bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presence of Cheek Dimples and Absence of Palmaris Longus - An Anatomical Correlation from Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
Authors: Shenoy Praveen Mulky , Ramos Amith , Shetty Bharath , Pallipady Aravind
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Palmaris longus (PL) tendon agenesis varies from 5 % to 30 % in different ethnic groups worldwide. Its agenesis is associated with decreased wrist grip, pinch grip, presence of cheek dimples, difference of prevalence of agenesis with gender and handedness and with flexor carpi superficialis tendon. Student and general population surveys done in previous studies shows the association between these variables. The purpose of this study was to find out the association between the presence of cheek dimples with absence of palmaris long tendon. METHODS We examined 1200 medical and allied health students (600 males, 600 females) aged 18 - 24 years to assess the incidence of palmaris longus absence and the presence of cheek and chin dimples. The presence or absence of palmaris longus was assessed by clinical inspection using standard tests. The effectiveness of these’ standard tests’ is also tested along with wrist strength and pinch strength. RESULTS 163 students had PL agenesis. One hundred and twenty-one subjects had unilateral absence of palmaris longus (13.5 %). The tendon was absent bilaterally in 42 subjects (3.5) 77 students had either unilateral or bilateral cheek dimples out of 163 PL agenesis. The Mishra’s test is found to be most effective for properly defining the PL at wrist. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of absence of palmaris longus is around 13.5 %. Unilateral agenesis of PL is 10 %. Absence of palmaris longus has strong association to presence of cheek dimples. Up to 45 % of PL agenesis will show either unilateral or bilateral cheek dimples. Studies on cheek dimples, panniculus carnosus are very scanty in literature; more studies might reveal interesting correlation. The grip strength of the wrist is unaffected due to palmaris longus agenesis; however, the pinch grip of 4th finger with thumb appears to be certainly decreased. Mishra’s test proves to be the best in demonstrating the PL. A radiant smile displaying the cheek dimples, has 50 % possibility of absence of PL. KEYWORDS Palmaris Longus Agenesis, Cheek Dimples, Bifid Zygomaticus Major, Panniculus Carnosus, Chin Dimples
Comparison of Metabolic Bone Markers in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Diseases in Government Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Authors: Thomas Purnima Eliz , M Pushpalatha , Nair Shajee Sivasankaran , Chandran Sajeevan Kundil
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND The term ‘Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder’ (CKD-MBD) has been used to describe clinically, the abnormalities in the bone and mineral metabolism associated with CKD. In CKD, serum levels of metabolic bone disease markers generally reflect a high bone turnover state (hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcaemia, hypersecretion of PTH, increased ALP). However, it has been noted that in diabetic CKD patients on regular haemodialysis, there is an impaired secretion of PTH when compared to the non-diabetics on haemodialysis. In this study we intend to evaluate the serum bone markers in both diabetic and nondiabetic CHD patients. If a significant association can be demonstrated between diabetes mellitus and a low bone turnover state, then treatment guidelines can be tailored accordingly in the diabetic CHD patients. METHODS A hospital based cross-sectional study was done on 150 patients attending the Dialysis Unit of Govt. Medical College, Thrissur district, Kerala, India, from March 2014 to March 2015. Estimation of serum FBS, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, ALP and PTH was done. RESULTS The mean levels of serum phosphorus and PTH are significantly lower in the diabetic CHD population than in the non-diabetics, but mean serum ALP is significantly higher in the diabetic CHD patients. Statistical significance is seen in the serum metabolic bone disease markers except calcium among diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. CONCLUSIONS The serum levels of PTH and phosphorus were found to be significantly lower in diabetic CHD patients than in their non-diabetic counterparts. Serum ALP levels were significantly higher in the diabetics. This demonstrates that a relative hypoparathyroidism is prevalent among the diabetic CHD patients and hence, prevention of deterioration of the already existing low turnover bone disease in such patients should be the treatment motto. Avoidance of oral calcium supplements, vitamin D supplements and increased calcium in the dialysate would be ideal, since these can lead to hypercalcemia and further suppress the PTH secretion. KEYWORDS Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Kidney Disease, Bone Markers
Clinicopathological Analysis of Carcinoma Endometrium at a Tertiary Care Centre in Chennai – A Retrospective Study
Authors: Gouthaman Shanmugasundaram , Saravanan Roshni , Maharajan Sivasundari , Pitani Ravi Shankar , Soundarajan Jagadesh Chandra Bose
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Endometrial carcinoma is a leading malignancy among females. Pre-operative imaging and biopsy are necessary to identify the disease. Clinicopathological analysis determines the extent of the disease. Complete surgical staging is advised for high-risk patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the different clinical endpoints, prognostic factors and demographic details that will influence the survival patterns of the cases of carcinoma of endometrium who underwent surgery during the period from 2014 to 2017 at a tertiary care centre, Chennai, India. METHODS Patients diagnosed with operable endometrial carcinoma were surgically staged based on the surgical procedures performed namely, total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with bilateral salphingo-oophorectomy (BSO), bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection, and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (patients with high-risk features). Post-surgical staging specimens were histopathologically examined in the Department of Pathology. Adjuvant radiation was given to patients with stage IA grade II and above. Patients with stage III disease received adjuvant chemotherapy. Descriptive analysis was done to show the distributions of patients accordingly. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed for the overall median survival of the patients. RESULTS The study consisted of a total of 35 patients with a mean age of 56 ± 8.64. Parameters such as age, clinicopathological features, stage (FIGO staging), tumor size, grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), myometrial invasion, cervical involvement, involvement of margins, lymph node ratio (LNR) and survival were studied. Tumor size and grade were found to be significant factors affecting the survival. Overall median survival period of patients who underwent surgery was found to be 31 months. CONCLUSIONS Tumor size and grade of the tumor are significant prognostic factors affecting the survival of the patients with carcinoma of endometrium. Lymph node ratio is a new concept in carcinoma endometrium to be pondered upon as a factor predicting survival in future studies thereby defining the role of lymph node dissection in surgical staging. KEYWORDS Endometrial Cancer, FIGO Staging, Lymph Node Ratio, Prognosis, Survival Analysis
To Evaluate the Role of Pirani Score in Deformity Assessment and Management of Club Foot by Ponseti Method – A Hospital Based Prospective Study from Tirupati
Authors: R Venkat , Kumar Suguru Rav , Shankar Penugonda Ravi , Venkatesh Deety Lakshmi
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Pirani scoring system is one of the classification systems in management of club foot which is simple and easy to use. However, there is paucity of studies using Pirani system to determine the severity and monitor progress in the treatment of club foot. We therefore set out with the aim of assessing severity and monitoring the progress of treatment using the Pirani scoring system. The Pirani scoring system, together with the Ponseti method of club foot management, was assessed for its predictive value. METHODS It was a hospital-based prospective study of 57 club foot in 41 patients designed to evaluate the role of Pirani score in deformity assessment and management of club foot by Ponseti method. Consecutive patients presenting at the outpatient department at SVRRGGH, Tirupati with idiopathic club foot, and in-patients department with idiopathic club foot were recruited into the study. Informed consent was obtained from parents/guardians of the patients that were recruited in the study. This was a prerequisite for obtaining the ethical approval. Data collected from the study groups was entered into a worksheet, and analysis was performed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software for windows version 21. Significant statistical inferences were drawn at p & lt ; 0.05. RESULTS The correlation between the midfoot score, hindfoot score, Pirani score and the number of casts to achieve correction was significant (P = 0.001). Also, there was correlation between the Pirani score and the need for tenotomy (P = 0.001); between the number of casts to achieve correction and the need for tenotomy (P = 0.001). Moreover, the progress of treatment can be monitored with the Pirani score (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pirani scoring system is a simple, easy, quick and reliable system to determine severity and monitor progress in the treatment of club foot with excellent interobserver variability. KEYWORDS Pirani Score, Club Foot, Ponseti Method
Perception of Faculty Members in Clinical and Surgical Departments on Mini-CEX as an Assessment Tool for Undergraduate Students in a Medical College in Central Kerala
Authors: Sunilkumar Menon Narayanankutty
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND The Mini-CEX (Mini clinical examination exercise) is a work place based assessment (WPBA) method used for the assessment of clinical skills. The present study attempts to study the different perceptions of faculty members of clinical and surgical departments in the medical college in using Mini-CEX as an assessment method in undergraduate students. METHODS This was a descriptive study done at Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur for a period of three months.30 faculty members from various departments were requested to conduct the Mini-CEX sessions in their departments and these faculty members were assessed by another Observer from the same department. RESULTS The sample size was thirty. The faculty members with different experience levels were included in the study. They were also the observers mutually. The Mini-CEX was conducted in the hospital premises. The location varied. The duration of the Mini-CEX for a particular skill was noted in minutes. The mean in all 3 skills is around 7.9 with a standard deviation of about 1.2.This shows that the Mini-CEX duration is only about 6 to 8 minutes. The data reveals a mean of 5 minutes with a standard deviation of 1.0 for the feedback session. So in effect the whole session of Mini-CEX was over by about 11 to 13 minutes which is not a lengthy assessment session. 5 point Likert scale was used to analyse the perceptions of the faculty members in the role of examiner and observer as well. The results showed that Mini-CEX is feasible in the medical college setting and can be used for the formative assessment of undergraduate students. CONCLUSIONS Mini-CEX is well appreciated and valued by the examiner for assessment of undergraduate students. Direct observation of medical trainees with actual patients and Mini-CEX during busy clinical postings is feasible with good outcomes. Mini-CEX can be used for the formative assessment of undergraduate students. KEYWORDS WPBA, Mini-CEX, Faculty Perception, Undergraduate Students
Application of BAP-65 Score for Risk Stratification of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - A Prospective Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Institute in Telangana
Authors: Balaram Deepika Shree , Narahari Narendra Kumar , Kakarla Bhaskar , Gande Rajasekhar Varma , Gongati Paramjyothi Kruparao
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) carries a significant morbidity and mortality with a need for frequent hospitalizations and mechanical ventilation. Thus, a model was searched that required simple information that was consistently available in emergency department, upon the presentation of the patient which allowed risk stratification and to identify patients who might potentially benefit from early intervention. METHODS This was a prospective observational study conducted over a period of 6 months, from May 2018 to December 2018 with a study sample of 136 patients. The primary objective was aimed to validate the BAP-65 score system in predicting the need for ventilatory support and mortality in patients who presented with acute exacerbation of COPD. RESULTS Mean age of the study population was 64.13 ± 9.7 and 29 (21.32 %) were females with obvious male predominance. It was observed that as the BAP-65 score increases, the mortality increases. Mortality among the score groups 0, 1 and 2 was one, zero, one respectively. The mortality is about 37.5 % in the score group 3 and it increased to 90.9 % in the score group 4. The patients who needed mechanical ventilation were about 4 % in the score group 2 and it increased to 100 % in the score group 4. BAP-65 scoring system had a sensitivity of 88.89 % and specificity of 90.68 % in predicting the in-hospital mortality, and a sensitivity of 84 % and specificity of 94.59 % in predicting the need for mechanical ventilation during hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS The BAP-65 scoring system seems to be a promising tool which is simple and accurate. The score correlated well with both the mortality and also the need for mechanical ventilation, thus helping in decision making at triage level and also in prognostication of the disease. KEYWORDS Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Acute Exacerbation, BAP-65, AECOPD, Mortality, Mechanical Ventilation
Can Mother’s Touch Really Assess Fever in Children - A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in Paediatric Department, MGM Hospital, Warangal
Authors: Balla Padmini Soujanya , Kagithapu Surender , Gudi Pratap , Reddy Sirikiran Thouti , Vetcha Geetha Sowmya , Kurva Umesh Babu
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Fever is one of the most common complaints encountered by paediatric practitioners in the clinics and hospitals. Fever as a complaint alone, accounts for 25% of the complaints among others like cold, cough, vomiting etc. Most often it is the first noticed sign by the parents especially, mothers. Very often parents don’t consider fever as a sign of illness, but fever itself is considered as an illness. Most of the mothers presume fever by tactile perception and seek medical consultation. Fever is a complex physiologic response to disease mediated pyrogenic cytokines and characterized by a rise in core temperature. In this study, we want to determine if assessment of fever by touch of the mother correlates with measured temperature simultaneously. METHODS This study was done in department of Paediatrics, MGM Hospital, Warangal in the age group 6months and 12 years between October 2019 to April 2020. Axillary temperature was measured simultaneously in all those children where mother perceived fever by touch, admitted to the paediatric department MGMH hospital. Temperature more than 99.4 F measured in the axillary area was considered as fever. RESULTS Of the 199 mothers 74 i.e., (37.19 %) perceived fever correctly and 125 i.e., (62.81 %) perceived fever which was not recorded on measurement. when educational status of the mother was considered ,graduate mothers could perceive fever better when compared to illiterate mothers. CONCLUSIONS In the present study we found that fever perception by tactile sensation is inferior to measured temperature. Parents often wrongly perceive normal temperature as fever and rush to seek professional care. Even educated mothers were unable to assess fever correctly by touch. The results of this study may thus be potentially useful in reassuring parents with fever phobia. All mothers should be motivated and encouraged for use of standardized thermometer to measure fever even at home , thus reducing the burden of false fever in our OPD`S and hospitals. KEYWORDS Mothers, Perceived Fever, Measured Temperature
Intracranial Lesions Presenting as Bony Swellings of Scalp – An Observational Study of 13 Cases at King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, A Tertiary Care Government Hospital
Authors: Rao Yarlagadda Srinivas , Vijayasekhar Manda Venkata , Prahalad Patirla , Satyavaraprasad Kadali , Bhagyalakshmi Atla , Satyakartheek Botta Venkata
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intracranial lesions eroding the calvarium and presenting as bony swellings of the scalp. This kind of presentation is usually rare. This is because intracranial tumours usually manifest early with focal neurological deficits, seizures or features of raised intracranial pressure. Only a few patients, in whom the intracranial lesions, despite being present for a long duration, do not have neurological manifestations but erode the overlying bone and may present as bony swellings of the scalp. We studied the clinical presentation of such lesions, analysed their radiological and histological characteristics. METHODS This is an observational study from October 2018 to September 2020. A total of thirteen cases were studied in the Department of Neurosurgery, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. After clinical examination, an appropriate diagnostic workup was done, and all the cases were taken up for surgery. The clinical behaviour and histopathological features of the lesions were analysed. RESULTS In our study of thirteen cases, the most common cause of an intracranial lesion presenting as bony scalp swelling is meningioma which comprised almost 53.8 %, the second most common lesion is secondaries. Others included fibrous dysplasia and malignant small blue round cell tumour. CONCLUSIONS Intracranial lesions eroding the bone and presenting as scalp swellings are rare. In our study, the spectrum of these scalp swellings has ranged from benign lesions like meningioma to malignant lesions like secondary deposits. KEYWORDS Bony Scalp Lesions, Intracranial Tumours with Bony Erosion, Dumbbell Brain Tumours
Analysis of ASO Titres among Paediatric Age Group Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital, Secunderabad, Telangana
Authors: Konditi Vara Prasad
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Streptococcus pyogenes can affect most often in children with peak age related incidence between 11 to 15 years of age and all races of the world. ASO estimation as an early diagnosis can help to start early & accurate treatment. The objectives of this study were to determine the ASO levels among paediatric age group patients and to estimate the age and sex relation to ASO levels. METHODS A total of 200 patient samples were considered under study population for investigating Anti streptolysin O titres. All the serum samples were processed using Tulip Diagnostics ASO Kits. All blood samples of study population were collected and processed immediately by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 15 minutes. Serum sample is extracted and processed by semi quantitative method for detection of Anti Streptolysin – O. RESULTS Majority of the patients were observed in the age group of 11 - 15 years i.e., 104 out of 200 (52 %) followed by 5-10 years makes up to 41 %. Male preponderance was noted which accounts for 56.5 % of total cases. Out of 68 male positive patients, 21 (30.8 %) had ASO titres of 200-400 IU / mL, 27 (39.7 %) had ASO titres of 400-800 IU / mL and 20 (29.4 %) had ASO titres of > 800 IU / mL. Out of 31 female ASO positive patients, 5 had (19.2 %) of ASO 200 - 400 IU / mL, 17 had (38.6 %) of ASO 400-800 IU/mL and 9 had (31.03 %) ASO titres of > 8 00 IU / mL. CONCLUSIONS Increase in ASO titres indicate recent infection, which can be tested easily and timely report. Many hospitals are choosing ASO test as a priority investigation to diagnose GAS infections. KEYWORDS Anti-Streptolysin O, Children
Morphometric Study of Lumbar Intervertebral Discs in a Tertiary Care Centre in Central India
Authors: Agichani Sonali Rajesh , Joshi Subhash D. , Joshi Sharda Subhash
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND The intervertebral disc (IVD) is the primary load-bearing structure in the vertebral column. It is avascular, has low metabolic rate and hence most vulnerable to damage. One of the most important causes of low back pain is the disc lesions. Hence, the present study was done to provide morphometric data of lumbar intervertebral discs in central Indians. METHODS Anterior and posterior heights of lumbar intervertebral discs were measured in (a) 10 cadavers by digital vernier calipers; (b) 120 normal, lateral view digital radiographs divided in three age groups in both the sexes, digitally. RESULTS Average heights of lumbar intervertebral discs were recorded as follows: (a) Average anterior height, measured in centimeters, was: In cadavers, L1/2-0.7922, L2/3-0.9139, L3/4-1.0611, L4/5-1.2569, and L5/S1- 1.2565 cms. On digital radiographs, L1/2-1.023, L2/3-1.262, L3/4-1.433, L4/5-1.691, L5/S1- 1.763 cms. (b) Average posterior height, measured in centimeters, was: In cadavers, L1/2-0.4624, L2/3-0.4925, L3/4-0.5872, L4/5-0.6546, and L5/S1- 0.4997cms. On digital radiographs, L1/2-0.78475, L2/3-0.875917, L3/4-0.900083, L4/5- 0.92375, and L5/S1-0.795 cms. CONCLUSIONS Average anterior heights are more than posterior heights. Average anterior and posterior heights increase from L1/2 upto L4/5, then decrease at L5/S1. But in digital radiographs, average anterior height increases from L1/2 to L5/S1. The difference in measurements of average anterior heights of L1/2 disc is found to be statistically significant with respect to age. Gender difference is statistically significant at different disc levels in different age groups. The present study will help to generate baseline data to detect abnormality and to make population specific prosthesis for treatment of disc lesions. KEYWORDS Morphometry, Lumbar Intervertebral Discs
Evaluation of -Catenin Expression in Relation to Staging and Grading of Colorectal Carcinoma – A Study Conducted in Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute, Thrissur
Authors: Vakiyath Rashifa , Chimmen Jeena Varghese , Praveen Kizhake Varium , Valsalan Abhijith
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Colorectal carcinoma is the most frequently encountered malignancy worldwide. The main cause of mortality associated with colorectal malignancy is tumour invasion and metastasis. The major genomic alteration that has been found in colorectal carcinoma is mutation in the adenomatous polyposis gene. Mutated APC causes unrestricted action of the Wnt signalling pathway which results in accumulation of the β - catenin protein in the nucleus responsible for cell proliferation, differentiation and enhanced survival of colorectal epithelial cells. Role of β - catenin expression as a prognostic marker needs to be studied. It will help in aiding the possibility of the future of anti β - catenin targeted chemotherapy for the treatment of colorectal cancers. METHODS A total of 85 samples from histopathologically proven cases of adenocarcinoma colon were taken. Histomorphological features and their immunohistochemical expression of β - catenin were studied. Data thus obtained was analysed using SPSS version 25. Histopathological diagnosis is considered as the gold standard. RESULTS Among the 85 samples of adenocarcinoma 9 case were stage T1 tumours, 24 were stage T2. 31 cases were stage T3, and 21 colorectal cancers were stage T4. Statistically significant correlation was obtained between tumour stage and β - catenin expression. (P value = < 0.001) With regard to tumour grade 24 out of 85 cases were well differentiated and 45 were moderately differentiated, 16 cases were poorly differentiated. Correlation of tumour grading and β - catenin expression also were statistically significant (P value = < 0.001). 45 out of 85 cases were having no nodal metastasis. 22 cases showed metastasis in 1 to 3 lymph nodes. 18 cases were N2. No statistically significant correlation was obtained between lymph node status and β - catenin expression. (P value = 0.003) CONCLUSIONS In this study the membranous, cytoplasmic and nuclear scores of β - catenin shows the linear progression with the advancing stages of colorectal carcinoma. So β - catenin can be used as a prognostic marker in malignant colorectal neoplasm. KEYWORDS Immunohistochemistry, β – Catenin, Colorectal Carcinoma
Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Diallyl Disulphide and Diaceto-Dipropyl Disulphide on Renal Tissue in Alloxan Diabetic Rats - A Comparative Study
Authors: Venkataiah Vijay , D Divya , Puttaswamy Sandhya H. , R.T Kashinath
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the commonest causes for end stage renal disease. Renal accumulation of lipids is one of the pathological finding seen in diabetic nephropathy. Diallyl disulphide (DADS), a principle component of garlic oil, is known for its hypolipidemic properties. Diaceto-dipropyl disulphide (DADPDS) is a structural analogue of DADS, and is more palatable and less toxic to diabetic rats. Hence this animal experiment study was undertaken to compare the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of DADS and DADPDS on diabetic rat renal tissue and to evaluate the better disulphide among the two that may be used as adjuvant drug in treating or preventing diabetic nephropathy. METHODS This was an animal experimental comparative study. 24 male albino rats were grouped (6 rats in each group) into normal, diabetic control, DADS and DADPDS treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in albino rats by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. DADS and DADPDS were fed by gastric intubation for 90 days. After stipulated time, kidneys were dissected out and its total lipids, cholesterol and phospholipid levels were estimated along with tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels. RESULTS Renal tissue total lipids, cholesterol and phospholipids were significantly decreased in DADS and moderately decreased in DADPDS treated diabetic kidneys, when compared to diabetic control rats. But TBARS levels were significantly decreased in DADPDS rat kidneys compared to DADS treated rat kidneys. CONCLUSIONS In this comparative study, we note that DADS has better lipid-lowering effect on renal tissue of alloxan diabetic rats compared to DADPDS. On the other hand, DADPDS has low renal toxic effects, as indicated by low TBARS levels and improvement in blood glucose levels, when compared to DADS treated diabetic rats. Hence, DADS can be used as an adjuvant drug, only in atherogenic diabetic patients without nephropathy and DADPDS can be used as an adjuvant drug in diabetic nephropathy patients. KEYWORDS Diallyl-Disulphide, Diallyl-Dipropyl Disulphide, Diabetic Nephropathy, Renal Lipids
Functional Outcome of Distal End of Radius Fractures Treated with Buttress Plating at a Tertiary Care Centre in Central Kerala, India
Authors: John George Allen , Antony Dennis
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Distal radius fractures are one of the most common injuries that orthopaedic surgeons will face during their trauma practice. Despite this, many aspects in distal radius fracture management like the definition of what constitutes an acceptable reduction and when or even whether to operate a patient with a distal radius fracture remain a poignant subject of debate even to this day. We wanted to evaluate the functional outcome of fractures of distal end of radius managed with buttress plate. The importance of anatomical reduction in attaining a good functional outcome and post-operative complications of the procedure are also studied. METHODS A prospective study of cases of distal end of radius fractures meeting the inclusion criteria who were admitted in Thrissur Government Medical College, Kerala between 1 – 01 - 2016 to 1 – 06 - 2017 was carried out. Fractures were classified according to Frykman system and anatomical reduction of fragments attempted using buttress plate and screws. After a minimum follow up period of 3 months, the anatomical and functional outcomes were standardised using Lindstorms anatomical and functional scoring system. RESULTS A series of 32 cases with distal end of radius fracture were studied comprising of 24 males and 8 females. Majority were in the age group of 20 to 29 years (50 %). Road Traffic Accidents was the commonest cause of injury (62.5 %). Type III Frykman made the largest contribution with 11 (34 %) cases. A total of 7 cases were found to develop complications including blisters, joint stiffness, infection and paraesthesia. Postoperatively, excellent anatomical reduction was achieved in 75 % of cases and good results in 12.5 % cases. Functionally 68.75 % cases had an excellent outcome and 18.75 % had a good result. CONCLUSIONS Good to excellent results were seen in majority of patients after buttress plate fixation of the distal radius, with outcomes and complications comparable to other studies in literature. This study supports the finding that precise identification of unstable lower radial fractures, and satisfactory anatomical restoration results in improved functional outcome. KEYWORDS Distal End Radius Fracture, Buttress Plating, Functional Outcome, Frykman Classification, Lindstorm Scoring System
A Study of Transcutaneous Oxygen Saturation by Pulse Oximetry in Symptomatic Ischaemic Lower Limb – A Cross Sectional Analytical Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tirupathi
Authors: Nagamuneiah Sadhu , Prakash Gandikota Venkata , P Sabitha , Bhulaxmi Jandla , Mythri Dintyala Venkata S.S.Dintyala Venkata S.S. , Reddy Pallaki Veera
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Chronic arterial insufficiency (CAI) results in stenotic-occlusive disease of vascularized arterial disorders of tissues and organs. CAI of the lower extremities represents a significant medical and socio-economic problem due to a high incidence of morbidity, invalidity and mortality. METHODS A cross sectional analytical study was conducted in a group of 100 patients, admitted at the Vascular Department of the Sri Venkateshwara Ramnaraian Ruia Government General Hospital, Tirupati during the period from September 2018 to August 2019, with evident symptoms and signs of different stages of lower extremities CAI verified by ultrasonography. In patients with lower extremity disorder of tissue arterial capillaries, SpO2 was determined by pulse oximetry. CAI of the lower extremity was determined on the basis of clinical findings and colour Doppler duplex scan echo sonography results. Using the conventional method (single-gate) and colour Doppler duplex scan (multi-gate), the presence and localization of stenosis, the segmental predominance (with multisegmental forms) and the degree of progression of stenotic-occlusive lesions were verified. RESULTS Results Using pulse oximetry, depending on the of stage of lower extremities CAI, we revealed a considerable difference in the stages of functional ischemia Mean SpO2: Fontaine I – 95.50 %, Fontaine II – 92.90; in stage critical ischemia SpO2: Fontaine III – 65.00 % and Fontaine IV – 49.87 %. In 29 patients with gangrenous foot and fingers SpO2 was immeasurable and progressive decrease in SpO2 of arterial capillaries (p<0.01 between stages). CONCLUSIONS Due to the reliability and simplicity of pulse oximetry it can be a routinely used diagnostic device for patients with early determined stage of lower extremities CAI. KEYWORDS Chronic Arterial Insufficiency, SPO2, Pulse Oximetry, Ischemia
A Study to Evaluate Nature and Extent of Psychiatric Morbidity in Business Processing and Outsourcing Employees in Delhi and National Capital Region
Authors: Nagpal Anjali , Bishnoi Seikhoo , Nagpal Siddharth
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND Stress is commonly seen in BPO employees. A number of factors contribute to stress in BPO employee like long working hours, pressure of work, work time, insufficient holidays, travel time, repetitive nature of work etc. India is one of favourable site for BPO industry because of twelve hour time difference between India and most of USA cities. The study was done to find out nature and extent of psychiatric morbidity in BPO employees in Delhi and NCR. METHODS The study was done in two phases. In phase 1 GHQ12 (General Health Questionnaire) was applied to 300 BPO employees who were selected randomly. Those BPO employees who scored 12 or more on GHQ12 were assessed with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Data was collected on Microsoft excel and chi square test was used to assess association between variables. RESULTS The data was collected and assessed using appropriate statistical methods. The study revealed out of 300 participants 219 were males and 81 were females. Most participants were of less than 30 age. Out of 300 participants 81 scored 12 or more on GHQ12 scale. In phase 2, out of 81 participants 58.2 % males and 80 % females scored 9 or more on BDI, while there was no significant difference on BAI scores. The perceived stress was more in females compared to males. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed that stress is very common in BPO employees. Those who are married, stay with joint family had lesser perceived stress compared to single or those in nuclear families. Females are more prone to develop stress compared to males. The risk of depression too was more in females (80%) compared to males. Anxiety symptoms were more in those staying in nuclear families as compared to those staying in joint families. KEYWORDS BPO, Psychiatric Morbidity, Call Centre Employees
Evidence for the extracellular delivery of influenza NS1 protein
Authors: Pulkina Anastasia A. , Sergeeva Maria V. , Krokhin Artem , Stukova Marina A. , Egorov Andrej
Published: September 2021

We constructed a reporter influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 virus expressing truncated 124aa N-terminal NS1 protein fused to a luciferase reporter sequence (NanoLuc) without signal peptide. The reproduction activity of the vector correlated well with the luminescent activity in the lysates of infected cell cultures or mouse respiratory organ suspensions. Surprisingly, we found that luciferase enzymatic activity was present not only in the intracellular compartments but also in cell culture supernatants as well as in the sera or bronchiolar lavages of infected mice. This fact allowed us to formulate a working hypothesis about the extracellular delivery mechanism of the NS1 protein. To test this idea, we conducted co-transfection experiments in Vero cells with different combinations of plasmids encoding influenza genomic segments and chimeric NS1-NanoLuc encoding plasmid. We found that the emergence of the luciferase reporter in the extracellular compartment was promoted by the formation of the ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) from the co-transfection of plasmids expressing PB1, PB2, PA, and NP proteins. Therefore, influenza NS1 protein may be delivered to the extracellular compartment together with the nascent RNP complexes during the maturation of virus particles.
Desarrollo local en comunidades de artesanos. Patagonia, Iguazú, La Puna, Buenos Aires
Authors: González Eliçabe Ximena
Published: September 2021

El desarrollo local como construcción colectiva es un proceso complejo dinamizado por diversos factores. La artesanía contiene en su génesis los elementos necesarios de este desarrollo. Sin embargo, como parte del sector de la economía creativa, las artesanías deben replantear su subsistencia, estrategias de producción y distribución a partir de la era post-Covid-19. Los procesos colaborativos entre diseñadores y artesanos pueden generar soluciones o innovaciones que impulsen el desarrollo local. Se propone un recorrido a través de la experiencia de la autora en su trabajo de campo, analizando las alternativas y los roles que se plantean en la intervención de diseñadores, artesanos y mercado.
Cuando las marcas internacionales hacen uso de diseños tradicionales de comunidades autóctonas ¿hablamos de inspiración o de plagio?
Authors: Alarcón Vital Gonzalo J. , Garrido Hernández Adriana E.
Published: September 2021

La rica tradición artesanal de México, e indudablemente de muchos otros países, ha sido utilizada por marcas de “prestigio” a nivel internacional sin darle reconocimiento a sus creadores. Esas imágenes autóctonas forman parte de una cosmología y una forma de ver el mundo y que en algunos casos son imágenes “sagradas” o bien, forman parte de rituales ancestrales. Cuando una marca internacional hace uso de diseños creados por miembros de comunidades autóctonas sin que medie permiso o contrato de uso de su iconografía o diseño de prendas ¿Estamos hablando de “INSPIRACIÓN” o de PLAGIO?
El camino de las heroínas: Hacia un nuevo tejido conceptual en el infinito telar narrativo de la red
Authors: Stiegwardt Tomás , Los Santos Gabriel
Published: September 2021

“Hacia un nuevo tejido conceptual en el infinito telar narrativo de la red” busca comprender la esencia de un nuevo posible abanico de arquetipos heroicos en la narrativa de ficción. Las nuevas protagonistas heroínas y súper heroínas se presentan hoy día como modelos de transformación, evolución y cambio. Su diseño jaquea los estereotipos y prejuicios establecidos y presentan, no una, sino múltiples posibilidades para su creación y desarrollo. Este fenómeno de impacto mundial atraviesa y erosiona el condicionamiento histórico de una cultura hasta ahora dominada por el relato masculino y que se ha caracterizado por el ascenso y consagración del héroe varón y sus consiguientes privilegios. El cambio está en marcha y parece indetenible. El carácter de las heroínas y súper heroínas actuales y venideras se libera de los encasillamientos y prejuicios a través de una búsqueda más compleja, diversa y multifacética.
Las Rastreadoras del Fuerte, narrativas de la ignominia de las heroínas anónimas por su derecho a buscar
Authors: Vilchis Esquivel Luz del Carmen A.
Published: September 2021

Las Rastreadoras forman un grupo de mujeres, madres de desaparecidos del Estado de Sinaloa en México; tienen siete años buscando a sus hijos con palas, picos y todo tipo de recursos que tienen a mano. Recorren caminos, zonas desérticas, cualquier espacio del que se tenga una referencia o indicio de que ahí podría haber fosas clandestinas. Estas mujeres valientes y aguerridas tienen un pacto que subyace su búsqueda. Si alguna de ellas muere, por cualquier motivo, las demás buscarán a su hijo. De igual forma, si encuentran los restos de su familiar, el apoyo no cesa, continúan con las demás en la lucha. El grupo se incrementa de manera exponencial y el número de restos encontrados también. Hay casos en que la misma madre ha cavado el sitio donde estaba enterrado su hijo. Cada mujer puede contar una historia diferente igual de penosa y desgarradora, sin embargo, cada una también relata cómo se unió a este contingente y su sentido de compromiso y responsabilidad social. Indudablemente, su perfil es el de las heroínas que trabajan en un anonimato que la sociedad palpa y quiere hacer público a través de los nuevos recursos de comunicación.
La Vida, Lucky
Authors: Martínez Neyda , Joy Alexa
Published: September 2021

La vida de Waleska Torres fue documentada en una historia de no ficción titulada Lucky por la directora Laura Checkoway, producida por Neyda Martinez. La película, que se estrenó en 2013, se extendió por más de cinco años en las calles de la ciudad de Nueva York y siguió a Lucky Torres, quien creció huérfana en un sistema que la hacía sentir como una don nadie. En este artículo, en el análisis de Martínez y Potashnik ambas reflejarán tras el rostro de Lucky, para reexaminar la urgencia de su historia, evolución y viaje como una heroína poco probable que se atreve a vivir la vida en sus propios términos. Las autoras sostienen que la historia de Lucky sigue siendo tan vital y actual hoy como lo era en el momento del estreno, ya que la vida de Lucky subraya la difícil situación de innumerables jóvenes pobres marginados y abandonados que enfrentan circunstancias de vida similares. Enmascarada en tatuajes, Lucky se transformó en su propio lienzo. Su rostro grabado en tinta traza una vida de violencia y resistencia y crea una barrera autoimpuesta entre ella y el mundo convencional. La productora Neyda Martínez explica: “La historia de Lucky forma parte de una generación con padres perdidos a causa de la crisis del sida de los años 70 y 80. Forzados a soportar una educación transitoria sin seguridad y la falta del apoyo que brindan modelos a seguir responsables, en vez confían en los medios de comunicación para dar forma a sus sueños de éxito. ¿Por qué la gente rechaza a Lucky? ¿Por qué la gente se escandaliza por su postura y valentía? “Nosotros, nuestra sociedad, somos responsables de haberla abandonado y creado. Como artistas, nuestro trabajo es posicionar un espejo para mostrar claramente lo que muchos se niegan a ver “dice Martínez.
Relationship between human capital investment and employees’ work efficiency in ATAP branch
Authors: Bello Hashim Sabo , Ibrahim Muhammed Kabir
Published: September 2021

It is an established fact that no nation or organisation develops beyond the intellectual ability of its human resources. Therefore, investment on human capital is paramount to sustain labour force participation of higher education in Nigeria. This study aimed at evaluating the relevance of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) intervention on human capital investments and its bearing on employees’ work efficiency in the polytechnic communities in Bauchi state. This study generates data from quantitative and qualitative sources, using the questionnaire as an instrument to randomly collect cross-sectional data from one of the two existing polytechnics in Bauchi state of Nigeria. A total of 45 structured questionnaires were administered on our respondents and 44 were valid for analysis. The research shows there is a significant relationship between TETFund intervention in human capital investment and employees’ work efficiency within educational polytechnic system in Nigeria. This research study recommends that educational institutions should harness and take full advantage of the reciprocal benefits of human capital investments.
 
Keywords: Human capital, relevance, polytechnic, TETFund, work efficiency.
What is the optimal tax treatment that motivates donor corporations to make more monetary and in-kind donations to their communities?
Authors: Saleh Younis A. Battal
Published: September 2021

This aim of this study is to find out the optimal tax treatment that motivates donor corporations to make more monetary and in-kind donations to their communities with minimal damage to the interests of all the parties involved and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) idea. Economic impact, legal imbalances and the extent of closeness to or distance from the content of the idea of CSR are tax treatment methods used for corporate monetary and in-kind donations and to determine their advantages and disadvantages according to certain criteria to choose the optimal tax treatment method. According to the findings, the study adopts the method of government’s rights and corporation’s rights ‘donations as if they are loans’ by legislative bodies in all countries of the world due to the abundance of its advantages. This study has drawn up a draft law for this method, which could be used as a guide by the legislative bodies, if a decision is made to adopt this method.
 
Keywords: Tax treatment, tax incentives, advantages, disadvantages, legal imbalances, economic impacts.
ÖRGÜTSEL İLETİŞİMDE SANAL DEDİKODUNUN ROLÜ: COVID-19 SALGINI SÜRECİNDE AKADEMİSYENLERE YÖNELİK NİTEL BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: ATA Firat , COŞKUN Ömer Faruk
Published: September 2021

Örgütsel iletişim içerisinde resmi olmayan bir unsur olarak değerlendirilen dedikodu, Covid-19 Salgını sürecinde dijital ortamlarda veya dijital araçlarla gerçekleştirilen sanal dedikodu türüyle karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Toplumsal hayat içerisindeki tüm örgütleri doğrudan veya dolaylı olarak etkileyen Covid-19 Salgını, üniversitelerde gerçekleştirilen eğitim ve öğretim faaliyetlerinin de dijital ortama taşınmasını zorunlu kılmıştır. Görev ve sorumluluklarını çoğunlukla evlerinden gerçekleştiren akademisyenler hem öğrencileriyle hem de iş arkadaşlarıyla dijital araçlar vasıtasıyla iletişim kurmuştur. Dijital iletişimin ön plana çıktığı Covid-19 Salgını sürecinde sanal dedikoduyu konu edinen bu çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Veri toplama sürecinde yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniğinin kullanıldığı bu çalışma kapsamında 15 akademisyenin düşüncelerine başvurulmuştur. Elde edilen bulgular, akademisyenlerin sanal dedikodunun varlığını kabul ettiklerini ve farklı sosyo-psikolojik ihtiyaçlardan dolayı örgütsel iletişim sürecinde sanal dedikoduyu kullandıklarını göstermektedir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, Covid-19 Salgını sürecinde yüz yüze iletişimin yerini dijital araç ve ortamlarla yapılan iletişim alırken yüz yüze gerçekleştirilen dedikodunun yerini ise sanal dedikodunun aldığı görülmektedir. Ayrıca bu araştırmada, sanal dedikodunun bireysel ve örgütsel boyutlarıyla farklı etkilerinin olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
İLETİŞİM ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN BİR İLETİŞİM FORMU OLAN REKLAMDAN KAÇINMA DAVRANIŞLARI ÜZERİNE BİR İNCELEME
Authors: BAL Döndü , YILMAZ Rasime Ayhan
Published: September 2021

Markalar için, marka mesajlarını hedef kitlelerine taşıyacak iletişim imkânları yaratmak gün geçtikçe daha zor hale gelmektedir. Yoğun mesaj bombardımanına tutulan tüketiciler, markaların gönderdikleri iletilerle çoğu zaman ilgilenmemekte hatta bu iletilerden kaçınma davranışı göstermektedirler. Bu durum reklam mesajlarında daha yoğun bir şekilde gözlenmektedir. Özellikle online mecralarda reklam kirliliğine maruz bırakılan tüketicilerde online reklamdan kaçınma davranışı ortaya çıkmakta; bunun sonucunda tüketiciler adblock programı kullanma gibi reklamdan kaçınma yollarına başvurmaktadırlar. Böylesi bir sonuç; reklam sektörünün devamlılığı konusunda endişeler yaratmakta, markaların reklam bütçeleri planlamalarında değişiklikler meydana getirmektedir. Bu çalışmada, geleceğin iletişim planlayıcıları ve uygulayıcıları olarak İletişim Fakültesi öğrencisi gençlerin, adblok kullanım durumları ve nedenleri, reklama yönelik çağrışımları ve reklamdan kaçınma davranışını etkileyen unsurlara yönelik tutumları ortaya çıkartılmış ve bu unsurlar ile online reklamdan kaçınma davranışı arasındaki ilişki incelenmiştir. Çalışmada veriler nicel veri toplama tekniklerinden anket tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Sonuçta, örnekleme dâhil edilen öğrencilerin yarısından fazlasının adblock kullandığı, en önemli adblock kullanma nedenlerinin reklamları gereksiz bulmaları olduğu, reklamdan kaçınma davranışına neden olan en önemli unsurun reklam kirliliği olduğu belirlenmiştir. Online reklamdan kaçınma davranışı ve reklamdan kaçınma davranışına neden olan unsurlar arasında istatistiki olarak anlamlı ilişkiler tespit edilmiş; kullanılan ölçeklerin ortalamalarında cinsiyet ve adblock kullanma değişkenlerine göre farklılıklar tespit edilmiştir