bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Danse avec les catégories :anthropologie de la « technologie » et anthropologie des techniques
Authors: Coupaye Ludovic
Published: March 2022

Cet article propose de considérer le terme de « Technologie » comme une catégorie vernaculaire de la modernité, dont l’usage inscrit les phénomènes auxquels elle réfère dans un cadre utilitaire, rationnel et eurocentrique. À partir des travaux de l’anthropologie classique et récente, et en s’appuyant sur les bases jetées par la « Technologie Culturelle » francophone d’origine maussienne, l’article propose de revenir à la définition des actes techniques donnée par Marcel Mauss et se focalise sur la question de l’efficacité, source de débats. L’article avance que c’est en considérant, avec Mauss, l’efficacité selon les acteurs eux-mêmes, qu’il s’agisse d’ingénieurs informatiques ou de chamanes, qu’on peut obtenir un cadre méthodologique adéquat pour l’analyse empirique des phénomènes techniques (ou rituels ou esthétiques) et de leur profonde importance axiologique, sans pour autant sacrifier à leur diversité matérielle ou conceptuelle, ou à leur complexité temporelle ou spatiale.
Des épistémologies des Suds pour penser une éducation relative aux changements climatiques à portée transformatoire.
Authors: Champoux Mélanie , Agundez-Rodriguez Adolfo
Published: March 2022

Pour réussir à relever les nombreux défis posés par les changements climatiques, l’humanité a besoin d’élargir le champ des possibles et d’entreprendre une profonde transformation sociale et politique en vue de l’atteinte d’une plus grande justice sociale et environnementale. Pour le sociologue et épistémologue Boaventura de Sousa Santos (2016), la justice mondiale ne pourra pas être atteinte sans la poursuite d’une justice cognitive mondiale. Cette dernière doit reconnaitre l’incomplétude de la rationalité moderne occidentale. Cet article effectue un retour sur l’œuvre Épistémologies du Sud (Boaventura De Sousa Santos, 2016) en tentant de mettre en exergue les principaux concepts développés par l’auteur et qui semblent porteurs pour penser une éducation relative aux changements climatiques (ERCC) transformatoire, axée sur la justice écosociale et ouverte à des subjectivités et des expérimentations alternatives.
Determinants of Influencer Credibility and Platform Credibility to Understand the Effectiveness of Indian Fashion Influencers
Authors: Rani Anshu , Roy Arijit , Boaler Maria , Jagadeeswari Itam Urmila
Published: March 2022

The concept of influencer marketing refers to the use of selected influencers to create and promote branded content to the influencer’s followers and the brand’s selected target market. Fashion Influencers on social media are the main transmitters of information to their network and play a successful new fashion diffuser. However, some influencers are proven to be more successful in doing so. Therefore, this paper aims to understand the factors pertaining to source credibility & platform credibility in determining influencer’s effectiveness on social media. A huge number of variables have been identified during the literature review for this study. The research design of the present study has been ‘quantitative’ and attempts to bring empirical findings. A structured questionnaire has been used to collect data from 367 respondents through a purposive sampling method and analyzed using SEM. This research study presents the findings and elaborative results in the context of India. Implications and recommendations of research are further discussed in the context of emerging markets.
Investigating Marketing Communication Mix on Brand Performance Indicators
Authors: Frimpong Francis Kofi Sobre , Hope Eric , Anane-Donkor Linda
Published: March 2022

In today’s world of business, an increased number of brands are competing in order to gain market share. As a result, companies’ promotion has become more significant in order to reach out to target customers. Effective financial service (FS) delivery is driven by the strategic application of each element of the marketing communication mix (MCM) in the organization. The population of this study was employees in Ghanaian organizations where the MCM tools are known to be frequently used and their customers. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) Fit Statistics for the Measurement and Structural Models were used. The first four models were the measurement models of MCM, brand quality, brand loyalty, and brand performance respectively. The fifth model is the structural model through which all relationships and hypotheses were tested simultaneously. The study finds that, the first four models did not produce a good fit because they failed to meet the following criteria: p-value > 0.05; RMSEA < .08; TLI > .90; GFI > .80; and AGFI > .90.
Telecommuting and Creativity of Professional Employees in Software Developing Industry in Sri Lanka
Authors: Naotunna N. P. G. S. I. , Zhou E.
Published: March 2022

Telecommuting as an alternative job design is becoming increasingly popular across the globe. Although many aspects of telecommuting have been extensively explored by researchers, its impact on individual creativity is yet to be explored. Thus, we conducted a mixed-methods investigation to explore the telecommuting-creativity link. Study 1 revealed how telecommuting enhances and reduces creativity from semi-structured interviews with 17 professional software development employees. Guided by the insights of study 1 and the Identity Theory, study 2 was conducted to examine the effect of telework on the novelty and usefulness dimensions of creativity. Drawing on a survey of 246 professional employees, study 2 found that telecommuting impacts personal and team identity of an individual differently which in turn have varying impacts to the two dimensions of creativity. We discuss the implications of our findings for the future implementation of telecommuting.
Health-related Behavior and Adoption of Mobile Payments in Life Insurance during the Pandemic: Evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake S. D. S. T. , Dewasiri N. J. , Harmarathna D. G. D. , Karunarathna K. S. S. N.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between health-related behavior and the adoption of mobile payments in life insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic concerning the Sri Lankan context. The data were collected through a survey using a structured self-administered questionnaire from 203 life insurance policyholders in Sri Lanka. The study found a significant positive relationship between health-related behavior and the adoption of mobile payments in life insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intention to use mobile payments in life insurance was significantly predicted by perceived susceptibility, social influence, and perceived ease of use. Furthermore, the study revealed that gender moderates the relationship between health-related behavior and the adoption of mobile payments in life insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first study investigating the impact of health-related behavior on the adoption of mobile payments in life insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka.
Book Review: COVID-19 Pandemic and the Return of Depression Economics: The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008, Paul Krugman (W.W. Norton & Company, 1st Edition (2009), Pages: 191)
Authors: Wanniarachchige M. K.
Published: March 2022

No abstract available
Late-onset focal dermal elastosis: Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Fantini Fabrizio , Dainese Emanuele , Recalcati Sebastiano
Published: March 2022

Late-onset focal dermal elastosis is a rare cutaneous condition classified as an increased dermal elastic tissue disorder. It is distinguished clinically by multiple papules with a preference for the neck and other flexures, as well as histologically by focally increased elastic fibers in the reticular dermis. Several elastic tissue disorders in the skin have a similar clinical presentation. The distinction between late-onset focal dermal elastosis and other pseudoxanthoma elasticum mimickers is critical because they are not associated with systemic lesions. We present a case of late-onset focal dermal elastosis and conduct a literature review on this unusual condition.
Diagenetic and geochemical controls on H2S distribution in the Montney Formation, Peace River region, western Canada
Authors: Liseroudi M H , Ardakani O H , Pedersen P K , Stern R A , Wood J
M , Sanei H
Published: March 2022

The Lower Triassic Montney Formation is a major siltstone dominated unconventional tight gas play in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB). In the Peace River region, the Montney Formation contains a regionally variable amount of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in
gas-producing wells with western Alberta's wells having the highest concentrations. Previous studies on the source and distribution of H2S in the Montney Formation mainly focused on variations of H2S concentration and its relationship with other hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon gases, sulfur isotope
composition of H2S, as well as organo-sulfur compounds in the Montney Formation natural gas. None of those studies, however, focused on the role of diagenetic and geochemical processes in the formation of dissolved sulfate, one of the two major ingredients of H2S formation mechanisms, and pyrite
within the Montney Formation.
According to the results of this study, the Montney Formation consists of two different early and late generations of sulfate minerals (anhydrite and barite), mainly formed by the Montney Formation pore water and incursion of structurally-controlled Devonian-sourced hydrothermal sulfate-rich fluids.
In addition, pyrite the dominate sulfide mineral, occurred in two distinct forms as framboidal and crystalline that formed during early to late stages of diagenesis in western Alberta (WAB) and northeast British Columbia (NEBC). The concurrence of the late-stage anhydrite and barite and various
types of diagenetic pyrite with high H2S concentrations, particularly in WAB, their abundance, and spatial distribution, imply a correlation between the presence of these sulfate and sulfide species and the diagenetic evolution of sulfur in the Montney Formation.
The sulfur isotope composition of anhydrite/barite, H2S, and pyrite demonstrates both microbial and thermochemical sulfate reduction (MSR and TSR) controlled the diagenetic sulfur cycle of the Montney Formation. The relationship between the delta-34S values of the present-day produced gas H2S and
other sulfur-bearing species from the Montney and other neighboring formations verifies a dual native and migrated TSR-derived origin for the H2S gas with substantial contributions of in situ H2S in the Montney reservoir.
Controls on the distribution and composition of gas and condensate in the Montney resource play
Authors: Mort A
Published: March 2022

The Montney resource play has evolved from a peripheral conventional play to one of the most important hydrocarbon-producing unconventional resource plays in North America and has remained resilient throughout the economic challenges of recent years. Despite
maturing as a resource play as a result of more than 15 years of unconventional development and research there are still aspects of the play that are not fully de-risked and prediction of fluid quality remains haphazard due to the complex interplay of geological and engineering factors. Among these
are the delineation of structural and stratigraphic barriers and conduits, identification of enigmatic source rocks, which defy traditional methods, evaluating effects of fluid migration and the difficulty in predicting phase behavior in a tight, but open system. This study uses a combined approach
leveraging geochemical tools combined with spatial and stratigraphic analysis in an attempt to improve current understanding of these issues.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) distribution in the Triassic Montney Formation of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin
Authors: Kingston A W , Mort A , Deblonde C , Ardakani O
H
Published: March 2022

The Montney Formation is a highly productive hydrocarbon reservoir with significant reserves of hydrocarbon gases and liquids making it of great economic importance to Canada. However, high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have been encountered during
exploration and development that have detrimental effects on environmental, health, and economics of production. H2S is a highly toxic and corrosive gas and therefore it is essential to understand the distribution of H2S within the basin in order to enhance identification of areas with a high risk
of encountering elevated H2S concentrations in order to mitigate against potential negative impacts.
Gas composition data from Montney wells is routinely collected by operators for submission to provincial regulators and is publicly available. We have combined data from Alberta (AB) and British Columbia (BC) to create a basin-wide database of Montney H2S concentrations. We then used an iterative
quality control and quality assurance process to produce a dataset that best represents gas composition in reservoir fluids. This included: 1) designating gas source formation based on directional surveys using a newly developed basin-wide 3D model incorporating AGS's Montney model of Alberta with a
model in BC, which removes errors associated with reported formations; 2) removed injection and disposal wells; 3) assessed wells with the 50 highest H2S concentrations to determine if gas composition data is accurate and reflective of reservoir fluid chemistry; and 4) evaluated spatially isolated
extreme values to ensure data accuracy and prevent isolated highs from negatively impacting data interpolation. The resulting dataset was then used to calculate statistics for each x, y location to input into the interpolation process. Three interpolations were constructed based on the associated
phase classification: H2S in gas, H2S in liquid (C7+), and aqueous H2S. We used Empirical Bayesian Kriging interpolation to generate H2S distribution maps along with a series of model uncertainty maps.
These interpolations illustrate that H2S is heterogeneously distributed across the Montney basin. In general, higher concentrations are found in AB compared with BC with the highest concentrations in the Grande Prairie region along with several other isolated region in the southeastern portion of
the basin. The interpolations of H2S associated with different phases show broad similarities. Future mapping research will focus on subdividing intra-Montney sub-members plus under- and overlying strata to further our understanding of the role migration plays in H2S distribution within the Montney
basin.
Regional Differences in Bile Acid Composition in Gallbladder Bile
Authors: Ramya J. Ramana , Jain Mayank , Sheeba M. Mary , Thanigaiarul K. , Karvembu R. , Srinivasan Vijaya , Vaithiswaran V. , Kalkura S. Narayana , Venkataraman Jayanthi
Published: March 2022

Background:

Chemical and structural analyses of gallstones (GS) from the Indian subcontinent has shown that the formation of GS type is dependent on regional and dietary factors.

Aim of the Study:

The aim is to determine the proportion of primary and secondary bile acids in gallbladder (GB) bile in patients with GS from South and North India using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Materials and Methods:

Standards for primary and secondary bile acids were prepared and concentrations were determined by reversed-phase C18 HPLC column. Thirty-three GB bile samples from southern India and 28 samples from northern states of India were analyzed for differences in the proportion of primary and secondary bile acids. Ethics Committee of Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, approved the study. Statistical Analysis: concentration of bile acids (in mmol/L) were expressed as median and range. Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U-test were applied. A P < 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results:

The median concentrations of cholic acid (CA) (P = 0.005) and its derivative deoxycholic acid (DCA) (P < 0.006) were significantly high in GB bile samples from South India with no differences in the concentration of chenodeoxycholic acid between the two samples. Furthermore, samples from North India had a significantly higher proportion of lithocholic acid (LCA) and low DCA compared to samples from South India.

Conclusion:

Primary bile acid CA and its derivative is high in GB bile from South; the proportion of hepatotoxic LCA is significantly high with low concentrations of DCA in bile samples from North India.
Rare Genetic Disorder Unveiled on Evaluation of Occult Gastrointestinal Bleed
Authors: Varghese Jo , Abirami Premkumar Dinu
Published: March 2022

The incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) bleed secondary to vascular ectasias in GI tract remains very less, accounting to only about 4%–5% of nonvariceal bleed. Most patients remain asymptomatic unless evident as iron deficiency anemia. We report of similar case scenario in a 65-year-old man who presented with recurrent anemia, treated with multiple blood transfusions for 6 years. The patient was found to have multiple lingual, nasal, gastric, and duodenal telangiectasias with arteriovenous malformations in the liver and lung. Considering the history, clinical findings, and investigations, a diagnosis of Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome/hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia was made based on Curaçao criteria and the patient was treated with tamoxifen and argon plasma coagulation.
EUS Guided Tissue Acquisition from the Retroperitoneal Mass, Reason to Caution – Case Report and Review
Authors: Zanwar Shankar , Deshpande Kamyani , Patel Ravisagar
Published: March 2022

We recently encountered an unexpected immediate complication while doing an endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy in a patient with a retroperitoneal abdominal mass lesion found on cross-sectional imaging. The case is presented and the literature reviewed. The endosonologist should be prepared for eventualities after puncture for retroperitoneal masses.
Extramedullary Chronic Myeloid Leukemia – A Rare Cause of Ascites
Authors: Sermadurai Vinoth , Mariappan Kannan , Ratinavel Ramani , Chidambara Manivasagam Vijai Shankar
Published: March 2022

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematopoietic stem cell disease characterized by anemia, extreme blood granulocytosis and granulocytic immaturity, basophilia, often thrombocytosis, and splenomegaly. Extramedullary disease (EMD) occurs in CML blast crisis. In literature, peritoneal involvement in CML chronic phase is reported very rarely to the best of our knowledge. A 60-year-old male patient presented with complaints of significant weight loss over 1-month duration and abdomen distension for 7 days. The patient was pale and had massive ascites on presentation. Blood investigations showed a total count of 61.9 × 109 L, and liver disease was ruled out on imaging. Ascitic fluid analysis showed high protein, elevated adenosine deaminase, ascitic fluid acid-fast bacillus staining was negative, and GeneXpert negative for tuberculosis. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy were normal. Ascitic fluid cytology, though negative for malignant cells, showed myeloid precursor cells. Peripheral smear showed a leukemoid reaction. Bone marrow aspiration showed blast <3%. BCR/ABL1 was detected in leukocytes of peripheral blood. The patient was diagnosed with CML – chronic phase with peritoneal involvement as massive ascites – and was started tablet imatinib 400 mg OD and had favorable response to treatment after 3 months with the resolution of ascites and on follow-up. Extramedullary CML such as peritoneal disease serves as a predictor of future blast crisis, and close monitoring is needed for patients with EMD at initial presentation.
Endoscopic Management of Stage-2 Attic Cholesteatoma
Authors: Rout Khageswar , Sahoo Pradipt Ranjan , Zacharias Gifty , Jena Debasis
Published: March 2022

Aim:

All cholesteatoma cases are managed surgically under microscopic visualization since decades. But, the recurrence of the disease was found due to inadequate removal of cholesteatoma tissue from the hidden areas such as anterior attic region, tubotympanic recess, sinus tympani, and facial recess.

Objectives:

An angled otoendo scopes with panoramic view increases the accessibility and thereby thorough clearance of cholesteatoma which leads to better outcome.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective observational study evaluates the long-term results of transcanal endoscopic management of Stage-2 attic cholesteatoma. It was conducted at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, from January 2018 to January 2020. Eighteen patients with acquired limited attic cholesteatoma had undergone endoscopic transcanal tympanotomy and atticotomy for the complete removal of cholesteatoma sac. Reconstruction of attic with a composite tragal cartilage was performed in all cases.

Results:

Office-based endoscopic inspection of ear in all cases was done up to 6 months in terms of graft uptake and recurrence. Postoperative hearing evaluation at 3 months and 6 months was also performed. All cases in our series had good graft uptake with improved hearing. There was no recurrence and one case had postoperative granulation which was managed with culture and sensitivity directed antibiotics and regular aural toileting.

Conclusion:

Thus, an endoscopic transcanal surgical management of attic cholesteatoma is a less invasive procedure with long-term results that compare well to those of postauricular microscopic approach.
Cartilage Interposition Ossiculoplasty in Mucosal Type of Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Thotambailu Amulya , Ganesh Prakash Bhadravathi , Pillai Vijaynath Regunanda , Dey Debayen
Published: March 2022

Background:

Chronic otitis media (COM) is a chronic infection of the middle ear cavity caused by an ongoing inflammatory response within the middle associated with unresolved and resistant bacterial infections.

Aim:

Assessing the middle ear status in mucosal type of COM with only conductive hearing loss with no complications and their outcomes following tragal cartilage ossiculoplasty with tympanoplasty.

Materials and Method:

A prospective study was conducted on 60 patients of mucosal type of COM with only conductive hearing loss, who underwent tragal cartilage ossiculoplasty with tympanoplasty. The outcomes are assessed by the gain in hearing loss postoperatively 3 months and 6 months, pure tone audiometry.

Results:

Age of the patients ranged from 18 to 65 years, with a mean of 34.17 (standard deviation [SD] +13.436) years and median age being 31.5 years. Twenty seven (45%) were females and 33 (55%) were males. The mean hearing loss preoperatively was 47.24 dB (SD = 8.351). This reduced to 24.54 dB (SD = 6.018) at 3 months and further to 22.47 dB (SD = 5.173) at 6 months postoperatively. The preoperative hearing loss was significantly higher among females as compared to males (43.68 vs. 51.93 dB, P < 0.001). Hearing loss at 3 and 6 months postoperation showed no significant difference with sex. At 3 month follow up, there was gain in hearing in all age groups.

Conclusion:

Autologous tragal cartilage ossiculoplasty proved to be an effective procedure for reconstructing incus which was the most commonly affected ossicle in our study.
Carrier Frequency of Connexin26 W24X Mutation in the Population of Kerala, India
Authors: Joseph Joe , Joseph Anu Yamuna
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

The aim is to study the carrier rate of connexin 26 (Cx26) W24X gene mutation among the general population of Kerala, India.

Subjects and Methods:

This study included 248 normal-hearing individuals from the general population of Kerala, India. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to detect the presence of Cx26 W24X mutation.

Results:

Of the 248 individuals, 7 cases were heterozygous and 241 cases were homozygous normal. The results showed a carrier frequency of 2.82% for the Cx26 W24X mutation in the Kerala population.

Conclusion:

Among the selected Kerala population sample, the Cx26 gene mutation showed a high carrier rate. Early detection of nonsyndromic hearing impairment has been proven to be very helpful in speech therapy and language development. Given the high carrier rate of Cx26 W24X mutation in the Kerala population, we propose the genetic screening of the suspected newborns for W24X mutation in the Cx26 gene.
A novel histopathological classification of chalazion
Authors: Ito Hiroaki , Nassrallah Georges , Bergeron Sabrina , Arthurs Bryan , Burnier Julia V. , Burnier Miguel N.
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

A chalazion is a common localized lipogranulomatous inflammation of the eyelid. Histopathological diagnosis of chalazia is essential to rule out malignancy in particular sebaceous carcinoma. Our aim is to understand and classify the histopathological findings of chalazia and to determine any association with a patient's demographics.

Materials and Methods:

H and E sections were reviewed and classified into four categories: (1) lipogranulomas only, (2) lipogranulomas with multinucleated giant cells, (3) lipogranulomas with abscess, and (4) fibrosis without lipogranulomas or granulomatous inflammation. Patients' sex, age, and location of the lesion were analyzed.

Results:

Five hundred and forty cases included men (54.6%) and women (45.4%) with the mean age of 45.3 (13–89; standard deviation, 16.8). Five hundred and eight had information regarding location: left lower eyelid, 21.1%; right lower eyelid, 19.5%; left upper eyelid, 30.5%; and right upper eyelid, 28.9%. Category 1 accounted for 44.6%; category 2, 41.5%; category 3, 7.0%; and category 4, 6.9%. There was no significant correlation between classification and sex (P = 0.210) or age group (0–50 and > 50) (P = 0.369) nor between presence of giant cells and/or abscess and location (P = 0.826). Mean ages of category 1 (47.0) and 2 (43.1) were significantly different (P = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Four histopathological subtypes were equally distributed across sexes and eyelid locations. Individuals in category 1 are older than category 2. Favoring a systematic way to analyze the histopathology of chalazia may result in fewer missed diagnoses of malignancy and other inflammatory or infectious diseases.
Comparison of Intravenous Nefopam and Tramadol for Postoperative Analgesia in Adult Patients Scheduled for Laparoscopic Abdominal Surgeries under General Anesthesia
Authors: Swarnkar Yogesh Kumar , Gupta Rajiv , Arora Anand Mohan , Mistry Tuhin
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims:

Nefopam and tramadol have been used for postoperative analgesia in the various clinical settings. This study aims to evaluate and compare the postoperative analgesic effects of intravenous nefopam and tramadol in adult patients undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and twenty-six adult patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical Status I and II, age group of 20–60 years undergoing elective or emergency laparoscopic abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia were allocated randomly into two groups. In the postanesthesia care unit, patients in Group A (n = 63) and Group B (n = 63) received Nefopam 20 mg and Tramadol 100 mg, respectively, as intravenous infusion in 100 ml 0.9% saline over 15 min. The same doses were repeated every 6th hour or if the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was ≥4. Postoperative VAS scores were recorded at 30 min, 1.5 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h. The hemodynamic parameters were recorded just before and after the completion of the infusion of study drugs. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The pain score was significantly lower in Group A (Nefopam) than in Group B (Tramadol). The difference in mean VAS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 1.5 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h after postoperatively (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of side effects in both groups.

Conclusion:

Intravenous nefopam provided better postoperative pain relief than Tramadol in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries under general anaesthesia.
An audit on transfusion of blood products based on clinical judgment in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Paarel Joseph Punnoose , Rao Vinay , Ganesh Anand , Nair Sukesh , Dharmalingam Sathish kumar , Kurien Ben Babu , Sahajanandan Raj
Published: March 2022

Background:

Transfusion of blood and blood products is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality in cardiovascular surgery. This includes transfusion-related acute lung injury, transfusion-associated circulatory overload, renal injury, anaphylactic reactions to blood products, and sepsis. Transfusion of blood products based on the clinician's judgment often results in excessive transfusion. Research suggests that the use of point-of-care (POC) coagulation tests coupled to algorithm-based management decrease transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery.

Objectives:

To determine abnormal thromboelastograph (TEG) values among patients who received blood products based on clinical judgment and to determine if a POC coagulation test could have resulted in reduced transfusion rates in these patients.

Methods:

A total of 45 cardiac surgical patients who received blood products during a 3 months period were included in the audit. Coagulation profile and TEG were sent before transfusion for all patients. Data were entered using EPIDATA software. Descriptive analysis was used to define the data. The Fisher exact test was used to assess differences between groups for categorical variables.

Results:

The R time was abnormal in 4.4% of patients, the Alpha angle was abnormal in 51.1% of patients, maximum amplitude was abnormal in 2.2% of patients, and there was no evidence of fibrinolysis on TEG in these patients.

Conclusion:

Clinical judgment about the need for blood transfusion had poor correlation with dynamic tests of coagulation. A POC test-based algorithm would have avoided a significant amount of blood product transfusion both in terms of choice of therapy and the dose of component used.
Addition of dexmedetomidine and nalbuphine as an adjuvant to ketofol for deep sedation during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Alka Chhabra , Sharma Karuna , Chaudhary Neelam , Dave Milan , Pandey Neha , Gupta Sunanda
Published: March 2022

Background:

Deep sedation has evolved as a better choice against general anesthesia in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine and nalbuphine as an adjuvant to ketofol based deep sedation in ERCP.

Methods:

One hundred patients undergoing ERCP were randomly assigned to receive either IV dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg (Group D, n = 50) or I. V nalbuphine 0.1 μg/kg (Group N, n = 50), 10 min before ketofol induction. The primary outcome was the total dose of ketofol used for induction and maintenance of deep sedation throughout the procedure. Hemodynamics and respiratory parameters, recovery characteristics, endoscopist's, and anesthetist satisfaction scores were secondary outcomes. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The dose of ketofol at the time of induction was significantly high in Group N as compared to Group D (P < 0.05). Supplemental dose of ketofol at the time of insertion of endoscope was equivalent in both the groups (P > 0.05) but significantly more number of patients in Group D (n = 19 vs. n = 11, P < 0.05) received supplement for facial pain score >5 compared to patients in Group N, where more patients received supplement for Ramsay Sedation Score <3 (n = 20 vs. n = 11 P < 0.05). Significant decrease in heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure from baseline values was found in Group D as compared to Group N (P < 0.001). Group N patients achieved postanesthesia recovery score >12 earlier than Group D (P < 0.001). Anesthetist satisfaction score was more in Group N (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine reduces the total consumption of ketofol and provides smooth hemodynamics whereas Nalbuphine provides better analgesia and early recovery with high anesthetist satisfaction for deep sedation in ERCP.
Comparing the intraoperative and postoperative analgesic effect of transabdominal block versus caudal block in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy
Authors: Nagappa Saraswathi , Nanjundaswamy Nethra H. , Maralusiddappa Vinay , Nayak Vinayak
Published: March 2022

Background:

Laparoscopic appendectomy is commonly performed in children. Regional anesthesia in children is complementary to general anesthesia, which allows conscious postoperative analgesia and reducing hospital stay. Caudal anesthesia and transverses abdominis plane (TAP) block is commonly used in children because it is easy to practice and provides effective analgesia during surgery. However, its efficacy in laparoscopic appendectomy is not tested much.

Aim

: The aim of this study is to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of caudal block and TAP block, when used as pre-emptive analgesia using ropivacaine in terms of opioid consumption, postoperative visual analog score (VAS), duration of analgesia, time for rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea, and vomiting and other side effects following elective laparoscopic appendectomy.

Methodology

: The study design was a prospective, double-blinded, comparative randomized trial on children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. Sixty patients between 12 and 18 years were included in the study. They were allocated into any one of two groups of 30 patients each, employing computer-generated randomization. Group I: receive ultrasound-guided caudal block using 0.2% ropivacaine 1 mL/kg. Group II: receive ultrasound-guided TAP block using 0.2% ropivacaine 1 mL/kg.

Results

: Total intraoperative consumption of opioid fentanyl in Group I is 14.83 ± 18.78 compared to 25.50 ± 17.88 in Group II, which is statistically significant P = 0.028*. VAS score was significantly lower in Group II compared to Group I, P < 0.001**.

Conclusion

: Caudal block is effective for intraoperative management, whereas TAP block is effective for postoperative management in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.
Stable isotope analysis of Upper Tithonian limestones with dinosaur footprints from Kirmenjak quarry (Istria, Croatia)
Authors:   Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Croatia, Cvetko Tešović Blanka , Mezga Aleksandar ,   Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Croatia, Glumac Bosiljka ,   Department of Geology, Smith College, USA
Published: March 2022

The Kirmenjak locality of western Istria, Croatia, represents the oldest evidence of a dinosaur presence on the Adriatic- Dinaridic Carbonate Platform (ADCP). In a quarry at this locality, almost a thousand sauropod footprints are recognized in one distinctive trackbearing horizon within the Upper Tithonian limestones. The stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon, in conjunction with microfacies analysis of carbonate rocks exposed in this quarry, unravel details about the marginal marine or coastal environments in which sauropods left their footprints. Rocks from the trackbearing horizon, and laterally adjacent area, represent intertidal fenestral mudstones that form the top of a shallowing- upward succession, capped with a thin peloidal packstone/grainstone layer and overlain by subtidal mudstone. The formation and preservation of footprints was favoured by short-duration exposure of muddy sediment and its rapid burial beneath more mud. The isotopic composition of the sample from the trackbearing horizon is not substantially different from those of an adjacent area without footprints and from the overlying mudstone. Stable isotope analysis supports petrographic observations that the conditions on the carbonate tidal fl at during formation of rocks with dinosaur footprints were not unique. Documented variations in stable isotope compositions refl ect minor differences in the depositional and diagenetic history of the Kirmenjak quarry succession.
Kriging, cokriging or stochastical simulations, and the choice between deterministic or sequential approaches
Authors:   INA - Naftaplin, Zagreb, Croatia, Malvić Tomislav
Published: March 2022

This new research presented here for the first time in the Croatian geomathematical community, aims to establish several criteria which will aid in the selection of deterministic or stochastic geostatistical methods of estimation. This review associates the theoretical background of kriging, cokriging or stochastic simulations with some results obtained by mapping Badenian clastic reservoirs in the Drava Depression. The selected reservoirs are located in the Stari Gradac-Barcs Nyugat field, in the Western part of the Drava Depression, and at the Beni?anci field in the Eastern part of this depression. Both datasets (each with 14 points) include mean porosity values taken from well log analysis in the reservoir interval at the well sites. This resulted in significant uncertainties in the variogram models, especially with the determination of range (at the secondary variogram axis). The critical advantage was the availability of a seismic attribute that could be used as a secondary and co-regionalized variable (porosity is the primary variable). In the first example (the Beni?anci field) the seismic attribute was correlated with the average logged porosities. This made it possible to apply the cokriging method as the best interpolation option. The cross-validation result was 2.19 for 14 wells. In contrast, the existence of only a primary variable at the Stari Gradac-Barcs Nyugat field, forced the application of stochastic simulations as the better estimation tool, which can better describe the porosity changes in inter-well areas.
Devonian Calcareous Green Algal Flora of the Rannach Nappe (Graz Palaeozoic, Austria)
Authors:   Institute for Earth Sciences, Karl-Franzens-Universität ,Graz, Austria, Hubmann Bernhard , Verderber Lisa ,   BG/BRG Carneri, Messner Fritz
Published: March 2022

The Lower to Middle Devonian (Emsian – Eifelian) calcareous green algal flora of the Graz Palaeozoic (Austria) contains halimedalean representatives of Pseudolitanaia, Pseudopalaeoporella, Zeapora, Maslovina and a new lanciculoid taxon. Occurrences within the Graz thrust complex are restricted to four localities in the Rannach Nappe and may be characterised as monogeneric mass occurrences. Consequently, they are interpreted as algal bafflestones originating from halimedalean meadows.
Crescentiella, a new name for "Tubiphytes" morronensis Crescenti, 1969: an enigmatic Jurassic – Cretaceous microfossil
Authors:   GeoZentrum Nordbayern, University of Erlagnen-Nürnberg, Senowbari-Daryan Baba , Bucur Ioan I. ,   Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Geology, Schlagintweit Felix ,   University Leoben, Institute for Geosciences, Sasaran Emanoil ,   Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Geology, Matyszkiewicz Jacek ,   AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection
Published: March 2022

Several organisms or interaction of organisms have been described for a long time interval from late Paleozoic to Cretaceous as Tubiphytes with type species T. obscurus MASLOV (1956). Paleozoic Tubiphytes were revised by SENOWBARI-DARYAN & FLÜGEL (1993), Triassic representatives still needed to be revised. For Jurassic (extremely abundant in upper Jurassic) and Cretaceous organisms, known as ";;Tubiphytes";; morronensis CRESCENTI (1969), the new genus name Crescentina was proposed by SENOWBARI-DARYAN et al. (2007). Because this generic name was invalidely published, we propose here the genus name Crescentiella. Differences of Crescentiella nov. gen. and Tubiphytes MASLOV are discussed. The systematic position of Crescentiella as foraminifer, interaction of foraminifer and cyanophyceans or as special kind of oncolites is discussed. It is interpreted as symbiosis or encrustation between cyanobacteria and nubecularid foraminifer, uncertain tube or rarely other biogenic components. Comments on similar associations, e.g. genus Labes ELIASOVA, are provided.
Upper Aptian calcareous algae from Padurea Craiului (Northern Apuseni mountains, Romania)
Authors:   Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Geology, Bucur Ioan I. , Granier Bruno , Sasaran Emanoil ,   Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Geology
Published: March 2022

A study of calcareous strata previously assigned to the Barremian-Early Aptian interval in the northwestern part of P?durea Craiului, (Apuseni Mountains), led to the identification of a micropaleontological association indicative of a Late Aptian age. Unequivocal evidence for the Late Aptian assignment of these limestones is the presence throughout the sequence of two orbitolinid species, Mesorbitolina texana (ROEMER) and Mesorbitolina subconcava (LEYMERIE). The most interesting sections are located in the neighbourhood of Subpiatr?, where both outcrops and a quarry facilitated detailed analyses. In this area, the Upper Aptian succession consists basically of three types of macrofacies: 1, limestone with rudists; 2, limestone with Bacinella and 3, limestone with corals, each of them showing several types of microfacies. Bacinella structures are the most common feature in the whole succession, irrespective of the macrofacies. This paper focuses on an algal association that was identified in several levels within the succession. Dasycladalean algae are more frequent, and are commonly found in grain-dominated fabrics (mostly grainstone textures), in association with orbitolinid foraminifera and bioclasts of corals, rudists and gastropods. However, a few species are present only in mud-dominated fabrics (i.e. lower-energy intervals). The dasycladalean association from the Upper Aptian deposits of P?durea Craiului is of special interest, for this group registered a dramatic decline at the Lower Aptian/Upper Aptian boundary, as confirmed by the relative scarcity of the Dasycladales in the Upper Aptian carbonate deposits.
Calcareous algae from Upper Albian - Cenomanian strata of the Potiguar basin (NE Brazil)
Authors:   Département des Sciences de la Terre, UFR des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO), Granier Bruno , Dias-Brito Dimas ,   UNESP ? Universidade Estadual Paulista ? Rio Claro, IGCE, Departamento de Geologia Aplicada, Bucur Ioan I. ,   Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Geology
Published: March 2022

Calcareous Albian-Cenomanian strata in the Potiguar basin yield a number of microfossils, among which are calcareous algae (Dasycladales and Corallinales). This data, together with an inventory of previous discoveries, enabled the discussion of their biogeography. These benthic organisms probably came from the early Central Atlantic Ocean through its northwestern neck between Africa and South America and thus reached the early South Atlantic platforms.
Polyphysaceae fertile caps in Hungarian Sarmatian sediments
Authors: Genot Patrick , Saint-Martin Jean-Paul ,   Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Département Histoire de la Terre, Bucur Ioan ,   Babes-Bolyai University, Department of Geology
Published: March 2022

Three fragments of reproductive caps have been discovered in the Sarmatian limestones of Tinnye (Hungary). They are assigned to the genus Acetabularia (Polyphysaceae, formerly Acetabulariaceae). Two of these fragments are quite well preserved with nine rays each. One specimen bears distinct spines at the outer ends of long rays, whereas another one has short rays with rounded outer ends and, possibly, a partially preserved corona. The third fragment is characterized by very elongated rays containing numerous gametangia.
Venezuelan sandstone caves: a new view on their genesis, hydrogeology and speleothems
Authors:   Department of Geology and Paleontology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Aubrecht Roman , Lánczos Tomáš ,   Department of Geochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Šmida Branislav ,   Slovak Speleological Society, Brewer-Carias Charles ,   Grupo Espeleológico de la Sociedad Venezolana de Ciencias Naturales, Mayoral Federico ,   Grupo Espeleológico de la Sociedad Venezolana de Ciencias Naturales, Schlögl Jan ,   Dept. of Geology and Paleontology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Audy Marek ,   Czech Speleological Society, Vlček Lukáš ,   Slovak cave management, Kováčik Lubomirq ,   Department of Botany, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Gregor Miloš ,   Dept. of Mineralogy and Petrology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University
Published: March 2022

Caves in arenites of the Roraima Group in Venezuela have been explored on the Chimantá and Roraima plateaus (tepuis). Geological and geomorphological research showed that the most feasible method of caves genesis was the winnowing and erosion of unlithified or poorly lithified arenites. The unlithified arenitic beds were isolated by well-cemented overlying and underlying rocks. There is a sharp contrast between these well-lithified rocks and the loose sands which form the poorly lithified to unlithified beds. They are only penetrated by strongly lithified pillars which were cemented by vertical finger flow of the diagenetic fluids from the overlying beds. Such finger flow is only typical for loose sands and soils where there is a sharp difference in hydraulic conductivity. The pillars exhibit no signs of further dissolution. The caves form when the flowing water accesses the poorly lithified beds through clefts/crevices. Collapse of several superimposed winnowed-horizons can create huge subterranean spaces. Futher upward propagation of the collapses can lead to large collapse zones which are commonly observed on the tepuis. Dissolution is also present but it probably plays neither a trigger role, nor a volumetrically important role in the cave-forming processes. The strongest dissolution/reprecipitation agent is condensed atmospheric moisture which is most likely the main agent contributing to growth of siliceous speleothems. As such, it can be active only after, but not before the cave is created. Siliceous speleothems are mostly microbialites except for some normal stalactites, cobweb stalactites and flowstones which are formed inorganically. They consist of two main types: 1. fine-laminated columnar stromatolite formed by silicified filamentous microbes (either heterotrophic filamentous bacteria or cyanobacteria) and 2. a porous peloidal stromatolite formed by Nostoc-type cyanobacteria. The initial stages of encrusted shrubs and mats of microbes were observed, too, but the surrounding arenitic substrate was intact. This is strong evidence for the microbial mediation of silica precipitation.
Travertines and calcareous tufa deposits: an insight into diagenesis Article Sidebar
Authors:   Biological Science Center, Boston University, Golubić Stjepko , Violante Crescenzo ,   Institute for Coastal Marine Environment, National Research Council, Plenković-Moraj Anđelka ,   Division of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Grgasović Tonći ,   Croatian Geological Survey, Zagreb, Croatia
Published: March 2022

Travertines and calcareous tufa are porous deposits formed by interactions between ambient precipitation of calcium carbonate and resident organisms under different temperature regimes. The distinctions between travertine as thermal spring deposits and calcareous tufa (Kalktuff) as deposits in the springs and rivers at ambient temperatures are fluid. Both represent end points in bio- and physico-chemical calcification processes across a broad gradient of temperature, mineral composition and ion saturation levels. Ecological preferences of micro- and macroorganisms in travertine depositional systems result in the re-distribution of water flow, modification of the landscape and its ecology. The resulting sedimentary structures include new environmental settings with different and diversified biota. They also include different microenvironments of diagenesis with different timings of the processes involved. Conditions in modern ambient temperature travertines of the Plitvice system of lakes and waterfalls are compared with the similar, ancient system of Rocchetta a Volturno, in the central Apennines. Diagenetic alterations are described and illustrated starting with biologically identified primary deposits.