bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resveratrol inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation by regulating autophagy and apoptosis through the SIRT1 and JNK signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ping Jian , Jiang Na , Xu Lieming
Published: May 2022

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in grapes, berries, peanuts, and medicinal plants, has previously been reported to have several biological activities, including inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is the major cellular source of matrix protein-secreting myofibroblasts, which are the major drivers of liver fibrogenesis. Numerous studies on the protective effects of resveratrol against liver fibrosis have focused on the inhibition of HSC activation. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, autophagy and apoptosis regulation might be intimately related. The mouse HSC line JS1 was stimulated with resveratrol to assess the mechanism and relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Resveratrol dose-dependently modulated JS1 cell viability. Moreover, resveratrol inhibited JS1 cell activation and induced autophagy and apoptosis. This antifibrotic effect was attenuated when autophagy was inhibited using chloroquine (CQ) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or when apoptosis was inhibited using Z-VAD-FMK. Furthermore, whether the Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways were associated with resveratrol-induced autophagy and apoptosis in JS1 cells was examined. The SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 reversed autophagy, and the JNK inhibitor SP600125 was able to reverse both autophagy and apoptosis induced by resveratrol. These findings suggest that the SIRT1 and JNK signaling pathways may be involved in resveratrol-mediated inhibition of HSC activation by regulating autophagy and apoptosis.
Cardiotoxicity Associated With Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment
Authors: Mendes João , Francisco Andreia , Pires António
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Cardiotoxicity is one of the possible consequences of treating Hodgkin's lymphoma. This assumes a very important role in the patients outcomes since, increasingly, theyhave a higher survival rate, better quality of life and inherently longer survival. This is due to the improvement in the treatment of this pathology.Material and methods: Clinical information was collected from 103 patients about their age at diagnosis, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, anthracycline dose to which they were subjected and the use of mediastinal radiotherapy.According to this information, echocardiograms of these patients were analysed at five different times. Results: We obtained lower TAPSE values for females and for higher doses. Inverse relationships were also observed between the TAPSE value measured 6 months after treatment. The LV systolic function 5 years after treatment was inversed relationed with the age of the patients. Discussion: It was observed that there may be a relationship between the TAPSE 3 values and the anthracycline dose to which the patient was submitted, and we found lower TAPSE values in the group with the highest dose, in this case of 220 mg/m2.Conclusion: The incidence of cardiotoxicity after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma was 8% in the studied population.One of the conclusions we can take from this study is that it appears that cardiac toxic cardiac toxicity begins to reflect on right heart function in a chronic phase, more than 2 years after treatment.Other conclusions we can draw are that younger age, female sex and higher cumulative dose could be risk factors for cardiotoxicity due to anthracyclines.
Is testicular microlithiasis associated with testicular pathologies in children?
Authors: Sag Sefa , Elemen Levent , Masrabaci Kaan , Gungormez Esma Karadeniz
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To analyze the association of testicular pathologies with TM.Method: The retrospective study included pediatric patients who underwent scrotal ultrasonography (US) due to complaints including testicular pain, discomfort, swelling, scrotal redness in our clinic between June 2020 and January 2022. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1; patients were diagnosed with testicular pathology or presented with testicular pain. Group 2; patients without testicular pathology or complaints. Patients were also classified as having undescended testis, epididymo-orchitis, varicocele and testicular pain without testicular pathology in group 1. Group 1 and subgroups of group 1 were compared with group 2 for the presence of TM.Results: A total of 516 patients were included in the study. Median age at the time of US examination was 24 months (range, 1 month - 17 years). There was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2, and boys with undescended testis and group 2 with regard to the presence of TM (p=0.85, p=0.55, respectively). TM was significantly higher in patients who had undergone orchiopexy and presented with testicular pain compared to group 2 (p=0.000, p=0.03, respectively). TM was not detected in patients with epididymo-orchitis, varicocele.Conclusion: We found no association between TM and testicular pathologies. Orchiopexy is likely to increase the prevalence of TM. Testicular pain may be a symptom of microlithiasis.
Analysis of the total serum levels of IgE levels in patients with acute exacerbations chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zheng Juan , Yuan Lindong , Li Zhen , Qi Jun , Li Lili , Jiang Tingting , Yang Ziyun , Qin Shan , Tian Xiufen , Wang Yan , Zhao Peige
Published: May 2022

BackgroundCurrently, no studies have demonstrated the relationship between IgE and AECOPD. Also, the utility of total serum IgE levels as a biomarker to guide AECOPD treatments remains to be determined.In this study, the total serum levels of IgE in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) were investigated and correlated with the clinical characteristics.MethodsOur study retrospectively included AECOPD patients that were hospitalized at the Liaocheng People's Hospital from July 2018 to July 2019.we investigated the demographic variables, body mass index, smoking history, lung function, the frequency of acute exacerbation episodes in the past 12 months, the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), medication history and complications. Routine blood tests, C-reactive protein levels and total IgE levels in the serum of patients were determined along with blood gas analysis. The length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation during hospitalization, ICU admission, glucocorticoid administration, cumulative dose of glucocorticoid administration during hospitalization, duration of glucocorticoid administration, and the average dosage of glucocorticoid were also recorded. ResultsA total of 285 patients were included in the study that had a high proportion of males(74.1%). The proportion of patients with increased levels of T-IgE was 49.82%. According to the results of total IgE serum levels (> 60 kU/L as abnormal value), the patients were divided into high (n=142) and low high T-IgE groups (n=143). There was no significant difference in the dosage of glucocorticoid (including the number of patients receiving glucocorticoid, the average dosage of glucocorticoid, cumulative dosage and medication time) between the two groups. Patients in the high T-IgE group had shorter hospital stays and a lower probability of mechanical ventilation compared to the low T-IgE group. After adjustment for confounding factors, T-IgE was negatively correlated with the length of hospital stay. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that low T-IgE was a statistically significant risk factor for mechanical ventilation and ICU admission in COPD patients.Conclusion Increased levels of t-IgE were found in many AECOPD patients suggesting that an allergic phenotype may be displayed in AECOPD. AECOPD patients with elevated t-IgE had shorter hospital stays and lower risks of mechanical ventilation and ICU admission. Our data show that t-IgE may have value as a biomarker in evaluating the condition of patients and guiding treatment decisions in AECOPD patients.
Establishing a Multimodal Imaging Tool pProTG for Selecting and Tracing Cells
Authors: Tian Yuan , XIAO Keyu , Yang Wenxiu , Zhang Peipei , Mou Yajun , Zhang Junhong , Li Qing , Yang Hui , Cui Yi , Hu Pingsheng , Dou Xiaowei
Published: May 2022

In order to select the cells in vitro, identify the selected cells and trace the selected cells in small animal, we establish a multimodal imaging tool pProTG. We fused enhanced green fluorescent protein, Puromycin N-acetyltransferase and Firefly Luciferase to construct a multimodal imaging tool pProTG, which have ability of selecting the positive cells by puroR, identifying the selected cells by EGFP and imaging the cells in small animal by Fluc. Our established multimodal imaging tool can be used to select the targeted cells in vitro and trace the cells in vivo.
COMSOL Simulation Study of Microwave Plasma in Cavity Resonator as a Transmitter-receiver Switch
Authors: Salem Mohammad Kazem , Yusefnejad Hadi , Zakri-Khatir Hadi
Published: May 2022

Microwave discharge characteristics and variable plasma conductivity play an important role in design of microwave filters and the efficiency of radars and electronic warfare devices. A three dimension model was designed to study the effect of plasma formation on high power microwave (HPM) transmittance in cavity resonator based on COMSOL platform. The effect of gap length, electrode shape and size, coaxial port dimensions and gas pressure, on the electric field in the gap and insertion loss in cavity were investigated. The effect of the cross-section of ​​ coaxial port on the electric field created in the gap was investigated and the best values ​​were calculated and determined. The electron density profile, electron temperature, electric conductivity, elastic and inelastic collision frequency were calculated. The performance of plasma limiter was optimized. Results were compared with the experimental data.
Dissemination of Information on Nuclear Incidents and Risks: ‘An assessment of the activity concentration level based on a survey of the Garigliano NPP.
Authors: ADEWOLE Olukorede , .
Published: May 2022

This explicit and full draft presentation reports the measurements done and analysis with key results,in - depth presentations, calculations and findings which as elaborated and concluded.The measured values and activity concentrations are obtained based on gamma spectroscopy of sediment samples drawn and obtained from the ‘Garigliano range and proximity of the ‘NPP up to depths of (0 – 70) m range as seen in the depth profile.The mean activity of K – 40 reported is 7,33E -01 Bq/g and 7,38E-01 Bq/g for sampled locations T0_DAT & T5_DAT respectively of sediment samples from the ‘Garigliano NPP.Cs – 137 as calculated and obtained shows a mean activity of 3.35E – 03 Bq/g and a standard deviation of 0.0034 (Bq/g) for sampled location T0_DAT.K – 40 activity showed depth dependence as presented and verified by the statistical testing from the hypothesis frame and formulation presented as explicitly discussed and demonstrated.The two sampled locations T0_DAT & T5_DAT can be said to have the same or equal means as tested and statistically affirmed from the hypothesis presented. This further justifies and inferring its ubiquitous nature and presence and the relatively high natural abundance of K – 40. ‘*Attention is also drawn and pointed to dissemination of information on nuclear risks and incidents while making references on reporting of nuclear incidents to the Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear events and catastrophes as two key threatening and stunning moments in the history of nuclear events and disasters.The activity indexes have been reported, while assessing the status quo and making salient recommendations.
Assessment of Urban Deprivation Situation in Border-Settlements in Nigeria: The Lagos and Ogun Experience
Authors: OLOWOPOROKU Oluwaseun , DARAMOLA Oluwole
Published: May 2022

Understanding people’s experiences with their living condition is essential in reducing inequality in cities. This study examined urban deprivation in border settlements of Lagos and Ogun States with a view to providing information capable of enhancing the living condition of residents in the study area. Sample was selected using systematic sampling. Indexes tagged Residents Importance Index (RII) and Residents Satisfaction Index (RSI) were used to measure the importance residents attached to and the satisfaction residents derived from the physical, social and economic attributes of their settlements. The study revealed that residents in the border settlements of the two states experienced physical, social and economic form of urban deprivation. The study further revealed that across the border settlements of the two states, residents attached high importance to the facilities and services that culminated into the settlement’s attributes, however, they derived low satisfaction from them. Also, the study established that physical facilities across the two states were in poorest conditions compared to social and economic facilities and all this indicates a level of urban deprivation in the study area. The study recommended government intervention in the upgrading of the condition of existing facilities as well as introduction of public private partnership in the provision, upgrade and maintenance of public facilities in the study area.
G6PD promotes cell proliferation and dexamethasone resistance in multiple myeloma via increasing anti-oxidant production and activatingWnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Li Rui , Ke Mengying , Qi Mingming , Han Zhenru , Cao Yuhao , Deng Zhendong , Qian Jinjun , Yang Ye , Gu Chunyan
Published: May 2022

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) has been noticed for its deficiency causing a series of clinical diseases, however, the role of G6PD in cancer remains elusive. In this study, serum metabolic profiling identified that DHEAS level was higher in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients than in normal people. DHEAS can be converted into an endogenously uncompetitive inhibitor of G6PD known as DHEA. Clinical datasets from GEO showed an increasing expression of G6PD during MM progression, especially in those patients resistant to Dexamethasone (Dexa). We further investigated the oncogenic role of G6PD by using two MM cell lines in vitro and xenograft mouse model in vivo. Elevated G6PD promoted MM cell proliferation, in contrast silencing G6PD with RNAi or inhibitor suppressed MM cell growth and improved the survival of MM model mice. Mechanistically, high G6PD expression enhanced enzymatic generation of anti-oxidant NADPH via pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thus inducing proliferation and Dexa resistance in MM cells. Furthermore, canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling also participated in regulating G6PD-induced drug resistance and cellular redox level of ROS. Intriguingly, DHEA treatment could enhance the sensitivity of MM cells to Dexa mainly through augmenting cellular oxidative stress. In summary, G6PD enhances the enzymatic anti-oxidant NADPH generation and decreases ROS generation, thus encouraging MM cells resistant to Dexa-induced apoptosis mainly via enzymatic PPP pathway and non-enzymatic Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in MM. Targeting G6PD to harness cellular redox may afford a promising new strategy to improve therapeutic effect of MM patients.
Successful concomitant minimally invasive surgery for aortic valve stenosis and right lung cancer via right mini-thoracotomy : a case report
Authors: Sakakibara Satoshi , Nishi Hiroyuki , Fukui Shinya , Kitahara Mutsunori , Handa Kazuma , Kakizawa Yumi , Goto Takasumi , Funakoshi Yasunobu
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe case of aortic valve stenosis complicated with lung cancer have compelled cardiovascular surgeons to make challenging. We report the first successful short-term outcomes of one-stage minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy through right mini-thoracotomy in a patient with synchronous bicuspid severe aortic valve stenosis which was unsuitable for transcatheter aortic valve implantation and right lung cancer.Case presentationA 76-year-old man with severe aortic valve stenosis was diagnosed with lung cancer of the right upper lobe. Considering the potential risk of tumor metastasis, a one-stage surgical therapy for right lung cancer and aortic valve stenosis was required; however, transcatheter aortic valve implantation was unsuitable due to a bicuspid aortic valve with severe calcification. Therefore, concomitant minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and lobectomy via right mini-thoracotomy were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. ConclusionConcomitant aortic valve replacement and right lobectomy via right mini-thoracotomy may reduce surgical invasiveness, leading to early recovery. This surgical strategy is a useful option, particularly for patients with aortic valve stenosis complicated with right lung cancer.
The Potential Impact of Aortic Stenosis on in-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Obeidat Adham , Mahfouz Ratib , Shah Parthav , Kozai Landon , Darweesh Mohammad , Mansour Mahmoud , Kuwada Scott
Published: May 2022

Background: Patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing non-cardiac surgery, poses a management dilemma to physicians as they are at an increased risk for complications. This study aims to investigate the potential effect of AS on in-hospital mortality and other complications in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).Methods: In this retrospective study, we investigated patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing PD between 2016 to 2019 using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The study population was divided into two groups based on the presence and absence of AS. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation, cardiac arrest, vasopressor use, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to describe the association between the study and outcome variables. Results: Of the 16,150 patients with pancreatic cancer underwent PD, 165 patients were diagnosed with AS. The mean age of patients with AS underwent PD was significantly higher than patients without AS. Patients with AS had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality, cardiac arrest, and ICU admission compared to patients without AS. There was no difference in the mechanical ventilation usage, hospital charges, and length of stay between the two groups. ConclusionAS was found to be associated with higher in-hospital mortality and worse outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing PD. A multidisciplinary team involving surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, and physician should work together to jointly develop an appropriate preoperative and postoperative approach and management for these patients.
The Role of Street Fig Trees as Avian Resource Providers in a Tropical Megacity: Study of Patterns and Drivers
Authors: Rawal Prakhar , Chatrath Deepali , Shahabuddin Ghazala
Published: May 2022

Street trees are known to mitigate the negative effects of urbanization on biodiversity, particularly bird fauna. Despite their acknowledged benefits for birds, studies so far have been largely limited to relatively coarse scales; an understanding of the role of local environments and individual tree characteristics is lacking. We studied patterns of bird visitation at individual street Ficus (fig) trees in Delhi, India, where Ficus spp. were found to be a relatively common tree choice. We also studied the drivers of bird visitation patterns at different scales including tree characteristics and local and landscape variables. 106 trees of three common fig species were surveyed for bird visitors across three study sites with varying urban patterns in Delhi. Fig trees were found to be a relatively common street tree choice in Delhi. Surveyed fig trees were visited by 29 bird species, including 7 obligate frugivores. We found that reducing green cover in surrounding landscape and increasing noise levels did not deter birds from visiting these trees. Instead, variables at finer scales like tree canopy diameter, tree species and local resource density had significant effects on both species’ richness and abundance of bird visitors. Our results highlight that an understanding of avian responses at different scales is useful for maximising the value of street trees for urban birds. Coarse-scale studies can provide insights into bird diversity of city landscapes, but micro-scale studies are more important in making fine scale management decisions, such as selection of street trees.
Trends and Factors Associated with Sexual Spousal Violence in Zambia: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Simona Simona , Likando Nakena
Published: May 2022

Background
Sexual violence against women is a major social and public health problem with wide-ranging consequences on the victims. Although there are a few studies examining factors associated with sexual violence in low resource societies, there are limited studies focusing particularly on sexual violence among women who are ever married or living together with a partner. Our study sought out to examine the individual and contextual factors associated with sexual violence among this demographic and how these factors vary across communities and over time.
Method
We used data from the 2007, 2013/14 and 2018 waves of the Zambia Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS) consisting of a total of 21020 women of reproductive age group of 15–49 years old. Trends in sexual spousal violence by selected factors across the three ZDHS phases were analyzed using bivariate statistics and multilevel logistic regression models. Multilevel models were also fitted on the pooled data, including all the survey years, to examine individual and contextual level predictors of sexual spousal violence as well between cluster variations in sexual spousal violence.
Results
The results show that the prevalence of sexual violence remain high in Zambia, with a slight decrease over time, from 16.3% in 2007 through to 14.7% in 2018. Trends analysis show that the prevalence rate among women who have attained higher education, are in the highest wealth quintile, reside in urban areas, have decision-making authority have decreased significantly between 2007nand 2018. Contrarily, among women who tolerate violence and those who live with alcohol consuming partners, sexual violence prevalence rates have increased over time. In the consolidated multilevel model, having primary education (AOR = 1.18; 95% CI 1.02–1.36), having an alcohol consuming partner (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI 1.61–1.93), having no decision-making authority (AOR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.09–1.31), witnessing parental violence (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.34–1.60), having a controlling partner (AOR = 3.41; CI 2.96–3.92) and being in a polygynous relationship (AOR = 1.31; 95% CI 1.16–1.49) is significantly associated with higher odds of sexual spousal violence. While women who occupy the highest wealth quintile (AOR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.57–0.90) and those who live in rural areas (AOR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.72–0.96) have lower odds of experiencing sexual spousal violence.
Conclusion
Policy strategies aimed at curbing sexual violence against women should not neglect women who are currently marriage, in partnerships or those who are formerly married. Designing social and public health interventions targeting especially women in lower wealth quintile is vital to reduce sexual spousal violence. Additionally, social and cultural ideologies and practices which privilege men with power over women are still risk factors for sexual violence and policy interventions should be targeted at toning down masculinity undertones.
Giant lung bulla as a late-onset complication of mild SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia
Authors: Petroncini Matteo , Valentini Leonardo , Solli Piergiorgio , Bertoglio Pietro
Published: May 2022

A 49-year-old caucasian man was admitted to the Emergency Department for shortness of breath and cough. CT imaging showed bilateral a mild COVID-19 related pneumonia treated with O2 therapy and oral corticosteroids. Three weeks after discharge an HRCT find a giant bulla of the inferior lobe. The bulla was resected by VATS and the patient recovered completely. The development of the giant bulla in short time (less than two months) might be the result of SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia and corticosteroid therapy could be responsible for lung remodeling due to diffuse alveolar damage and later interstitial myofibroblastic proliferation.COVID-19 leads to pulmonary damages, which are still partially unknown and might result in development of bullae. In fit patient surgical treatment can be carried out safely.
A Hybrid Traffic Controller System based on Flower Pollination Algorithm and Type-2 Fuzzy Logic Optimized with Crow Search Algorithm for Signalized Intersections
Authors: KORKMAZ Ersin , AKGUNGOR Ali Payıdar
Published: May 2022

In this study, a hybrid traffic signal control (HTSC) system with phase and time optimization based on Type-2 Fuzzy Logic which was optimized with Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) and Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) approaches, was developed. The performance of this developed hybrid traffic system was demonstrated and its applicability was investigated. The performance of the hybrid system according to nine different traffic conditions and four different intersection geometries was compared with fixed-time traffic controller, signal controller based on the FPA approach and phase optimization (FPA_TSC), and the optimized Type-1 Fuzzy Logic Traffic Controller (Type-1 FL-TSC). The HTSC approach has achieved the best performance with about 32% improvement over the fixed-time traffic controller. The HTSC approach has shown 5% and 6% better performance than the FPA_TSC and Type-1 FL-TSC, respectively. In this way, the new controller is shown to contribute to reduction in emissions and fuel consumption, as well as to the minimization of delays and driver dissatisfaction due to signalization. The HTSC approach can be used as an alternative intersection control method for units responsible for intersection control such as highways and municipalities due to its fast and high performance.
The resident subsidy impact on regional air carrier route development: a case study
Authors: Martín-Cejas Roberto Rendeiro
Published: May 2022

Subsidizing air mobility for Canary Island residents may have an unforeseen impact on regional air carrier route development and this could exacerbate congestion in airports that operate near to their maximum threshold. Reginal routes often require the use of small aircraft such as those from the ATR (Avions de Transport Régional) family. These aircraft types have [some specific characteristics related to its time performance. If airports manage a large proportion of ATR aircrafts, one of their main activities, such as landing and taking off operations (LTO), may become congested, and affect airport capacity. Air carrier economies might be negatively affected because of delays in airport operations. For instance, air carriers’ fuel costs might rise due to aircraft’s increased LTO time. This paper seeks to analyze the impact of regional aviation route development for the Canary airport network; specifically, the effect that it has on airport capacity and air carrier economies.
A Review on Diagnostic Reference Levels for Adult Patients Undergoing Chest (Coronary Angiography) Computed Tomography Scan in North-East India
Authors: Sarma Arnabjyoti Deva , Sharma Jibon , Singha Mrinal Kanti
Published: May 2022

In the radiological department, the computed tomography (CT) scan process has become a greater radiation dosage that contributes to all medical X-ray treatments. Many studies throughout the world have found that CT accounts for just 5% of all operations conducted yet accounts for 34% of yearly radiation exposures in all medical X-ray treatments. Similarly, other studies have found that CT accounts for 17% of all operations conducted worldwide but accounts for 49% of total yearly doses in all medical X-ray treatments. Because diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) are one of the ways of optimizing a dose in a CT procedure, the goal of this review is to provide a DRLs for adults who undergo chest and abdomen CT scan examinations in northern India, based on research for this region and comparing with international values to see if better optimization protocol is being practiced. DRLs for the chest are 18.35mGy for CT dose index volume (CTDIvol) and 765 mGy.cm for dose length product (DLP), according to this review, while DRLs for the abdomen are 18.25 mGy and 1870.75 mGy.cm for CTDI (vol) and DLP, respectively. As a result, all of the DRLs examined had greater values than the international values compared, with the exception of CTDI (vol) of International Commission on Radiological Protection 2007 publications. CT technology is in desperate need of an update. In the northern region, optimizing methods, including exposure and technical parameter selection, should reduce dose fluctuations.
Comparative Analysis between Effect of Shoulder Strength and Core Endurance on Bowling Speed in Pace Bowlers
Authors: Singh Amrinder , Joshi Ghosha , Shenoy Shweta , Sandhu Jaspal
Published: May 2022

Background: Cricket has received considerable research attention due to popularity. Ability of bowlers to bowl with high-speed plays a major role in success. Earlier studies have suggested that shoulder and core play a crucial role in kinetic chain which results in improved bowling speed. Objective: The objective of this study was to study relative efficacies of shoulder strength and core endurance on bowling speed in pace bowlers. Methods: Forty male pace bowlers having age (20.10 ± 3.71) in years from Punjab participated in the study. Bowling speed was measured with Radar Gun. Shoulder strength measured with Biodex dynamometer. Core endurance was measured by McGill protocol. Statistical analysis of was carried out using SPSS version 23. Results: Bowling speed was recorded as mean ± SD 91.00 ± 10.10 km/h. Significant fair positive relationship found between bowling speed and external rotators at angular velocity of 90°/s and (r = 0.386) and shoulder flexors at 60°/s (r = 0.408), 90°/s (r = 0.383), and 120°/s (r =0.448). Trunk extension shows fair positive significant relationship (r =0.327) with bowling speed. Conclusion: The present study contributes toward pace bowlers’ training and focus on necessity of further research considering limitations of COVID-19 pandemic.
Awareness Assessment of Treatment Target Goals for Persons Living with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Accessing Care in a Tertiary Health Facility, Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Nkpozi M. O. , Ogbonna I. F. , Ezeude C. M. , Nwala G. C.
Published: May 2022

Background: Diabetes clinic visits by persons living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (PLWDM) afford the healthcare professionals (HCPs) opportunities to assess their achievements of the recommended treatment targets for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), lipid profile, blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI). Meeting these targets significantly affect treatment outcome in diabetes mellitus (DM). Awareness of the treatment targets by PLWDM attending the diabetes clinic of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba, Southeast Nigeria, is not known. This study, therefore, set out to bridge this gap in knowledge. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which consenting PLWDM attending the diabetes clinic of ABSUTH, Aba, were consecutively recruited. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was filled for each subject to assess their knowledge and awareness of the treatment target goals for HbA1C, BP, lipid profile, and BMI. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 software. Results: A total of 165 persons living with DM, 60 (36.4%) males and 105 (63.6%) females, participated in the study. Majority of them (89.1%) were ignorant of HbA1C and its implications while awareness of their treatment target goals for HbA1C, BP, lipid profile, and BMI was very low at 1.8%, 16.4%, 1.8%, and 0%, respectively, despite their formal educational levels. Conclusion/Recommendation: Awareness of treatment target goals for HBA1C, BP, lipid profile, and BMI was very low among PLWDM in Aba, southeast Nigeria. It is strongly recommended that the HCPs step up their games in diabetes education programs.
Assessment of Bundle of Measures Perioperatively to Decrease the Incidence of Surgical Site Wound Infection in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomies
Authors: Biswas Priyam , Ray Rathindra Nath , Kolay Pritha , Kumari Shefali , Das Dibyojyoti
Published: May 2022

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the second most common reason for unplanned hospital readmissions after hysterectomy and result in increased morbidity and health care costs. The estimated rate of SSI after hysterectomy varies between 1% and 4%. The objective of the study is to investigate if a bundle of perioperative measures (as stated earlier) reduces down the incidence of post-operative surgical site wound infection after abdominal hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: The present prospective study was carried out on total 200 women who were undergo hysterectomy in the operation theater of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of IPGMER and SSKM Hospital due to gynecological conditions requiring hysterectomy. Four perioperative bundles of measures are considered – 1. chlorhexidine gluconate and Cetrimide solution (Savlon) wash of the operative field 1 h before the operation, 2. administration of single dose antibiotic (Inj. Ceftriaxone 1 g intravenous) 1 h or less before the incision, 3. vaginal wash with povidone-iodine, and 4. sterile dressing is to be maintained and removed postoperatively after 48 h. Result: We found that in case, 94 (94.0%) patients had Ceftriaxone and 6 (6.0%) patients had clindamycin and gentamicin. In control, 96 (96.0%) patients had ceftriaxone and 4 (4.0%) patients had clindamycin and gentamicin. Association of choice of antibiotic versus group was not statistically significant (P = 0.5164). In case, 6 (6.0%) patients had wound gaping. In control, 11 (11.0%) patients had wound gaping. Association of wound gaping versus group was statistically significant (P = 0.048). Conclusion: The present study found that hospital stay was more in control compared to case which was statistically significant. Fever was more in control compared to case which was statistically significant. In this study, local wound discharge was more in control compared to case which was statistically significant. It was found that wound gaping was more in control compared to case which was statistically significant.
Body Mass Index as an Indicator of Depression and Stress-induced Eating Disorders among College Students in Delhi, India
Authors: Rita Jain , Deboshree Das , Salome John M.
Published: May 2022

Obesity accounts for a wide range of psychosocial, medical, and health consequences in adolescence leading to depression and low self-esteem which further aggravate eating disorders among individuals. The aim of the study is to observe the association of eating disorders and depression among college students with their body mass index (BMI) status. The study consisted of 460 students studying in different colleges of Delhi from varying disciplines and academic years. The study utilized Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Eating Disorder Examination questionnaire to assess the depression levels of participants and their level of eating disorder. The study also collected data on the height and weight of the study participants. The association of weight status with eating disorder and depression severity was assessed using multivariate analysis of variance. Significant difference in levels of eating disorder and depression was observed (Wilks’ lambda: 0.897) among study participants by BMI status. The post hoc tests exhibited mean differences for eating disorders and depression by BMI groups to be higher for overweight compared to underweight (1.196) and normal (0.817) categories at P < 0.001. Mean depression score was also observed to be significantly higher for overweight individuals compared to underweight (3.42) and normal (2.53). The study emphasizes the need for strategic plans to increase awareness among the youth on the health implications of eating disorders and its effect on mental health of individuals. The present study suggests perceived body image as a potential risk factor for unhealthy eating habits and signs of depression among college students.
Integrative Management of a Case with a Known History of Diabetes Mellitus with Acute Pancreatitis – A Rare Case Report
Authors: C Kannan , Jane Preena
Published: May 2022

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the common causes of Acute Pancreatitis. After Pancreatitis the endocrine functions of the pancreas may still worsen, and hence Diabetes Mellitus may be difficult to treat. If HbA1c gets elevated, it may prone the patient to the risk of complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disorders. There may be a possibility of a recurrent attack of pancreatitis which may further complicate the condition, and it may be difficult to treat the person. Hence, there is a need to increase the dosage of allopathic medicine which may harm the patient. Sometimes Insulin may be required to control the condition. In such cases, an integrated approach can be tried with a complementary system of medicine. This is a case with a known history of Diabetes Mellitus with Acute Pancreatitis, improved with an integrative approach. The blood parameters came within normal limits and acute exacerbation of pancreatitis was also taken care of.
Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Care Services among Pregnant Women in Slum Population of West Delhi
Authors: Tyagi Sarika
Published: May 2022

Utilization of maternal and child health (MCH) services remains poor in India. This study aimed to assess the utilization of MCH care services among pregnant women residing in an urban slum area of West Delhi. A household survey was conducted using questionnaire cum interview method for collection of sociodemographic information, obstetric history, and information on utilization of MCH care services. Pregnant women were followed within 72 h of delivery for obtaining information regarding delivery conditions. Although 96.6% of pregnant women have attended at least one antenatal care (ANC), whereas complete four ANC were attended by only one-fourth (25.3%) pregnant women. Nearly three-fourth (73.3%) pregnant women received; ANC from a government doctor and coverage for ANC components was highest in ANC provided by government doctor. Utilization of full ANC was reported by less than one-fifth pregnant women (19.18%). Only one-fifth of pregnant women (19.7%) received supplementary nutrition. Postnatal care (PNC) was received by 73.2% of women who had institutional deliveries during their stay in health facility only. Coverage of ANC components, number of ANC visits, utilization of full ANC, and PNC was found unsatisfactory. Participation in supplementary nutrition program was also poor. Intervention programs are needed for enhancing community awareness and improving the competence, confidence, and motivation of grass root health workers.
Worldwide Consequences of COVID-19 on Research in STEM
Authors: Hoang Michelle , De Santanu
Published: May 2022

A global public health emergency like the Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic requires accurate and timely data collection in the research community. High-impact research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been prioritized in the fight against COVID-19. The present study analyzed the consequences of COVID-19 on STEM research and the collaboration between research institutions and industries worldwide. It was noted that COVID-19 had caused significant delays in non-COVID-19-related research projects and the onset of several remote studies. Most importantly, researchers in the STEM fields directed their attention and expertise to help mitigate virus transmission, treat patients, and implement appropriate public health interventions. Innovations are being integrated in several fields of technological and engineering research to provide optimal patient care and enhance physical distancing measures. Global research platforms are also designed to encourage accelerated research, especially in potential medicinal treatment. Collaboration amongst different disciplines and countries has enabled remarkable progress in the dissemination of scientific knowledge and appropriate responses to address the multifaceted effects of this pandemic on global research in STEM.
A Critical Analysis of the Performance of Local Governments in Zimbabwe under the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mironga Anesu , Mironga Maxwell
Published: May 2022

This paper examines the responses of urban local authorities in Zimbabwe to the COVID-19 pandemic because in the midst of a pandemic, local authorities are rightly positioned to minimise human cost, provide relief to communities and supply day to day service delivery. Specifically this study sought to undertake a critical analysis of the performance of local governments in Zimbabwe under the COVID-19 pandemic. The article reviews available literature and examples are drawn from three urban areas in Zimbabwe. The article notes that COVID-19 exacerbated a crisis that was already playing out in Zimbabwe and reveals that the local authorities were ill-prepared and ill-equipped to handle the pandemic and cannot handle a crisis, endemic or any catastrophic disaster. The paper further delves to looks at the lacklustre performance of urban local authorities and a major finding is that the central government policies have had a huge impact on the decline and free fall of urban local authorities’ service delivery. The key findings may be used to inform ongoing policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and improve future resilience.
A Systematic Review of Garlic and Ginger as Medicinal Spices against Viral Infections
Authors: Onyiba Cosmos Ifeanyi
Published: May 2022

Garlic (Allium sativum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) are globally utilized herbal medicinal spices. This systematic review discussed available evidence on the direct and indirect antiviral activities of garlic and ginger. Studies investigating the antiviral activities of garlic and ginger were searched and retrieved from four databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science direct, and MEDLINE. Data search and retrieval were done up to 15 October 2021. A total of 28 studies were included in this systematic review (garlic = 18 studies; ginger = 10 studies). Fresh garlic aqueous extract and fresh ginger hot water extract were the most investigated forms of garlic and ginger, respectively. There was minimal evidence on the prophylactic antiviral effect of garlic and ginger, moderate evidence on the therapeutic and prophylactic/therapeutic antiviral effects, and minimal evidence on the enhancement of the immune system against viral infections. The low-moderate quality evidence on the direct and indirect antiviral effects of garlic and ginger has provided the necessary background to instigate further high-quality investigations to validate the current information, address the grey areas, and provide valuable insights into the possible utility of garlic and ginger as raw materials in drug development against viral infections.
Applying a COVID-19 Sample-pooling Technique to Forensics Identification of Illicit Drugs
Authors: Gutman Ori , Katz Yiffat , Dayan Haim , Shimron Simcha , Isaschar Reut , Raviv Emuna , Sonenfeld Dana
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a method for materially speeding up the identification process of suspect illicit drugs by pooling samples that require GC-MS analysis. This method can be applied to samples seized from a single suspect that are similar in appearance and therefore meet the Israeli Dangerous Drug Ordinance requirements for sampling. A complementary test (GC, TLC, or FTIR) conducted separately on each of the sampled units can prove conclusively that all units contain the same drug. This study shows that even with large differences in relative weight of mixes in a pool, each drug is easily identifiable by GC-MS and dominant peaks do not overshadow minority substances. By using this method, a narcotics lab can improve its throughput of expert opinions in narcotics cases, and at the same time save resources, extend instrument life, and be more environment-friendly.
Clinical and microbiological efficacy of various methods of tonsillectomy
Authors: Kriukov A. I. , Gurov A. V. , Kelemetov А. А. , Ermolaev A. G. , Kamynina А. V. , Gorbunova A. A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction.There is an abundance of various methods of surgical treatment in the world, which include: classical tonsillectomy (TE), shaver TE, unipolar and bipolar bilateral TE, laser TE, palatine tonsil coblation, etc. However, there is still a risk of recurrence of chronic tonsillitis after TE there is a need for a study in the late postoperative period.

Purpose of the study.Improving the efficiency of surgical treatment of patients with chronic tonsillitis based on the analysis of five main methods of surgical treatment of chronic tonsillitis according to clinical and laboratory criteria.

Materials and methods.Patients were divided into 5 study groups depending on the method of tonsillectomy: The first group consisted of 60 patients after classical tonsillectomy. In the second group there were 55 patients after palatine tonsil coblation. The third group included 48 patients after laser tonsillectomy. The fourth group consisted of 64 patients after tonsillectomy using the surgitron apparatus. The fifth group consisted of 58 patients after microdebrider tonsillectomy.

Results.By analysis, it was found that the best results were obtained in patients of the 1stgroup, who underwent classical tonsillectomy. In this group, there are fewer cases of subjective and objective clinical symptoms (sore throat, signs of subatrophic pharyngitis, hypertrophy of the lateral folds of the pharynx, remnants of the lymphoid tissue of the palatine tonsils, as well as postoperative cicatricial changes). In a laboratory study, patients of the 1stgroup had the lowest values of the indicators (ASL-O titer, CRP and DNase B levels, negative results of the Streptatest).