bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing pattern of childhood blindness in eight North-Eastern states and review of the epidemiological data of childhood blindness of India
Authors: Bhattacharjee Harsha , Magdalene Damaris , Javeri Henal Jagdip , Buragohain Suklengmung , Mohapatra Shyam Sundar Das , Garg Mohit
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To assess the causes of visual impairment and blindness in children in all the schools for the blind in eight northeastern states and to determine its temporal trend, and to analyze the result with reference to various regional epidemiological data on childhood blindness in India.

Methods:

Children aged ≤16 years, with a visual acuity of ≤6/18 in the better eye, attending 17 schools for the blind were examined between November 2018 and March 2020. WHO protocol and reporting format was used for the evaluation, diagnosis, and classification of the causes.

Results:

Out of 465 eligible study participants, 93.76% were blind and only 12.26% of causes were avoidable. Anatomical causes of childhood blindness were whole globe (43.2%), cornea (17.20%), optic nerve (12.04%), retina (9.68%), and lens (9.46%). Etiological causes were unknown (52.69%), hereditary (26.02%), intrauterine (15.05%), and 26.08% had blinding congenital ocular abnormality (s). Regional temporal trend revealed a decrease in corneal and childhood causes and an increase in retina, optic nerve, hereditary, and intrauterine causes.

Conclusion:

A constellation of causes were differentiable but matched with the overall emerging trend of childhood blindness in India. Higher corneal, unavoidable, and unknown causes suggest a region-specific action plan for controlling childhood blindness as well as rehabilitation.
Implications of inherited color vision deficiency on occupations: A neglected entity!
Authors: Hathibelagal Amithavikram R
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To highlight the plight of individuals with congenital color vision deficiency (CVD).

Methods:

This is a retrospective study in which 191 electronic medical records of individuals with the diagnosis of inherited CVD, who visited the eye institute, between January 2010 and January 2021 were included. The inclusion criteria included diagnosis based on the failure in pseudoisochromatic plates (Ishihara / Hardy, Rand and Rittler (HRR) and age range between 18 and 35 years. The patient’s medical history, age, gender, type of defect, and preference for colored contact lenses was noted. Medical records were excluded if the participant had any other ocular pathology apart from congenital CVD.

Results:

At least 30% (57/191) of the individuals explicitly requested for color vision examination for a job-related purpose. Amongst them, the most common jobs aspired were army (~25%; [14/57]) followed by police (21%; [12/57]). There was only 2.6% (5/191) of individuals in which the type of CVD (protan/deutan) was classified. Only 5.2% of them (10/191) sought an X-Chrome contact lens trial.

Conclusion:

This study reported the occupational setbacks experienced by individuals with CVD. This study highlights the need to identify CVD at a younger age, thereby avoiding occupational-related setbacks later in life.
Clinically relevant colour album test for the colour defective medical student
Authors: Singh Kirti , Gotmare Nikhil D , Bhattacharyya Mainak
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of color vision deficiency (CVD) in medical undergraduates by a more clinically applicable test.

Methods:

Cross-sectional study of 31 students with CVD (Ishihara diagnosed) asked to identify subject-specific signs/tests requiring color identification on a customized medical multispecialty designed color album test (CAT). They were further subjected to Farnsworth D-15 testing.

Results:

The error score of CVD students (4 ± 3.2) on 39 plates of color album test was highly significant as compared to the error score of color normal (0.3 ± 0.6). The CAT depicted linear correlation with Farnsworth D-15 and emerged as a valid tool of assessment. Ishihara interpretation did not correlate with the clinical impact of CVD. Nature of error suggests that CVD students can anticipate problems in dermatology, pathology, hematology, microbiology, and biochemistry.

Conclusion:

Color album test is a more clinically relevant test for CVD doctors to identify specialties where they can anticipate difficulties
Visual outcomes and quality of life before and after photorefractive keratectomy
Authors: Bokhary Kholoud Ahmad , Alshamrani Elham Saeed , Fahmy Rania
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To compare visual outcomes and vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) between subjects before and after photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) and controls. In addition, VRQoL was compared between subjects at different periods of PRK surgery.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study that included subjects with refractive errors aged 19–40 years and age-matched controls. Subjects were divided into three groups: pre-, post-PRK, and control. Subjects in the post-PRK group were divided into three subgroups (1-week, <6-month, and >6-month follow-up visits). Measurements including uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE) of manifest refraction, and corneal topography were obtained for all participants. The Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction (QIRC) questionnaire was administered to compare VRQOL between groups and between post-refractive surgery subgroups.

Results:

A total of 145 participants were included in this study. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of all participants was 26.29 ± 5.1 years. There was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in total QIRC scores between groups. The total QIRC score was better in the post-PRK group than in the pre-PRK and control groups. The scores of items included in the convenience, well-being, and health concern domains were significantly higher in the post-PRK group than in the pre-PRK and control groups. Within the post-PRK group, significant differences (P < 0.001) were found in UCVA and SE between the post-PRK subgroups. Uncorrected VA and SE were better in the post-PRK groups who were followed up in the < 6 and > 6 months subgroups than in the 1-week follow-up subgroup (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

A significant improvement in visual outcomes and VRQoL occurred after PRK surgery. Subjects enjoyed their VRQoL after refractive surgery.
Compassionate and standard operating procedure-based counseling and practice are essential in high-risk infantile anesthesia and managing death in eye surgery
Authors: Jayanna Sushma , Jalali Subhadra , Padhi Tapas R. , Agarwal Komal , Jhingan Mahima , Panchal Bhavik , Nayak Sameera
Published: December 2021

Physicians have to play the role of a team leader and counselor and take written informed consent for high-risk surgeries in many cases. This is the first step toward initiating a mutually trustworthy relationship with the patient and family. The situation is more sensitive when vulnerable patients like small premature babies or the elderly are under consideration. In the event of a death, leadership and processes in place become extremely critical. We share our experience and practice pattern during this process, especially suited to India, but the broad principles would apply to most human situations. Hopefully, some of these can be incorporated into the existing training curriculum for team building and the art of effective physician-patient communication that should be intricately woven into the curriculum for the Science of Ophthalmic care.
Central retinal vein occlusion post-COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Sonawane Nikita J , Yadav Divya , Kota Annaji Rao , Singh Harsh Vardhan
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to cause thromboembolic episodes apart from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). With large vaccine drives all across the world, there are a few case reports on post-vaccine thrombotic events seen with the AZD1222, ChAdO × 1 vaccine. Here, we present two cases of central retinal vein occlusion presenting immediately after receiving the second dose of the Covishield vaccine. Although the causal relationship cannot be drawn, the ophthalmologist should be aware of this adverse reaction.
A deep dive into the latest European Glaucoma Society and Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society guidelines and their relevance to India
Authors: Murthy Gowri J , Ariga Murali , Singh Maneesh , George Ronnie , Sarma Prafulla , Dubey Suneeta , Choudhry Reena M , Parikh Rajul , Panday Manish
Published: December 2021

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in India. Despite advances in diagnosing and managing glaucoma, there is a lack of India-specific clinical guidelines on glaucoma. Ophthalmologists often refer to the European Glaucoma Society (EGS) and Asia-Pacific Glaucoma Society (APGS) guidelines. A group of glaucoma experts was convened to review the recently released EGS guideline (fifth edition) and the APGS guideline and explore their relevance to the Indian context. This review provides the salient features of EGS and APGS guidelines and their utility in Indian scenario. Glaucoma diagnosis should be based on visual acuity and refractive errors, slit-lamp examination, gonioscopy, tonometry, visual field (VF) testing, and clinical assessment of optic nerve head, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and macula. The intraocular pressure target must be individualized to the eye and revised at every visit. Prostaglandin analogues are the most effective medications and are recommended as the first choice in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). In patients with cataract and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), phacoemulsification alone or combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma surgery are recommended. Trabeculectomy augmented with antifibrotic agents is recommended as the initial surgical treatment for OAG. Laser peripheral iridotomy and surgery in combination with medical treatment should be considered in high-risk individuals aged <50 years. In patients with phakic and PACG, phacoemulsification alone or combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma surgery are recommended. Visual acuity, VF testing, clinical assessment of the optic disc and RNFL, and tonometry are strongly recommended for monitoring glaucoma progression.
Toric intraocular lenses: Expanding indications and preoperative and surgical considerations to improve outcomes
Authors: Singh Vivek Mahendrapratap , Ramappa Muralidhar , Murthy Somasheila I , Rostov Audrey Talley
Published: December 2021

Since the introduction of the first toric intraocular lens (IOLs) in the early 1990s, these lenses have become the preferred choice for surgeons across the globe to correct corneal astigmatism during cataract surgery. These lenses allow patients to enjoy distortion-free distance vision with excellent outcomes. They also have their own set of challenges. Inappropriate keratometry measurement, underestimating the posterior corneal astigmatism, intraoperative IOL misalignment, postoperative rotation of these lenses, and IOL decentration after YAG-laser capsulotomy may result in residual cylindrical errors and poor uncorrected visual acuity resulting in patient dissatisfaction. This review provides a broad overview of a few important considerations, which include appropriate patient selection, precise biometry, understanding the design and science behind these lenses, knowledge of intraoperative surgical technique with emphasis on how to achieve proper alignment manually and with image-recognition devices, and successful management of postoperative complications.
Collateral damage: Corneal injury due to mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic - A case series
Authors: Ramani Soumya , Anusha Aynala , Sundaresh Divya D , Shetty Sathyendranath
Published: December 2021

Though masks are the best shield against COVID-19, they can be a source of discomfort and ocular side effects. We discuss three cases of corneal injury due to mask use. Three patients, who were healthcare workers, presented with discomfort, photophobia, and pain in the eyes. While adjusting the mask, they had an ocular injury. There were multiple superficial linear abrasions in the eyes. They recovered with treatment. Though masks are imperative during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to be aware of a possible mask injury.
Immersive photoreal new-age innovative gameful pedagogy for e-ophthalmology with 3D augmented reality
Authors: Ramesh Prasanna V , Aji K , Joshua Tensingh , Ramesh Shruthy V , Ray Prajnya , Raj Pragash M , Ramesh Meena K , Rajasekaran Ramesh
Published: December 2021

Augmented reality (AR) has come a long way from a science-fiction concept to a science-based reality. AR is a view of the real, physical world in which the elements are enhanced by computer-generated inputs. AR is available on mobile handsets, which constitutes an essential e-learning platform. Today, AR is a real technology and not a science-fiction concept. The use of an e-ophthalmology platform with AR will pave the pathway for new-age gameful pedagogy. In this manuscript, we present a newly innovated AR program named “Eye MG AR” to simplify ophthalmic concept learning and to serve as a new-age immersive 3D pedagogical tool for gameful learning.
An Arg124Cys mutation in transforming growth factor β-induced gene associated with lattice corneal dystrophy type I in a Chinese pedigree
Authors: Li Feng , He Jiahuan , Bai Hua , Huang Yifei , Wang Fang , Tian Lei
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To identify a clinical and genetic form of a large Chinese family with an autosomal-dominant lattice corneal dystrophy type I (LCD I).

Methods:

The patients’ eyes were examined on the basis of slit-lamp microscopy, and other clinical records were also collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes of the affected patients and their unaffected family members. Each previous reported mutation of the transforming growth factor β-induced gene (TGFBI) gene was amplified by touch-down polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced to verify the disease-causing mutation.

Results:

Typical clinical features of LCD I were found by slit-lamp photography in these affected Chinese pedigrees. A heterozygous single base-pair transition from C to T (c.418 C > T), leading to amino acid substitution Arg124Cys (R124C) in the encoded TGFBI protein, was detected in all of the eighteen affected patients. The same mutation was not found in unaffected family members.

Conclusion:

The R124C mutation hot spot, which was relatively rare in China, was responsible for LCD I in the large family. Molecular genetic analysis of TGFBI gene can offer an accurate diagnosis of patients with lattice corneal dystrophies in the clinical treatment.
Assessment of the postoperative effect of corneal cross-linking on keratoconus using the ABCD grading system
Authors: Kasumović Aida , Matoc Ines , Kasumović Armin , Sabol Ivan , Radman Ivana , Krolo Iva
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To monitor the changes in the ABCD grading system during a one-year follow-up after a corneal cross-linking (CXL) procedure.

Methods:

This prospective study included 30 eyes of 25 patients with keratoconus, who received the CXL treatment. The patients with a history of ocular trauma or surgery and other corneal pathology were excluded from the study. The patients were examined at the baseline visit and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after the CXL. All the patients underwent a standard CXL procedure with visual acuity and Scheimpflug tomography testing at each visit. The corneal parameters and ABCD grading were monitored throughout the follow-up period.

Results:

There were no significant changes of parameter A and anterior radius curvature (ARC) in the ABCD grading system. Parameters B and D showed progression postoperatively, with an improvement of parameter D on the final visit. Parameter C showed a statistically significant increase at all three post-CXL visits, but a constant gradual decrease in the value over time.

Conclusion:

The ABCD grading system can be very useful in monitoring the progression of keratoconus (KC), but it can also help in monitoring the efficacy of corneal cross-linking. The anterior surface parameters in the ABCD grading system did not show progression in the post-CXL period, and parameters C and D showed improvement and stability a year after the procedure.
Ocular biometry in dense cataracts: Comparison of partial-coherence interferometry, swept-source optical coherence tomography and immersion ultrasound
Authors: González-Godínez Sara , Saucedo-Urdapilleta Roxana , Mayorquín-Ruiz Mariana , Velasco-Barona Cecilio , Moragrega-Adame Eduardo , Domínguez-Varela Irving A , Gonzalez-Salinas Roberto
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To assess the axial length (AL) measurement failure rate using partial-coherence interferometry (PCI) and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in dense cataracts. As a secondary outcome, the SS-OCT biometry was compared to immersion ultrasound.

Methods:

This is a prospective cross-sectional and comparative study. Seventy eyes from 70 patients with dense cataracts were enrolled in this study. Dense cataract was defined according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) scores equal to or more than NO4, NC4, C4, and P3. The failure rate of AL measurement was evaluated using PCI and SS-OCT. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), and AL measurements obtained by SS-OCT were compared with IUS.

Results:

AL measurement failure rate with PCI was 68.57% and 21.43% with SS-OCT (P = 0.007). AL measurement was achieved in 69.23% of NO4, 66.6% of P3, and 15.3% of mixed cataracts using PCI, while SS-OCT was achieved in 100% of NO4, NO5, P3, and P5 and 76.9% of mixed cataracts. Cortical cataracts alone did not influence AL measurement. Biometric data of ACD, LT, and AL were statistically different comparing US and SS-OCT with a good correlation of AL.

Conclusion:

SS-OCT significantly improves the rate of successful AL measurements when compared to PCI in dense cataracts. The LOCS III clinical cut-off for the use of SS-OCT ocular biometry may well be up to P4 and NO5.
Genotype-Based Prediction for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Using Polymorphism in rs10757278 at 9p21 Locus
Authors: Bhaktha Geetha , Nayak Shivananda
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims:

Along with the conventional risk factors and based on the Framingham risk score, a preventive measure can be targeted in those subjects who are in risk category. The use of genotype-based assessment in these subjects can be much benefited in clinical decision-making. Hence, we aimed to match the risk frequency with genotype score for rs10757278 in asymptomatic coronary heart disease (CHD) individuals.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study with 105 participants. These subjects were without any clinical presentation of CHD. Single-nucleotide polymorphism 10757278 was genotyped using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system–polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

The minor allele frequency was 0.84 higher though the subjects were asymptomatic. When the group was categorized using Framingham risk score (low, moderate, and high), it was observed that the risk allele was 0.74 versus 0.77 versus 0.93. The risk allele frequency (male) in low, moderate, and high groups was 0.76 versus 0.79 versus 0.94. This incremental rise was lost in females with risk allele frequency to be 0.81 versus 0.76 versus 0.87. It is observed that the association between gender and risk status was significant (P < 0.001) both while considering risk wise and even after considering the risk allele.

Conclusion:

A good individual predicted risk can be assessed using global risk stratification along with the knowledge of the interaction of genetics. Further, to determine the accuracy and clinical utility of such reclassification, more prospective studies are needed.
Need for Regulation of Pan Masala Advertisements in Television Media
Authors: Christy A. Winnifred , Raja Devathambi T. Jones , Deepikalakshmi B.
Published: December 2021

Tobacco industries have resorted to brand stretching to keep their brands visible through sale of non-tobacco products like elaichi (cardamom) and paan masala, as seen in television advertisements aired during Indian premier league matches. The direct and indirect forms of advertisements of tobacco products in digital media remains unchecked. Strict ban should be enforced as these advertisements lure children and the youth into consumption of tobacco products later in life. In addition to providing tobacco cessation services to patients, oral health professionals should be aware of the marketing strategies of tobacco companies so that we can advise governing authorities to enact new laws and enforce existing laws in order to curtail tobacco consumption in our country.
Unilateral Mandibular Coronoid Osteoma-An Unusual Cause for Pseudoankylosis
Authors: Patil Karthikeya , Sanjay C. J. , Meghana M. , Viveka S.
Published: December 2021

An osteoma is a benign osteogenic tumor characterized by compact or cancellous bone proliferation with unknown etiology, but it may arise from cartilage or embryonal periosteum. Osteomas are rare, slow growing, usually asymptomatic until their size and position interferes with functioning. This is a report of a 53-year-old male patient who complained of difficulty in opening his mouth, which was diagnosed as an osteoma of mandibular coronoid producing pseudo ankylosis, a very unusual condition. Surgical excision of the tumor was performed, followed by physiotherapy and no recurrence was observed. This case report highlights the rare causes of pseudo ankylosis with significance to early diagnosis and intervention which can prevent further complications to the patient.
A Comparative Study of Alternative Therapies and Mandibular Advancement Device in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Daga Deeptanshu , Singh Mohit Pal , Nahar Prashant , Mathur Hemant , Babel Anshit , Daga Apoorva B.
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face the challenge of getting the correct diagnosis and treatment. Snoring is the most common giveaway.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of sleep before and after the use of the appliance and while practicing yoga based on the STOP-BANG questionnaire for sleep quality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

Methodology:

A total of 100 patients visiting the outpatient department (OPD) were divided into two groups of 50 each. The first group who fulfilled the criteria for the device was given a mandibular advancement device (MAD) and the second group was assigned yoga and pranayamas.

Results:

The first group showed a significant increase in the airway space on lateral cephalogram also with more immediate overall scores in all three questionnaires compared to the second group.

Conclusion:

MAD offers an inexpensive, comfortable treatment option for patients requiring immediate relief but has poor appliance compliance. However, yoga and pranayama yielded very good results although took a long time. On follow-up, the recurrence of OSA was negligible. MAD would provide immediate relief in OSA but for sustained overall benefit yoga and pranayama should be practiced.
Actinomycotic Osteomyelitis of Maxilla in a Diabetic Patient- “A Rare Case Report & Review of Literature”
Authors: Bhagawati Basavaraj T. , Solanki Manisha , Solanki Hemlata , Sharma Manish
Published: December 2021

Actinomycosis may be a relatively rare infection caused by saprophytic bacteria of the mouth and alimentary canal which will become pathogenic. The chronic hyperglycemia in Diabetes Mellitus induces events that promote structural changes in various tissues and are related to problems in wound healing. This infection remains largely unknown to most clinicians due to its different presentations, and palatal involvement is extremely rare. This report describes the case of a 50-year-old man who was diagnosed with actinomycosis involving mucosal surface. The main clinical, histopathologic, and therapeutic characteristics and diagnosis of actinomycosis are reviewed. Till date, 4 cases of actinomycosis involving the palatal surface are reported.
Frey's Syndrome
Authors: Ganesan Anuradha , Rao Bounika E.
Published: December 2021

The incidence of Frey's syndrome after parotidectomy greatly varies in the literature. It is a sequelae of any surgery near the pretragal region like parotidectomy or condylar surgeries which might cause embarrassment and considerable social discomfort and may further result in disruptions and disturbances in daily life. Hence, frequent follow-ups after the surgeries, early diagnosis, and proper management of Frey's syndrome may help to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for the patient. This case report highlights a case of Frey's syndrome followed by the surgical management of condylar fracture and also highlights the management of the syndrome.
Estimation of Serum Creatine Phosphokinase and Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Levels in Oral Leukoplakia and Oral Cancers – A Clinicopathological Study
Authors: Bhayya Harsha , Paramkusam Geetha , Kardalkar Swetha , Avinash Tejasvi M L , Donempudi Pavani , Patil Namrata
Published: December 2021

Aims:

Evaluation of total serum creatine phosphokinase and serum lactate dehydrogenase levels as a biochemical parameter in the diagnosis of oral cancer, oral leukoplakia by the case-control method.

Settings and Design:

A hospital-based, case-control study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis, and Radiology.

Materials and Methods:

The study included clinically and histopathologically diagnosed oral leukoplakia and oral cancers with 20 patients in each group. The control group consisted of 20 healthy patients without lesions or tobacco-related habits or any systemic diseases. The blood samples were collected from the study and control groups, centrifuged, and serum was analyzed for serum creatine phosphokinase and serum lactate dehydrogenase (CK and LDH) levels using an autoanalyzer.

Statistical Analysis:

Comparison of three groups with respect to each biochemical parameter was done by one-way ANOVA. Comparison between the groups was done by Tukey's multiple post hoc test.

Results:

It was found that total serum CK levels were statistically significantly decreased in both oral leukoplakia and oral cancer when compared with that of the control group. Total serum LDH levels were statistically significantly increased in both oral leukoplakia and oral cancer when compared with that of the control group.

Conclusion:

Although the results of the present study showed increased levels of LDH in both oral leukoplakia and oral cancer, and CK levels statistically decreased but they were within normal limits. Further. studies with a greater number of samples, different grades of epithelial dysplasias, and assessment of individual isoenzymes has to be carried out to evaluate the exact role of CK and LDH in the etiopathogenesis of oral cancer.
Comparative Estimation of Serum Levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Vitamin E in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis and Normal Individuals – A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mustafi Subhasish , Sinha Rupam , Sarkar Soumyabrata , Giri Debanti , Saha Anindya P. , Yadav Priyanka
Published: December 2021

Background:

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a recurrent acute ulcerative lesion of oral mucosa. Till now, the exact cause and mechanism of this condition isn't very much clear; it is however believed to be multifactorial. Various studies indicate that genetically mediated disturbances of the innate and acquired immunity play an important role in the disease development. Vitamins and micro-elements deficiencies are one of the principal factors that modify the immunologic response in RAS.

Aim:

To probe for correlation between serum levels of Vitamin A, B12, D3, E, and RAS.

Methods and Materials:

The cross-sectional clinical study was conducted on persons seeking dental service at some private dental college in West Bengal, India between January 2017 and June 2018. Forty patients suffering from RAS were compared to forty normal individuals. Applying ELISA method, serum concentration of vitamins A, vitamin B12, vitamin D3 and vitamin E were measured in two groups. Statistical Analysis: The means between two groups were compared by Student's unpaired 't' test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results:

RAS patients had a significantly lower serum level of vitamin A, B12, D3 and E than normal individuals; and there were a positive relation between the serum level of vitamin B12 and vitamin E in RAS patients.

Conclusion:

Vitamin A, B12, D3 and E deficiency have a significant bearing on RAS; and serum level of vitamin B12 and E of RAS patients have a significant interrelationship.
Efficacy of Tea Tree, Sesame, and Cumin Extracts against Oral Candida Species – An in Vitro Study
Authors: Selvam Keerthana , Lakshmi Suman J. , Somasundaram Elangovan , Balasubramanian Senthil Kumar , Balasubramanian Bakiyalakshmi
Published: December 2021

Background and Objective:

Oral cavity ports have diverse, abundant, and complex microbial communities. Candida is (a genus of yeast) and is the most common cause of oral fungal infection. The standard treatment of oral candidiasis is the use of antifungal agents, which cause different adverse effects. To combat this, herbal drugs can be considered as an alternative to allopathic drugs. The literature has reported that these herbal products are a rich source of antimicrobial agents. The present study determined the antifungal efficacy of tea tree, sesame, and cumin extracts against oral candidiasis in comparison to clotrimazole.

Material and Methods:

An in vitro study was carried out on 30 patients, wherein saliva and swab samples were collected and subjected to culture on chromagar and incubated at 37°C for 24 to 48 hours. The cultured Candida species were subjected to an antifungal susceptibility test. Clotrimazole (Group I: positive control), tea tree extracts (Group II–Group VI), sesame extracts (Group VII–Group XI), and cumin extracts (Group XII–Group XVI) were inoculated in wells and incubated. Zones of inhibitions were measured and subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:

Antifungal efficacy of tea tree (Group II–VI), sesame (Group VII–IX), cumin (Group XII–XIV), and clotrimazole (Group I) were compared and proven to be statistically significant with a P value < 0.05.

Conclusion:

Clotrimazole had a higher antimicrobial activity compared to medicinal plants. The extracts of tea tree, sesame, and cumin had significant antimicrobial activity and they might prove to be promising alternatives as a therapeutic agent for oral candidiasis.
Evaluation of Genomic Damage from Buccal Epithelial Cells in Patients Subjected to Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Mounika Gutta , Sridevi Koduri , Krishnaveni Buduru , Kumar Nalli Prasanth , Naidu Harika , Sahi Bonthagarla Krishna
Published: December 2021

Background:

Radiography forms an important and integral part in diagnosis which is used in the oral and maxillofacial region to give an appropriate diagnosis and treatment planning. But, diagnostic radiations also induce some amount of cell damage at cytogenetic levels, depending on the dosage of the radiation administered. The ionizing radiation which has been emitted during these procedures has deleterious effects on the DNA and induces cell death.

Aim:

To evaluate the genomic damage from buccal epithelial cells in patients subjected to cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Materials and Methods:

Patients were divided into two groups with 30 subjects in each group. Group-1 included the subjects advised for single CBCT exposure and Group-2 included the subjects advised for double CBCT exposure. Exfoliated buccal epithelial cells were collected immediately before the exposure, 15 days, and 30 days after the CBCT exposure. The cytological smears were examined to detect the micronucleus and pyknotic nucleus.

Results:

The mean of the micronucleus and pyknotic nucleus obtained from group-2 (double exposure) subjects was significantly higher in males than group-1 (single exposure) subjects with a P value of 0.0001 during pre-exposure, 15 days, and 30 days after exposure.

Conclusion:

Genomic damage does take place due to cone-beam computed tomography. So, CBCT should be cautiously used when necessary and it cannot be considered as a risk-free procedure.
How Immunization Clinic and Cold Chain Point are Organized and Functioning? – Status of a Tertiary Care Hospital, West Bengal
Authors: Chakraborty Arup , Das Debasis
Published: December 2021

Background:

Universal immunization program is one of the large public health programs in our country which plays very crucial role to improve child's health and reduce infant and under-five mortality.

Aim:

The study was planned to determine the organization of the immunization clinic and cold chain point and to assess the managerial problems and finding out probable solutions.

Materials and Methods:

It was an observational study done in 2016 in the immunization clinic of Medical College, Kolkata. A predesigned and pretested data collection form, relevant registers and records, a checklist of Government of India was used for collecting data. Interviewing different stakeholders, examination or records, and observation of functions was done.

Results:

The study revealed few major issues like lack of knowledge and motivation among the staffs. Limited supervision by the higher authority and uneven supply chain especially for Vitamin A was also highlighted.

Conclusion:

Priority analysis found that the most priority issue of the immunization clinic was the lack of knowledge of the Public Health Nurses and Junior Doctors. Hence, most suitable intervention was to arrange a training session for the Doctors and the nurses. The detailed action plan and budget regarding the training activity were also calculated.

Clinical Significance:

Success of Universal Immunization Programme depends on cold chain planning, maintaining and evaluation of temperature-sensitive vaccination program. Hence, the present study of cold chain organization and functioning is immensely important repeatedly over time.
Asymptomatic COVID Infections in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Omunakwe Hannah Emmanuel , Bob-Manuel Mienye , Enyinnaya Stella O. , Kattey Kattey A. , Kpaluku Chukwuka Achonnwo
Published: December 2021

Background:

Determining the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers of an infectious agent plays a major role in the control of infections, especially with regard to measures aimed at isolating individuals who can potentially transmit the infection to others while they are not showing symptoms of the disease.

Aim:

This study was aimed at determining the positivity rate of COVID-19 among patients who presented for testing; the proportion of asymptomatic cases among the patients who tested positive; and the factors associated with being symptomatic at diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:

The data for the first 595 suspected cases and probable contacts who presented for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in our center were assessed to determine their biodata, symptomatology, and the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 genes.

Results:

Patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 made up 133/595 (22.4%) of the cohort. At presentation for testing, 97/133 (71.4%) of the positive patients had no symptoms fitting the case definition of COVID-19. Of these, 28 (73.7%) were males and 10 (26.3%) were females, this was statistically significant. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the ages of the respondents who had symptoms and those who did not have symptoms.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of patients in our setting had asymptomatic infections, this stresses the need to test more and advocate compliance with all preventive measures including universal masking.
Prevalence of Hypertension and Assessment of its Risk Factors among Traders in Rukuba-Road Satellite Market in Jos, North Central Nigeria
Authors: Selowo Temitope Toluse , Usar Iornumbe , Isichei Mercy , Mohammed Amina , Ozoilo Janefrances Ugochi , Adeniyi Amusa Ganiyu
Published: December 2021

Background:

Hypertension has continued to remain a global public health challenge, contributing to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and economic cost. Modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors have been linked to hypertension.

Aim:

The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among traders in the Rukuba-road Satellite market in Jos-North LGA, Jos, Plateau State.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was used. Three hundred and fifty participants (traders) were drawn from 3017 static shops using the Cochran analysis formula of sample size calculation between June and July 2019. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Demographic characteristics and the knowledge, attitude, and practice of risk factors for hypertension were gotten using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were also obtained. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained before the commencement of the study.

Results:

Three hundred and twenty-three traders comprising 190 (58.8%) females and 133 (41.2%) males participated in the study. The majority of the traders (40.9%) had average knowledge, 78.6% had a good attitude and 75.6% had average practice on proper lifestyle for prevention of hypertension and its risk factors. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) were 127 ± 19 mmHg and 79 ± 11 mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension among the participants was 32.2% (104 participants) of which 58 (55.8%) were unaware of their hypertensive status. Nonmodifiable risk factors of age (P = 0.000) and tribe (P = 0.006) and modifiable risk factors of body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.000) were statistically significant for hypertension. Predictors of hypertension using logistic regression were age (18–45 years) and BMI (18.5–34.9 kg/m2).

Conclusion:

Present findings of the risk factors of hypertension remain a major public health problem in our society and more efforts are needed for its screening, prevention, early diagnosis, and proper management.
COVID-19 Subclinical Infection and Immunity
Authors: Bartekwa Joyce Weade , Abene Esala Ezekiel , Luka Pam Dachung , Yilgwan Christopher Sabo , Shehu Nathan Yakubu
Published: December 2021

The aetiologic agent of COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Like other coronaviruses, it generally induces enteric and respiratory diseases in animals and humans. COVID-19 may be subclinical, and symptomatic, ranging from mild–to-severe disease. The spectrum of presentation is the result of several factors ranging from the inoculum size, inherent host susceptibility, possible cross-reacting circulating antibodies. Subclinical viral infections are associated with widespread community transmission and in some cases like Polio, herd immunity. An understanding of the biology and immune behavior in subclinical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might be useful in the quest for vaccine development as well as the current control efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic. We carried out a narrative review of the available literature on the biology, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection, focusing on our current understanding of the disease mechanisms and its clinical manifestation, and the host immune response to the infection. We also highlighted some of the research gaps regarding subclinical infection in COVID-19 and its potential application for vaccine development and other preventive efforts toward containing the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Presenting Radiologically Like Spinal Astrocytoma
Authors: Arabambi Babawale , Ashiru Sikirat Yetunde , Olanigan Rashidat Amoke , Ogun Shamsideen Abayomi
Published: December 2021

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an infrequent antibody-mediated disorder of the central nervous system. The diagnosis is made in the setting of specific clinical syndromes and a positive aquaporin-4 antibody titer. Intramedullary spinal cord tumors may clinically and radiologically mimic NMOSD, necessitating careful differentiation, especially in individuals who meet the epidemiological profile of NMOSD. We report two cases of NMOSD in young female patients who had a neuroradiological diagnosis of spinal cord astrocytoma and were initially planned for spinal cord surgery. We aim to highlight the similarities between NMOSD and spinal cord tumors using these two clinical cases.
When Language Transfer is Negative
Authors: Manyasa Jonace
Published: December 2021

This paper analyses morpho-syntactic interference errors committed by learners of French as a foreign language in four Tanzanian universities: UDSM, UDOM, DUCE and Makumira. The paper has three specific objectives: (i) to identify morpho-syntactic interference errors, (ii) to account for their sources and (iii) to recommend a corrective treatment. The study included a total of 61 respondents. The data was collected through learners’ written texts in French from which a corpus was developed. The study was guided by the interlanguage theory and the error analysis approach. Data analysis was qualitative. The findings reveal that errors included the use of nouns with English origins (18.87%), omission of prepositions (36.79%) and absence of determiners (44.34%). The findings further show that these errors are due to previously acquired or learned languages: Swahili, ethnic community languages and English. Different recommendations are given following the findings. As regards the use of definite and indefinite articles in French, teachers should provide a guided reading of different French texts through which learners will be able to understand how articles are used. To master the use of prepositions, teachers should encourage learners to read a variety of texts in French as this can make them understand and internalize the different prepositions. Moreover, through regular exercises on word formation in French, learners may be able to familiarize themselves with French nouns, hence internalizing their forms. Finally, the learning of French nouns should be done in context.
Un regard sociolinguistique sur le resiano
Authors: Léonard Jean Léo , Djordjevic Léonard Ksenija
Published: December 2021

Les variétés de slovène du Val Resia, en Frioul-Vénétie Julienne, sont enclavées derrière un contrefort montagneux qui les isole du réseau dialectal slovène. Une riche tradition de recherche les documente depuis deux siècles, et connaît un renouveau grâce à l’aménagement linguistique « de par en bas » (associatif). Une codification a pris forme dans les années 1990, fondée sur un travail de recherche tenant compte de la diversité dialectale interne de cette micro-région. Cependant, divers points de vue s’opposent, sur le plan glottopolitique entre d’une part, les tenants d’une individuation localiste contre une intégration dans le concert des dialectes slovènes, et d’autre part, les tenants d’une intégration polynomique et pragmatique, cultivant le lien avec la langue de référence, le slovène, dans une relation de complémentarité. Le présent article rend compte de ce dilemme et des contradictions entre plan émique et plan étique, sur la base d’un état documentaire diversifié et d’observations de terrain. On propose trois « modèles » ou scénarios » de développement social et de revitalisation du résian et des variétés italo-slovènes proches : la citadelle (isolationnisme, avec risque de substitution sociolinguistique), le pont (intégration, avec risque d’assimilation par le slovène standard), le pont-levis (un pluralisme polynomique, avec ouverture au monde slovène et slave, tout en maintenant une spécificité structurale). Des trois options, c’est semble-t-il la troisième qui tend, fort heureusement, à prévaloir depuis plusieurs décennies, bien qu’il faille rester vigilant à maintenir un équilibre entre individuation, isolement et assimilation. C’est là un processus sans fin, dont le résian constitue un cas exemplaire pour la glottopolitique des minorités transfrontalières.
Functions of Literature
Authors: Ogundokun Sikiru Adeyemi
Published: December 2021

Literature is an open concept and a creative art which expresses human history, experiences, imagination, observations, predictions and suggestions at a particular time in a given society. Either as fiction or non-fiction, literature can be rendered in both spoken and written words. It is often argued whether literature is for itself or the development of the society that produces it. This study, therefore, interrogates how the selected Francophone African novels, namely Sembène Ousmane’s Les bouts de bois de Dieu, Mariama Bâ’s Une si longue lettre, Ferdinand Oyono’s Le vieux nègre et la médaille, Aminata Sow Fall’s La grève des bàttu, Patrick Ilboudo’s Les vertiges du trône and Fatou Keïta’s Rebelle, depict the function of literature. The novelists are selected because of their inclination towards the social transformation paradigm. The purpose of this paper is to raise people’s awareness and mobilize them towards positive change. Based on close reading, the paper is built around Marxist theory which is interested in the class struggle as demonstrated in a literary text, with a view to deconstructing the existing capitalist tendencies in a given society. The findings reveal that the selected novels are focused on the poor conditions socio-politically, economically, culturally and psychologically that exist both during and after the colonial era. The paper concludes that literature helps readers to cope with the socio-cultural, political, economic, religious and other challenges of their immediate as well as remote environments through the process of self-discovery. As such, positive social change is possible through literature.
De Grenade à Jérusalem
Authors: Fock Ignac
Published: December 2021

The present article examines the drama Birds of a Kind by the Lebanese-Canadian author Wajdi Mouawad. It analyses the allegorical character of Wazzan which is based on the historical figure Leo Africanus, a Moroccan diplomat and polymath of Granadan origin who in the early 16th century was kidnapped by Christian pirates and offered to Pope Leon X. Following his conversion from Islam to Catholicism he became the first author to present Africa to the Europeans through his works, published under the patronage of two popes from the Medici family.
Leo Africanus was introduced to Mouawad by the American scholar Natalie Zemon Davis. In her study Trickster Travels (2006) she discusses the ambiguity and the evasiveness of this enigmatic historical figure whose character she highlights through the story of the amphibious bird. It is a parable placed as the author’s paratextual notice at the beginning of The Book of Cosmography and Geography of Africa (1526 [1550]), Leo Africanus’s most important scholarly work, and in spite of many possible sources, it is definitely his own invention.
This article aims to demonstrate how Mouawad distanced his dramatic character from the original figure – the historiographic image of a trickster – by changing the point of the aforementioned parable. The story of the amphibious bird in Birds of a Kind, told by Wazzan to a Jew who right before his death is revealed to have an Arabic origin, is transformed form the parable of a trickster into a legend of someone who manages to overcome prejudice in order to find his identity. For Mouawad, Wazzan personifies the reconciliation between Judaism and Islam, transmitting at the same time an idea of the world dreamed of by the humanism of the Renaissance and Enlightenment.