bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel research on Neuroprotective effect of Bacopa monnieri L. against propionic acid induced investigation on autism in Sprague Dawley rat
Authors: Anamika P. K , Muralidharan P.
Published: July 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by complex behavioral and memory impairments resulting from abnormal brain development. The research objective is to identify the lack of understanding of the etiology of autism. The Ayurvedic system of medicine recognizes Bacopa monnieri for their potential nootropic activity to maximize brain and neuronal processes such as learning and memory. Brahmi, Bacopa monnieri has been demonstrated in Ayurvedic preparation as memory booster medicine. The neuroprotective properties of hydroalcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri against propionic acid-induced neuroprotective effect in autistic rat models were investigated in the present study. The animal species used in the study are adult Sprague Dawley rats of both sexes were divided into four groups and administered the vehicle/extract for 28 days. Between the 22nd and 28th days of the trial, autism was caused by an intracerebroventricular infusion of propionic acid. Rats were treated to the fundamental methods such as different in vivo behavior and memory evaluation procedures during this infusion period, including the actophotometer test and the Morris water maze test. Animals were euthanized on the 29th day of the investigation to obtain brain material. Extracted brain tissues were used to calculate levels of neuroinflammatory markers (TNF-) and histological examination.
Children's conduct and self-esteem
Authors: Azeen Saima , Arzeen Naeema , Muhammad Hayat , Zohra Nosheen Iffat
Published: July 2022

The use of smartphones has become a potentially addictive practice. Parental smartphone addiction is likely to have far-reaching implications for children's conduct. This article investigates the intricacies and challenges of smartphone addiction, with a special emphasis on children behavior problems and their self-esteem. Moreover, the study investigated mean differences in study variables across demographic variables. This survey study was conducted on the sample of 500 parents (250 mothers& 250 fathers) of children with the age range of 6-13 years by using convenient sampling techniques from different schools located in Rawalpindi and Wah Cantt.  Out of 500 parents, 300 parents (192mothers & 108 fathers) were identified as having problem of smartphone addiction by using the cutoff scores (31=males&33=females) on SAS-short version  (Kwon, Kim, Cho & Yang, 2013).After this a sample of 300 children (Boys =152, Girls= 148) of identified group of parents were given a set of questionnaires (The Pediatric Symptom Checklist , Murphy et al. 1996, & Rosenberg self-esteem scale ,Rosenberg, 1965). The findings of study revealed the significant positive association between parental smartphone addictions with child behavioral problems. Furthermore, significant negative links between parental smartphone addiction with child self-esteem & child behavioral problems with child self-esteem.
Newspaper framing of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria
Authors: Umukoro Ese Steven , Ogwezi Joyce Ogho
Published: July 2022

Since the corona virus disease broke out in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China in 2019, the world has known no peace in terms of global health. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new lifestyle of wearing facemask called the ‘new normal’. The media particularly newspapers have been fighting this global pandemic through different reports such as straight news, features, opinions and cartoons among others.  However, newspapers seem not to be doing enough in this war in their editorials. The above dictated this study which examined how Nigerian newspapers framed the second wave of COVID-19 in their editorials. Using qualitative research method, the study analysed contents of the published editorials of selected newspapers on the second wave of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Data analysed were presented in simple statistics while hypotheses raised were tested using Chi-square Statistical Technique.  The study found that Vanguard and Punch newspapers (the selected newspapers) published very few editorials (poor frequency) on the second phase of the pandemic in Nigeria despite the deadly effects of the disease. The study also revealed 13 types of frames (content categories of frame) in the editorials published on the second upsurge of the pandemic in Nigeria by the selected newspapers.
Study of clinical conditions that complicated birth in women in OSH region in 2016-2021
Authors: Abdirasulovna Abdirasulova Zhainagul , Arstanalievna Subanova Gulzhamal , Abdykalukovna Israilova Zeinepkan , Kanubekovna Muratova Gulkaiyr , Sharabetdinova Begmatova Damira
Published: July 2022

Strengthening the national health programs of the Kyrgyz Republic is aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in the country. The total number of births directly depends on the normal conditions during pregnancy and childbirth. Clinical conditions  such as  abnormal  labor,  edema,  proteinuria,  hypertension,  and  bleeding  are   life-threatening during the onset of labor. Factors  complicating  pregnancy  and  childbirth  in  the  Kyrgyz Republic include edema, proteinuria and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy,  childbirth and the  postpartum  period;  childbirth  and  delivery,  complicated  by  bleeding  during  childbirth and violations of labor  activity.  The  purpose  of  the  study:  To  study  and  evaluate  the dynamics of trends in diseases  that  complicate  childbirth  in  8  territorial  maternity hospitals in the Osh region from 2016 to 2021.
economic consequences of rapid population growth in Nigeria
Authors: AWOGBEMI T. O.
Published: July 2022

Nigeria is currently the world's sixth most populous country. However, empirical research on the impact of this growing population on economic growth is divided. This study adds to existing research on the economic effects of Nigeria's rapid population growth. This study used a qualitative research design because it relied on secondary data gathered from books, journal papers, and online sources. Its content was examined in light of the objectives of the study, and Malthusian theory serves as the study's foundation. The majority of Nigeria's development issues, according to the study's findings, can be directly or indirectly linked to the country's rapid population growth. This study thus urges, among other things, the need for an all-encompassing mechanism that will address issues of conflict and insecurity, migration and displacement, access to education for girls, and proper regulation of infrastructure development, as well as the undiluted conservative ideology whereby many, especially in Nigeria, see population growth as the key to control of political power and resources that should be thrown away in favor of a more effective and functional system.
Evaluation of the response of maize to silicon additives under the influence of salt stress
Authors: AL-Anbagi Ali. S. S. , Aswad Aswad. H.
Published: July 2022

A factorial field experiment was carried out in one of the agricultural fields of Dar Al Salam sub-district in Diyala governorate during the autumn season of 2020, to reduce the role of calcium silicate in reducing the effect of salt stress on the growth and yield of maize. The experiment included two factors, the first factor: four levels of salinity for irrigation water W1, W2, W3 and W4 (1.3, 2, 4, 6) dsm-1 and Factor II: Three levels of calcium silicate S0, S1, and S2 (0, 75, 150) kg h-1. The transactions were distributed according to a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) using a split-plot design system, with three replications. The seeds of yellow corn variety (Corn) of Spanish origin were planted on 29/7/2020 after preparing the experimental ground. Fertilizers were added following the fertilizer recommendation. The most important results obtained showed that Silicon addition treatment of 75 kg h-1 S1 gave the highest significant increase in dry weight, which amounted to 420.5 gm plant-1, compared with treatment S0 and S2, with an increase of 19.8 and 15.7%, respectively.
Histological and histochemical study of the intestine in invasive species Acridotheres tristis in Iraq
Authors: Thaker Saja M. , Haba Mukhtar K.
Published: July 2022

The current study was conducted to find out the most important histological and histochemistry differences in the bird A. trisris intestine. The bird samples were dissected; to remove and fixed in 10% formalin, preparing them for histological and histochemical study. The results showed there was a histological differences in the bird intestine. Histological sections showed that the mucosa of A. tristis small intestine was presented numerous long villi which lined by simple columnar epithelium. In the bird large intestine the mucosa was presented numerous villi which lined by simple columnar epithelium. The histochemical sections of A. tristis small and large intestine showed that with Alcian blue (pH2.5) stain the epithelium of villi and intestinal crypts showed that the goblet cells contained acidic mucopolysaccharide. While the enterocytes showed negative reaction. With PAS stain, the sections of villi showed strong neutral mucopolysaccharid within goblet cells.
Utilizing machine learning techniques to classify network traffic
Authors: Butool Saleha , Yazdani Aman , Ahmedulla Mohammed , Nayeemuddin Mohammed Khaja , Ali Mohd Mohsin
Published: July 2022

With in community of internet, it may be essential to recognize whatever programs are flowing via the networks in order to execute particular activities. Network traffic categorization is primarily used by Internet service providers (ISPs) to determine the qualities needed to construct a connection, which in turn influences the cable network current effectiveness. Stream, bandwidth, and machine-learning methods were all used to categorise internet protocol, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Because of its widespread use across disciplines as well as the increasing awareness between many investigators of its [5] methodology when especially in comparison to everyone else, the Machine Learning method is popular these times. Nave Bayes as well as K-nearest algorithm results are then compared in this research whenever applied to a networking given dataset taken through live stream feeds using Ethernet program. Python's sklearn module and the pandas and numpy arrays modules are utilised as assist modules to create a machine learning algorithm. Our findings show that K closest approach is more efficient than Nave Bayes, Decision Tree, and Support Vector Machine algorithms.
Parameter tuning for CNN in diabetic retinopathy identification using eye fundus images
Authors: Fatima Kaneez , Sharaf Mohammed Numan , Ansari Mohammed Taqiuddin , Khan Mohd Arbaaz , Ali Syed Mohd Mujtaba
Published: July 2022

Automatic Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) prediction and treatment are essential to save patients' vision also support optometrists with large-scale screenings. The goal of DR screening is to catch the disease in its earliest stages, allowing for successful therapy to begin. The significant expense of manually computing has minimised through the use of digitized fundus images in current DR analytical techniques. Smart health monitoring technologies that can lessen the stress on ophthalmologists are a constant goal of researchers [1]. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) with parameters tweaking for DR identification are discussed in this research. Network protocols can be fine-tuned in order to alleviate class imbalance. A benchmark retinal datasets is used to evaluate the impact of several filters more than on the categorization hidden layers. One minute and 23 seconds of production time yields an accuracy of 87.5%, with merge losses of 0.6370. For fundus images, the suggested strategy achieves a 13 percent increase in accuracy over modern techniques, proving its superiority.
Incentives for privacy-concerned mobile sensing systems
Authors: Lakshmi B. Naga , Maaz Adeel , Khan Mohammed Irfan , Mustafa Mohammed , Aziz Syed Ali Mohammed Numan
Published: July 2022

To gather meaningful data about individuals and other environments, wireless sensor focuses on inputs posted by customers via their Smartphone (e.g., smart phone). Consumers, on the other hand, might well be hesitant to participate leading to a shortage of incentive as well as concern about probable privacy breaches. Both motivation and security challenges must be resolved in order to successfully stimulate public participation. [2] Although motivations as well as security have already been tackled independently in sensing system, addressing both concurrently remains an outstanding challenge. We introduce two resource private information additional incentives in mobile wearable sensors throughout this research, with the concentrate on data protection rather than incentives mechanism design [12]. Our methods allow Smartphone members to earn rewards by providing information without revealing what data they've supplied, and they prevent bad users from abusing the system to gain a limitless number of credits. The first approach takes into account instances in which an internet intermediary (TTP) is provided and depends just on TTP to preserve consumer privacy and avoid abusive threats [5]. The second strategy examines cases in which there is no online TTP.
The influence of online marketing on start-ups
Authors: Garg Smriti , Asif Sarina , Yadav Sheetal , Kaushik Tanuja
Published: July 2022

It has been proven in many studies that online marketing has played a major role in developing and shaping the future of start-ups. It is no untold truth that indeed online and digital marketing, in various forms, have and are still influencing the journey of start-ups. Owning to this, each day more and more companies and businesses inculcate online and digital marketing into their marketing strategies. However, a bulk of these studies which have been done are the perspectives of the companies themselves. A limited amount of study has been done which reflects the viewpoints of the consumer, as to how are they affected by the use of online tools for marketing. Thus, for this study, the data was collected from 132 respondents (the consumers) using an online questionnaire. The main objective of this study was to identify if digital marketing is associated with start-up success, brand awareness, and consumer purchase patterns along with the effectiveness of online marketing and traditional marketing. The analysis of the data was done using the SPSS software and a T-test in addition to correlation is applied.
review of strategies to prevent periodontitis in patients with head and neck neoplasms undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Bagherianlamraski Mobina
Published: July 2022

In many countries, head and neck cancer incidence continues to rise. Treatment of head and neck cancer patients using chemotherapy has several oral side effects during and after treatment. These include mucositis, dry mouth, oral candidiasis, changes in the sense of taste and thinning of the mucosa, which can increase the risk of periodontal disease. Periodontitis can be easily ignored, as the symptoms of gingivitis may be deep in the periodontium. General dentists should evaluate the periodontal status of patients with head and neck cancer before, during and after chemotherapy. In addition, dentists need to design a comprehensive treatment plan to prevent periodontitis in these patients. This study aimed to review different strategies to prevent periodontitis before, during, and after treating patients with head and neck neoplasms and undergoing chemotherapy.
Assessment of Auto-antibodies (RF, Anti-CCP, and Anti-RA33) in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Hashiam Mustafa Dhurgham , Aldahhan Hawraa A Ali
Published: July 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease which is typically present in adulthood, more common in women than men and affecting e0.5- 1% of the adulth population.Many auto-antibodies could be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease of these Anti-RA33 antibodies and anti-CCP antibodies in addition to rheumatic factor (RF). This case control study was doing during the period from January 2021 to August 2021.Its conducted on (105) patients with RA match with (45) healthy control. RF, anti-  CCP and  RA33 were positive in 84( 80% ), 89(84.7  %),and 100 ( 96.1 %) patients with RA, respectively. the anti-CCP antibody showed 100% sensitivity for the detection of RA, and the anti-RA33 antibody showed a sensitivity of 96.1%. Anti-CCP demonstrated more favorable predictive values for RA than anti-RA33 and RF. there is a highly significant difference (P≤0.05) when compared between RA patient groups and control group. In this study   the mean levels of all auto-antibodies ( RF, anti-CCP, RA33 )were  increased  significantly(P<0.05) in RA patients(113±81 , 92.3 ±87.5, 336±110),respectively compared with control group .The age group (61-≥70)group appeared significant  higher  mean level  of RF, anti-CCP, RA33 than other age groups.
Assessment of cytokine profile in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Hashiam Mustafa Dhurgham , Aldahhan Hawraa A Ali
Published: July 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects small joints, characterized by inflammation and cellular proliferation in the synovial lining of joints that can ultimately result in cartilage and bone destruction. This study aims to detect the IL-6 and TNF –α in addition to assess some diagnostic parameters in105 Rheumatoid arthritis patients and compared with healthy individuals as control. The mean level of ESR and CRP in RA patients were increase significantly (P<0.05) in (81.25±14.35 and 224 ± mg/dl), respectively than control. The mean IL-6 and TNF-α serum level were significantly higher (p ≤0.05) in RA patients (197 &   308) pg/ml, respectively compared to the control (5 & 57) pg./ml. There was no significant correlation between anti-CCP with RF, IL-6, TNF-α (p≥0.05) and only significant with RA33.
Efficacy of ondansetron alone, dexamethasone alone and combination of ondansetron and dexamethasone for PONV for patients undergoing under general anaesthesia
Authors: Chitta Pratiksha , Mothe Gouthami , Alugolu Mrunalini , Leela Kaleru Sai
Published: July 2022

Aim: To compare the efficacy of Ondansetron alone, Dexamethasone alone and combination of Ondansetron and Dexamethasone for postoperative nausea and vomiting for patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia. Materials and methods: A prospective randomized comparative study in Ninety patients (of either sex belonging to ASA I and II physical status) posted for elective surgeries (under General Anaesthesia) were selected and were randomly allocated into three groups; Dexamethasone (Group A) alone, Ondansetron (Group B), and Dexamethasone and Ondansetron (Group C). Results:  There was no significant difference in the baseline parameters among the groups Intra-operatively and post-operatively, we did not observe any statistically significant differences within or between the groups. The results of our study revealed that patients receiving Ondansetron and Dexamethasone had significantly lesser incidence of PONV when compared with either Dexamethasone alone or Ondansetron alone during the first 24 hours postoperative period. The incidence of PONV was 13.2%, 18.98%, and 36.3% respectively In our study, the complete response occurred in 86.8% of the cases in Dexamethasone and Ondansetron combination group, 81.02% in Dexamethasone alone group and 63.7% in Ondansetron alone group.
case report of possible misdiagnosis of late onset multiple sclerosis with resurfacing of symptoms in her early eighties
Authors: Thomas Anub Mathew , Broch Line , Haslund Anniken , Bjørnarå Kari Anne
Published: July 2022

Background: Late onset multiple sclerosis is relatively unusual and there are limited reports regarding the symptoms, progression and treatment. Case presentation: In this case study, we discuss a patient in her early eighties, with late onset multiple sclerosis presumably misdiagnosed of a transient ischemic attack presenting with numbness of her right hand and face that lasted for three months before they spontaneously regressed remaining dormant for almost 30 years. In 2018, a gradual, but progressive difficulty in walking surfaced. An MRI of the spinal cord was performed in 2019 and described without any pathological findings. On admission in our department, radiological examination revealed multiple lesions in the brain and the spinal cord suggesting a demyelinating condition and corresponded with the MRI of the spinal cord performed in 2019. The cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed oligoclonal bands suggestive of multiple sclerosis. The patient received a three-day course of high dose prednisolone intravenously. On hospital discharge, the patient reported subjective improvement of the symptoms. Improvement of the symptoms was described by the patient at the 1-month follow-up, though no objective improvement was found on neurological examination. Taking into consideration the age and symptom progression no disease modifying treatment was initiated.
Chaos in g-Non Autonomous discrete systems
Authors: Hussein Baraa Ali , ALsharaa Iftichar Mudhar
Published: July 2022

In this work, we generalized some chaotic propositions in space more general than non-autonomous discrete systems for new system we call it a g-non autonomous discrete systems.
Consequences of sleep deprivation among nurses at critical care units in Al-Najaf city
Authors: Hassan Abdulrahman Jassim , Khudhair Fatima Wanas , Mahdi Ali Abdulzahra
Published: July 2022

Sleep deprivation is a major public health challenge in modern societies. The current study aims to assess the level of sleep deprivation of the nurses in critical care units, reveal the consequences of sleep deprivation, and characterize the relationship between them with the demographic data of nurses. A descriptive design has been performed in the current study. It has been carried out in the critical care units of hospitals in the city of Najaf from October 20, 2021 to March 20, 2022. A Non-probability a technique of (purposive) samples of the (163) nurses in critical care units for night shifts has been selected. Measurement level of sleep deprivation through the sleep deprivation scale modified by expert committee, and the general health status was determined from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) consisting of (28) items, and it includes four aspects: physical, social, depression, and anxiety. The results of the current study have shown that the level of sleep deprivation is moderate. The results also have revealed that the assessment of most domains (physical, social, and anxiety) was moderate, except for the domain of depression, which was good.
Photodynamic therapy of cancer cells using folate conjugated gold nanoparticles as a new nanoplatform for targeted cancer therapy
Authors: Naser Hawraa A. , Mohammed Nisreen J. , Ghaleb Rana A.
Published: July 2022

Photodynamic therapy works through photo activation of a specific photosensitizer in a tumor in the presence of oxygen. PDT is widely applied in oncology to treat various cancers as it has a minimally invasive procedure and high selectivity, does not interfere with other treatments, and can be repeated as needed. A large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and singlet oxygen is generated in a cancer cell during PDT, which destroys the tumor effectively. In this study, explained utilization of gold nanoparticles as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy of primary liver cancer and colorectal cancer that showed gold NPs exerted cytotoxic effects on cancer cells in dose dependent manner. In this study also used folic acid (a water-soluble vitamin) as ligand to increase targeting of nanoparticles to cancer cells were tumor cells   over-expressing folate receptors for their rapid proliferation. The results showed that the folic acid conjugated Au NPs exerted a significant cytotoxic effect on cancer cells (decrease in cells viability) (p˂0.001) and upon irradiations the effects also enhanced significantly comparing with gold nanoparticles alone.
Comparative study between intrathecal bupivacaine versus intrathecal bupivacaine and fentanyl in elective caesarean sections
Authors: Yerasi Akhila Reddy , Reddy Nagaraja D.
Published: July 2022

Background: Intrathecal administration of adjuvant drugs have been used increasingly for increasing the onset, duration and quality of analgesia. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine with that of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine with fentanyl for patients undergoing elective caesarean sections. Materials & methods: 50 aged between 15 to 30 years, whose weight is 45 to 80 kg, belonging to ASA class I and II, scheduled for elective caesarean sections were selected and randomized into 2 groups. Group B received 9mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% and group BF received 9mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% with 10mcg of fentanyl. The onset of analgesia, onset of motor blockade, the duration of sensory blockade, the duration motor blockade, the quality of blockade, duration of analgesia, Intrathecal Injection to delivery time, APGAR SCORE of neonates, hemodynamic parameters of parturient and side effects were recorded. Results: There was significant difference between the two groups in the meantime to onset of sensory anaesthesia (group BF 3.28±0.73mins, group B 3.84±1.06mins; p value=0.009). The onset of motor blockade was similar in both the groups. Excellent block was achieved in 80% patients in group B compared to 100% of patients in group BF.
Knowledge, practice and ocular assessment on road safety measures among rural population of Uttar Pradesh: Cross sectional study
Authors: Upadhyay Prerna , Rajain Manju , Pachauri Rajat Kumar , Kumar Aman , Priyanka Priyanka
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) pose a significant burden on the health care system in India with high out of pocket medical expenditure. Awareness about this public health problem is necessary to combat it and this study was carried out to assess knowledge and practice towards road safety among the adult population in the kantha and Nawabganj in unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 427 adults aged 16 years and above residing in the region for more than one year. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge and practice towards road safety measures. Results: Majority 69.1% of the participants were in the age group of 16-25 years, males were 70.3 % and 59% had up to matric level of education. Overall knowledge and practice was found to be satisfactory among 55% of the participants. Previous history of accidents, 17.3% had reported in family and out of them, 43.24% of them had reported 8am-4pm timing of accidents. Knowledge of having compulsory vehicle insurance and Carrying of original vehicle documents are significantly associated with age group, gender and education.
Preparation of molybdenum nanoparticles using cold plasma as antibacterial
Authors: Al-Esawy Bilal K. , Obaid A. S.
Published: July 2022

In this paper, molybdenum nanoparticles (Mo NPs) were prepared by cold plasma method with different concentrations and time constant. Some structural tests were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Average crystal size is variable. Effect of the prepared nanomaterial on the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The results of those tests showed that the prepared substance at concentrations of (1.5 and 2) mM when exposed to plasma (12 min). As the results of their assays showed the polycrystalline structure of all samples of the cubic structure, the results also showed that the average crystal size changes directly with the change of concentration. On the other hand, the results of this research showed that Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were resistant to Mo NPs prepared at a concentration of (1.5 and 2) mM at dilutions (0.5, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32). ). But at dilution 64, there was little inhibition of its growth.
8- Hydroxy-Deoxyguanosine (8-OhDG) urine as a biomarker of oxidative damage in late elderly diabetes mellitus
Authors: Qadarsih Sophia , Zainuddin Alfian , Yustisia Ika , Astuti Nurpudji , Idris Irfan , Santoso Arif
Published: July 2022

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels that exceed normal limits. The DM pathomechanism involves oxidative stress, which has the potential to cause damage to cell components, including Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OhDG) is the most frequently detected oxidative DNA lesion. It is water-soluble and excreted in the urine. This study aimed to compare urine 8-OhDG levels in patients with controlled and uncontrolled blood sugar diabetes and healthy controls aged 56-65 years. Analytical descriptive research with a cross-sectional study design involved 80 participants determined with purposive sampling. The levels of 8-OhDG were measured using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The results showed that urine 8-OhDG levels in DM patients (1.426±0.204ng/mL) were higher than in healthy controls (1.372±0.190ng/mL), although not statistically significant. Urine levels of 8-OhDG in DM patients aged 61-65 years (1.468±0.220ng/mL) were higher than in DM patients aged 56-60 years (1.394±0.190ng/mL), although not statistically significant. Urine levels of 8-Ohdg in controlled DM patient were lower (1.282±0.131 ng/mL) than in uncontrolled DM patient (1.569±0.159 ng/mL), were significantly different (p<0.05). 8-OhDG produced by the body is the final product of oxidative DNA damage.
Comparative study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Pioglitazone and Metformin on HOMA IR and HbA1c in patient of prediabetes
Authors: Dhone Pravin G. , Sahu Madhusmita , Sahoo Annapurna , Mubeen Mohd Faheem
Published: July 2022

In India, the number of people with diabetes is increasing day-by-day. Due to a sole “Asian Indian Phenotype,” Indians develop diabetes an era earlier and have an earlier onset of complications. Hence, it is essential to evaluate earlier stage of disease progression. Prediabetes, typically defined as blood glucose levels above normal but below the thresholds of diagnosis of diabetes, is a risk state that defines a high chance of developing diabetes. The present study was Prospective, open label, comparative, randomized, parallel group, single center study. Comparison of two active treatment groups over a period of six months. Sixty patients of either sex in the age of more than 40 years with prediabetes, with HbAlc in the range of 5.7 to 6.4 % at screening as per ADA. The effect of metformin and pioglitazone were observed on various parameters i.e. Serum Insulin, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR. In metformin group the mean change in HOMA-IR from baseline to 6 months was 3.44 to 2.21 (-1.23); on the other hand, in Pioglitazone group from baseline to 6 months was 3.30 to 1.91 (-1.39). Whereas, serum insulin from 35.58 to 26.73 (-8.85) in metformin group; in Pioglitazone group from 35.13 to 21.77 (-13.36).
A case of Brucella pyelonephritis: a rare case
Authors:   Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease, Canakkale, Turkey, Alkan Sevil , Dindar Demiray Emine Kübra ,   Bitlis State Hospital, Department of Indectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Bitlis, Turkey, Tarhan Nurullah ,   Bitlis State Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine, Bitlis, Turkey, Önder Taylan ,   Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease, Canakkale, Turkey
Published: July 2022

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, seen globally, especially in developing countries and it can affect many organs. Urinary involvement of this disease is a very rare. Pyelonephritis, interstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis, nephropathy are the reported urinary involvements. In this study, we aimed to report a case of Brucella pyelonephritis, who had complaints mimicking acute bacterial pyelonephritis, with a history of polycystic kidney disease and calculi in the left kidney.
Giant Epiphrenic Diverticulum: A Challenging Case
Authors:   Department of Hospital Surgery with the Course of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, North Caucasian State Academy, Russian Federation, Uzdenov Rasul , Atakhadzhaev Sukhrob ,   Department of Emergency Surgery №75, Botkin Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation, Asim Muhammad ,   Department of General Surgery, State Central Hospital of Domodedovo, Domodedovo, Russian Federation, Covantev Serghei ,   Department of Oncology №71, Botkin State Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2022

A diverticulum is a limited saccular protrusion of the esophageal wall, communicating with its lumen. Anatomically, esophageal diverticula are classified into pharyngoesophageal, median, and epiphrenic. Treatment of esophageal diverticula is based on several basic pathophysiological principles. Small and asymptomatic diverticula do not require specific treatment. Large and symptomatic diverticula require surgical intervention, consisting of diverticulectomy combined with myotomy. Operations for symptomatic epiphrenic diverticula make up no more than 2% of all operations on the esophagus. We describe a case of an epiphrenic diverticulum with the dimensions 88x60x90 mm in a 54-year-old patient. Surgical treatment of this disease was performed according to the Lewis method. The article also describes methods of dealing with concomitant postoperative complications and a brief review of the literature on epiphrenic diverticula.
The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage on Deaths Outcome in Africa, Subregional Differences and the need for a Renewed Multi-level Effort
Authors:   Department of Infectious Disease, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA, Setubi Armel F. , Nakoya Esther ,   Department of International Relations, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya, Tchougene Annie-Flore K. ,   Department of Pediatrics, Yaoundé University Health Center, Yaoundé, Cameroon, Fopokam Xavier-Gabriel ,   Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
Published: July 2022

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 continues to raise health and socio-economical concerns globally. The recent discovery of the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant with its critical mutations has heightened the debate about the need for a better global vaccination rollout to prevent the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 strains. Optimizing vaccine rollout in Africa is crucial for the management of the pandemic and preventing the rise of new strains. To better direct efforts and interventions it is important to know what parts of the continent necessitate more attention. Material and Methods: 30 African countries were grouped in five geographical subregions, six countries for each subregion. Data on confirmed cases, doses administered, fully vaccinated, and deaths were extracted from the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center database. The ANOVA test evaluated differences in means for these variables classified by subregions. The correlation test and the linear regression examined the relationship between these independent variables and total deaths. Results: There was a significant regional difference in confirmed cases (P<0.0001), and in fully vaccinated (P=0.01) across the five subregions. The overall model showed that there is a significant regional difference in the three variables’ effect on total deaths (P<0.0001). The linear regression indicated an association between the total number of deaths in relation to the confirmed cases, doses administered, and fully vaccinated (P<0.0001). Discussion: This study indicates that a relation exists between total deaths and the variables confirmed cases, doses administered, and fully vaccinated. More importantly, African countries grouped in geographical subregions perform differently in terms of vaccine rollout, and that offers insights for better and oriented interventions.
Peripartum cardiomyopathy: A 2022 update
Authors:   Department of Cardiology, Aster Hospital, Dubai, UAE, Dash Debabrata , Mody Rohit ,   Department of Cardiology, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Bathinda, India, Malan Sugandhna Reno ,   Department of Cardiology, Aster Hospital, Dubai, UAE, Ahmed Naveed ,   Department of Cardiology, Aster Hospital, Dubai, UAE, Mody Bhavya ,   Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India
Published: July 2022

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but life-threatening condition defined by left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure (HF), occurring in late pregnancy or, more commonly, the early postpartum period. In African American women, women with pre-eclampsia, advanced maternal age, and numerous gestation pregnancies, there is a greater incidence. Although the pathophysiology of PPCM is still undetermined, the importance of vasculo-hormonal pathways has been suggested in research over the past decades. Sarcomere genetic polymorphisms are found in at least some women with the disorder. More than 50% of the patients recover systolic function, albeit some are left with chronic cardiomyopathy, and a small minority of patients requires mechanical support or cardiac transplantation, or both. For the diagnosis of PPCM, electrocardiographic findings of decreased myocardial function are essential. Currently, the management of PPCM is limited to standard treatments for HF with reduced ejection fraction, with attention to minimizing the potential adverse effects on the fetus in women who are still pregnant. As a result, the outcome might range from full recovery to persistent HF, arrhythmia, thromboembolic events, or death. Research on PPCM is examined in this review, as are potential future paths for further study.
Corynebacterium endocarditis in a patient with a cardiac implantable electronic device
Authors:   Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey, Alkan Sevil , Küçük Uğur ,   Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey, Şahin Serpil ,   Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey, Önder Taylan ,   Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Canakkale, Turkey
Published: July 2022

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections have been rising around the world. Many microorganisms can lead to this disease. Corynebacterium species are catalase-positive Gram-positive bacilli, also known as "diphtheroids" or "coryneform" bacteria, were once almost universally dismissed as contamination when recovered from patients, but they are now increasingly being linked to serious infections and have the ability to form biofilms and rarely cause CIED infections and this can be complicated as infective endocarditis. Corynebacterium spp. are frequently overlooked as contaminants in blood cultures, yet they can cause a serious infective endocarditis (IE). Antibiotic resistance is increasing among Corynebacterium spp., and this makes treatment more challenging. There are few reports of IE caused by Corynebacterium spp., and more research is needed. Here, we report a case of 55- year old man with Corynebacterium spp. cardiac device-related infective endocarditis.
A case of Aluminum Phosphide poisoning managed successfully in Nepal: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Molecular Cardiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA, Jha Suman Kumar , Basnet Angela ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital, Banepa, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal, Chaulagain Sabin ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital, Banepa, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal, Ojha Shiva Kumar ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital, Banepa, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal
Published: July 2022

Aluminum phosphide (ALP) is a highly toxic compound most commonly available as Celphos in Nepal. Suicidal ingestion is common in developing countries like Nepal as it is easily available and has a high mortality rate. Farmers to protect crops from rodents and pests use it. Here we present a case of a 24-year-old female with suicidal ingestion of one and a half-tablet of ALP presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. The patient developed metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, acute respiratory distress, and hypotension during the Intensive Care Unit stay. Supportive treatment with gastric lavage (coconut oil), intravenous magnesium sulfate, sodium-bicarbonate infusion, adequate vasopressor and close monitoring of hemodynamic parameters helped in the survival of the patient.
Sympathovagal equilibrium analysis in patients with COVID-19
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital J. B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina, Musacchio Héctor M. , Cogliano Florencia ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital J. B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina, Miño Hugo J.D. ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital J. B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina, Romagnoli Gonzalo ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital J. B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina, Debona Florencia ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital J. B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina, Godano Delfina ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital J. B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina, Barbone Federico ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital J. B. Iturraspe, Santa Fe, Argentina
Published: July 2022

Introduction: With the increase of COVID-19 cases, an unusual manifestation for this type of virus began to appear anosmia and dysgeusia, which could indicate a neurologic alteration. In this context, it seems likely that subclinical manifestations of baroreflex involvement occur. The vegetative nervous system carries out the regulation of the baroreflex through the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The objective of this study is to verify whether patients with COVID-19 present alteration of this equilibrium. Material and methods: Patients included had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to the Internal Medicine Department of JB Iturraspe Hospital. A Holter recording was performed at rest for 5 minutes, determining the variables in the frequency domain using Fourier transform analysis. We excluded patients with diabetes, medicated with drugs that modify heart rate or with a history of irradiation to the neck. Results: 68 patients were studied. The mean age was 49±13 years. The median systolic blood pressure was 120 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure 80 mmHg. The heart rate was 76±13 beats per minute and the median respiratory rate was 24 (16 to 40). Anosmia was observed in 22% and dysgeusia in 19% The variables in the frequency domain were: Low-frequency power (LF) 135.8ms2 (13.7-2861.7); High-frequency power (HF), 89.04ms2 (4.1-5234.4), LFnu 57.5±22.3, HFnu 43.1±22.6. LF:HF 2.1±2. 41.2% of the patients had a high LF:HF. Conclusions: LF and HF components can be obtained through frequency analysis. The relationship between these two elements would thus represent the sympathovagal balance and is expressed as the LF/HF ratio. We observed that 41.2% of the studied patients showed elevated LF/HF ratio. The 41.2% of the patients presented an increased LF:HF ratio, which could be interpreted as an alteration in autonomic function.
Rising incidence of carbapenem resistant isolates: an Argentinian hospital’s experience. More trouble in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. JB Iturraspe Hospital, Santa Fe, Argentina, Gabriel Castro Maximiliano , Ubiergo Lucía ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. JB Iturraspe Hospital, Santa Fe, Argentina, Vicino Macarena ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. JB Iturraspe Hospital, Santa Fe, Argentina, Cuevas Gisel ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. JB Iturraspe Hospital, Santa Fe, Argentina,   Faculty of Medical Sciences, National University of Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina, Argarañá Fernanda ,   Department of Microbiology, Dr. JB Iturraspe Hospital, Santa Fe, Argentina,   Faculty of Biology and Biological Sciences Sciences, National University of Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
Published: July 2022

Introduction: During COVID-19 outbreaks, disproportionate use of antibiotics, high Intensive Care Units burden and longer in-hospital stays may have aggravated the emergency posed by carbapenem-resistant isolates. Therefore, we set out to determine whether the incidence of carbapenem-resistant isolates rose in a tertiary care center in Santa Fe, Argentina during the period with active cases of COVID-19. Material and methods: In this retrospectively designed analytic epidemiologic study, two periods were defined: Period 1 (without active cases of COVID-19) from September 2019 to August 2020 and Period 2 (starting at the onset of the first wave of COVID-19 in this Institution) from September 2020 to June 2021. All clinically relevant microbiological samples taken during these periods in the Internal Medicine, Surgical and Intensive Care Unit wards were included. The primary analysis of interest was the differential incidence between the two periods, overall and in the Intensive Care Units wards in particular. Results: 9,135 hospitalizations, 50,145 patient-days of analysis. 7,285 clinical samples were taken, with an overall positivity for carbapenem-resistant isolates of 12.1% (n=883). Overall carbapenem-resistant isolates incidence during Period 2 was 2.5 times higher than in Period 1 (2.52 vs 0.955/100 patient-days, p<0.001). Intensive Care Units’ carbapenem-resistant isolates incidence raised from 6.78 to 8.69/100 patient-days in Period 2 (p=0.006). Conclusions: We found alarming rates of carbapenem-resistant isolates in our center, 2.5 times higher in the period following the first wave of COVID-19. This rise was due to a higher amount of clinically relevant microbiological samples taken and to a higher carbapenem resistance among Enterobacteria and non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli. To our knowledge, this is one of the few Latin-American reports on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on carbapenem-resistant isolates incidence.