bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Polymer Chemistry and Bio-Based Plastic
Authors: Khapre Ankur , Panwar Payal
Published: June 2022

The overview briefly surveys the practice of green chemistry in polymer science. The conservation and sustainable utilization of polymers is achieved through documentation of indigenous knowledge through the ideology for syntheses of green polymers. The economic importance of polymers includes the study of the relationship between people and polymers. The chapter offers a systematic approach to study the variety of materials. It intersects many fields including the need for green polymer chemistry, environmentally friendly methods for syntheses of green polymers, biodegradable polymers, recycling of polymers, and many more topics. This study aims to provide an updated survey of the green synthesised polymers in order to obtain recyclable materials for various industrial and indoor applications. A number of barriers that hinder the adoption of newer technology have also been discussed. All of these areas are experiencing an increase in research activity with the development of new tools and technologies. Examples are given of recent developments in green polymer chemistry.
Recycled Raw Banana Peels for Bioplastics
Authors: Satapathy Suchismita , Samal Divyalok , Sarmah Partha Pratim , Mandal Tushar , Sinha Abhinav , Singh Simranpreet
Published: June 2022

Petroleum-based plastics may not be sustainable in the long run as crude oil will get scarce. Hence, it is imperative to find alternative sources of material from which plastics can be prepared. Starch, found abundantly in raw banana peel, which is a well-known kitchen waste, can be used to prepare biodegradable plastics. The preparation and some of its properties including its biodegradability have been studied here. A homemade DIY bioplastic sample has been prepared and its biodegradability tested. The world today is suffering an unprecedented menace of plastic pollution. The ubiquitous presence of plastic has sent alarm bells all across the globe. So bioplastics may be the solution.
Scientomeric Evaluation and Visual Aanalytics of the Scientific Literature Production on Bioplastics
Authors: Rana Anchal , Gupta Nidhi , Sharma Anjali , Chakravarty Rupak
Published: June 2022

Incessant use of plastics in the past decades has been a serious issue of environmental concern. The aim of this study is to examine the current status of the bioplastic research field by identifying the key publications or scientific productions, the most productive researchers in terms of publications and citations, latest hotspots (keywords), the countries with the most active research, collaborations between the countries, highly cited journals, highly contributing organizations, and co-cited references with their cluster analysis. This chapter considers whole literature study of bioplastics (i.e., documents published from 1894 to 2021). One thousand eight hundred sixty-three documents were identified using the Scopus database. The largest number of papers published were during the year 2020 with 308 records. Bibliometric analysis shows author “Guerrero, A.” was the highly productive author and USA was the most productive region of the world. The Journal of Polymers and the Environment was the most common outlet for publication.
Development and IR spectroscopic Analysis of Composite Materials Based on Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) and Chitosan
Authors: Yakovishin Leonid , Tkachenko Ella , Tolstenko Yuliya , Korzh Elena
Published: June 2022

Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and chitosan composites were synthesized by means of the mechanochemical method. In addition, PMMA–chitosan films were obtained in polar (water) and non-polar (benzene) solvents. Obtained polymer composites were analyzed by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method using the ATR attachment with diamond crystal. The presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonds in formation of PMMA and chitosan polymer composites was shown. С=О group of PMMA and OH and NH2 groups of chitosan molecule take part in the formation of hydrogen bonds.
Properties and White Light Photoresponses of CdSe Colloidal Nanoparticles
Authors: Mohammed Kahtan A. , M. Hadi Manal M. , Hussein Eman Hamid , Al-Kabbi Alaa S. , Ziadan Kareema M.
Published: June 2022

II–VI nanocrystalline semiconductor materails provide a wide range of applications in electronics, optoelectronics and photonics. The present paper reports the preparation of colloidal Cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles and study their optical properties. (CdSe) was produced by a chemical route procedure, with the ligand tri sodium citrate (TSC) serving as a complexing agent. Cadmium acetate is used as a Cd source, and sodium selenide is used as a Se precursor. The morphological and optical properties of the produced nanoparticles were determined using a Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Ultraviolet – Visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS).Thin films of CdSe capped with are deposited on the glass and aluminum substrates . AL/ CdSe/Ag MSM photodetectors have been fabricated and the electrical properties were measured in dark and light. The output data display that the photo currents of all diodes are increased with light. The fact that the films had dark electrical conductivity and photoconductivity indicates that they were semiconducting materials.
Modeling and Experimental Study of Hysteresis during the Reactive Sputter Deposition of Titanium Oxides and Nitrides Using a Pulsed DC Magnetron
Authors: Evdokimov Kirill , Konishchev Maxim , Sun Zhi Lei , Avdeeva Diana , Tverdokhlebov Sergei I.
Published: June 2022

There is an ongoing interest in the research and application of thin film coatings containing titanium oxides and titanium nitrides, due to their properties such as photocatalytic activity, mechanical hardness, biocompatibility, and so on. Reactive sputter deposition is widely used for the production of such coatings. A characteristic of this method is the hysteresis, which leads to an ambiguous dependence of the deposition rate and the coating quality on the process conditions. There are a number of theoretical models describing reactive magnetron sputtering. One of the most advanced is the RSD2013 model. Several parameters in this model can only be determined experimentally. This article focuses on the investigation of the hysteresis during the reactive magnetron sputtering deposition process. The RSD2013 parameters that describe the experimental setup were determined, and on their basis the dependences of the characteristics of the hysteresis region on the discharge power, the type of reactive gas, and the working gas pressure were investigated. Additionally, the growth rate of the thin film coating prepared in various modes was compared with the RSD2013 model, which is in agreement with the experimental data. The results obtained from the RSD2013 model in comparison to the experimentally obtained data make it possible to provide an overview of suitable operating modes for the deposition of titanium dioxide and titanium dioxide for the magnetron sputtering device used.
Analyzing the Fatigue Behaviour of E-Glass Fiber Reinforced Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (EP/VP/EV) Leaf Spring
Authors: Santhosh Priya Karjala , Vijaya Kumar K.R. , Suresh G. , Ganesamoorthy R. , Ravi Rajesh , Meenakshi C.M.
Published: June 2022

Conventional steel springs have gradually been replaced with composite materials due to their inherit properties like high strength-to-weight ratio, relatively inexpensive ratio, and resistance against corrosion. Also, fiberglass reinforced plastic usages and its implementation is subjected in variety of fields such as vehicle and locomotive bogies, heavy commercial vehicles like vans and trucks. The current study looks at a composite material that can be used in the composite leaf spring suspension system. In this particular research, several blends of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) have been used as the matrix material with the reinforcement of E-Glass fiber. The implemented combination blends are epoxy with polyurethane (EP), vinyl ester with polyurethane (VP) and epoxy and vinyl ester (EV). However, this research work also examines the characterisation and physical properties of the composite material leaf spring (CMLS) in narrow manner. Consecutively, tests were carried out for three types of composites by varying the various blend ratios of IPNs with the standard reinforcement of E-Glass fiber. Besides, to evaluate and compare their individual uniqueness, their physical characteristics tests like compression test, hardness test, tension and cyclic load parameters are found and their corresponding results were compared with each other.
Outcomes of nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: An ecologic retrospective study in a middle-income country
Authors: Partezani Alexandre Dib , Duarte-Santos Hugo Octaviano , Amaral Breno Santos , Gomes Barbosa Alan Roger , Apezzato Marcelo , Brunhara João , Bianco Bianca , Lemos Gustavo Caserta , Carneiro Arie
Published: June 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and compare the outcomes and indirect costs of oncological radical (RN) and partial nephrectomies (PN) in hospitals from the São Paulo public health system, Brazil. Materials and methods: An ecologic retrospective study was performed from 2008 to 2019, using the TabNet Platform of the Brazilian Unified Health System Department of Informatics. Hospitals were classified according to volume of surgeries (low and high-volume, and also into four quartiles according to volume of surgeries), and with or without medical residency program in urology. The results were compared between groups. Results: In the period analyzed were performed 2.606 RN in 16 hospitals. Data available for PN ranged only from 2013-2019 and included 1.223 surgeries comprising 15 hospitals. Overall mortality rates were 0.41% for PN and 2.87% for RN. The length of hospital stay was significantly higher in low-volume hospitals for both RN and PN (8.97 vs. 5.62 days, p = 0.001, and 7.75 vs. 4.37 days, p = 0.001, respectively), and also for the RN in hospitals without residency program in Urology (9.37 vs. 6.54 days, p = 0.03). When the volume of surgeries was divided into four quartiles, the length of hospital stay and ICU hospitalization days were significantly higher in the first quartile hospitals for RN (p = 0.016) and PN (p = 0.009), respectively. The mortality rates and indirect costs were not different considering PN and RN in the different types of hospitals. Conclusions: The length of hospital stay was significantly lower for both PN and RN in high-volume hospitals, and also for RN in hospitals with residency program in Urology.
Endoscopic laser en bloc removal of bladder tumor. Surgical radicality and improvement of the pathological diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Leonardi Rosario , Calarco Alessandro , Falcone Lorenzo , Grasso Vincenzo , Frisenda Marco , Tufano Antonio , Viscuso Pietro , Rossi Antonio , Memeo Lorenzo
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Bladder cancer is one of the most common tumors among the general population. The first surgical approach to the tumor is often the transurethral resection with monopolar or bipolar loop. Recently, laser energy has become an alternative for resection of small bladder tumor, because it allows to obtain high quality samples with the “en bloc” technique. Our study aims to show the results of endoscopic diode laser treatment of bladder tumor up to three centimeters in maximum diameter. Materials and methods: 189 patients underwent “en bloc” resection with diode dual length laser (980 nm-1470 nm). Follow up was over 12 months. Patients age range was from 45 to 75 years. Maximum diameter of the lesions was 3.0 cm. For each patient, a cold forceps biopsy sample was performed. Results: All samples collected presented detrusorial layer. Pathological exam showed: 28 (14.8%) Ta, G1-G2; 7 (3.7%) T3, G2-G3; 14 (7.4%) T1, G2-G3 and 140 ( 74.1%) Ta, G2-G3. No complications occurred during or after surgery. At a median follow-up period of 6 months, we had no recurrence in the previous site of tumor. In the follow up at 3/6/12 months in 4 cases we had recurrence in different sites of bladder wall. Conclusions: Laser “en bloc” resection is an effective, feasible, and safe treatment for bladder tumor. It could be a valid alternative to monopolar and bipolar resection in small bladder cancer treatment.
Is Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate equally effective in management of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with either voiding or storage lower urinary tract symptoms? A comparative study
Authors: Mostafa Mostafa M. , Patil Nilesh , Khalil Mahmoud , Elgammal Mohammed A. , Mahdy Ayman
Published: June 2022

Objective: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety of holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) in relieving either voiding or storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Materials and methods: The charts of patients with BPH who underwent HoLEP for either predominant voiding or predominant storage LUTS at University of Cincinnati hospitals in the period between February 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed for changes in voiding symptomatology, storage symptomatology, hematuria, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak flow rates (Qmax), presence of detrusor overactivity (DO), and post-voiding residual urine (PVR) from baseline to up to 6 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 132 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 included BPH patients with predominant voiding LUTS (68 Patients) while group 2 involved those with predominant storage LUTS (64 Patients). HoLEP was equally effective in management of both groups with significant improvement in urodynamics study (UDS) parameters, patient voiding and storage symptomatology, and IPSS from preoperatively to up to 6 months postoperatively with relatively low procedure complication rate and postoperative need for medication or procedure. Conclusions: HoLEP is a safe, effective, and reliable minimally invasive surgical modality that can be relied on for BPH patients with either predominant voiding or predominant storage symptoms with relatively low procedure complicat
Sheathed flexible retrograde intrarenal surgery without safety guide wire for upper urinary tract stones
Authors: Asali Murad
Published: June 2022

Objectives: To assess the success rate and intraoperative complications of flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) in patients with upper urinary tract (UUT) stones using a ureteral access sheath (UAS) without a safety guide wire (SGW). Patients and methods: Between April 2010 and March 2022, 464 renal units in patients with renal stones with and without concomitant ureteral stones (UUT), underwent ureterorenoscopy by one surgeon, and UAS was used in all of them. The primary endpoint was the stone-free rate (SFR). SFR was defined as no residual fragments at all. The following characteristics were examined: age, sex, laterality, renal/ureteral stones, stone diameter, SFR, Hounsfield unit, auxiliary procedures, double-J stent insertion, and intraoperative complications. This study was retrospective, with all the data recorded prospectively. Patients with residual stones were scheduled for the 2nd RIRS. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to report complications. Results: The mean patient age was 52.9 years. The mean stone size was 13.1 mm. Lower pole, upper and middle calyces, renal pelvis and ureteral stones were found in 51.5% (239), 34.9% (162), 18.3% (85) and 46.9% (218) of cases, respectively. The mean diameter was 8.1 mm, 8 mm, 12.5 mm and 8.1 mm for the lower pole, upper and middle calyces, renal pelvis and ureteral stones, respectively. The single- and second-session SFRs were 90% and 100%, respectively. The mean number of procedures per renal unit was 1.1. Ureteral double-J stents were inserted in 45.7% (212) of patients. In 96 cases, a stent was placed before surgery. Postoperative complications were minor, with no avulsion or perforation of the ureters; readmission and insertion of a DJ stent occurred in one patient. Ureteral stricture developed in one patient (0.2%) and needed treatment with laser ureterotomy. Conclusions: f-URS is a safe and effective mode of surgical management of renal and simultaneous renal and ureteral calculi using the ureteral access sheath without a safety guide wire. A guide wire should not be routinely used in these cases.
The effect of calf and thigh circumferences in determining brain lesion characteristics in patients with acute stroke: A hospital-based study
Authors: Bashir Musa Ado , Ibrahim Yahaya Anas , Muhammad Mukhtar
Published: June 2022

The role of stroke risk factors in stroke patterning and differentiation is poorly investigated, especially for measures of body composition. This study aimed to investigate the effect of skinfold thickness, waist and limb circumference measurements in patterning and differentiation of stroke in hospitalized patients. Prospective study of acute stroke patients hospitalized in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Nigeria was conducted in 16 months. Biceps brachii, triceps brachii, suprailiac and subscapular skinfold thickness measurements were taken using Skyndex Research Caliper. Upper arm, waist, thigh, and calf circumferences were taken, using an inelastic measuring tape according to the same standards. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, unpaired sample t-test, and Binary logistic regression using SPSS IBM version 20. The results shown that the studied anthropometric parameters, do not only predispose to stroke but tend to determine the specific stroke pathologic type. Thigh circumference predisposes more, and calf circumference predisposes less to ischemic stroke subtype. This means that these studied anthropometric parameters can predict stroke subtype and serve as predisposing factors conclusively.
Macular oedema after uncomplicated phacoemulsification
Authors: Jaafar Aymen D. , Abdulkareem Suzan A. , Jaafar Mustafa D.J.
Published: June 2022

Background: Recent development of cataract surgery has led to the improvement of visual outcomes. However, pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (CME), which is also known as Irvine–Gass syndrome, remains a usual cause of unexpected visual disturbance after both complicated and uncomplicated cataract surgeries. Optical coherence tomography is an important method in detecting changes prior to clinical presentation.Aim: To assess macular thickness changes after uncomplicated phacoemulsification using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).Setting: The study assessed healthy patients who had uneventful phacoemulsification and changes in macular thickness in Ibn Al Haitham Teaching Eye Hospital (tertiary eye center), Baghdad, Iraq.Methods: Macular thickness of 86 eyes with uncomplicated phacoemulsification were measured by using four OCT examinations: one preoperatively, which was used as a control, and three in the first week and first and second months. Incidence of macular thickness changes was evaluated in the central and para and perifoveal areas to detect which areas of the macular map will be affected more. Significance was tested by using paired t-test and p  0.05 was considered significant.Results: Significant increase in macular thickness postoperatively during the 2-month period reaching the maximum level in the second month; early significant changes were noticed in paracentral area in the first week whilst significant increase in the central and pericentral area was recorded in the first month. Cystoid macular oedema (CME) was detected in six eyes (7%) in the second month.Conclusion: Significant variation in macular thickness can occur after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery in healthy patients. Cystoid macular oedema was detected in 7% of our patients using SD-OCT. It is rare after uncomplicated phacoemulsification in healthy individuals but should be kept in mind in the follow-up period. A detailed fundus examination with OCT imaging is thus recommended in the first or second month postoperatively for the early detection and treatment of CME.
Associated clinical factors of diabetic complications in Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Zhao Wenying , Ji Meihua , Zhao Dong
Published: June 2022

Background:

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is high among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes. There is limited evidence in understanding the relationships between individual-level clinical indicators of MetS and diabetes complications among Chinese patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Aims and Objectives:

This study described the characteristics of patients with Type 2 diabetes in terms of the prevalence of MetS and clinical factors related to the common diabetes complications.

Materials and Methods:

Patients (n = 402) with Type 2 diabetes admitted to a tertiary hospital in Beijing were included in the study. Using patients' retrospective data, logistic regression was applied to determine the associated clinical factors of common diabetic complications.

Results:

In this sample, the prevalence of MetS was 84.3%, with the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, microvascular, and macrovascular complications being 59.7%, 63.4%, and 61.7%, respectively. Our results showed that the diastolic blood pressure was significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy, while the levels of C peptide and fasting glucose were significantly related to diabetic nephropathy. Meanwhile, the regression also showed that the waist to hip ratio (WHR) is a significant indicator for the development of macrovascular complications. A 0.1 increase in the WHR will increase the chances of having carotid artery disease by 1.29 folds.

Conclusion:

The current study demonstrates that the prevalence of MetS and the common diabetic complications are relevantly high in this sample. Our findings suggest that reducing the WHR, controlling blood pressure, and improving glycemic control following clinical guidelines are essential to prevent or slow the progression of diabetes complications among patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Guillain–Barre syndrome following subclinical COVID-19 infection in a child
Authors: Parikh Charmy , Patel Shradha , Shah Jay , Tandon Rahul , Jetha Kapil
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

The entire world is coping up with the challenges imposed by COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus, which started from a single case in Wuhan city of China in November 2019. Its outcomes range from asymptomatic cases to most severe diseases like severe acute respiratory syndrome. Neurological manifestations have also been reported as an outcome of coronavirus infection and Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS) is one of them. In our present case, we describe the correlation of GBS with subclinical SARS-CoV-2 in a pediatric patient. The patient was successfully managed with intravenous immunoglobulin and physiotherapy. In the current pandemic, any case of GBS should be evaluated for recent or remote SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Drug utilization evaluation of pantoprazole in Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) hospital and research centre, India
Authors: Ghorbani Shamimeh Fallah , Nagaraju Kiran
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To evaluate the rational use of Pantoprazole by analyzing the appropriateness of prescription.

Methodology:

This cross-sectional study was performed within four months in 150 patients hospitalized in Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital and Research Centre, India. Demographic data, type and doses of Pantoprazole, including risk factors, and other relevant clinical data were recorded.

Result:

Out of 150 prescriptions prescribed with Pantoprazole 102 prescriptions were prescribed along with Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 90 prescriptions were prescribed along with antibiotics. The majority (78.7%) of the patients were endorsed with Pantoprazole. Following national institute for health and care excellence (NICE) rules, fitting utilization of protein pump inhibitors (PPIs) was found in 64% whereas it was unseemly to use in 36% of cases. A large portion of the potential medication sedate associations was moderate. Characterized everyday dose/100-bed day of PPIs was seen as 0.929. Rabeprazole (20 mg, tablet) demonstrated the most extreme rate value variety of 672.32% while Pantoprazole (40 mg, infusion) indicated a base rate value variety of 18.72%.

Conclusion:

Prevalence of dosage shows that Pantoprazole was prescribed more for males in the age group of 60-70 years with the significant risk factor of smoker (18%) and alcoholic (9.3%). Among 150 prescriptions, 22.67% of prescriptions were irrationally prescribed. PPIs should be used only when there is documented evidence and when their use is clinically justified so that the appropriate prescription of PPIs will decrease the social insurance weight of the patient.
Clinical profile and spectrum of bacteriuria in patients with diabetes: An analytical study
Authors: Biswas Diwashish , Pawar Neeraj , Patro Sunil K. , Krishna N Subba , Parida Darshan , Bhagtana Parneet K.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Diabetes is one of the modern-day epidemics with a spectrum of complications. Urinary tract infections (UTI) are common among patients with diabetes, and often it goes unnoticed in the initial period, which can later lead to complications. This study was planned to find out the magnitude of the problem of bacteriuria among diabetics and to look for its associated factors in diabetics.

Methodology:

A hospital-based study recruiting 100 eligible diabetics consecutively over a period of one year. Socio-demographic data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and clinical examinations with relevant investigations were done. Informed written consent was taken.

Results:

Bacteriuria was found in 43 out of 100 participants. Prevalence was significantly more among females (54%) as compared to males (32%). Factors like poor glycaemic control, complications like neuropathy, diabetic foot were significantly associated with bacteriuria. E Coli was the most common bacterial isolate.

Conclusion:

Urinary tract infection is common in diabetic patients, especially females, and other clinical factors like uncontrolled sugar levels also play a role.
A conceptual model for practice-based learning and improvement competency in medicine
Authors: Faraj Pour Arezou , Yazdani Shahram , Farmad Somayeh Akbari
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Quality improvement and performance evaluation have become today’s mainstream medical issues, whereas in many areas of medical care, the quality of care services is less than desirable.

Objective:

To determine a conceptual model for practice-based learning and improvement (PBLI) competency in medicine.

Methods:

This study was conducted using Walker and Avant’s theoretical synthesis method. Articles related to the concept of PBLI were searched using the keywords of practice-based learning and improvement, quality improvement, core competency, medical education, practice-based learning in English, separately and combined in google, google scholar, and Pubmed databases. After identifying the theoretical blocks and variables of each block and communicating them, a visual model of PBLI was presented. After a focused search for each block, a total of 229 full papers were studied and the PBLI model was developed in six conceptual blocks.

Results:

The visual model that presented in this study shows the relation among six theoretical blocks of PBLI including: Block of approach to PBLI, PBLI process triggers block, gap bridging solutions, PBLI infrastructure block, PBLI sub-competencies block, PBLI academic development block.

Conclusions:

Nowadays, PBLI is one of the inevitable qualities of medicine that ensures the quality of medical practice, which, in addition to individual requirements, requires a series of technical, strategic, structural, and cultural infrastructures. By utilizing this capability, a physician will be able to discover the knowledge, skills, and performance gaps, and will be able to cope up with their appropriate approaches, thereby improving the quality of their medicine and the care provided and the patient’s safety. It can provide satisfaction and trust in society. The model presented in this paper makes it easy to understand the relationships between the various components of this competency.
Occupational health problems and major risk factor profile of non communicable diseases among workers in the Aquaculture industry in Visakhapatnam
Authors: Yalamanchi Vamsi , Vadlamani Sarada , Vennam Srividya
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Globally the rapid growth of the aquaculture sector has generated a huge work force posing significant risks to the workers due to the combined effect of the exposure to hazards at the workplace and unhealthy lifestyle.

Aim and Objectives:

To study the morbidity profile of workers in the aquaculture industry in terms of the occupational health problems and risk factors of non-communicable diseases.

Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 135 workers in five aquaculture farms. Ethical Committee clearance was obtained. Data regarding the occupational health problems and major risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was collected by using a pre-designed pretested questionnaire after obtaining informed consent from workers. The blood pressure and random blood sugar levels were measured at the time of the interview.

Results:

Most of the participants were in the age group 18-66 years and 94% were males. Major occupational health problems reported were musculoskeletal (56.3%), neurological (48.1%), stress related (46.7%), injuries (43%), skin infections (23%). Regarding risk factors for NCDs- 16.3% were current smokers, 51.1% were alcoholics, 50.4% had a sedentary lifestyle, <1% consumed fruits and vegetables. Among participants, 65.2% had central obesity, 28.2% were hypertensive, 9.6% were diabetic. The on-site evaluation showed that most of the aquaculture farms lack safety measures.

Conclusion:

The study identified potential occupational health problems and risk factors for non-communicable diseases among workers in aquaculture farms. The deficiencies in the safety measures at the workplace were also identified through on site evaluation. Hence there is a need to educate the workers regarding healthy lifestyle and safety at work place. There is a need to overcome organizational challenges at the workplace by adopting safety measures for a better working environment and to reduce the significant risk of exposure to hazards.
Effect of vaccination on the HRCT profile of COVID-19 patients – A single-center experience
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Thakker Vishal , Bahri Sharma Richa , Arora Manali , Sarda Prashant , Ahuja Mehul , Singh Randhawa Lovepreet , Azad Rajiv Kumar
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Vaccination against the global pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a promising way out of the havoc caused by the disease. The clinico-radiological profile of COVID-19 patients in relation to the vaccination status is depicted in the present study.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective observational imaging and hospital data-based study performed on 214 confirmed and clinically suspicious patients of COVID-19 who underwent high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the thorax at the Department of Radio-Diagnosis of a tertiary medical center in the Himalayan foothills. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of vaccination on HRCT findings of COVID-19 populations.

Results:

Forty-three percent of the non-vaccinated population presented with severe HRCT scores (19–25) in comparison to only 11.5% of the study population who had taken both doses of vaccine (P = 0.018). Two doses of vaccination had a negative Pearson correlation coefficient with severe HRCT scores (–0.146). Co-morbidities had a significant correlation with HRCT severity score, with 61.5% diabetics and 63.33% of hypertensive patients showing scores >19 on HRCT.

Conclusion:

Vaccination proves to be a game changer in the pandemic with two doses of vaccination having a significant negative correlation with COVID-19-induced severe pneumonitis on HRCT of the thorax.
Prevalence of tobacco smoking among dental practitioners: A hospital-based study
Authors: AlSaad Fatmah Saud , Rajab Mohammad Hasan , Jabri Fouad , Asad Sadia , Arwadi Aya Sami , Alsaeed Ruaa Abdullatif
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Consumption of tobacco is a prevalent public health problem in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. It remains one of the world’s leading causes of preventable premature death and a public health concern. We aim to Estimation the prevalence of tobacco smoking among dental practitioners working at the Security Forces Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in one of the largest government hospitals in Riyadh using a self-administered questionnaire. The study targeted dental practitioners including; oral and maxillofacial surgeons, orthodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists, endodontists, pediatric dentists, restorative dentists, general dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental lab technicians. The study data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software package.

Results:

Overall, 74 dental practitioners completed the study questionnaire; 54.1% were females. The age of study participants ranged between 24 to 56 years, while their mean age was 33.84 years. The prevalence of current smokers among the respondents in was 25.67%. Of the participants, 9.45% were ex-smokers. Stress relief was the main reason for smoking (52.6%), followed by relaxation (31.6%). Most respondents agreed that dental practitioners should serve as role models (73%), and that health care practitioners should give advice or information about smoking cessation to patients (79.7%). Most participants had insufficient training about tobacco hazards (56.8%).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of tobacco smoking among dental practitioners included in this study was closer to that in previous studies. Furthermore, study participants lacked sufficient training about tobacco hazards and control.
Impact of the 2019 Coronavirus Infectious Disease (COVID-19) pandemic on onset to door time and admissions of new onset acute ischemic stroke in a tertiary care level hospital in North India
Authors: Sulena  , Kataria Urvashi , Bhatt Rajat , Sharma Ashish , Arora Hobinder , Kaushal Himanshu
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Context:

Coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the already marginalized healthcare provision in resource limited countries like India.

Aims:

This study compared onset to door time and temporal trends of admissions to seek medical care in new onset acute ischaemic stroke during the COVID-19 period with a representative pre-COVID-19 period in rural background.

Settings and Design:

Prospective Cross-sectional study in a tertiary level hospital in North India.

Methods and Material:

Study included new onset acute ischaemic stroke admitted within first 2 weeks of symptoms onset. Subjects were divided into: Group A – Pre-COVID-19 stroke, Group B – Non-COVID-19 Stroke, and Group C - Stroke, positive for COVID-19. Detailed epidemiological, clinical profile, onset to door time and temporal trends of admissions were recorded.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Chi square/Fisher’s exact test and Independent Samples T test or Mann–Whitney U test were used for categorical and continuous variables.

Results:

Onset to door time in new onset acute ischaemic stroke was significantly prolonged by 6 h in COVID-19 period (median (interquartile range), 19 (12–27) h) as compared with pre-COVID-19 period. Admissions of new onset acute ischaemic stroke were significantly less in COVID-19 period. Comorbidities and severity of stroke (mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, 20 ± 4) were more during the COVID-19 period. Incidence and mortality of COVID-19 positive new onset acute ischaemic stroke were 0.95% and 38%.

Conclusions:

Onset to door time in new onset acute ischaemic stroke was significantly prolonged in COVID-19 as compared with pre-COVID-19 period. The admissions were fewer with more severity and comorbidities in COVID-19 period. COVID-19 positive stroke patients had more severity and mortality as compared with non-COVID-19 stroke.
Correlation of iron levels with glycemia and microvascular complications among type II diabetes mellitus patients in Najran university hospital
Authors: Alqahtani Nasser , Ghazwani Eisa Y. , Al-Qahtani Awad M. , Elmahboub Randah A.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Diabetes is influenced by changes in the body’s iron levels. Because iron deficiency anemia is common in diabetes, this study examines the link between iron, glycemic control, and complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:

The study is a cross-sectional study conducted from October 2019 to June 2020 at Najran university hospital in the Najran area, Saudi Arabia. All T2DM patients (N = 201) during the study were recruited by simple random sampling. A checklist was completed to extract the study variables from each patient’s medical record.

Results:

There is a positive poor correlation between hemoglobin (Hb) and diabetic foot (r = 0.186, P < 0.05), but not with other diabetic microvascular complications (i.e., retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy) or glycemic indicators fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C (i.e., FBS, RBS, and HbA1C). No link is found between ferritin and glycemic indicators or diabetic microvascular complications.

Conclusion:

The study suggests that particular attention be paid to regular monitoring of iron levels before modifying the treatment plans for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. It raises critical inquiry about the reality of iron role in diabetes mellitus either in pathogenesis or treatment. It recommends accurately assessing body iron status with careful interpretation for better clinical judgment, encouraging large-scale and long-term epidemiological as well as interventional trials examining the effect of lowering iron in controlling glycemia.
The adverse effects of solid biomass fuel exposure on lung functions in non-smoking female population
Authors: Garg Ankur , Bagri Sharad , Choudhary Prashant , Singh Devendra K. , Gupta Mohan B. , Gaur Shailendra N.
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background:

Though, smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worldwide, the household air pollution due to use of solid biomass fuel is considered as a major risk factor for the development of obstructive lung disease. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of solid biomass fuel exposure on lung functions in non-smoking female population.

Methods:

A hospital based, descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among 140 non-smoking female patients aged 40 or more and who had been exposed to solid biomass fuel. These patients underwent spirometry to assess their lung function and were classified as obstructive, restrictive or mixed. Modified medical research council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale for symptom assessment, 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) to determine the exercise capacity and Cumulative exposure index to assess the duration of exposure were also done.

Results:

All 140 (100%) patients having abnormal lung function, 4 (2.86%) had restrictive pattern, 5 (3.57%) had mixed pattern and 131 (93.57%) had obstructive pattern. Of 131 patients having obstructive pattern, 11 had mild obstruction, 49 had moderate obstruction, 39 had severe obstruction and 32 had very severe obstruction. Most commonly used biomass fuel was wood (43.57%). All the patients had shortness of breath, whereas cough was present in only 35.71% cases. 77 (55%) patients presented with a dyspnoea of mMRC grade 3 and above.

Conclusion:

Cumulative exposure index for solid biomass fuel is directly proportional to the severity of lung impairment as well as the symptom severity.
Effects of Ferulic Acid on Regulating the Neurovascular Unit
Authors: Wang Xiang , Liu Xin-Ran , Li Ke-Xin , Fan Xiang , Liu Yang
Published: June 2022

Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic phytochemical with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pharmacological effects. In recent years, the neuroprotective effects of FA have been studied extensively. Many researchers have attempted to use FA to prevent and treat neurological diseases and have made some progress. This paper mainly collated the study of the protective effect of FA on stroke and summarized the protective effect of FA on ischemic stroke and the potential protective effects of FA on neurovascular units.
Jurassic palynoevents in the circum-Arctic region
Authors: Bujak Jonathan , Bringué Manuel , Goryacheva Anna A. , Lebedeva Natalia K. , Pestchevitskaya Ekaterina B. , Riding James B. , Smelror Morten
Published: June 2022

Successions of Jurassic strata located in the Arctic region normally yield rich assemblages of terrestriallyderived and marine palynomorphs, reflecting relatively warm air and sea-surface temperatures. The land plant floras were prone to the development of local communities and regional provincialism, whereas the marine biotas thrived across extensive open marine areas with high productivity, resulting in the rapid evolution of dinoflagellate cysts (dinocysts) following their earliest fossil record in the Triassic. Dinocysts exhibit low taxonomic richness and provide low biostratigraphic resolution throughout the Lower Jurassic sections. By contrast, they are diverse in Middle and Upper Jurassic strata where they provide excellent biostratigraphic markers for correlating and dating both surface and subsurface sections. Over twenty formal and informal biozonations based on the firstand last occurrences of dinocysts have been erected in Alaska, Arctic Canada, the Barents Sea region, Greenland and northern Russia, many of which are correlated with macrofossils, including ammonites, that occur in the same sections. This paper presents a compilation of 214 Jurassic palynostratigraphic events (118 first occurrences and 96 last occurrences) that have regional chronostratigraphic value in the Circum-Arctic, based on their published records. Each event is correlated with the base of a chronostratigraphical unit (including formal stages and sub-Boreal ammonite zones), or as an estimated percentage above the base of the chronostratigraphical unit relative to the entire unit. The relationships of each event to stages and key fossil zonal schemes is shown on chronostratigraphic plots using the 2020 version of TimeScale Creator®.
The Evaluation of Local and Systemic Reactions to Subcutaneous House Dust Mite Allergen Immunotherapy
Authors: Karalı Zuhal , Çekiç Şükrü , Şadırvan Yağmur Hazal , Canıtez Yakup , Sapan Nihat
Published: June 2022

Objective: Allergen-specific immunotherapy is an effective treatment method that enables the development of immunotolerance against allergens in allergic rhinitis, asthma, and venom allergy. This study investigated the local and systemic reactions during subcutaneous house dust mite allergen immunotherapy.
Methods: Injection-related local and systemic reactions of 45 patients who received subcutaneous mite immunotherapy were evaluated retrospectively.
Results: Forty-five children, 15 (33.3%) females and 30 (66.4%) male were included in the study. A total of 582 injections were administered. A local reaction was observed in 23 (3.94%) of all injections and the systemic reaction was observed in only 1 (0.17%) injection. Sixteen (37.7%) of the children had local reactions during the immunotherapy process and 1 (2.2%) had a systemic reaction.
Conclusion: Although subcutaneous mite immunotherapy is a safe treatment, it should only be applied in centers with appropriate emergency equipment and trained healthcare professionals due to possible systemic reactions.
Therapeutic Plasma Exchange for Treating Pediatric Neurological Diseases
Authors: Atay Gürkan , Yazar Hatice , Erdoğan Seher , Tuğrul Hazal Ceren , İşcan Hüsniye , Kutlubay Büşra
Published: June 2022

Objective: Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is performed in various neurological, hematological, renal and autoimmune diseases. This study was conducted to determine the indications, efficacy, safety and complications of TPE in pediatric autoimmune neurological diseases.
Methods: In this study, patients who were hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary university hospital between January 2017 and December 2021 and underwent TPE due to neurological diseases were evaluated retrospectively.
Results: A total of 20 patients were included in the study. Their ages ranged from 6 to 237 months, with a mean age of 63.16±183.12 months. Neurological TPE indications of the patients were autoimmune encephalitis (50%, n=10), Guillain-Barre Syndrome (45%, n=9) and Acute Demyelinating Encephalomyelitis (6.7%, n=1), respectively. Catheter occlusion was observed in 2 (10%) patients, allergic reaction in 1 (5%) patient, and hypotension in 1 (5%) patient as complications of TPE. Muscle strength of patients with GBS was evaluated according to the Medical Research Council scale before transfer to the service. It was determined that the score increased from 0 to 1 in two patients, from 0 to 3 in three patients, and from 1 to 5 in four patients. In 9 of the patients diagnosed with encephalitis, regression of acute phase reactants and improvement in neurological evaluation were observed.
Conclusion: When TPE is applied with appropriate indications and by an experienced team in pediatric neurological diseases, treatment results can are satisfactory, its effectiveness increases and the complication rate decreases.
In search of varieties of capitalism: hardy perennial or troublesome weed?
Authors: Blyth Mark , Schwartz Herman Mark
Published: June 2022

Are varieties of capitalism real things in the world, or analytic artifacts that scholars project into the world? The first part of this essay considers the utility of sorting different capitalist economies into different types. We build upon Hay (2020) to argue that some varietals are both more real and more useful than others. Specifically, we argue that recent work on growth models (Baccaro and Pontusson 2016) marks a progressive extension of the Comparative Political Economy research program on advanced capitalist states. But from an International Political Economy perspective, this research program can only reach its potential by clearly determining whether the causal origins of variety lie in either unit or system-level characteristics. We argue for incorporating a more system-led explanation of variety that focuses upon fallacies of composition, power asymmetries, and credit cycles. To show this, we walk through four different arguments about system–unit relations – the ‘four Galtons’ – and add in Minsky’s argument about financial crisis cycles.