bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Tool in Treatment Planning of Dentinal Hypersensitivity
Authors: Sachdeva Shivani , Shinde Sanket , Saluja Harish , Dehane Vipin
Published: September 2024

Background:

Occlusion is dynamic and plays an important role in the functioning of the stomatognathic system. Disturbance in one of the components of the stomatognathic system may result in hypersensitivity of teeth, orofacial pain, migraine, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Coronoplasty performed using articulating paper is the conventional method for occlusal corrections. T-scan is a computerized occlusal analysis system that overcomes the limitations of articulating paper.

Methods:

Patients with Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS) having dentinal hypersensitivity were taken into consideration. The joint vibratory analysis is performed using JVA device to rule out any TMJ disorders. T-scan-assisted coronoplasty is performed. The patient is asked to score for dentinal hypersensitivity on a visual analog scale pre- and postoperative.

Results:

Occlusion and disocclusion time are reduced along with hyperactivity of the muscles after T-scan-assisted coronoplasty. There is a reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity postoperative.

Conclusion:

T-scan quantifies the forces and hence proved a boon in the field of dentistry. The present case report highlights coronoplasty assisted with T-scan for diagnosis and treatment planning of hypersensitivity of teeth and hence it is the future of dentistry.
Infrahyoid Flap
Authors: Saluja Harish , Shah Seemit , Sachdeva Shivani , Dadhich Anuj
Published: September 2024

The infrahyoid flap (IHF) is a myocutaneous pedicled flap which is mostly supplied by the superior thyroid vessels through the infrahyoid muscles perforators. The flap is thin and it could be transferred as a pedicle of superior thyroid artery along with the vein for the reconstruction of medium-sized defects of head and neck surgeries. The added advantage of this flap is that it is pliable and provides a skin island which is approximately seven by four centimeters from the central part of the anterior neck. The best substitute for reconstruction of oral defects is IHF. It can be carried out for the moderate defects of mouth along with that of pharynx carcinomas. The flap can be either unilateral or bilateral superior thyroid pedicle flaps but the main limitations are restricted arc of rotation and small flap volume. The IHF is contraindicated in cases with prior irradiation as well as cases of neck metastasis. The flap is most trusted and can be easily yielded during dissections of the head and neck; oncologically, it is safe and it carries least morbidity of the donor site.
A Longitudinal Cohort Study on Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Cancer Care Providers
Authors: Thaduri Abhinav , Sehrawat Amit , Poonia Dharma Ram , Das Anindya , Kumar Rajesh , Varghese Arun , Chadha Lisa , Seenivasagam Rajkumar Kottayasamy , Garg Pankaj Kumar , Sundryal Deepak , Gupta Manoj Kumar
Published: September 2024

Background:

COVID-19 is one of the most unfortunate events seen in the 21st century. Cancer care providers (CCPs) are under immense mental burden due to the unpredictable pandemic and compromised cancer care among patients. The pandemic has taken a toll on caregivers, be it physically, mentally, or psychosocially. Hence, a longitudinal study was planned to evaluate the temporal changes and the impact of COVID-19 on CCPs.

Subjects and Methods:

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from May 2020 to October 2020 to assess the pandemic's impact on mental health among CCPs. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 and PCL5 instruments were used to identify the temporal change with pandemic evolution. An online survey was administered at 6-week intervals through e-mail. Quantitative data were presented as mean with standard deviation, and an independent t-test was used to compare the mean score between the three surveys. Categorical variables were presented in percentages, and the Chi-squared test was used to analyze the differences in categorical variables between different surveys.

Results:

The questionnaire was e-mailed to 240 CCP's; 115 responses were valid. The mean age is 29.9 ± 5.86, 62.6% were male and 27.4% were female, 41.7% were nursing staff, and 58.3% were doctors. Sixty-seven percentage had <5 years of medical experience. Respondents who stayed with family had significant depression levels in the first and third surveys (odds ratio [OR]: 0.37, confidence interval [CI]-0.15–0.91, P = 0.03) and (OR: 0.17, CI-0.026–1.1, P = 0.04). Stress levels were significantly high in the caregivers staying with family in the first survey (OR: 4.38, CI: 1.2–15.7, P = 0.02). On analyzing three surveys, 55 respondents in both the first and second survey and 21, 8, and 17 respondents persisted in having depression, stress, and anxiety.

Conclusions:

Pandemic has severely affected the mental well-being of CCPs, with more than one-third of them suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress. In any disaster or an unnatural event, time helps the human mind acclimate to new conditions; it is similar to our initial results that show improvement in depression, stress, and anxiety levels with the second survey. It is crucial to assess and address mental health-related problems to ensure health-care workers well-being and deliver quality health care to the patients.
Small Round Cells in Sinonasal Tract
Authors: Ravindran Hiran Kattilaparambil
Published: September 2024

The sinonasal cavities host a wide variety of undifferentiated malignancies with round cell morphology. The differential diagnosis is difficult for a practicing surgical pathologist, especially on very small sample, sometimes with artifactual changes. The correct classification is clinically relevant as it has implications on the management. Further, newer entities are added as we expand our understanding in these tumors. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive review of the variety of tumors we encounter, try for a broader classification based on histological hints as well as with an initial panel of immunohistochemistry. The further classification as individual entities is also described with their characterizing features, with a special reference to the ancillary testing to give a more objective picture. Overall, prognosis and general approach for managing the specific entity are also addressed in a nutshell.
A Technique for Primary Closure of the Free Radial Artery Forearm Flap Donor Site – Early Results
Authors: Gohil Dhanushya , Mandlik Dushyant , Mistry Yusuf Abbas , Patel Purvi , Joshipura Aditya , Kaur Gurpreet , Patel Kaustubh
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Free radial artery forearm flap is a feasible reconstructive option for small defects in the head and neck. However, one of the major drawbacks is covering of the donor site with split-thickness graft, which leads to donor site morbidity, in terms of compromised cosmesis. An alternative strategy to close this defect primarily, utilizing native skin, can be helpful to mitigate this issue.

Materials and Methods:

We have described a technique of primary closure of donor site defect of the radial forearm flap using a transposition flap in 24 patients. The principle used is to transpose the ulnar skin flap which derives its blood supply from the perforators of the ulnar artery. The efficacy and complications were recorded and described.

Results:

We were able to close defects of up to 8 cm × 5 cm using this technique. No major complications were reported in any patients. Seven (29.1%) patients had small areas of necrosis at the tri-pointer area and skin edge. All of them healed using conservative measures by secondary intention except one case which required a secondary skin grafting procedure. Hypertrophic scarring was seen in three patients.

Conclusions:

This technique has many advantages over traditional skin grafting such as improved cosmesis, avoidance of a secondary donor site, and skin graft-associated complications. Further studies to prove the efficacy of this technique with objective function evaluation over a larger cohort are desirable.
Sonoelastography in Differentiation Between Metastatic and Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Authors: Yadav Renu , Malik Amita , Prasad Rajni
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of sonography including Doppler and sonoelastography in differentiation between metastatic and tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy.

Materials and Methods:

This single-center observational study was undertaken with 86 study subjects after defined inclusion and exclusion criteria as per study needs and imaging limitations. Sonographic and sonoelastographic examinations were done by two examiners, and the diagnosis was reached in consensus. Sonographic features assessed were size, short/long axis ratio, the presence or absence of echogenic hilum, and intranodal necrosis including pattern of vascularity. With ultrasonoelastography, color-coded elastograms and strain ratio (SR) were evaluated. Then, the accuracy of individual sonographic and sonoelastographic parameters as well as combined sonographic and sonoelastographic evaluation was evaluated against HPE diagnosis. Cutoff for all the combined evaluations was determined from receiver observing curve.

Results:

Out of 127 nodes examined, 100 were tuberculous and 27 were metastatic on histopathology. Among all ultrasound features, intranodal necrosis showed maximum sensitivity, i.e., 39% and specificity 96%. SR had highest sensitivity (95.6%) and specificity (96.3%) among all US and elastographic parameters.

Conclusion:

Sonoelastographic assessment has good diagnostic accuracy for differentiation between metastatic and tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy and adds to sonographic assessment, thereby further increasing the diagnostic confidence.
High-Grade Sarcoma of the Hyoid Bone
Authors: Gupta Alaknanda , Thiagarajan Shivakumar , Menon Munita
Published: September 2024

Our case was a suprahyoid mass in the neck with the probable epicenter in the hyoid bone. Cytopathology of suprahyoid neck masses, without imaging guidance, may lead to misdiagnoses. Imaging was suggestive of the hyoid bone as the probable epicenter. Based on the morphology and IHC findings of the core biopsy, a diagnosis of high-grade sarcoma most likely of myofibroblastic origin was made, which was also confirmed in the main surgical specimen. En bloc surgical excision of the mass was performed preserving the rest of the laryngeal framework and the thyroid gland followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. However, the patient developed distant metastasis within a few months of treatment completion highlighting the high-grade nature of the sarcoma.
Delayed Hypersensitivity after Negative Antibiotic Testing
Authors: Kanojia Sunanda , Thapa Deepak
Published: September 2024

Cefuroxime is a common antibiotic often used prophylactically in orthopedic surgeries. Although antibiotic sensitivity testing before administration is done routinely, a negative test cannot rule out the possibility of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Our patient was a 10-year-old female, with cerebral palsy posted for correction of congenital talipes equinovarus under general anesthesia. A test dose of 0.1 mL of cefuroxime was given intradermal preoperative, which was nonreactive. Later, a full dose of antibiotic was given before the surgical incision. The intraoperative period was uneventful; however, she developed periorbital edema in the postoperative period. The Naranjo scale of 6 suggested possible adverse drug reaction, and further management was done on grounds of hypersensitivity reaction. Periorbital edema is a rare presentation of adverse drug reaction produced by cefuroxime.
Anesthetic Management of Preterm Lower-segment Cesarean Section with Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Marwaha Ashwin , Kohli Manish , Gupta Anjleena Kumar , Sirohi Ajay , Sood Jayashree
Published: September 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had impacted a considerable portion of the population, affecting people of all ages in some form. The elderly and expecting moms are among the most vulnerable. Respiratory involvement complicates the issue in parturients with COVID-19 because it has direct ramifications for fetal well-being. The management of patients who require a cesarean section is complicated by physiologic changes throughout pregnancy and respiratory distress caused by the illness process. Both the mother and the fetus are at risk of dying from hypoxia caused by COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. We discuss the case of a preterm expecting mother who was treated with a combination of regional and general anesthesia to obtain a successful outcome.
Reversal of Atracurium-induced Neuromuscular Blockade in Daycare Pediatric Cases – Is it Always Necessary
Authors: Pant Deepanjali , Koul Archna , Rudravaram Swetha , Bhutani Rachna , Sood Jayashree
Published: September 2024

Context:

The reversal of the neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBDs) by neostigmine is an integral component of general anesthesia. The requirement of NMBD is minimal in pediatric superficial surgeries supplemented with regional analgesia techniques. The pediatric age group has a rapid metabolism of atracurium, allowing rapid spontaneous recovery. The use of the combination of neostigmine and glycopyrrolate does not come without side effects.

Aims:

The aim of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade (RNMB) detected by train-of-four ratio (TOFR) of <0.9 following a single dose of atracurium administration in children undergoing infraumbilical daycare procedures with or without neostigmine for pharmacological reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

Subjects and Methods:

One hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists 1–2 patients of age group 1–12 years undergoing infraumbilical daycare surgery of ≤120 min with ProSeal laryngeal mask airway as airway device were included in the study. The study population was randomized into two groups to receive either neostigmine or normal saline (Group N – neostigmine; Group S – normal saline). Neuromuscular blockade was monitored by acceleromyography (TOF-Watch® SX, Organon). The primary outcome variable was to assess the incidence of RNMB in both the groups. The secondary outcomes observed were to assess any critical respiratory event, hypoxemia (SpO2 < 95%), flushing, nausea, and vomiting in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for 6 h.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Statistical testing was conducted with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences system version SPSS 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Continuous variables are presented as mean ± SD with a mean difference and 95% confidence interval for the comparison between two groups using Student's t-test. Nominal categorical data between the groups were compared using the Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

The demographic parameters, type, and duration of surgery were comparable. No statistically significant difference in TOFR was found between the two groups. None of the participants in either group had RNMB while shifting to PACU. Thirty-four percent in Group N experienced flushing with raised temperature and 2% had nausea with vomiting, whereas none of these was noticed in Group S.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that omission of routine neostigmine reversal of atracurium in pediatric daycare surgery may be considered without compromising patient safety by using a combination of sound clinical judgment and quantitative neuromuscular monitoring documenting complete spontaneous neuromuscular recovery.
Physicians’ Attitudes Towards Pharmaceutical Promotions and Their Trustworthiness Towards Pharmaceutical Representatives’ Information on New Drugs
Authors: Abdulah Deldar Morad , Perot Karwan Ali
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

The interaction between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry through their sales representatives influences physicians’ attitudes and prescribing behaviors. In this regard, physicians’ attitudes towards pharmaceutical promotions and their trustworthiness towards pharmaceutical representatives’ information on new drugs were explored in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was an analysis of a cross-sectional survey of 183 physicians with different job and education designations and from various clinical settings in Erbil-Iraqi Kurdistan in July 2018. The physicians were invited from the public sector, comprising a general, emergency, and pediatric hospital. The information was collected through a standardized anonymous, self-administered close-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire included exposure to marketing activities, motivations to contact pharmaceutical representatives, attitudes towards promotional practices, and trustworthiness of the pharmaceutical representatives’ information on new drugs.

RESULTS:

The majority of the physicians reported that the information provided by pharmaceutical representatives assisted them in staying up to date or learning about new products (76.5%), but 55.7% of them trusted their medical information. In addition, most of them reported that pharmaceutical representatives prioritized the promotion of their products over patients’ benefits (70.5%). They reported that receiving promotional material and participating in promotional practices affect doctors’ behaviors to prescribe a new drug, including promotional materials (55.2%); medical samples (67.8%); funding of registration costs to conferences (60.1%); participation in industry-funded researches (69.9%); and continuing medical education (69.4%). Receiving promotional materials and participating in promotional activities were considered to be ethical.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study showed that doctors approved that receiving promotional material and participating in promotional practices affect doctors’ behaviors to prescribe a new drug. The present study showed that most of the physicians reported the role of promotional materials and activities on physicians’ behaviors to prescribe new drugs.
Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of MaxilloFacial Silicone Elastomer Reinforced with Chitosan Nanoparticles—An In vitro Study
Authors: Sri Ailneni Nivya , Dev Shruti Vishal , Perti Sonali , Poddar Nirmala , Pati Sourav Kumar , Das Pritam
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Microbial and fungal growth, particularly Candida albicans, is a major issue with the usage of maxillofacial silicone material, which can lead to chronic infection, inflammation, and silicone material degradation, for which the development of an antimicrobial silicone elastomer has become crucial.

Methodology:

This study was designed to determine the efficacy of adding chitosan nanoparticles (1.5%, 3%, and 5% by weight) to silicone matrix on antifungal activity. Eighty specimens were fabricated with varying concentrations of chitosan and separated into four groups [C1 (control), C2 (1.5%wt chitosan reinforced silicone), C3 (3%wt chitosan/silicone), and C4 (5%wt chitosan/silicone)]. An antifungal test was conducted on each group.

Results:

The inhibition zone was concentration dependent in antifungal tests; as the concentration increased, the inhibition zone grew as well.

Conclusion:

Improvement in the antifungal activity of silicone was demonstrated when chitosan nanoparticles were incorporated.
Chordoma: Site-Wise Predilections and Pathological Tenets
Authors: Singh Anshima , Rao Ram Nawal , Billore Yash , Kumar Raj
Published: September 2024

Background:

Chordomas are rare tumours of presumptive notochordal origin, mostly occurring in the axial skeleton of the body. These tumours are slow growing but are locally invasive neoplasms. Diagnosis requires qualification of the radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical criteria. Management predominantly comprises surgical resection with negative margins.

Objective:

Our study aimed to analyse the clinico-pathological spectrum of these rare chordoma cases visiting our tertiary care institute.

Materials and Methods:

The study was retrospective, comprising chordoma cases reported histopathologically between January 01, 2013, and August 31, 2023 (a total period of 10.5 years). Clinico-radiological data were recorded. Histopathological diagnosis was separately reviewed by two pathologists. All data were statistically analysed.

Results:

In total, 41 chordoma cases were received, with a mean age of 43.2 + 17.4 years (6–72 years). Male:female ratio was 1.2:1. Spheno-occipital region chordomas (27 cases) were most common, followed by sacrococcygeal (8 cases) and vertebral (6 cases) chordomas. Symptoms varied with location. However, the commonest presenting complaint was pain. These region-wise chordoma categories were statistically compared in terms of patients’ age, male:female ratio, symptomatic duration, tumour size, histopathological tumour type, and recurrence on follow-up. Of these, only patients’ age and tumour size were found to be statistically significant (P value was 0.011 and 0.0004, respectively).

Conclusion:

Clinico-pathological parameters vary with the anatomical location of chordoma. We present the experience of this rare tumour in terms of clinico-radiopathological features visiting our tertiary care institute in northern India.
Value of Ultrasonography in Assessment of Screen-Detected Calcified Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: A Clinical Audit
Authors: Itanyi Ukamaka Dorothy , Allen Deborah , Okereke Ivy
Published: September 2024

Background:

Approximately 80% of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases are asymptomatic and manifest as microcalcifications, usually detected on screening mammograms. Stereotactic biopsy is used as the primary modality for histopathologic diagnosis. Ultrasonography has been relied upon as a potentially viable alternative for early breast cancer detection, especially in low- and medium-income countries.

Aim:

Determine the role and reliability of breast ultrasonography in the evaluation of screen-detected microcalcifications using histologically proven calcified DCIS as a case study.

Materials and Methods:

Cross-sectional evaluation of records of patients recalled for M3–M5 (indeterminate to malignant) type microcalcifications on screening mammograms, with a histological diagnosis of pure DCIS, in an NHS Trust Hospital, Kent, England, from March 2021 to April 2023.

Results:

Eighty women included were within the age range of 46–79 years, with mean age of 60 years. Background breast density was predominantly fatty in 51/80 (63.8%), without any correlation with mammographic abnormalities. Microcalcifications were classified as indeterminate (M3) in 42/80 (52.5%), while suspicious (M4) and malignant (M5) types were seen in 38/80 (47.5%). No targeted sonographic abnormalities were noted in 69 (86.2%) of the patients, while 11 (13.8%) had sonographic abnormalities. The predominant sonographic feature was non-mass hypoechogenicity in 6/11(55%). There was a correlation between mammographic code, lesion size, and ultrasonic abnormality, with 9/11 (81.8%) patients with sonographic lesions having suspicious and malignant type calcifications. The mean mammographic lesion size was significantly greater in women with abnormal ultrasound findings, 42 vs. 20 mm. Histological tumour grade was high grade in 10/11 (90.9%) lesions.

Conclusion:

The accuracy of breast ultrasonography as an adjunct in the detection of screen-detected microcalcifications and subsequent guided biopsy is higher when dealing with malignant type microcalcifications >15 mm in size.
A body shape index as a better marker in comparison to body mass index in assessing cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Maddodi Suhas , Gautam Shri Krishna
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND:

Body mass index (BMI) has been used widely to categorize obesity and determine cardiovascular (CV) risk, but it lacks ability to assess the deposition of fat like visceral obesity which is highly associated with CV risk. Hence, a body shape index (ABSI) was developed which includes waist circumference, BMI, and height.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:

To determine ABSI better than BMI in assessing CV risk in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

METHODS:

The present cross-sectional study consisted a total of 150 patients over 40 years of age, both male (90) and menopaused female (60). Carotid intima medial thickness (CIMT) was measured using carotid Doppler to assess CV risk.

RESULT:

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for BMI (Kg/m2) predicting CIMT: Increased versus CIMT: Not increased was 0.626 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53–0.722), thus demonstrating poor diagnostic performance (P = 0.010) compared to ABSI which is 0.72 (95% CI: 0.633–0.806), thus demonstrating fair diagnostic performance (P ≤ 0.001). At a cutoff of BMI (Kg/m2) ≤24, it predicts CIMT: Increased with a sensitivity of 61%, and a specificity of 63%. At a cutoff of ABSI ≥0.087, it predicts CIMT: Increased with a sensitivity of 62%, and a specificity of 78%.

CONCLUSION:

ABSI shows better diagnostic performance than BMI in assessing CV risk, so it can be used along with other markers to determine CV risk in diabetes as well as obese patients.
О компактности интегральных операторов с однородными ядрами в локальных пространствах Морри
Authors: Avsyankin Oleg Gennadievich , Ashihmin S S
Published: September 2024

Получены достаточные условия компактности в локальных пространствах Морри оператора,
являющегося произведением многомерного интегрального оператора, ядро которого однородно степени $(-n)$ и инвариантно относительно всех вращений, и операторов умножения на существенно ограниченные функции. Также исследована компактность оператора с однородным ядром и ограниченной характеристикой.
Библиография: 14 названий.
Influence of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of mosquito larval habitats on the species composition and insecticide resistance of Anopheles gambiae sensu lacto in the cities of Bohicon and Parakou in Benin
Authors: Hessou-Djossou Donald , Djegbe Innocent , Boukari Massioudou Koto Yerima Gounou , Nonfodji Odilon , Tchigossou Genevieve , Djouaka Rousseau , Cornelie Sylvie , Akogbeto Martin , Djogbenou Luc , Chandre Fabrice
Published: September 2024

Despite successful of insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, malaria continues to be a major threat in Benin due to  insecticide resistance in its vectors. This study aimed to address knowledge gaps regarding the impact of environmental factors on  insecticide resistance in Anopheles gambiae populations in urban areas. Larval surveys in Bohicon and Parakou assessed  physicochemical properties and bacterial loads, followed by WHO susceptibility assays on emerging adult mosquitoes. Anopheles species  were identified through PCR and Kdr L1014F/S, N1575Y and G119S mutations were investigated using TaqMan assays. Results showed  high resistance of Anopheles mosquitoes to pyrethroid insecticides (mortality rate: 16.9% to 87.27%). Additionally, molecular analysis  revealed a predominance of A. coluzzii in Bohicon (60.7%) and A. gambiae in Parakou (8.1%), with high frequencies of the kdr L1014F (56%  to 88%). Furthermore, physicochemical and microbiological analysis correlated significantly with A. gambiae, particularly regarding  pH, turbidity, and fecal coliforms. Moreover, dissolved oxygen positively associated with both A. coluzzii and A. gambiae presence. Kdr L1014F allele showed significant correlations with temperature (r = 0.906; P = 0.039) in Bohicon and salinity (r = -0.924; P = 0.022) in  Parakou, underscoring environmental influences on resistance patterns. The study underlined the importance of contextual approaches  in in urban vector control efforts.
Urogenital schistosomiasis situation in school-age children after a decade of mass praziquantel treatment in the region of Kayes, Mali
Authors: Dolo Mamadou , Maiga Hamma , Ouologuem Abdoulaye , Maiga Ousmane , Coulibaly Oumar , Dolo Amagoron Mathias , Sanogo Benjamin , Mariko Kalilou , Saye RÃ©nion , Maiga Fatoumata K. , Diawara Fatou , Guindo Ibrehima , Kone Abdoulaye K. , Traore Mahamadou
Published: September 2024

Praziquantel is the basic drug recommended for Mass Drug Administration (MDA) by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, its  impact on the prevalence of infection has not been updated after a decade of MDA in Mali. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and  intensity of urogenital schistosomiasis in schoolage children in the Kayes region. A community-based cross-sectional study was  conducted in three health districts of Kayes (Bafoulabe, Diema, and Oussoubidiagnan) from June to August 2022. School-age children ranging from 5 to 14 years were enrolled at home after obtaining parental consent. Urine was filtered and examined for eggs. A total of  2658 children were examined. The prevalence of infection was 37.67%; 40.79% and 34.37% in Bafoulabe, Diema, and Oussoubidiagnan,  respectively (p=0.02). There was a significant difference between boys and girls in the district of Bafoulabe (42.6% vs. 33%) and  Oussoubidiagnan (38.9% vs. 29.4%). However, in Diema, the percentage of boys and girls respective were comparable (39.9% vs. 41.5%).  In addition, the egg excretion rate was 28.95%; 17.81%, and 13.10% in Diema, Bafoulabe, and Oussoubidiagnan, respectively (p<0.001).  After a decade of MDA, the prevalence and intensity of infection remain high in the three health districts of Kayes.
Evaluating the effects of water stress and irrigation on three cashew origins at juvenile stage for adaptation of agroforestry systems to drought under climate change in Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: Coulibaly Yacouba Noel , Zombre Gerard
Published: September 2024

The Drought threatens cashew-based agroforestry systems productivity in Burkina Faso. The objective of this research was to study the  effects of water stress and irrigation on 03 cashew origins for recommendations to maintain and/or improve cashew based agroforestry  systems productivity. The experiment was conducted in a semi-controlled environment using randomised complete blocks, studying the  factors water regime and origin at 03 levels. The number of replication was 4 and the experimental unit was 4 pots. Total dry biomass,  height and survival percentage were measured. The effect of water regime, origin and their interaction were highly significant (P<0,0001)  on total dry biomass and height. The effect of water regime was highly significant (P<0,0001) while the effect of origin and the interaction  were very significant (P=0,004) on survival percentage. Diakadougou origin performed better and the parameters measured were  reduced under water stress and increased under irrigation. Diakadougou origin was the most drought tolerant and Ouessa origin the  most demanding in water. Irrigation and use of drought tolerant origin Diakadougou could contribute in adaptation to drought of  cashew based agroforestry systems. Further research to study drought and irrigation effects on physiological parameters of the cashew  origins studied is required.
Complementary and alternative medicines among diabetic patients attending the clinical laboratory of Centre MURAZ, Burkina Faso
Authors: Kam Sami E. , Meda Roland N.T. , Sanou Adama , Segda Abdoulaye , Boni Isaac S. , Thiombiano Cherileila , Kone Amariane , Da Donald S.B. , Moukoro Michel , Sawadogo Rakieta , Koama Benjamin K. , Ouedraogo Abdoul-Salam
Published: September 2024

The use of complementary and alternative medicine in the management of diabetes is of growing health and economic importance in  Africa. This study aimed to determine medicinal practices among diabetic patients attending the clinical laboratory of Centre MURAZ,  Burkina Faso. A semi-structured survey was carried out from April to August 2022 among patients. The glycaemia and glycated  hemoglobin levels in patients were evaluated respectively by enzymatic colorimetric and turbidimetric immunoassay methods. Fifty  diabetic subjects were enrolled. They were mainly illiterate and in 40 to 60 age group. The most pathologies were type II, with common  risk factors such as family history (64%) and hypertension (51.06%). The conventional treatment was dominant (68%), followed by the  combination of conventional and traditional medicine based on medicinal plants (30%). Sclerocarya birrea (38.46%) and Euphorbia hirta  (30.76%) were the most used species. A glycemic imbalance was noted in most of patients, and was significant in patients using a  combination of conventional and traditional medicine (P = 0.0134), followed by patients with traditional treatment only (P = 0.0247).  Almost all of glycemic balances were not significantly influenced by medicinal practices. This study highlighted various therapies used  among diabetic patients attending the clinical laboratory of Centre MURAZ.
Preliminary phytochemical analysis, determination of phenolic contents and evaluation of antioxidant activity of propolis collected in Koumra (Southern Chad)
Authors: Mahamat Ali Abakar , Haroun Heloua , Mahmout Yaya
Published: September 2024

Propolis is a resinous substance manufactured by bees to protect their hive. It is used in folk medicine in Chad for the treatment of many  microbial and inflammatory pathologies. The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and the antioxidant  activity of different extracts of propolis from Koumra (Southern Chad) obtained by the Soxhlet extractor using solvents with increasing  polarity. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, tannins and triterpenes. The total polyphenol content was evaluated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and gallic acid as standard. The total flavonoid  content was assessed by ferric chloride and quercetin standard. The methanolic extract had a higher amount of polyphenolics  (6.150±0.008 gEAG/100gMB) and flavonoids (2.143±0.006 gEQc/100gMB). The DPPH free radical assay showed that the methanolic extract  exhibited antiradical activity with the lowest IC50 value of 0.0379 g/mL. All extracts revealed a chelating power to iron with a  maximum effect at 71.53% for the methanol extract. Significant amounts of antioxidants could justify the use of propolis in the traditional  medicine for the treatment of many diseases.
Evaluation du pouvoir pathogène de 42 isolats de Fusarium associés aux semences de sésame (Sesamum indicum L.) au Burkina Faso
Authors: Ouali Paul Dianyagou , Zida Elisabeth Pawinde , Guissou Laure Marie Kuilpoko
Published: September 2024

Communément associé aux plantes et causant la fusariose chez diverses cultures, Fusarium est fréquemment rencontré dans les  semences de sésame au Burkina Faso. Près de 33% des semences produites et utilisées par les agriculteurs hébergent une ou plusieurs  espèces de Fusarium. Toutefois, les espèces impliquées dans la fusariose sont peu connues. Pour évaluer le pouvoir pathogène de 42  isolats de Fusarium isolés des semences de sésame, des graines de sésame saines ont été disposées dans des bocaux contenant un  milieu eauagar, en plaçant un explant mycélien de chaque isolat au centre de chaque bocal et un fragment du milieu agar dans le bocal  témoin. Chaque traitement ayant été répété quatre fois suivant un dispositif complètement randomisé, les bocaux ont été incubés à 30°C  sous un éclairage alterné pendant 10 jours au terme desquels  l’émergence, l’infection des plantules et la gravité de l’infection ont été  évaluées. Deux isolats ont occasionné des taux d’émergence faibles de 85-90% contre 92,50-100% pour le témoin et les autres isolats. Les  incidences les plus fortes (72,50-100%) ont été causées par huit isolats. Sur la base de la sévérité, 32 isolats ont été classés comme peu  pathogènes ; 4 comme modérément pathogènes et 6 comme très pathogènes. Selon l’étude, les plus pathogènes appartenaient à F.  moniliforme, F. equiseti et F. oxysporum.
Extraction and determination of antioxidant properties of essential oils of Ocimum gratissimum and Thymus vulgaris (lamiaceae) or (labiateae)
Authors: Ahmad Saleh Mahamat Alkhatip , Mbalale Thaddee Brice Mbalale , Dougrigue Elie , Mbaiguinam Mbailao , Jazet Pierre Michel
Published: September 2024

Leaves collected from two species of Thymus vulgaris and Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) from Cameroon gave by hydrodistillation  method, essential oils yield between 1.3 and 1.6%. Identification of chemical composition by chromatography and chromatography  coupled with mass spectrometry was done. It appeared that the majority of compounds of T. vulgaris detected were Thymol (39.2%), p-  Cymene (25.36%), λ- Terpinene (16.2%), Lenalool (3.32%), α-Thujene (1, 7%) and Camphene (1.3%). For O. gratissimum, p-cymene (29.6%), λ- terpinene (21.9%), α-Thujene (6.2%), Thymol (5.1%), Myrcene (3.9%) and 1.8- Cineol (2.9%). p- Cymene, λ- terpinene, thymol and α- thujene were found in both species at significant levels. The antioxidant activities of essential oils of the leaves of these two species were  highlighted with IC50 for the DPPH method which gave values of 146.33 µg/ml; 121.61 µg/ml and 69.99 µg/ml and for the FRAP method  342.33 µg/ml, 264.93µg/ml, 202.85 µg/ml respectively for O. gratissimum, T.vulgaris and Butyl hydroxy toluene (BHT). These results showed that the essential oils of the leaves of these two plants can be used in the preservation of food against oxidation. For  concentration necessary to have a 50% trapping ability, a significant difference (p<0.05) in the increase in average trapping percentages  (%IC) of the DPPH radical as a function of BHT concentrations was observed. It can be concluded that the essential oils of the leaves of   Ocimum gratissimum and Thymus vulgaris could be used as antioxidants in food products and protect humans against certain chronic  diseases.
Impact des activités anthropiques sur la qualité physico-chimique des eaux de la rivière Tshuenge localisée à l’Est de Kinshasa/RD Congo
Authors: Sifa Daniel-Bienvenu Kwa Mungu , Nzadi Plamedi Lualaba , Mayala Benjamin Ne-Kongo
Published: September 2024

A Kinshasa, les eaux de surface sont soumises à de fortes pressions anthropiques suscitées par le développement et l’extension des  activités agricoles, industrielles et domestiques. Une des principales conséquences de cela est la pollution à grande échelle des cours  d’eau en raison des rejets déversés dans les rivières, de l’utilisation excessive des fertilisants agricoles et des effluents d’origine urbaine  et industrielle. L’objectif de cette étude était d’évaluer l’impact des activités anthropiques sur la qualité physico-chimique des eaux de la  rivière Tshuenge, localisée à l’Est de Kinshasa, en se basant sur l’indice de qualité de l’eau (IQE). Pour ce faire, deux campagnes de  prélèvement des échantillons ont été réalisées en saison sèche (mois d’août 2022) et en saison pluvieuse (mois de mars 2023) et trois  points ont été étudiés le long de ladite rivière. La caractérisation physico-chimique de ces eaux a révélé qu’elles étaient chargées en  Oxygène dissous (5,09-26,2 mg/L), en Turbidité (8,09-19,98 NTU), et en matière minérale exprimée en terme de Conductivité électrique (83,15-194,5 µS/Cm) avec des pH entre 5,99 - 7. Les teneurs moyennes en ions Nitrates, Nitrite, Ammonium et en Orthophosphateç  étaient respectivement de l’ordre de 10 mg/L ; 0,3 mg/L ; 1 mg/L et de 6 mg/L. Ces valeurs sont très inquiétantes car elles étaient  supérieures à celle des normes de l’OMS, ce qui représente un risque certain pour la santé publique et pour l’environnement. La  variation saisonnière des paramètres susmentionnés démontre que les eaux de la rivière sont non potables de l’amont en aval pendant  toutes les deux saisons de l’année car les eaux de la rivière Tshuenge reçoivent en surcroît des déchets ménagers, des eaux usées et  autres décharges non contrôlées. Il convient que les pouvoirs publics s’impliquent dans la gestion intégrale de tous ces déchets et eaux   usées enfin de protéger les ressources en eau douce, un patrimoine national en dégradation.
Performing climate change, farmers/herders crisis and food insecurity in Africa
Authors: Fosudo Olusola
Published: September 2024

The reality of climate change has become a great concern to various parts of the world, including Africa. The emission of various  greenhouse gases into the atmosphere as a result of global industrialization and increasing consumption has resulted in a gradual  increase in global temperatures leading to massive floods, and the destruction of human lives, animals, and farmlands. Coupled with the  incessant Farmers/Herders crisis in parts of West Africa, particularly Nigeria, food insecurity has also become a worrisome issue that  needs to be frontally addressed. Given the foregoing, global and local measures need to be practically taken to mitigate these threats to  human life and existence. This article interrogates the dangers of climate change and farmers/herders’ clashes to food insecurity and  proposes how theatre and the performing arts could be utilized in sensitising the populace to achieve peaceful coexistence, food security,  human survival and safety on planet earth.
New media as theatre stage for political education: A study of selected new media skits on the 2023 Nigerian general elections
Authors: Ogbonna Kelechi Stellamaris , Ihentuge Chisimdi Udoka
Published: September 2024

Many factors, primary among which are leadership failures, led to some level of apathy among the electorate in past elections in Nigeria.  A report claims that only 35.66% of the Nigerian electorate participated in the 2019 general elections. The situation was envisaged to get  worse in the 2023 elections owing to obvious socio-political realities in the country. Various media were, therefore, employed to salvage  the situation through conscious and unconscious political agitations. Hence, during the 2023 Nigerian general elections campaigns, the  services of the theatre in political conscientization through the dissemination of video skits and short films through the new media  especially, YouTube and WhatsApp were sought. The attention of the public was drawn to an avalanche of citizenship rights and political  education as well as relevant information aimed at guiding the citizenry in taking the right actions for the betterment of the country. This  article interrogates the role of the theatre in creating citizenship rights' education via the new media during the 2023 general elections in  Nigeria. Adopting the Technological Determinism Theory (TDT), the study uses content analysis and direct observation methods to  examine selected recorded performances disseminated via the new media during the buildup for the 2023 general elections. A total of  five video skits shared via the new media were analysed. Based on the analysis of the selected video skits, the study surmised that the  Nigerian populace may have garnered some wealth of knowledge bordering on electoral consciousness, candidate’s leadership qualities  and general voters’ education. The paper concludes that theatre as a vehicle of instruction engaged in creating social awareness that  enhance citizenship responsiveness sought to facilitate the democratic process for good leadership in the 2023 Nigerian general  elections.
Coping with healthcare ethical issues in Cameroon
Authors: Dzi Kevin TJ. , Ndong Oscaline N. , Menkem Elisabeth Z. , Tendongfor Nicholas
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Most healthcare professionals (HCPs) face numerous ethical challenges while performing their tasks, regardless of clinical  ethics support structures (CESS) in many health facilities. There has been little research on CESS in Africa. This study sought to determine  how often Cameroonian HCPs in the Southwest Region (SWR) faced ethical issues, how many health institutions have CESS and whether  those with no CESS are willing to have one created.
Method: From December 2022 to June 2023, a cross-sectional study of 469 nurses and physicians working in the SWR was conducted.  Descriptive statistics and the chi-squared test were used. The threshold for statistical significance was p < 0.05.
Results: Of the 466  respondents who answered the question about encountering ethical issues, 177 said they encountered them once a month, whereas 217  reported encountering them weekly. Of the 464 responses to the questions about the CESS, 172 (37.1%) agreed that there was one in  their health facility. Where there was no CESS, 255 out of 292 respondents (87.3%) expressed their willingness for one to be established.  
Conclusions: SWR nurses and physicians regularly face ethical issues, and they are willing that CESS be established in their hospitals to  assist them in resolving complex ethical problems. The Ministry of Public Health is requested to support such initiatives.
SELF DIRECTED LEARNING WITH VIDEO PROMPTING ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER STUDENT’S WRITING SKILL
Authors: Subroto Faradila , Hafidz Moh
Published: September 2024

This research aimed to uncover the implementation of self-directed learning with video prompting on autism spectrum disorder student’s writing skill. This research was conducted on student of SLB Samudra Terra Athena in academic year of 2023-2024. The school located at Masaran village, Tragah, Bangkalan, East Java. The subjects of this research that will be observed by researcher is a student in SMPLB grade at SLB Samudra Terra Athena. The researcher took only 1 student as the subject. A qualitative research approach was employed in this study to describe the current settings in which video prompting is applied to writing skills. The instruments used were field noted observation, interview, and documentation. To draw a conclusion, the data is next examined. The results, self-directed learning with video prompting demonstrates that video prompting can be a useful teaching tool and aid in the practice of writing abilities for students with ASD.
QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH: INTEGRATING INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING INTO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ENGLISH INSTRUCTION
Authors: Nirwan Nirwan , Faudi Faudi , Isra Rahmi , AG Burhanuddin
Published: September 2024

This study is a qualitative descriptive research that focuses on integrating Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) into the teaching of English in elementary schools in Indonesia. The research methodology includes interviews with teachers, classroom observations, and analysis of curriculum documents. The aim is to explore the challenges, experiences, and perceptions of implementing IBL approaches. It highlights the potential benefits of IBL, such as increased student engagement and language proficiency, but also identifies challenges, such as limited resources and varying levels of teacher readiness. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges while leveraging the potential benefits of IBL to create enriching learning experiences for students. The study's practical implications are discussed, focusing on enhancing English instruction practices in elementary schools. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive professional development, supportive classroom environments, and curriculum alignment. This research provides insights into IBL implementation in the Indonesian context and contributes to the ongoing discourse on effective English language education.