cost was [$]4.408million; and the thicknesses of the reactor, separator, absorber, and dilation columns are respectively 2.42[mm], 11.71[mm], 1.99[mm] and 3.36[mm]. Validation of the manual design was carried out with HYSYS simulation results, which indicated that the design models were reliable and could be adopted for the design because the deviation values on the specifications of the units are small ranges from 0.04 – 0.4. The result of the design showed that acetone production from the IPA route was recommended and that the HYSYS simulation formed part of the entire design of the acetone plant.
Positive Valve Overlap as an Effective Conversion Energy System Using Biodiesel
Authors: Ajie Alpha Chukwumela , Ojapah Mohammed Moore , Diemuodeke Ogheneruona Endurance
Published: March 2024

Biodiesel, with the potential to reduce emissions, is an attractive source of renewable energy in the transportation sector, which supports blending of diverse sources such as soybean oil, coconut oil, groundnut oil, palm oil and waste cooking oil. This study presents an analysis of using positive valve overlap of 32 degrees on the performance and emission of a diesel engine fired by biodiesel from two sources (waste cooking oil biodiesel and palm oil biodiesel). The waste cooking oil (WC) and palm oil (PO) biodiesel were blended with diesel fuel in varying proportion of B5, B10, B15, B20, B50, B85, B100. A 2-cylinder diesel engine model was created in Ricardo Wave software environment where simulations were conducted to evaluate brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, brake torque, exhaust gas temperature, CO, HC, and NOx emission. Performance results shows that at 1200 rpm, brake specific fuel consumption of 0.28798 kg/kWh for B100 and 0.27895 kg/kWh for PO100, brake thermal efficiency of 32.55% for B100 and 32.66% for PO100, and brake torque of 33.51N.m for B100 and 34.60 N.m for PO100. Emission results shows that CO emission of 15.10 ppm for B100 and 18.03 ppm for PO100, HC of 45.36ppm for B100 and 45.24 ppm for PO100; NOx of 154.03 ppm for B100 and 167.53 ppm for PO100. The implication is that the palm oil derived biodiesel uses less fuel and produces more brake power and brake torque as compared to waste cooking oil biodiesel. Conversely, emission results show that the palm oil derived biodiesel produces more emissions than waste cooking oil biodiesel.
Evolution of trends in Sri Lankan mangrove research and future prospects
Authors: Amarasinghe Mala
Published: March 2024

The trend of sporadic surveys and qualitative descriptions of Sri Lankan mangrove flora in the first half of the 20th century has gradually changed to include quantitative studies on floristics, nevertheless, studies on quantification of fauna associated closely with mangrove ecosystems are scarce. Microbial diversity, especially in soil, and its ‘contribution to the detritus cycle are the least studied. The tendency to engage in short-term research at convenient sites affects the quality and relevance of research output with some redundancy, resulting in a marginal contribution to the knowledge base on mangrove ecology. Studying mangrove ecosystem functions/ services demands long-term collection of data that would have made them less attractive research ventures.  Research on trophic relationships, detritus and nutrient cycling, habitat and pollination functions too have had the same fate. The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 triggered a considerable interest in the coastal protection function of mangroves, as it was evident that mangroves and other coastal vegetation provided superior resistance to tsunami waves than hard engineering coastal protective structures. This has led to an unprecedented trend of mangrove afforestation for coastal defense, more than to research on planting techniques and maintenance to enhance the survival and growth of seedlings. This is still an under-researched aspect. Escalating recognition of blue carbon as a climate-smart solution and the development of market mechanisms for blue carbon trading have induced a considerable research interest in quantifying the mangrove blue carbon stocks, especially in the soil. Research on atmospheric carbon removal capacity/rates of mangrove plants/forests through photosynthesis however, lags behind for the reason that it requires data collection for a longer period that demands greater financial and labour investment. The urgency created by the current climate change crisis for effective solutions to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases may provide a conducive environment for mangrove research.
Are the stream macrobenthos impacted by the wastewater from rubber factories?
Authors: Dilhara K. G. A. , Chandrasekara W. U.
Published: March 2024

We assessed how the wastewater generated from raw rubber factories affected the water quality parameters and how such changes influenced the stream macrobenthic assemblages in some streams in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. For this assessment, water quality parameters viz. DO, COD, BOD5, conductivity, TDS, T, pH, and OMC in the sediment were measured, and the macrobenthic fauna were sampled during the dry season at six sampling sites established based on judgemental sampling technique viz. rubber factory wastewater effluent canal (site A), point of wastewater discharge in the stream (site B),  50 m upstream site from site B (site C), 50 m downstream site from site B (site D), 100 m downstream site from site B (site E), and 150 m downstream site from site B (site F) following standard field sampling techniques. Secondary research data (dry season) from two other streams subjected to rubber factory wastewater effluents, namely Rakwatte Ela (2001) and Gurugoda Oya (2011), were also used for this assessment. Results revealed that the COD, BOD5, OMC, conductivity, and TDS levels were elevated, and the DO level was reduced significantly in the highly polluted A and B sites in all three streams. Parallel to them, the macrobenthic diversity decreased significantly (p<0.5; ANOVA) at these two sites. However, the complete opposite was observed at the furthermost downstream site F, where the water quality parameters and the microbenthic composition became almost the same as that in the upstream control site C. It is evident that the changes made to the stream water quality and the macrobenthic assemblages by the rubber factory wastewater are never permanent and disappear within a relatively short stretch of 150 m along the streams, most probably due to the dilution of wastewater along the stream. The pollution-tolerant tubificids and chironomids were bioindicator candidates to detect such changes where they became highly abundant at the highly polluted wastewater effluent canal (i.e., Site A) and point of wastewater discharge in the stream (i.e. Site B), but their abundance gradually decreased along the downstream sites probably due to wastewater dilution by the fresh water supply from the stream.
Sensitization with Fungal Protease Allergen Establishes Long-Lived, Allergenic Th Cell Memory in the Lung
Authors: Shapiro Abigail , Caballes Nicolas W S , Vera Rebecca N , Klein Bruce S , Brennan Paul J , Wu Yen-Fei , Wiesner Darin L
Published: March 2024

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Exposure to allergens produced by a variety of otherwise harmless microbes, including fungi, predisposes individuals to immunopathologic disease upon subsequent encounters with allergen. We developed a mouse model that employs a purified protease produced by Aspergillus (Asp f 13) to investigate the contributions of CD4+ Th cells to recurrent lung inflammation. Notably, memory CD4+ T cells enhanced the eosinophil response of sensitized/rechallenged animals. In addition, memory CD4+ T cells maintained allergenic features, including expression of GATA-binding protein 3 and IL-5. Th2 memory T cells persisted in the peribronchiolar interstitium of the lung and expressed markers of tissue residence, such as CD69, CCR8, and IL-33R. Lastly, we identified a peptide epitope contained within Asp f 13 and generated a peptide–MHC class II tetramer. Using these tools, we further demonstrated the durability and exquisite sensitivity of memory T cells in promoting lung eosinophilia. Our data highlight important features of memory T cells that strengthen the notion that memory T cells are principal drivers of eosinophilic disease in murine models of allergic sensitization and episodic airway inflammation.
Health-related quality of life in treatment-naive, older patients with cancer from India: A prospective observational study
Authors: Soni Nidhi , Banerjee Joyita , Saravanan Manicka , Rao Abhijith Rajaram , Upadhyay Ashish D. , Dey Aparajit Ballav
Published: March 2024

Background:

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a major concern for older patients with cancer. The goal of cancer care in most older patients is maintaining the quality of the remaining years of life rather than prolonging survival.

Objectives:

We aimed to evaluate the quality-of-life (QoL) domains in treatment-naïve older patients with cancer.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study was done in the Outpatient Department of Geriatric Medicine of the All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, India from July 2015 to June 2017. Treatment-naïve patients aged 60 years and above with a histological diagnosis of malignancy were enrolled. The QoL questions were asked in Hindi/English (as per the patient’s comfort) using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ- C30). The scores on the different domains of the QoL were noted; scoring was as per the EORTC QLQ-C30 scoring manual. Continuous scores were converted into dichotomous variables by using a cut-off of 50, i.e. scores less than 50 were graded as “low scores” while scores of 50 and above were graded as “high scores.”

Results:

Out of the total of 419 questionnaires obtained, 360 were analyzed. Fatigue was reported in 248 (68.9%) patients, loss of appetite in 239 (66.4%), and pain in 180 (50%). Poor functioning (score <50) was seen in 238 (66%) patients in the global QoL domain (overall health and quality of life in the preceding one week), in 248 (68.9%) in the role functioning domain, in 200 (55.5%) in the physical functioning domain, and in 268 (74.3%) in the emotional functioning domain. Financial constraints were reported by 239 (66.4%) patients.

Conclusion:

In older patients with cancer, fatigue, loss of appetite, and pain were the predominant symptoms affecting QoL. Poorer scores were reported in the global health status domain, financial difficulties, and the domains of physical, role, and emotional functioning. These results can help in planning early interventions, targeted at improving the QoL in these patients.
Normal mineralization patterns of laryngeal cartilage on computed tomography and their implication for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer management: A cross-sectional retrospective analysis
Authors: Sable Nilesh , Kshirsagar Rupali , Shukla Shreya , Thakur Meenakshi , Mahajan Abhishek
Published: March 2024

Background:

A common problem faced during the evaluation of computed tomography (CT) scan in a patient with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma is deciding whether the changes in the laryngeal cartilage are due to tumor involvement, reactive changes, or simply a normal variation.

Objectives:

We aimed to characterize the variation in the distribution and sex predilection of laryngeal cartilage mineralization in a cohort of patients without malignancy to establish its significance in patients with laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2016 and December 2017 in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India. We enrolled 185 patients with head-and-neck cancer (other than laryngeal/hypopharyngeal primaries) aged between 20 and 79 years who had undergone a CT neck as a part of their diagnostic workup. Specialist radiologists determined the total, symmetric, and asymmetric mineralization frequencies of the laryngeal cartilages. Mineralization was graded as sclerosis, ossification, and calcification.

Results:

Asymmetric mineralization of the thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid cartilages were seen in 82 (44.3%), 29 (15.7%), and 39 (21.1%), respectively, of our study population. Asymmetric thyroid, cricoid, and arytenoid sclerosis were seen in 32 (17.3%), 3 (1.6%), and 14 (7.6%), respectively, of the study population. Asymmetric arytenoid sclerosis was more common on the left side (8 [4.3%]; all 8 noted in men) than on the right (6 [3.2%], 4 in men, and 2 in women).

Conclusion:

Though sclerosis of ossified portions of the cartilage is an early sign of cartilage invasion by laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma, some of the sclerotic cartilage may represent a normal variation. These and other common variations in mineralization patterns should be considered when evaluating CT scans of patients with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer for cartilage invasion to avoid false-positive observations.
Psychocutaneous Disorders in Paediatric Population: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in Eastern India
Authors: Mohapatra Liza , Nayak Surajit , Dixit Nibedita , Nayak Manoj Kumar
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Psychocutaneous disorders in children have been a gray zone in dermatology practice. It can be secondary to some primary dermatological disorder or can be a presentation of underlying primary psychiatric illness. There is a paucity of data regarding the occurrence of these disorders in the pediatric population. The present study was carried out to assess the proportion of primary psychiatric dermatoses in the pediatric population seeking dermatological care.

Materials and Methods:

This was a hospital-based cross-sectional observational study done over 6 months. All consecutive children <14 years old presenting with primary psychiatric disorders (PPDs) to the dermatology outpatient department were recruited in the study.

Results:

PPDs were found in 0.41% of the pediatric patients attending the outpatient department. Dermatitis artefacta was the most common PPD in our study (47.05%). Other less frequently observed PPDs were trichotillomania, lip-licking dermatitis, and nail-biting. Underlying psychiatric illness was found in 41.17% of affected children.

Conclusion:

Primary psychiatric dermatoses in children could go undiagnosed because of its rarity but early diagnosis is essential as it can be an early sign or a harbinger of underlying severe psychiatric illness.
Clinicoepidemiological Spectrum of Connective Tissue Diseases in the Pediatric Population in a Tertiary Care Center in North India: A Cross-sectional Observational Study
Authors: Senapati Dharitree , Mendiratta Vibhu , Maheshwari Anu , Yadav Vidya , Garg Taru , Ahmed Yusufa
Published: March 2024

Background:

Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are chronic in nature and carry a high risk of morbidity, disability, and mortality if not recognized and treated promptly. Data on clinical spectrum of CTDs in the pediatric age group are sparse from developing countries such as India.

Objective:

To study the clinicoepidemiological spectrum of CTDs in the pediatric age group.

Methodology:

A hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study was undertaken over a period of 16 months from January 2021 to June 2022 in the dermatology outpatient department and pediatric rheumatology clinic in a tertiary care hospital in North India. Clinical and laboratory findings were recorded.

Results:

A total of 100 children diagnosed with a CTD were included in the study. The mean age was 11.11 ± 4.20 years. Out of 100 children, 55% were female and 45% were male with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. Our study included 63% juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 17% systemic lupus erythematosus, 7% juvenile dermatomyositis, 6% Kawasaki disease, 3% systemic sclerosis, and 2% Henoch–Schonlein purpura and mixed CTD patients each. Mucocutaneous features commonly seen were rash (40%), oral ulcers (22%), and photosensitivity (18%). Commonly seen systemic features were joint pain (77%), followed by fever (63%).

Conclusion:

Mucocutaneous manifestations are frequently seen in CTDs and constitute a frequent and an early manifestation of CTD. Early recognition of CTD in the pediatric age group will help in timely initiation of treatment to prevent disabilities and mortality.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for postoperative analgesia after caesarean delivery: A prospective randomized non-inferiority clinical trial
Authors: Joshi Reesha , Jeevan Ram , Amutha Selvaraju V. , Ramakrishnan Lakshmi , Natarajan Naveen Ramji
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims:

Regional techniques are a part of multimodal analgesia following cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery warrants a regional technique, which can provide somatic and visceral analgesia-like quadratus lumborum block (QLB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB). In this study, we investigated the non-inferiority of ESPB at T12 and transmuscular-QLB (TQLB) at L2-L3 for postoperative analgesia in cesarean delivery.

Material and Methods:

In this prospective, randomized, non-inferiority trial, 124 patients undergoing cesarean delivery were enrolled to receive bilateral TQLB or ESPB with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine on each side. All patients received prophylactic acetaminophen and ketorolac for 2 days. Our primary objective was to compare the total tramadol consumption in the first 48 h between the two groups. Secondary objectives were to compare cumulative tramadol consumption, postoperative Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score at rest, and with movement at various time points, the time for first rescue analgesic requirement, development of complications related to the block, and patient satisfaction with analgesia between the two groups.

Results:

The total tramadol consumption in 48 h (47.3 ± 34.9 mg in ESPB and 50.9 ± 38.7 mg in TQLB), duration of first rescue analgesic (22.8 ± 15.8 h in ESPB and 22.7 ± 15.6 h in TQLB), and patient satisfaction were similar between the two groups. Both groups had similar pain scores except at rest at 6 h and on movement at 4 h, 6 h, and 36 h, whereas the ESPB group had lower NRS scores (P< 0.05).

Conclusion:

The analgesic effect of bilateral ESPB at T12 was non-inferior to that of bilateral TQLB post-caesarean delivery.
Comparison of anterior, posterior, and lateral approaches of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block in an adult patient undergoing inguinal hernia surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kumar Ajeet , Sinha Chandni , Singh Soumya , Kumar Amarjeet , Kumar Anil , Priya Diti
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims:

Inguinal hernia surgeries can pose significant postoperative pain, leading to chronic pain syndromes when not managed well.

Material and Methods:

Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I/II adult patients scheduled to undergo unilateral inguinal hernia surgeries were enrolled in this trial. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups according to the various approaches of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum (QL) block: group transmuscular (TM): TM or anterior approach, group L: lateral approach, and group P: posterior approach. All the patients underwent surgery under subarachnoid blockade. A QL block was administered at the end of the surgery.

Results:

A total of 19 patients in each group were analyzed. Patients in the TM group had the least 24-hour requirement of fentanyl (P < 0.001), with better pain scores (P < 0.001) and prolonged duration of analgesia. No significant difference was found in the patient satisfaction scores (PSSs) in the three approaches. None of the patients reported any adverse effects related to the block.

Conclusion:

The TM approach of QL block is an effective analgesic strategy in patients undergoing unilateral hernia surgeries. It could form a part of the multimodal analgesic regimen for such patients.
Organizational Pathology and Crisis Management of Health and Treatment Experts: Effective Management Strategies in Dealing and Controlling the Epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Rouzbahani Rahim , Moghadam Afsaneh Zamani , Roodposhti Fereydoon Rahnamay
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Most studies on hospital crisis management demonstrated that the health-care systems are not sufficiently prepared to face a sudden pandemic. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the organizational pathology and crisis management of health and treatment experts during the pandemic, with an emphasis on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS:

First, a systematic literature review to identify all relevant studies in accordance with hospital management and eligibility criteria was conducted. Thereafter, the structured method of developing consensus among panel members using Delphi method was designed. The expert panel consists of 10 specialized clinicians and four senior supervisors who were involved with hospital challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The samples were selected by snowball method since the researchers have difficulty finding participants for their studies.

RESULTS:

The final model presented includes six main dimensions, i.e., psychological, technology, screening and triage, management, economy, and human resources. Twenty components of model were self-assessment programs, management dashboard and classified information, management and monitoring, self-care training, triage training and human resources training, health waste management, essential training, emergency and flexible structures, organization of resources and facilities, efficiency of material resources and humanity and control of financial indicators, education and learning, professional development and empowerment.

CONCLUSION:

Strengthening the psychological infrastructure, technology, screening and triage, management, economy, and human resources in hospital management causes medical centers to have more organizational flexibility when crises occur and to experience new crisis management in the organization and before crises occur.
Prevalence of Anemia in Libyan Patients with Celiac Disease Before and After a Gluten-free Diet
Authors: Elbaruni Khaled Soliman , Abdulwahed Eman Ali , Alelwani Malak Ali , Abuhilika Thana Altaher , Atia Ahmed Elbadri
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to estimate the incidence of anemia among celiac patients before and after their intake of a gluten-free diet (GFD).

METHODS:

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in different departments of internal medicine, gastroenterology, and pediatrics at Tripoli University Hospital, Tripoli, Libya. The study data were retrospectively extracted from the clinical files of 100 patients who were diagnosed with celiac disease (CD). Hematological results of complete blood count for each patient before and after induction of GFD for 1 year were collected from the medical records. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 software.

RESULTS:

Out of 100 CD patients, 53 patients were female and 47 patients were male. The analysis showed that the values of red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration were significantly higher after treatment compared to before one (P < 0.05). However, the independent t-test analysis did not show a significant difference in the mean values of white blood cell and red cell distribution width before and after treatment (P > 0.05). In addition, the mean value of platelets was lower after treatment with a P = 0.047.

CONCLUSION:

Anemia was a common finding in the studied cases. Although the GFD improved CD symptoms, anemia persisted in a number of CD patients, even after a year of GFD treatment.
Pre-Descemet’s endothelial keratoplasty with glued intraocular lens implantation with pinhole pupilloplasty in a case of ocular comorbidity in achromatopsia
Authors: Kumar Dhivya Ashok , Agarwal Amar , Ravichandran Swetha
Published: March 2024

Ocular comorbidities can happen as congenital defective gene associations. We present a 37-year-old female patient who was mentally challenged and had coexisting achromatopsia gene abnormality on genetic analysis. She was operated in childhood for congenital cataract, and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) was implanted at 10 years of age elsewhere. The patient presented 27 years later with luxated IOL with endothelial decompensation. There was a coexisting steep and thin cornea noted on corneal topography. She was managed with pre-Descemet’s endothelial keratoplasty with transpositioning of posterior chamber IOL to glued IOL with single-pass four-throw pupilloplasty. Postoperatively, the cornea was clear with centered glued IOL. The lesser postanesthetic challenges and faster rehabilitation are obtained in combination procedures with reduced complications in such rare scenarios.
Systemic treatment and surgical intervention in inflammatory Terrien disease
Authors: Arnalich-Montiel Francisco
Published: March 2024

This case report presents a unique instance of a 55-year-old male patient exhibiting features of both Terrien marginal degeneration (TMD) and Fuchs’ superficial marginal keratitis. Characterized by peripheral corneal thinning vascularization, and a pseudopterygium, the patient experienced recurrent photophobia, redness, and tearing over 15 years. This case challenges the traditional distinction between TMD and Fuchs’ superficial marginal keratitis, suggesting a potential common underlying disorder. Mycophenolate mofetil provided a partial response, while pseudopterygium removal led to sustained remission, emphasizing its therapeutic significance. This case highlights the first documented use of mycophenolate in TMD and supports the notion of shared vasculitic origins between TMD and Fuchs’ keratitis, raising intriguing questions about targeted therapeutic interventions.
Salmonellosis outbreaks linked to eggs at 2 gimbap restaurants in Korea
Authors: Eun Jun Suk , Han Joohyun , Lim Ji-Hyun , Shin Eunkyung , Kim Junyoung , Ko Da-Jung , Yoo Jaeil , Kim Sungil , Kim Jin Sook , Park Jung Sub , Park Ji-Hyuk
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES: Salmonellosis outbreaks occurred at 2 restaurants 2 days apart, and an epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine whether the outbreaks were connected.METHODS: Case studies were conducted for both outbreaks. Stool samples were collected from individuals, and food samples were collected from the restaurants. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing analyses were performed on outbreak-related Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (Salmonella Enteritidis) isolates. Traceback investigations were also conducted for the ingredients from gimbap restaurants A and B.RESULTS: In total, 106 people from gimbap restaurant A and 5 from gimbap restaurant B met the case definition. Salmonella Enteritidis was detected in samples from 2 food handlers, 22 patients, and 1 food (iceberg lettuce) at gimbap restaurant A and from 1 patient at gimbap restaurant B. According to PFGE, all isolates were identified as SEGX01.089. The molecular typing of all isolates showed the same pattern, and the genetic distance was close according to phylogenetic analysis. Eggs were the only food ingredient that was supplied to both gimbap restaurants.CONCLUSIONS: The outbreaks were caused by Salmonella Enteritidis, and the source of infections was suspected to be contaminated eggs. To prevent foodborne outbreaks of Salmonella, restaurants should heat eggs sufficiently, and egg farms need to establish management systems that prevent Salmonella infections.
Interactions between vitamin B2, the MTRR rs1801394 and MTR rs1805087 genetic polymorphisms, and colorectal cancer risk in a Korean population
Authors: Gunathilake Madhawa , Kim Minji , Lee Jeonghee , Oh Jae Hwan , Chang Hee Jin , Sohn Dae Kyung , Shin Aesun , Kim Jeongseon
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES: We explored whether the association between vitamin B2 and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk could be modified by the MTRR rs1801394 and MTR rs1805087 genetic polymorphisms and examined whether the interaction effects are sex-specific.METHODS: We performed a case-control study involving 1,420 CRC patients and 2,840 controls from the Korea National Cancer Center. Dietary vitamin B2 intake was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the association with CRC was evaluated. Genotyping was performed using an Illumina MEGA-Expanded Array. For gene-nutrient interaction analysis, pre-matched (1,081 patients and 2,025 controls) and matched (1,081 patients and 1,081 controls) subsets were included. Unconditional and conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).RESULTS: A higher intake of vitamin B2 was associated with a significantly lower CRC risk (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.82; p<0.001). Carriers of at least 1 minor allele of MTRR rs1801394 showed a significantly higher CRC risk (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.83). Males homozygous for the major allele (A) of MTRR rs1801394 and who had a higher intake of vitamin B2 had a significantly lower CRC risk (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.54; p-interaction=0.02). In MTR rs1805087, males homozygous for the major allele (A) and who had a higher vitamin B2 intake had a significantly lower CRC risk (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.60; p-interaction<0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The MTRR rs1801394 and MTR rs1805087 genetic polymorphisms may modify the association between vitamin B2 and CRC risk, particularly in males. However, further studies are warranted to confirm these interaction results.
Worsening of health disparities across COVID-19 pandemic stages in Korea
Authors: Lee Hyejin , Nam Hyunwoo , Lee Jae-ryun , Jung Hyemin , Lee Jin Yong
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES: With the end of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the health outcomes of this disease in Korea must be examined. We aimed to investigate health outcomes and disparities linked to socioeconomic status during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea and to identify risk factors for hospitalization and mortality.METHODS: This nationwide retrospective study incorporated an analysis of individuals with and without COVID-19 in Korea between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022. The study period was divided into 4 stages. Prevalence, hospitalization, mortality, and case-fatality rates were calculated per 100,000 population. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality.RESULTS: Overall, the incidence rate was 40,601 per 100,000 population, the mortality rate was 105 per 100,000 population, and the case-fatality rate was 259 per 100,000 cases. A total of 12,577,367 new cases (24.5%) were recorded in stage 3 and 8,979,635 cases (17.5%) in stage 4. Medical Aid recipients displayed the lowest 3-year cumulative incidence rate (32,737 per 100,000) but the highest hospitalization (5,663 cases per 100,000), mortality (498 per 100,000), and case-fatality (1,521 per 100,000) rates. Male sex, older age, lower economic status, non-metropolitan area of residence, high Charlson comorbidity index, and disability were associated with higher risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination was found to reduce mortality risk.CONCLUSIONS: As the pandemic progressed, surges were observed in incidence, hospitalization, and mortality, exacerbating disparities associated with economic status and disability. Nevertheless, Korea has maintained a low case-fatality rate across all economic groups.
Unraveling trends in schistosomiasis: deep learning insights into national control programs in China
Authors: Su Qing , Bauer Cici Xi Chen , Bergquist Robert , Cao Zhiguo , Gao Fenghua , Zhang Zhijie , Hu Yi
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES: To achieve the ambitious goal of eliminating schistosome infections, the Chinese government has implemented diverse control strategies. This study explored the progress of the 2 most recent national schistosomiasis control programs in an endemic area along the Yangtze River in China.METHODS: We obtained village-level parasitological data from cross-sectional surveys combined with environmental data in Anhui Province, China from 1997 to 2015. A convolutional neural network (CNN) based on a hierarchical integro-difference equation (IDE) framework (i.e., CNN-IDE) was used to model spatio-temporal variations in schistosomiasis. Two traditional models were also constructed for comparison with 2 evaluation indicators: the mean-squared prediction error (MSPE) and continuous ranked probability score (CRPS).RESULTS: The CNN-IDE model was the optimal model, with the lowest overall average MSPE of 0.04 and the CRPS of 0.19. From 1997 to 2011, the prevalence exhibited a notable trend: it increased steadily until peaking at 1.6 per 1,000 in 2005, then gradually declined, stabilizing at a lower rate of approximately 0.6 per 1,000 in 2006, and approaching zero by 2011. During this period, noticeable geographic disparities in schistosomiasis prevalence were observed; high-risk areas were initially dispersed, followed by contraction. Predictions for the period 2012 to 2015 demonstrated a consistent and uniform decrease.CONCLUSIONS: The proposed CNN-IDE model captured the intricate and evolving dynamics of schistosomiasis prevalence, offering a promising alternative for future risk modeling of the disease. The comprehensive strategy is expected to help diminish schistosomiasis infection, emphasizing the necessity to continue implementing this strategy.
Association of Phase Angle Dynamics with Sarcopenia and Activities of Daily Living in Osteoporotic Fracture Patients
Authors: Ito Yusuke , Yoshimura Yoshihiro , Nagano Fumihiko , Matsumoto Ayaka , Wakabayashi Hidetaka
Published: March 2024

Background: This study aimed to determine whether changes in phase angle during rehabilitation are associated with clinical outcomes such as activities of daily living (ADL), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), and strength in patients with osteoporotic fractures.Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients with osteoporotic fractures admitted to convalescent rehabilitation wards. Changes in phase angle were defined as the difference between the phase angle values at discharge and on admission. The primary outcome was the Functional Independence Measure motor (FIM-motor) score at discharge. The secondary outcomes were SMI and handgrip strength at discharge. We used multivariate analysis to adjust for confounding factors and examine the association between changes in the phase angle and outcomes.Results: We analyzed a total of 115 patients (97 women, mean age of 81.0±10.0 years), with a median change in phase angle of 0° during hospitalization. We observed increased phase angles in 49 patients (43%), with a median increase of 0.2°. Multiple regression analysis showed that changes in phase angle were independently associated with FIM-motor score at discharge (β=0.238, p=0.027). Changes in phase angle were not significantly associated with SMI (β=0.059, p=0.599) or handgrip strength (β=-0.032, p=0.773) at discharge.Conclusion: An increased phase angle during rehabilitation was positively associated with ADL improvement in patients with osteoporotic fractures. These findings may help clinicians make informed decisions regarding patient care and treatment strategies for better outcomes.
Enhancing Mechanical Behavior of As-Built Polyamide 6+Glass Fiber
Produced with Fused Filament Fabrication via Varying Infill
Pattern
Authors: Raja R. , Jannet Sabitha , Verghese Jerry , Abhishek Pullanikkat , John Febin Cherian , Hyjan Hywin
Published: March 2024

Additive manufacturing is currently being investigated for the production of
components aiming for near net shape. The presence of chopped glass fibers with
PA6 increases the melt viscosity and also changes the coefficients of thermal
expansion and increase the heat resistance. The great dimensional stability
obtained with the fusion of the PA6 with the fiber results in an extremely
durable material even in adverse environments for many other materials used in
3D printing. PA6 is a material oriented for users who need to make structural
parts and exposed to high mechanical stresses. The impact, test tensile, and
flexural results for as-built PA6 with various infill patterns, including grid,
triangle, trihexagon, and cubic, are tested.
A Practical Approach on the Design of an Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program: The Case of the “Unmanned Autonomous and Remote-Control Systems” Postgraduate Program
Authors: S. Makrygiannis Panagiotis , Piromalis Dimitrios , C. Papakitsos Evangelos , Koukos Ioannis , Tsigopoulos Andreas , E. Melanitis Nikolaos , Papoutsidakis Michail
Published: March 2024

There is a long-standing collaboration between the Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering of the School of Engineering of the University of West Attica and the Department of Naval Studies of the Hellenic Naval Academy in the fields of research and applications. This collaboration has already led to the creation of a common interest direction in an existing Postgraduate Program. Naturally, the common interest in the subject of Unmanned Vehicles led to relevant discussions. These discussions matured quickly and led to a structured form and a specific goal: the design, production and operation of an interdisciplinary/joint Postgraduate Program. This paper presents the development process of the Curriculum for the Program and the basic assumptions about it that emerged from the combination of a review of the relevant literature and the identification of needs in the Greek and European markets.
Nektar und Stachel: Bienenmetaphern in Wittenberg: Philipp Melanchthon, Lucas Cranach und Johann Stigel
Authors: Simonis Linda
Published: March 2024

In den Schriften Melanchthons sowie im Umfeld der Wittenberger Reformation lässt sich die Konjunktur einer auf den ersten Blick unscheinbaren Metapher beobachten, die in diesem Zusammenhang eine neue Bedeutung und Aussagekraft erhält: die Metaphorik der Biene und die mit ihr verknüpften Aspekte von Nektar und Stachel. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht diese Metaphorik in den Schriften Melanchthons vor dem Hintergrund ihrer antiken und exegetischen Vorlagen und versucht, deren jeweilige semantischen Funktionen sowie deren spezifische Wirkungspotentiale im Kontext des reformatorischen Projekts auszuleuchten. Dabei rücken auch Verbindungen zur bildenden Kunst, insbesondere zu den Gemälden Lucas Cranachs in den Blick: Letzterer nimmt in seinen Darstellungen von Amor als Honigdieb das Thema eines hellenistischen Gedichts auf, das etwa zur gleichen Zeit im Melanchthon-Kreis diskutiert und übersetzt wurde. Insgesamt lässt sich beobachten, wie die Bienenmetaphorik auf dem Weg über verschiedene Kommunikationskanäle—literarische Texte, Bilder, Vorlesungen und Predigten—in weiten Umlauf gelangt und so zur semantischen Profilierung wie zur Verbreitung des reformatorischen Projekts maßgeblich beiträgt.
Low Mass Low Beat: The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Cardiac Rhythm
Authors: Haydar Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Obesity is a global health problem, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is a multifactorial disorder associated with serious complications including diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Its prevalence has been increasing over the last few decades and has become a modern-day epidemic.

The management and the treatment of obesity include lifestyle modifications and increased physical activity. Patients with a BMI of greater than 35 kg/m2 with other comorbidities such as type two diabetes are considered eligible for bariatric surgery.

There is a plethora of evidence about the effect of bariatric surgery on medical outcomes including reversal of metabolic disease and reduction of negative cardiovascular outcome. Based on the few reported cases in the medical literature, increased cholinergic tone manifesting as bradycardia and delayed chronotropic response on stress test have been reported in post-bariatric surgery patients with significant weight loss.

We reported three cases of patients that underwent bariatric surgery and present with brady-arrythmias. While considering other complications of bariatric surgery, it is important to consider cardiac related sequalae such as bradyarrhythmias like sinus bradycardia, atrioventricular block, sick sinus syndrome due to delayed chronotropic response and irreversible atrioventricular defect could be helpful in clinical decision making. We recommend that an EKG and echocardiogram should be a performed as part as of a routine analysis in patients who had a bariatric surgery.
Gastric Volvulus with Hiatal Hernia in a Young Male: A Case Report
Authors: HG Vinay
Published: March 2024

Background: Gastric volvulus, a rare surgical emergency mimics common presentations like acute pancreatitis. Intestinal obstruction and hollow viscous perforation.

Clinical Description: A young male without any co-morbidities presenting with acute pain in the abdomen with vomiting for 5 days with stable vitals.

Management: Erect abdominal X-ray with diagnostic endoscopy was done on an emergency basis. Laparoscopic repair of the hiatal hernia with anterior gastropexy was performed immediately.

Conclusion: Early diagnosis of acute abdominal pain is crucial as misdiagnosis delays proper treatment. Aspiring surgeons should acknowledge that while diagnosing rare disorders may often be challenging, there is a possibility of accuracy in specific cases.
Desarrollo de proyecto para la elaboración de arte popular con fibra de carrizo en la comunidad de Santiago Miltepec, Oaxaca, México
Authors: González Owen Rafferty , Galván Alejandra Velarde , Hernández Olivia Allende , Sánchez Jorge Vásquez
Published: March 2024

La Ruta Mixteca Huajolotitlán – Tequixtepec se encuentra en el distrito de Huajuapan en la región de la Mixteca Baja del estado de Oaxaca al sur de México. La zona cuenta con un pasado pre colombino relevante con muestras de iconografía de estilo Ñuiñe del periodo clásico, su biodiversidad pertenece a la de la selva caducifolia y algunas de sus comunidades son mencionadas en códices mixtecos, otras se fundaron durante la época colonial. Por lo anterior expuesto el motivo de este trabajo fue investigar si las comunidades de esta ruta contaban con técnicas de arte popular utilizando elementos de su pasado o materiales con especies de su biodiversidad nativa. En este trabajo se concluyó que la comunidad de Santiago Miltepec demostró una valiosa aportación como ejemplo de producción de arte popular amigable al medio ambiente y producido con una especie natural nativa de la zona.